JP2010091934A - Method for producing electrophotographic apparatus, drum unit and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a production method which can achieve a cleaning system with an allowable range wider than the conventional one using a photoreceptor having a surface roughened with a polishing member. <P>SOLUTION: The method for producing an electrophotographic apparatus is characterized in that, in the production method including: a layer forming stage forming a layer on the outermost surface of a photoreceptor; a polishing stage polishing the outermost surface layer; and a photoreceptor installing stage installing the photoreceptor in an electrophotographic apparatus in which a cleaning blade is abutted on the counter direction to the rotary direction of the photoreceptor during an image forming process, wherein the polishing stage is the one where a polishing member and the photoreceptor before the polishing are contacted, the polishing member and the photoreceptor before the polishing are relatively moved to either direction in the circumferential directions of the photoreceptor before the polishing, and the surface of the photoreceptor before the polishing is polished, and the photoreceptor installing stage is the one where the photoreceptor is installed in the electrophotographic apparatus in such a manner that the direction of the polishing line of the photoreceptor after the polishing and the rotary direction during the image forming process are made the same. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus, a drum unit, and a process cartridge manufacturing method.

  In recent years, electrophotographic photoreceptors have a photosensitive layer (organic photosensitive layer) using an organic material as a photoconductive substance (charge generating substance or charge transporting substance) on a support due to advantages such as low cost and high productivity. An electrophotographic photosensitive member provided, so-called organic electrophotographic photosensitive member, has become widespread. As an organic electrophotographic photoreceptor, a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material such as a photoconductive dye or a photoconductive pigment, and a charge transport containing a charge transport material such as a photoconductive polymer or a photoconductive low molecular weight compound The mainstream is a photosensitive layer formed by laminating layers, that is, a so-called laminated photosensitive layer. This takes into account advantages such as high sensitivity and diversity in material design.

  In general, an electrophotographic photoreceptor is used in a series of electrophotographic image forming processes including charging, exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, and the like together with a developer, but an electric external force or a mechanical external force is directly applied. Therefore, many problems caused by these external forces occur particularly in the surface layer. Specific examples of problems include a decrease in durability performance due to the occurrence of scratches and wear on the surface layer, fusion and filming of the developer, a decrease in transfer efficiency, image defects due to image flow, poor cleaning, and the like. .

  The present invention is an invention related to solving the problem of defective cleaning among the above problems.

  First, cleaning refers to a process of removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor without being transferred by a cleaning blade. Causes of cleaning failure include chattering of the cleaning blade, turning over, chipping of the blade edge, chipping, and foreign matter caught in the nip portion between the blade and the drum. As a result, the toner is not cleaned, and an output image in the next process is abnormal.

  As a method for solving the above-described cleaning failure, there is a method of roughening the surface of the photoreceptor. As a means for roughening, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for roughening the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member into a crusty skin by controlling drying conditions when forming a surface layer. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for roughening the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member by containing particles in a surface layer. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for roughening the surface of an organic electrophotographic photoreceptor using specific cleaning means and toner. Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for roughening the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor by polishing the surface of the surface layer using a film-like abrasive. Patent Document 5 discloses a technique for roughening the peripheral surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member by blasting.

  Among the above roughening methods, the method of roughening the surface of the photoconductor by bringing the polishing member into contact with the surface of the photoconductor is technically simple, versatile, low in cost, and mass-productive. Is also advantageous.

  As a means for roughening the photoreceptor using a polishing member, Patent Document 6 discloses that the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor is roughened by polishing the surface of the surface layer using a metal wire brush. Technology is disclosed. Patent Document 7 discloses a technique for polishing the surface of a surface layer using a grindstone or a polishing belt. Patent Document 8 discloses a technique for mechanically polishing the surface of a surface layer using a wrapping tape. Reference 9 discloses a technique for controlling the surface roughness and polishing using a lapping sheet.

The photoreceptor obtained by the method of roughening the photoreceptor using an abrasive member has been successful in the existing electrophotographic process.
JP-A-53-92133 JP-A-52-26226 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 01-099060 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-139666 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-150850 JP-A-57-94772 JP-A-10-171132 JP 05-265243 A JP 2007-187814 A

  However, as electrophotography becomes tandem, the required level required for cleaning performance is increasing. For example, in order to cope with diversified media types, when a high speed and a low process speed are set in one machine, cleaning must be established under each condition. In the tandem system, stable cleaning must be maintained even when there is toner in the blade nip during full color output, or even when there is no toner in the blade nip for non-output colors during single color output. Wide cleaning performance is required. In addition, when the toner type and charging method are different between color and black, a cleaning system that can cope with all of these conditions is required.

  There is a demand for cleaning performance that can meet a wide variety of demands, and it is necessary to develop a cleaning system with a wide tolerance. On the other hand, as described above, in an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a method of roughening the surface of the photoreceptor using an abrasive member is advantageous. Therefore, the present inventors have studied for the purpose of developing a cleaning system having a wider allowable range than before, after adopting a method of roughening the surface of the photoreceptor with a polishing member.

  That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic apparatus, a drum unit, and a process cartridge that can achieve a cleaning system having a wider allowable range than before by using a photoreceptor whose surface is roughened by a polishing member. It is.

  The inventors of the present invention have found that the allowable range of cleaning can be expanded by designating the direction of the polishing eye of the photoreceptor and the rotation direction during the image forming process.

