JP2007127811A - Image forming apparatus and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge in which deformation of the tip of a first blade by rolling of the tip in image formation is prevented, and contamination of a charging roller by a lubricant splashed by rolling of the tip of a second blade in reverse rotation of an image carrier is also prevented. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a cleaning device having: a cleaning blade which comes in contact with the image carrier by a counter system to remove toner remaining after transfer on a surface of the image carrier; a lubricant applicator equipped with a lubricant and an application member to apply the lubricant to the surface of the image carrier; and a lubricant leveling blade which comes in contact with the image carrier by a trailing system to spread the lubricant applied on the surface of the image carrier to form a thin layer, in this order, from an upstream side of the image carrier in a rotation direction, and the image forming apparatus includes a driving means to rotate the image carrier in a direction opposite to the regular rotation direction after the end of image formation, and a sheetlike contamination prevention member which comes in contact with the image carrier on a downstream side of the lubricant leveling blade. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge including a cleaning device having a mechanism for applying a lubricant to an image carrier.

  An image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process includes a photoconductor as an image carrier, charges the surface of the photoconductor by discharge, and exposes the charged photoconductor surface to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image to make it visible, and the formed visible image on the surface of the photoreceptor is transferred to the surface of the transfer paper, then fixed, and the transfer paper is discharged.

  Transfer residual toner that has not been transferred to the transfer paper, untransferred toner, or the like remains on the surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer of the visible image. Therefore, the surface of the photosensitive member is cleaned by a cleaning device so that the residual toner does not adversely affect the next image formation, and is prepared for the next image forming process.

  As a cleaning device, a cleaning blade made of an elastic material such as rubber or a cleaning brush formed of synthetic resin fibers in a brush shape is generally rubbed against the surface of the photoconductor to remove deposits such as transfer residual toner. Has been done.

  However, the cleaning blade and the cleaning brush as described above change over time as the rubbing with the photosensitive member continues, and wear to cause chipping or deformation. As a result, there arises a problem that the cleaning performance is deteriorated, and the surface of the photosensitive member is also worn, so that the life of the photosensitive member is shortened.

  Therefore, there is a method of applying a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor in order to reduce the frictional resistance acting between the photoconductor and the cleaning member as described above, and to eliminate problems such as wear of the cleaning member and the photoconductor. It has been taken.

  On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for higher image quality, and in order to achieve the formation of high-definition color images in particular, the toner has been reduced in particle size and spheroidized.

  However, when a toner having a spherical shape and a reduced particle size is used, there are some problems with respect to cleaning on the photoconductor performed after image formation. One of them is that it is difficult to clean a toner having a spherical shape and a small particle size by using a blade cleaning method generally used. The cleaning blade removes the toner while rubbing the surface of the photoreceptor, but the edge portion of the cleaning blade is deformed by the frictional resistance with the photoreceptor, so that a minute space is generated between the photoreceptor and the cleaning blade. The smaller the toner particle size, the easier it is to enter this space. Since the rolling friction force is smaller as the invading toner has a shape close to a spherical shape, it starts to roll in the space between the photosensitive member and the cleaning blade, passes through the cleaning blade, and leads to poor cleaning.

  As a countermeasure for preventing such a cleaning failure, for example, a method of increasing the contact pressure of the cleaning blade to the photosensitive member is employed. However, when the contact pressure on the photosensitive member is increased, the frictional force with the surface of the photosensitive member is also increased, so that the cleaning blade is more easily damaged or worn. In addition, blade squealing or blade turning caused by irregular vibration of the cleaning blade tends to occur. Therefore, it has become more important to uniformly apply a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor to reduce the coefficient of friction (μ) on the surface of the photoconductor.

  In order to deal with such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses that even in an image forming apparatus using a spheroidized and small-diameter toner, it is effective to remove transfer residual toner and adhered matter on the photoreceptor. As a cleaning device that can maintain the cleaning performance for a long period of time, the cleaning device includes two blades, a first cleaning blade and a second cleaning blade, in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the image carrier. The invention describes a lubricating blade having a two-layer structure of a blade base layer and a lubricant particle-containing layer.

  Patent Document 2 relates to a photoreceptor cleaning device having a cleaning blade in contact with the photoreceptor, and a lubricant corresponding to simplification and downsizing of the device for cleaning the toner with a small particle diameter and polymerization toner. As realized by the application mechanism, the lubricant application means is disposed downstream of the cleaning means and between the cleaning means and the leveling means, and the leveling means is located downstream of the lubricant application means. An image forming apparatus is described which employs a plate-like brush which is disposed on the side and upstream of the charging means and which can swing on the leveling means.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, in an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus, after applying a lubricant to the surface of a member to be coated after cleaning, the lubricant is leveled to thereby remove abnormal images such as worm-eaten and image blur. In order to obtain a good transfer image, the cleaning blade is brought into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor belt upstream of the position where the lubricant is applied by the brush roller, and the lubricant leveling blade is brought into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor belt downstream. The invention to be described is described.

  Further, in Patent Document 4, in order to obtain an image forming apparatus that supplies a stable amount of lubricant over a long period of time, a cleaning blade 11 that abuts on the photosensitive drum as a cleaning device, and a photosensitive drum rather than the cleaning blade. Provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction and supplying lubricant to the surface of the photosensitive drum, and provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum from the lubricant supply unit and supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum And an equalizing means for homogenizing the lubricant to be applied.

Patent Document 5 describes an image forming apparatus that prevents scattering of powder toner from a developing device and a cleaning device by using a sealing sheet. Furthermore, in Patent Document 6, in order to prevent toner adhesion and accumulation on the back side of the film seal provided in the opening of the developing device of the electrophotographic apparatus, the photosensitive drum is rotated backward after the series of image forming steps, and thereafter An invention for forward rotation is described.
JP 2004-109234 A JP 2004-354695 A JP 2001-305907 A JP 2000-330443 A JP-A-11-265118 JP-A-10-010864

  Although none of the above-described prior arts is problematic, the cleaning blade (first blade) is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum in a counter manner as shown in FIG. The leading edge of the first blade at the time of actual image formation is in contact with the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum. For this reason, when the photosensitive drum is stopped, an excessive force is still applied to the tip of the cleaning blade in this state. Therefore, when the photosensitive drum is stopped, the photosensitive drum is once rotated in the direction opposite to the normal rotation direction. Need to be rotated.

  However, since the lubricant leveling blade (second blade) is in contact with the trailing method as shown in FIG. 3B, the tip of the second blade is not rotated when the photosensitive drum is rotated in reverse. The force will act as if it is involved. In this case, the lubricant staying at the tip of the second blade and the toner that has entered slightly may be blown off to the downstream side of the second blade by the second blade itself. The blown-off lubricant and toner contaminate the charging roller on the downstream side, resulting in horizontal streaks on the image.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and prevents the leading end of the first blade from being deformed due to the constriction of the leading end of the first blade during image formation, and the constriction of the leading end of the second blade during reverse rotation of the image carrier. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge that prevent contamination of a charging roller due to splashing of a lubricant due to action.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus having a cleaning device that removes transfer residual toner from the surface of an image carrier after image formation. After completion, the cleaning device has a reverse rotation driving means for rotating the image carrier in a direction opposite to that at the time of image formation, and the cleaning device contacts the image carrier in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction at the time of image formation of the image carrier. Removal means for removing the transfer residual toner, lubricant application means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier after removal of the transfer residual toner, and contact with the image carrier and applied to the surface of the image carrier A lubricant leveling means for uniformly leveling the lubricant, and the image forming apparatus includes a reverse rotation driving means for rotating the image carrier in a direction opposite to that at the time of image formation after the image formation is completed, and an image carrier. Charging means for charging and cleaning device; During, characterized by comprising a seat member for preventing contamination which contacts the image bearing member.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the removing means is in contact with the image carrier in a counter manner.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the lubricant leveling means abuts on the image carrier in a trailing manner.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the toner used in the image forming apparatus has a volume average particle diameter of 10 μm or less and a volume average particle diameter. The number average particle size is 1.00 to 1.40.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the toner used in the image forming apparatus has an average circularity of 0.93 to 1.00. It is characterized by that.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the toner used in the image forming apparatus has a toner shape roundness ratio of SF-1. The value of SF-1 derived from the following formula (I) is 100 to 180.

