JP2007033616A - Cleaning device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove fine residues, such as discharge products and external additives, from the surface of an image carrier evenly in an extension direction of the central axis of the image carrier and sufficiently for a long period of time, relating to a cleaning device for removing the residues, such as residual toners, employed in an electrophotographic system, such as a copying machine, facsimile, and a printer, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the cleaning device. <P>SOLUTION: The cleaning device is equipped with: a cleaning means 71 for removing the residual toner remaining on a surface 110 after the toner image is transferred to the surface P to be transferred of the image carrier 10; a fiber object 75 having a plurality of fibers 752 which adjoins the surface 110 after the toner image is transferred to the surface P to be transferred of the image carrier 10 nearer the upstream side in the cyclical moving direction of the image carrier surface 110 than the cleaning means 71; and a reciprocation mechanism 76 for making the fiber object 75 and image carrier surface 110 reciprocate relatively in the extension direction of the central axis 10a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device for removing residues such as residual toner, and an image forming apparatus including the cleaning device, which are employed in electrophotographic systems such as copying machines, facsimile machines, and printers.

  Conventionally, in the electrophotographic system, the surface of the image carrier that circulates in a predetermined direction around the central axis is charged by a charger, and the charged image carrier surface is irradiated with exposure light to electrostatically apply to the surface of the image carrier. A toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier is formed by a toner image forming cycle in which a latent image is formed and the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by a developing device to form a toner image on the surface of the image carrier. By transferring to a transfer surface (recording medium or intermediate transfer member) and finally fixing on the recording medium, an image composed of a fixed toner image is formed on the recording medium.

  Since multiple types of foreign matter such as untransferred toner, external additives, paper powder, or discharge products generated during charging remain on the surface of the image carrier that has been transferred to a predetermined transfer surface, It is necessary to remove the toner image by the cleaning means prior to the toner image forming cycle.

  Various methods have been proposed as cleaning methods for removing residues such as toner, but a method of mechanically removing residues by rubbing with the surface of the image carrier is effective.

  However, when this mechanical removal method is adopted, a mechanical external force is applied to the surface of the image carrier. Further, an electrical and mechanical external force is directly applied to the surface of the image carrier by a charger, a developing device, a transfer unit, and the like. For this reason, the surface of the image carrier is required to have durability against abrasion and scratches, and an image carrier having a hard surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1) tends to be used in order to ensure the durability.

  However, if an image carrier having a hard surface is used, it will be difficult to mechanically remove the residue from the surface of the image carrier, and it will be difficult to remove fine particles such as discharge products and external additives generated during charging. Residue is difficult to remove. In particular, since the image flow is caused when the discharge product absorbs moisture, the discharge product must be sufficiently removed.

Therefore, conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a fibrous body having a plurality of fibers is brought into contact with the surface of the image carrier, and fine residues such as discharge products and external additives are removed by the fibrous body (Patent Literature). 2-4).
Japanese Patent No. 3264218 JP-A-1-161279 JP-A-5-109933 JP 2002-244522 A

The techniques described in these Patent Documents 2 to 4 are techniques aiming to scrape fine residues from the surface of the image carrier by the fiber body, but in any technique, the scraping property by the fiber body. However, there is a problem that it becomes non-uniform in the extending direction of the central axis of the image carrier. In addition, in order to increase the scraping ability by the fiber body, the more strongly the fiber body is pressed against the surface of the image carrier, the higher the mechanical stress on the surface of the image carrier, and the harder the surface is. However, excessive wear and scratches are generated on the surface, and the deterioration of the fiber body itself is accelerated. In particular, the techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are techniques in which the fibrous body is arranged on the downstream side in the circulating movement direction on the surface of the image carrier with respect to the cleaning unit, and there is a concern that the scraping ability by the fibrous body is insufficient. . For this reason, it is necessary to strongly press the fiber body against the surface of the image carrier, and the surface of the image carrier is worn or damaged more than necessary, and the fiber body itself is easily deteriorated. Further, even if the fibrous body is strongly pressed against the surface of the image carrier and the fine residue is scraped off, the scraped material tends to be saturated with the fiber, and it is difficult to maintain good scraping properties over a long period of time.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention can remove fine residues such as discharge products and external additives from the surface of the image carrier uniformly and sufficiently over a long period of time in the extending direction of the central axis of the image carrier. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device and an image forming apparatus including the cleaning device.

The cleaning device of the present invention that solves the above object carries a toner image to be transferred onto a transfer surface in a predetermined transfer area on the surface, and circulates the surface around the central axis to move the toner image to the transfer area. In the cleaning apparatus for removing the residue remaining on the surface after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface of the image carrier conveyed to the surface,
Cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface;
A fiber body having a plurality of fibers in contact with the surface after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface of the image carrier on the upstream side in the circulation movement direction of the surface of the image carrier from the cleaning unit;
An apparatus comprising: a reciprocating mechanism that relatively reciprocates the fibrous body and the surface of the image carrier in the extending direction of the central axis.

  The image carrier here may be a photoconductor that is uniformly charged and then exposed to light to form an electrostatic latent image, or a toner image is primarily transferred from the photoconductor, and a recording medium. It may be an intermediate transfer member in which peeling discharge occurs during the secondary transfer to. That is, the cleaning device of the present invention can be applied as a cleaning device for the surface of the photosensitive member or a cleaning device for the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

  According to the cleaning device of the present invention, since the fibrous body is arranged on the upstream side of the cleaning means for removing the residual toner, the surface of the image carrier is circulated, so that the residual toner and the toner are removed toward the fibrous body. If the additive is externally added, the particles of the external additive are also carried. Residual toner and external additive particles (hereinafter collectively referred to as residual toner components) are captured by the fibers of the fibrous body and held by the fibers. Deposits such as discharge products adhered to the surface of the image carrier are scraped off from the surface of the image carrier by the residual toner component held on the fibers of the fiber body. The residue thus scraped off adheres to the residual toner component captured by the fiber. Here, the residual toner component trapped in the fiber is replaced with the residual toner component on the surface of the image carrier newly transported to the fiber body, and returns to the image carrier surface. The residual toner component that has returned to the surface of the image carrier is directed to the downstream cleaning unit as the image carrier surface circulates, and is removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning unit. That is, the residual toner component that is once captured by the fibrous body and has a fine residue attached thereto is finally removed from the surface of the image carrier by the cleaning means. As described above, in the cleaning device of the present invention, since the residual toner component captured by the fibers of the fibrous body is replaced, it is possible to suppress the scraped material from being saturated in the fibrous body. In addition, since the reciprocating mechanism is provided, the scraping ability of the fibrous body can be enhanced by the relative reciprocating movement of the fibrous body and the surface of the image carrier without strongly pressing the fibrous body against the surface of the image carrier. The residue is fully removed. Further, it is possible to prevent the scraping property by the fiber body from becoming nonuniform in the extending direction of the central axis of the image carrier. Therefore, according to the cleaning device of the present invention, fine residues can be removed from the surface of the image carrier uniformly and sufficiently over a long period of time in the extending direction of the central axis of the image carrier.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention that solves the above-described object is provided by charging a surface of a photosensitive member that circulates in a predetermined direction around a central axis with a charger and irradiating the charged photosensitive member surface with exposure light. A toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor by a toner image forming cycle in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface, the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image composed of a fixed toner image on a recording medium by transferring to a transfer surface and finally fixing on the recording medium,
Cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface;
A fibrous body having a plurality of fibers in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface on the upstream side in the circulation movement direction of the photoreceptor surface with respect to the cleaning unit;
And a reciprocating mechanism for reciprocally moving the fibrous body and the surface of the photoreceptor in the extending direction of the central axis.

  The surface to be transferred here may be a surface of the intermediate transfer member in contact with the surface of the photosensitive member or a recording surface of a recording medium.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the cleaning apparatus of the present invention is provided, fine residues such as discharge products and external additives are extended from the surface of the photoreceptor to the extending direction of the central axis of the photoreceptor. Can be removed uniformly and sufficiently over a long period of time.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the fibrous body has a plurality of fibers having a thickness of 10 μm or less, and has a width of 1.5 mm or more in the circulating movement direction of the surface of the photosensitive member. Is preferred.

  By doing so, the surface of the fibrous body in contact with the surface of the photoconductor becomes a porous surface, and the surface of the photoconductor is reciprocated by the porous surface. As a result, the residual toner component is stably held by a plurality of fibers having a thickness of 10 μm or less, and the fine residue is more uniformly and more sufficiently extended from the surface of the photoconductor over the extended direction of the central axis of the photoconductor. Removed.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the reciprocating mechanism reciprocally moves the fiber body and the surface of the photoreceptor relatively while avoiding the execution of the toner image forming cycle. Certain embodiments are also preferred.

  According to this aspect, the influence on the toner image formation due to the relative reciprocation between the fibrous body and the surface of the photoreceptor is suppressed, which is preferable.

Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a control unit for controlling a relative reciprocating speed between the fiber body and the surface of the photosensitive member by the reciprocating movement mechanism, or
It is also preferable that a control unit for controlling the relative amplitude of reciprocation between the fibrous body and the surface of the photosensitive member by the reciprocating movement mechanism is provided.

  By providing any of the above control units, the scraping ability of the fiber body is adjusted, and unnecessary wear and scratches generated on the surface of the photoreceptor due to excessive scraping, and further deterioration of the fiber body itself can be suppressed. That is, excessive scraping can be suppressed by reducing the speed of the reciprocating motion or reducing the amplitude width of the reciprocating motion. Conversely, when a high scraping ability is required, the control unit increases the speed of the reciprocating motion or increases the amplitude width of the reciprocating motion.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a controller that stops the charging operation of the charger while the fiber body and the surface of the photoconductor are reciprocally moved by the reciprocating movement mechanism. The aspect provided is also preferable.

  Since the charger is a generation source of the discharge product, in this embodiment, the residual rate of the discharge product on the surface of the photoreceptor that has passed through the cleaning unit is further reduced.

Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the humidity or temperature in the image forming apparatus, or an environment detection sensor for detecting humidity and temperature,
Any one of the absolute moisture amount in the image forming apparatus calculated using the detection result of the environmental detection sensation, the temperature based on the detection result of the environmental detection sens, and the humidity based on the detection result of the environmental detection sensation is a predetermined value. And if so, the speed of relative reciprocation between the fiber body and the surface of the photoconductor by the reciprocating movement mechanism is increased or the amplitude width is increased, or It is also preferable to include a control unit that increases the speed and increases the amplitude width.