In accordance with the present invention, a layer forming step of forming a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member for polishing the outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after the layer forming step;
After the polishing step, the electrophotographic photoreceptor is installed in an electrophotographic apparatus in which a cleaning blade is in contact with a counter direction with respect to the rotation direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor during the image forming process. In a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic apparatus having a process,
In the polishing step, the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are brought into contact, and the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are either of the circumferential directions of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing. It is a step of relatively moving in one direction and polishing the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor before polishing,
In the electrophotographic photosensitive member installation step, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is placed in the electrophotographic apparatus so that the polishing direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after polishing is the same as the rotational direction during the image forming process. A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic apparatus is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, a layer forming step for forming a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member,
A polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member for polishing the outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after the layer forming step;
After the polishing step, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is installed in a drum unit in which a cleaning blade is in contact with the rotating direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in a counter direction during the image forming process; In a method for manufacturing a drum unit having
In the polishing step, the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are brought into contact, and the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are either of the circumferential directions of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing. It is a step of relatively moving in one direction and polishing the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor before polishing,
In the electrophotographic photosensitive member setting step, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is set in the drum unit so that the direction of the polished eye of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after polishing is the same as the rotation direction during the image forming process. A method for manufacturing a drum unit is provided.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a layer forming step of forming a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member,
A polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member for polishing the outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after the layer forming step;
After the polishing step, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is installed in a process cartridge in which the cleaning blade is in contact with the rotation direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the image forming process in the counter direction. In a method of manufacturing a process cartridge having
In the polishing step, the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are brought into contact, and the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are either of the circumferential directions of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing. It is a step of relatively moving in one direction and polishing the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor before polishing,
The electrophotographic photosensitive member is installed in the process cartridge so that the electrophotographic photosensitive member polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after polishing is in the same direction as the rotation direction during the image forming process. A process cartridge manufacturing method is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to construct a cleaning system having a wider allowable range than before by using a photoreceptor whose surface is roughened by a polishing member.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

<Polishing process>
The polishing process of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention includes at least bringing a polishing member into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing, so that the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are in the circumferential direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. This is a step of polishing by relatively moving in any one direction.

  As the polishing member used in the present invention, known members such as a grindstone, a brush, a polishing roller, and a wrapping sheet can be used. In consideration of mass productivity, those that can avoid the deterioration of the polishing member and those that are less frequently replaced are preferable. For example, a roll-to-roll wrapping sheet is excellent in mass productivity because a new surface always appears as it is wound.

  As a method for bringing the polishing member into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, any means may be used as long as the surface of the photosensitive member can be polished. For example, there are methods such as fixing the polishing member and the photosensitive member to the moving stage and moving the stage to contact, or supporting the polishing member with a spring and pressing the photosensitive member against the polishing member. . Moreover, what is necessary is just to set appropriately the pressure made to contact with the kind of grinding | polishing member. As the adjustment method, for example, in the case of a hard polishing member such as a grindstone, the pressure can be adjusted by a spring or the like, and the wrapping sheet or the like is pressed from the back surface of the wrapping sheet by an elastic member such as rubber or sponge. The pressure can be adjusted by the amount of penetration into the photoreceptor.

Means for moving the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member relative to each other in the circumferential direction include the following patterns.
(A) The photosensitive member is fixed (not rotated), and the polishing member is moved along the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member (FIG. 3).
(B) The photosensitive member is rotated about the axis to fix the polishing member (FIG. 4).
(C) The photosensitive member is rotated about the axis, and the polishing member is moved along the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member (FIG. 5).

  In the polishing step of the present invention, it is only necessary to move the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member relative to each other in the circumferential direction so that the surface of the photosensitive member can be polished, and any means described above may be used.

  Each of the above (a) to (c) will be described with respect to the relative movement of the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member in any one of the circumferential directions of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. In addition, the “polishing eye” that is the main point of the present invention will also be described.

  The “polishing eye” is defined by the present inventors in order to designate the polishing direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor after polishing. The “polishing eye” refers to a direction in which the polishing member relatively moves when viewed from a certain point on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of polishing when a polishing member and a photosensitive member are brought into contact with each other. A view of this from the direction of the arrow in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2B, when polishing is performed by fixing (without rotating) the photosensitive member and moving the polishing member in the direction of arrow A, the “polishing eye” indicates the direction of a.

Based on this, each of (a) to (c) will be described.
The case of (a) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 2-2. The photosensitive member is fixed, and the polishing member is moved in any one of the circumferential directions along the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member. If moved in the A direction, the polishing eye is in the a direction, and if moved in the B direction, the polishing eye is in the b direction.
The case of (b) will be described with reference to FIG. Also in FIG. 4, the arrangement of the polishing member and the photoconductor is the same as in FIG. Contrary to the case of (a), in the case of (b), the polishing member is fixed, and the photoreceptor is rotated in any one direction about the axis. If rotated in the A ′ direction, the polishing eye is in the b direction, and if rotated in the B ′ direction, the polishing eye is in the a direction.
In the case of (c), the polishing direction is determined by the relationship between the relative speed of the polishing member and the photosensitive member peripheral surface. The cases are as follows.
(1) The moving direction of the photosensitive member peripheral surface and the polishing member is reversed.
(2) The moving direction of the photosensitive member peripheral surface and the polishing member is the same, and the speed of the photosensitive member peripheral surface is faster.
(3) The moving direction of the photosensitive member peripheral surface and the polishing member is the same, and the moving speed is also the same.
(4) The moving direction of the photosensitive member peripheral surface and the polishing member is the same, and the speed of the polishing member is faster.

  Each will be described.

  The case of (1) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the photoconductor rotates in the A ′ direction and the polishing member moves in the B direction. At this time, the polishing eye is in the b direction. Although not shown, if the direction of rotation of the photoconductor and the direction of movement of the polishing member are reversed, the direction of the polishing eye is naturally reversed.

  The case (2) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the photosensitive member rotates in the A ′ direction, the polishing member moves in the A direction, and the speed of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member is faster. At this time, when the polishing member is viewed from a certain point on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member, the polishing member relatively moves in the b direction, so that the polishing eye is in the b direction. Although not shown, if the direction of rotation of the photoconductor and the direction of movement of the polishing member are reversed, the direction of the polishing eye is naturally reversed.

  The case (3) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the photoconductor rotates in the A ′ direction, the polishing member moves in the A direction, and the speed is the same. In this case, since the surface of the photoreceptor cannot be polished, it falls outside the gist of the present invention.