SF-1 = {(MXLNG) ² / AREA} × (100π / 4) Formula (I)

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the toner used in the image forming apparatus has an irregularity ratio of the toner shape of SF-2. The value of SF-1 derived from the following formula (II) is 100 to 180.

SF-2 = {(PERI) ² / AREA} × (100 / 4π) Formula (II)

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the toner used in the image forming apparatus has a substantially spherical appearance, and the major axis of the toner. Is r1, the minor axis is r2, and the thickness is r3, the value of r2 / r1 is 0.5 to 1.0, the value of r3 / r2 is 0.7 to 1.0, and r1 ≧ r2 ≧ r3.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, the toner is a polyester prepolymer having at least a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, a release agent. A toner composition containing a mold agent is formed by crosslinking and / or elongation reaction in the presence of resin fine particles in an aqueous medium.

  The invention according to claim 10 is a process cartridge of an image forming apparatus having a cleaning device that removes transfer residual toner from the surface of the image carrier after image formation. The cleaning device has a reverse rotation drive means for rotating the image carrier in the opposite direction to the image formation, and the cleaning device contacts the image carrier in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction during the image formation of the image carrier to remove the transfer residual toner. Removing means for removing the transfer residual toner, lubricant applying means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier after removing the transfer residual toner, and a lubricant applied to the surface of the image carrier in contact with the image carrier. It comprises a uniform means for leveling the lubricant and a sheet member for preventing contamination in contact with the image carrier, and the image carrier and the cleaning device are integrated.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge according to the present invention are an image forming apparatus including a cleaning blade, a lubricant application device, and a cleaning device having a lubricant leveling blade, and the image carrier is rotated in a normal rotation direction. And a sheet-like anti-contamination member that contacts the image carrier on the downstream side of the lubricant leveling blade of the cleaning device. This prevents deformation of the blade tip due to the winding of the cleaning blade tip during image formation, and prevents contamination of the charging roller with lubricant or toner that is blown off by reverse rotation of the image carrier. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that forms an image of the above.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this embodiment is not limited to what is described below, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an intermediate transfer belt 56 at the center, and below that there are four toners corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. Image forming units are lined up along the belt surface. Each image forming unit has photoreceptors 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K corresponding to each color. Further, around each photoreceptor 1, a charging device 2, a lubricant coating device 3, a developing device 4, and a cleaning device 8 are provided.

  The charging device 2 applies a charge to the surface of each photoconductor, and includes a charging roller 2a and a charging cleaning member 2b. The lubricant applying device 3 applies a lubricant to the surface of the photoreceptor to reduce the frictional resistance generated between the photoreceptor and the cleaning member. The lubricant application device 3 includes a brush roller 3a, a solid lubricant 3b, a pressure member 3c, and a lubricant holding member 3d.

  The developing device 4 develops the latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor with toner for each color to form a toner image. The cleaning device 8 is for cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor after the toner image is transferred to the transfer material. The cleaning device 8 includes a cleaning blade 8a, a lubricant leveling blade 8b, a blade holding member 8c, a housing 8d, and a sheet member 8e.

  An exposure device 9 is provided below the four image forming units. The exposure device 9 exposes the surface of each charged photoconductor based on image data of each color to form a latent image.

Next, a cleaning device provided in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the cleaning device of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 8 according to the present embodiment includes a cleaning blade 8a, a lubricant application device 3 on the downstream side, and a lubricant on the downstream side as viewed from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1. Lubricant leveling blade 8b is provided to equalize the pressure. First, when the surface of the photosensitive member 1 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 8 a, the lubricant 3 b is applied by the lubricant applying device 3. After the lubricant 3b is applied to the photoreceptor 1 via the brush roller 3a, the lubricant 3b applied to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is further extended by the lubricant leveling blade 8b, and the photoreceptor 1 A thin layer will be formed on the surface.

  The cleaning device 8 in FIG. 1 is configured such that after the lubricant 3b is applied to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 by the applying member 3a of the lubricant applying device 3, the transfer residual toner is cleaned by the cleaning blade 8a. The cleaning device 8 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, so that the lubricant 3b just applied is not scraped off by the cleaning blade 8a. Further, since the surface of the photoreceptor 1 coated with the lubricant 3b is leveled by the lubricant leveling blade 8b to be a uniform coated surface, there is no occurrence of uneven transfer, and abnormal images such as worm-eaten and image blur are displayed. Do not generate.

  By the way, in the cleaning device 8 of this embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cleaning blade 8a is a counter system, and the lubricant leveling blade 8b is a trailing system, respectively. It is in contact. 3A is a diagram schematically showing contact between the cleaning blade 8a and the photoreceptor 1, and FIG. 3B is a diagram schematically showing contact between the lubricant leveling blade 8b and the photoreceptor 1. FIG. FIG.

However, if the cleaning blade 8a and the lubricant leveling blade 8b are brought into contact with each other in this manner, the following problems occur. First, the cleaning blade 8a will be described.
If the cleaning blade 8a is kept in contact with the counter system, the tip of the cleaning blade 8a is wound downstream as viewed from the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 1 during image formation, and the tip of the cleaning blade 8a is deformed. There is a risk of it.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the photoconductor 1 is stopped, the photoconductor 1 is rotated in the normal rotation direction, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the photoconductor 1 rotates during image formation. I tried to prevent it. By rotating the photosensitive member 1 in the reverse direction, not only the tip of the cleaning blade 8a is prevented from being caught, but also the cleaning blade 8a is temporarily wound or the photosensitive member 1 is stopped during the winding and the cleaning blade 8a is stopped. It is also possible to prevent 8a itself from being distorted.

Next, the lubricant leveling blade 8b will be described.
As described above, when the photosensitive member 1 is stopped, that is, after the image formation is completed, the photosensitive member 1 is reversely rotated to suppress the deformation of the tip portion of the cleaning blade 8a. However, due to this reverse rotation, this time a force is applied so that the tip of the lubricant leveling blade 8b is caught downstream in the rotation direction during reverse rotation.

  In this case, like the cleaning blade 8a, the lubricant leveling blade 8b itself may be distorted, and the lubricant staying at the tip of the lubricant leveling blade 8b or the cleaning blade 8a. The toner or the like that has entered slightly without being caught is blown off to the downstream side when the lubricant leveling blade 8b rotates forward. As a result, the charging roller on the downstream side of the lubricant leveling blade 8b is contaminated, and horizontal streaks may be generated on the output image.

  In view of this, in the present embodiment, the sheet member 8e that contacts the photoreceptor 1 is provided on the downstream side of the lubricant leveling blade 8b and the upstream side of the charging roller 2a to prevent contamination. As a result, the charging roller 2a is not contaminated, and a remarkable effect of preventing horizontal streaks on the image can be obtained.

Next, the cleaning device 8 and the lubricant coating device 3 of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
First, the cleaning device 8 will be described.

  As described above, the cleaning device 8 of the present embodiment includes the cleaning blade (first blade) 8a, the lubricant leveling blade (second blade) 8b, the blade holding member 8c, the housing 8d, and the sheet member 8e. And. The first blade 8a is made of a rubber such as urethane rubber or silicone rubber formed into a plate shape. The edge portion of the first blade 8a is provided so as to be in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1, and the toner on the photoreceptor drum 1 remaining after the transfer is removed.

  The cleaning blade 8a and the lubricant leveling blade 8b are attached to and supported by a blade holding member 8c made of metal, plastic, ceramic, or the like. In general, it is installed at an angle as shown in FIG.

  The lubricant application device 3 is provided inside the cleaning device 8, and a first blade 8 a is provided upstream in the movement (rotation) direction of the photoreceptor 1, and a second blade 8 b is provided downstream in the movement direction of the photoreceptor 1. , Each provided. Actually, the first blade 8a, the lubricant applying device 3, and the second blade 8b are arranged in this order when viewed from the moving direction of the photoreceptor 1 inside the cleaning device.