  The image flow caused by the discharge product is likely to occur under high humidity conditions, and high scraping ability is most necessary under high humidity conditions. In addition, electrostatic adhesion contributes to the retention of residual toner by the fibers of the fibrous body, but the electrostatic adhesion force decreases under high temperature and high humidity conditions, so the scraping ability of the fibrous body is also low. It tends to decrease. For this reason, the control unit detects that the scraping ability of the fibrous body needs to be increased by using any one of the parameters of the absolute water content, the temperature based on the detection result, and the humidity based on the detection result. Correspond.

  On the other hand, under low temperature and low humidity, the electrostatic adhesion increases, and when the plurality of fibers are held by the elastic body, the elastic modulus of the elastic body also increases, and the scraping ability of the fiber body is excessive. It makes me feel. Therefore, the control unit may detect and cope with the necessity of reducing the scraping ability of the fibrous body using any of the parameters described above.

  In this way, regardless of the environment in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is used, high image quality can be maintained over a long period of time, and the lifetime of both the photoreceptor and the fiber body can be extended.

  The control unit may have a table for both temperature and humidity and control the speed and the amplitude width by a combination of predetermined conditions.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is also preferable that the photoreceptor has a protective layer containing a resin having a structural unit having a charge transport function and a crosslinked structure on the outermost surface.

  When the photoconductor has the protective layer, it is possible to prevent the surface of the photoconductor from being worn or damaged by the reciprocating sliding rubbing of the fiber body, and to increase the life of the photoconductor.

  According to the present invention, a cleaning device capable of removing fine residues such as discharge products and external additives uniformly and sufficiently over a long period of time from the surface of the image carrier in the extending direction of the central axis of the image carrier. And an image forming apparatus provided with the cleaning device can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive member 10 that rotates clockwise around a rotating shaft 10a. Around the photosensitive member 10, a charger 20, an exposure device 30, and a developing device are provided. 40, a transfer roll 50, a pre-cleaning charger 61, a pre-cleaning static eliminator 62, a cleaning device 70, and a static eliminating lamp 80 are also provided.

  A photoreceptor 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by laminating an undercoat layer, a photosensitive layer including a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer, and a protective layer 101 on a conductive support on a cylinder. The protective layer 101 is a layer that becomes the outermost layer of the photoconductor 10, and this protective layer 101 is schematically shown in FIG. As the photoconductor 10 rotates around the rotation shaft 10a, the outermost layer (the surface 110 of the photoconductor 10) circulates around the rotation shaft 10a. Here, further description of the photoconductor 10 is omitted, and details will be described later.

  The charger 20 is a non-contact charging type corotron charger. A charging bias is applied to the charger 20 from a charger high voltage power source 22 under the control of the charger controller 21. The charger may adopt a known charging method such as a contact-type charging roll. The exposure device 30 irradiates the surface 110 of the photoreceptor 10 with laser light based on image information. The developing device 40 carries a developer container 41 containing a toner particle and a developer containing an external additive that exhibits an abrasive effect of finer particles than the toner particles, and carries the toner particles in the developer container 41. A developing roll 42 that rotates while facing the surface of the photoreceptor 10 is provided. The toner particles are charged to a predetermined polarity in the developing device 40 and electrostatically move to the surface 110 of the photoreceptor 10.

  When image formation is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, first, a toner image formation cycle for forming a toner image on the photoreceptor surface 110 is executed. In this toner image forming cycle, the surface 110 of the photoconductor 10 is uniformly charged by the charger 20, and then laser light based on image information is irradiated by the exposure device 30, and the surface 110 of the photoconductor 10 is electrostatically charged. A latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 40, a toner image is formed on the surface 110 of the photoreceptor 10, and the toner image forming cycle is completed.

  In FIG. 1, the recording paper P is conveyed from the right to the left in the drawing. The conveyed recording paper is sent between the photoconductor 10 and the transfer roll 50. In the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, an area sandwiched between the photoconductor 10 and the transfer roll 50 is a transfer area. A transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner particles is applied to the transfer roll 50, and the toner image formed on the surface 110 of the photoconductor by the toner image formation cycle is not transferred to the photoconductor 10 in this transfer region. The image is transferred from the front surface 110 to the recording paper P. In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the surface of the recording paper P corresponds to a predetermined transfer surface according to the present invention. In the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the direct transfer method using the transfer roll 50 is employed, but a transfer corotron may be used instead of the transfer roll 50. Further, a transfer belt system in which the recording paper P is electrostatically attracted and conveyed to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive member may be employed. Further, an intermediate transfer method using an intermediate transfer member such as an intermediate transfer belt or an intermediate transfer drum may be employed.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a fixing device 90 on the downstream side of the transfer area in the sheet conveyance direction. The fixing device 90 includes a fixing roll 91 having a heating mechanism and a pressure roll 92 provided so as to face the fixing roll 91. The recording paper P that has passed through the transfer region is conveyed between the fixing roll 91 and the pressure roll 92 facing each other. The toner constituting the toner image on the recording paper P is melted by the heating mechanism of the fixing roll 91 and is fixed to the recording paper P by receiving the pressure from the pressure roll 92 to form an image composed of the fixing toner image.

On the other hand, on the surface 110 of the photoconductor 10 that has passed through the transfer area, the residual toner that could not be transferred to the recording paper P in the transfer area, and the polishing effect attached to the residual toner, etc. Additive particles remain. Further, along with the discharge phenomenon in the charger 20, discharge products typified by O ₃ and NOx adhere to the surface 110 of the photoreceptor, and this discharge generation occurs on the surface 110 of the photoreceptor 10 that has passed through the transfer region. Things remain. If a large amount of discharge products remain on the photoreceptor surface 110, the remaining discharge products ionically bond with moisture in the atmosphere and the electrical resistance of the photoreceptor surface 10 decreases, so-called whitening phenomenon or A phenomenon called image flow is caused.

  A cleaning device 70 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for removing these residues, and is downstream of the transfer region in the direction of rotation of the photoconductor (the direction of circulating movement of the photoconductor surface) and from the charger 20. It is provided at a position upstream of the photosensitive member rotation direction. The cleaning device 70 corresponds to an embodiment of the cleaning device of the present invention. Further, a pre-cleaning charger 61 and a pre-cleaning static eliminator 62 are provided in front of the cleaning device 70. Since there are residual toners of both polarities on the surface 110 of the photoconductor 10 that has passed through the transfer area, the residual toners of both polarities are aligned with one polarity by the pre-cleaning charger 61, and are exposed by the pre-cleaning static eliminator 62. The residual potential level on the body surface is lowered so that the residual toner is easily removed by the cleaning device 70.

  A cleaning device 70 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cleaning brush 71, a recovery roll 72, a scraper member 73, a waste toner transport auger 74, and a cleaning auxiliary member 75. The cleaning brush 71 has conductive bristles 712 extending radially from a central axis 711 extending in parallel with the rotation axis 10 a of the photoreceptor 10. The cleaning brush 71 rotates around the central axis 711 in a state where the tips of the hairs 712 bite into both the photoreceptor surface 110 and the peripheral surface of the collection roll 72. The cleaning brush 71 is applied with a recovery bias that attracts residual toner remaining on the surface 110 of the photosensitive member. The residual toner is attracted to the hair 712 of the cleaning brush 71 by the action of the recovery bias and scraped by the hair 712. Taken. That is, the cleaning brush 71 removes residual toner remaining on the surface 110 of the photosensitive member that has passed through the transfer region, and corresponds to an example of a cleaning unit according to the present invention. Further, the external additive particles that exhibit the polishing effect and the like that are detached from the toner and remain on the photoreceptor surface 110 are also removed from the surface 110 by the cleaning brush 71. The cleaning brush 71 is less deteriorated with time in cleaning performance, and is more advantageous than a plate-shaped cleaning blade, particularly in a high-speed machine. Further, since the cleaning brush 71 shown in FIG. 1 is a cleaning method that positively uses an electric field, it is superior to cleaning of spherical toner, which is difficult with a cleaning blade that mechanically scrapes without using an electrical action. There is. Residual toner and external additive particles (hereinafter collectively referred to as residual toner components) transferred to the hair 712 of the cleaning brush 71 are held on the hair 712 by the action of the recovery bias. The collection roll 72 also rotates about a central axis 721 extending in parallel with the rotation shaft 10 a of the photoreceptor 10, and collects the residual toner component held on the hair 712 of the cleaning brush 71. The scraper member 73 scrapes off the residual toner component collected by the collection roll 72 from the collection roll 72. The residual toner component scraped off by the scraper member 73 is transported out of the cleaning device 70 by the waste toner transport auger 74.