  The case of (4) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the photosensitive member rotates in the A ′ direction, the polishing member moves in the A direction, and the speed of the polishing member is faster. At this time, when the polishing member is viewed from a certain point on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive member, the polishing member relatively moves in the a direction, so that the polishing eye is in the a direction. Although not shown, if the direction of rotation of the photoconductor and the direction of movement of the polishing member are reversed, the direction of the polishing eye is naturally reversed.

<Cleaning blade>
The material of the cleaning blade is preferably an elastic body. In general, urethane rubber is particularly used. The elastic body may be subjected to additives, cross-linking treatment, and the like to control properties such as hardness and impact resilience.

  The cleaning blade used in the present invention is brought into contact with the photoconductor in the counter direction with respect to the rotation direction during the image forming process of the photoconductor. This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the cleaning blade is in contact with the photosensitive member. FIG. 10 shows this as seen from the direction of the arrow. The rotation direction of the photoconductor during the image forming process is the P direction, and the state where the blade is in contact with the direction of FIG. 10 is called a counter (or counter contact). Conversely, the contact state as shown in FIG. 11 is called trailing (or trailing contact).

  In general, counters have better cleaning performance than trailing, so most existing cleaning systems employ counter abutment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion where the blade and the photosensitive member are in contact, and schematically illustrates the cleaning state of the counter contact. The photoreceptor 1 is illustrated as a plane for convenience. In the case of counter contact, the tip of the blade 3 which is an elastic body is displaced in the rotational direction P of the photosensitive member 1 and is deformed. By this deformation, the photosensitive member 1 and the blade 3 have a sufficient contact area (hereinafter, this contact portion is referred to as a nip portion), and the toner 7 is blocked. Further, a toner blocking layer is formed on the C surface side to maintain the cleaning state. However, in the case of trailing, the area of the nip portion tends to be narrowed, and the toner blocking layer becomes unstable, which tends to cause poor cleaning. For the above reason, the cleaning system of the present invention employs counter contact.

  The pressure for pressing the cleaning blade against the photosensitive member (blade contact pressure) is the amount of penetration of the cleaning blade into the photosensitive member, the contact angle (θ in FIG. 10), and the spring when the cleaning blade is supported by a spring. It can be controlled by setting. Moreover, it is possible to select conditions suitable for each process by appropriately combining these. The contact angle of the cleaning blade is preferably 20 ° or more and 40 ° or less from the viewpoint of suitably maintaining the blade contact pressure and the blade contact pressure distribution. When the blade contact pressure is too low, toner slips out, and when the blade contact pressure is too high, the cleaning blade chatters or reverses, so it is necessary to optimize in each process.

<Electrophotographic photoreceptor installation process>
The electrophotographic photosensitive member installation step of the present invention is a step of installing the photosensitive member so that the direction of the polishing eye of the photosensitive member is the same as the rotation direction during the image forming process.

  As described above, the direction of the polishing eye is a direction uniquely determined by the relative moving direction of the polishing member. Further, the present invention employs a counter type cleaning blade. That is, the photoconductor installation process of the present invention is a process of installing the photoconductor so that the direction of the polishing eye is directed toward the counter blade. By installing the photoconductor in such a manner, it is possible to construct a cleaning system having a wider allowable range than before by using a photoconductor whose surface is roughened by a polishing member. Regarding the mechanism, a mechanism expected from the examination results will be described later.

<Evaluation of acceptable cleaning range>
As one of means for confirming the wide range of the cleaning performance, there is a means for confirming the width of the pressure range in which the cleaning is established by changing the pressure (blade contact pressure) for pressing the cleaning blade against the photosensitive member. A cleaning system in which cleaning is performed from a higher pressure to a lower pressure can be said to be a cleaning system with a wide tolerance.

  The effect of the present invention was evaluated using the width of the allowable range of blade contact pressure as an index.

  As described above, there are various methods for changing the blade contact pressure. In the present invention, the contact pressure is changed by pressing the cleaning blade against the photosensitive member with a spring and changing the pulling force of the spring. I let you.

  According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, the range of the contact pressure at which cleaning is established is wider than in the case of not using the method of the present invention. In the case of not being the method of the present invention, that is, when the photoconductor is installed so that the direction of the polishing eye of the photoconductor and the rotation direction during the image forming process are opposite to each other, Even with the contact pressure, toner slipped out. The allowable range of the present invention was wider on both the high pressure side and the low pressure side.

In the case of not being the method of the present invention, in order to clarify the cause, the vicinity of the nip portion of the cleaning blade in which slipping occurred when the high pressure was set was observed with a microscope. As a result, adhesion of a fibrous substance as shown in FIG. 15 was observed on the D surface side of FIG. Analysis revealed that this was the same component as the outermost surface layer of the photoreceptor. That is, the surface of the photoconductor was broken into fine fragments, which passed through the nip portion. The toner slipping can be expected to be caused by a gap formed in the nip portion. On the other hand, the fibrous material adhered to the cleaning blade in the case where the toner slipped out at the low pressure setting, as shown in FIG. 16, although less than that on the high pressure side. Based on the above results, the mechanism is considered as follows.
・ In the case of high pressure: A large amount of crushed pieces are generated, scraping powder gets caught in the nip, and toner slips through.
・ In the case of medium pressure: The generation of crushed pieces is reduced and cleaning is established.
When the pressure is low: The generation of crushed pieces is reduced, but at a low pressure, the nip area is narrow and the toner blocking layer is in an unstable state.

  As described above, it was suggested that the cause of reducing the allowable range of cleaning is the destruction of the surface of the photosensitive member and the crushed pieces generated along with the destruction. Therefore, the present inventors have found that in the system of the present invention, the surface of the photoconductor is less likely to be destroyed by making the direction of the polishing eye of the photoconductor the same as the rotation direction during the image forming process. Expect.

