JP2010117650A - Roll member, charging member, charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a roll member in which detachment of a layer directly laid on a core is suppressed. <P>SOLUTION: The roll member (e.g., a charging member) includes a core and an elastic layer laid above the core, wherein a layer directly laid on the core is formed of a composition containing a silane coupling agent and a hydrate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a roll member, a charging member, a charging device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers have been widely used, and technologies relating to various elements constituting the image forming apparatus have also been widely used. Among image forming apparatuses that employ an electrophotographic method, a photosensitive member such as a photosensitive member (image holding member) drum is charged by using a charging device, and an ambient potential is applied on the charged photosensitive member. In many cases, a pattern to be printed is formed by forming an electrostatic latent image having a potential different from that of the electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed in this way is developed with toner, and finally recorded. It is transferred onto a recording medium such as paper.

  The charging device is a device that plays an important role of charging the photoconductor. It is a contact charging type charging device that directly contacts the photoconductor to charge the photoconductor, and the vicinity of the photoconductor without contacting the photoconductor. The charging device is roughly classified into two types, that is, a non-contact charging device that charges the photosensitive member by corona discharge or the like. In recent years, there has been an increase in charging devices that employ a contact charging method that generates less chemical substances such as ozone and nitrogen oxides than non-contact charging devices.

A charging member such as a charging roll provided in a charging device generally has a configuration in which an elastic layer is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of a core body. And the technique which formed the elastic layer directly on the core body surface with the composition which mix | blended the silane coupling agent, and suppressed peeling with a core body and an elastic layer not via an adhesive layer is proposed (for example, patent) Reference 1).
JP 2002-235731 A

  The subject of this invention is providing the roll member which suppressed peeling of the layer arrange | positioned directly at a core.

The above problem is solved by the following means. That is,
The invention according to claim 1
A core body, and an elastic layer disposed on the core body,
A roll member in which a layer directly disposed on the core is formed of a composition containing a silane coupling agent and a hydrate.

The invention according to claim 2
The roll member according to claim 1, wherein the layer directly disposed on the core is the elastic layer.

The invention according to claim 3
The roll member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the silane coupling agent is a silane coupling agent represented by the following general formula (1).
General formula (1): R-Si (OR ') ₃
(In General Formula (1), R represents a mercapto group or a sulfide group. R ′ represents a methyl group or an ethyl group.

The invention according to claim 4
The roll member according to claim 1, wherein the content of the silane coupling agent is 0.1 parts by mass or more and 15 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the main component of the layer directly disposed on the core.

The invention according to claim 5
The roll member according to claim 1, wherein a content of the hydrate is 1 part by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of a main component of a layer directly disposed on the core.

The invention according to claim 6
A charging member comprising the roll member according to claim 1.

The invention according to claim 7 provides:
A charging device comprising the charging member according to claim 6.

The invention according to claim 8 provides:
An image carrier, and charging means for charging the image carrier,
A process cartridge, wherein the charging means is the charging device according to claim 6.

The invention according to claim 9 is:
An image carrier,
Charging means for charging the image carrier;
Latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier;
Developing means for developing a latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with toner to form a toner image;
Transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording medium;
With
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the charging unit is the charging device according to claim 6.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where a hydrate is not used together with the silane coupling agent, peeling of the layer directly disposed on the core body is suppressed.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, peeling of the elastic layer arrange | positioned directly at a core body is suppressed compared with the case where a hydrate is not used with a silane coupling agent.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 3, peeling of the layer directly arrange | positioned in a core body is suppressed compared with the case where another kind of silane coupling agent is used.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, peeling of the layer directly arrange | positioned to a shaft is suppressed, suppressing the raise of hardness compared with the case where content of a silane coupling agent is not considered.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, peeling of the layer directly arrange | positioned to a shaft is suppressed, suppressing the raise in hardness compared with the case where content of a hydrate is not considered.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, peeling of the layer directly arrange | positioned in a core body is suppressed compared with the case where a hydrate is not used with a silane coupling agent.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 7, the malfunction resulting from peeling of the layer by which a charging member is directly arrange | positioned is suppressed compared with the case where it does not have this structure.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 8, the malfunction resulting from peeling of the layer by which a charging member is directly arrange | positioned is suppressed compared with the case where it does not have this structure.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided, problems caused by peeling of the layer in which the charging member is directly disposed are suppressed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment which is an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Charging member, roll member)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a charging member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the charging member according to the present embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

  1 and 2, the charging member 121 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a shaft 30 (core body), an elastic layer 31 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 30, and an outer periphery of the elastic layer 31. And a surface layer 32 disposed on the surface.