  The cleaning auxiliary member 75 is disposed upstream of the cleaning brush 71 in the photosensitive member rotation direction. The cleaning auxiliary member 75 is obtained by holding a large number of fine fibers 752 on a holding member 751 extending in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10a of the photosensitive member 10, and corresponds to an example of a fiber body referred to in the present invention. Each of the many fine fibers 752 has a thickness of 10 μm or less and is in contact with the photoreceptor surface 110. The surface of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 that is in contact with the photoreceptor surface 110 is porous with a large number of fine fibers 752. The width of the auxiliary cleaning member 75 (the length in the photoconductor rotation direction) is 1.5 mm or more, and the fine fibers 752 are in contact with the photoconductor rotation direction with a contact width of 1.5 mm or more. Since the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is disposed on the upstream side of the cleaning brush 71 that removes the residual toner component, the residual toner component is conveyed toward the cleaning auxiliary member 75 when the photosensitive member 10 rotates. . The residual toner component is captured and held by the fine fibers 752 of the cleaning auxiliary member 75. Deposits such as discharge products adhered to the photoreceptor surface 110 and the surface degradation layer of the photoreceptor 10 due to discharge are scraped off from the photoreceptor surface 110 by residual toner components held on the fine fibers 752. The discharge products and the like thus scraped off adhere to the residual toner component captured by the fine fibers 752. In a conventional cleaning blade that is a general cleaner, the contact with the surface of the photoconductor is a line contact, so the residual toner component is easily separated from the contact portion (blade edge tip), and the polishing effect is not improved. The member 75 is in contact with the surface 110 of the photoconductor for 1.5 mm or more in the rotation direction of the photoconductor, and the surface of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 that is in contact with the surface 110 of the photoconductor is porous with a large number of fine fibers 752. Therefore, the trapped residual toner component is stably held on the surface, and a sufficient polishing effect is exhibited. Although the residual toner component is stably held by the cleaning auxiliary member 75, when a new residual toner component is carried to the cleaning auxiliary member 75, the residual toner component held by the cleaning auxiliary member 75 Then, a change occurs between the newly conveyed residual toner component on the photoreceptor surface 110 and a part of the residual toner component held by the cleaning auxiliary member 75 returns to the photoreceptor surface 110. The residual toner component that has returned to the surface 110 of the photoconductor moves toward the cleaning brush 71 on the downstream side as the photoconductor 10 rotates, and is removed from the surface 110 of the photoconductor by the cleaning brush 71. That is, the residual toner component that is once captured by the cleaning assisting member 75 and has a fine residue attached thereto is finally removed from the photoreceptor surface 110 by the cleaning brush 71. Thus, in this embodiment, since the residual toner component captured by the fine fibers 752 of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is replaced, it is possible to prevent the scraped material from being saturated in the cleaning auxiliary member 75.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 60 in this embodiment also includes a reciprocating mechanism 76, a control unit 77, and an environment detection sensor 78.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a reciprocating mechanism and a control unit included in the cleaning device according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 2 also shows a cleaning auxiliary member 75 with the extending direction being the left-right direction of the drawing. Each side of the holding member 751 of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 shown in FIG. 2 in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) is fixed to guides 755, and guide pins 756 are inserted through these guides 755. The cleaning auxiliary member 75 is guided by the guide pins 756 and can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning auxiliary member 75, that is, in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10 a of the photoreceptor 10 (not shown here). The length in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 shown in FIG. 2 is shorter than the length of the maximum image forming area on the photosensitive member surface 110 (the length in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10a of the photosensitive member). By reciprocating 75, the entire image forming maximum region is covered in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10a of the photosensitive member. Note that the length in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 may be made to coincide with the length of the maximum image forming area on the photoreceptor surface 110. A compression spring spring 757 is provided on one end side (right end side in FIG. 2) of the holding member 751, and the holding member 751 is biased toward the other end side (left end in FIG. 2). A protruding pin 758 is provided on the other end side of the holding member 751.

  The reciprocating mechanism 76 is shown on the left side of FIG. The reciprocating mechanism 76 reciprocates the cleaning auxiliary member 75 and includes an inclined cam 761 and a drive motor 762 that rotationally drives the inclined cam 761. The protruding end of the protruding pin 758 provided on the holding member 751 abuts on the cam surface of the inclined cam 761 at a position eccentric from the rotation center L of the inclined cam 761 by the biasing force of the compression spring spring 757. Therefore, when the inclined cam 761 is rotationally driven by the drive motor 762, the cleaning auxiliary member 75 reciprocates in the left-right direction in FIG. FIG. 2 shows the cleaning auxiliary member 75 moved to the rightmost side by the cam surface of the inclined cam 761. When the inclined cam 761 rotates from this state, the cleaning auxiliary member 75 moves to the left side, and thereafter The state again returns to the state shown in FIG. By such reciprocation, the cleaning auxiliary member 75 and the photosensitive member surface 110 reciprocate relatively in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10 a of the photosensitive member 10, and the photosensitive member surface 110 is swung by the cleaning auxiliary member 75. Rubbed. By this rocking rubbing, the scraping ability of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is enhanced without strongly pressing the cleaning auxiliary member 75 against the photoreceptor surface 110, and fine residues are sufficiently removed. Further, it is possible to prevent the scraping property by the cleaning auxiliary member 75 from becoming uneven in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10a of the photoconductor 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, fine residues are removed from the photoreceptor surface 110 uniformly and sufficiently over a long period of time in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10a of the photoreceptor 10.

  The moving distance (amplitude width of the reciprocating motion) of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 by the reciprocating mechanism 76 is preferably in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm. If the moving distance is less than 2 mm, the effect is not seen, and if it is 10 mm or more, the effect is not changed and the cleaning device 70 is increased in size. The reciprocating speed of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 by the reciprocating mechanism 76 is preferably in the range of 0.5 reciprocation to 20 reciprocations, and more preferably in the range of 1 reciprocation to 10 reciprocations. . If the reciprocation is less than 0.5, a sufficient effect is not seen. Conversely, if the reciprocation exceeds 20 reciprocations, even if the cleaning auxiliary member 75 stably holds the residual toner component on the fine fibers 752, vibration due to the rubbing motion is caused. As a result, the residual toner component may not be retained, and the fine fibers 752 may be deteriorated. Furthermore, the non-integer multiple is set within a range of 0.5 reciprocation to 20 reciprocations with respect to one rotation of the photoconductor 10, and the photoconductor rubbing is made asynchronous / randomized, thereby improving the polishing uniformity of the photoconductor 10. This can be improved and is preferable. A linear motion motor may be used instead of the combination of the tilt cam 761 and the drive motor 762 shown in FIG. Here, the cleaning assisting member 75 is reciprocated by the reciprocating mechanism 76 because it is easy to control, but the photosensitive member 10 is extended in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10a while the cleaning assisting member 75 is held in a predetermined position. The cleaning auxiliary member 75 and the photosensitive member 10 may be reciprocated while shifting the timing in the extending direction.

  Here, when the reciprocating operation of the cleaning assisting member 75 is performed, vibrations are unavoidably transmitted to the photosensitive member 10, and when the reciprocating operation is performed even during the toner image forming cycle, the laser by the exposure device 30 is used. During light irradiation, the position of the laser beam spot may be blurred by vibration due to the reciprocating motion, and the electrostatic latent image may be disturbed. Therefore, the reciprocating mechanism 76 shown in FIG. 2 performs this reciprocating operation while the toner image forming cycle is not being executed. While the toner image forming cycle is not being executed, the start-up operation after power-on of the image forming apparatus, the pre-cycle operation of the image forming job, the inter-image between image forming jobs, the post-cycle operation of the image forming job, Examples include when the photosensitive member 10 stops rotating, or after a predetermined time has passed since the power is turned off. Among these, the image forming speed is less affected, and during the start-up operation after the image forming apparatus is turned on, image formation is performed. It is preferable that the reciprocal operation is performed during the post-cycle operation of the job and when the photosensitive member is stopped after the post-cycle operation.

  The environment detection sensor 78 shown in FIG. 2 detects humidity and temperature in the image forming apparatus. Further, the control unit 77 shown in FIG. 2 stops the charging operation of the charger 20 shown in FIG. 1 while the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is reciprocating. Since the charger 20 is a generation source of the discharge product, the controller 77 stops the charging operation of the charger 20, so that the discharge product remains on the surface 110 of the photoreceptor 10 that has passed the cleaning brush 71. The rate drops further. Further, the control unit 77 controls the speed of the reciprocating motion of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 and the amplitude width of the reciprocating motion based on the detection result of the environment detection sensation 78. That is, the control unit 77 controls the rotation speed, rotation direction, and rotation angle of the drive motor 762. The control unit 77 adjusts the scraping ability of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 and suppresses unnecessary wear and scratches on the surface 110 of the photoreceptor due to excessive scraping, and further deterioration of the fine fibers of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 itself. . That is, excessive scraping can be suppressed by the control unit 77 reducing the speed of the reciprocating motion or reducing the amplitude width of the reciprocating motion. On the contrary, when a high scraping ability is required, the control unit 77 increases the speed of the reciprocating motion or increases the amplitude width of the reciprocating motion. The image flow caused by the discharge product is likely to occur under high humidity conditions, and high scraping ability is most necessary under high humidity conditions. In addition, the electrostatic adhesion force contributes to the retention of the residual toner component by the fine fibers 712, but the electrostatic adhesion force is reduced under high temperature and high humidity conditions, and therefore the cleaning assisting member 75 has a scraping ability. It tends to decrease. The control unit 77 is set with a first predetermined value indicating that the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 is under high temperature and high humidity, and the control unit 77 indicates that the detection result of the environment detection lancet 78 is the first predetermined value. Determine whether the value is exceeded. If the detection result exceeds the first predetermined value, the drive motor 762 continues to rotate forward and the rotation speed is increased. By doing so, the speed of the reciprocating motion of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is increased and the amplitude width is maximized.

  On the other hand, under low temperature and low humidity, the electrostatic adhesive force is increased, the elastic modulus of the holding member 751 is also increased, and the cleaning capability of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 becomes excessive. The control unit 77 is set with a second predetermined value indicating that the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 is under low temperature and low humidity, and the control unit 77 indicates that the detection result of the environment detection lancet 78 is the second predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the value has fallen below. If the detection result is below the second predetermined value, the rotation speed of the drive motor 762 is switched to the opposite direction before the rotation axis of the drive motor 762 makes one rotation, and the rotation speed is reduced. That is, when the rotation angle of the rotation shaft of the drive motor 762 is suppressed to less than 360 ° and rotated forward and backward, only a part of the cam surface of the inclined cam 761 is used, and the amplitude width of the reciprocating motion of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is increased. Get smaller. Further, by reducing the rotational speed of the drive motor 762, the speed of the reciprocating movement of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is decreased.

  By executing the control as described above by the control unit 77, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can maintain high image quality over a long period of time, regardless of the environment, and the photoreceptor 10 and The lifetime of both the cleaning auxiliary members 75 can be increased.

  Here, the environment detection sensor 78 detects both humidity and temperature in the image forming apparatus, and the control unit 77 performs control based on both the humidity and temperature that are detection results of the environment detection sensor 78. As described above, the environment detection sensor 78 detects only one of humidity and temperature in the image forming apparatus, and the control unit 77 detects any one of the environments detected by the environment detection sensor 78. Control may be performed based on parameters. Alternatively, the control unit 77 may calculate the absolute moisture content in the image forming apparatus using the detection result of the environment detection sensor 78 and perform control based on the absolute moisture content. Further, the control unit 77 may have a table for both temperature and humidity and control the speed and amplitude width of the reciprocating motion by a combination of predetermined conditions.

  Here, the thickness of the fibers constituting the fine fibers 712 of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 is preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and more preferably 2 μm or more and 8 μm or less. When the fiber thickness is larger than 10 μm, the uniform retention of the residual toner component is lowered, and the residual toner component is likely to be detached from the fine fiber or buried between the fibers during the rocking rubbing operation. The refreshing performance of the photoreceptor is deteriorated due to the rocking rubbing. On the contrary, when the thickness is smaller than 1 μm, the fiber itself is easily damaged by the stress caused by the sliding friction. If the contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 to the surface 110 of the photoconductor becomes too large, the residual toner component is likely to be detached from the fine fiber due to mechanical stimulation during the rocking and sliding operation. Therefore, the upper limit of the contact width is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 mm or less from the viewpoint of increasing the size of the image forming apparatus. Examples of the material of the fine fibers 712 include polyester fibers, nylon fibers, polyamide fibers, polyolefin fibers, acrylic fibers, or composite fibers using resins of these synthetic fibers, and semi-synthetic materials such as acetate fibers. Recycled fibers such as fibers and rayon are used. These fine fibers can be processed into a sheet form by knitting yarn to form a two-dimensional material, or by making a cloth directly from the fiber. Or is processed into a sheet shape, which is called a non-woven fabric. Any method may be used, but a non-woven fabric is desirable in that the density of the fine fibers is large and the flexibility is high, and the toner can be satisfactorily held between the fibers.