  Residual toner is removed by the first blade 8a, and the surface of the photoreceptor 1 in a clean state is rubbed with the lubricant 3b applied by the lubricant application device 3, and the second blade 8b rubs the surface of the photoreceptor 1. And spread the lubricant. Thereby, a thin layer of the lubricant 3b can be formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1. Further, a sheet member 8e for preventing lubricant or toner blown off from the second blade 8b when the photosensitive member 1 is rotated in reverse is brought into contact with the photosensitive member 1 to contact the second blade and the charging roller. Arranged between.

  Note that the lubricant application device 3 can be used not only for applying a lubricant to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 but also as a device for applying a lubricant to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 56 in FIG. 1, for example. For example, the lubricant application device 3 may be provided adjacent to the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 57 or may be provided inside the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 57.

  When the lubricant application device 3 is provided adjacent to the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 57, the lubricant application device 3 is located upstream of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 57 as viewed from the movement (rotation) direction of the intermediate transfer belt 56. Place. When the lubricant 3b is applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 56, it is extended by the cleaning blade 8a provided in the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 57 to form a thin layer of the lubricant 3b. Thereby, it is possible to satisfactorily clean deposits such as toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 56 without being subjected to secondary transfer at the nip portion with the secondary transfer roller 61.

  Further, the lubricant application device 3 is a process cartridge which is integrally supported including the photosensitive member 1, the charging device 2, the developing device 4, the cleaning device 8, and the like, and is detachably formed on the image forming apparatus main body. It is also possible. The installation position of the lubricant application device 3 in the process cartridge, when integrated with the cleaning device 8, is on the downstream side in the moving direction of the photosensitive member 1 with respect to the cleaning blade 8a as described above. By configuring the process cartridge in this way, it is possible to obtain a process cartridge that maintains the cleaning performance of the surface of the photoreceptor 1 for a long period of time and does not cause deterioration in image quality.

  That is, according to the process cartridge of the present embodiment, as described above, the cleaning blade tip is prevented from being deformed due to the winding of the cleaning blade tip during image formation, and the lubricant blown off by the reverse rotation of the image bearing member is prevented. It is possible to provide a process cartridge capable of forming a high-quality image without causing contamination of the charging roller by the agent or toner.

Here, the lubricant application device 3 will be described in more detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lubricant application device 3 according to this embodiment is provided in a cleaning device 8, and a solid lubricant 3 b and a brush for applying the lubricant 3 b to the photoreceptor 1. And a brush roller 3a which is a shaped member. The solid lubricant 3b is obtained by dissolving a lubricating oil additive mainly composed of zinc stearate and then cooling and solidifying, for example, in a bar shape. The lubricant 3b is held by the lubricant holding member 3d, and the lubricant 3b is pressed against the brush roller 3a via the lubricant holding member 3d by the pressure member 3c attached to the housing 8d of the cleaning device 8. ing. The brush roller 3a is provided so as to contact the photoreceptor 1, and scrapes off the solid lubricant 3b to the brush roller 3a side by the rotation of the brush roller 3a. Then, the lubricant adhering to the brush roller 3 a adheres to the surface of the photoconductor 1 from the contact portion with the photoconductor 1.

  Further, the cleaning device in the present embodiment includes a sheet for preventing contamination by a lubricant or the like blown off from the second blade 8b on the downstream side of the second blade 8b when viewed from the normal rotation direction of the photosensitive member 1. A member 8e is provided. As the sheet member 8e for preventing contamination, a thin sealing material such as a polyurethane sheet is used.

  The sheet member 8e is adhered by an adhesive tape or the like to the outlet of the housing 8d that contacts the downstream side when viewed from the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 1 of the cleaning device 8. Further, the sheet member 8e may be in contact with the photosensitive member 1 due to its role. That is, in this embodiment, it is affixed to the outside of the housing 8d. However, the sheet member may be installed between the cleaning device 8 and the charging device 2 without being integrated with the cleaning device 8.

  The angle formed between the lower surface on the photoreceptor 1 side and the tangent at the point where the sheet-like member 8e contacts the photoreceptor 1 is desirably 90 ° or less, and more preferably an acute angle. Further, the shape of the sheet-like member 8e is desirably a shape that does not allow a gap in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor 1, and a rectangular shape is employed in this embodiment.

Brush thickness of the fibers of the brush roller 3a is preferably 3 to 8 deniers, and the density of the brush fibers, 20000-100000 present / inch ² is preferable. If the thickness of the brush fiber is too thin, the brush roller 3a tends to fall down when the brush roller 3a comes into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1. On the other hand, if the brush fiber is too thick, the density of the fiber cannot be increased. Also, if the density of the brush fibers is low, the number of brush fibers contacting the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is reduced, so that the lubricant cannot be applied uniformly, and conversely if the density of the brush fibers is too high. The gap between the fibers is reduced, and the amount of the lubricant powder scraped off is reduced, resulting in an insufficient amount of coating.

  In the brush roller 8a of this embodiment, in order to have the thickness of the brush fiber for making the hair fall difficult to occur and the density of the brush fiber that can efficiently perform uniform application of the lubricant, The brush roller 3a in the setting range is adopted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rotation direction of the brush roller 3 a is preferably a forward direction when viewed from the movement (rotation) direction of the photoreceptor 1. When the rotation direction of the brush roller 3a is reversed as viewed from the moving direction of the photoreceptor 1, the lubricant powder adhering to the brush fibers of the brush roller 3a is repelled by the impact abutting on the surface of the photoreceptor 1. Therefore, uniform and efficient application cannot be performed. Therefore, the rotation direction of the brush roller 3a is preferably the forward direction with respect to the moving direction of the photoconductor 1.

  As a material constituting the lubricant 3b, a dry solid hydrophobic lubricant can be used. Besides zinc stearate, barium stearate, lead stearate, iron stearate, nickel stearate, stearin Those having a stearic acid group such as cobalt oxide, copper stearate, strontium stearate, calcium stearate, cadmium stearate and magnesium stearate can be used. In addition, the same fatty acid groups zinc oleate, manganese oleate, iron oleate, cobalt oleate, lead oleate, magnesium oleate, copper oleate, and palmitic acid, zinc cobalt palmitate, copper palmitate, palmitate Magnesium acid, aluminum palmitate, and calcium palmitate may be used. In addition, fatty acids such as lead caprylate, lead caproate, zinc linolenate, cobalt linolenate, calcium linolenate and cadmium ricolinolenate, metal salts of fatty acids, and the like can also be used. Furthermore, waxes such as candelilla wax, carnauba wax, rice wax, wax, ooba oil, beeswax, and lanolin can be used.

  In the present embodiment, a cleaning blade 8a as a cleaning unit is brought into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1 on the upstream side in the moving direction with respect to the lubricant application position by the brush roller 3a, and the lubricant application position is in contact with the lubricant application position. A lubricant leveling blade 8b as a lubricant leveling means is brought into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1 on the downstream side in the moving direction. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning blade 8a is from the counter direction with respect to the surface of the photoreceptor 1, and the lubricant leveling blade 8b is from the trailing direction with respect to the surface of the photoreceptor 1. They are in contact with each other. The cleaning blade 8a and the lubricant leveling blade 8b are both made of an elastic body (particularly a rubber-like elastic body).

  With the above configuration, after the toner image carried on the surface of the photoconductor 1 is transferred to the transfer material, the residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 1 is first removed by the cleaning blade 8a. As a result, the brush roller 3a comes into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 1 that has become clean, and the lubricant 3b is applied. The applied lubricant 3b is smoothed and uniformly spread when passing through the contact position of the lubricant leveling blade 8b on the downstream side when viewed from the moving direction of the surface of the photoreceptor 1. Thus, a lubricant layer having a uniform thickness is formed. By providing such an image forming apparatus with the lubricant application device 3 and the cleaning device 8, an appropriate amount of lubricant is applied to the surface of the photoreceptor 1, and the lubricant can be evenly distributed without causing uneven application. A thin film can be formed.

  In this way, after cleaning the residual toner, applying a lubricant, and further leveling the lubricant to form a uniform layer, cleaning the photoreceptor only after the lubricant application, Both of the problems that occur in the case of post-cleaning application in which the lubricant is applied after cleaning can be prevented.