  The charging member 121 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the charging member 121 is disposed between the elastic layer 31 and the shaft 30 and between the elastic layer 31 and the surface layer 32. The structure which provided the coating layer (protective layer) arrange | positioned on the outer side (outermost surface) of the resistance adjustment layer or the transition prevention layer, and the surface layer 32 may be sufficient. Further, the charging member 121 according to the present embodiment may be configured by the shaft 30 and the elastic layer 31.

  The shaft 30 is a conductive rod-like member, and examples of the material thereof include metals such as iron (free-cutting steel), copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, and the like. Examples of the shaft 30 include a member (for example, a resin or a ceramic member) whose outer peripheral surface is plated, a member in which a conductive agent is dispersed (for example, a resin or a ceramic member), and the like. The shaft 30 may be a hollow member (cylindrical member) or a non-hollow member.

  The elastic layer 31 includes, for example, an elastic material, a conductive agent, and other additives as necessary. The elastic layer 31 is a layer directly formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 30, and is formed of, for example, a composition containing a silane coupling agent and a hydrate together with an elastic material and a conductive agent. .

  Elastic materials include isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide- Examples include allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and blend rubbers thereof. Among these, polyurethane, silicone rubber, EPDM, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, NBR, and blended rubbers thereof are desirably used. These elastic materials may be foamed or non-foamed.

  Examples of the conductive agent include an electronic conductive agent and an ionic conductive agent. Examples of electronic conductive agents include carbon blacks such as ketjen black and acetylene black; pyrolytic carbon, graphite; various conductive metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and stainless steel; tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide And various conductive metal oxides such as tin oxide-antimony oxide solid solution and tin oxide-indium oxide solid solution; Examples of ionic conductive agents include perchlorates and chlorates such as tetraethylammonium and lauryltrimethylammonium; alkali metals such as lithium and magnesium; perchlorates and chlorates of alkaline earth metals ; These conductive agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Here, specific examples of carbon black include “Special Black 350”, “Special Black 100”, “Special Black 250”, “Special Black 5”, “Special Black 4”, “Special Black 4A”, “Special Black 550”, “Special Black 6”, “Color Black FW200”, “Color Black FW2”, “Color Black FW2V”, “MONARCH1000” manufactured by Cabot, Cabot “MONARCH1300” manufactured by Cabot Corporation, “MONARCH1400” manufactured by Cabot Corporation, “MOGUL-L”, “REGAL400R”, etc.

  The addition amount of the conductive agent is not particularly limited, but in the case of the electronic conductive agent, it is preferably in the range of 1 part by mass to 30 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic material. It is more desirable that the amount be in the range of parts by mass or less. On the other hand, in the case of the ionic conductive agent, it is desirable that the amount be in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the elastic material, and 0.5 to 3.0 parts by weight. The following range is more desirable.

As a silane coupling agent, the silane coupling agent shown by following General formula (1) is mentioned, for example.
General formula (1): R-Si (OR ') ₃

  In general formula (1), R represents an aminopropyl group, a glycidoxy group, a methacryloxy group, an N-phenylaminopropyl group, a mercapto group, a sulfide group, or a vinyl group. R may represent a substituent containing these functional groups. R 'represents a methyl group or an ethyl group.

  Among the silane coupling agents represented by the general formula (1), a silane coupling agent in which R represents a mercapto group or a sulfide group and R ′ represents a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable. Examples include 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, bis (3- (triethoxysilyl) propyl) disulfide, bis (3- (triethoxysilyl) propyl) tetrasulfide, and the like. In the silane coupling agent having a mercapto group or sulfide group as R, the mercapto group or sulfide group and the elastic material (elastomer unsaturated double bond) form a chemical reaction during vulcanization, and the elastic material component and the shaft (core body) ) Since the surface is considered to adhere firmly, the peeling of the elastic layer 31 (layer disposed directly) on the shaft 30 (core body) is suppressed compared to the case of using other types of silane coupling agents. .