  The holding member 751 is preferably used as a backup material for the fine fibers 712. The fine fibers 712 are attached to the surface of the holding member 751, and the surface is pressed against the photoreceptor surface 110 with a predetermined pressure. It is desirable. Examples of the holding member 751 include elastic bodies such as foaming urethane, urethane rubber, and silicone rubber. The shape of the backup material of the fine fibers 712 is not particularly limited, and any shape having a width of 1.5 mm or more in the direction of circulation movement of the image carrier surface may be used. The pressure for pressing the fine fibers 752 against the photoreceptor surface 110 by the holding member 751 is preferably in the range of 4.9 to 58.8 mN / mm. A more preferable range is 9.8 to 39.2 mN / mm. When the pressing pressure is lower than 4.9 mN / mm, a sufficient rubbing function cannot be exhibited. When the pressing pressure is higher than 58.8 mN / mm, the rubbing with the photoconductor 10 is too strong, and the fine fiber 752 itself and the photoconductor. Degradation of 10 is caused, and on the contrary, filming and the like are induced.

  Next, a photoreceptor that can be used for the photoreceptor shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the photoreceptor shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows an undercoat layer 103 formed on the surface of a conductive support 102 on a cylinder, a charge generation layer 104 formed on the surface of the undercoat layer 103, and formed on the surface of the charge generation layer 104. The charge transport layer 105 and the protective layer 101 are shown.

  As the photoconductor of the present embodiment, known photoconductors such as organic photoconductors, inorganic photoconductors such as amorphous silicon photoconductors and selenium photoconductors can be used. However, cost, manufacturability, discardability, etc. An organophotoreceptor having an advantage in terms of the above is preferably used. Further, the photoreceptor is preferably provided with a high-strength surface protective layer in order to provide resistance to scratches on the surface of the photoreceptor due to rocking and rubbing, and a structure having a charge transporting ability as a material constituting the protective layer. It is more preferable to contain a resin having a unit and a crosslinked structure.

  Hereinafter, the protective layer will be described. As a material constituting the protective layer, at least a resin having a crosslinked structure is used in order to improve wear resistance and ensure sufficient hardness. If such materials are not used, the surface hardness is low and sufficient wear resistance cannot be obtained, so scratches and wear tend to progress, and when used at high speeds or for very long periods of time. When image formation is performed across the board, high quality image quality cannot be obtained.

  In addition to the resin having a crosslinked structure, the protective layer includes a binder resin not having a crosslinked structure, conductive fine particles, and lubricating fine particles made of a fluororesin or an acrylic resin, if necessary. In forming the protective layer, a hard coat agent such as silicon or acrylic can be used as necessary.

  Although details of the method for forming the protective layer will be described later, an outermost surface layer forming solution containing at least a precursor constituting a resin having a crosslinked structure is used for forming the protective layer. As the resin having a cross-linked structure, various materials can be used from the viewpoint of ensuring the hardness of the protective layer, but in terms of properties, mention may be made of phenolic resins, urethane resins, siloxane resins, epoxy resins, etc. Among these, phenolic resins and siloxane resins are preferable from the viewpoint of durability. More preferably, it is at least one selected from a phenol resin obtained by crosslinking a phenol derivative having a methylol group and a siloxane resin having a crosslinked structure.

  Furthermore, from the viewpoint of electrical characteristics, image quality maintenance, and the like, the resin having a crosslinked structure preferably has charge transportability (including a structural unit having charge transportability). In this case, in the laminated structure type photoreceptor, the protective layer can function as a part of the charge transport layer. The structural unit having such charge transporting ability is preferably a charge transporting material having at least one selected from a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxysilyl group, an epoxy group, a thiol group, and an amino group.

As a charge transport material having at least one selected from a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxysilyl group, an epoxy group, a thiol group and an amino group, the compounds represented by the following general formulas (I) to (V) or derivatives thereof are strong. It is particularly preferable because of its excellent stability.
F- [D-Si (R ¹ ) _(3-a) Q _a ] _b (I)
In the above general formula (I), F is an organic group derived from a compound having a hole transporting ability, D is a divalent group having flexibility, R ¹ is a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl. Group (carbon number is preferably 1-15, more preferably 1-10) or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group (carbon number is preferably 6-20, more preferably 6-15), Q is hydrolyzable In the group, a represents an integer of 1 to 3, and b represents an integer of 1 to 4. In addition, as the divalent group D having flexibility, specifically, a site of F for imparting photoelectric characteristics, a substituted silicon group contributing to the construction of a three-dimensional inorganic glassy network, It is a divalent group that plays a role in linking. In addition, D represents an organic group structure that imparts moderate flexibility to the portion of the inorganic glassy network that is hard but brittle, and plays a role of improving mechanical toughness as a film. Specific examples _{D, -CαH2α -, - CβH 2} β -2 -, - CγH 2 γ -4 - 2 divalent hydrocarbon group (here represented by, alpha represents an integer of 1 to 15, beta Represents an integer of 2 to 15, and γ represents an integer of 3 to 15), —COO—, —S—, —O—, —CH ₂ —C ₆ H ₄ —, —N═CH—, — ( C ₆ H ₄ ) — (C ₆ H ₄ ) —, a characteristic group having a structure in which these characteristic groups are arbitrarily combined, and those obtained by substituting constituent atoms of these characteristic groups with other substituents, etc. Is mentioned. Further, the hydrolyzable group Q is preferably an alkoxy group, more preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms.
F-[(X ¹ ) _n1 R ² -ZH] _n2 (II)
In the general formula (II), F represents an organic group derived from a compound having a hole transporting ability, X ¹ represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R ² represents an alkylene group (the number of carbon atoms is preferably 1 to 15, 1 to 10 are more preferable), n1 represents 0 or 1, n2 represents an integer of 1 to 4, and ZH represents a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, an amino group, or a carboxyl group.
_{^{F - [(X 2) n3}} - (R 3) n4 - (Z) n5 G] n6 (III)
In the general formula (III), F represents an organic group derived from a compound having a hole transporting ability, X ² represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R ³ represents an alkylene group (the number of carbon atoms is preferably 1 to 15, 1 to 10 is more preferable), Z represents an oxygen atom, sulfur atom, NH or COO, G represents an epoxy group, n3, n4 and n5 each independently represents 0 or 1, and n6 represents an integer of 1 to 4. Show.

In the general formula (IV), F represents an organic group derived from a compound having a hole transporting ability, T represents a divalent group, Y represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ^6. Each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group, R ⁷ represents a monovalent organic group, m1 represents 0 or 1, and n7 represents an integer of 1 to 4. However, R ⁶ and R ⁷ may combine with each other to form a heterocycle having Y as a heteroatom. Specific examples of T include an alkylene group having 1 carbon atom.

In the general formula (V), F represents an organic group derived from a compound having a hole transporting ability, T represents a divalent group, R ⁸ represents a monovalent organic group, m2 represents 0 or 1, n8 represents an integer of 1 to 4, respectively. Specific examples of T include an alkylene group having 1 carbon atom.

  As the organic group F derived from the compound having a hole transporting ability in the compounds represented by the general formulas (I) to (V), a compound represented by the following general formula (VI) is preferable.

In the general formula (VI), Ar ₁ , Ar ₂ , Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, Ar ₅ represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or an arylene group, and 1-4 of Ar _{1 to} Ar ₅ are -D-Si (R ¹ ) _(3-a) Qa and-(X ¹ ) _n1 R ^{2 in the} compounds represented by the above formulas (I) to (V). _{^{-ZH, - (X 2) n3}} - (R 3) n4 - (Z) n5 G, - (T) m1-O-CR 4 (CHR 5 R 6) (Y-R 7), - (T) m2 It has a site represented by —OCOO R ⁸ and a bond. k represents 0 or 1.

  The protective layer preferably contains a phenol derivative having a methylol group and a charge transport material having at least one selected from a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxysilyl group, an epoxy group, a thiol group, and an amino group. .

  Examples of the phenol derivative having a methylol group include monomers of monomethylolphenols, dimethylolphenols or trimethylolphenols, mixtures thereof, oligomers thereof, or mixtures of these monomers and oligomers. Such phenol derivatives having a methylol group include resorcin, bisphenol, etc., substituted phenols containing one hydroxyl group such as phenol, cresol, xylenol, paraalkylphenol, paraphenylphenol, and two hydroxyl groups such as catechol, resorcinol, and doroquinone. It is obtained by reacting a compound having a phenol structure, such as substituted phenols, bisphenol A, bisphenol Z, and the like having a phenol structure with formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, etc. in the presence of an acid catalyst or an alkali catalyst, Generally what is marketed as a phenol resin can also be used. In the present specification, a relatively large molecule having about 2 to 20 repeating molecular structural units is referred to as an oligomer, and a molecule smaller than that is referred to as a monomer.

As the acid catalyst, sulfuric acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid and the like are used. As the alkali catalyst, hydroxides or amine catalysts of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals such as NaOH, KOH, Ca (OH) ₂ and Ba (OH) ₂ are used. Examples of the amine catalyst include, but are not limited to, ammonia, hexamethylenetetramine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, and triethanolamine. When a basic catalyst is used, the carrier is remarkably trapped by the remaining catalyst, and the electrophotographic characteristics tend to be deteriorated. Therefore, it is preferable to inactivate or remove by neutralizing with an acid or contacting with an adsorbent such as silica gel or an ion exchange resin. Moreover, as a phenol derivative which has a methylol group, a phenol resin is preferable and a resol type phenol resin is more preferable.

