JP2012116996A - Lubricant, and image forming apparatus and process cartridge using the lubricant - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lubricant that is excellent in abrasion resistance and scratch resistance of a latent image carrier and can stably output an image of high quality for a long period of time under high-temperature high-humidity environments without causing image blurs; and to provide an image forming apparatus and process cartridge using the lubricant.SOLUTION: The lubricant is applied to the latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image in an electrophotographic system and comprises a lubricating material and a predetermined amine compound. The image forming apparatus and process cartridge using the lubricant are also provided.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lubricant suitable for an electrophotographic system such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge using the lubricant.

  In recent years, in response to the demand for higher image quality, the toner used for image formation has increased in the small particle size. In the image forming apparatus using the toner having the small particle diameter, the dimensional accuracy and assembly accuracy of the cleaning blade are not sufficient, and when the cleaning blade partially shakes, the untransferred residual toner slips through, and the image quality is high. May interfere with image formation. For this reason, a method using a rubber blade that is inexpensive and has a simple mechanism and excellent cleaning properties is generally used. However, the rubber blade is directly pressed against the latent image carrier to obtain a residue on the surface of the latent image carrier. The surface of the latent image carrier is abraded due to friction between the rubber blade and the surface of the latent image carrier, and scratches may be generated, thereby shortening the life of the latent image carrier.

  Therefore, for the purpose of wear resistance and scratch resistance of the latent image carrier, a method of supplying a lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier has been proposed. For example, first to fifth methods are known. (See Patent Documents 1 to 5).

As the first method, for example, a method of forming a lubricant film by uniformly applying a lubricant with a cleaning blade or a brush has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
However, in the above proposal, if the applied amount of the lubricant is too small, the latent image carrier cannot be fully effective against wear, scratches, and blade deterioration. There is a problem that the agent is accumulated on the latent image carrier to cause an image flow, and excess lubricant is mixed into the developer, so that the performance of the developer is deteriorated.

As the second method, for example, a method of reducing the friction between the latent image carrier and the cleaning blade and ensuring the cleaning property of the residual toner by externally adding a lubricant to the toner has been proposed ( Patent Document 2).
However, in the above proposal, since the lubricant is applied to the latent image carrier only at the portion where the toner image is formed, the portion where the lubricant is applied on the latent image carrier is biased, and the latent image carrier is There is a problem of uneven wear, and the uneven wear causes a vibration of the cleaning blade, resulting in unpleasant frictional noise and poor cleaning.

As the third technique, for example, a method is proposed in which a toner forms a solid image that can be developed with toner on the entire surface of the latent image carrier before the start of image formation, and a lubricant is supplied to the entire surface of the latent image carrier. (See Patent Document 3).
However, in the above proposal, since a large amount of developer is used, there is a problem that a large amount of waste toner is produced and the environmental load becomes very large.

As the fourth method, for example, in order to prevent waste toner, the amount of lubricant applied is regulated, and the surface of the latent image carrier is covered with a lubricant such as metal soap. A method for protecting the surface of the latent image carrier has been proposed (see Patent Document 4).
However, in the above proposal, there is a problem that the lubricant may absorb the discharge energy, the lubricant film is deteriorated, and the deteriorated lubricant is present on the surface of the latent image carrier in a high temperature and high humidity environment. By being exposed, there is a problem that significant image blur occurs directly under the charger. Although there is no clear reason for the cause of these image blurs, the surface is reduced in resistance by the combination of deteriorated lubricant, moisture in the air, and discharge products generated from the charger. It is thought to be caused by the flow of the image.
In addition, in the latent image carrier having a crosslinked surface layer having a structure in which a radical polymerizable compound is crosslinked, there is a problem that image blurring easily occurs. However, a deteriorated lubricant is difficult to remove from the surface, and a new lubricant and It is thought that it is difficult to replace. That is, even if the amount of the lubricant applied is increased, the lubricant is applied on the deteriorated lubricant adhering to the surface of the latent image carrier, so that the replacement of the deteriorated lubricant is considered to be effective. Actually, in many cases, the image blur is hardly improved, and conversely, by reducing the amount of lubricant applied, the image blur is slightly improved, but the wear on the surface of the latent image carrier is also increased. There's a problem.

As the fifth method, for example, a method of incorporating an antioxidant such as hindered phenol or hindered amine in the lubricant has been proposed in order to prevent the deterioration of the lubricant (see Patent Document 5).
However, the above proposal has a problem that although the effect of suppressing the deterioration of the lubricant over time is exhibited, it is not very effective for image blurring in a high temperature and high humidity environment. It is thought that the antioxidant easily reacts with the discharge energy, and the antioxidant itself deteriorates (oxidation and decomposition), thereby easily combining with the discharge product and inducing the image blur. .
In addition, these antioxidants are gradually oxidized over time, and even when applied to the surface of the latent image carrier, they can hardly exhibit the effect of suppressing deterioration due to discharge. It is considered that both a deteriorated lubricant and an antioxidant deteriorated over time may cause image blurring.

  Therefore, even under high-temperature and high-humidity environments, without causing image blurring, the latent image carrier is excellent in abrasion resistance and scratch resistance, and can provide a stable and high-quality image over a long period of time. Development of an image forming apparatus using the same and an image forming apparatus using the same is demanded, and among these image forming apparatuses, in particular, a highly durable latent image carrier having a crosslinked surface layer having a structure in which a radical polymerizable compound is crosslinked. In the image forming apparatus used, the above problem is more likely to occur, and prompt development is strongly demanded at present.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this present condition, and makes it a subject to solve the said various problems in the past and to achieve the following objectives. That is, the present invention is excellent in the abrasion resistance and scratch resistance of the latent image carrier and produces a stable and high-quality image over a long period of time without causing image blur even in a high temperature and high humidity environment. An object of the present invention is to provide a lubricant that can be used, and an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge using the same.

  As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above object, the present inventors have found that a lubricating substance and an amine compound represented by at least one of the following general formulas (1), (2) and (3) And the image forming apparatus and process cartridge using the lubricant, and the wear resistance and scratch resistance of the latent image carrier without causing image blur even in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. As a result, the present invention has been completed.