<Electrophotographic photoreceptor>
The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as a photosensitive layer is formed on a cylindrical support.

  The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present invention includes a conductive layer, an intermediate layer, a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer, a protective layer, or a layer containing both a charge generation material and a charge transport material on a support. You may have that layer or all.

  As a support body, what is necessary is just to have electroconductivity (conductive support body). Examples of the material include metals, alloys such as iron, copper, gold, silver, aluminum, zinc, titanium, lead, nickel, tin, antimony, and indium, oxides thereof, carbon, and conductive polymers. For example, a conductive material. Moreover, the above-mentioned conductive material may be molded as it is as a support, or may be formed on the surface of a member to be a base material to form a surface layer of the support. Moreover, you may use as a processing agent of the etching process of the surface of the member used as a base material, or a plasma processing.

  The surface of the support may be subjected to cutting treatment, roughening treatment, alumite treatment, etc. for the purpose of preventing interference fringes due to scattering of laser light or the like.

  The conductive layer can be formed using a conductive layer coating solution obtained by dispersing and / or dissolving carbon black, a conductive pigment or a resistance adjusting pigment in a solvent together with a binder resin. The conductive layer coating liquid may contain a compound (polymerizable compound) that is polymerized by heating or radiation irradiation to become a cured product. The thickness of the conductive layer is preferably 0.2 μm or more and 40 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 35 μm or less, and even more preferably 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

  Examples of the binder resin used for the conductive layer include polymers / copolymers of vinyl compounds such as styrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid ester, vinylidene fluoride, trifluoroethylene, and polyvinyl alcohol. , Polyvinyl acetal, polycarbonate, polyester, polysulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polyurethane, cellulose resin, phenol resin, melamine resin, silicon resin, epoxy resin and the like.

  Examples of conductive pigments and resistance control pigments used in the conductive layer include particles of metals and alloys such as aluminum, zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, silver, and stainless steel, and those deposited on the surface of resin particles. Etc. Further, particles of metal oxide such as zinc oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, antimony oxide, indium oxide, bismuth oxide, tin-doped indium oxide, antimony or tantalum-doped tin oxide may be used. These particles may 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.

  An intermediate layer may be formed to improve the adhesion of the photosensitive layer, improve the coating property, improve the charge injection from the support, protect the photosensitive layer from electrical breakdown, and the like.

  As the material of the intermediate layer, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, poly-N-vinylimidazole, polyethylene oxide, ethyl cellulose, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, casein, polyamide, N-methoxymethylated 6 nylon, copolymer nylon, glue, Examples include gelatin. The intermediate layer can be formed by applying an intermediate layer coating solution obtained by dissolving the above-described materials in a solvent and drying it. The thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably 0.05 μm or more and 7 μm or less, and more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 2 μm or less.

  The charge generation layer is applied with a charge generation layer coating solution obtained by dispersing a charge generation material and a binder resin of 0.3 to 4 times (mass ratio) thereof in a solvent. As a dispersion method, a homogenizer, ultrasonic dispersion, a ball mill, a vibration ball mill, a sand mill, an attritor, a roll mill, or the like can be used. By drying this, a charge generation layer can be formed. The charge generation layer may be a vapor generation film of a charge generation material.

  Examples of the charge generation material used for the charge generation layer include selenium-tellurium, pyrylium, thiapyrylium dyes, various central metals, and various crystal systems (α, β, γ, ε, X type, etc.). And anthanthrone pigments, dibenzpyrenequinone pigments, pyranthrone pigments, azo pigments such as monoazo, disazo, and trisazo, indigo pigments, quinacridone pigments, asymmetric quinocyanine pigments, and quinocyanine pigments. Further, it may be amorphous silicon. These charge generation materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The thickness of the charge generation layer is preferably 5 μm or less, and more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 2 μm or less.

  The charge transport layer is applied with a charge transport layer coating solution obtained by dissolving a charge transport material and a thermoplastic resin as a binder resin in a solvent. By drying this, the charge transport layer can be formed. The amount of the charge transport material contained in the charge transport layer is preferably 20% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, and more preferably 30% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less.

  Examples of the charge transport material used in the charge transport layer include pyrene compounds, N-alkylcarbazole compounds, hydrazone compounds, N, N-dialkylaniline compounds, diphenylamine compounds, triphenylamine compounds, triphenylmethane compounds, pyrazoline compounds, Examples include styryl compounds and stilbene compounds.

  The layer thickness of the charge transport layer is preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or more and 35 μm or less.

  Examples of the binder resin used to form the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer include vinyl compounds such as styrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid ester, vinylidene fluoride, and trifluoroethylene. A polymer, a copolymer, etc. are mentioned. In addition, examples include polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetal, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyester, polysulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polyurethane, cellulose resin, phenol resin, melamine resin, silicon resin, and epoxy resin.

  In order to improve the durability, which is one of the characteristics required for the electrophotographic photoreceptor, in the case of the above-described function-separated photoreceptor, the material design of the charge transport layer that is the outermost surface layer is important. Examples include using high-strength binder resins, controlling the ratio between plastic charge transport materials and binder resins, and using polymer charge transport materials. It is effective to form the surface layer with a curable resin in order to express the above.

  In the present invention, the charge transport layer itself can be composed of a curable resin. Moreover, it is possible to form a curable resin layer as a second charge transport layer on the above-described charge transport layer. The properties required for the curable resin layer are both the strength of the film and the charge transport capability, and are generally composed of a charge transport material and a polymerized or crosslinkable monomer or oligomer.

  As the charge transport material, known hole transport compounds and electron transport compounds can be used. Examples of the polymerizable or crosslinkable monomer or oligomer include a chain polymerization material having an acryloyloxy group and a styrene group, and a sequential polymerization material having a hydroxyl group, an alkoxysilyl group, an isocyanate group, and the like. A combination of a hole transporting compound and a chain polymerization material is preferable from the viewpoints of the obtained electrophotographic characteristics, versatility, material design, manufacturing stability, etc., and further, both the hole transporting group and the acryloyloxy group are intramolecular. Particularly preferred is a system for curing the compound contained in the above.