  In addition, conductive particles may be added to the protective layer in order to lower the residual potential. Examples of the conductive particles include metals, metal oxides, and carbon black. Among these, metals or metal oxides are more preferable. Examples of the metal include aluminum, zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, silver, and stainless steel, or those obtained by depositing these metals on the surface of plastic particles. Examples of the metal oxide include zinc oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, antimony oxide, indium oxide, bismuth oxide, tin-doped indium oxide, antimony and tantalum-doped tin oxide, and antimony-doped zirconium oxide. It is done. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more. When two or more types are used in combination, they may be simply mixed, or may be in the form of a solid solution or fusion. From the viewpoint of transparency of the protective layer, the volume average particle diameter of the conductive particles is preferably 0.3 μm or less, and particularly preferably 0.1 μm or less.

In addition, a compound represented by the following general formula (VII-1) can also be added to the protective layer in order to control various physical properties such as strength and film resistance of the protective layer.
Si (R ³⁰ ) _(4-c) Q _c (VII-1)
In the general formula (VII-1), R ³⁰ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, Q represents a hydrolyzable group, and c represents an integer of 1 to 4.

  Specific examples of the compound represented by the general formula (VII-1) include the following silane coupling agents. Examples of silane coupling agents include tetrafunctional silanes such as tetramethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane (c = 4); methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, methyltrimethoxyethoxysilane, vinyltri Methoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropyltriethoxy Silane, γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-β (aminoethyl) γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, (tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl L) Triethoxysilane, (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) trimethoxysilane, 3- (heptafluoroisopropoxy) propyltriethoxysilane, 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluoroalkyltriethoxysilane, 1H , 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane, trifunctional alkoxysilane such as 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (c = 3); dimethyldimethoxysilane, diphenyldimethoxysilane, methyl And bifunctional alkoxysilanes such as phenyldimethoxysilane (c = 2); monofunctional alkoxysilanes such as trimethylmethoxysilane (c = 1), and the like. Trifunctional and tetrafunctional alkoxysilanes are preferable for improving the strength of the film, and monofunctional and bifunctional alkoxysilanes are preferable for improving the flexibility and film formability.

  In addition, a silicon-based hard coat agent produced mainly from these coupling agents can also be used. Commercially available hard coat agents include KP-85, X-40-9740, X-40-2239 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Silicone), and AY42-440, AY42-441, AY49-208 (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning). Etc.) can be used.

In order to increase the strength of the protective layer, it is also preferable to use a compound having two or more silicon atoms as shown in the general formula (VII-2).
B- (Si (R ³¹ ) _(3-d) Q _d ) ₂ (VII-2)
In the general formula (VII-2), B represents a divalent organic group, R ³¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, Q represents a hydrolyzable group, and d represents 1 to 3 Indicates an integer.

  The protective layer is made of a cyclic compound having a repeating structural unit represented by the following general formula (VII-3) or a compound thereof for extending pot life, controlling film properties, and improving the uniformity of the coating film surface. The derivative | guide_body can also be contained.

In the general formula (VII-3), A ¹ and A ² each independently represent a monovalent organic group.

  Commercially available cyclic siloxane can be mentioned as a cyclic compound which has a repeating structural unit shown by general formula (VII-3). Specifically, cyclic dimethylcyclosiloxanes such as hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, 1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5- Triphenylcyclotrisiloxane, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetraphenylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,3,5,7,9-pentamethyl-1,3,5,7 , 9-pentaphenylcyclopentasiloxane and other cyclic methylphenylcyclosiloxanes, hexaphenylcyclotrisiloxane and other cyclic phenylcyclosiloxanes, and 3- (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) methylcyclotrisiloxane and other fluorine Atom-containing cyclosiloxanes, methylhydrosiloxa Mixture, pentamethylcyclopentasiloxane, mention may be made of phenyl hydrosilyl group-containing cyclosiloxanes of hydrocyclosiloxane like, cyclic siloxanes and vinyl group-containing cyclosiloxanes such as penta vinyl pentamethylcyclopentasiloxane like. These cyclic siloxane compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Furthermore, various fine particles can be added in order to control the contamination resistance adhesion, lubricity, hardness, etc. of the photoreceptor surface. They can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Examples of the fine particles include silicon atom-containing fine particles. The silicon atom-containing fine particles are fine particles containing silicon as a constituent element, and specific examples include colloidal silica and silicone fine particles. The colloidal silica used as the silicon atom-containing fine particles preferably has a volume average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm, more preferably 10 to 30 nm, in an acidic or alkaline aqueous dispersion, or an organic solvent such as alcohol, ketone or ester. It is selected from those dispersed in, and commercially available products can be used. The solid content of colloidal silica in the protective layer is not particularly limited, but preferably 0.1 to 50 mass based on the total solid content of the protective layer in terms of film formability, electrical properties, and strength. %, More preferably 0.1 to 30% by mass. Silicone fine particles used as silicon atom-containing fine particles are spherical and preferably have a volume average particle diameter of 1 to 500 nm, more preferably 10 to 100 nm, and are selected from silicone resin particles, silicone rubber particles, and silicone surface-treated silica particles. A commercially available product can be used.

  Silicone fine particles are small particles that are chemically inert and excellent in dispersibility in resins, and because the content required to obtain sufficient properties is low, photosensitivity can be achieved without inhibiting the crosslinking reaction. The surface properties of the body can be improved. That is, it is possible to improve the lubricity and water repellency of the surface of the photoreceptor while being uniformly incorporated into a strong cross-linked structure, and maintain good wear resistance and contamination resistance adhesion over a long period of time. The content of the silicone fine particles in the protective layer is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 30% by mass, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10% by mass, based on the total solid content of the protective layer.

Other fine particles include fluorine-based fine particles such as ethylene tetrafluoride, trifluoride ethylene, propylene hexafluoride, vinyl fluoride, vinylidene fluoride, and the 8th Polymer Materials Forum Lecture Proceedings p89. As shown, fine particles made of a resin obtained by copolymerizing a fluororesin and a monomer having a hydroxyl group, ZnO—Al ₂ O ₃ , SnO ₂ —Sb ₂ O ₃ , In ₂ O ₃ —SnO ₂ , ZnO—TiO ₂ , Examples thereof include semiconductive metal oxides such as ZnO—TiO ₂ , MgO—Al ₂ O ₃ , FeO—TiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , SnO ₂ , In ₂ O ₃ , ZnO, and MgO. For the same purpose, an oil such as silicone oil can be added.

  Examples of the silicone oil include silicone oils such as dimethylpolysiloxane, diphenylpolysiloxane, and phenylmethylsiloxane, amino-modified polysiloxane, epoxy-modified polysiloxane, carboxyl-modified polysiloxane, carbinol-modified polysiloxane, methacryl-modified polysiloxane, and mercapto. Examples include reactive silicone oils such as modified polysiloxanes and phenol-modified polysiloxanes. These may be added in advance to the protective layer-forming coating solution, or may be impregnated under reduced pressure or increased pressure after producing the photoreceptor.

  In addition, additives such as plasticizers, surface modifiers, antioxidants, and photodegradation inhibitors can also be used. Examples of the plasticizer include biphenyl, biphenyl chloride, terphenyl, dibutyl phthalate, diethylene glycol phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, triphenyl phosphate, methyl naphthalene, benzophenone, chlorinated paraffin, polypropylene, polystyrene, and various fluorohydrocarbons. An antioxidant having a hindered phenol, hindered amine, thioether or phosphite partial structure can be added to the protective layer, which is effective in improving the potential stability and image quality when the environment changes.

  Examples of the antioxidant include the following compounds. For example, hindered phenols include “Sumilizer BHT-R”, “Sumilizer MDP-S”, “Sumilizer BBM-S”, “Sumizer WX-R”, “Sumizer NW”, “Sumizer BP-76”, “ Sumilizer BP-101 "," Sumilizer GA-80 "," Sumilizer GM "," Sumilizer GS "or more manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.," IRGANOX1010 "," IRGANOX1035 "," IRGANOX1076 "," IRGANOX1098 "," IRGANOX1098 "," 114 " ”,“ IRGANOX1222 ”,“ IRGANOX1330 ”,“ IRGANOX1425WL ”,“ IRGANOX1 20L "," IRGANOX 245 "," IRGANOX 259 "," IRGANOX 3114 "," IRGANOX 3790 "," IRGANOX 5057 "," IRGANOX 565 "or more, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals," ADK STAB AO-20 "," ADK STAB AO-30 "," ADEKA STAB " "AO-40", "ADK STAB AO-50", "ADK STAB AO-60", "ADK STAB AO-70", "ADK STAB AO-80", "ADK STAB AO-330" or more manufactured by Asahi Denka. As the hindered amine system, “Sanol LS2626”, “Sanol LS765”, “Sanol LS770”, “Sanol LS744” or more manufactured by Sankyo Lifetech Co., Ltd., “Tinubin 144”, “Tinubin 622LD”, “Mark LA57”, “ “Mark LA67”, “Mark LA62”, “Mark LA68”, “Mark LA63”, “Smilizer TPS”, “Smilizer TP-D” for thioethers, “Mark 2112”, “Mark PEP” for phosphites -8 "," Mark PEP.24G "," Mark PEP.36 "," Mark 329K "," Mark HP.10 ", and hindered phenols and hindered amine antioxidants are particularly preferable. Furthermore, these may be modified with a substituent such as an alkoxysilyl group capable of undergoing a crosslinking reaction with the material forming the crosslinked film.

  For the protective layer, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyarylate resin (polycondensate of bisphenol A and phthalic acid, etc.), polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, phenoxy resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide resin, acrylic resin Insulating resin such as polyacrylamide resin, polyvinyl pyridine resin, cellulose resin, urethane resin, epoxy resin, casein, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone resin may be contained. In this case, the insulating resin can be added at a desired ratio, thereby suppressing adhesion with the charge transport layer, coating film defects due to heat shrinkage and repellency, and the like.

  The protective layer is formed by applying a protective layer-forming coating solution containing the above-described constituent materials onto the charge transport layer and curing it. It is preferable to add a catalyst to the coating liquid for forming the protective layer, or to use the catalyst when preparing the coating liquid for forming the protective layer. Catalysts used include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid, organic acids such as formic acid, propionic acid, oxalic acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, phthalic acid and maleic acid, potassium hydroxide, water An alkali catalyst such as sodium oxide, calcium hydroxide, ammonia, triethylamine, or a solid catalyst insoluble in the system can also be used.

  In addition, in order to remove the catalyst at the time of synthesis from a phenol derivative having a methylol group, the phenol derivative is dissolved in a suitable solvent such as methanol, ethanol, toluene, ethyl acetate, washed with water, reprecipitation using a poor solvent, etc. It is preferable to perform the above treatment or to perform treatment using an ion exchange resin or an inorganic solid.