  A silane coupling agent may be used individually by 1 type, and may be used together 2 or more. As a suitable combination when used together, for example, in general formula (1), R is a mercapto group or a silane coupling agent in which a sulfide group is represented, and R is an aminopropyl group, glycidoxy group, methacryloxy group, N-phenyl. A combination with a silane coupling agent represented by an aminopropyl group or a vinyl group is preferable.

  Although content of a silane coupling agent is not specifically limited, 0.1 mass part or more and 15 mass parts or less with respect to 100 mass parts of elastic materials (main component material which shows 60% or more of layer constituent materials) More preferably, it is 5 parts by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less. When the content is within the above range, peeling of the elastic layer (layer disposed directly on the shaft) is suppressed while suppressing an increase in hardness as compared with the case where the content of the silane coupling agent is not taken into consideration. That is, when the content of the silane coupling agent is less than 0.1 parts by mass, the effect of the silane coupling agent is not sufficiently exhibited and a tendency to easily cause delamination is observed. Conversely, when the content exceeds 15 parts by mass, There may be a tendency that the hardness of the elastic layer 31 becomes too high.

  Hydrates are compounds that contain water of crystallization, in other words, compounds that can release water of crystallization. More specifically, a hydrate is a compound that retains one or more water molecules per molecule in a crystalline state and releases water retained at a certain temperature or higher.

The hydrate is not particularly limited as long as it retains water of crystallization. For example, sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O (100 ° C), sodium borate · 8H ₂ O (350 ° C),
Calcium chloride · 6H ₂ O (175 ° C), Strontium chloride · 6H ₂ O (65 ° C),
Potash alum 12H ₂ O (200 ° C), lithium nitrate 4H ₂ O (65 ° C),
Sodium hydrogen phosphate · 12H ₂ O (200 ° C), sodium thiosulfate · 5H ₂ O (50 ° C), sodium acetate · 3H ₂ O (120 ° C), sodium carbonate · 10H ₂ O (270 ° C), aluminum sulfate · 16H ₂ O (300 ° C.), magnesium sulfate · 7H ₂ O (70 ° C.), calcium sulfate · 2H ₂ O (170 ° C.), aluminum sulfate · 16H ₂ O (300 ° C.), copper sulfate · 5H ₂ O (110 ° C. ), Iron sulfate · 7H ₂ O (300 ° C), lithium nitrate · 4H ₂ O (65 ° C), sodium diphosphate · 12H ₂ O (95 ° C), water such as aluminum chloride · 6H ₂ O (100 ° C) Japanese products are listed. The values in parentheses are examples of temperatures at which one molecule or more of crystal water (water) is released.

The hydrate is preferably a compound that releases crystal water (water) at a temperature of 70 ° C. or higher and 160 ° C. or lower, and the temperature is preferably 80 ° C. or higher and 140 ° C. or lower. From this viewpoint, among the hydrates, sodium sulfate, sodium acetate · 3H ₂ O, copper sulfate · 5H ₂ O, aluminum chloride · 6H ₂ O and the like are preferable. These hydrates have a crystal water release temperature of 80 ° C. or higher and 140 ° C. or lower.

  The content of the hydrate is not particularly limited, but is 1 part by mass or more and 30 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic material (layer main component: main component material showing 60% or more of the layer constituting material). It is desirable that the content is 5 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less. When the content is within the above range, peeling of the elastic layer (layer disposed directly on the shaft) is suppressed while suppressing an increase in hardness as compared with the case where the content of hydrate is not taken into consideration. That is, if the hydrate content is less than 1 part, the release of water of crystallization by the hydrate may be too small, whereas if it exceeds 30 parts by mass, the hardness of the elastic layer tends to be too high. Sometimes.

  Examples of other additives blended in the elastic layer 31 include a softener, a plasticizer, a curing agent, a vulcanizing agent, a vulcanization accelerator, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a coupling agent, and a filler (silica, Examples thereof include materials that can be added to a normal elastic layer such as calcium carbonate).

The thickness of the elastic layer 31 is preferably about 1 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably about 2 mm to 5 mm. The volume resistivity of the elastic layer is preferably 10 ³ Ωcm or more and 10 ¹⁴ Ωcm or less.