  As the curing means, known means such as heat, light and radiation can be used.

  In the case of the charge transport layer, the thickness of the cured layer is preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 35 μm or less, as described above. In the case of the second charge transport layer or protective layer, the thickness is preferably from 0.1 μm to 20 μm, and more preferably from 1 μm to 10 μm.

  In either case of a single layer or a laminate, a protective layer may be provided on the photosensitive layer. The protective layer is formed on the top of various layers so as to constitute the outermost surface of the photoreceptor for the purpose of protecting the photosensitive layer from mechanical, electrical, or chemical loads applied to the electrophotographic photoreceptor. Is the layer to be played. This protective layer can be made of the same curable resin as the resin of the “surface charge transport layer” described above. Further, the protective layer may have a charge transport function. Incidentally, in the case of the function-separated type photoreceptor, the protective layer having the charge transport ability is synonymous with the second charge transport layer. The thickness of the protective layer is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 7 μm or less.

Furthermore, a conductive material such as a metal and its oxide, nitride, salt, alloy, or carbon may be contained in the charge transport layer or protective layer serving as the surface. Examples of the metal species include iron, copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, tin, aluminum, titanium, antimony, and indium. Specific examples of the conductive material include ITO, TiO ₂ , ZnO, SnO ₂ , and Al ₂ O ₃ . The conductive material is a particulate material and is dispersed in the protective layer. The particle diameter is preferably 0.001 μm or more and 5 μm or less, more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 1 μm or less. The amount added to the protective layer is preferably 1% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. When dispersing the conductive material in the protective layer, a titanium coupling agent, a silane coupling agent, various surface activities, or the like may be used as a dispersing agent.

  Various additives such as an antioxidant and a photodegradation inhibitor may be used for each layer constituting the photosensitive layer. The surface layer may contain various fluorine compounds, silane compounds, metal oxides, or the like, or fine particles thereof for the purpose of improving the lubricity and water repellency. A dispersant or a surfactant may be used for the purpose of improving these dispersibility. The content of these additives in the surface layer is preferably 1% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

  Each of the above-mentioned layers is a well-known method such as vapor deposition or coating of the above-described compound itself, or a composition such as a solution or dispersion containing the same on a support or a layer already formed on the support. It can be formed by a known method in which the film of the compound or composition is deposited by the above method, and the film is cured. Among such known methods, the coating method is most preferable. The coating method can form films having various compositions in a wide range from a thin film to a thick film. Specific examples include coating by various methods and various means such as bar coater, knife coater, dip coating, spray coating, beam coating, electrostatic coating, roll coater, and powder coating.

<Electrophotographic device>
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention. An electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention includes:
The electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 of the present invention described above;
Charging means 12 for charging the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1;
Image exposure means (not shown) for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 by irradiating the charged electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 with light 13 such as a laser beam corresponding to the image to be formed;
Developing means 14 for supplying toner to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed to form a toner image formed by developing the electrostatic latent image;
Primary transfer means 16 for transferring the toner image from the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 to the intermediate transfer member 15;
Secondary transfer means 18 for transferring the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer body 15 to the transfer material 17;
Image fixing means (not shown) for fixing the toner image transferred to the transfer material 17;
Counter-type blade cleaning means 3 for removing deposits on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 after transfer;
And a pre-exposure means 19 for irradiating the cleaned electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 with light for erasing the electrostatic history. The pre-exposure means 19 may not be provided depending on circumstances.

  Next, the control of the electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail. The electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and has a shaft 1a. The electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed around the shaft 1a (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17). In the rotating process, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is uniformly charged with a predetermined positive or negative potential on its peripheral surface by a charging unit 12 which is a non-contact type charging device using, for example, corona discharge.

  Next, the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 is subjected to optical image exposure 13 such as slit exposure and laser beam scanning exposure by an image exposure means in an exposure unit. As a result, electrostatic latent images corresponding to the exposure images are sequentially formed on the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1. When the electrophotographic apparatus is used as a copying machine or a printer, the optical image exposure 13 is a reflected light or transmitted light from a document, or a document is read as a signal, laser beam scanning by this signal, LED array driving, Alternatively, the light is irradiated onto the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 by driving the liquid crystal shutter array or the like.

  The toner supplied from the developing unit 14 adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed in this manner, thereby forming a toner image. The developing unit 14 includes, for example, a toner container that accommodates toner and a developing sleeve that is rotatably provided at the opening of the toner container.

  The toner image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 15 that rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 between the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 and the primary transfer unit 16. Each color is sequentially transferred by the voltage applied by the voltage applying means included in the primary transfer means 16. The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer unit 15 is continuously transferred from the secondary transfer unit 18 to the surface of the transfer material 17 supplied to the secondary transfer unit 18 in synchronization with the rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1. Transfer is performed sequentially by the voltage applied by the voltage applying means provided.

  Alternatively, in the case of a so-called direct transfer system that does not have an intermediate transfer unit, the toner image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is subjected to a voltage applied by a voltage application unit included in a transfer unit (not shown). It is directly transferred to the transfer material 17.

  As the voltage applying means included in these transfer means, known voltage applying means can be used, and for example, a corona charger or a roller charger is used.

  The transfer material 17 onto which the toner image has been transferred is introduced into an image fixing means (not shown) for fixing an unfixed toner image on the transfer material 17 and is subjected to image fixing, and is then externally formed as an image formed product (copy). Is output. The image fixing unit is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the unfixed toner present on the transfer material 17 to the transfer material 17. For example, the image fixing unit includes a fixing roller including a heater for heating the transfer material 17. And a pressure roller for pressing the transfer material 17 toward the fixing roller.