This invention is based on the said knowledge by the present inventors, and as means for solving the said subject, it is as follows. That is,
<1> A lubricant applied to a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image in an electrophotographic method, which is a lubricating substance and represented by the following general formulas (1), (2) and (3) It is a lubricant characterized by including an amine compound represented by at least one.
However, in the general formulas (1), (2) and (3), R ₁ and R ₂ may be the same as or different from each other, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted group. R ₁ and R ₂ may be bonded to each other to form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom. R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ represent any of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, and a halogen atom. Ar represents any one of a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring group and a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group. X represents either an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. n represents an integer of 2 to 4. k, L and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3.
<2> The lubricant according to <1>, wherein the lubricating substance contains at least a fatty acid metal salt.
<3> The lubricant according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein the amine compound is a compound represented by any one of the following structural formulas (1-1) and (3-1).
<4> The lubricant according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the content of the amine compound is 0.1% by mass to 40% by mass.
<5> The lubricant according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the content of the amine compound is 10% by mass to 25% by mass.
<6> The lubricant according to any one of <1> to <5>, which is in a solid state.
<7> A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and exposing the surface of the charged latent image carrier to electrostatic An exposure unit that forms a latent image; a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image; and a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a transfer member. An image forming apparatus comprising: the lubricant according to any one of <1> to <6>, and a lubricant applying unit that applies the lubricant to a surface of the latent image carrier. It is.
<8> The latent image carrier has at least a photosensitive layer and a crosslinked surface layer in this order on a conductive support, and the crosslinked surface layer uses a polymerizable compound having at least a charge transporting structure. The image forming apparatus according to <7>, wherein the image forming apparatus is cured and formed.
<9> The crosslinked surface layer in the latent image carrier is cured by using a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure and a trifunctional or more radically polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure. The image forming apparatus according to <8>.
<10> The image forming apparatus according to <9>, wherein the polymerizable functional group of the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is either an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group.
<11> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <9> to <10>, wherein the charge transport structure of the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure includes a triarylamine structure.
<12> The image forming apparatus according to <11>, wherein the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is represented by at least one of the following general formulas (4) and (5).
However, in the general formulas (4) and (5), R ₁₀ has a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. An aryl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an alkoxy group, —COOR ₁₁ (R ₁₁ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that may have a substituent, an aralkyl group that may have a substituent, and Any of the aryl groups which may have a substituent.), A halogenated carbonyl group, and CONR ₁₂ R ₁₃ (R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ may be the same as or different from each other, a hydrogen atom; , A halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, and an aryl group which may have a substituent. Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ may be the same as or different from each other, and represent an arylene group that may have a substituent. Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ may be the same or different and each represents an aryl group which may have a substituent. X ₁₀ represents a single bond, an alkylene group that may have a substituent, a cycloalkylene group that may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group that may have a substituent, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and vinylene. Represents any of the groups. Z represents any of an alkylene group which may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group which may have a substituent, and an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group. m and n each represent an integer of 0 to 3.
<13> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <11> to <12>, wherein the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is represented by the following general formula (6).
However, in the said General formula (6), o, p, and q represent the integer of 0 or 1, respectively. Ra represents either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Rb and Rc may be the same as or different from each other, are substituents other than a hydrogen atom, and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. s and t each represent an integer of 0 to 3. Za represents a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group, or a divalent group represented by the following structural formulas (a), (b), and (c).
<14> The above <9> to <13, wherein the polymerizable functional group of the trifunctional or higher radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure is a functional group of at least one of an acryloyloxy group and a methacryloyloxy group. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.
<15> Any one of <9> to <14>, wherein the ratio of molecular weight to the number of polymerizable functional groups of the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure (molecular weight / functional group number) is 250 or less. An image forming apparatus as described above.
<16> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <8> to <15>, wherein the crosslinked surface layer includes a filler.
<17> The image forming apparatus according to <16>, wherein the filler in the crosslinked surface layer is an inorganic filler.
<18> The image forming apparatus according to <17>, wherein the inorganic filler in the crosslinked surface layer is a metal oxide.
<19> The image forming apparatus according to <18>, wherein the metal oxide in the crosslinked surface layer includes an oxide of at least one of silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide.
<20> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <7> to <19>, wherein the charging unit includes a corona charger.
<21> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <7> to <20>, wherein a color image is formed by sequentially superimposing a plurality of color toner images.
<22> The image forming apparatus according to any one of <7> to <21>, which is a tandem type image forming apparatus.
<23> The transfer unit includes a primary transfer unit that performs primary transfer to an intermediate transfer member, and a secondary transfer unit that performs secondary transfer of a toner image carried on the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium. From the above <7>, a plurality of color toner images are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer member to form a color image, and the color image is secondarily transferred onto a recording medium by the secondary transfer unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of <22>.
<24> A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and a development for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image Means, a transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a transfer body, and the lubricant according to any one of <1> to <6>. A process cartridge having at least one lubricant applying means for applying to the surface of the latent image carrier and being detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, various problems in the prior art can be solved, and even in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the latent image carrier is excellent in wear resistance and scratch resistance and stable over a long period of time without causing image blurring. It is possible to provide a lubricant capable of outputting a high-quality image and an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge using the lubricant.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a layer structure of a latent image carrier in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of another layer configuration of the latent image carrier in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of another layer configuration of the latent image carrier in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of another layer configuration of the latent image carrier in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows IR measurement data of the charge transporting polyol (D3-2) mentioned as a synthesis example of the charge transporting substance having a hydroxyl group. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a lubricant application mechanism used in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing another example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing another example of the image forming apparatus (tandem type color image forming apparatus) of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a partial enlargement of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example of the process cartridge of the present invention.

(lubricant)
The lubricant in the present invention is a lubricant applied to a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image in an electrophotographic system, and includes a lubricating substance and an amine compound, and further if necessary. Including other ingredients.

<Lubricating substances>
The lubricating substance is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.For example, a fatty acid metal salt, a natural wax such as carnauba wax, a fluorine-based resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, Examples include melamine cyanurate and boron nitride. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, in terms of supply stability and ease of handling, a solid lubricant is preferable, and in terms of ease of formation into a solid state, it is more preferable to include at least a fatty acid metal salt. .

  The structure of the fatty acid metal salt, which is the lubricating substance, is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, slipping between layers tends to occur, and good lubricity can be exhibited. A structure having a linear hydrocarbon is preferred.

