JP2005266774A - Conductive member and process cartridge including the same, and image forming apparatus including the process cartridge - Google Patents

Conductive member and process cartridge including the same, and image forming apparatus including the process cartridge Download PDF

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JP2005266774A
JP2005266774A JP2005019517A JP2005019517A JP2005266774A JP 2005266774 A JP2005266774 A JP 2005266774A JP 2005019517 A JP2005019517 A JP 2005019517A JP 2005019517 A JP2005019517 A JP 2005019517A JP 2005266774 A JP2005266774 A JP 2005266774A
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electric resistance
adjusting layer
resistance adjusting
gap holding
conductive
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Yutaka Narita
豊 成田
Makoto Nakamura
誠 中村
Akiko Tanaka
亜希子 田中
Taisuke Tokuwaki
泰輔 徳脇
Tadayuki Oshima
忠幸 大島
Hiromoto Furubayashi
宏基 古林
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Priority to US11/340,533 priority patent/US7693456B2/en
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conductive member which is capable of uniformly charging a surface of an image carrier and which increases durability by maintaining a stable gap between the image carrier and the conductive member even after long-term use. <P>SOLUTION: In a conductive member 10 including a conductive support 1, an electric resistance control layer 2 formed on the conductive support 1 and gap holding members 3, 3 provided in both terminals of the electric resistance control layer 2, (A) the electric resistance control layer 2 has one or more steps provided in the direction of the both terminals or provided in the direction of the center near the both terminals, and (B) the gap holding members 3, 3 are fixed in contact with two or more planes comprising the steps of the electric resistance control layer 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、複写機、レーザービームプリンタ、ファクシミリ等の画像形成装置において用いられる導電性部材及びそれを有するプロセスカートリッジ、並びに、そのプロセスカートリッジを有する画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a conductive member used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer, and a facsimile, a process cartridge having the conductive member, and an image forming apparatus having the process cartridge.

従来の電子写真複写機、レーザープリンタ、ファクシミリ等の電子写真方式の画像形成装置においては、像担持体（感光体ドラム）に対して帯電処理を行う帯電部材、及び、感光体上のトナーに対して転写処理を行う転写部材として、導電性部材が用いられている。図１４は、従来の帯電ローラを有する電子写真方式の画像形成装置の説明図である。   In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a conventional electrophotographic copying machine, laser printer, or facsimile, a charging member that charges an image bearing member (photosensitive drum) and toner on the photosensitive member As a transfer member that performs the transfer process, a conductive member is used. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a conventional charging roller.

図１４において、１２０は、従来の電子写真方式の画像形成装置である。従来の電子写真方式の画像形成装置１２０は、静電潜像が形成される感光体ドラム１０１、感光体ドラム１０１に接触して帯電処理を行う帯電ローラ１０２、レーザ光等の露光手段１０３、感光体ドラム１０１の静電潜像にトナーを付着させる現像ローラ１０４、帯電ローラ１０２にＤＣ電圧を印加するためのパワーパック１０５、感光体ドラム１０１上のトナー像を記録紙１０７に転写処理する転写ローラ１０６、転写処理後の感光体ドラム１０１をクリーニングするためのクリーニング装置１０８、及び、感光体ドラム１０１の表面電位を測定する表面電位計１０９から構成されている。   In FIG. 14, reference numeral 120 denotes a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus 120 includes a photosensitive drum 101 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charging roller 102 that performs charging processing in contact with the photosensitive drum 101, an exposure unit 103 such as a laser beam, and a photosensitive member. A developing roller 104 for attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101, a power pack 105 for applying a DC voltage to the charging roller 102, and a transfer roller for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 101 to the recording paper 107. 106, a cleaning device 108 for cleaning the photosensitive drum 101 after the transfer process, and a surface potential meter 109 for measuring the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 101.

また、従来の電子写真方式の画像形成装置１２０は、プロセスカートリッジ着脱方式の装置となっている。即ち、従来の電子写真方式の画像形成装置１２０は、感光体ドラム１０１、帯電ローラ１０２、現像ローラ１０４、及び、クリーニング装置１０８を含むプロセス機器を一括して画像形成装置本体に対して着脱自在のプロセスカートリッジ１１０としている。このプロセスカートリッジ１１０は、少なくとも、感光体ドラム１０１及び帯電ローラ１０２を備えていればよい。このプロセスカートリッジ１１０は、画像形成装置に対して所定の箇所に装着されることにより、画像形成装置本体側の駆動系及び電気系と接続状態となる。なお、図１４では、他の電子写真プロセスにおいて通常必要な機能ユニットは、本明細書において必要としないので、省略してある。   The conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus 120 is a process cartridge detachable apparatus. That is, in the conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus 120, the process equipment including the photosensitive drum 101, the charging roller 102, the developing roller 104, and the cleaning device 108 can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge 110 is used. The process cartridge 110 only needs to include at least the photosensitive drum 101 and the charging roller 102. The process cartridge 110 is connected to a drive system and an electrical system on the image forming apparatus main body side by being mounted at a predetermined position on the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 14, functional units normally required in other electrophotographic processes are omitted because they are not required in this specification.

次に、従来の電子写真方式の画像形成装置１２０の基本的な作像動作について説明する。   Next, a basic image forming operation of the conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus 120 will be described.

感光体ドラム１０１に接触された帯電ローラ１０２に対してＤＣ電圧をパワーパック１０５から給電すると、感光体ドラム１０１の表面は、一様に高電位に帯電する。その直後に、画像光が感光体ドラム１０１の表面に露光手段１０３により照射されると、感光体ドラム１０１の照射された部分は、その電位が低下する。このような帯電ローラ１０２による感光体ドラム１０１の表面への帯電メカニズムは、帯電ローラ１０２と感光体ドラム１０１との間の微少空間におけるパッシェンの法則に従った放電であることが知られている。   When a DC voltage is supplied from the power pack 105 to the charging roller 102 in contact with the photosensitive drum 101, the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is uniformly charged at a high potential. Immediately thereafter, when image light is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 by the exposure unit 103, the potential of the irradiated portion of the photosensitive drum 101 is lowered. It is known that such a charging mechanism to the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 by the charging roller 102 is a discharge according to Paschen's law in a minute space between the charging roller 102 and the photosensitive drum 101.

画像光は、画像の白／黒に応じた光量の分布であるので、かかる画像光が照射されると、画像光の照射によって感光体ドラム１０１の面に記録画像に対応する電位分布、即ち、静電潜像が形成される。このように静電潜像が形成された感光体ドラム１０１の部分が現像ローラ１０４を通過すると、その電位の高低に応じてトナーが付着し、静電画像を可視像化したトナー像が形成される。かかるトナー像が形成された感光体ドラム１０１の部分に、記録紙１０７が所定のタイミングでレジストローラ（図示せず）により搬送され、前記トナー像に重なる。そして、このトナー像が転写ローラ１０６によって記録紙に転写された後、該記録紙１０７は、感光体ドラム１０１から分離される。分離された記録紙１０７は、搬送経路を通って搬送され、定着ユニット（図示せず）によって、加熱定着された後、機外へ排出される。このようにして転写が終了すると、感光体ドラム１０１は、その表面がクリーニング装置１０８によりクリーニング処理され、さらに、クエンチングランプ（図示せず）により、残留電荷が除去されて、次回の作像処理に備えられる。   Since the image light has a light amount distribution according to white / black of the image, when the image light is irradiated, the potential distribution corresponding to the recorded image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 by the irradiation of the image light, that is, An electrostatic latent image is formed. When the portion of the photosensitive drum 101 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed in this way passes through the developing roller 104, toner adheres according to the level of the potential, and a toner image that visualizes the electrostatic image is formed. Is done. The recording paper 107 is conveyed by a registration roller (not shown) at a predetermined timing to the portion of the photosensitive drum 101 where the toner image is formed, and overlaps the toner image. Then, after the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 106, the recording paper 107 is separated from the photosensitive drum 101. The separated recording paper 107 is conveyed through a conveyance path, heated and fixed by a fixing unit (not shown), and then discharged outside the apparatus. When the transfer is completed in this manner, the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is cleaned by the cleaning device 108, and the residual charge is removed by a quenching lamp (not shown), so that the next image forming process is performed. Prepared for.

従来の帯電ローラを用いた帯電方式には、感光体ドラムに帯電ローラを接触させる接触帯電方式のものがある（特許文献１，２を参照。）が、このような従来の接触帯電方式には、
（１）帯電ローラを構成している物質が帯電ローラから染み出し、これが被帯電体の表面に付着移行して帯電ローラ跡を残すこと、
（２）帯電ローラに交流電圧を印加したときに、被帯電体に接触している帯電ローラが振動するので、帯電音が発生すること、
（３）感光体ドラム上のトナーが帯電ローラに付着する（特に、上述の染み出しによって、よりトナー付着がおこりやすくなる。）ので、帯電ローラの帯電性能が低下すること、
（４）帯電ローラを構成している物質が感光体ドラムへ付着すること、及び、
（５）感光体ドラムを長期停止したときに、帯電ローラが永久変形すること、
といった問題があった。 A conventional charging method using a charging roller includes a contact charging method in which a charging roller is brought into contact with a photosensitive drum (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). ,
(1) The substance constituting the charging roller oozes out from the charging roller, and this adheres to the surface of the object to be charged and leaves a charge roller mark.
(2) When an AC voltage is applied to the charging roller, the charging roller that is in contact with the member to be charged vibrates, so that a charging noise is generated.
(3) Since the toner on the photosensitive drum adheres to the charging roller (particularly, the above-described oozing causes toner adhesion to occur more easily), so that the charging performance of the charging roller is reduced.
(4) the substance constituting the charging roller adheres to the photosensitive drum, and
(5) The charging roller is permanently deformed when the photosensitive drum is stopped for a long time.
There was a problem.

このような問題を解決する技術として、帯電ローラを感光体ドラムに近接させるようにした近接帯電方式による帯電装置（特許文献３，４を参照。）が提案されている。この近接帯電方式による帯電装置は、帯電ローラを感光体ドラムに最近接距離（５０〜３００μｍ）になるように対向させて、帯電ローラに電圧を印加することにより、感光体ドラムの帯電を行うようにしたものである。この近接帯電方式による帯電装置では、ローラと感光体ドラムとが接触していないので、従来の接触帯電方式による帯電装置において問題となっていた、帯電ローラを構成している物質が感光体ドラムへ付着すること、及び、感光体ドラムが長期停止したときに永久変形すること、といった問題はない。また、この近接帯電方式による帯電装置では、帯電ローラに付着するトナーが少なくなるので、感光体ドラム上のトナー等が帯電ローラに付着することが少ない。したがって、近接帯電方式による帯電装置は、優れた帯電装置といえる。   As a technique for solving such a problem, a charging device using a proximity charging method (see Patent Documents 3 and 4) in which a charging roller is brought close to a photosensitive drum has been proposed. In the charging device using this proximity charging method, the photosensitive drum is charged by applying a voltage to the charging roller with the charging roller facing the photosensitive drum at a closest distance (50 to 300 μm). It is a thing. In the charging device using the proximity charging method, the roller and the photosensitive drum are not in contact with each other. Therefore, the substance constituting the charging roller, which has been a problem in the conventional charging device using the contact charging method, is transferred to the photosensitive drum. There is no problem of adhesion and permanent deformation when the photosensitive drum is stopped for a long time. Further, in this charging device using the proximity charging method, the toner adhering to the charging roller is reduced, so that the toner on the photosensitive drum is less likely to adhere to the charging roller. Therefore, it can be said that the charging device using the proximity charging method is an excellent charging device.

前記特許文献３，４に記載された近接帯電方式による帯電装置では、帯電ローラと感光体ドラムとの間に空隙を保持するために、スペーサリング層が帯電ローラの両端部に設けられている。しかしながら、これらの近接帯電方式による帯電装置では、空隙を精密に設定する工夫がなされていないので、帯電ローラ及びスペーサリングの寸法精度がばらつくことによって空隙が変動し、そのために、感光体ドラムの帯電電位が変動し、よって、画像形成時に白地にトナーが付着して画像不良が発生する、という問題があった。   In the charging device using the proximity charging method described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, spacer ring layers are provided at both ends of the charging roller in order to maintain a gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum. However, since these charging devices using the proximity charging method have not been devised to precisely set the gap, the gap varies due to variations in the dimensional accuracy of the charging roller and the spacer ring. There is a problem in that the potential fluctuates, so that the toner adheres to a white background during image formation and an image defect occurs.

かかる問題を解決するために、所定の厚みを持ったテープ状の空隙保持手段を備えた帯電装置（特許文献５を参照。）が提案されたが、このテープ状の空隙保持手段を備えた帯電装置では、これを長期間にわたって使用すると、テープ状の空隙保持手段が磨耗し、また、帯電ローラとテープ状の空隙保持手段との間にトナーが進入し固着するので、感光体ドラムの表面と帯電ローラの表面との間に空隙を保持できないという問題があった。また、このテープ状の空隙保持手段を備えた帯電装置では、テープ状の空隙保持手段の厚みがばらつくので、高精度の空隙を形成することができないという問題があった。   In order to solve such a problem, a charging device (see Patent Document 5) provided with a tape-shaped gap holding means having a predetermined thickness has been proposed. In the apparatus, if this is used for a long period of time, the tape-like gap holding means is worn, and toner enters and adheres between the charging roller and the tape-like gap holding means. There was a problem that a gap could not be maintained between the surface of the charging roller. In addition, the charging device provided with the tape-shaped gap holding means has a problem in that the thickness of the tape-like gap holding means varies, so that a highly accurate gap cannot be formed.