  The surface layer 32 is made of a resin, and if necessary, a conductive agent, particles for imparting irregularities (specific surface roughness) to the surface of the surface layer 32 (outer peripheral surface of the charging member 121), and other additives. , Including.

  Resins include acrylic resin, cellulose resin, polyamide resin, copolymerized nylon, polyurethane resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl resin, polyarylate resin, styrene butadiene resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, silicone Examples thereof include resins, fluororesins (for example, tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc.), urea resins, and the like. Here, the copolymer nylon includes one or more of 610 nylon, 11 nylon, and 12 nylon as polymerized units, and other polymer units included in the copolymer include: , 6 nylon, 66 nylon and the like. Further, as the resin, an elastic material blended in the elastic layer 31 may be applied.

Examples of the conductive agent blended in the surface layer 32 include the conductive agent blended in the elastic layer 31.
The particles for imparting irregularities (specific surface roughness) to the surface of the surface layer 32 (outer peripheral surface of the charging member 121) may be either conductive particles or non-conductive particles. Is good. Examples of the conductive particles include particles of the materials mentioned as the conductive agent blended in the elastic layer 31. Non-conductive particles include resin particles (polyimide resin particles, methacrylic resin particles, polystyrene resin particles, fluorine resin particles, silicone resin particles, etc.), inorganic particles (clay particles, kaolin particles, talc particles, silica particles, alumina particles, etc.) ), Or ceramic particles. The particles may be particles composed of the same type of resin as the resin that forms the surface layer. This improves the compatibility between the particles and the resin and increases the adhesion between the particles and the resin. Here, the conductivity means that the volume resistivity is less than 10 ¹³ Ωcm, and the non-conductivity means that the volume resistivity is 10 ¹³ Ωcm or more. The same applies to other cases.
As other additives, for example, conductive agents, softeners, plasticizers, curing agents, vulcanizing agents, vulcanization accelerators, antioxidants, surfactants, coupling agents and the like are usually added to the surface layer. Materials to be obtained are mentioned.

The thickness of the surface layer 32 is preferably 7 μm or more and 25 μm or less. The volume resistivity of the surface layer is preferably 10 ³ Ωcm or more and 10 ¹⁴ Ωcm or less.

  The charging member 121 according to the present embodiment is, for example, applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 30, for example, a blade coating method, a Mayer bar coating method, a spray coating method, a dip coating method, a bead coating method, an air knife coating method, or a curtain coating. The elastic layer 31 and the surface layer 32 are sequentially formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 30 using a method or the like.

  The charging member 121 according to this embodiment preferably has a 10-point average surface roughness Rz of 3 μm or more and 12 μm or less, and 7 μm or more and 12 μm or less, on the surface thereof (the surface of the surface layer 32 provided by the particles 32B). It is more desirable that it is 10 μm or more and 12 μm or less. By setting within this range, it becomes difficult for foreign matters such as toner and external additives to adhere to the surface layer 32, and the contamination resistance becomes high. If the ten-point average surface roughness Rz is less than 3 μm, foreign matters such as toner and external additives may adhere. When the ten-point average surface roughness Rz is larger than 12 μm, toner and paper powder and the like are likely to accumulate in the uneven portions, and abnormal discharge is likely to occur locally, resulting in image defects such as white spots. There is.

  The ten-point average surface roughness Rz is the surface roughness defined in JIS B0601 (1994). The ten-point average surface roughness Rz can be measured using a surface roughness measuring instrument or the like. In the present invention, however, a contact-type surface roughness measuring device (Surfcom 570A) is used in an environment of 23 ° C. and 55 RH%. Manufactured by Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.). When measuring the surface roughness, the measurement distance was 2.5 mm, and the tip of the contact needle was diamond (5 μmR, 90 ° cone), and the average value was measured three times repeatedly at different locations. The ten-point average surface roughness Rz was obtained.

  In the charging member 121 according to the present embodiment described above, an elastic layer as a layer directly formed on the shaft 30 (core body) includes, for example, an elastic material and a conductive agent, and further a silane coupling agent and a hydrate. It is formed with the composition containing this. By including the silane coupling agent in the elastic layer forming composition and using this to form the elastic layer, the elastic layer is directly bonded to the shaft 30 by the silane coupling agent without using the adhesive layer. . On the other hand, a hydrate is included in an elastic layer forming composition together with a silane coupling agent, and an elastic layer is formed using this composition. ) Is released, and this crystal water (water) promotes hydrolysis of the silane coupling agent. Thereby, the shaft 30 and the elastic layer 30 are firmly bonded without using the adhesive layer. Therefore, as compared with the case where a hydrate is not used together with the silane coupling agent, peeling of the elastic layer 31 disposed directly on the shaft 30 (core body) is suppressed.