  On the other hand, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 after the toner image has been transferred is the toner (residual toner) remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 by the counter type blade cleaning means 3 that contacts the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1. After being removed, the surface is cleaned. Thereafter, the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is further subjected to charge removal processing by the pre-exposure means 19 and repeatedly used for image formation. The neutralization process may not be performed depending on circumstances.

  The electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention may further include other means other than the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention and the above-described means. As other means, there are various known means relating to the formation of electrophotography, such as a charging means for controlling the charge amount of the developed toner, which is installed between the developing means 14 and the primary transfer means 16. Can be mentioned.

(Drum unit and process cartridge)
Further, the drum unit and the process cartridge of the present invention have at least a counter type blade cleaning means 3 and, in addition, one or a plurality of means such as developing means are integrally coupled as an apparatus unit. The drum unit process cartridge is configured such that the unit is detachable from the apparatus main body. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an example of a drum unit or a process cartridge according to the present invention. The drum unit and the process cartridge according to the present invention are formed by integrally supporting the above-described electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, the charging unit 12, the developing unit 14, and the counter type blade cleaning unit 3 in a housing 20. . The housing 20 supports the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, the charging unit 12, the developing unit 14, and the cleaning unit 3 so as to be arranged in a relative positional relationship suitable for image formation. The housing 20 may be provided with an opening for allowing light from the optical image exposure 13 and the pre-exposure means 19 to pass from the outside to the inside of the housing 20.

  Further, the drum unit and the process cartridge according to the present invention may be provided with guide means such as a rail 21 for guiding the electrophotographic apparatus so as to be detachable from the electrophotographic apparatus. In the guide means, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 in the housing 20 is arranged at an image forming position corresponding to the transfer position of the primary transfer means 16, the incident position of the light from the pre-exposure means 19 and the light image exposure 13, and the like. As described above, the casing 20 is detachably guided and supported by the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus.

  Further, the other means described above may include further means such as a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the developing means to the transfer material.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific examples. In the examples, “part” means “part by mass”.

Example 1
<Layer formation process>
An aluminum cylinder (aluminum alloy specified by JIS A3003) having a length of 370 mm and an outer diameter of 30 mm was produced by cutting as a support. This cylinder is subjected to ultrasonic cleaning in pure water containing detergent (trade name: Chemicol CT, manufactured by Tokiwa Chemical Co., Ltd.), followed by a step of washing away the detergent, and further ultrasonic cleaning in pure water. And degreased. This cylinder was processed as described below to produce a photoconductor.

57 parts of powder consisting of barium sulfate particles with tin oxide coating (trade name: Pastoran LRS, manufactured by Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.)
21 parts of a resol type phenol resin (trade name: Phenolite J-325, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc., methanol solution with a solid content of 60%)
0.008 parts of silicone oil (trade name: SH28PA, manufactured by Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)
A slurry comprising 19 parts of 2-methoxy-1-propanol was dispersed with a ball mill for about 8 hours to obtain a dispersion. The average particle size of the powder contained in this dispersion was 0.25 μm. A liquid in which 1.18 parts of silicone resin (trade name: Tospearl 120, manufactured by Toshiba Silicone Co., Ltd.) was dispersed in 1.18 parts of 2-methoxy-1-propanol was added to this dispersion. By applying the dispersion prepared in this manner onto the above-mentioned aluminum cylinder by the dipping method, this is heated and cured for 30 minutes in a hot air dryer adjusted to 150 ° C., and the coating film of the dispersion is cured. A conductive layer having a film thickness of 18 μm was formed.

next,
40 parts of methoxymethylated 6 nylon resin (trade name: Toresin EF-30T, manufactured by Nagase ChemteX Corporation)
A solution prepared by dissolving 400 parts of methanol in 200 parts of butanol and 200 parts of butanol is dip-coated on the above-mentioned conductive layer, and this is heated and dried in a hot air dryer adjusted to 100 ° C. for 30 minutes to apply the solution. By curing the film, an intermediate layer having a thickness of 0.40 μm was formed.

next,
20 parts of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment (crystal form having strong peaks at 7.4 ° and 28.2 ° of Bragg angle 2θ ± 0.2 ° in CuKα characteristic X-ray diffraction spectrum)
0.2 parts of calixarene compound represented by the following structural formula (1)

10 parts of polyvinyl butyral resin (trade name: ESREC BX-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
A mixed solution consisting of 800 parts of cyclohexanone was dispersed in a sand mill for 4 hours using glass beads having a diameter of 1 mm, and then 700 parts of ethyl acetate was added to the obtained mixed solution to prepare a charge generation layer coating solution. This coating solution is dip-coated on the above-mentioned intermediate layer, and this is heated and dried for 15 minutes in a hot air drier adjusted to 80 ° C., and the coating film of the coating solution is cured, whereby a film thickness of 0. A 180 μm charge generation layer was formed.

next,
50 parts of a triarylamine compound represented by the following structural formula (2)

  50 parts of a triarylamine compound represented by the following structural formula (3)

100 parts of bisphenol Z type polycarbonate resin (trade name: Iupilon (registered trademark) Z400, manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd.)
Was dissolved in a mixed solution of 600 parts of monochlorobenzene and 200 parts of dimethoxymethane to prepare a coating solution for a charge transport layer. This coating solution is dip-coated on the charge generation layer, and this is heated and dried for 30 minutes in a hot air dryer adjusted to 100 ° C. to cure the coating film of the coating solution. A first charge transport layer was formed.

next,
Fluorine atom-containing resin 0.45 part (trade name: GF-300, manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.) 35 parts 1,1,2,2,3,3,4-heptafluorocyclopentane (trade name: Zeorora H, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.)
Dissolved in 35 parts of 1-propanol. Subsequently, 10 parts of polytetrafluoroethylene resin powder (trade name: Lubron L-2, manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.) was added, and a high-pressure disperser (trade name: Microfluidizer M-110EH, manufactured by Microfluidics, USA). Was subjected to three treatments at a pressure of 5880 N / cm ² (600 kgf / cm ² ) to uniformly disperse. This was subjected to pressure filtration with a 10 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane filter to prepare a lubricant dispersion. Thereafter, 20 parts of a hole transporting compound represented by the following structural formula (4) is added to the lubricant dispersion,

Pressure filtration was performed with a PTFE 5 μm membrane filter to prepare a coating solution for the filler-containing layer. Using this coating solution, a filler-containing layer was coated on the charge transport layer by a dip coating method.