図１５は、本発明者らにより提案された帯電部材の断面図である。本発明者らは、図１５に示される、導電性支持体２０１と、該導電性支持体２０１上に形成された電気抵抗調整層２０２と、該電気抵抗調整層２０２の両端に形成されたスペース部材２０３，２０３と、を有する帯電部材２１０において、前記スペース部材２０３，２０３が、（イ）デュロメータ硬さ：ＨＤＤ３０〜ＨＤＤ７０、及び、（ロ）テーバー式磨耗試験機の磨耗質量：１０ｍｇ／１０００サイクル以下、を満たす熱可塑性樹脂で構成されている帯電部材２１０を提案した（特願２００３−１８９５３２）。   FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the charging member proposed by the present inventors. The inventors have shown in FIG. 15 a conductive support 201, an electric resistance adjustment layer 202 formed on the conductive support 201, and spaces formed at both ends of the electric resistance adjustment layer 202. In the charging member 210 having the members 203, 203, the space members 203, 203 are (b) durometer hardness: HDD30 to HDD70, and (b) wear mass of the Taber type abrasion tester: 10 mg / 1000 cycles. Hereinafter, a charging member 210 made of a thermoplastic resin that satisfies the requirements has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-189532).

前記帯電部材２１０においては、電気抵抗調整層２０２の両端部にスペース部材（空隙保持部材）２０３を圧入する構成になっている。この帯電部材２１０においては、電気抵抗調整層２０２の端部にスペース部材２０３が形成され、スペース部材２０３は、電気抵抗調整層２０２の端面及び導電性支持体２０１と接している。また、この帯電部材２１０においては、長期の信頼性を向上させるために、スペース部材２０３と導電性支持体２０１との間に接着剤を塗布することにより、スペース部材２０３の固定を確実なものとすることができるが、樹脂で構成されるスペース部材２０３と金属で構成される導電性支持体（図４における２０１を参照。）との線膨張係数が大きく異なるので、低温環境又は高温環境になった場合、導電性支持体２０１とスペース部材２０３との界面で剥離が発生する可能性があり、そのために、長期に渡る信頼性が若干劣ることとなる。しかも、長時間の通電により、導電性支持体２０１とスペース部材２０３との界面の接着強度も弱くなっていく。スペース部材２０３が動いてしまうと、空隙精度が変動するので、帯電ムラが生じやすくなる。特に、空隙を高精度にするには、電気抵抗調整層２０２とスペース部材２０３とを同時に加工することにより、達成することができるが、スペース部材２０３の固定が十分でないと、研削加工、切削加工等の除去加工時にスペース部材２０３が回転してしまという問題があった。
特開昭６３−１４９６６８号公報 特開平１−２６７６６７号公報 特開平３−２４００７６号公報 特開平４−３５８１７５号公報 特開２００２−１３９８９３号公報 In the charging member 210, a space member (gap holding member) 203 is press-fitted into both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer 202. In the charging member 210, a space member 203 is formed at the end of the electric resistance adjusting layer 202, and the space member 203 is in contact with the end surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 202 and the conductive support 201. Further, in the charging member 210, in order to improve long-term reliability, an adhesive is applied between the space member 203 and the conductive support 201 to ensure the fixing of the space member 203. However, since the linear expansion coefficients of the space member 203 made of resin and the conductive support made of metal (see 201 in FIG. 4) are greatly different, it becomes a low temperature environment or a high temperature environment. In this case, there is a possibility that peeling occurs at the interface between the conductive support 201 and the space member 203. For this reason, the reliability over a long period of time is slightly deteriorated. Moreover, the adhesive strength at the interface between the conductive support 201 and the space member 203 becomes weaker due to energization for a long time. If the space member 203 moves, the gap accuracy fluctuates, so that uneven charging tends to occur. In particular, high accuracy in the gap can be achieved by processing the electric resistance adjusting layer 202 and the space member 203 at the same time. However, if the space member 203 is not sufficiently fixed, grinding and cutting are performed. There has been a problem that the space member 203 has been rotated during the removal processing.
JP-A 63-149668 JP-A-1-267667 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-240076 JP-A-4-358175 JP 2002-139893 A

本発明は、かかる問題を解決することを目的としている。   The present invention aims to solve this problem.

即ち、本発明は、初期及び長期間にわたって使用しても、像担持体と導電性部材との間に安定した空隙を維持して、像担持体の表面を均一に帯電させることができると共に、耐久性を向上させた導電性部材及びそれを有するプロセスカートリッジ、並びに、そのプロセスカートリッジを有する画像形成装置を提供することを目的としている。   That is, the present invention can maintain a stable gap between the image carrier and the conductive member even when used for an initial period and for a long period of time, and can uniformly charge the surface of the image carrier. It is an object of the present invention to provide a conductive member having improved durability, a process cartridge having the conductive member, and an image forming apparatus having the process cartridge.

請求項１に記載された発明は、上記目的を達成するために、導電性支持体と、該導電性支持体上に形成された電気抵抗調整層と、該電気抵抗調整層の両端に設けられた空隙保持部材と、を有する導電性部材において、
（イ）前記電気抵抗調整層が、その両端近傍に、その両端方向に設けられた段差部又はその中央方向に設けられた段差部を１段以上有し、そして、
（ロ）前記空隙保持部材が、前記電気抵抗調整層の段差部を構成する２面以上に接して固定されている
ことを特徴とする導電性部材である。 In order to achieve the above-described object, the invention described in claim 1 is provided with a conductive support, an electric resistance adjusting layer formed on the conductive support, and both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer. In the conductive member having a gap holding member,
(A) The electrical resistance adjusting layer has one or more stepped portions provided in the direction of both ends or a stepped portion provided in the center direction in the vicinity of both ends; and
(B) The conductive member is characterized in that the gap holding member is fixed in contact with two or more surfaces constituting the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer.

請求項２に記載された発明は、請求項１に記載された発明において、前記空隙保持部材が、リング状であることを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, the gap holding member is ring-shaped.

請求項３に記載された発明は、請求項１又は２に記載された発明において、前記空隙保持部材が、前記電気抵抗調整層の段差部に圧入されていることを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the gap holding member is press-fitted into a step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer.

請求項４に記載された発明は、請求項１〜３のいずれかに記載された発明において、前記空隙保持部材が、前記電気抵抗調整層に接着剤で固着されていることを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 4 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gap holding member is fixed to the electric resistance adjusting layer with an adhesive. It is.

請求項５に記載された発明は、請求項１〜４のいずれかに記載された発明において、前記空隙保持部材の少なくとも像担持体と当接する部分が、電気絶縁性樹脂材料で構成されていることを特徴とするものである。   According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least a portion of the gap holding member that contacts the image carrier is made of an electrically insulating resin material. It is characterized by this.

請求項６に記載された発明は、請求項５に記載された発明において、前記空隙保持部材の体積固有抵抗が、１０13Ω・ｃｍ以上であることを特徴とするものである。 The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 5, the volume resistivity of the gap holding member is 10 13 Ω · cm or more.

請求項７に記載された発明は、請求項１〜６のいずれかに記載された発明において、前記電気抵抗調整層の体積固有抵抗が、１０6 〜１０9 Ωｃｍであることを特徴とするものである。 The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer is 10 6 to 10 9 Ωcm. It is.

請求項８に記載された発明は、請求項１〜７のいずれかに記載された発明において、前記空隙保持部材の外周面が像担持体と当接したときに、該像担持体の外周面と前記電気抵抗調整層の外周面との間に一定間隔の空隙が形成されるように、該電気抵抗調整層の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材の外周面の高低差が設けられていることを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 8 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member comes into contact with the image carrier, the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier. And a difference in height of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer is provided so that a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer. It is a feature.

請求項９に記載された発明は、請求項８に記載された発明において、前記電気抵抗調整層の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材の外周面の高低差が、前記導電性支持体上に設置された該空隙保持部材の外周面と前記導電性支持体上に設置された該電気抵抗調整層の外周面とに施された切削加工、研削加工等の除去加工による一体加工で形成されていることを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 9 is the invention described in claim 8, wherein a difference in height of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer is set on the conductive support. In addition, the gap holding member is formed by integral processing by removal processing such as cutting and grinding applied to the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer installed on the conductive support. It is characterized by.

請求項１０に記載された発明は、請求項１〜９のいずれかに記載された発明において、前記電気抵抗調整層上に表面層が形成されていることを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 9, a surface layer is formed on the electric resistance adjusting layer.

請求項１１に記載された発明は、請求項１０に記載された発明において、前記表面層の体積固有抵抗が、前記電気抵抗調整層の体積固有抵抗より大きいことを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 11 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 10, the volume resistivity of the surface layer is larger than the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer.

請求項１２に記載された発明は、請求項１〜１１のいずれかに記載された発明において、前記導電性部材を帯電部材としたことを特徴とするものである。   The invention described in claim 12 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the conductive member is a charging member.

請求項１３に記載された発明は、請求項１２に記載の帯電部材が被帯電体上に近接配置されるように設けられていることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジである。   According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge characterized in that the charging member according to the twelfth aspect is provided so as to be disposed close to a member to be charged.

請求項１４に記載された発明は、請求項１３に記載のプロセスカートリッジを有することを特徴とする画像形成装置である。   According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to the thirteenth aspect.

（１）請求項１に記載された発明によれば、（イ）電気抵抗調整層が、その両端近傍に、その両端方向に設けられた段差部又はその中央方向に設けられた段差部を１段以上有し、そして、（ロ）空隙保持部材が、前記電気抵抗調整層の段差部を構成する２面以上に接して固定されているので、電気抵抗調整層を構成する樹脂と空隙保持部材を構成する樹脂との食いつきが良くなって長期に渡って空隙保持部材を確実に固定することができ、そのために、短期及び長期間にわたって使用しても、像担持体と導電性部材との間に安定した空隙を維持して、像担持体の表面を均一に帯電させることができると共に、耐久性を向上させた導電性部材を提供することができる。   (1) According to the invention described in claim 1, (a) the electrical resistance adjusting layer has a stepped portion provided in the direction of both ends or a stepped portion provided in the center direction in the vicinity of both ends thereof. (B) Since the gap holding member is fixed in contact with two or more surfaces constituting the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer, the resin and the gap holding member constituting the electric resistance adjusting layer are provided. Therefore, the gap holding member can be securely fixed over a long period of time, so that even if it is used over a short period and a long period of time, it can be used between the image carrier and the conductive member. In addition, it is possible to provide a conductive member that can maintain a stable gap and uniformly charge the surface of the image bearing member and also has improved durability.

（２）請求項２に記載された発明によれば、空隙保持部材がリング状であるので、導電性部材及び像担持体を回転駆動させて使用することができ、そのために、導電性部材及び像担持体の耐久性を高めることができる。   (2) According to the invention described in claim 2, since the gap holding member is ring-shaped, the conductive member and the image carrier can be used by being rotationally driven. The durability of the image carrier can be enhanced.

（３）請求項３に記載された発明によれば、空隙保持部材が電気抵抗調整層の段差部に圧入されているので、段差部及び空隙保持部材の精度が多少悪くなっても、長期に渡って空隙保持部材を確実に固定することができ、しかも、電気抵抗調整層と空隙保持部材とを一体で除去加工する場合には、加工時の力により、空隙保持部材が回転することを防止することができる。   (3) According to the invention described in claim 3, since the gap holding member is press-fitted into the stepped portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer, even if the accuracy of the stepped portion and the gap holding member is somewhat deteriorated, it is long-term. It is possible to securely fix the gap holding member across the surface, and to prevent the gap holding member from rotating due to the processing force when the electrical resistance adjusting layer and the gap holding member are removed integrally. can do.

（４）請求項４に記載された発明によれば、空隙保持部材が電気抵抗調整層に接着剤で固着されているので、段差部及び空隙保持部材の精度が多少悪くなっても、長期に渡って空隙保持部材を確実に固定することができ、しかも、電気抵抗調整層と空隙保持部材とを一体で除去加工する場合には、加工時の力により、空隙保持部材が回転することを防止することができる。   (4) According to the invention described in claim 4, since the gap holding member is fixed to the electric resistance adjusting layer with an adhesive, even if the accuracy of the stepped portion and the gap holding member is somewhat deteriorated, it is long-term. It is possible to securely fix the gap holding member across the surface, and to prevent the gap holding member from rotating due to the processing force when the electrical resistance adjusting layer and the gap holding member are removed integrally. can do.

（５）請求項５に記載された発明によれば、空隙保持部材が電気絶縁性樹脂材料で構成され、また、請求項６に記載された発明によれば、前記電気絶縁性樹脂材料で構成される空隙保持部材の体積固有抵抗が１０13Ω・ｃｍ以上であるので、空隙保持部材と像担持体の基層との間に異常放電（リーク）電流の発生を防止することができる。 (5) According to the invention described in claim 5, the gap holding member is made of an electrically insulating resin material, and according to the invention described in claim 6, it is made of the electrically insulating resin material. Since the volume resistivity of the gap holding member is 10 13 Ω · cm or more, the occurrence of abnormal discharge (leakage) current between the gap holding member and the base layer of the image carrier can be prevented.