  In other words, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the amount of lubricant applied due to cleaning after application and unevenness in the static friction coefficient of the surface. Insect erosion caused by an uneven lubricant layer due to application after cleaning It is possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormal images such as image blurring and blurring. At the same time, the application function of the brush roller 3a can be maintained over a long period of time. Further, since rubber or the like is used for the lubricant leveling blade 8b, the surface of the photoconductor 1 is not damaged even if the photoconductor 1 is driven in a state where the lubricant leveling blade 8b is in contact therewith.

In this embodiment, the surfaces of the cleaning blade 8a and the photosensitive member 1 can be prevented from being worn, and the transfer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive member 1 can be achieved even when a spherical or small-diameter toner is used. Cleaning of residual toner and the like can be performed satisfactorily. Further, image blur caused by the influence of humidity on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 can be prevented by excessive application of the lubricant.
In this embodiment, the surface of the photosensitive member 1 is cleaned using the cleaning blade 8a. However, instead of the cleaning blade 8a, a cleaning brush biased to a medium-low resistance conductive brush is used. It may be.
Further, the present embodiment is not limited to the above, and can be applied to all devices that use the technical idea of the present embodiment. For example, the photosensitive member or the intermediate transfer member may have a belt shape or a roller shape.

Next, the toner used in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described.
In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, toner described below is preferably used.

  The toner used in the developing device 4 of the present embodiment has a volume average particle diameter of 3 to 8 μm, and the ratio (Dv / Dn) of the volume average particle diameter (Dv) to the number average particle diameter (Dn) is 1.00. It is preferable to be in the range of ˜1.40. By using a toner having a small particle diameter, the toner can be densely attached to the latent image.

  However, when the volume average particle diameter is smaller than the range of the present embodiment described above, with the two-component developer, the toner is fused to the surface of the magnetic carrier during long-term stirring in the developing device 4, and the charging ability of the magnetic carrier It becomes easy to lower. Also, when used as a one-component developer, toner filming on the developing roller and toner fusion to members such as a blade for thinning the toner are likely to occur.

  On the other hand, when the volume average particle diameter of the toner is larger than the range of the present embodiment described above, it is difficult to obtain a high-resolution and high-quality image, and the balance of the toner in the developer is performed. In many cases, the variation in the particle size of the toner becomes large.

  Further, by narrowing the particle size distribution, the toner charge amount distribution becomes uniform, a high-quality image with little background fogging can be obtained, and the transfer rate can be increased. However, it is not preferable that Dv / Dn exceeds 1.40 because the charge amount distribution becomes wide and the resolving power decreases.

  The average particle size and particle size distribution of the toner can be measured using a Coulter Counter TA-II and Coulter Multisizer II (both manufactured by Coulter). In the present embodiment, measurement was performed using a Coulter counter TA-II type connected to an interface (manufactured by Nikka Giken) and a personal computer (for example, PC9801: manufactured by NEC) that outputs a number distribution and a volume distribution.

  The toner according to the exemplary embodiment has a small particle size in which the ratio of the wax added to the toner that is internally or externally added to improve the releasability or the inorganic fine particles that improve the fluidity is small. As a result, it is higher than the conventional toner. These additives are the cause of the adhered substances generated on the photoreceptor 1.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, by mounting the lubricant application device 3, a uniform thin film of lubricant is formed over the entire surface of the photoreceptor 1, and the adhesion force of these adhered substances to the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is increased. Can be reduced. Further, it is possible to reduce the friction force acting between the surface of the photoreceptor 1 and the cleaning blade 8a and the lubricant leveling blade 8b of the cleaning device 8 so that the cleaning can be performed satisfactorily.

  The image forming apparatus that can greatly obtain the effect of mounting the cleaning device 8 in the present embodiment is a case where the toner used in the developing device 4 is a toner having a high degree of circularity with an average circularity of 0.93 or more. . The toner with high circularity easily slips through the gap between the photosensitive member 1 and the cleaning blade in blade-type cleaning. Increasing the contact pressure of the cleaning blade against the photosensitive member 1 increases the damage to the photosensitive member 1. Even in the method of electrostatically collecting toner by applying a bias having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner to the brush roller, it is difficult to remove the toner from the brush roller. The toner removal capability tends to decrease.

  The average circularity of toner preferably used in the present embodiment is a value obtained by optically detecting particles and dividing by the circumference of an equivalent circle having the same projected area. Specifically, the measurement is performed using a flow type particle image analyzer (FPIA-2000; manufactured by Sysmex Corporation). In a predetermined container, 100 to 150 mL of water from which impure solids are removed in advance is added, 0.1 to 0.5 mL of a surfactant is added as a dispersant, and about 0.1 to 9.5 g of a measurement sample is further added. The suspension in which the sample is dispersed is subjected to a dispersion treatment with an ultrasonic disperser for about 1 to 3 minutes, the dispersion concentration is set to 3,000 to 10,000 / μL, and the shape and distribution of the toner are measured.

  The toner used in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is preferably in the range of 100 to 180, where the toner shape roundness ratio is defined as the shape factor SF-1. Further, when the ratio of the unevenness of the toner shape is defined as the shape factor SF-2, it is preferably in the range of 100 to 180.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the toner in order to explain the shape factor SF-1 and the shape factor SF-2. As described above, the shape factor SF-1 indicates the ratio of the roundness of the toner shape and is represented by the following formula (I). This is a value obtained by dividing the square of the maximum length MXLNG of the shape formed by projecting toner onto a two-dimensional plane by the figure area AREA and multiplying by 100π / 4.

SF-1 = {(MXLNG) ² / AREA} × (100π / 4) Formula (I)

  When the value of SF-1 in this formula (I) is 100, the shape of the toner becomes a true sphere, and becomes larger as the value of SF-1 increases.

  Further, the above-described shape factor SF-2 indicates the ratio of the unevenness of the toner shape and is represented by the following formula (II). This is a value obtained by dividing the square of the perimeter PERI of the figure formed by projecting the toner onto the two-dimensional plane by the figure area AREA and multiplying by 100 / 4π.

SF-2 = {(PERI) ² / AREA} × (100 / 4π) Formula (II)

  When the SF-2 value represented by the above formula (II) is 100, unevenness does not exist on the toner surface, and as the SF-2 value increases, the unevenness of the toner surface becomes more prominent.

  When the shape of the toner is close to a spherical shape, the contact between the toners or between the toner and the photoreceptor becomes close to a point contact. Therefore, the adsorbing force between the toners becomes weak and the fluidity becomes high. Further, since the attracting force between the toner and the photoreceptor 1 is weakened, the transfer rate is increased. However, since the spherical toner easily enters the gap between the cleaning blade 8a and the photosensitive member 1, the shape factor SF-1 or SF-2 of the toner has a certain large value, that is, a certain degree of unevenness and the like. Better not. On the other hand, if SF-1 and SF-2 become too large, toner is scattered on the image and the image quality is lowered. For this reason, it is preferable that SF-1 and SF-2 do not exceed 180.

  The measurement of the shape factor of the toner of the present embodiment is specifically performed by taking a photograph of the toner with a scanning electron microscope (S-800: manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) and using this image analysis apparatus (LUSEX3: manufactured by Nireco). ) And analyzed and calculated.

  The toner suitably used in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is, for example, a toner material liquid in which at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, a polyester, a colorant, and a release agent are dispersed in an organic solvent. Is a toner obtained by crosslinking and / or elongation reaction in an aqueous solvent. Hereinafter, constituent materials and a manufacturing method of the toner according to the exemplary embodiment will be described with examples.

(Modified polyester)
The toner according to the exemplary embodiment includes modified polyester (i) as a binder resin. The modified polyester (i) refers to a state in which a bonding group other than an ester bond is present in the polyester resin, or resin components having different configurations are bonded to the polyester resin by a covalent bond or an ionic bond. Specifically, the polyester terminal is modified by introducing a functional group such as a carboxylic acid group or an isocyanate group that reacts with a hydroxyl group into the polyester terminal and further reacting with an active hydrogen-containing compound.

  Examples of the modified polyester (i) include urea-modified polyester obtained by a reaction between a polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group and amines (B). The polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is a polycondensate of a polyhydric alcohol (PO) and a polyvalent carboxylic acid (PC) and a polyester having an active hydrogen group, and a polyisocyanate compound (PIC). ) And the like. Examples of the active hydrogen group possessed by the polyester include hydroxyl groups (alcoholic hydroxyl groups and phenolic hydroxyl groups), amino groups, carboxyl groups, mercapto groups, and the like. Among these, alcoholic hydroxyl groups are preferred.