Thereafter, an electron beam was irradiated in nitrogen under conditions of an acceleration voltage of 70 kV and a dose of 1.8 Mrad (1.8 × 10 ⁴ Gy). Subsequently, a heat treatment was performed for 90 seconds under the condition that the temperature of the photoconductor was 130 ° C. The oxygen concentration at this time was 10 ppm. Further, the photoconductor was heat-treated for 20 minutes in a hot air dryer adjusted to 100 ° C. in the atmosphere to form an outermost surface layer of a curable resin having a thickness of 5.0 μm.

<Polishing process>
The outermost surface layer of the obtained photoreceptor was polished using a wrapping sheet. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a polishing apparatus using a wrapping sheet as viewed from above. A wrapping sheet is a sheet in which abrasive grains are dispersed in a binder resin and applied to a substrate. The wrapping sheet 10 is wound by roll-to-roll on the two shafts 9 and can be wound in any direction via the four guide rollers 11 and the backup roller 8. The shaft 9 is provided with a motor for winding and a motor (not shown) for applying tension to the wrapping sheet 10 in the direction opposite to the sheet feeding direction.

  Using this apparatus, the outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was polished under the following conditions.

Wrapping sheet: Product name: MAXIMA-GC- # 2000
(Nippon Reflight Industry Co., Ltd.)
Polishing abrasive grains: SiC (average particle diameter: 9 μm)
Base material: Polyester film (Thickness: 75 μm)
Wrapping sheet feed: B direction, 400mm / min
Wrapping sheet tension: 1 N / m ²
Backup roller: Material: Urethane foam
Asker C hardness: 20 °
Electrophotographic photosensitive member rotation speed: 30 rpm
Amount of penetration of electrophotographic photosensitive member into backup roller: 3 mm
Processing time: 12 seconds

  As described above, a photoreceptor having the outermost surface layer polished was obtained. The direction of the polishing eye of this photoreceptor is the b direction. When the surface roughness of the obtained photoreceptor was measured using a contact-type surface roughness measuring machine (trade name: Surfcorder SE3500, manufactured by Kosaka Laboratory Ltd.), the Ra of this photoreceptor was 0.058 μm. Met.

<Evaluation of photoconductor installation process and cleaning performance>
As described above, as a means for evaluating the cleaning performance, there is a means for confirming the width of the pressure range in which the cleaning is established by changing the blade contact pressure.

  Specifically, the cleaning configuration shown in FIG. 12 was evaluated. A cleaning blade made of urethane having a rubber hardness of 70 degrees was supported by the sheet metal 4 of the back plate, and the spring support member 6 fixed to the sheet metal and the frame was connected by the spring 5. The blade contact pressure was changed by moving the position where the spring was connected to the spring support member up and down to change the force to pull the spring. The blade contact pressure was measured by installing a pressure sensor in place of the photoconductor at the position of the photoconductor. The contact angle θ was 25 °.

  The cleaning performance was evaluated in the following mode in an environment of 23 ° C. and 5%. First, a bias was applied to a charging means (charging roller) (not shown) and a developing means (not shown) for 2 minutes to develop a solid density on the photosensitive member, and the toner was sent to a cleaning blade. Next, the photoconductor was rotated while development was stopped for 10 minutes. Thereafter, the cleaning blade was removed, and it was determined whether or not the cleaning was properly performed by observing with a microscope whether the toner had passed through. The degree of contamination of the charging roller was also used as an index. The following criteria were established for evaluation.

○… No blade slipping, no charging roller stains △… Blade slipping, no charging roller stains ×… Blade slipping, charging roller stains ××… Blade slipping, charging roller stains, Blade chatter

  Four blade contact pressures of 22, 28, 32, and 38 g / cm were selected.

  The obtained photoreceptor was installed in the above-described cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was the same as the process rotation direction, and evaluation was performed. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Example 2)
A photoconductor was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and then the polishing process was performed by changing the following conditions from Example 1.

Wrapping sheet feed: A direction, 400mm / min
Electrophotographic photosensitive member rotation speed: 240 rpm
As described above, a photoreceptor having the outermost surface layer polished was obtained. The direction of the polishing eye of this photoreceptor is the b direction. In addition, Ra of this photoconductor was 0.045 μm. The obtained photoreceptor was installed in the above-described cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was the same as the process rotation direction, and evaluation was performed. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Example 3)
A photoconductor was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and then the polishing process was performed by changing the following conditions from Example 1.

Wrapping sheet feed: A direction, 400mm / min
Electrophotographic photosensitive member rotation speed: 30 rpm

  As described above, a photoreceptor having the outermost surface layer polished was obtained. The direction of the polishing eye of this photoreceptor is the b direction. Further, Ra of this photoconductor was 0.035 μm. The obtained photoreceptor was installed in the above-described cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was the same as the process rotation direction, and evaluation was performed. The results are shown in Table 1.

Example 4
A photoconductor was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and then the polishing process was performed by changing the following conditions from Example 1.

Wrapping sheet feed: A direction, 5200mm / min
Electrophotographic photosensitive member rotation speed: 240 rpm

  As described above, a photoreceptor having the outermost surface layer polished was obtained. The direction of the polishing eye of this photoconductor is the a direction. In addition, Ra of this photoconductor was 0.037 μm. The obtained photoreceptor was installed in the above-described cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was the same as the process rotation direction, and evaluation was performed. The results are shown in Table 2.