  The fatty acid metal salt that is the lubricating substance is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, it has high lubricity, excellent weather resistance, and handling of a mixture with an amine compound is easy. In that respect, it comprises at least one fatty acid selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, and oleic acid, and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, and lithium. Fatty acid metal salts are preferred.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as melting temperature of the fatty-acid metal salt which is the said lubricous substance, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, it melt | dissolves normally at high temperature of 70 to 150 degreeC.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the said lubricous substance, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 20 mass%-90 mass% are preferable, 30 mass%-80 mass% are more preferable, 40 mass% % To 70% by mass is particularly preferable. When the content is less than 20% by mass, wear on the surface of the latent image carrier may increase and scratches may occur. When the content exceeds 90% by mass, image blur may occur. On the other hand, if the content of the lubricating material is in a particularly preferable range, the latent image carrier is excellent in wear resistance and scratch resistance without causing image blurring, and stable and high image quality over a long period of time. An image can be output.

<Amine compound>
The amine compound is an amine compound represented by at least one of the following general formulas (1), (2), and (3). These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
However, in the general formulas (1), (2) and (3), R ₁ and R ₂ may be the same as or different from each other, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted group. R ₁ and R ₂ may be bonded to each other to form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom. R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ represent any of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, and a halogen atom. Ar represents any one of a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring group and a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group. X represents either an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. n represents an integer of 2 to 4. k, L and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as an alkyl group which R < ₁ >, R < ₂ >, R < ₃ >, R < ₄ > and R < ₅ > in General formula (1), (2) and (3) in the said amine compound have suitably according to the objective. Examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a hexyl group, and an undecanyl group.

The aromatic hydrocarbon ring group possessed by R ₁ , R ₂ and Ar in the general formulas (1), (2) and (3) in the amine compound is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include monovalent to hexavalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups of aromatic hydrocarbon rings such as benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a substituent of the aromatic hydrocarbon ring group which R < ₁ >, R < ₂ > and Ar in general formula (1), (2) and (3) in the said amine compound have, According to the objective suitably For example, alkyl groups such as methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, butyl group, hexyl group and undecanyl group, alkoxy groups such as methoxy group, ethoxy group, propoxy group and butoxy group, fluoro group, chloro group Group, a halogeno group such as a bromo group and an iodo group, and an aromatic ring group.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group containing the nitrogen atom which R < ₁ >, R < ₂ > in General formula (1), (2) and (3) in the said amine compound has, According to the objective For example, aromatic heterocyclic groups such as N-methylcarbazole, N-ethylcarbazole, N-phenylcarbazole, indole and quinoline, pyrrolidinyl group, piperidinyl group, pyrrolinyl group and the like can be mentioned.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as an aromatic heterocyclic group which Ar in general formula (1), (2) and (3) in the said amine compound has, For example, a pyridine, Examples thereof include monovalent to hexavalent aromatic heterocyclic groups such as quinoline, thiophene, furan, oxazole, oxadiazole, and carbazole.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1) in the amine compound is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, the abrasion resistance of the latent image carrier is not caused without causing image blur. The amine compounds represented by the following structural formulas (1-1) to (1-15) are preferable in that they are excellent in property and scratch resistance. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  The compound represented by the general formula (2) in the amine compound is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, the abrasion resistance of the latent image carrier is not generated without causing image blur. The amine compound represented by the following structural formulas (2-1) to (2-14) is preferable in that it has excellent properties and scratch resistance. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  The compound represented by the general formula (3) in the amine compound is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, the abrasion resistance of the latent image carrier is not generated without causing image blur. The amine compounds represented by the following structural formulas (3-1) to (3-20) are preferable because they are excellent in properties and scratch resistance. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  The amine compound is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but without causing image blur, the latent image carrier is excellent in abrasion resistance and scratch resistance, The amine compounds represented by the structural formulas (1-1), (1-14), (2-2), (3-1) and (3-5) are more preferred, and the structural formula (1-1) And (3-1) are particularly preferred. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said amine compound, What was synthesize | combined suitably may be used and a commercial item may be used.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the said amine compound, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 0.1 mass%-40 mass% are preferable, 1 mass%-30 mass% are more preferable, 10 A mass% to 25 mass% is particularly preferred. When the content of the amine compound is less than 0.1% by mass, the effect of suppressing the decomposition of the fatty acid metal salt is small, and image blurring may not be suppressed. When the content exceeds 40% by mass, the lubricant Component is insufficient, the surface of the latent image carrier is insufficiently lubricated, causes poor cleaning, easily loses during transfer, may cause worm-eaten images, and may be mixed solid as a lubricant. Things can be fragile and consumption can increase. On the other hand, when the content of the amine compound is in a particularly preferred range, the latent image carrier is excellent in abrasion resistance and scratch resistance without causing image blurring, and stable and high-quality images over a long period of time. Can be output.

<Other ingredients>
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said other component, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, in order to improve an antioxidant function, antioxidants, such as a hindered phenol and a hindered amine, are mentioned.

  The method for preparing the lubricant is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose.For example, the fatty acid metal salt and the amine compound are mixed at a high temperature and dissolved, There is a method of preparing a solid lubricant by pouring into a mold, cooling, and solidifying.

  The shape of the lubricant is not particularly limited as long as it can be applied to the surface of the latent image carrier and satisfies the electrophotographic characteristics, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. , Liquid, powder, semi-kneaded and the like. Among these, a solid form is preferable in terms of ease of mounting on the image forming apparatus and ease of preparation of the lubricant.

The lubricant of the present invention is mounted on the lubricant applying means and applied to the surface of the latent image carrier. That is, in the lubricant application step, by supplying and applying a lubricant on the latent image carrier using a lubricant application means, the friction coefficient of the surface of the latent image carrier against the cleaning blade is reduced over a long period of time, While maintaining excellent durability (wear resistance, scratch resistance, etc.), it suppresses the occurrence of abnormal images such as hollows and blurring of images especially in high-temperature and high-humidity environments to stabilize high-quality images. Can be provided.
Furthermore, since the lubricant of the present invention is applied to the surface of the latent image carrier, the releasability of the toner is improved and the spherical toner that is difficult to clean can be easily cleaned. Problems such as blade squeal and blade edge wear that are likely to occur during rubbing can be solved.

(Image forming device)
The image forming apparatus of the present invention exposes a surface of a latent image carrier, a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging unit for charging the surface of the latent image carrier. Exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image, developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a transfer body And a lubricant applying unit that mounts the lubricant and applies the lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier, and further includes other units as necessary.

<Latent image carrier>
The latent image carrier has a wide light absorption wavelength range, optical characteristics such as the amount of absorption, electrical characteristics such as high sensitivity and stable charging characteristics, a wide range of material selection, and ease of manufacture. From the viewpoint of low cost and non-toxicity, an organic photoreceptor (OPC) is preferably used.