  In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated the form which has arrange | positioned the elastic layer 31 directly in the shaft 30, it is not restricted to this, The layer arrange | positioned directly in the shaft 30 (core body) is a silane coupling agent and When formed with a composition containing a hydrate, peeling of the layer directly disposed on the shaft 30 (core body) is suppressed as compared with the case where the hydrate is not used together with the silane coupling agent. As a result, by applying the charging member 121 according to the present embodiment to a charging device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus, problems caused by peeling of a layer in which the charging member is directly disposed are suppressed.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the charging member (charging roll), it is not restricted to this, It applies also to another roll member. That is, the roll member has a shaft 30 (core body) and an elastic layer 31 disposed on the shaft 30 (core body), and is a layer (preferably disposed) directly on the shaft 30 (core body). Since the elastic layer 31) is formed of a composition containing a silane coupling agent and a hydrate, the shaft 30 (as compared with the case where no hydrate is used together with the silane coupling agent). Peeling of the layer directly disposed on the core body is suppressed. The elastic layer may be conductive or non-conductive.

  Examples of other roll members include roll members for electrophotography (for example, transfer rolls, intermediate transfer rolls, transport rolls), and other roll members for other apparatuses (for example, transport rolls).

(Charging device)
Hereinafter, the charging device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the charging device according to the present embodiment. The charging device according to the present embodiment is a form in which the charging member according to the present embodiment is applied as a charging member.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the charging device 12 according to the present embodiment is arranged such that, for example, a charging member 121 and a cleaning member 122 are in contact with each other with a specific biting amount. The axial ends of the shaft 30 of the charging member 121 and the shaft 122A of the cleaning member 122 are held by conductive bearings 123 (conductive bearings) so that the respective members can rotate. A power supply 124 is connected to one of the conductive bearings 123. Note that the charging device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be a form that does not include the cleaning member 122, for example.

  The cleaning member 122 is a cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the charging member 121, and is configured in a roll shape, for example. The cleaning member 122 includes, for example, a shaft 122A and an elastic layer 122B on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 122A.

  The shaft 122A is a conductive rod-like member, and examples of the material thereof include metals such as iron (free-cutting steel and the like), copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and nickel. Examples of the shaft 122A include a member (for example, a resin or a ceramic member) whose outer peripheral surface is plated, a member in which a conductive agent is dispersed (for example, a resin or a ceramic member), and the like. The shaft 122A may be a hollow member (cylindrical member) or a non-hollow member.

  The elastic layer 122B is made of a foam having a porous three-dimensional structure. The elastic layer 122B preferably has elasticity, with cavities and concavo-convex portions (hereinafter referred to as cells) inside and on the surface. The elastic layer 122B is made of polyurethane, polyethylene, polyamide, olefin, melamine or polypropylene, NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber), EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer rubber), natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene, silicone, It includes a foamable resin material such as nitrile or a rubber material.

  Among these foamable resin materials or rubber materials, foreign substances such as toner and external additives are efficiently cleaned by driven sliding friction with the charging member 121, and at the same time, the cleaning member 122 is formed on the surface of the charging member 121. In order to prevent scratches due to rubbing and to prevent tearing and breakage from occurring over a long period of time, polyurethane that is strong against tearing and tensile strength is particularly preferably applied.

  The polyurethane is not particularly limited. For example, polyol (for example, polyester polyol, polyether polyester, acrylic polyol, etc.) and isocyanate (2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, 4, 4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, tolidine diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, etc.), and reaction products of these chain extenders (for example, 1,4-butanediol, trimethylolpropane, etc.) Good. Polyurethane is generally foamed using a foaming agent (water or an azo compound (azodicarbonamide, azobisisobutyronitrile, etc.).

  The number of cells of the elastic layer 122B is preferably 20/25 mm or more and 80/25 mm or less, more preferably 30/25 mm or more and 80/25 mm or less, and 30/25 mm or more and 50/25 mm or less. Particularly desirable.