  Examples of the polyhydric alcohol compound (PO) include dihydric alcohol (DIO) and trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol (TO). (DIO) alone or a mixture of (DIO) and a small amount of (TO) preferable. Examples of the dihydric alcohol (DIO) include alkylene glycol (ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, etc.); alkylene ether glycol (diethylene glycol) , Triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol, etc.); alicyclic diols (1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, hydrogenated bisphenol A, etc.); bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol) F, bisphenol S, etc.); alkylene oxide (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.) adduct of the above alicyclic diol; Alkylene oxide bisphenol (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, etc.), etc. adducts. Among them, preferred are alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols, and particularly preferred are alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols and alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. It is combined use with.

  The trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol (TO) is a trihydric or higher polyhydric aliphatic alcohol (such as glycerin, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol); Phenols (trisphenol PA, phenol novolac, cresol novolac, etc.); alkylene oxide adducts of the above trivalent or higher polyphenols and the like.

  Examples of the polyvalent carboxylic acid (PC) include divalent carboxylic acid (DIC) and trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid (TC). (DIC) alone and (DIC) with a small amount of (TC) Mixtures are preferred. Divalent carboxylic acids (DIC) include alkylene dicarboxylic acids (succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, etc.); alkenylene dicarboxylic acids (maleic acid, fumaric acid, etc.); aromatic dicarboxylic acids (phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid) And naphthalenedicarboxylic acid). Of these, preferred are alkenylene dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and aromatic dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of the trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid (TC) include aromatic polycarboxylic acids having 9 to 20 carbon atoms (such as trimellitic acid and pyromellitic acid). In addition, as polyhydric carboxylic acid (PC), you may make it react with polyhydric alcohol (PO) using the above-mentioned acid anhydride or lower alkyl ester (Methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester, etc.).

  The ratio of the polyhydric alcohol (PO) and the polycarboxylic acid (PC) is usually 2/1 to 1/1 as an equivalent ratio [OH] / [COOH] of the hydroxyl group [OH] and the carboxyl group [COOH]. Preferably it is 1.5 / 1-1/1, More preferably, it is 1.3 / 1-1.02 / 1.

  Examples of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) include aliphatic polyisocyanates (tetramethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,6-diisocyanatomethylcaproate, etc.); alicyclic polyisocyanates (isophorone diisocyanate, cyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, etc.) Aromatic diisocyanates (tolylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, etc.); araliphatic diisocyanates (α, α, α ′, α′-tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate, etc.); isocyanates; Those blocked with caprolactam or the like; and combinations of two or more of these.

  The ratio of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) is usually 5/1 to 1/1, preferably as an equivalent ratio [NCO] / [OH] of the isocyanate group [NCO] and the hydroxyl group [OH] of the polyester having a hydroxyl group. 4/1 to 1.2 / 1, more preferably 2.5 / 1 to 1.5 / 1. When [NCO] / [OH] exceeds 5, low-temperature fixability deteriorates. When the molar ratio of [NCO] is less than 1, when a urea-modified polyester is used, the urea content in the ester is lowered and hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

  The content of the polyvalent isocyanate compound (PIC) component in the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is usually 0.5 to 40 wt% (wt%), preferably 1 to 30 wt%, more preferably 2 to 2 wt%. 20 wt%. If it is less than 0.5 wt%, the hot offset resistance deteriorates, and it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability. On the other hand, if it exceeds 40 wt%, the low-temperature fixability deteriorates.

  Further, the number of isocyanate groups contained per molecule in the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group is usually 1 or more, preferably 1.5 to 3 on average, more preferably 1.8 to average. 2.5 pieces. If it is less than 1 per molecule, the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester will be low, and the hot offset resistance will deteriorate.

  Next, as amines (B) to be reacted with the polyester prepolymer (A), a divalent amine compound (B1), a trivalent or higher polyvalent amine compound (B2), an amino alcohol (B3), an amino mercaptan (B4) ), Amino acid (B5), and amino acid block of B1 to B5 (B6).

  Examples of the divalent amine compound (B1) include aromatic diamines (phenylenediamine, diethyltoluenediamine, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, etc.); alicyclic diamines (4,4′-diamino-3,3′-dimethyldicyclohexyl). Methane, diamine cyclohexane, isophorone diamine, etc.); and aliphatic diamines (ethylene diamine, tetramethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, etc.) and the like. Examples of the trivalent or higher polyvalent amine compound (B2) include diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine. Examples of amino alcohol (B3) include ethanolamine and hydroxyethylaniline. Examples of amino mercaptan (B4) include aminoethyl mercaptan and aminopropyl mercaptan. Examples of the amino acid (B5) include aminopropionic acid and aminocaproic acid. Examples of the compound (B6) obtained by blocking the amino group of B1 to B5 include ketimine compounds and oxazolidine compounds obtained from the amines of B1 to B5 and ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, etc.). Among these amines (B), preferred are B1 and a mixture of B1 and a small amount of B2.

  The ratio of amines (B) is equivalent to the equivalent ratio [NCO] / [NHx] of isocyanate groups [NCO] in the polyester prepolymer (A) having isocyanate groups and amino groups [NHx] in amines (B). Is usually 1/2 to 2/1, preferably 1.5 / 1 to 1 / 1.5, more preferably 1.2 / 1 to 1 / 1.2. When [NCO] / [NHx] is more than 2 or less than 1/2, the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester is lowered, and the hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

  The urea-modified polyester may contain a urethane bond together with a urea bond. The molar ratio of the urea bond content to the urethane bond content is usually 100/0 to 10/90, preferably 80/20 to 20/80, and more preferably 60/40 to 30/70. When the molar ratio of the urea bond is less than 10%, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated.

  The modified polyester (i) used in the present embodiment is produced by a one-shot method or a prepolymer method. The weight average molecular weight of the modified polyester (i) is usually 10,000 or more, preferably 20,000 to 10,000,000, more preferably 30,000 to 1,000,000. The peak molecular weight at this time is preferably 1000 to 10,000, and if it is less than 1,000, the elongation reaction hardly occurs and the elasticity of the toner is small. As a result, hot offset resistance deteriorates. On the other hand, when the peak molecular weight exceeds 10,000, problems in production increase in the fixing property reduction, particle formation, and pulverization. The number average molecular weight of the modified polyester (i) is not particularly limited when the unmodified polyester (ii) described later is used, and may be a number average molecular weight that can be easily obtained to obtain the above-described weight average molecular weight. (I) When used alone, the number average molecular weight is usually 20,000 or less, preferably 1000 to 10,000, and more preferably 2000 to 8000. If it exceeds 20,000, the low-temperature fixability and the gloss when used in a full-color device are deteriorated.

  In the crosslinking and / or extension reaction between the polyester prepolymer (A) and the amines (B) for obtaining the modified polyester (i) in this embodiment, a reaction terminator is used as necessary, and the resulting urea-modified polyester The molecular weight can be adjusted. Examples of the reaction terminator include monoamines (diethylamine, dibutylamine, butylamine, laurylamine, etc.), and those obtained by blocking them (ketimine compounds).

  In addition, the molecular weight of the produced | generated polymer can be measured using THF as a solvent using gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

(Unmodified polyester)
In the present embodiment, not only the modified polyester (i) is used alone, but also the unmodified polyester (ii) can be contained as a binder resin component together with the (i). By using (ii) in combination, the low-temperature fixability and the gloss when used in a full-color device are improved, which is preferable to single use. Examples of (ii) include polycondensates of polyhydric alcohol (PO) and polyvalent carboxylic acid (PC) similar to the polyester component in (i) above, and preferred ones are also the same as (i). is there. Further, (ii) is not limited to unmodified polyester, but may be modified with a chemical bond other than a urea bond, and may be modified with a urethane bond, for example. It is preferable that (i) and (ii) are at least partially compatible with each other in terms of low-temperature fixability and hot offset resistance. Therefore, the polyester component (i) and (ii) preferably have a similar composition. When (i) is contained, the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) is usually 5/95 to 80/20, preferably 5/95 to 30/70, more preferably 5/95 to 25/75. Particularly preferred is 7/93 to 20/80. When the weight ratio of (i) is less than 5%, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated, and it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability.