  For example, as an ion exchange resin, Amberlite 15, Amberlite 200C, Amberlyst 15E (above, manufactured by Rohm and Haas); Dowex MWC-1-H, Dowex 88, Dowex HCR-W2 (above Levacit SPC-108, Levacit SPC-118 (above, Bayer); Diaion RCP-150H (Mitsubishi Kasei); Sumikaion KC-470, Duolite C26-C, Duolite C-433, Duolite-464 (above, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.); Cation exchange resins such as Nafion-H (DuPont); Amberlite IRA-400, Amberlite IRA-45 (above, Rohm and Anion exchange resins such as (made by Haas) are listed.

Further, as the inorganic solid, an inorganic solid in which a group containing a protonic acid group such as Zr (O ₃ PCH ₂ CH ₂ SO ₃ H) ₂ or Th (O ₃ PCH ₂ CH ₂ COOH) ₂ is bonded to the surface. A polyorganosiloxane containing a protonic acid group such as a polyorganosiloxane having a sulfonic acid group; a heteropolyacid such as cobalt tungstic acid or phosphomolybdic acid; an isopolyacid such as niobic acid, tantalic acid or molybdic acid; silica gel, alumina, Single metal oxides such as chromia, zirconia, CaO, MgO; complex metal oxides such as silica-alumina, silica-magnesia, silica-zirconia, zeolites; clay minerals such as acid clay, activated clay, montmorillonite, and kaolinite Metal sulfates such as LiSO ₄ and MgSO ₄ ; gold such as zirconia phosphate and lanthanum phosphate Metal nitrate; LiNO ₃ , Mn (NO ₃ ) _2, etc. Metal nitrate; Group containing amino group such as solid obtained by reacting aminopropyltriethoxysilane on silica gel is bonded to the surface Inorganic solids: Polyorganosiloxanes containing amino groups such as amino-modified silicone resins.

  For the coating liquid for forming the protective layer, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; tetrahydrofuran; ethers such as diethyl ether and dioxane; Can be used. In order to apply a dip coating method generally used for the production of a photoreceptor, an alcohol solvent, a ton solvent, or a mixed solvent thereof is preferable. In addition, the boiling point of the solvent used is preferably 50 to 150 ° C., and these can be arbitrarily mixed and used.

  In addition, since an alcohol solvent, a ketone solvent, or a mixed solvent thereof is preferable as the solvent, the charge transport material used for forming the protective layer to be used may be soluble in these solvents. preferable.

  The amount of the solvent can be set arbitrarily, but if the amount is too small, the constituent materials are likely to be precipitated. Part, more preferably 1 to 20 parts by mass.

  Coating methods for forming a protective layer using a coating solution for forming a protective layer include blade coating, wire bar coating, spray coating, dip coating, bead coating, air knife coating, and curtain coating. A usual method such as can be used. However, when a required film thickness cannot be obtained by a single application, the necessary film thickness can be obtained by applying a plurality of times. In addition, when performing the multiple application | coating several times, a heat processing may be performed every time of application | coating, and may be after carrying out multiple application | coating several times.

  After applying the coating liquid for forming the protective layer on the charge transport layer, a curing process is performed. Usually, during the curing treatment, the curing temperature is higher and the curing time is longer in order to accelerate the crosslinking reaction of the phenol derivative and increase the mechanical strength of the protective layer.

100-190 degreeC is preferable, the curing temperature in the case of a hardening process has more preferable 110-170 degreeC, and 130-160 degreeC is further more preferable. The curing time is preferably 30 minutes to 2 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour. Further, the atmosphere for performing the curing treatment (crosslinking reaction) is preferably a so-called oxidation inert gas atmosphere (inert gas atmosphere) such as nitrogen, helium, or argon. When the crosslinking reaction is performed in an inert gas atmosphere, the curing temperature can be set higher than in an air atmosphere (oxygen-containing atmosphere), and the curing temperature is 100 to 160 ° C. (preferably 110 to 150 ° C.). Is possible. The curing time can be 30 minutes to 2 hours (preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour). Further, in the compound represented by the general formula (II), when the site represented by (— (X ¹ ) _n1 R ² —ZH) is —CH ₂ —OH, the influence of the electrical characteristics due to the curing temperature is the greatest. Since it is sensitive to oxidation, it is preferable to perform the curing treatment in the above preferred temperature range.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to use a curing catalyst during the curing treatment. Examples of the curing catalyst include bissulfonyldiazomethanes such as bis (isopropylsulfonyl) diazomethane, bissulfonylmethanes such as methylsulfonyl p-toluenesulfonylmethane, and sulfonylcarbonyldiazomethanes such as cyclohexylsulfonylcyclohexylcarbonyldiazomethane, 2 -Sulfonylcarbonyl alkanes such as methyl-2- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) propiophenone, nitrobenzyl sulfonates such as 2-nitrobenzyl p-toluenesulfonate, alkyl and aryl sulfonates such as pyrogallol trismethanesulfonate Benzoin sulfonates such as benzoin tosylate, such as N- (trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy) phthalimide -Sulfonyloxyimides, pyridones such as (4-fluorobenzenesulfonyloxy) -3,4,6-trimethyl-2-pyridone, 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-trifluoromethyl-1- ( Photoacid generators such as 3-vinylphenyl) -ethyl-4-chlorobenzenesulfonate, onium salts such as triphenylsulfonium methanesulfonate and diphenyliodonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, protonic acids or Lewis acids Examples thereof include compounds neutralized with a Lewis base, mixtures of Lewis acids and trialkyl phosphates, sulfonate esters, phosphate esters, onium compounds, and carboxylic anhydride compounds.

Compounds obtained by neutralizing a protonic acid or Lewis acid with a Lewis base include halogenocarboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, sulfuric acid monoesters, phosphoric acid mono- and diesters, polyphosphoric acid esters, boric acid mono- and diesters, and the like. Various amines such as monoethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, aniline, morpholine, cyclohexylamine, n-butylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or trialkylphosphine, triarylphosphine, trialkylphosphite, triaryl Compounds neutralized with phosphite, as well as NureCure 2500X, 4167, X-47-110, 3525, 5225 commercially available as acid-base blocking catalysts (trade name, King Ndasutori Co., Ltd.), and the like. Examples of the compound obtained by neutralizing a Lewis acid with a Lewis base include compounds obtained by neutralizing a Lewis acid such as BF 3, FeCl ₃ , SnCl ₄ , AlCl ₃ , and ZnCl ₂ with the above Lewis base.

  Examples of the onium compound include triphenylsulfonium methanesulfonate, diphenyliodonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, and the like.

  Examples of the carboxylic anhydride compound include acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, butyric anhydride, isobutyric anhydride, lauric anhydride, oleic anhydride, stearic anhydride, n-caproic anhydride, n-caprylic anhydride, and n-capric anhydride. , Palmitic anhydride, myristic anhydride, trichloroacetic anhydride, dichloroacetic anhydride, monochloroacetic anhydride, trifluoroacetic anhydride, heptafluorobutyric anhydride, and the like. Specific examples of Lewis acids include, for example, boron trifluoride, aluminum trichloride, ferrous chloride, ferric chloride, ferrous chloride, ferric chloride, zinc chloride, zinc bromide, stannous chloride. , Metal halides such as stannic chloride, stannous bromide, stannic bromide, organometallic compounds such as trialkylboron, trialkylaluminum, dialkylaluminum halide, monoalkylaluminum halide, tetraalkyltin , Diisopropoxyethyl acetoacetate aluminum, tris (ethyl acetoacetate) aluminum, tris (acetylacetonato) aluminum, diisopropoxy bis (ethyl acetoacetate) titanium, diisopropoxy bis (acetylacetonato) titanium, tetrakis (N-propylacetoacetate Zirconium), tetrakis (acetylacetonato) zirconium, tetrakis (ethylacetoacetate) zirconium, dibutylbis (acetylacetonato) tin, tris (acetylacetonato) iron, tris (acetylacetonato) rhodium, bis (acetylacetate) Nato) zinc, metal chelate compounds such as tris (acetylacetonato) cobalt, dibutyltin dilaurate, dioctyltin ester malate, magnesium naphthenate, calcium naphthenate, manganese naphthenate, iron naphthenate, cobalt naphthenate, copper naphthenate, Zinc naphthenate, zirconium naphthenate, lead naphthenate, calcium octylate, manganese octylate, iron octylate, octylcobalt, zinc octylate, zirconium octylate, oxygen Tin chill acid, lead octylate, zinc laurate, magnesium stearate, aluminum stearate, calcium stearate, cobalt stearate, zinc stearate, and metal soaps such as stearate lead. These may be used individually by 1 type and may be used in combination of 2 or more type.

  Although the usage-amount of these curing catalysts is not specifically limited, 0.1-20 mass parts is preferable with respect to a total of 100 mass parts of solid content contained in the coating liquid for protective layer formation, and 0.3-10 mass parts is especially preferable. preferable.

  Moreover, when using an organometallic compound as a catalyst when forming a protective layer, it is preferable to add a polydentate ligand from the surface of pot life and hardening efficiency. Examples of such multidentate ligands include, but are not limited to, those shown below and those derived therefrom. Specifically, β-diketones such as acetylacetone, trifluoroacetylacetone, hexafluoroacetylacetone, and dipivaloylmethylacetone; acetoacetates such as methyl acetoacetate and ethyl acetoacetate; bipyridine and derivatives thereof; glycine and its Derivatives; ethylenediamine and derivatives thereof; 8-oxyquinoline and derivatives thereof; salicylaldehyde and derivatives thereof; catechol and derivatives thereof; bidentate ligands such as 2-oxyazo compounds; diethyltriamine and derivatives thereof; nitrilotriacetic acid and derivatives thereof And tridentate ligands such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and derivatives thereof. In addition to the organic ligands as described above, inorganic ligands such as pyrophosphoric acid and triphosphoric acid can be exemplified. As the multidentate ligand, a bidentate ligand is particularly preferable, and specific examples include a bidentate ligand represented by the following general formula (VII-4) in addition to the above.

In the general formula (VII-4), indicating R ³² and R ³³ each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, fluorinated alkyl group, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

Among the above, as the multidentate ligand, a bidentate ligand represented by the general formula (VII-4) is more preferable, and R ³² and R ^{33 in} the general formula (VII-4) are the same. Is particularly preferred. By making R ³² and R ^{33 the} same, the coordination power of the ligand near room temperature becomes strong, and the coating liquid for forming the protective layer can be further stabilized. The compounding amount of the polydentate ligand can be arbitrarily set, but is preferably 0.01 mol or more, more preferably 0.1 mol or more, and still more preferably with respect to 1 mol of the organometallic compound used. 1 mole or more.