  The hardness of the elastic layer 122B is preferably 100N to 500N, more preferably 100N to 400N, and particularly preferably 150N to 400N.

  The conductive bearing 123 is a member that holds the charging member 121 and the cleaning member 122 integrally and rotatably, and also holds an inter-axis distance between the members. The conductive bearing 123 may be of any material and form as long as it is made of a conductive material. For example, a conductive bearing or a conductive sliding bearing is applied.

  The power supply 124 is a device that charges the charging member 121 and the cleaning member 122 with the same polarity by applying a voltage to the conductive bearing 123, and a known high-voltage power supply device can be used.

  In the charging device 12 according to the present embodiment, the charging member 121 and the cleaning member 122 are charged to the same polarity by applying a voltage from the power source 124 to the conductive bearing 123. As a result, foreign matter (for example, toner or external additives) on the surface of the image carrier is prevented from accumulating on the surfaces of the cleaning member 122 and the charging member 121 and can be transferred to the image carrier, and the foreign matter is collected by the image carrier cleaning device. Is done. Therefore, accumulation of dirt on the charging member 121 and the cleaning member 122 is suppressed over a long period of time, and charging performance is maintained.

(Image forming device, process cartridge)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image carrier, a charging unit that charges the image carrier, a latent image forming unit that forms a latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier, and the image carrier. Developing means for developing the latent image formed on the surface of the toner image with toner to form a toner image, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording medium. The charging device according to the present embodiment is applied as the charging means (charging device).

  On the other hand, the process cartridge according to this embodiment includes, for example, an image holding member that is detached from the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, and a charging unit that charges the image holding member. The charging device according to the present embodiment is applied as the charging unit. The process cartridge according to the present embodiment includes, as necessary, developing means for developing a latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with toner to form a toner image, and a toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier. At least one selected from the group consisting of a transfer unit that transfers the toner to a recording medium and a cleaning unit that removes residual toner on the surface of the image carrier after transfer.

  Next, an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a process cartridge according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes an image carrier 10, a charging device 12 that charges the image carrier around the image carrier 10, and an image carrier charged by the charging device 12. An exposure device 14 that exposes 10 to form a latent image, a developing device 16 that develops the latent image formed by the exposure device 14 with toner to form a toner image, and a toner image that is formed by the developing device 16 A transfer device 18 for transferring to A, and a cleaning device 20 for removing residual toner on the surface of the image carrier 10 after transfer. Further, a fixing device 22 for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium A by the transfer device 18 is provided.

  The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes, as the charging device 12, for example, a charging member 121, a cleaning member 122 disposed in contact with the charging member 121, and both axial ends of the charging member 121 and the cleaning member 122. The charging device according to the present embodiment, in which a conductive bearing 123 (conductive bearing) that holds each member so as to be rotatable and a power source 124 connected to one of the conductive bearings 123 are disposed. Has been applied.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 101 of the present embodiment, known configurations are conventionally applied as the components of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, except for the charging device 12 (charging member 121). Hereinafter, an example of each configuration will be described.

  The image carrier 10 is not particularly limited, and a known photoreceptor can be used. An organic photoreceptor having a so-called function separation type structure in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are separated is preferably used. Further, the image carrier 10 whose surface layer is covered with a protective layer having a charge transporting property and having a crosslinked structure is also suitably applied. A photoreceptor composed of a siloxane-based resin, a phenol-based resin, a melamine resin, a guanamine resin, or an acrylic resin as a crosslinking component of the protective layer is also suitably applied.

  As the exposure apparatus 14, for example, a laser optical system, an LED array, or the like is applied.

  For example, the developing device 16 brings a toner image onto the latent image on the surface of the image carrier 10 by bringing a developer carrier having a developer layer formed on the surface thereof into contact with or close to the image carrier 10. A developing device to be formed. As a developing method of the developing device 16, a developing method using a two-component developer is suitably applied as a known method. Examples of the developing method using the two-component developer include a cascade method and a magnetic brush method.

  As the transfer device 18, for example, either a non-contact transfer method such as corotron or a contact transfer method in which a conductive transfer roll is brought into contact with the image carrier 10 via the recording medium A to transfer a toner image to the recording medium A. May be adapted.