  The peak molecular weight of (ii) is usually 1000 to 10,000, preferably 2000 to 8000, and more preferably 2000 to 5000. If it is less than 1000, heat-resistant storage stability will deteriorate, and if it exceeds 10,000, low-temperature fixability will deteriorate. The hydroxyl value of (ii) is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 to 120, and particularly preferably 20 to 80. If it is less than 5, it is disadvantageous in terms of both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability. As for the acid value of (ii), 1-5 are preferable, More preferably, it is 2-4. Since a high acid value wax is used as the wax, the low acid value binder leads to charging and high volume resistance, and the binder easily matches the toner used for the two-component developer.

The glass transition point (Tg) of the binder resin is usually 35 to 70 ° C, preferably 55 to 65 ° C. If the temperature is lower than 35 ° C., the heat-resistant storage stability of the toner deteriorates, and if it exceeds 70 ° C., the low-temperature fixability becomes insufficient. Since the urea-modified polyester is likely to be present on the surface of the obtained toner base particles, the toner of the present embodiment tends to have good heat-resistant storage stability even when the glass transition point is low, as compared with a known polyester-based toner. Is shown.
The glass transition point (Tg) can be measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

(Coloring agent)
As the colorant in this embodiment, all known dyes and pigments can be used. For example, carbon black, nigrosine dye, iron black, naphthol yellow S, Hansa yellow (10G, 5G, G), cadmium yellow, yellow Iron oxide, ocher, yellow lead, titanium yellow, polyazo yellow, oil yellow, Hansa yellow (GR, A, RN, R), pigment yellow L, benzidine yellow (G, GR), permanent yellow (NCG), Vulcan fast Yellow (5G, R), Tartrazine Lake, Quinoline Yellow Lake, Anthrazan Yellow BGL, Isoindolinone Yellow, Bengala, Red Tan, Lead Zhu, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Mercury Red, Antimon Zhu, Permanent Red 4R , Para red, phisa red, par Chlor ortho nitroaniline red, Resol Fast Scarlet G, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmine BS, Permanent Red (F2R, F4R, FRL, FRLL, F4RH), Fast Scarlet VD, Belkan Fast Rubin B, Brilliant Scarlet G, Resol Rubin GX, Permanent Red F5R, Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Bordeaux 5B, Tolujing Maroon, Permanent Bordeaux F2K, Helio Bordeaux BL, Bordeaux 10B, Bon Maroon Light, Bon Maroon Medium, Eosin Lake, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y, Alizarin Lake, thioindigo red B, thioindigo maroon, oil red, quinacridone red Pyrazolone Red, Polyazo Red, Chrome Vermilion, Benzidine Orange, Perinone Orange, Oil Orange, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Alkaline Blue Lake, Peacock Blue Lake, Victoria Blue Lake, Metal Free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue, Fast Sky Blue, In Dunslen Blue (RS, BC), Indigo, Ultramarine Blue, Bitumen, Anthraquinone Blue, Fast Violet B, Methyl Violet Lake, Cobalt Purple, Manganese Purple, Dioxane Violet, Anthraquinone Violet, Chrome Green, Zinc Green, Chrome Oxide, Pyridian, Emerald Green, Pigment Green B, Naphthol Green B, Green Gold, Acid Green Lake, Malachite Tog Lean lake, phthalocyanine green, anthraquinone green, titanium oxide, zinc white, ritbon and mixtures thereof can be used. The content of the colorant is usually 1 to 15% by weight, preferably 3 to 10% by weight, based on the toner.

  The colorant can also be used as a master batch combined with a resin. As the binder resin to be kneaded together with the production of the master batch or the master batch, a polymer of styrene such as polystyrene, poly-p-chlorostyrene, polyvinyl toluene or the like, or a copolymer of these and a vinyl compound, Polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, epoxy resin, epoxy polyol resin, polyurethane, polyamide, polyvinyl butyral, polyacrylic acid resin, rosin, modified rosin, terpene resin, fat Aromatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic petroleum resins, chlorinated paraffins, paraffin waxes and the like can be mentioned, and these can be used alone or in combination.

(Charge control agent)
As the charge control agent in the present embodiment, known ones can be used, for example, nigrosine dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, chromium-containing metal complex dyes, molybdate chelate pigments, rhodamine dyes, alkoxy amines, quaternary compounds. Examples thereof include ammonium salts (including fluorine-modified quaternary ammonium salts), alkylamides, phosphorus simple substances or compounds, tungsten simple substances or compounds, fluorine-based activators, salicylic acid metal salts, and metal salts of salicylic acid derivatives. Specifically, Bontron 03 of a nigrosine dye, Bontron P-51 of a quaternary ammonium salt, Bontron S-34 of a metal-containing azo dye, E-82 of an oxynaphthoic acid metal complex, E- of a salicylic acid metal complex 84, E-89 of phenol-based condensate (above, manufactured by Orient Chemical Co., Ltd.), TP-302, TP-415 of quaternary ammonium salt molybdenum complex (made of Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.), quaternary ammonium salt Copy charge PSY VP2038, copy blue PR of triphenylmethane derivative, copy charge of quaternary ammonium salt NEG VP2036, copy charge NX VP434 (above, manufactured by Hoechst), LRA-901, LR-147 which is a boron complex (Nippon Carlit) ), Copper phthalocyanine, perylene, quinacridone, azo Pigment, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, and polymer compounds having a functional group such as quaternary ammonium salts. Of these, substances that control the negative polarity of the toner are particularly preferably used.

  The amount of the charge control agent used is determined by the type of binder resin, the presence or absence of additives used as necessary, and the toner production method including the dispersion method, and is not uniquely limited. The binder resin is preferably used in the range of 0.1 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin. More preferably, the range of 0.2 to 5 parts by weight is desirable. When the amount exceeds 10 parts by weight, the chargeability of the toner is too high, so the effect of the charge control agent is reduced, the electrostatic attraction with the developing roller is increased, the developer fluidity is reduced, and the image density is reduced. It will cause a decline.

(Release agent)
As a release agent, a low melting point wax having a melting point of 50 to 120 ° C. works more effectively as a release agent in the dispersion with the binder resin between the fixing roller and the toner interface. The effect on high temperature offset is shown without applying a release agent such as oil. Examples of such a wax component include the following.

  Examples of waxes and waxes include plant waxes such as carnauba wax, cotton wax, wood wax, and rice wax, animal waxes such as beeswax and lanolin, mineral waxes such as ozokerite and cercin, and paraffin, microcrystalline, And petroleum waxes such as petrolatum. In addition to these natural waxes, synthetic hydrocarbon waxes such as Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyethylene wax, and synthetic waxes such as esters, ketones, and ethers can be used. Furthermore, fatty acid amides such as 12-hydroxystearic acid amide, stearic acid amide, phthalic anhydride imide, chlorinated hydrocarbon, and low molecular weight crystalline polymer resin, poly-n-stearyl methacrylate, poly-n- A crystalline polymer having a long alkyl group in the side chain such as a homopolymer or copolymer of polyacrylate such as lauryl methacrylate (for example, a copolymer of n-stearyl acrylate-ethyl methacrylate, etc.) can also be used. .

(External additive)
Inorganic fine particles are preferably used as an external additive for assisting the fluidity, developability and chargeability of the toner particles. The primary particle diameter of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 5 × 10 ^-3 ~2μm, it is particularly preferably 5 × 10 ^-3 ~0.5μm. Moreover, it is preferable that the specific surface area by BET method is 20-500 m < ² > / g. The use ratio of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 0.01 to 5 wt% of the toner, and particularly preferably 0.01 to 2.0 wt%.

  The charge control agent and the release agent can be melt-kneaded together with the master batch and the binder resin, or may be added when dissolved and dispersed in an organic solvent.