Oxygen permeability at 25 ° C. of the protective layer is preferably not more than ^{4 × 10 12 fm / s ·} Pa, more preferably not more than ^{3.5 × 10 12 fm / s ·} Pa, 3 × 10 12 More preferably, it is fm / s · Pa or less. Here, the oxygen permeation coefficient is a scale representing the ease of oxygen gas permeation of the layer, but it can also be regarded as a substitute characteristic of the physical gap ratio of the layer if the view is changed. In addition, although the absolute value of the transmittance changes if the type of gas changes, there is almost no reversal of the magnitude relationship between the layers serving as specimens. Therefore, the oxygen permeation coefficient may be interpreted as a measure expressing the general ease of gas permeation. That is, when the oxygen permeation coefficient at 25 ° C. of the protective layer satisfies the above conditions, the gas hardly penetrates into the protective layer. Therefore, the penetration of the discharge product generated by the Joner image formation process is suppressed, the deterioration of the compound contained in the protective layer is suppressed, the electrical characteristics can be maintained at a high level, and the high image quality and long life can be achieved. It is valid.

  The thickness of the protective layer is preferably 0.1 to 6 μm, and more preferably 1 to 5 μm.

  Subsequently, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, components having the same names as those of the components of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4 and the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 are compared, the configuration of the cleaning device 70 is different. That is, the cleaning brush 71 is provided downstream of the cleaning auxiliary member 75 in the cleaning device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but the cleaning brush 70 is provided in the cleaning device 70 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Instead of 71, a plate-like cleaning blade 79 is provided. The cleaning blade 79 shown in FIG. 4 extends in the extending direction of the rotating shaft 10 a of the photoconductor 10 with the leading edge portion 791 in contact with the surface 110 of the photoconductor 10. The cleaning blade 79 is mechanically operated without using an electric action by rotating the photosensitive member 10 with residual toner remaining on the surface 110 of the photosensitive member 10 and external additive particles (residual toner component) released from the toner. Scrape off. Therefore, the cleaning device 70 shown in FIG. 4 is not a cleaning method that actively uses an electric field. Therefore, the pre-cleaning static eliminator 62 shown in FIG. 1 provided in front of the cleaning device 70 is omitted from the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4 is also provided with the same cleaning auxiliary member 75 as the cleaning auxiliary member shown in FIG. 1 and the same reciprocating mechanism (not shown in FIG. 4) as the reciprocating mechanism shown in FIG. The cleaning blade 79 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to an example of the cleaning means according to the present invention. Therefore, the presence of the fine fibers 752 arranged in pressure contact with the surface 110 of the photoreceptor upstream of the cleaning blade 79 that finally removes the residual toner component remaining on the surface 110 of the photoconductor due to transfer allows the residual toner component before removal to be removed. Supply / hold to fine fiber 752, and swing and rub the surface 110 of the photoreceptor with the retained toner component so that fine residues such as discharge products and filming substances, and surface degradation of the photoreceptor 10 due to discharge The layer can be removed uniformly. In particular, even when non-uniformity in the retention of the residual toner component in the fine fiber 752 occurs, the cleaning assisting member 75 is reciprocated, whereby the effect of diffusing the rubbing place with the fine fiber 752 on the photoreceptor surface 110 (on the fine fiber). And the residual toner component held by the fine fibers 752 is smoothed and made uniform by the swinging operation, so that the uniformity of the removability can be improved.

  A known cleaning means such as a magnetic brush can be widely used as a cleaning means for removing residual toner components such as a cleaning brush and a cleaning blade.

The example of cleaning the photosensitive member 10 has been described above, but the cleaning device of the present invention can also be applied to a cleaning device for an intermediate transfer member. A discharge product adheres also to the intermediate transfer member due to the peeling discharge of the paper generated during the secondary transfer. Therefore, a cleaning device that removes discharge products from the intermediate transfer member while relatively reciprocating the fine fibers holding the residual toner component remaining without being secondarily transferred and the surface of the intermediate transfer member is effective.
(Example)
EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated more concretely based on an Example and a comparative example, this invention is not limited to a following example at all. In the following description, “parts” means “parts by weight” unless otherwise specified.
[Preparation of Photoreceptor A]
To 170 parts by weight of n-butyl alcohol in which 4 parts by weight of polyvinyl butyral resin (S-REC BM-S, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) is dissolved, 30 parts by weight of an organic zirconium compound (acetylacetone zirconium butyrate) and an organic silane compound (γ-amino) 3 parts by weight of propyltrimethoxysilane) was added, mixed and stirred to obtain a coating solution for forming an undercoat layer. This coating solution is dip-coated on an aluminum support having an outer diameter of 84 mm roughened by a honing treatment, and after air drying at room temperature for 5 minutes, the support is heated to 50 ° C. for 10 minutes, It was placed in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at 50 ° C. and 85% RH (dew point 47 ° C.) and subjected to a humidification hardening acceleration treatment for 20 minutes. Then, it put in the hot air dryer and dried for 10 minutes at 170 degreeC, and formed the undercoat layer.

As a charge generating material, gallium chloride phthalocyanine is used, and a mixture comprising 15 parts by weight thereof, 10 parts by weight of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (VMCH, manufactured by Nippon Union Carbide) and 300 parts by weight of n-butyl alcohol. Dispersed for 4 hours in a sand mill. The obtained dispersion was dip-coated on the undercoat layer and dried to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.3 μm. Next, 40 parts by weight of N, N′-bis (3-methylphenyl) -N, N′-diphenylbenzidine and 60 parts by weight of bisphenol Z polycarbonate resin (molecular weight 40,000) were added to 230 parts by weight of tetrohydrofuran and monochlorobenzene. A coating solution obtained by sufficiently dissolving and mixing in 100 parts by weight was dip-coated on the charge generation layer and dried at 130 ° for 40 minutes to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 25 μm. The obtained photoreceptor was designated as photoreceptor A. That is, the surface of the photoreceptor A is constituted by the charge transport layer.
[Preparation of Photosensitive Member B]
2 parts of Compound 1 shown below, 2 parts of Resist Top PL4852 (manufactured by Gunei Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 10 parts of isopropyl alcohol were dissolved to obtain a coating solution for forming a protective layer. This protective layer forming coating solution is dip-coated on the charge transport layer of the photoconductor prepared in the same manner as the photoconductor A, air-dried at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then dried at 140 ° C. for 45 minutes to protect the film with a thickness of 4 μm. A layer was formed. The obtained photoreceptor was designated as photoreceptor B. That is, the surface of the photoreceptor B is constituted by a protective layer.

[Example 1]
As a testing machine, a DocuCenter 1010 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., remodeled like the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 was used. That is, the photoreceptor A having a surface constituted by a charge transport layer was incorporated in the photoreceptor. Further, as the cleaning device, the cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 provided with a cleaning brush, a collection roll, a scraper member, a cleaning auxiliary member, and a reciprocating mechanism was used. Details are shown below.
(1) Cleaning brush Brush material: conductive nylon, fiber thickness: 2 denier (about 17 μm), electric resistance: 1 × 10 8 Ω, hair length: 3 mm, fiber density: 120,000 / inch ² , photoconductor Encroaching amount: about 0.75 mm, peripheral speed: 60 mm / s, rotation direction: reverse direction to the rotation direction of the photoreceptor, brush application bias: +250 V
(2) Collection roll Material: phenol resin in which conductive carbon is dispersed, electric resistance: 1 × 10 ⁸ Ω, flexural modulus (JIS K7203): 100 MPa, wear amount (JIS K6902): 2 mg, Rockwell hardness (JIS K7202) , M scale): 120, amount of biting into the cleaning brush: 1.0 mm, peripheral speed: 70 mm / s, rotation direction: the same direction as the rotation direction of the cleaning brush, applied bias: +640 V
(3) Scraper member Material: SUS304, thickness: 80 μm, amount of biting into the collecting roll: 1.3 mm, free length (free length): 8.0 mm
(4) Cleaning auxiliary member A pad-shaped foam having a height of 3 mm prepared as a holding member of a nonwoven fabric (polyester / nylon, WP8085 manufactured by Japan Vilene) having a fiber diameter (thickness) of 6 μm prepared by a hydroentanglement method as a fine fiber cloth Affixed to urethane, the amount of biting into the photoconductor was set to 1.5 mm, and the pressing pressure of the cleaning auxiliary member to the surface of the photoconductor was 19.6 mN / mm in a 25 ° C. measurement environment. Further, the contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member was 5 mm.
(5) Reciprocating mechanism The reciprocating mechanism has been modified so that the reciprocating mechanism can be freely controlled from the outside by replacing the one having the inclined cam and the rotating motor shown in FIG. 3 with a direct acting motor. . Here, the cleaning auxiliary member was reciprocated constantly during the toner image forming cycle and during the toner image forming cycle not being performed. The amplitude width of the reciprocating motion was 5 mm, and the speed was a speed at which the cleaning auxiliary member reciprocated 2.9 during one rotation of the photosensitive member. Table 1 shows the specifications of the image forming apparatus used here.

  Using the product developer of Docu-Center Color 500 as a developer in the image forming apparatus described above, 100,000 sheets each at low temperature and low humidity (10 ° C., 20% RH) and high temperature and high humidity (28 ° C., 80%) The durability test was conducted to evaluate photoreceptor wear and photoreceptor scratches (photoreceptor roughness). In addition, filming was evaluated under low temperature and low humidity conditions, and image flow was evaluated under high temperature and high humidity conditions. These results are shown in Table 2 together with the overall evaluation.