  The cleaning device 20 is, for example, a member that removes toner, paper dust, dust, and the like adhering to the surface by bringing a cleaning blade into direct contact with the surface of the image carrier 10. As the cleaning device 20, a cleaning brush, a cleaning roll, or the like may be applied in addition to the cleaning blade.

  As the fixing device 22, a heat fixing device using a heat roll is suitably applied. The heat fixing device includes, for example, a fixing roller in which a so-called release layer is formed of a heat-resistant resin coating layer or a heat-resistant rubber coating layer on the outer peripheral surface thereof with a heater lamp for heating inside a cylindrical metal core, A pressure roller or a pressure belt that is disposed in contact with the fixing roller at a specific contact pressure and has a heat-resistant elastic body layer formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical metal core or the surface of the belt-like base material. . The fixing process of the unfixed toner image is performed, for example, by inserting the recording medium A onto which the unfixed toner image is transferred between a fixing roller and a pressure roller or a pressure belt, and binding resin in the toner, Fixing by heat melting of additives and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above configuration. For example, an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer member and an image forming unit that forms toner images of each color are arranged in parallel. A so-called tandem image forming apparatus may be used.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the process cartridge according to the present embodiment is provided with the opening 24A for exposure, the opening 24B for static elimination exposure, and the mounting rail 24C in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. By the housing 24, the image carrier 10, the charging device 12 for charging the image carrier, the developing device 16 for developing the latent image formed by the exposure device 14 with toner and forming a toner image, and after the transfer And a cleaning device 20 that removes residual toner on the surface of the image holding body 10 and is integrally assembled and held. The process cartridge 102 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated further in detail based on an Example, this invention is not limited by the following Example. Unless otherwise specified, “part” means “part by mass”.

<Example 1>
(Preparation of conductive roll)
In producing a conductive roll, a mixture having the following composition was kneaded with a kneader such as a kneader to prepare a conductive elastic layer forming material. Using a conductive shaft body made of SUS303 having a shaft body diameter of 8 mm, the rubber thickness was 3 mm. As such, it was cast into the cylindrical mold. The mold temperature was vulcanized at 170 ° C. for 30 minutes to obtain a cylindrical conductive elastic layer taken out from the mold.

-Composition-
Elastic material 100 parts by weight ((Epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber) Gechron 3106: manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.)
・ Zinc oxide: 5 parts by weight
(Zinc oxide 2 types: manufactured by Shodo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
・ Stearic acid: 1 part by weight (Stearic acid S: manufactured by Kao Corporation)
Silane coupling agent: 7.0 parts by weight (3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane: Z-6062: manufactured by Toray Dow Corning)
・ Hydrate (sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O) ··· 10 parts by weight · Conductive agent (Ketjen Black EC: manufactured by Lion Corporation) ··· 8 parts by weight · Ion conductive agent (KS-555: Kao Corporation) -1 part by weight-Vulcanizing agent (sulfur: 200 mesh: manufactured by Tsurumi Chemical Co., Ltd.)-... 1 part by weight-Vulcanization accelerator (Noxeller DM: manufactured by Ouchi Shinsei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)・ 2.0 parts by weight ・ Vulcanization accelerator (Noxeller TT: Ouchi Shinsei Chemical Co., Ltd.) ・ ・ 0.5 parts by weight

<Example 2>
As a silane coupling agent, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 0.1 part by weight of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 3>
A conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 5.0 parts by weight of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane was blended as a silane coupling agent to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 4>
As a silane coupling agent, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 10.0 parts by weight of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 5>
As a silane coupling agent, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 10.0 parts by weight of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 6>
A conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 15.0 parts by weight of 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane was blended as a silane coupling agent to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 7>
A conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 20.0 parts by weight of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane was blended as a silane coupling agent to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 8>
As a silane coupling agent, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 7.0 parts by weight of 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 9>
A conductive roll was obtained by forming a conductive elastic layer in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 7.0 parts by weight of bis (3- (triethoxysilyl) propyl) disulfide was added as a silane coupling agent. .

<Example 10>
A conductive elastic layer is obtained by forming a conductive elastic layer in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 7.0 parts by weight of bis (3- (triethoxysilyl) propyl) tetrasulfide is added as a silane coupling agent. It was.