  The latent image carrier has at least a photosensitive layer and a crosslinked surface layer in this order on a conductive support, and further includes other layers as necessary.

<< Conductive support >>
The conductive support is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, a conductor or an insulator subjected to a conductive treatment is suitable. A metal such as Al, Ni, Fe, Cu, Au or alloys thereof, polyester, polycarbonate, polyimide, glass, etc. on an insulating substrate such as Al, Ag, Au, or a conductive material such as In2O3, SnO2. Thin film formed, carbon black, graphite, metal powder such as Al, Cu, Ni, etc., conductive glass powder, etc. are uniformly dispersed in the resin to give the resin a conductive substrate, paper that has been subjected to conductive treatment Etc.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a shape and a magnitude | size of the said electroconductive support body, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, shapes, such as plate shape, drum shape, and belt shape, are mentioned. Among these, a belt-like conductive support is preferable, and a protective layer is preferable in that the apparatus becomes complicated and needs to be provided with a driving roller and a driven roller inside, and the size of the apparatus increases, but the degree of freedom in layout increases. In the case where the protective layer is formed, the flexibility of the protective layer may be insufficient, and cracks called cracks may occur on the surface, and the occurrence of granular background dirt due to the occurrence of the cracks may be prevented. A highly rigid drum-like conductive support is preferred.

<< Photosensitive layer >>
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said photosensitive layer, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a laminated type photosensitive layer, a single layer type photosensitive layer, etc. are mentioned.

-Multilayer type photosensitive layer-
The multilayer photosensitive layer comprises at least a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material and a binder resin, a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material and a binder resin, and further, if necessary, in each layer, It contains other components such as a plasticizer, an antioxidant, and a leveling agent.

-Charge generation layer-
The charge generation material contained in the charge generation layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include inorganic materials and organic materials. The inorganic material is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include crystalline selenium, amorphous selenium, selenium-tellurium, selenium-tellurium-halogen, and selenium-arsenic compounds. . These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. The organic material is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose.For example, phthalocyanine pigments such as metal phthalocyanine and metal-free phthalocyanine, azulenium salt pigments, squaric acid methine pigments, and carbazole skeletons. Azo pigments having a triphenylamine skeleton, azo pigments having a diphenylamine skeleton, azo pigments having a dibenzothiophene skeleton, azo pigments having a fluorenone skeleton, azo pigments having an oxadiazole skeleton, azo having a bisstilbene skeleton Pigment, azo pigment having distyryl oxadiazole skeleton, azo pigment having distyryl carbazole skeleton, perylene pigment, anthraquinone or polycyclic quinone pigment, quinoneimine pigment, diphenylmethane or triphenylmethane face , Benzoquinone or naphthoquinone pigments, cyanine and azomethine pigments, indigoid pigments, and bisbenzimidazole pigments. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as binder resin contained in the said charge generation layer, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a polyamide resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polyketone resin, a polycarbonate resin, a silicone resin, an acrylic resin , Polyvinyl butyral resin, polyvinyl formal resin, polyvinyl ketone resin, polystyrene resin, poly-N-vinyl carbazole resin, polyacrylamide resin and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. In addition, you may add a charge transport material as needed. In addition to the binder resin described above, a polymer charge transport material can be added as the binder resin for the charge generation layer.

  The method for forming the charge generation layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, using the coating solution for forming a charge generation layer, a vacuum thin film preparation method, solution dispersion A method of forming a charge generation layer by a casting method from the system is mentioned. The vacuum thin film production method is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, using the charge generation layer forming coating solution, a glow discharge polymerization method, a vacuum deposition method, a CVD method, or the like. And a method of forming a charge generation layer by sputtering, reactive sputtering, ion plating, accelerated ion injection, or the like. These vacuum thin film manufacturing methods can satisfactorily form the charge generation layer using the inorganic material or the organic material. The casting method is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, by using the charge generation layer forming coating solution, a dip coating method, a spray coating method, a bead coating method, or the like. And a method of forming a charge generation layer.

  The method for preparing the charge generation layer coating liquid is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, the charge generation material and the binder resin are dispersed and dissolved in an organic solvent. Can be prepared. When an organic pigment is used as the charge generation material, it can be dispersed in the organic solvent by a dispersion method using a dispersion medium such as a ball mill, a bead mill, a sand mill, or a vibration mill, or a high-speed liquid collision dispersion method.

  The organic solvent used in the preparation of the charge generation layer coating solution is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, cyclohexanone, benzene, toluene, Xylene, chloroform, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichloropropane, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxolane, dioxane, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, propyl cellosolve Etc. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, dichloromethane, methanol, and ethanol having a boiling point of 40 ° C. to 80 ° C. are preferable in that drying after coating is easy.

  The thickness of the charge generation layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, electrophotographic characteristics, particularly photosensitivity changes depending on the thickness of the charge generation layer. The greater the thickness, the higher the photosensitivity. Therefore, it is preferable to set a suitable range according to the required specifications of the image forming apparatus. In order to obtain the sensitivity required for an electrophotographic photoreceptor. The thickness of the charge generation layer is preferably 0.01 μm to 5 μm, and more preferably 0.05 μm to 2 μm.

-Charge transport layer-
The charge transport layer in the multilayer type photosensitive layer is required to have a high electric resistance in order to achieve the purpose of holding a charged charge. Further, in order to achieve the purpose of obtaining a high surface potential with the charged charge held, it is required that the dielectric constant is small and the charge mobility is good.
The charge transport layer includes at least a hole transport material and a charge transport material, and further includes other components as necessary.

  The hole transport material (electron donating material) contained in the charge transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, oxazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, Phenylamine derivatives, 9- (p-diethylaminostyrylanthracene), 1,1-bis- (4-dibenzylaminophenyl) propane, styrylanthracene, styrylpyrazoline, phenylhydrazones, α-phenylstilbene derivatives, thiazole derivatives, Examples include triazole derivatives, phenazine derivatives, acridine derivatives, benzofuran derivatives, benzimidazole derivatives, and thiophene derivatives. As polymers having an electron-donating group, copolymers with known monomers, block polymers, graft weights, etc. Coalescence, star poly Chromatography, and the like crosslinked polymer having an electron donating group as described in JP-A-3-109406. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  The charge transport material contained in the charge transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include a polymer having a carbazole ring, a polymer having a hydrazone structure, a polysilylene polymer, and a tria. Polymer having a reelamine structure, formaldehyde condensation polymer of nitropyrene, JP-A-51-73888, JP-A-56-150749, JP-A-64-1728, JP-A-64-13061 JP-A-64-19049, JP-A-4-11627, JP-A-4-225014, JP-A-4-230767, JP-A-4-320420, JP-A-5-232727, JP-A-6-234836, JP-A-6-234837, JP-A-7-56374, JP-A-9-127 13, JP-A No. 9-222740, JP-A No. 9-265197, JP-A No. 9-211877 and JP include compounds described in JP-A-9-304956 Patent Publication.