Specific examples of the inorganic fine particles include, for example, silica, alumina, titanium oxide, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, calcium titanate, strontium titanate, zinc oxide, tin oxide, quartz sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth. Examples include soil, chromium oxide, cerium oxide, bengara, antimony trioxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium carbonate, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. Among these, as the fluidity imparting agent, it is preferable to use hydrophobic silica fine particles and hydrophobic titanium oxide fine particles in combination. In particular, when agitation and mixing are performed using an average particle diameter of both fine particles of 5 × 10 ⁻² μm or less, the electrostatic force and van der Waals force with the toner are remarkably improved. Even when stirring and mixing inside the developing device is performed to obtain a good image quality that does not cause the release of the fluidity imparting agent from the toner and does not generate firefly, etc., and further reduces the residual toner. It is done.

  Titanium oxide fine particles are excellent in environmental stability and image density stability, but have a tendency to deteriorate the charge rise characteristics. Therefore, if the amount of titanium oxide fine particles added is larger than the amount of silica fine particles added, this side effect is affected. It can be considered large. However, when the added amount of the hydrophobic silica fine particles and the hydrophobic titanium oxide fine particles is in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 wt%, the charge rising characteristics are not greatly impaired, and the desired charge rising characteristics can be obtained, that is, repeated copying. Stable image quality can be obtained even if

  Next, a toner manufacturing method in the present embodiment will be described. Here, although a preferable manufacturing method is shown, this embodiment is not limited to this.

(Toner production method)
(1) A toner material solution is prepared by dispersing a colorant, unmodified polyester, a polyester prepolymer having an isocyanate group, and a release agent in an organic solvent.
The organic solvent is preferably volatile with a boiling point of less than 100 ° C. from the viewpoint of easy removal after toner base particle formation. Specifically, toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, chloroform, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethylidene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone and the like can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In particular, aromatic solvents such as toluene and xylene and halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride are preferred. The usage-amount of an organic solvent is 0-300 weight part normally with respect to 100 weight part of polyester prepolymers, Preferably it is 0-100 weight part, More preferably, it is 25-70 weight part.

(2) The toner material liquid is emulsified in an aqueous medium in the presence of a surfactant and resin fine particles.
The aqueous medium may be water alone or an organic solvent such as alcohol (methanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, etc.), dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, cellosolves (methyl cellosolve, etc.), lower ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.). It may be included.
The amount of the aqueous medium used relative to 100 parts by weight of the toner material liquid is usually 50 to 2000 parts by weight, preferably 100 to 1000 parts by weight. If the amount is less than 50 parts by weight, the dispersion state of the toner material liquid is poor, and toner particles having a predetermined particle diameter cannot be obtained. Moreover, when it exceeds 20000 weight part, it is not economical.
Further, in order to improve the dispersion in the aqueous medium, a dispersant such as a surfactant and resin fine particles is appropriately added.

  As surfactants, anionic surfactants such as alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, phosphate esters, alkylamine salts, amino alcohol fatty acid derivatives, polyamine fatty acid derivatives, amine salt types such as imidazoline, Quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium salt, dialkyldimethylammonium salt, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt, pyridinium salt, alkylisoquinolinium salt, benzethonium chloride, fatty acid amide derivative, polyhydric alcohol Nonionic surfactants such as derivatives, for example, amphoteric surfactants such as alanine, dodecyldi (aminoethyl) glycine, di (octylaminoethyl) glycine and N-alkyl-N, N-dimethylammonium betaine And the like.

Further, by using a surfactant having a fluoroalkyl group, the effect can be obtained in a very small amount. Examples of the anionic surfactant having a fluoroalkyl group that is preferably used include fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and metal salts thereof, disodium perfluorooctanesulfonyl glutamate, 3- [ω-fluoroalkyl (C _6- C ₁₁ ) oxy] -1-alkyl (C ₃ -C ₄ ) sodium sulfonate, 3- [ω-fluoroalkanoyl (C ₆ -C ₈ ) -N-ethylamino] -1-propanesulfonic acid sodium, fluoroalkyl (C ₁₁ ~C ₂₀₎ carboxylic acids and metal salts thereof, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (C ₇ ~C ₁₃₎ and metal salts thereof, perfluoroalkyl (C ₄ ~C ₁₂₎ sulfonic acids and metal salts thereof, perfluorooctane Sulfonic acid diethanolamide, N-propyl-N- (2-hydroxyethyl) perfluoroo Tan sulfonamide, perfluoroalkyl (C ₆ ~C ₁₀₎ sulfonamide propyl trimethyl ammonium salts, perfluoroalkyl (C ₆ ~C ₁₀₎ -N- ethylsulfonyl glycine salts, monoperfluoroalkyl (C ₆ ~C ₁₆₎ Examples thereof include ethyl phosphate.

  Product names include Surflon S-111, S-112, S-113 (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), Florard FC-93, FC-95, FC-98, FC-129 (Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.), Unidyne DS-101. DS-102 (manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.), Megafac F-110, F-120, F-113, F-191, F-812, F-833 (manufactured by Dainippon Ink, Inc.), Xtop EF-102, 103, 104, 105, 112, 123A, 123B, 306A, 501, 201, 204 (manufactured by Tochem Products), and Fgentent F-100, F150 (manufactured by Neos).

  In addition, examples of the cationic surfactant include aliphatic quaternary ammonium salts such as aliphatic primary, secondary or secondary amine acids having a fluoroalkyl group, and perfluoroalkyl (C6-C10) sulfonamidopropyltrimethylammonium salts. , Benzalkonium salt, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salt, imidazolinium salt, trade names include Surflon S-121 (manufactured by Asahi Glass), Florard FC-135 (manufactured by Sumitomo 3M), Unidyne DS-202 (Daikin Industries) Manufactured), MegaFuck F-150, F-824 (Dainippon Ink Co., Ltd.), Xtop EF-132 (Tochem Products Co., Ltd.), Footgent F-300 (Neos Co., Ltd.), and the like.

  The resin fine particles are added to stabilize the toner base particles formed in the aqueous medium. For this reason, it is preferable to add so that the coverage which exists on the surface of a toner base particle becomes the range of 10 to 90%. Examples of the resin fine particles include polymethyl methacrylate fine particles of 1 μm and 3 μm, polystyrene fine particles of 0.5 μm and 2 μm, poly (styrene-acrylonitrile) fine particles of 1 μm, and trade names of PB-200H (manufactured by Kao), SGP (Soken). Technopolymer SB (manufactured by Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.), SGP-3G (manufactured by Soken), micropearl (manufactured by Sekisui Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) and the like. In addition, inorganic compound dispersants such as tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, colloidal silica, and hydroxyapatite can also be used.

  As a dispersant that can be used in combination with the resin fine particles and the inorganic compound dispersant, the dispersed droplets may be stabilized by a polymer protective colloid. For example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, α-cyanomethacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid or maleic anhydride, or other (meth) acrylic single monomers containing hydroxyl groups A mer such as acrylic acid-β-hydroxyethyl, methacrylic acid-β-hydroxyethyl, acrylic acid-β-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-β-hydroxypropyl, acrylic acid-γ-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-γ- Hydroxypropyl, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, diethylene glycol monoacrylate, diethylene glycol monomethacrylate, glycerol monoacrylate, glycerol monomethacrylate Rylic acid esters, N-methylol acrylamide, N-methylol methacrylamide, etc., vinyl alcohol or ethers with vinyl alcohol, such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl propyl ether, or compounds containing vinyl alcohol and a carboxyl group Esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, acrylamide, methacrylamide, diacetone acrylamide or their methylol compounds, acid chlorides such as acrylic acid chloride, methacrylic acid chloride, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl Nitrogen compounds such as imidazole and ethyleneimine, or homopolymers or copolymers such as those having a heterocyclic ring thereof, polyoxyethylene, Oxypropylene, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxypropylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamide, polyoxypropylene alkylamide, polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene lauryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl phenyl ester, polyoxy Polyoxyethylenes such as ethylene nonylphenyl ester, celluloses such as methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used.

  The dispersion method is not particularly limited, and known equipment such as a low-speed shear method, a high-speed shear method, a friction method, a high-pressure jet method, and an ultrasonic wave can be applied. Among these, the high-speed shearing method is preferable in order to make the particle size of the dispersion 2 to 20 μm. When a high-speed shearing disperser is used, the rotational speed is not particularly limited, but is usually 1000 to 30000 rpm, preferably 5000 to 20000 rpm. The dispersion time is not particularly limited, but in the case of a batch method, it is usually 0.1 to 5 minutes. The temperature during dispersion is usually 0 to 150 ° C. (under pressure), preferably 40 to 98 ° C.