<Example 11>
As a hydrate, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 0.5 part by weight of sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 12>
As a hydrate, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 1.0 part by weight of sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 13>
As a hydrate, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 5.0 parts by weight of sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O was blended to obtain a conductive roll. <Example 14>

<Example 14>
As a hydrate, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 20.0 parts by weight of sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 15>
As a hydrate, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 30.0 parts by weight of sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 16>
As a hydrate, a conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 40.0 parts by weight of sodium sulfate · 10H ₂ O was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 17>
A conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 7.0 parts by weight of sodium diphosphate · 12H ₂ O was blended as a hydrate to obtain a conductive roll.

<Example 18>
A conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 7.0 parts by weight of sodium acetate · 3H ₂ O was blended as a hydrate to obtain a conductive roll.

<Comparative Example 1>
Except not mix | blending a silane coupling agent and a hydrate, the electroconductive elastic layer was formed like Example 1 and the electroconductive roll was obtained.

<Comparative example 2>
Example 1 except that the shaft body of Example 1 was coated with a primer (Metallock U-20: Conductive Primer Toyo Kasei Laboratories) and the silane coupling agent and hydrate were not blended. Similarly, a conductive elastic layer was formed to obtain a conductive roll.

<Comparative Example 3>
A conductive elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that no hydrate was blended to obtain a conductive roll.

<Evaluation>
〔surface hardness〕
The surface hardness of the conductive roller was evaluated using a micro rubber hardness meter MD-1 type (polymer A type (manufactured by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.)). The results are shown in Tables 1 to 4.

〔Adhesiveness〕
Cut the conductive elastic layer of the conductive roller from the end to a width of 10 mm and a length of 150 mm, cut into the bonding interface between the shaft at the end and the conductive elastic layer, create a 20 mm peel-off scissors, and peel 90 ° with an autograph A test was conducted. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 4.
Evaluation Criteria A: Cohesive failure rate of the conductive elastic layer is 100% ○: Cohesive failure rate of the conductive elastic layer is 65 to 99%
Δ: Cohesive failure rate of the conductive elastic layer 35 to 65%
Δ-: Cohesive failure rate of the conductive elastic layer 1 to 35%
X: Detachment at the interface between the shaft and the conductive elastic layer

  From the above results, it can be seen that, in this example, the adhesiveness between the shaft and the elastic layer is excellent as compared with Comparative Example 1, while having an appropriate hardness of the elastic layer. In addition, in this example, it can be seen that the adhesion between the shaft and the elastic layer can be obtained at the same level or higher than that in Comparative Example 2 in which the adhesive layer is provided.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the charging member which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the charging member which concerns on this embodiment. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a charging device according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the process cartridge which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image carrier 12 Charging device 14 Exposure device 16 Developing device 18 Transfer device 20 Cleaning device 22 Fixing device 24 Housing 24A Opening 24B Opening 24C Mounting rail 30 Shaft 31 Elastic layer 32 Surface layer 101 Image forming device 102 Process cartridge 121 Charging member 122 Cleaning member 123 Conductive bearing 122A Shaft 122B Elastic layer 124 Power supply

Claims (9)

A core body, and an elastic layer disposed on the core body,
A roll member in which a layer directly disposed on the core is formed of a composition containing a silane coupling agent and a hydrate.   The roll member according to claim 1, wherein the layer directly disposed on the core is the elastic layer. The roll member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the silane coupling agent is a silane coupling agent represented by the following general formula (1).
General formula (1): R-Si (OR ') ₃
(In General Formula (1), R represents a mercapto group or a sulfide group. R ′ represents a methyl group or an ethyl group.   The roll member according to claim 1, wherein the content of the silane coupling agent is 0.1 parts by mass or more and 15 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the main component of the layer directly disposed on the core.   The roll member according to claim 1, wherein a content of the hydrate is 1 part by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of a main component of a layer directly disposed on the core.   A charging member comprising the roll member according to claim 1.   A charging device comprising the charging member according to claim 6. An image carrier, and charging means for charging the image carrier,
A process cartridge, wherein the charging means is the charging device according to claim 6. An image carrier,
Charging means for charging the image carrier;
Latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier;
Developing means for developing a latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with toner to form a toner image;
Transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording medium;
With
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the charging unit is the charging device according to claim 6.

Images