Details regarding each evaluation are as follows.
[Photoreceptor wear amount]
Regarding the wear of the photoreceptor, the film thickness of the photoreceptor before and after the test was measured with an eddy current film thickness meter for each test environment, and the difference was judged. The values shown in Table 2 indicate the amount of wear per 1000 rotations of the photoreceptor.
[Photoconductor scratches]
The photoreceptor damage was evaluated by measuring the 10-point average roughness (Rz) using a surface roughness meter (Surfcom 1400A manufactured by Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.). The smaller the value of Rz, the fewer the scratches on the photoreceptor. Judgment criteria are as follows.
A: Rz is 1.5 μm or less B: Rz is more than 1.5 μm and less than 2.5 μm (a level where there is no problem in image quality)
×: Rz is 2.5 μm or more (white streaks appear on the image)
[Filming]
The presence or absence of deposits on the photoreceptor after the durability test in a low-temperature and low-humidity (10 ° C., 20% RH) environment was observed, and a visual sensory evaluation was performed. In addition, a halftone image having an image density of 30% was collected and subjected to sensory evaluation for the presence or absence of an influence on the image quality. Judgment criteria are as follows.
◎ → No adherence of photoconductor and no occurrence in image quality ○ → There is adherence of photoconductor, but no occurrence in image quality × → There is adherence of photoconductor and also occurs in image quality (image flow)
In a high temperature and high humidity environment (28 ° C., 80% RH), after leaving for 20,000 sheets for 12 hours or more, only a part of the photoreceptor surface was wiped with water in order to remove water-soluble discharge products. After that, a halftone image is printed, and the density difference (ΔSAD) of the image portion corresponding to the location where the surface of the photoreceptor is wiped with water is measured with a reflection type density measuring device (X-rite). And evaluated according to the following criteria. The smaller the value of ΔSAD, the less image flow has occurred. The halftone image was judged as a halftone image of a 300-line multi-line screen with an image density of 30% in order to improve the detection accuracy of the image flow.
A: ΔSAD is 0.15 or less ○: ΔSAD exceeds 0.15 and less than 0.3 ×: ΔSAD exceeds 0.3 and less than 0.4 XX: ΔSAD is 0.4 or more

[Example 2]
The same tests and evaluations as in Example 1 were performed using the same image forming apparatus as in Example 1 (see Table 1) except that the photoconductor was replaced with Photoreceptor B whose surface was constituted by a protective layer. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 3]
The contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member is changed to 4 mm, and the cleaning auxiliary member is set to have a reciprocating amplitude width of 5 mm during the toner image forming cycle, and the photosensitive member has a speed of 1 mm. During rotation, the cleaning auxiliary member is reciprocated at a reciprocating speed of 2.9. In the post-cycle every 500 sheets, the amplitude width is the same as that during the toner image forming cycle, but the speed of the photosensitive member is one rotation. The same image forming apparatus as in Example 2 (see Table 1) was used, except that the cleaning auxiliary member was accelerated so as to make 10 reciprocations in between, and the photosensitive member was reciprocated until it rotated 30 times. Tests and evaluations were performed. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 4]
In the post-cycle every 500 sheets, the speed of the cleaning auxiliary member was the same as that in the toner image forming cycle, but the amplitude width was increased to 10 mm, and the cleaning auxiliary member was reciprocated until the photoconductor rotated 30 times. The same test and evaluation as in Example 1 were performed using the same image forming apparatus (see Table 1). The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 5]
Only in the morning after changing the contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive member to 5 mm and running under the same conditions as in the second embodiment instead of during the post-cycle operation (after the image forming apparatus is turned on) During the start-up operation, the cleaning auxiliary member is set to have a reciprocating amplitude width of 10 mm, and the speed is set so that the cleaning auxiliary member makes 10 reciprocations while the photoconductor rotates once, until the photoconductor rotates 200 times. Except for reciprocal movement, the same test and evaluation as in Example 1 were performed using the same image forming apparatus as in Example 4 (see Table 1). The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 6]
Based on the detection result of the environment detection sensor, the cleaning auxiliary member is always set to have a reciprocating amplitude width of 5 mm in a low-temperature and low-humidity environment, and the cleaning auxiliary member reciprocates 1.5 times during one rotation of the photosensitive member. Reducing the speed and reciprocating the same, and based on the detection result of the environment detection sensor, the cleaning auxiliary member is always in the high temperature and high humidity environment, the amplitude width of the reciprocation is the same as in the low temperature and low humidity environment, Similar to Example 1, except that the cleaning auxiliary member was reciprocated at a speed of 2.9 reciprocation during one rotation of the photoreceptor, using the same image forming apparatus (see Table 1) as in Example 1. Tests and evaluations were performed. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 7]
Example except that the photosensitive member is replaced with the photosensitive member B whose surface is constituted by a protective layer, and the cleaning auxiliary member is always reciprocated with the amplitude width of the reciprocating motion being increased to 7 mm in a high temperature and high humidity environment. Using the same image forming apparatus as that of No. 6 (see Table 1), tests and evaluations similar to those of Example 1 were performed. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 8]
The same test and evaluation as in Example 1 were performed using the same image forming apparatus as in Example 7 (see Table 1) except that the contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member was changed to 1.4 mm. went. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 9]
The image forming apparatus (Table 1) is the same as in Example 8 except that the cleaning auxiliary member is replaced with a non-woven fabric having a fiber diameter of 3 μm and the contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member in the photosensitive member rotation direction is changed to 4 mm. The same test and evaluation as in Example 1 were performed. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 10]
The same test and evaluation as in Example 1 were performed using the same image forming apparatus as in Example 9 (see Table 1) except that the cleaning auxiliary member was replaced with a non-woven fabric having a fiber diameter of 11 μm. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 11]
Using the same image forming apparatus as that used in Example 7 (see Table 1) except that the cleaning auxiliary member was replaced with an ultra-fine fiber knitted fabric having a fiber diameter of 2 μm and Toraysee (made by Toray Industries, Inc.), Tests and evaluations similar to those in Example 1 were performed. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Comparative Example 1]
Except that both the cleaning auxiliary member and the reciprocating mechanism were removed from the cleaning device, the same test and evaluation as in Example 1 were performed using the same image forming apparatus as in Example 1 (see Table 1). The results are shown in Table 2.
[Comparative Example 2]
Tests and evaluations similar to those in Example 1 were performed using the same image forming apparatus as that in Comparative Example 1 (see Table 1) except that the photoconductor was replaced with Photoreceptor B whose surface was constituted by a protective layer. The results are shown in Table 2.
[Comparative Example 3]
The image forming apparatus (Table 1) is the same as that of Example 3 except that the cleaning auxiliary member is replaced with a non-woven fabric having a fiber diameter of 20 μm (cellulose fiber, Nihon Vilene 8830CR) and the reciprocating mechanism is removed from the cleaning device. The same test and evaluation as in Example 1 were performed. The results are shown in Table 2.
[Comparative Example 4]
Example 1 Using the same image forming apparatus (see Table 1) as Example 2 except that the contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member is changed to 1 mm and the reciprocating mechanism is removed from the cleaning device. Tests and evaluations similar to 1 were performed. The results are shown in Table 2.

  In any of the comparative examples, the reciprocating mechanism was removed from the cleaning device, and the cleaning auxiliary member was not slid and rubbed. As a result, filming occurred in the low temperature and low humidity environment except for Comparative Example 4, and image flow occurred in any of the comparative examples in the high temperature and high humidity environment. In particular, even in Comparative Examples 3 and 4 in which a cleaning auxiliary member was provided, image flow occurred under a high temperature and high humidity environment. This image flow is considered to be caused by insufficient removal of the discharge products and moisture absorption of the remaining discharge products. On the other hand, in any of the examples, the cleaning auxiliary member was swung and slid by the reciprocating mechanism. In each embodiment, the occurrence of filming in a low temperature and low humidity environment and the occurrence of image flow in a high temperature and high humidity environment are suppressed. From the above, it is not sufficient to remove the discharge product simply by providing the cleaning auxiliary member, and the discharge product and the external additive are not used until the cleaning auxiliary member is reciprocated to perform the sliding friction. It can be said that fine residues such as can be sufficiently removed over a long period of time.

  Further, when each example is analyzed in detail, in the remaining examples using the photoconductor B provided with the protective layer, compared to the examples 1 and 6 using the photoconductor A provided with no protective layer. In addition, wear and scratches on the photoreceptor are suppressed. From this, it can be said that it is preferable to use a photoreceptor having a protective layer. Furthermore, the control cycle such as a cycle was added after increasing the scraping ability by widening the amplitude width or increasing the speed compared with the second embodiment in which the rocking friction was always performed under the same reciprocating operation conditions. In Examples 3 to 5, the occurrence of image flow in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment is suppressed. From this result, it can be said that the discharge product can be sufficiently removed over a longer period by inserting a control cycle in which the amplitude width is increased or the speed is increased to improve the scraping ability. Further, in Example 7 in which the contact width of the cleaning auxiliary member is 1.5 mm or more compared to Example 8 in which the contact width in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member is 1.4 mm, filming and image flow are generated. It can be said that the contact width is preferably 1.5 mm or more. Furthermore, in Example 9 in which the fiber diameter is 10 μm or less compared to Example 10 in which the fiber diameter (thickness) of the cleaning auxiliary member is 11 μm, the occurrence of filming and image flow is further suppressed. It can be said that the diameter (thickness) is preferably 10 μm or less.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the reciprocation mechanism and control part with which the cleaning apparatus in this embodiment is provided. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross-sectional structure of the photoreceptor shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Photoconductor 101 Protective layer 110 Surface 20 Charger 30 Exposure device 40 Developer 50 Transfer roll 61 Charger before cleaning 62 Charger before cleaning 62 Cleaning device 71 Cleaning device 71 Cleaning brush 72 Recovery roll 73 Scraper member 74 Waste toner conveyance Auger 75 Cleaning auxiliary member 751 Holding member 752 Fiber 76 Reciprocating mechanism 761 Inclination cam 762 Drive motor 77 Control unit 78 Environment detection sensor 80 Static elimination lamp

Claims (2)

The image receiving surface of an image carrier that carries a toner image to be transferred to a transfer surface in a predetermined transfer area on the surface and conveys the toner image to the transfer area by circulating the surface around the central axis. In the cleaning device for removing the residue remaining on the surface after the toner image is transferred to the surface,
Cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface;
A fiber body having a plurality of fibers in contact with the surface after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface of the image carrier on the upstream side in the circulation movement direction of the surface of the image carrier from the cleaning unit;
A cleaning apparatus comprising: a reciprocating mechanism that relatively reciprocates the fibrous body and the surface of the image carrier in the extending direction of the central axis. The surface of the photoconductor that circulates around the central axis in a predetermined direction is charged by a charger, and the charged photoconductor surface is irradiated with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor. The toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor by a toner image forming cycle in which the image is developed with toner to form the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor is transferred to a predetermined transfer surface and finally fixed on the recording medium. In the image forming apparatus for forming an image composed of a fixed toner image on the recording medium,
Cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface;
A fibrous body having a plurality of fibers in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor after the toner image is transferred to the transfer surface on the upstream side in the circulation movement direction of the photoreceptor surface with respect to the cleaning unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a reciprocating mechanism that reciprocally moves the fibrous body and the surface of the photosensitive member in a direction in which the central axis extends.

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