（６）請求項７に記載された発明によれば、電気抵抗調整層の体積固有抵抗が１０6 〜１０9 Ωｃｍであるので、十分な帯電能力及び転写能力を確保することができると共に、像担持体への電力集中による異常放電の発生を防止することができ、それらのために、均一画像が得られる。 (6) According to the invention described in claim 7, since the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer is 10 6 to 10 9 Ωcm, sufficient charging ability and transfer ability can be secured, and the image Occurrence of abnormal discharge due to power concentration on the carrier can be prevented, and a uniform image can be obtained for them.

（７）請求項８に記載された発明によれば、前記空隙保持部材の外周面が像担持体と当接したときに、該像担持体の外周面と前記電気抵抗調整層の外周面との間に一定間隔の空隙が形成されるように、該電気抵抗調整層の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材の外周面の高低差が設けられているので、像担持体との間の空隙を精度良く一定に保つことができ、しかも、空隙保持部材が配置されている電気抵抗調整層が環境変動で寸法変化しても、電気抵抗調整層の変化に追従することができ、そのために、空隙変動を抑えることができる。   (7) According to the invention described in claim 8, when the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member comes into contact with the image carrier, the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer are Since the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer is provided so that gaps with a constant interval are formed between Even if the electrical resistance adjustment layer in which the gap holding member is arranged changes in size due to environmental fluctuations, it can follow the change in the electrical resistance adjustment layer. Can be suppressed.

（８）請求項９に記載された発明によれば、前記電気抵抗調整層の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材の外周面の高低差が、前記導電性支持体上に設置された該空隙保持部材の外周面と前記導電性支持体上に設置された該電気抵抗調整層の外周面とに施された切削加工、研削加工等の除去加工による一体加工で形成されているので、該空隙保持部材と該電気抵抗調整層との高低差の形成を一体加工で行うことができ、そのために、像担持体の外周面と電気抵抗調整層の外周面との間に形成される空隙Ｇの変動（振れ）を小さくして空隙Ｇの精度をより高めることができる。   (8) According to the invention described in claim 9, the gap holding member provided on the conductive support is such that a difference in height of the outer circumferential face of the gap holding member with respect to the outer circumferential face of the electric resistance adjusting layer is set on the conductive support. The gap holding member is formed by integral processing by cutting processing, grinding processing or the like applied to the outer peripheral surface of the conductive support and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer installed on the conductive support. And the electric resistance adjusting layer can be formed by integrated processing, and for this reason, the variation in the gap G formed between the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer ( The accuracy of the gap G can be further increased by reducing the shake).

（９）請求項１０に記載された発明によれば、電気抵抗調整層上に表面層が形成されているので、トナー、及び、トナーに添加されている添加剤が長期に渡って導電性部材表面に付着することを防止することができる。   (9) According to the invention described in claim 10, since the surface layer is formed on the electric resistance adjusting layer, the toner and the additive added to the toner are conductive members over a long period of time. It can prevent adhering to the surface.

（１０）請求項１１に記載された発明によれば、表面層の体積固有抵抗が電気抵抗調整層の体積固有抵抗より大きいので、像担持体欠陥部への電圧集中及び異常放電の発生を防止することができる。   (10) According to the invention described in claim 11, since the volume resistivity of the surface layer is larger than the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer, voltage concentration at the image bearing member defect portion and occurrence of abnormal discharge are prevented. can do.

（１１）請求項１２に記載された発明によれば、導電性部材を帯電部材としたので、像担持体表面を非接触で帯電させることができ、そのために、帯電部材の汚れ等を防止すると共に、帯電部材を硬い材質で形成することにより高精度にすることができ、よって、帯電ムラを防止することができる。   (11) According to the invention described in claim 12, since the conductive member is a charging member, the surface of the image carrier can be charged in a non-contact manner, and therefore, the charging member is prevented from being stained. At the same time, by forming the charging member with a hard material, it is possible to achieve high accuracy, and therefore, uneven charging can be prevented.

（１２）請求項１３に記載された発明によれば、請求項１２に記載の帯電部材が被帯電体上に近接配置されるように設けられたプロセスカートリッジとするので、長期に渡って安定した画質を得ることでき、且つ、交換もユーザメンテナンスが可能であり簡素化される。   (12) According to the invention described in claim 13, since the charging member according to claim 12 is a process cartridge provided so as to be disposed close to the member to be charged, it is stable over a long period of time. Image quality can be obtained, and replacement can be simplified by user maintenance.

（１１）請求項１４に記載された発明によれば、請求項１３に記載のプロセスカートリッジを有する画像形成装置とするので、信頼性が高く、かつ、高画質な画像を得ることができる。   (11) According to the invention described in claim 14, since the image forming apparatus having the process cartridge described in claim 13 is used, an image with high reliability and high image quality can be obtained.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の断面図である。図２は、図１で示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。図３〜８は、本発明の他の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。図９は、本発明の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）を形成する方法を示す説明図である。図１０は、導電性部材（帯電ローラ）を像担持体上に配置した状態を示す模式図である。図１１は、実施例５〜７で得た導電性部材（帯電ローラ）一部拡大断面図である。図１２は、実施例８で得た導電性部材（帯電ローラ）一部拡大断面図である。図１３は、本発明の一実施の形態を示す画像形成装置の説明図である。   FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conductive member (charging roller) showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the conductive member (charging roller) shown in FIG. FIGS. 3-8 is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows other one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a method of forming a conductive member (charging roller) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a conductive member (charging roller) is disposed on the image carrier. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the conductive member (charging roller) obtained in Examples 5-7. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the conductive member (charging roller) obtained in Example 8. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

図１において、１０は、導電性部材（帯電ローラ）である。導電性部材（帯電ローラ）１０は、導電性支持体１と、該導電性支持体１上に形成された電気抵抗調整層２と、該電気抵抗調整層２の両端に設けられた空隙保持部材３，３と、を有している。前記電気抵抗調整層２は、その両端近傍に、その両端方向に設けられた段差部又はその中央方向に設けられた段差部を１段以上有し、そして、前記空隙保持部材３，３は、前記電気抵抗調整層２の段差部を構成する２面以上に接して固定されている。前記「中央方向」は、「両端方向」の逆の方向を意味する。   In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a conductive member (charging roller). The conductive member (charging roller) 10 includes a conductive support 1, an electric resistance adjustment layer 2 formed on the conductive support 1, and a gap holding member provided at both ends of the electric resistance adjustment layer 2. 3 and 3. The electrical resistance adjusting layer 2 has one or more stepped portions provided in the direction of both ends or stepped portions provided in the center direction in the vicinity of both ends, and the gap holding members 3 and 3 are The electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is fixed in contact with two or more surfaces constituting the stepped portion. The “center direction” means a direction opposite to the “both ends direction”.

このように、電気抵抗調整層２が、その両端近傍に、その両端方向に設けられた段差部又はその中央方向に設けられた段差部を１段以上有し、そして、空隙保持部材３，３が、前記電気抵抗調整層２の段差部を構成する２面以上に接して固定されていると、電気抵抗調整層２を構成する樹脂と空隙保持部材３，３を構成する樹脂との食いつきが良くなって長期に渡って空隙保持部材３，３を確実に固定することができ、そのために、長期間にわたって使用しても、像担持体（図１０における４を参照。）と導電性部材１０との間に安定した空隙（図１０おけるＧを参照。）を維持して、像担持体の表面を均一に帯電させることができると共に、耐久性を向上させた導電性部材１０を提供することができる。   Thus, the electrical resistance adjusting layer 2 has one or more stepped portions provided in the direction of both ends or one stepped portion provided in the center direction in the vicinity of both ends, and the gap holding members 3 and 3 However, when it is fixed in contact with two or more surfaces constituting the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2, the resin constituting the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 and the resin constituting the gap holding members 3 and 3 are bitten. As a result, the gap holding members 3 and 3 can be securely fixed over a long period of time. For this reason, the image carrier (see 4 in FIG. 10) and the conductive member 10 even when used for a long period of time. A conductive member 10 is provided which can maintain a stable gap (see G in FIG. 10) between them and uniformly charge the surface of the image bearing member and has improved durability. Can do.

図１に示されている導電性部材（帯電ローラ）１０においては、前記空隙保持部材３，３は、前記電気抵抗調整層２の段差部を構成する２面２ａ，２ｂに接して固定されている。図１，２に示されている導電性部材（帯電ローラ）１０においては、前記段差部は、両端方向に設けられ、電気抵抗調整層２に対して１段に設けられているが、例えば、図５に示されるように２段に設けられても構わない。この場合には、前記空隙保持部材３，３は、前記電気抵抗調整層２の段差部を構成する４面２ａ，２ｂ、２ｃ，２ｄに接して固定されることとなる。図示しないが、２段以上あっても構わない。また、空隙保持部材３は、図３に示されているように、電気抵抗調整層２の段差部より短くてもかまわないし、図４に示されているように、電気抵抗調整層２の段差部より長くてもかまわない。さらに、図６に示されているように、空隙保持部材３，３は、電気抵抗調整層２の中央方向に設けられた段差部に食い込む形態、或いは、図示しないが、前記形態の逆の電気抵抗調整層２が空隙保持部材３，３に食い込む形態でも構わない。図６に示されている導電性部材（帯電ローラ）においては、前記空隙保持部材３は、前記電気抵抗調整層２の段差部を構成する３面２ａ，２ｂ、２ｃに接して固定されることとなる。   In the conductive member (charging roller) 10 shown in FIG. 1, the gap holding members 3 and 3 are fixed in contact with the two surfaces 2 a and 2 b constituting the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. Yes. In the conductive member (charging roller) 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the step portion is provided in both end directions and is provided in one step with respect to the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. It may be provided in two stages as shown in FIG. In this case, the gap holding members 3 and 3 are fixed in contact with the four surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d constituting the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. Although not shown, there may be two or more stages. Further, the gap holding member 3 may be shorter than the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 as shown in FIG. 3, or the step of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 as shown in FIG. It may be longer than the section. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the gap holding members 3 and 3 bite into a stepped portion provided in the central direction of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2, or although not shown, The resistance adjustment layer 2 may bite into the gap holding members 3 and 3. In the conductive member (charging roller) shown in FIG. 6, the gap holding member 3 is fixed in contact with the three surfaces 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c constituting the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. It becomes.

本発明においては、空隙保持部材３，３は、好ましくは、リング状である。このように、空隙保持部材３，３がリング状であると、導電性部材１０及び像担持体（図１０における４を参照。）を回転駆動させて使用することができ、そのために、導電性部材１０及び像担持体の耐久性を高めることができる。   In the present invention, the gap holding members 3 and 3 are preferably ring-shaped. As described above, when the gap holding members 3 and 3 are ring-shaped, the conductive member 10 and the image carrier (see 4 in FIG. 10) can be rotated and used. The durability of the member 10 and the image carrier can be improved.

また、本発明においては、空隙保持部材３，３が電気抵抗調整層２の段差部に圧入されている。このように、空隙保持部材３，３が電気抵抗調整層２の段差部に圧入されていると、段差部及び空隙保持部材３，３の精度が多少悪くなっても、長期に渡って空隙保持部材３，３を確実に固定することができ、しかも、電気抵抗調整層２と空隙保持部材３，３とを一体で除去加工する場合には、加工時の力により、空隙保持部材３，３が回転することを防止することができる。   In the present invention, the gap holding members 3 and 3 are press-fitted into the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. As described above, when the gap holding members 3 and 3 are press-fitted into the stepped portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2, even if the accuracy of the stepped portion and the gap holding members 3 and 3 is somewhat deteriorated, the gap holding is performed for a long time. When the members 3 and 3 can be securely fixed, and the electrical resistance adjusting layer 2 and the gap holding members 3 and 3 are integrally removed and processed, the gap holding members 3 and 3 are generated by force during the processing. Can be prevented from rotating.

また、本発明においては、空隙保持部材３，３が電気抵抗調整層２に接着剤で固着されている。このように、空隙保持部材３，３が電気抵抗調整層２に接着剤で固着されていると、段差部及び空隙保持部材２の精度が多少悪くなっても、長期に渡って空隙保持部材３，３を確実に固定することができ、しかも、電気抵抗調整層２と空隙保持部材３，３とを一体で除去加工する工程（図９を参照。）において、加工時の力により、空隙保持部材３，３が回転することを防止することができる。その際には、接着剤が付くことが重要となるので、空隙保持部材３，３を構成する材料は、ＰＥ、ポリウレタン等が好ましい。電気抵抗調整層２の段差部は、図７，８のように接着剤溜まりＢをあらかじめ設けた構造をとっても良い。接着剤溜まりＢの形状は、図７では、円周方向に設けられた断面Ｖ字状の溝であり、また、図８では、円周方向に設けられた断面半円形状の溝であるが、その形状及び数は、特に限定されるものではない。   In the present invention, the gap holding members 3 and 3 are fixed to the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 with an adhesive. As described above, when the gap holding members 3 and 3 are fixed to the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 with an adhesive, even if the accuracy of the stepped portion and the gap holding member 2 is somewhat deteriorated, the gap holding member 3 over a long period of time. , 3 can be securely fixed, and in the process of removing the electrical resistance adjusting layer 2 and the gap holding members 3 and 3 integrally (see FIG. 9), the gap is held by the force during the machining. It is possible to prevent the members 3 and 3 from rotating. In that case, since it becomes important that the adhesive is attached, the material constituting the gap holding members 3 and 3 is preferably PE, polyurethane or the like. The step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 may have a structure in which an adhesive reservoir B is provided in advance as shown in FIGS. The shape of the adhesive reservoir B is a groove having a V-shaped cross section provided in the circumferential direction in FIG. 7, and a groove having a semicircular cross section provided in the circumferential direction in FIG. The shape and number are not particularly limited.