(Comparative Example 1)
The photoconductor was prepared and polished in the same manner as in Example 1, and the obtained photoconductor was placed in the above cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was opposite to the process rotation direction. went. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 2)
The photoconductor was prepared and polished in the same manner as in Example 2, and the obtained photoconductor was placed in the above-described cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was opposite to the process rotation direction. went. The results are shown in Table 2.

(Comparative Example 3)
The photoconductor was prepared and polished in the same manner as in Example 3, and the obtained photoconductor was placed in the above-described cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was opposite to the process rotation direction. went. The results are shown in Table 2.

(Comparative Example 4)
The photoconductor was prepared and polished in the same manner as in Example 4, and the obtained photoconductor was placed in the above-described cleaning evaluation apparatus so that the direction of the polishing eye was opposite to the process rotation direction. went. The results are shown in Table 2.

  As can be seen from Tables 1 and 2, when the direction of the polishing eye of the photoreceptor is the same as the rotation direction during the image forming process, it can be seen that the cleaning performance has a wider tolerance. According to the present invention, since the cleaning performance having a wider tolerance than the conventional one can be exhibited by using the photosensitive member whose surface is roughened by the polishing member, it is possible to meet a wide variety of demands for cleaning.

It is a figure explaining the rotation direction of the photoreceptor in the grinding | polishing of this invention, and the direction of a grinding | polishing eye. It is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of the grinding | polishing member and the photoreceptor in the grinding | polishing of this invention. This is a case where the photosensitive member is fixed (not rotated) and the polishing member is moved along the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member. In this case, the photosensitive member is rotated about the axis to fix the polishing member. In this case, the photosensitive member is rotated about the axis, and the polishing member is moved along the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member. This is a case where the circumferential direction of the photoreceptor and the moving direction of the polishing member are opposite. This is a case where the moving direction of the photosensitive member peripheral surface and the polishing member is the same, and the speed of the photosensitive member peripheral surface is faster. This is the case where the circumferential direction of the photosensitive member and the polishing member are the same in moving direction and the moving speed is the same. This is the case where the circumferential direction of the photoreceptor and the moving direction of the polishing member are the same and the speed of the polishing member is faster. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a cleaning blade is in contact with a photoconductor. It is a figure explaining the state by which the braid | blade was counter-contacted. It is a figure explaining the state by which the blade contacted the trailing. It is a figure explaining the cleaning performance evaluation apparatus which changes a pressure by spring pressurization. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating toner cleaning. It is a figure explaining grinding | polishing using a lapping sheet. It is the microscope picture of the nip part vicinity of the cleaning blade which slipped through at the time of high pressure setting. It is the microscope picture of the nip part vicinity of the cleaning blade which slipped out at the time of low pressure setting. It is a figure explaining the electrophotographic apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the drum unit and process cartridge of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrophotographic photosensitive member 2 Polishing member 3 Cleaning blade 4 Back plate metal plate of cleaning blade 5 Spring 6 Spring support member 7 Toner 8 Backup roller 9 Wrapping sheet 10 Wrapping sheet 11 Guide roller 1a Shaft 12 Charging means 13 Image exposure 14 Developing means 15 Intermediate transfer body 16 Primary transfer means 17 Transfer material 18 Secondary transfer means 19 Pre-exposure means 20 Case 21 Guide rail A Moving direction A of the polishing member
B Moving direction of abrasive member B
C surface Of the blade surface, upstream surface D in the moving direction of the photosensitive member D surface Of the blade surface, downstream surface P in the moving direction of the photosensitive member P Rotating direction of the photosensitive member during the image forming process A ′ Rotation direction A '
B 'Rotating direction of photoconductor B'
a Polishing direction a
b Polishing direction b
θ Blade contact angle

Claims (6)

A layer forming step of forming a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member for polishing the outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after the layer forming step;
After the polishing step, the electrophotographic photoreceptor is installed in an electrophotographic apparatus in which a cleaning blade is in contact with a counter direction with respect to the rotation direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor during the image forming process. In a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic apparatus having a process,
In the polishing step, the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are brought into contact, and the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are either of the circumferential directions of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing. It is a step of relatively moving in one direction and polishing the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor before polishing,
The electrophotographic photosensitive member is installed in the electrophotographic apparatus so that the electrophotographic photosensitive member after polishing is in the same direction as the polishing eye of the polished electrophotographic photosensitive member and the rotation direction during the image forming process. A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic apparatus. A layer forming step of forming a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member for polishing the outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after the layer forming step;
After the polishing step, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is installed in a drum unit in which a cleaning blade is in contact with the rotating direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in a counter direction during the image forming process; In a method for manufacturing a drum unit having
In the polishing step, the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are brought into contact, and the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are either of the circumferential directions of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing. It is a step of relatively moving in one direction and polishing the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor before polishing,
In the electrophotographic photosensitive member setting step, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is set in the drum unit so that the direction of the polished eye of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after polishing is the same as the rotation direction during the image forming process. A method for manufacturing a drum unit. A layer forming step of forming a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member for polishing the outermost surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after the layer forming step;
After the polishing step, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is installed in a process cartridge in which the cleaning blade is in contact with the rotation direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the image forming process in the counter direction. In a method of manufacturing a process cartridge having
In the polishing step, the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are brought into contact, and the polishing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing are either of the circumferential directions of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before polishing. It is a step of relatively moving in one direction and polishing the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor before polishing,
The electrophotographic photosensitive member is installed in the process cartridge so that the electrophotographic photosensitive member polishing step of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after polishing is in the same direction as the rotation direction during the image forming process. And a process cartridge manufacturing method.   The method for producing an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layer forming step is a layer forming step of forming a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member by containing a curable resin.   The method for manufacturing a drum unit according to claim 2, wherein the layer forming step is a layer forming step in which a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member is formed by containing a curable resin.   4. The process cartridge manufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein the layer forming step is a layer forming step in which a layer corresponding to the outermost surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member is formed by containing a curable resin.