  The polymer having a carbazole ring as the charge transport material is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, JP-A-50-82056, Examples thereof include compounds described in JP-A-54-9632, JP-A-54-11737, JP-A-4-175337, JP-A-4-183719, and JP-A-6-234841.

  The polymer having a hydrazone structure as the charge transport material is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, JP-A-57-78402, JP-A-61-20953 JP-A-61-296358, JP-A-1-134456, JP-A-1-179164, JP-A-3-180851, JP-A-3-180852, JP-A-3-50555, Examples thereof include compounds described in JP-A-5-310904 and JP-A-6-234840.

  The polysilylene polymer as the charge transport material is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, JP-A-63-285552, JP-A-1-88461, JP-A-4 -264130, JP-A-4-264131, JP-A-4-264132, JP-A-4-264133, JP-A-4-289867, and the like.

  The polymer having a triarylamine structure as the charge transport material is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, N, N-bis (4-methylphenyl) -4-amino Polystyrene resin having polystyrene, triarylamine structure, polyurethane resin having triarylamine structure, polyester resin having triarylamine structure, polyether resin having triarylamine structure, JP-A-1-134457, JP-A-2 The compounds described in JP-A-2-282264, JP-A-2-304456, JP-A-5-40350, JP-A-4-133605, JP-A-4-133666, JP-A-5-202135, etc. Can be mentioned.

  The binder resin contained in the charge transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, Polyvinyl acetate resin, polystyrene resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, alkyd resin, silicone resin, polyvinyl carbazole resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyvinyl formal resin, polyacrylate resin, polyacrylamide resin, phenoxy resin Etc. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. The charge transport layer may also contain a copolymer of a crosslinkable binder resin and a crosslinkable charge transport material.

  The thickness of the charge transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but is preferably 5 μm to 100 μm. From the viewpoint of thinning the charge transport layer according to the recent demand for higher image quality, and From the viewpoint of achieving high image quality of 1,200 dpi or more, 5 μm to 30 μm is more preferable.

  The method for forming the charge transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, the charge transport material and the binder resin are dissolved or dispersed in a suitable solvent, Can be formed on the charge generation layer by coating and drying.

-Single layer photosensitive layer-
The single-layer type photosensitive layer includes at least the charge generation material, the charge transport material, and the binder resin, and further includes the other components as necessary.

  The method for forming the single-layer type photosensitive layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, at least the charge generation material, the binder resin, the charge transport material, and as necessary Accordingly, there is a method of forming by a casting method in which a plasticizer is dissolved or dispersed in an appropriate solvent, applied and dried.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as thickness of the said single layer type photosensitive layer, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 5 micrometers-100 micrometers are preferable, and 5 micrometers-50 micrometers are more preferable. When the thickness of the single-layer type photosensitive layer is less than 5 μm, the chargeability may be lowered, and when it exceeds 100 μm, the sensitivity may be lowered.

<< Crosslinked surface layer >>
The cross-linked surface layer refers to a layer formed on the photosensitive layer, but when the laminated photosensitive layer is included, it refers to a charge transport layer or a protective layer formed on the charge transport layer. And when it has the said single layer type photosensitive layer, it may refer to the said photosensitive layer or the protective layer formed on this photosensitive layer.
The cross-linked surface layer contains at least a polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure for the purpose of obtaining high wear resistance and good electrostatic properties, and further has no charge transporting structure as required. It contains a functional polymerizable or higher radical polymerizable monomer and other components.

-Polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure-
The polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure includes a hole transporting structure such as triarylamine, hydrazone, pyrazoline, and carbazole, and an electron-withdrawing aromatic ring having a condensed polycyclic quinone, diphenoquinone, a cyano group, and a nitro group. It has an electron transport structure. The polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but is preferably a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, The monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a transporting structure is preferably a compound having a radically polymerizable functional group such as an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group.

  Specific examples of the polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, the following structural formulas (D1-1) to (D1-9), (D2 -1) to (D2-7) and (D3-1) to (D3-6). These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  The polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, without causing image blur, the latent image bearing member has wear resistance and scratch resistance. It is preferable to have one or more functional groups such as a hydroxyl group and a ketone group from the viewpoint of excellent properties, and has a charge transporting structure such as the compounds represented by the structural formulas (D1-6) to (D1-9). Monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds are more preferred. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

--Monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure--
The monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, those having a triarylamine structure are preferable, and sensitivity, residual potential, etc. A compound represented by any one of the following general formulas (4) and (5) is more preferable in that the electrical characteristics are favorably maintained.

However, in the general formulas (4) and (5), R ₁₀ has a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. An aryl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an alkoxy group, —COOR ₁₁ (R ₁₁ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that may have a substituent, an aralkyl group that may have a substituent, and Any of the aryl groups which may have a substituent.), A halogenated carbonyl group, and CONR ₁₂ R ₁₃ (R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ may be the same as or different from each other, a hydrogen atom; , A halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, and an aryl group which may have a substituent. Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ may be the same as or different from each other, and represent an arylene group that may have a substituent. Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ may be the same or different and each represents an aryl group which may have a substituent. X ₁₀ represents a single bond, an alkylene group that may have a substituent, a cycloalkylene group that may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group that may have a substituent, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and vinylene. Represents any of the groups. Z represents any of an alkylene group which may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group which may have a substituent, and an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group. m and n each represent an integer of 0 to 3.

The substituent represented by R ₁₀ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group or a butyl group, an aryl group such as a phenyl group or a naphthyl group, an aralkyl group such as a benzyl group, a phenethyl group or a naphthylmethyl group , Alkoxy groups such as methoxy group, ethoxy group, and propoxy group. These include halogen atoms, nitro groups, cyano groups, alkyl groups such as methyl groups and ethyl groups, alkoxy groups such as methoxy groups and ethoxy groups, aryloxy groups such as phenoxy groups, aryl groups such as phenyl groups and naphthyl groups, It may be substituted with an aralkyl group such as a benzyl group or a phenethyl group. Among these, a hydrogen atom and a methyl group are preferable.

Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure, are not particularly limited as long as they are arylene groups. For example, a divalent group derived from an aryl group represented by Ar ₃ or Ar ₄ described later can be used.

Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure, are not particularly limited as long as they are aryl groups. For example, a condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon group, a non-condensed cyclic hydrocarbon group, a heterocyclic group and the like may be mentioned, and they may have a substituent.

The condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon group represented by Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure, includes carbon atoms forming a ring. Is preferably 18 or less, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, a pentanyl group, an indenyl group, a naphthyl group, an azulenyl group, a heptaenyl group, a biphenylenyl group, an as-indacenyl group, an s-indacenyl group A fluorenyl group, an acenaphthylenyl group, a preadenyl group, an acenaphthenyl group, a phenalenyl group, a phenanthryl group, an anthryl group, a fluoranthenyl group, an acephenanthrenyl group, an aceanthrylenyl group, a triphenylyl group, a pyrenyl group, a chrysenyl group, and And a naphthacenyl group.

The non-condensed cyclic hydrocarbon group represented by Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited. Can be appropriately selected according to, for example, monovalent group of monocyclic hydrocarbon compounds such as benzene, diphenyl ether, polyethylene diphenyl ether, diphenyl thioether, diphenyl sulfone, biphenyl, polyphenyl, diphenylalkane, diphenylalkene, diphenylalkyne , Monovalent groups of non-condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds such as triphenylmethane, distyrylbenzene, 1,1-diphenylcycloalkane, polyphenylalkane and polyphenylalkene, and ring assembly carbonization such as 9,9-diphenylfluorene And monovalent groups of hydrogen compounds.

The heterocyclic group represented by Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include monovalent groups such as carbazole, dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, oxadiazole, and thiadiazole.

The substituent which the aryl group which is Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure is not particularly limited, It can be appropriately selected according to, for example, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a mercapto group, a substituent represented by the following general formula (f), an alkylenedioxy group , An alkylenedithio group, a styryl group which may have a substituent, a β-phenylstyryl group which may have a substituent, a diphenylaminophenyl group, a ditolylaminophenyl group, and the like.

However, in the formula _{(f), R 15} and _{R 16} each independently represent a hydrogen atom, the same alkyl group as the alkyl group which is a substituent of the Ar ₃ and Ar _4, or an aryl group.

The alkyl group of the substituent which the aryl group of Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transport structure is not particularly limited, can be appropriately selected depending on the intended _purpose, preferably an alkyl group of C 1 _{-C 12,} more preferably an alkyl group of C 1 -C _8, alkyl radical linear or branched C 1 -C ₄ Particularly preferred. These alkyl groups, further, a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, a cyano _group, an alkoxy group of C 1 -C _4, a phenyl group, a halogen _atom, an alkyl group of C 1 -C _4, alkoxy group of C 1 -C ₄ It may have a substituted phenyl group. These specific examples are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, methyl group, ethyl group, n-butyl group, i-propyl group, t-butyl group, s-butyl group N-propyl group, trifluoromethyl group, 2-hydroxyethyl group, 2-ethoxyethyl group, 2-cyanoethyl group, 2-methoxyethyl group, benzyl group, 4-chlorobenzyl group, 4-methylbenzyl group, 4 -A phenyl benzyl group etc. are mentioned.

The alkoxy group of the substituent which the aryl group of Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure is not particularly limited, It can select suitably according to the objective, For example, the alkoxy group represented by (-OR < ₁₄ >) is mentioned. R ₁₄ represents an alkyl group which is a substituent of Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ . These specific examples are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, i-propoxy group, t-butoxy group, n-butoxy group , S-butoxy group, i-butoxy group, 2-hydroxyethoxy group, benzyloxy group, trifluoromethoxy group and the like.

As the aryl group in the aryloxy group of the substituent of the aryl group of Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transport structure, There is no restriction | limiting, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, etc. are mentioned. Aryl groups of these aryloxy groups, alkoxy groups C ₁ -C _4, alkyl group of C ₁ -C _4, may contain a halogen atom as a substituent. These specific examples are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, phenoxy group, 1-naphthyloxy group, 2-naphthyloxy group, 4-methoxyphenoxy group, 4-methylphenoxy group Group and the like.

In the general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure, Ar ₃ and the mercapto group of the aryl group of Ar ₄ are not particularly limited, It can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include an alkyl mercapto group and an aryl mercapto group. Specific examples thereof include a methylthio group, an ethylthio group, a phenylthio group, and a p-methylphenylthio group.

As the aryl group in the general formula (f) of the substituent of the aryl group of Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure, There is no restriction | limiting in particular, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, a naphthyl group etc. are mentioned. These aryl _groups, alkoxy groups C 1 -C _4, alkyl group of C 1 -C _4, may contain a halogen atom as a substituent. Specific examples of these aryl groups are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, amino groups, diethylamino groups, N-methyl-N-phenylamino groups, N, N-diphenylamino Group, N, N-di (tolyl) amino group, dibenzylamino group, piperidino group, morpholino group, pyrrolidino group and the like. In addition, R ₁₅ and R ₁₆ in the general formula (f) may jointly form a ring.

As the alkylene dioxy group and alkylene dithio group of the substituent of the aryl group of Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transport structure, There is no particular limitation, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include a methylenedioxy group and a methylenedithio group.

X ₁₀ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which is a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples include a single bond, an alkylene group that may have a substituent, a cycloalkylene group that may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group that may have a substituent, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and a vinylene group. .

The alkylene group represented by X ₁₀ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which is a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. _possible, preferably an alkylene group of C 1 _{-C 12,} more preferably an alkylene group of C 1 -C _8, linear or branched alkylene group of C 1 -C ₄ are particularly preferred. These alkylene groups, further, a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, a cyano _group, an alkoxy group of C 1 -C _4, a phenyl group, a halogen _atom, an alkoxy group of C 1 -C ₄ alkyl and _C 1 -C ₄ You may have a phenyl group etc. which were substituted by either. There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a specific example of the said alkylene group, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a methylene group, ethylene group, n-butylene group, i-propylene group, t-butylene group, s- Butylene group, n-propylene group, trifluoromethylene group, 2-hydroxyethylene group, 2-ethoxyethylene group, 2-cyanoethylene group, 2-methoxyethylene group, benzylidene group, phenylethylene group, 4-chlorophenylethylene group, 4-methylphenylethylene group, 4-biphenylethylene group, etc. are mentioned.