図１０に示されているように、本発明の導電性部材（帯電ローラ）１０には、空隙保持部材３の外周面が像担持体４と当接したときに、該像担持体４の外周面と電気抵抗調整層２の外周面との間に一定間隔の空隙Ｇが形成されるように、該電気抵抗調整層２の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材３の外周面の高低差が設けられている。このように、空隙保持部材３の外周面が像担持体４と当接したときに、該像担持体４の外周面と電気抵抗調整層２の外周面との間に一定間隔の空隙Ｇが形成されるように、該電気抵抗調整層２の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材３の外周面の高低差が設けられていると、像担持体４との間の空隙Ｇを精度良く一定に保つことができ、しかも、空隙保持部材３が配置されている電気抵抗調整層２が環境変動で寸法変化しても、電気抵抗調整層２の変化に追従することができ、そのために、空隙変動を抑えることができる。   As shown in FIG. 10, the conductive member (charging roller) 10 of the present invention has an outer periphery of the image carrier 4 when the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member 3 comes into contact with the image carrier 4. The height difference of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member 3 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is provided so that the gap G is formed at a constant interval between the surface and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. ing. As described above, when the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member 3 comes into contact with the image carrier 4, there are gaps G having a constant interval between the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. If the height difference of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member 3 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electrical resistance adjusting layer 2 is provided, the gap G between the image carrier 4 and the image carrier 4 is kept constant with high accuracy. In addition, even if the electrical resistance adjustment layer 2 in which the gap holding member 3 is arranged changes in size due to environmental fluctuations, it can follow the change in the electrical resistance adjustment layer 2, Can be suppressed.

前記電気抵抗調整層２の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材３の外周面の高低差は、図９に示されているような、前記導電性部材１０上に設置された該空隙保持部材３の外周面と前記導電性支持体１上に設置された該電気抵抗調整層２の外周面とに施された切削加工、研削加工等の除去加工による一体加工で形成される。このように、前記電気抵抗調整層２の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材３の外周面の高低差が、前記導電性部材１０上に設置された該空隙保持部材３の外周面と前記導電性支持体１上に設置された該電気抵抗調整層２の外周面とに施された切削加工、研削加工等の除去加工による一体加工で形成されると、像担持体４の外周面と電気抵抗調整層２の外周面との間に形成される空隙Ｇの変動（振れ）を小さくして空隙Ｇの精度をより高めることができる。   The height difference of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member 3 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is the outer periphery of the gap holding member 3 installed on the conductive member 10 as shown in FIG. It is formed by integral processing by removal processing such as cutting and grinding applied to the surface and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 installed on the conductive support 1. As described above, the height difference of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member 3 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is different from that of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member 3 installed on the conductive member 10 and the conductive support. When formed by integral processing by removal processing such as cutting and grinding applied to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 installed on the body 1, the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier 4 and electric resistance adjustment The accuracy (gap) of the gap G can be further increased by reducing the fluctuation (vibration) of the gap G formed between the outer peripheral surface of the layer 2.

空隙保持部材３，３に必要な特性は、像担持体４との空隙を環境及び長期（経時）に渡って安定して形成することであるので、空隙保持部材３，３を構成する材料としては、吸湿性及び耐摩耗性の小さい材料が好ましい。また、空隙保持部材３，３は、トナー及びトナー添加剤が付着しにくい像担持体と当接して摺動するので、像担持体４を摩耗させないということも重要である。このような空隙保持部材３，３を構成する材料は、種々の条件に応じて適宜選択されるが、好ましくは、ポリエチレン（ＰＥ）、ポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）、ポリメタクリル酸メチル（ＰＭＭＡ）、ポリスチレン（ＰＳ）、ポリスチレン共重合体（ＡＳ、ＡＢＳ）等の樹脂、或いは、ＰＣ、ポリウレタン、フッ素樹脂等の樹脂があげられる。本発明における空隙保持部材３，３は、このような樹脂を成型加工することにより成形される。   The characteristic required for the gap holding members 3 and 3 is that the gap with the image carrier 4 is stably formed over the environment and for a long time (time). Is preferably a material with low hygroscopicity and wear resistance. Further, since the gap holding members 3 and 3 are in contact with and slide on the image carrier to which the toner and the toner additive are difficult to adhere, it is also important that the image carrier 4 is not worn. The material constituting the gap retaining members 3 and 3 is appropriately selected according to various conditions, but is preferably polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene ( PS), a resin such as polystyrene copolymer (AS, ABS), or a resin such as PC, polyurethane, or fluororesin. The gap holding members 3 and 3 in the present invention are molded by molding such a resin.

図１０に示すように、本発明における導電性部材１０は、像担持体４に任意の圧力で当接されて配置される。空隙保持部材３，３は、画像形成領域を外した非画像形成領域に形成されている。この状態で導電性部材１０を帯電部材として使用する場合には、導電性部材１０に電圧を印加することにより、像担持体４の帯電を行うことができる。導電性部材１０をトナー担持体及び転写部材として使用する場合にも、同様の形態で行うことができる。また、その際には、
抵抗調整層幅＜感光層幅
であることが好ましい。 As shown in FIG. 10, the conductive member 10 according to the present invention is disposed in contact with the image carrier 4 with an arbitrary pressure. The gap holding members 3 and 3 are formed in a non-image forming area excluding the image forming area. When the conductive member 10 is used as a charging member in this state, the image carrier 4 can be charged by applying a voltage to the conductive member 10. When the conductive member 10 is used as a toner carrier and a transfer member, it can be performed in the same manner. In that case,
It is preferable that the resistance adjusting layer width <the photosensitive layer width.

本発明においては、導電性部材１０及び像担持体４の形状は特に限定されず、また、像担持体４は、ベルト状、円筒状いずれの形式もとることができる。導電性部材１０は、断面円形状（円筒形状）、断面楕円形状、円筒形状を扁平にしたブレード形状等の種々の形状をとることができるが、ともに円筒形状であることが好ましい。両者が常に同一面で対向していると、通電ストレスによる表面の化学的劣化が生じてしまうが、両者を円筒形状として回転駆動させると、同一箇所からの連続放電を防止することができ、そのために、通電ストレスによる表面の化学的劣化を低減させることができる。例えば、図１０に示すように、導電性部材１０の回転方向は、像担持体４と同方向、逆方向どちらも選択することができる。また、像担持体４との周速差をつける（像担持体４より速く回転させる、遅く回転させる）ことも可能である。また、像担持体４の回転に対して、間欠回転させることも機能を損なわない範囲において可能である。導電性部材１０と像担持体４と間の空隙Ｇは、所定の値に保つ必要があり、好ましくは、１００μｍ以下である。空隙Ｇが大きくなると導電性部材１０への電圧印加条件を高くする必要があり、像担持体４の電気的劣化や異常放電が発生しやすいためである。   In the present invention, the shapes of the conductive member 10 and the image carrier 4 are not particularly limited, and the image carrier 4 can take either a belt shape or a cylindrical shape. The conductive member 10 can take various shapes such as a circular cross section (cylindrical shape), an elliptical cross section, and a blade shape in which the cylindrical shape is flattened, and both are preferably cylindrical. If they are always facing each other on the same surface, chemical deterioration of the surface due to energization stress will occur, but if they are driven to rotate in a cylindrical shape, continuous discharge from the same location can be prevented. Furthermore, chemical degradation of the surface due to energization stress can be reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the rotation direction of the conductive member 10 can be selected in the same direction as the image carrier 4 or in the opposite direction. It is also possible to make a difference in peripheral speed with the image carrier 4 (rotate faster than image carrier 4 or rotate slower). Further, intermittent rotation with respect to the rotation of the image carrier 4 is possible within a range where the function is not impaired. The gap G between the conductive member 10 and the image carrier 4 needs to be kept at a predetermined value, and is preferably 100 μm or less. This is because when the gap G becomes large, it is necessary to increase the voltage application condition to the conductive member 10, and the image carrier 4 is likely to be electrically deteriorated or abnormally discharged.

図１０に示すように、空隙保持部材３，３は、それらの一部が電気抵抗調整層２と高低差を有している。導電性部材１０と像担持体４との空隙Ｇを所定の値に保つことが好ましいので、像担持体４の画像領域と空隙保持部材３，３の当接面が同一高さである場合は、
空隙保持部材の一部の高さ＞電気抵抗調整層の高さ
である必要があり、その高低差は、１００μｍ以下であることが好ましい。また、空隙保持部材３，３の電気抵抗調整層２と隣接する部分の高さを、電気抵抗調整層２の高さと同一、又は、低く形成することで、空隙保持部材３，３と像担持体４との接触幅が低減され、導電性部材１０と像担持体４との空隙を高精度にすることができる。 As shown in FIG. 10, the gap holding members 3, 3 have a height difference from the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. Since it is preferable to keep the gap G between the conductive member 10 and the image carrier 4 at a predetermined value, when the image area of the image carrier 4 and the contact surface of the gap holding members 3 and 3 are the same height, ,
It is necessary that the height of a part of the gap holding member> the height of the electric resistance adjusting layer, and the height difference is preferably 100 μm or less. The height of the gap holding members 3 and 3 adjacent to the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is formed to be the same as or lower than the height of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 so that the gap holding members 3 and 3 and the image carrying member are supported. The contact width with the body 4 is reduced, and the gap between the conductive member 10 and the image carrier 4 can be made highly accurate.

本発明においては、空隙保持部材３，３は、電気絶縁性樹脂材料で構成され、その体積固有抵抗は、好ましくは、１０13Ω・ｃｍ以上である。このように、隙保持部材３，３が電気絶縁性樹脂材料で構成され、その体積固有抵抗が１０13Ω・ｃｍ以上であると、空隙保持部材３，３と像担持体４の基層との間に異常放電（リーク）電流の発生を防止することができる。 In the present invention, the void holding members 3 and 3 are made of an electrically insulating resin material, and the volume resistivity is preferably 10 13 Ω · cm or more. As described above, when the gap holding members 3 and 3 are made of an electrically insulating resin material and the volume resistivity is 10 13 Ω · cm or more, the gap holding members 3 and 3 and the base layer of the image carrier 4 It is possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormal discharge (leakage) current.

本発明においては、電気抵抗調整層２の体積固有抵抗は、好ましくは、１０6 〜１０9 Ωｃｍである。電気抵抗調整層２の体積固有抵抗が１０9 Ωｃｍを越えると、帯電能力や転写能力が不足してしまい、また、電気抵抗調整層２の体積固有抵抗が１０6 未満であると、像担持体４全体への電圧集中によるリークが生じてしまう。しかしながら、本発明のように、電気抵抗調整層２の体積固有抵抗が１０6 〜１０9 Ωｃｍであると、十分な帯電能力及び転写能力を確保することができると共に、像担持体４への電力集中による異常放電の発生を防止することができ、それらのために、均一画像が得られる。 In the present invention, the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is preferably 10 6 to 10 9 Ωcm. When the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 exceeds 10 9 Ωcm, the charging ability and the transfer capability are insufficient, and when the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is less than 10 6 , the image carrier. Leakage due to voltage concentration on the entire 4 occurs. However, when the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is 10 6 to 10 9 Ωcm as in the present invention, sufficient charging ability and transfer ability can be ensured, and power to the image carrier 4 can be secured. Generation of abnormal discharge due to concentration can be prevented, and a uniform image can be obtained for them.

電気抵抗調整層２に用いられる樹脂は、特に限定されるものではないが、ポリエチレン（ＰＥ）、ポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）、ポリメタクリル酸メチル（ＰＭＭＡ）、ポリスチレン（ＰＳ）、ポリスチレン共重合体（ＡＳ、ＡＢＳ）等の樹脂、或いは、ＰＣ、ポリウレタン、フッ素樹脂等の熱可塑性樹脂があげられる。これらの樹脂は、加工性が良いので好ましい。かかる樹脂に分散させる高分子型イオン導電材料としては、ポリエーテルエステルアミドを含有する高分子化合物が好ましい。ポリエーテルエステルアミドは、イオン導電性の高分子材料であるので、マトリックスポリマー中に分子レベルで均一に分散、固定化される。したがって、金属酸化物、カーボンブラック等の電子伝導系導電剤を分散した組成物に見られるような分散不良に伴う電気抵抗値のばらつきが生じない。また、ポリエーテルエステルアミドは、高分子材料であるので、ブリードアウトが生じ難い。電気抵抗値を所望の値にするためには、それらの配合量は、好ましくは、熱可塑性樹脂３０〜７０重量％、及び、高分子型イオン導電剤７０〜３０重量％である。このような樹脂で構成される電気抵抗調整層の厚みは、好ましくは、１００μｍ以上、５００μｍ以下である。電気抵抗調整層の厚みが１００μｍ未満となると、薄すぎとなってリークによる異常放電が発生し、また、電気抵抗調整層の厚みが５００μｍを越えると、厚すぎとなって表面精度の維持が困難となる。   The resin used for the electrical resistance adjusting layer 2 is not particularly limited, but polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polystyrene copolymer (AS, ABS) and the like, or thermoplastic resins such as PC, polyurethane and fluororesin. These resins are preferable because of good processability. As the polymer type ion conductive material dispersed in the resin, a polymer compound containing polyether ester amide is preferable. Since the polyether ester amide is an ion conductive polymer material, it is uniformly dispersed and immobilized at a molecular level in the matrix polymer. Therefore, there is no variation in electrical resistance value due to poor dispersion as seen in a composition in which an electron conductive conductive agent such as metal oxide or carbon black is dispersed. Further, since polyether ester amide is a polymer material, bleeding out hardly occurs. In order to make the electric resistance value a desired value, the blending amount thereof is preferably 30 to 70% by weight of the thermoplastic resin and 70 to 30% by weight of the polymer type ionic conductive agent. The thickness of the electric resistance adjusting layer made of such a resin is preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less. If the thickness of the electrical resistance adjustment layer is less than 100 μm, it becomes too thin and abnormal discharge due to leakage occurs. If the thickness of the electrical resistance adjustment layer exceeds 500 μm, it is too thick to maintain surface accuracy. It becomes.