(3) At the same time as the preparation of the emulsion, the amines (B) are added to cause a reaction with the polyester prepolymer (A) having an isocyanate group.
This reaction involves molecular chain crosslinking and / or elongation. The reaction time is selected depending on the reactivity between the isocyanate group structure of the polyester prepolymer (A) and the amines (B), but is usually 10 minutes to 40 hours, preferably 2 to 24 hours. The reaction temperature is generally 0 to 150 ° C, preferably 40 to 98 ° C. Moreover, a well-known catalyst can be used as needed. Specific examples include dibutyltin laurate and dioctyltin laurate.

(4) After completion of the reaction, the organic solvent is removed from the emulsified dispersion (reactant), washed and dried to obtain toner base particles.
In order to remove the organic solvent, the temperature of the entire system is gradually raised in a laminar stirring state, and after giving strong stirring in a certain temperature range, the solvent base is removed to produce spindle-shaped toner base particles. . Further, when an acid such as calcium phosphate salt or an alkali-soluble material is used as the dispersion stabilizer, the calcium phosphate salt is dissolved from the toner base particles by a method such as dissolving the calcium phosphate salt with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and washing with water. Remove. It can also be removed by operations such as enzymatic degradation.

(5) A charge control agent is injected into the toner base particles obtained above, and then inorganic fine particles such as silica fine particles and titanium oxide fine particles are externally added to obtain a toner.
The injection of the charge control agent and the external addition of the inorganic fine particles are performed by a known method using a mixer or the like.
Thereby, a toner having a small particle size and a sharp particle size distribution can be easily obtained. Furthermore, by giving strong agitation in the process of removing the organic solvent, the shape between the true spherical shape and the rugby ball shape can be controlled, and the surface morphology is also controlled between the smooth shape and the umeboshi shape. be able to.

  Further, the shape of the toner according to the present embodiment is a substantially spherical shape, and can be represented by the following shape rule.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating the shape of the toner according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, when a substantially spherical toner is defined by a major axis r1, a minor axis r2, and a thickness r3 (where r1 ≧ r2 ≧ r3), the toner of this embodiment has a minor axis and a major axis. Ratio (r2 / r1) (see FIG. 6B) is 0.5 to 1.0, and the ratio of thickness to short axis (r3 / r2) (see FIG. 6C) is 0.7. It is preferable that it exists in the range of -1.0. If the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis (r2 / r1) is less than 0.5, the distance from the true spherical shape is inferior, so that dot reproducibility and transfer efficiency are inferior, and high quality image quality cannot be obtained. On the other hand, if the ratio of thickness to minor axis (r3 / r2) is less than 0.7, the shape is close to a flat shape, and a high transfer rate like a spherical toner cannot be obtained. In particular, when the ratio of the thickness to the minor axis (r3 / r2) is 1.0, the rotating body has a major axis as a rotation axis, and the fluidity of the toner can be improved.
Note that r1, r2, and r3 were measured with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) while changing the angle of field of view and taking pictures.

The toner produced as described above can be used as a one-component magnetic toner that does not use a magnetic carrier, or a non-magnetic toner.
When used in a two-component developer, it may be used by mixing with a magnetic carrier, and the magnetic carrier is a ferrite containing a divalent metal such as iron, magnetite, Mn, Zn, Cu, A volume average particle size of 20 to 100 μm is preferred. When the average particle size is less than 20 μm, carrier adhesion is likely to occur on the photoreceptor 1 during development. Cheap. Further, Cu ferrite containing Zn is preferable because of high saturation magnetization, but can be appropriately selected according to the process of the image forming apparatus 100. Although it does not specifically limit as resin which coat | covers a magnetic carrier, For example, there exist a silicone resin, a styrene-acryl resin, a fluorine-containing resin, an olefin resin etc. In the manufacturing method, the coating resin may be dissolved in a solvent, sprayed into a fluidized bed and coated on the core, or the resin particles are electrostatically attached to the core particles and then thermally melted for coating. It may be a thing. The resin to be coated has a thickness of 0.05 to 10 μm, preferably 0.3 to 4 μm.

  As described above, according to the toner of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, a toner having a small particle size defined in the above range, a narrow particle size distribution, a spherical shape, and less unevenness is used. Become. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can satisfactorily clean the transfer residual toner and that can output a high-quality image free of abnormal images such as worm-eaten or image blur.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cleaning apparatus 8 vicinity which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the contact system of the braid | blade and image carrier of this embodiment, (a) shows a counter system, (b) shows a trailing system, respectively. 4A and 4B are diagrams schematically illustrating the toner shape for explaining the shape factors SF-1 and SF-2 of the toner according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 5A is a shape factor SF-1 and FIG. SF-2 is shown respectively. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the shape of a toner according to the exemplary embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Photoconductor (Photoconductor drum)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Charging device 20 Paper feeding device 2a Charging roller 2b Charging cleaning member 3 Lubricant coating device 3a Brush roller 3b Lubricant 3c Pressure member 3d Lubricant holding member 4 Developing device 51 Primary transfer roller 52, 53, 54, 55 Support Roller 56 Intermediate transfer roller 61 Secondary transfer roller 70 Fixing device 71 Fixing belt 72 Heating roller 73 Fixing roller 74 Pressure roller 8 Cleaning device 8a Cleaning blade (first blade)
8b Lubricant leveling blade (second blade)
8c Blade holding member 8d Housing 8e Sheet member 9 Exposure apparatus

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus having a cleaning device that removes transfer residual toner from the surface of an image carrier after image formation,
The cleaning device, in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction during image formation of the image carrier,
Removing means for removing the transfer residual toner in contact with the image carrier;
Lubricant application means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier after removing the transfer residual toner;
Lubricant leveling means that uniformly contacts the lubricant applied to the surface of the image carrier in contact with the image carrier;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A reverse rotation driving means for rotating the image carrier in a direction opposite to that at the time of image formation after completion of image formation;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a sheet member for preventing contamination that contacts the image carrier between the charging unit that charges the image carrier and the cleaning device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removing unit contacts the image carrier in a counter manner.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant leveling means abuts on the image carrier in a trailing manner.   The toner used in the image forming apparatus has a volume average particle diameter of 10 μm or less and a ratio of the volume average particle diameter to the number average particle diameter is 1.00 to 1.40. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the toner used in the image forming apparatus has an average circularity of 0.93 to 1.00. The toner used in the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the value of SF-1 derived from the following formula (I) is 100 to 180, when the ratio of the roundness of the toner shape is SF-1. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
SF-1 = {(MXLNG) ² / AREA} × (100π / 4) Formula (I) The toner used in the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the value of the SF-1 derived from the following formula (II) is 100 to 180, where SF-2 is the ratio of the unevenness of the toner shape. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
SF-2 = {(PERI) ² / AREA} × (100 / 4π) Formula (II) The toner used in the image forming apparatus has a substantially spherical appearance, and when the major axis of the toner is r1, the minor axis is r2, and the thickness is r3,
8. The value of r2 / r1 is 0.5 to 1.0, the value of r3 / r2 is 0.7 to 1.0, and r1 ≧ r2 ≧ r3. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.   In the toner, a toner composition containing at least a polyester prepolymer having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom, polyester, a colorant, and a release agent is crosslinked and / or extended in an aqueous medium in the presence of resin fine particles. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed as described above. A process cartridge of an image forming apparatus having a cleaning device that removes transfer residual toner from the surface of an image carrier after image formation,
The image forming apparatus includes a reverse rotation driving unit that rotates the image carrier in a direction opposite to that at the time of image formation after completion of image formation.
The cleaning device, in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction during image formation of the image carrier,
Removing means for removing the transfer residual toner in contact with the image carrier;
Lubricant application means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier after removing the transfer residual toner;
Lubricant leveling means for uniformly leveling the lubricant applied to the surface of the image carrier in contact with the image carrier;
A contamination-preventing sheet member in contact with the image carrier,
A process cartridge, wherein the image carrier and the cleaning device are integrated.

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