The cycloalkylene group represented by X ₁₀ in the general formulas (4) and (5), which is a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. can be, for _example, cyclic alkylene group having C 5 -C _7. The cyclic alkylene group may have a substituent, and the substituent for the cyclic alkylene group is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl _group, an alkoxy group of C 1 -C ₄ and the like. These specific examples are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include a cyclohexylidene group, a cyclohexylene group, and a 3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene group.

The monofunctional general formula is a radical polymerizable compound (4) and (5) alkylene ether group is X ₁₀ in having the charge transport structure is not particularly limited, be appropriately selected depending on the purpose For example, a —CH ₂ CH ₂ O— group, —CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ O— group, — (OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) _h —O— group, or — (OCH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ ) _i — O-group etc. are mentioned. In addition, said h and i represent the integer of 1-4, respectively. Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting in particular as an alkylene group of the said alkylene ether group, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, you may have substituents, such as a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, an ethyl group.

The vinylene group which is X ₁₀ in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include groups represented by the following general formulas (g) and (h).

In the general formula (g) and _{(h), R 17} is a hydrogen atom, the _Ar 3, the same alkyl group as the alkyl group is a substituent of Ar _4, is a substituent of _Ar 3, Ar ₄ The same aryl group as the aryl group is represented. a represents 1 or 2. b represents 1-3.

  Z in general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include an alkylene group which may have a group, an alkylene ether group which may have a substituent, and an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group.

  The alkylene group as Z in the general formulas (4) and (5), which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having a charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include the same alkylene groups as those described above for X.

  The alkylene ether group which is Z in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the alkylene ether group of said X is mentioned.

  The alkyleneoxycarbonyl group as Z in the general formulas (4) and (5) which are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include caprolactone-modified groups.

  The general formulas (4) and (5) that are monofunctional radically polymerizable compounds having the charge transporting structure are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. ) Is preferred.

However, in the said General formula (6), o, p, and q represent the integer of 0 or 1, respectively. Ra represents either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Rb and Rc may be the same as or different from each other, are substituents other than a hydrogen atom, and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. s and t each represent an integer of 0 to 3. Za represents a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group, or a divalent group represented by the following structural formulas (a), (b), and (c).

  The substituent of Rb and Rc in the general formula (6) which is a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Group and ethyl group are preferred.

  By using the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure, the latent image carrier has good electrical characteristics and can realize high image quality over a long period of time. This is due to the fact that the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is immobilized in a pendant manner between the crosslinks. In contrast, charge transport materials that do not have a functional group are likely to precipitate and become cloudy, so deterioration due to repeated use such as decreased sensitivity and increased residual potential is often significant. When the active compound is used as the main component, it is fixed in the cross-linked structure with a plurality of bonds, so the intermediate structure (cation radical) during charge transport cannot be kept stable, and the sensitivity decreases due to charge trapping. The residual potential is likely to increase. Such deterioration of the electrical characteristics often appears as an image such as a decrease in image density or thinning of characters, which is not preferable.

  When the compound represented by the general formula (4) and the general formula (5), particularly the general formula (6), which is a monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure, is carbon- Since the double bond between carbons is opened and polymerized on both sides, it does not become a terminal structure, but is incorporated into a chain polymer and crosslinked by polymerization with a tri- or higher functional polymerizable monomer. In the main chain of the polymer, and in the cross-linked chain between the main chain and the main chain (this cross-linked chain includes an intermolecular cross-linked chain between one polymer and another polymer, and one polymer A portion of the main chain that is folded inside and an intramolecular cross-linked chain that crosslinks the other portion derived from the polymerized monomer at a position away from the main chain in the main chain). In other words, a triarylamine structure suspended from a chain portion regardless of whether a radically polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transport structure is present in the main chain or in a crosslinked chain. Has at least three aryl groups arranged radially from the nitrogen atom and is bulky, but is not directly bonded to the chain part and is suspended from the chain part via a carbonyl group or the like. Since these triarylamine structures can be arranged adjacent to each other in the polymer, the structural distortion in the molecule is small. When the surface layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor is used, it is presumed that an intramolecular structure that is relatively free from interruption of the charge transport path can be adopted. Therefore, the cross-linked surface layer is free from cracks and has excellent electrical characteristics.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a synthesis method of the polymeric compound which has the said charge transportable structure, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, the synthesis method disclosed by patent 3540056 is mentioned. Below, the compound represented by the said structural formula (D1-3) and (D3-2) which is a polymeric compound which has the said charge transportable structure is mentioned as an example, and the synthesis example is shown.

  As a method for synthesizing the polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure (4-hydroxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene) which is a compound represented by the structural formula (D1-3), There is no restriction | limiting, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, after synthesize | combining (1) diethyl 4-methoxybenzylphosphonate, this is used, (2) 4-methoxy-4'- (di-). A method of synthesizing (p-tolylamino) stilbene and using this to synthesize (3) 4-hydroxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene, which is the target product, can be mentioned.

  The method for synthesizing diethyl 4-methoxybenzylphosphonate in (1) is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, 4-methoxybenzyl chloride and triethyl phosphite are mixed at 150 ° C. After reacting for 5 hours, there is a method of synthesizing by distilling off excess triethyl phosphite and by-product ethyl chloride by distillation under reduced pressure.

  The method for synthesizing 4-methoxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene in (2) is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Dissolve diethyl methoxybenzylphosphonate and 4- (di-p-tolylamino) benzaldehyde in N, N-dimethylformamide, add tert-butoxypotassium little by little with stirring under water cooling, and stir at room temperature for 5 hours. Thereafter, a method of synthesizing by adding water to obtain an acid-deposited coarse product obtained by acidification and purifying by silica gel column chromatography is exemplified.

  The method for synthesizing 4-hydroxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene in (3) is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, 4-methoxy-4 '-(Di-p-tolylamino) stilbene and double equivalent sodium ethanethiolate were dissolved in N, N-dimethylformamide, reacted at 130 ° C. for 5 hours, cooled and opened in water, and with hydrochloric acid. Examples include a method of synthesizing by extracting the target product with ethyl acetate, washing the extract with water, drying, and distilling off the solvent to purify a crude product obtained by column chromatography on silica gel.