このような材料で構成される半導電性樹脂組成物は、各材料の混合物を二軸混練機、ニーダー等で溶融混練することによって、容易に製造できる。電気抵抗調整層２としての導電性支持体１上への形成は、押出成形や射出成形等の手段で導電性支持体２に前記半導電性樹脂組成物を被覆することによって、容易に行うことができる。導電性支持体１上に電気抵抗調整層２のみを形成して導電性部材１０を構成すると、電気抵抗調整層２にトナー及びトナーの添加剤等が固着して性能低下する場合があるが、本発明においては、電気抵抗調整層２上に表面層（図示せず）が形成されているので、トナー、及び、トナーに添加されている添加剤が長期に渡って導電性部材表面に付着することを防止することができる。   A semiconductive resin composition composed of such materials can be easily produced by melt-kneading a mixture of each material with a biaxial kneader, a kneader or the like. The electric resistance adjusting layer 2 can be easily formed on the conductive support 1 by coating the conductive support 2 with the semiconductive resin composition by means such as extrusion molding or injection molding. Can do. When the conductive member 10 is formed by forming only the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 on the conductive support 1, the toner and the additive of the toner may adhere to the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 and the performance may deteriorate. In the present invention, since a surface layer (not shown) is formed on the electric resistance adjusting layer 2, the toner and the additive added to the toner adhere to the surface of the conductive member over a long period of time. This can be prevented.

本発明においては、表面層（図示せず）の体積固有抵抗は、電気抵抗調整層２の体積固有抵抗より大きくされている。このように、表面層の体積固有抵抗が電気抵抗調整層２の体積固有抵抗より大きくされていると、像担持体欠陥部への電圧集中及び異常放電の発生を防止することができる。ただし、表面層の電気抵抗値を高くしすぎると帯電能力や転写能力が不足してしまうので、表面層と電気抵抗調整層２との電気抵抗値の差を１０3 以下にすることが好ましい。表面層を形成する材料は、好ましくは、フッ素系樹脂、シリコーン系樹脂、ポリアミド樹脂、ポリエステル等の樹脂である。これらの樹脂は、非粘着性に優れているので、トナーの固着防止の面で好ましい。また、かかる樹脂は、電気的に絶縁性であるので、樹脂に対して各種導電材料を分散することによって表面層の電気抵抗を調整することができる。表面層の電気抵抗調整層２上への形成は、上記表面層を構成する樹脂材料を有機溶媒に溶解して塗料を作製し、この塗料をスプレー塗装、ディッピング、ロールコート等の手段によって行う。表面層の膜厚は、好ましくは、１０〜３０μｍである。 In the present invention, the volume resistivity of the surface layer (not shown) is made larger than the volume resistivity of the electrical resistance adjusting layer 2. As described above, when the volume resistivity of the surface layer is larger than the volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2, it is possible to prevent voltage concentration and abnormal discharge from occurring on the image carrier defect portion. However, if the electric resistance value of the surface layer is too high, the charging ability and the transfer ability will be insufficient. Therefore, the difference in electric resistance value between the surface layer and the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 is preferably 10 3 or less. The material for forming the surface layer is preferably a resin such as a fluorine resin, a silicone resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyester. Since these resins are excellent in non-adhesiveness, they are preferable in terms of preventing sticking of toner. Further, since such a resin is electrically insulating, the electrical resistance of the surface layer can be adjusted by dispersing various conductive materials in the resin. The surface layer is formed on the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 by preparing a paint by dissolving the resin material constituting the surface layer in an organic solvent, and applying the paint by means of spray coating, dipping, roll coating or the like. The thickness of the surface layer is preferably 10 to 30 μm.

表面層を構成する樹脂は、１液性及び２液性のどちらも使用可能であるが、硬化剤を併用する２液性塗料を使用すると、耐環境性、非粘着性を高めることができる。２液性塗料の場合には、塗膜を加熱することにより、樹脂を架橋・硬化させる方法が一般的である。しかしながら、電気抵抗調整層２は、熱可塑性樹脂とすると、高い温度で加熱することができない。２液性塗料としては、分子中に水酸基を有する主剤、及び、水酸基と架橋反応を起こすイソシアネート系樹脂を用いることことが好ましい。イソシアネート系樹脂を用いると、１００℃以下の比較的低温で架橋・硬化反応が起こる。本発明者らは、トナーの非粘着性から検討を進めた結果、シリコーン系樹脂でトナーの非粘着性が高い樹脂であることを確認し、特に、分子中にアクリル骨格を有するアクリルシリコーン樹脂が良好であることを見出した。   As the resin constituting the surface layer, either one-component or two-component resins can be used. However, when a two-component paint using a curing agent is used, environmental resistance and non-adhesiveness can be improved. In the case of a two-component paint, a method of crosslinking and curing the resin by heating the coating film is common. However, if the electrical resistance adjusting layer 2 is a thermoplastic resin, it cannot be heated at a high temperature. As the two-component paint, it is preferable to use a main agent having a hydroxyl group in the molecule and an isocyanate resin that causes a crosslinking reaction with the hydroxyl group. When an isocyanate resin is used, a crosslinking / curing reaction occurs at a relatively low temperature of 100 ° C. or lower. As a result of studying from the non-adhesiveness of the toner, the present inventors confirmed that the resin is a silicone-based resin having a high non-adhesive property of the toner, and in particular, an acrylic silicone resin having an acrylic skeleton in the molecule. It was found to be good.

導電性部材は、電気特性(電気抵抗値)が重要であるので、表面層を導電性にする必要がある。導電性にした表面層は、表面層を構成する樹脂材料中に導電剤を分散することにより形成される。導電剤は、特に制約を受けるものではないが、ケッチェンブラックＥＣ、アセチレンブラック等の導電性カーボン、ＳＡＦ、ＩＳＡＦ、ＨＡＦ、ＦＥＦ、ＧＰＦ、ＳＲＦ、ＦＴ、ＭＴ等のゴム用カーボン、酸化処理等を施したカラー用カーボン、熱分解カーボン、インジウムドープ酸化スズ(ＩＴＯ)、酸化スズ、酸化チタン、酸化亜鉛、銅、銀、ゲルマニウム等の金属、及び、金属酸化物、ポリアニリン、ポリピロール、ポリアセチレン等の導電性ポリマーが挙げられる。また、導電性付与材としては、イオン導電性物質もあり、過塩素酸ナトリウム、過塩素酸リチウム、過塩素酸カルシウム、塩化リチウム等の無機イオン性導電物質、更に、変性脂肪酸ジメチルアンモニウムエトサルファート、ステアリン酸アンモニウムアセテート、ラウリルアンモニウムアセテート等の有機イオン性導電性物質がある。   Since the electrical characteristics (electric resistance value) of the conductive member are important, it is necessary to make the surface layer conductive. The conductive surface layer is formed by dispersing a conductive agent in the resin material constituting the surface layer. The conductive agent is not particularly limited, but conductive carbon such as Ketjen Black EC and acetylene black, carbon for rubber such as SAF, ISAF, HAF, FEF, GPF, SRF, FT, and MT, oxidation treatment, etc. Carbon for color, pyrolytic carbon, indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, copper, silver, germanium, and metal oxides, polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyacetylene, etc. Examples include conductive polymers. In addition, as the conductivity imparting material, there are also ionic conductive substances, inorganic ionic conductive substances such as sodium perchlorate, lithium perchlorate, calcium perchlorate, lithium chloride, and further modified fatty acid dimethylammonium ethosulphate. And organic ionic conductive materials such as ammonium stearate acetate and lauryl ammonium acetate.

本発明における導電性部材１０は、例えば、導電性支持体１上に前記したような電気抵抗調整層２を構成する樹脂を射出成形してその両端近傍に両端方向の段差を有する電気抵抗調整層２を形成し、その後、両端部の段差部に接着剤を塗布して、空隙保持部材３，３を接着固定する。そして、図９に示すように、空隙保持部材３，３と電気抵抗調整層２の段差部とのばらつきを小さくするために、空隙保持部材３，３と電気抵抗調整層２とが一体に成形された状態において、切削、研削等の除去加工によって、外径を仕上げる。次に、空隙保持部材３，３を保護した状態で電気抵抗調整層２上に更に表面層を形成して導電性部材１０とする。   The conductive member 10 in the present invention is, for example, an electric resistance adjusting layer having a step in both end directions near the both ends thereof by injection molding the resin constituting the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 as described above on the conductive support 1. After that, an adhesive is applied to the step portions at both ends, and the gap holding members 3 and 3 are bonded and fixed. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the gap holding members 3, 3 and the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 are integrally formed in order to reduce the variation between the gap holding members 3, 3 and the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer 2. In the finished state, the outer diameter is finished by removal processing such as cutting and grinding. Next, a surface layer is further formed on the electric resistance adjusting layer 2 in a state where the gap holding members 3 and 3 are protected, thereby forming the conductive member 10.

請求項１〜１１のいずれかに記載された導電性部材は、好ましくは、帯電部材とされる。このような導電材は、像担持体表面を非接触で帯電させることができ、そのために、帯電部材の汚れ等を防止すると共に、帯電部材を硬い材質で形成することにより高精度にすることができ、よって、帯電ムラを防止することができる。   The conductive member according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is preferably a charging member. Such a conductive material can charge the surface of the image carrier in a non-contact manner. For this reason, the charging member can be prevented from being contaminated, and the charging member can be made of a hard material so as to have high accuracy. Therefore, uneven charging can be prevented.

請求項１２に記載の導電性部材（帯電部材）１０は、被帯電体上に近接配置されるように設けらた着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジ（図１４における１１０を参照。）とする。このように、請求項１２に記載の導電性部材（帯電部材）１０が被帯電体上に近接配置されるように設けられたプロセスカートリッジとすると、長期に渡って安定した画質を得ることでき、且つ、交換もユーザメンテナンスが可能であり簡素化される。   The conductive member (charging member) 10 described in claim 12 is a detachable process cartridge (see 110 in FIG. 14) provided so as to be disposed close to the member to be charged. As described above, when the process cartridge is provided so that the conductive member (charging member) according to claim 12 is disposed close to the member to be charged, stable image quality can be obtained over a long period of time. In addition, user maintenance is possible and simplified.

本発明においては、請求項１３に記載のプロセスカートリッジ（図１４における１１０を参照。）を有する画像形成装置とする。このように、請求項１３に記載のプロセスカートリッジを有する画像形成装置とすると、信頼性が高く、かつ、高画質な画像を得ることができる。   In the present invention, an image forming apparatus having the process cartridge (refer to 110 in FIG. 14) according to claim 13 is provided. Thus, with the image forming apparatus having the process cartridge according to the thirteenth aspect, an image with high reliability and high image quality can be obtained.

図１３に示すように、本発明の画像形成装置においては、装置本体内の下部に給紙部２２、その上方に像担持体４を有する作像部、及び、さらにその上方に排紙部となる対の排紙ローラ２６，２７をそれぞれ設けて、給紙部２２から給紙した転写紙Ｐの左側の面に対応する作像部で画像を形成し、そして、その転写紙Ｐを排紙ローラ２６，２７によりビントレイ２０あるいは排紙トレイ２１に排出するようにしている。給紙部２２には、上下２段にトレイ２８，２９が設けられていて、その各給紙段には給紙ローラ３０がそれぞれ配設されている。２３は書込みユニットであり、そこから像担持体４の一様に帯電された表面に光を照射して、そこに画像を書き込む。また、その像担持体４に対して転写紙搬送方向上流側には、転写紙のスキューを補正すると共に、像担持体４上の画像と転写紙の搬送タイミングを合わせるためのレジストローラ対１３を設けている。   As shown in FIG. 13, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a paper feed unit 22 at the lower part of the main body of the apparatus, an image forming unit having the image carrier 4 above it, and a paper discharge unit above it. A pair of paper discharge rollers 26 and 27 are provided, and an image is formed by the image forming unit corresponding to the left side surface of the transfer paper P fed from the paper feed unit 22, and the transfer paper P is discharged. The rollers 26 and 27 are discharged to the bin tray 20 or the discharge tray 21. The paper feed unit 22 is provided with trays 28 and 29 in two upper and lower stages, and a paper feed roller 30 is provided in each of the paper feed stages. Reference numeral 23 denotes a writing unit which irradiates light onto the uniformly charged surface of the image carrier 4 to write an image there. Further, on the upstream side of the image carrier 4 in the transfer paper conveyance direction, a registration roller pair 13 for correcting the skew of the transfer paper and matching the image on the image carrier 4 with the conveyance timing of the transfer paper is provided. Provided.

さらに、像担持体４に対して転写紙搬送方向下流側には、定着ユニット２５を設けている。作像部には、図１３に示すように、前述した像担持体４が矢示Ａ方向に回転可能に設けられており、その周囲には帯電装置（図１４における１０２を参照。）と、その帯電装置により帯電された面に書込みユニット２３により書込まれた像担持体４上の静電潜像を顕像化してトナー像とする現像装置（図１４における１０４を参照。）と、そのトナー像を転写紙Ｐに転写する転写搬送ベルト５と、そのトナー像の転写後に像担持体４上に残った残留トナーを除去するクリーニング装置（図１４における１０８を参照。）と、像担持体４上の不要な電荷を除電する除電ランプ（図示せず）とを、それぞれ配設している。この画像形成装置は、画像形成動作を開始させると、図１３に示した像担持体４が矢印Ａ方向に回転し、その表面が除電ランプにより除電されて基準電位に平均化される。次に、その像担持体４の表面は、帯電ローラ（図１４における１０２を参照。）により一様に帯電され、その帯電面は、書込みユニット２３から画像情報に応じた光の照射を受け、そこに静電潜像が形成される。その潜像は、像担持体４が矢示Ａ方向に回転することにより現像装置（図１４における１０４を参照。）の位置まで移動されると、そこで現像スリーブ（図示せず）によりトナーが付着されてトナー像（顕像）となる。   Further, a fixing unit 25 is provided downstream of the image carrier 4 in the transfer paper conveyance direction. As shown in FIG. 13, the image carrier 4 is provided in the image forming section so as to be rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow A, and a charging device (see 102 in FIG. 14) is disposed around the image carrier. A developing device (see 104 in FIG. 14) that visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 4 written by the writing unit 23 on the surface charged by the charging device to form a toner image, and the developing device. A transfer conveyance belt 5 for transferring the toner image onto the transfer paper P, a cleaning device (see 108 in FIG. 14) for removing residual toner remaining on the image carrier 4 after the transfer of the toner image, and an image carrier. 4 are respectively provided with static elimination lamps (not shown) for eliminating unnecessary charges on the 4. In this image forming apparatus, when the image forming operation is started, the image carrier 4 shown in FIG. 13 rotates in the direction of arrow A, and the surface thereof is neutralized by the neutralizing lamp and averaged to the reference potential. Next, the surface of the image carrier 4 is uniformly charged by a charging roller (see 102 in FIG. 14), and the charged surface is irradiated with light according to image information from the writing unit 23. An electrostatic latent image is formed there. When the latent image is moved to the position of the developing device (see 104 in FIG. 14) by rotating the image carrier 4 in the direction indicated by the arrow A, toner adheres thereto by a developing sleeve (not shown). As a result, a toner image (visualized image) is formed.

一方、図１３に示した給紙部２２のトレイ２８，２９の何れかから給紙ローラ３０により転写紙Ｐが給紙され、それがレジストローラ対１３で一旦停止されて、その転写紙Ｐの先端と像担持体４上の画像の先端とが一致する正確なタイミングで搬送され、その転写紙Ｐに転写搬送ベルト５により像担持体４上のトナー像が転写される。その転写紙Ｐは、転写搬送ベルト５により搬送され、駆動ローラ部５ａで転写紙Ｐの腰による曲率分離で、その転写搬送ベルト５から分離されて、定着ユニット２５へ搬送され、そこで熱と圧力が加えられることによりトナーが転写紙Ｐに融着され、それが指定された排紙場所、すなわち排紙トレイ２１あるいはビントレイ２０の何れかに排出される。その後、像担持体４上に残った残留トナーは、次工程であるクリーニング位置まで回転移動し、クリーニング装置のクリーニングブレード（図１４における１０８を参照。）により掻き取られ、再び次の作像工程に移る。   On the other hand, the transfer paper P is fed from one of the trays 28 and 29 of the paper feed unit 22 shown in FIG. 13 by the paper feed roller 30, and is temporarily stopped by the registration roller pair 13. The leading edge and the leading edge of the image on the image carrier 4 are conveyed at an accurate timing, and the toner image on the image carrier 4 is transferred onto the transfer paper P by the transfer conveyance belt 5. The transfer paper P is transported by the transfer transport belt 5, and is separated from the transfer transport belt 5 by the drive roller unit 5 a due to curvature separation by the waist of the transfer paper P and transported to the fixing unit 25, where heat and pressure Is added to the transfer paper P, and the toner is discharged to a designated paper discharge location, that is, one of the paper discharge tray 21 and the bin tray 20. Thereafter, the residual toner remaining on the image carrier 4 is rotated to the next cleaning position, scraped off by the cleaning blade of the cleaning device (see 108 in FIG. 14), and again in the next image forming process. Move on.

本実施の形態においては、導電性部材１０を具体化した帯電ローラについて主として説明したが、本発明における導電性部材１０は、本発明の目的に反しない限り、帯電ローラ以外の帯電部材、例えば、ブレードのようなものであってもかまわない。また、本発明の導電性部材１０は、トナー担持体又は転写部材としてもかまわない。   In the present embodiment, the charging roller that embodies the conductive member 10 has been mainly described. However, the conductive member 10 according to the present invention is a charging member other than the charging roller, for example, It may be something like a blade. The conductive member 10 of the present invention may be a toner carrier or a transfer member.

（実施例１）
ＡＢＳ樹脂（デンカＡＢＳ ＧＲ−０５００、電気化学工業社製）５０重量％、及び、ポリエーテルエステルアミド（ＩＲＧＡＳＴＡＴ Ｐ１８、チバスペシャリティケミカルズ社製）５０重量％を配合して樹脂組成物とし、この樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して、図１において２で示されるような、両端近傍に両端方向の段差を有する形状の電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、この電気抵抗調整層の両端部に高密度ポリエチレン樹脂（ノバテックＰＰ ＨＹ５４０、日本ポリケム社製）からなるリング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径（最大径）を１２．１２ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．００ｍｍとした。次いで、この抵抗調整層の表面に、アクリルシリコーン樹脂（３０００ＶＨ−Ｐ、川上塗料社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、カーボンブラック（全固形分に対して３５重量％）からなる樹脂組成物により膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成して導電性部材を得た（図１を参照。）。 (Example 1)
50% by weight of ABS resin (Denka ABS GR-0500, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.) and 50% by weight of polyetheresteramide (IRGASTAT P18, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.) are used as a resin composition. An electrical resistance adjustment layer having a shape having steps in both end directions in the vicinity of both ends, as shown by 2 in FIG. 1, by covering the object with a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel having an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding. Formed. Then, after inserting and bonding a ring-shaped gap holding member made of high-density polyethylene resin (Novatech PP HY540, manufactured by Nippon Polychem Co., Ltd.) to both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer, the outer diameter (maximum) of the gap holding member is obtained by cutting. Diameter) was set to 12.12 mm, and the outer diameter of the resistance adjusting layer was set to 12.00 mm. Next, on the surface of the resistance adjusting layer, a resin composition comprising an acrylic silicone resin (3000 VH-P, manufactured by Kawakami Paint Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and carbon black (35% by weight with respect to the total solid content) is used. A surface layer having a thickness of about 10 μm was formed to obtain a conductive member (see FIG. 1).

（実施例２）
実施例１で得た樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して、図６に示されるように、その両端近傍に、その中央方向に設けられた段差部を有する電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、この電気抵抗調整層の両端部に高密度ポリエチレン樹脂（ノバテックＰＰ ＨＹ５４０、日本ポリケム社製）からなる、図６において３で示されているような、リング状の空隙保持部材を圧入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径（最大径）を１２．１２ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．００ｍｍとした。次いで、この抵抗調整層の表面に、シリコーン系樹脂（スリップコーティング剤ＨＳ−３、東芝シリコーン社製）、硬化剤（ＸＣ９６０３、東芝シリコーン社製）、触媒（ＹＣ６８３１東芝シリコーン社製）、及び、カーボンブラック（全固形分に対して３０重量％）からなる樹脂組成物（体積固有抵抗：８．３×１０9 Ωｃｍ）により膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成して導電性部材を得た（図６を参照。）。 (Example 2)
The resin composition obtained in Example 1 was coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel having an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding, and as shown in FIG. An electric resistance adjusting layer having the provided step portion was formed. Then, a ring-shaped gap holding member made of high-density polyethylene resin (Novatech PP HY540, manufactured by Nippon Polychem Co., Ltd.) as shown by 3 in FIG. Thereafter, the outer diameter (maximum diameter) of the gap holding member was set to 12.12 mm by cutting, and the outer diameter of the resistance adjusting layer was set to 12.00 mm. Next, on the surface of the resistance adjusting layer, a silicone resin (slip coating agent HS-3, manufactured by Toshiba Silicone), a curing agent (XC9603, manufactured by Toshiba Silicone), a catalyst (YC6831 manufactured by Toshiba Silicone), and carbon A surface layer having a film thickness of about 10 μm was formed from a resin composition (volume resistivity: 8.3 × 10 9 Ωcm) made of black (30% by weight with respect to the total solid content) to obtain a conductive member (FIG. 6).

（実施例３）
図７においてＢで示されているように、段差部を構成する面２ｂに幅約２ｍｍ、深さ約２ｍｍの接着剤溜まりを円周方向に２本形成した以外は、実施例１と同様にして、導電性部材を得た（図７を参照。）。 (Example 3)
As shown by B in FIG. 7, the same as in Example 1 except that two adhesive reservoirs having a width of about 2 mm and a depth of about 2 mm were formed on the surface 2b constituting the stepped portion in the circumferential direction. Thus, a conductive member was obtained (see FIG. 7).

（実施例４）
ＡＢＳ樹脂（デンカＡＢＳ ＧＲ−０５００、電気化学工業社製）４０重量％、及び、ポリエーテルエステルアミド（ＩＲＧＡＳＴＡＴ Ｐ１８、チバスペシャリティケミカルズ社製）６０重量％を配合して樹脂組成物（体積固有抵抗：６．３×１０8 Ωｃｍ）とし、この樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して、図５に示されるように、両端近傍に両端方向の段差を２つ有する形状の電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、この電気抵抗調整層の両端部に高密度ポリエチレン樹脂（ノバテックＰＰ ＨＹ５４０、日本ポリケム社製）からなる、図５において３で示される、リング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径（最大径）を１２．１２ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．００ｍｍとした。次いで、この抵抗調整層の表面に、アクリルシリコーン樹脂（３０００ＶＨ−Ｐ、川上塗料社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、カーボンブラック（全固形分に対して３５重量％）からなる樹脂組成物（体積固有抵抗：２．０×１０9 Ωｃｍ）により膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成して導電性部材を得た（図５を参照。）。 Example 4
A resin composition (volume resistivity: 40% by weight of ABS resin (Denka ABS GR-0500, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo) and 60% by weight of polyetheresteramide (IRGASTAT P18, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) 6.3 × 10 8 Ωcm), and this resin composition is coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel with an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding, and as shown in FIG. An electric resistance adjusting layer having two directional steps was formed. Then, after inserting and bonding a ring-shaped gap holding member shown by 3 in FIG. 5 made of high-density polyethylene resin (Novatech PP HY540, manufactured by Nippon Polychem Co., Ltd.) at both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer, cutting is performed. The outer diameter (maximum diameter) of the gap holding member was 12.12 mm, and the outer diameter of the resistance adjusting layer was 12.00 mm. Next, on the surface of this resistance adjusting layer, a resin composition (3000 VH-P, manufactured by Kawakami Paint Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and carbon black (35% by weight with respect to the total solid content) ( A surface layer having a film thickness of about 10 μm was formed by volume resistivity: 2.0 × 10 9 Ωcm) to obtain a conductive member (see FIG. 5).

（比較例１）
ＡＢＳ樹脂（デンカＡＢＳ ＧＲ−０５００、電気化学工業社製）５０重量％、及び、ポリエーテルエステルアミド（ＩＲＧＡＳＴＡＴ Ｐ１８、チバスペシャリティケミカルズ社製）５０重量％を配合して樹脂組成物（体積固有抵抗：２×１０8 Ω・ｃｍ）とし、この樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して、外径１２．０ｍｍの電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、この電気抵抗調整層の表面に、ウレタン樹脂（アデカボンタイターＡＭ３６、旭電化社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、カーボンブラック(全固形分に対して３０重量％)からなる樹脂組成物により膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成した。次に、この電気抵抗調整層の両端部に、ポリアミゾ樹脂（ノバミッド１０１０Ｃ２、三菱エンジニアリングプラスチック社製）で構成されるリング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径を１２．１ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．００ｍｍとして導電性部材を得た（図１５を参照。）。 (Comparative Example 1)
A resin composition (volume resistivity: 50% by weight of ABS resin (Denka ABS GR-0500, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo) and 50% by weight of polyether ester amide (IRGASTAT P18, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) 2 × 10 8 Ω · cm), and this resin composition is coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel with an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding to form an electric resistance adjusting layer with an outer diameter of 12.0 mm. did. And the resin composition which consists of urethane resin (Adekabon titer AM36, Asahi Denka Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate type hardening | curing agent, and carbon black (30 weight% with respect to total solid content) on the surface of this electrical resistance adjustment layer. Thus, a surface layer having a thickness of about 10 μm was formed. Next, after inserting and bonding a ring-shaped gap holding member made of polyamizo resin (Novamid 1010C2, manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics) to both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer, the outer diameter of the gap holding member is cut by cutting. Was 12.1 mm, and the outer diameter of the resistance adjusting layer was 12.00 mm to obtain a conductive member (see FIG. 15).

（比較例２）
エピクロルヒドリンゴム（エピクロマーＣＧ、ダイソー社製）１００重量部及び過塩素酸アンモニウム３重量部を配合してゴム組成物とし、このゴム組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に押出成形により被覆してゴム被覆層を形成した後、このゴム被覆層に加硫処理を処理を施し、続いて、この加硫処理を施したゴム被覆層を研削により外径１２ｍｍに仕上げて電気抵抗調整層を形成した。この電気抵抗調整層の表面に、ポリビニルブチラール樹脂（デンカブチラール３０００−Ｋ、電気化学工業社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、酸化スズ（全固形分に対して２５重量％）からなる樹脂組成物により、膜厚１０μｍの表面層を形成した。そして、この両端周囲に厚さ５０μｍのポリエチレンテレフタレート樹脂（ＰＥＴ）で構成されるテープ状部材（ダイタックＰＦ０２５−Ｈ、大日本インキ社製）を貼り付けて導電性部材を得た。 (Comparative Example 2)
100 parts by weight of epichlorohydrin rubber (Epichromer CG, manufactured by Daiso Corporation) and 3 parts by weight of ammonium perchlorate are blended to form a rubber composition, and the rubber composition is made of a stainless steel conductive support (core shaft) having an outer diameter of 8 mm. After the rubber coating layer is formed by extrusion molding, the rubber coating layer is subjected to a vulcanization treatment. Subsequently, the rubber coating layer subjected to the vulcanization treatment is finished to an outer diameter of 12 mm by grinding. An electric resistance adjusting layer was formed. A resin composition comprising a polyvinyl butyral resin (Denka Butyral 3000-K, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and tin oxide (25% by weight based on the total solid content) on the surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer. A surface layer having a thickness of 10 μm was formed from the object. A tape-shaped member (DaiTac PF025-H, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Co., Inc.) composed of a polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET) having a thickness of 50 μm was pasted around both ends to obtain a conductive member.

（比較例３）
ＡＢＳ樹脂（デンカＡＢＳ ＧＲ−０５００、電気化学工業社製）８０重量％、及び、四級アンモニウム塩基を含有するイオン導電性の高分子化合物（レオレックスＡＳ−１７２０、第一工業製薬製）２０重量％からなる樹脂組成物とし、この樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、この電気抵抗調整層の両端部に、ポリアミド樹脂（ノバミッド１０１０Ｃ２、三菱エンジニアリングプラスチック社製）で構成されるリング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径を１２．１２ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．００ｍｍとした（図１５を参照。）。次いで、この抵抗調整層の表面に、フッ素樹脂（ルミフロンＬＦ−６００、旭硝子社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、酸化スズ(全固形分に対して４５重量％)からなる混合物により、膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成した後、その両端部に、厚さ５０μｍの熱収縮性ＰＦＡチューブを貼り付け導電性部材を得た。 (Comparative Example 3)
ABS resin (Denka ABS GR-0500, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.) 80% by weight, and ion conductive polymer compound containing quaternary ammonium base (Rolex AS-1720, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku) 20% %, And the resin composition was coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel having an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding to form an electric resistance adjusting layer. Then, after inserting and bonding a ring-shaped gap holding member made of polyamide resin (Novamid 1010C2, manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics) to both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer, the outer diameter of the gap holding member is reduced by cutting. The outer diameter of the resistance adjustment layer was 12.00 mm (see FIG. 15). Next, on the surface of the resistance adjusting layer, a film thickness is formed by a mixture comprising a fluororesin (Lumiflon LF-600, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and tin oxide (45% by weight with respect to the total solid content). After forming a surface layer of about 10 μm, a heat-shrinkable PFA tube having a thickness of 50 μm was attached to both ends thereof to obtain a conductive member.

（比較例４）
両端部にステンレスからなるリング状の空隙保持部材（外径１２．１２ｍｍ）を挿入接着した以外は、比較例１と同様にして導電性部材を得た。 (Comparative Example 4)
A conductive member was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 except that ring-shaped gap holding members (outer diameter 12.12 mm) made of stainless steel were inserted and bonded to both ends.

以上、実施例１〜４及び比較例１〜４で得た導電性部材を、帯電部材として、画像形成装置（図１４を参照。）に搭載し、帯電部材と像担持体との間の空隙量を測定した。次いで、印加する電圧をＤＣ＝−８００Ｖ、ＡＣ＝２４００Ｖｐｐ（周波数＝２ＫＨｚ）に設定して、６００，０００枚（Ａ４横）を画像出力することによって、帯電ムラ（帯電部材と像担持体間の空隙量変化として画像で評価）及び空隙保持部材の状態、並びに、空隙部材の回転トルク及び画像について評価を行った。評価環境は、２３℃、６０％ＲＨとした。評価結果は、次の表１に示される。   As described above, the conductive members obtained in Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 are mounted on an image forming apparatus (see FIG. 14) as a charging member, and a gap between the charging member and the image carrier is provided. The amount was measured. Next, the voltage to be applied is set to DC = −800 V, AC = 2400 Vpp (frequency = 2 KHz), and 600,000 sheets (A4 side) are output as an image, thereby causing uneven charging (between the charging member and the image carrier). Evaluation was performed with an image as a change in the gap amount), the state of the gap holding member, the rotational torque of the gap member, and the image. The evaluation environment was 23 ° C. and 60% RH. The evaluation results are shown in the following Table 1.

Figure 2005266774
Figure 2005266774

表１においては、
１）抵抗調整層の抵抗及び表面層の抵抗値は評価開始前の値とし、
２）帯電ムラ、空隙保持部材の状態、空隙保持部材の回転トルクは、６００，０００枚を画像出力後のものを評価し、そして、
３）空隙保持部材の回転トルクは、２ｋｇｆ以上を良好と判断した。 In Table 1,
1) The resistance of the resistance adjustment layer and the resistance value of the surface layer are the values before the start of evaluation,
2) The charging unevenness, the state of the gap holding member, and the rotational torque of the gap holding member were evaluated after 600,000 images were output, and
3) It was judged that the rotational torque of the gap holding member was 2 kgf or more.

（実施例５）
ＡＢＳ樹脂（デンカＡＢＳ ＧＲ−０５００、電気化学工業社製）５０重量％、及び、ポリエーテルエステルアミド（ＩＲＧＡＳＴＡＴ Ｐ１８、チバスペシャリティケミカルズ社製）５０重量％を配合して樹脂組成物（体積固有抵抗：２×１０8 Ωｃｍ）とし、この樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して、外径１４ｍｍ、両端段差部外径１１．３ｍｍの電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、電気抵抗調整層の両端段差部に、空隙保持部材として高密度ポリエチレン樹脂（ノバテックＰＰ ＨＹ５４０、日本ポリケム社製）からなるリング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径（最大径）を１２．１ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．０ｍｍとして、図１１に示される形状とした。このようにして形成された空隙保持部材の厚みは、０．４ｍｍであった。次いで、この抵抗調整層の表面に、アクリルシリコーン樹脂（３０００ＶＨ−Ｐ、川上塗料社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、カーボンブラック（全固形分に対して３０重量％）からなる樹脂組成物（表面抵抗：２×１０10Ω）をスプレーコーティングして膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成して導電性部材を得た。 (Example 5)
A resin composition (volume resistivity: 50% by weight of ABS resin (Denka ABS GR-0500, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo) and 50% by weight of polyether ester amide (IRGASTAT P18, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) 2 × 10 8 Ωcm), and this resin composition is coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel with an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding to provide an electric with an outer diameter of 14 mm and both end stepped portion outer diameters of 11.3 mm. A resistance adjustment layer was formed. Then, after inserting and bonding a ring-shaped gap holding member made of high-density polyethylene resin (Novatech PP HY540, manufactured by Nippon Polychem Co., Ltd.) as a gap holding member to both end step portions of the electric resistance adjusting layer, the gap holding member is cut by cutting. The outer diameter (maximum diameter) was 12.1 mm, and the outer diameter of the resistance adjusting layer was 12.0 mm, resulting in the shape shown in FIG. The gap holding member thus formed had a thickness of 0.4 mm. Next, on the surface of the resistance adjusting layer, a resin composition (3000 VH-P, manufactured by Kawakami Paint Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and carbon black (30% by weight with respect to the total solid content) ( Surface resistance: 2 × 10 10 Ω) was spray-coated to form a surface layer having a thickness of about 10 μm to obtain a conductive member.

（実施例６）
実施例５で得た樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して、外径１４ｍｍ、両端段差部外径１１．１ｍｍの電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、電気抵抗調整層の両端段差部に、空隙保持部材として高密度ポリエチレン樹脂（ノバテックＰＰ ＨＹ５４０、日本ポリケム社製）からなるリング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径（最大径）を１２．１ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．０ｍｍとして、図１１に示される形状とした。このようにして形成された空隙保持部材の厚みは、０．５ｍｍであった。次いで、この抵抗調整層の表面に、アクリルシリコーン樹脂（３０００ＶＨ−Ｐ、川上塗料社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、カーボンブラック（全固形分に対して３０重量％）からなる樹脂組成物（表面抵抗：２×１０10Ω）をスプレーコーティングして膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成して導電性部材を得た。 (Example 6)
The resin composition obtained in Example 5 was coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel having an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding, and an electric resistance adjusting layer having an outer diameter of 14 mm and both stepped portion outer diameters of 11.1 mm. Formed. Then, after inserting and bonding a ring-shaped gap holding member made of high-density polyethylene resin (Novatech PP HY540, manufactured by Nippon Polychem Co., Ltd.) as a gap holding member to both end step portions of the electric resistance adjusting layer, the gap holding member is cut by cutting. The outer diameter (maximum diameter) was 12.1 mm, and the outer diameter of the resistance adjusting layer was 12.0 mm, resulting in the shape shown in FIG. The gap holding member thus formed had a thickness of 0.5 mm. Next, on the surface of the resistance adjusting layer, a resin composition (3000 VH-P, manufactured by Kawakami Paint Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and carbon black (30% by weight with respect to the total solid content) ( Surface resistance: 2 × 10 10 Ω) was spray-coated to form a surface layer having a thickness of about 10 μm to obtain a conductive member.

（実施例７）
実施例５で得た樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆して、外径１４ｍｍ、両端段差部外径１０．９ｍｍの電気抵抗調整層を形成した。そして、電気抵抗調整層の両端段差部に、空隙保持部材として高密度ポリエチレン樹脂（ノバテックＰＰ ＨＹ５４０、日本ポリケム社製）からなるリング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着した後、切削によって前記空隙保持部材の外径（最大径）を１２．１ｍｍとすると共に、前記抵抗調整層の外径を１２．０ｍｍとして、図１１に示される形状とした。このようにして形成された空隙保持部材の厚みは、０．６ｍｍであった。次いで、この抵抗調整層の表面に、アクリルシリコーン樹脂（３０００ＶＨ−Ｐ、川上塗料社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、カーボンブラック（全固形分に対して３０重量％）からなる樹脂組成物（表面抵抗：２×１０10Ω）をスプレーコーティングして膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成して導電性部材を得た。 (Example 7)
The resin composition obtained in Example 5 was coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel having an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding, and an electric resistance adjusting layer having an outer diameter of 14 mm and both stepped portion outer diameters of 10.9 mm. Formed. Then, after inserting and bonding a ring-shaped gap holding member made of high-density polyethylene resin (Novatech PP HY540, manufactured by Nippon Polychem Co., Ltd.) as a gap holding member to both end step portions of the electric resistance adjusting layer, the gap holding member is cut by cutting. The outer diameter (maximum diameter) was 12.1 mm, and the outer diameter of the resistance adjusting layer was 12.0 mm, resulting in the shape shown in FIG. The gap holding member thus formed had a thickness of 0.6 mm. Next, on the surface of the resistance adjusting layer, a resin composition (3000 VH-P, manufactured by Kawakami Paint Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and carbon black (30% by weight with respect to the total solid content) ( Surface resistance: 2 × 10 10 Ω) was spray-coated to form a surface layer having a thickness of about 10 μm to obtain a conductive member.

（実施例８）
図８に示されるように、電気抵抗調整層の段差を構成する面に幅約１ｍｍ、深さ約１ｍｍの接着剤溜りを円周方向に３本形成した以外は、実施例１と同様にして、導電性部材を得た。 (Example 8)
As shown in FIG. 8, the same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that three adhesive reservoirs having a width of about 1 mm and a depth of about 1 mm were formed in the circumferential direction on the surface constituting the step of the electric resistance adjusting layer. A conductive member was obtained.

（比較例５）
エピクロルヒドリンゴム（エピクロマーＣＧ、ダイソー社製）１００重量部及び過塩素酸アンモニウム３重量部を配合してゴム組成物（体積抵抗率：４×１０8 Ωｃｍ）とし、このゴム組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に押出成形により被覆してゴム被覆層を形成した後、このゴム被覆層に加硫処理を処理を施し、続いて、この加硫処理を施したゴム被覆層を研削により外径１２ｍｍに仕上げて電気抵抗調整層を形成した。この電気抵抗調整層の表面に、ポリビニルブチラール樹脂（デンカブチラール３０００−Ｋ、電気化学工業社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、酸化スズ（全固形分に対して６０重量％）からなる樹脂組成物（表面抵抗：２×１０10Ω）により、膜厚１０μｍの表面層を形成した。そして、この両端部に、ポリアミド樹脂（ノバミッド１０１０Ｃ２、三菱エンジニアリングプラスチックス社製）からなるリング状の空隙保持部材（外径１２．１ｍｍ）を挿入接着し、導電性部材を得た。 (Comparative Example 5)
100 parts by weight of epichlorohydrin rubber (Epichromer CG, manufactured by Daiso Co., Ltd.) and 3 parts by weight of ammonium perchlorate are blended to obtain a rubber composition (volume resistivity: 4 × 10 8 Ωcm). This rubber composition is made of stainless steel. A rubber support layer is formed by coating a conductive support (core shaft) having a diameter of 8 mm by extrusion molding, and then the rubber coating layer is subjected to a vulcanization treatment, and subsequently the rubber subjected to the vulcanization treatment. The coating layer was finished to an outer diameter of 12 mm by grinding to form an electric resistance adjusting layer. A resin composition comprising a polyvinyl butyral resin (Denka Butyral 3000-K, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and tin oxide (60% by weight based on the total solid content) on the surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer. A surface layer having a film thickness of 10 μm was formed from an object (surface resistance: 2 × 10 10 Ω). And the ring-shaped space | gap holding member (outer diameter 12.1mm) which consists of a polyamide resin (Novamid 1010C2, Mitsubishi engineering plastics company) was inserted and bonded to this both ends, and the electroconductive member was obtained.

（比較例６）
両端部周囲に、空隙保持部材として、幅８ｍｍ、厚さ６０μｍのテープ状部材（ダイタックＰＦ０２５−Ｈ、大日本インキ社製）を被覆した以外は、比較例５と同様にして、導電性部材を得た。 (Comparative Example 6)
A conductive member is formed in the same manner as in Comparative Example 5 except that a tape-like member (DaiTac PF025-H, manufactured by Dainippon Ink, Inc.) having a width of 8 mm and a thickness of 60 μm is coated around both ends as a gap holding member. Obtained.

（比較例７）
ＡＢＳ樹脂（デンカＡＢＳ ＧＲ−０５００、電気化学工業社製）５０重量％、及び、ポリエーテルエステルアミド（ＩＲＧＡＳＴＡＴ Ｐ１８、チバスペシャリティケミカルズ社製）５０重量％を配合して樹脂組成物（体積固有抵抗：２×１０8 Ωｃｍ）とし、この樹脂組成物をステンレスからなる外径８ｍｍの導電性支持体（芯軸）に射出成形により被覆した。そして、この両端部に、空隙保持部材として高密度ポリエチレン樹脂（ノバテックＰＰ ＨＹ５４０、日本ポリケム社製）からなるリング状の空隙保持部材を挿入接着し、切削によって空隙保持部材の外径（最大径）を１２．１ｍｍ、電気抵抗調整層の外径を１２．０ｍｍに同時仕上げを行い、図１５に示す形状とした。次いで、この電気抵抗調整層の表面に、アクリルシリコーン樹脂（３０００ＶＨ−Ｐ、川上塗料社製）、イソシアネート系硬化剤、及び、カーボンブラック（全固形分に対して３０重量％）からなる樹脂組成物（表面抵抗：２×１０10Ω）をスプレーコーティングして膜厚約１０μｍの表面層を形成して導電性部材を得た。 (Comparative Example 7)
A resin composition (volume resistivity: 50% by weight of ABS resin (Denka ABS GR-0500, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo) and 50% by weight of polyether ester amide (IRGASTAT P18, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) 2 × 10 8 Ωcm), and this resin composition was coated on a conductive support (core shaft) made of stainless steel having an outer diameter of 8 mm by injection molding. A ring-shaped gap holding member made of high-density polyethylene resin (Novatech PP HY540, manufactured by Nippon Polychem) is inserted and bonded to both ends as a gap holding member, and the outer diameter (maximum diameter) of the gap holding member is obtained by cutting. Was simultaneously finished to 12.1 mm and the outer diameter of the electric resistance adjusting layer to 12.0 mm to obtain the shape shown in FIG. Next, a resin composition comprising an acrylic silicone resin (3000 VH-P, manufactured by Kawakami Paint Co., Ltd.), an isocyanate curing agent, and carbon black (30% by weight with respect to the total solid content) is formed on the surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer. (Surface resistance: 2 × 10 10 Ω) was spray coated to form a surface layer having a thickness of about 10 μm to obtain a conductive member.

以上、実施例５〜８及び比較例５〜７で得た導電性部材（導電性ローラ）を図１４に示した画像形成装置における帯電部材（帯電ローラ）として搭載し、室温環境下（２３℃、６０％ＲＨ）において、帯電部材と像担持体との間の空隙量を測定した。そして、この画像形成装置をＬＬ；１０℃、６５％ＲＨ、ＨＨ；３０℃、９０％ＲＨの各環境下に２４ｈ放置して、各環境下における帯電部材と像担持体との間の空隙量を測定することにより、各環境間の空隙変化量を算出した。次に、この画像形成装置に印加する電圧をＤＣ＝−８００Ｖ、ＡＣ＝２４００Ｖｐｐ（周波数＝２ｋＨｚ）に設定して、これに３００，０００枚通紙した後、帯電部材と像担持体との間の空隙量、ローラ表面の状態、及び、画像について評価を行った。前記ローラ表面の状態、及び、画像についての評価においては、実用上問題のないものを「良好」とした。評価環境は、１０，０００枚ごとに２３℃、６０％ＲＨ、ＬＬ；１０℃、６５％ＲＨ、ＨＨ；３０℃、９０％の各環境を切り替えて行った。評価結果は、次の表２に示される。   As described above, the conductive member (conductive roller) obtained in Examples 5 to 8 and Comparative Examples 5 to 7 is mounted as a charging member (charging roller) in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. , 60% RH), the amount of voids between the charging member and the image carrier was measured. Then, this image forming apparatus is left in each environment of LL; 10 ° C., 65% RH, HH; 30 ° C., 90% RH for 24 hours, and the gap amount between the charging member and the image carrier in each environment. Was measured to calculate the amount of change in the gap between the environments. Next, the voltage applied to the image forming apparatus is set to DC = −800 V, AC = 2400 Vpp (frequency = 2 kHz), and after passing 300,000 sheets, the voltage between the charging member and the image carrier is set. The void amount, the state of the roller surface, and the image were evaluated. In the evaluation of the state of the roller surface and the image, those having no practical problem were evaluated as “good”. The evaluation environment was changed for each 10,000 sheets at 23 ° C., 60% RH, LL; 10 ° C., 65% RH, HH; 30 ° C., 90%. The evaluation results are shown in Table 2 below.

Figure 2005266774
Figure 2005266774

表１から次のことがわかる。即ち、実施例５〜８で得た導電性部材（導電性ローラ）は、空隙量のばらつき及び各環境間の変化量が小さい結果が得られた。また、実施例５〜８の導電性部材（導電性ローラ）は、全項目で良好な結果が得られたが、比較例５〜７では不具合が見られた。   Table 1 shows the following. In other words, the conductive members (conductive rollers) obtained in Examples 5 to 8 obtained the results that the variation in the gap amount and the amount of change between the environments were small. Moreover, although the favorable result was obtained by the electroconductive member (electroconductive roller) of Examples 5-8 in all the items, the malfunction was seen in Comparative Examples 5-7.

本発明の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows one embodiment of this invention. 図１で示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) shown in FIG. 本発明の他の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows other one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の他の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows other one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の他の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows other one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の他の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows other one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の他の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows other one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の他の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）の部分拡大図である。It is the elements on larger scale of the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows other one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施の形態を示す導電性部材（帯電ローラ）を形成する方法を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the method of forming the electroconductive member (charging roller) which shows one embodiment of this invention. 導電性部材（帯電ローラ）を像担持体上に配置した状態を示す模式図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a conductive member (charging roller) is disposed on an image carrier. 実施例５〜７で得た導電性部材（帯電ローラ）一部拡大断面図である。It is a conductive member (charging roller) partially expanded sectional view obtained in Examples 5-7. 実施例８で得た導電性部材（帯電ローラ）一部拡大断面図である。10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a conductive member (charging roller) obtained in Example 8. FIG. 本発明の一実施の形態を示す画像形成装置の説明図である。1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 従来の帯電ローラを用いた画像形成装置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the image forming apparatus using the conventional charging roller. 本発明者らにより提案されている帯電部材の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the charging member proposed by the present inventors.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 導電性支持体
２ 電気抵抗調整層
３ 空隙保持部材
４ 像担持体
Ｂ 接着剤溜まり
Ｇ 空隙
１０ 導電性部材（帯電ローラ） DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conductive support body 2 Electrical resistance adjustment layer 3 Gap holding member 4 Image carrier B Adhesive reservoir G Gap 10 Conductive member (charging roller)

Claims (14)

導電性支持体と、該導電性支持体上に形成された電気抵抗調整層と、該電気抵抗調整層の両端に設けられた空隙保持部材と、を有する導電性部材において、
（イ）前記電気抵抗調整層が、その両端近傍に、その両端方向に設けられた段差部又はその中央方向に設けられた段差部を１段以上有し、そして、
（ロ）前記空隙保持部材が、前記電気抵抗調整層の段差部を構成する２面以上に接して固定されている
ことを特徴とする導電性部材。 In a conductive member having a conductive support, an electric resistance adjusting layer formed on the conductive support, and a gap holding member provided at both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer,
(A) The electrical resistance adjusting layer has one or more stepped portions provided in the direction of both ends or a stepped portion provided in the center direction in the vicinity of both ends; and
(B) The conductive member, wherein the gap holding member is fixed in contact with two or more surfaces constituting the step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer. 前記空隙保持部材が、リング状であることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の導電性部材。   The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein the gap holding member has a ring shape. 前記空隙保持部材が、前記電気抵抗調整層の段差部に圧入されていることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載の導電性部材。   The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein the gap holding member is press-fitted into a step portion of the electric resistance adjusting layer. 前記空隙保持部材が、前記電気抵抗調整層に接着剤で固着されていることを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれかに記載の導電性部材。   The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein the gap holding member is fixed to the electric resistance adjusting layer with an adhesive. 前記空隙保持部材の少なくとも像担持体と当接する部分が、電気絶縁性樹脂材料で構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれかに記載の導電性部材。   5. The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the gap holding member that is in contact with the image carrier is made of an electrically insulating resin material. 前記空隙保持部材の体積固有抵抗が、１０13Ω・ｃｍ以上であることを特徴とする請求項５に記載の導電性部材。 The conductive member according to claim 5, wherein a volume resistivity of the gap holding member is 10 13 Ω · cm or more. 前記電気抵抗調整層の体積固有抵抗が、１０6 〜１０9 Ωｃｍであることを特徴とする請求項１〜６のいずれかに記載の導電性部材。 7. The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein a volume specific resistance of the electric resistance adjusting layer is 10 6 to 10 9 Ωcm. 前記空隙保持部材の外周面が像担持体と当接したときに、該像担持体の外周面と前記電気抵抗調整層の外周面との間に一定間隔の空隙が形成されるように、該電気抵抗調整層の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材の外周面の高低差が設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１〜７のいずれかに記載の導電性部材。   When the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member comes into contact with the image carrier, the gaps are formed at a constant interval between the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier and the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer. The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein a difference in height of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer is provided. 前記電気抵抗調整層の外周面に対する前記空隙保持部材の外周面の高低差が、前記導電性支持体上に設置された該空隙保持部材の外周面と前記導電性支持体上に設置された該電気抵抗調整層の外周面とに施された切削加工、研削加工等の除去加工による一体加工で形成されていることを特徴とする請求項８に記載の導電性部材。   The difference in height of the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer is such that the outer peripheral surface of the gap holding member installed on the conductive support and the conductive support are installed on the conductive support. 9. The conductive member according to claim 8, wherein the conductive member is formed by an integrated process by a removal process such as a cutting process or a grinding process applied to the outer peripheral surface of the electric resistance adjusting layer. 前記電気抵抗調整層上に表面層が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１〜９のいずれかに記載の導電性部材。   The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein a surface layer is formed on the electric resistance adjusting layer. 前記表面層の体積固有抵抗が、前記電気抵抗調整層の体積固有抵抗より大きいことを特徴とする請求項１０に記載の導電性部材。   The conductive member according to claim 10, wherein a volume resistivity of the surface layer is larger than a volume resistivity of the electric resistance adjusting layer. 前記導電性部材を帯電部材としたことを特徴とする請求項１〜１１のいずれかに記載の導電性部材。   The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is a charging member. 請求項１２に記載の帯電部材が被帯電体上に近接配置されるように設けられていることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。   13. A process cartridge, wherein the charging member according to claim 12 is provided so as to be disposed close to a member to be charged. 請求項１３に記載のプロセスカートリッジを有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。   An image forming apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to claim 13.
JP2005019517A 2004-01-28 2005-01-27 Conductive member and process cartridge including the same, and image forming apparatus including the process cartridge Pending JP2005266774A (en)

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JP2007133144A (en) * 2005-11-10 2007-05-31 Ricoh Co Ltd Conductive member, charging member using conductive member, process cartridge using charging member, and image forming device using process cartridge
US8041259B2 (en) 2007-05-11 2011-10-18 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Conductive member, process cartridge including same, and image forming apparatus including the process cartridge
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US8038590B2 (en) 2005-05-27 2011-10-18 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Conductive member, process cartridge having the same, and image forming apparatus having the process cartridge
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