  1,2-dihydroxy-3- [4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene-4-1, which is a polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure (compound represented by the structural formula (D3-2)). The method for synthesizing [Iloxy] propane) is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, the 4-hydroxy is added to a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, thermometer, condenser, and dropping funnel. -4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene 11.75 g, glycidyl methacrylate 4.35 g, and toluene 8 mL were added, and after heating to 90 ° C., 0.16 g of triethylamine was added, followed by heating and stirring at 95 ° C. for 8 hours. . Thereafter, 16 mL of toluene and 20 mL of 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were added, and the mixture was further reacted by heating and stirring at 95 ° C. for 8 hours. A method of synthesizing the crude product 19 g obtained by purification by column chromatography on silica gel (solvent: ethyl acetate) can be mentioned. The target product 1,2-dihydroxy-3- [4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilben-4-yloxy] propane (OH equivalent: 232.80, represented by the following structural formula (D3-2) FIG. 5 shows IR measurement data for a yield of 9.85 g, yellow crystals, melting point 127 to 128.7 ° C.

  The content of the polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, in consideration of imparting charge transporting performance of the crosslinked surface layer, crosslinking is performed. 20% by mass to 80% by mass is preferable with respect to the total amount of the surface layer, and the electrical characteristics and wear resistance required by the process used are different. 35 mass%-65 mass% is more preferable. When the content is less than 20% by mass, the charge transport performance of the crosslinked surface layer cannot be sufficiently maintained, and deterioration of electrical characteristics such as a decrease in sensitivity and an increase in residual potential may appear due to repeated use. If it exceeds mass%, the content of the trifunctional or higher-functional radical polymerizable monomer not having the charge transporting structure may be lowered, leading to a reduction in the crosslink density, and high wear resistance may not be exhibited.

-Trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure-
The trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure includes a hole transporting structure such as triarylamine, hydrazone, pyrazoline, carbazole, and condensed polycyclic quinone, diphenoquinone, cyano group, nitro group. A monomer that does not have an electron transport structure such as an electron-withdrawing aromatic ring and has three or more radically polymerizable functional groups.

  The trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and trimethylolpropane. Trimethacrylate, ethyleneoxy-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, propyleneoxy-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, caprolactone-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, HPA-modified trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETTA), Glycerol triacrylate, ECH-modified glycerol triacrylate, ethyleneoxy-modified glycerol triacrylate, Lopyleneoxy modified glycerol triacrylate, tris (acryloxyethyl) isocyanurate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPHA), caprolactone modified dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, dipentaerythritol hydroxypentaacrylate, alkyl modified dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, alkyl modified Dipentaerythritol tetraacrylate, alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol triacrylate, dimethylolpropane tetraacrylate (DTMPTA), pentaerythritol ethoxytetraacrylate, ethyleneoxy-modified phosphoric acid triacrylate, 2,2,5,5, -tetrahydroxymethylcyclo Examples include pentanone tetraacrylate. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. In the above, EO modification refers to ethyleneoxy modification, and PO modification refers to propyleneoxy modification.

  The radical polymerizable functional group in the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure may be a group having a carbon-carbon double bond and capable of radical polymerization (radical polymerizable functional group). Any of them may be used, and examples thereof include 1-substituted ethylene functional groups and 1,1-substituted ethylene functional groups shown below.

  The 1-substituted ethylene functional group, which is a radical polymerizable functional group in the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure, is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the functional group represented by the following general formula (d) is mentioned.

However, in the general formula (d), X ₁ represents an arylene group which may have a substituent, an alkenylene group which may have a substituent, a —CO— group, a —COO— group, a —CON (R ₁ ) -group (R ₁ represents hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aralkyl group, or an aryl group) or an —S— group.

  The arylene group in the general formula (d), which is a radical polymerizable functional group in the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure, is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include a phenylene group and a naphthylene group which may have a substituent.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as an alkyl group in the said general formula (d) which is a radically polymerizable functional group in the radically polymerizable monomer more than trifunctional which does not have the said charge transportable structure, According to the objective, it selects suitably. Examples thereof include a methyl group and an ethyl group.

  The aralkyl group in the general formula (d), which is a radical polymerizable functional group in a tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure, is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, benzyl group, naphthylmethyl group, phenethyl group and the like can be mentioned.

  The aryl group in the general formula (d), which is a radical polymerizable functional group in the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure, is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a functional group represented by the said general formula (d) which is a radically polymerizable functional group in the radically polymerizable monomer more than trifunctional which does not have the said charge transportable structure, According to the objective suitably Examples thereof include a vinyl group, a styryl group, a 2-methyl-1,3-butadienyl group, a vinylcarbonyl group, an acryloyloxy group, an acryloylamide group, and a vinyl thioether group.

  The 1,1-substituted ethylene functional group, which is a radical polymerizable functional group in the trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure, is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the functional group represented by the following general formula (e) is mentioned.

However, in the general formula (e), Y represents an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, a halogen atom, cyano. Group, nitro group, alkoxy group, —COOR ₂ group (R ₂ may have a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. An aryl group, or —CONR ₃ R ₄ (R ₃ and R ₄ may have a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that may have a substituent, an aralkyl group that may have a substituent, or a substituent. Represents a good aryl group, which may be the same or different from each other.)) X ₂ represents the same substituent, single bond, and alkylene group as X _{1 in the} above formula (d). However, Y, at least one of X ₂ is an oxycarbonyl group, a cyano group, an alkenylene group, and an aromatic ring. )

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as an aralkyl group in the said general formula (e) which is a radically polymerizable functional group in the radically polymerizable monomer more than trifunctional which does not have the said charge transportable structure, According to the objective, it selects suitably. Examples thereof include benzyl, naphthylmethyl group, phenethyl group and the like.
Examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group and an ethyl group.

  The aryl group in the general formula (e), which is a radical polymerizable functional group in the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure, is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as an alkoxy group in the said general formula (e) which is a radically polymerizable functional group in the trifunctional or more radically polymerizable monomer which does not have the said charge transport structure, According to the objective, it selects suitably. Examples thereof include a methoxy group and an ethoxy group.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a functional group represented by the said general formula (e) which is a radically polymerizable functional group in the radically polymerizable monomer more than trifunctional which does not have the said charge transportable structure, According to the objective suitably Examples thereof include an α-acryloyloxy chloride group, a methacryloyloxy group, an α-cyanoethylene group, an α-cyanoacryloyloxy group, an α-cyanophenylene group, and a methacryloylamino group.

Further substitution with substituents in X ₁ , X ₂ , and Y in the general formulas (d) and (e), which are radical polymerizable functional groups in a tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure The substituent to be used is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, a methyl group, an alkyl group such as an ethyl group, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, etc. And an aryloxy group such as a phenoxy group, an aryl group such as a phenyl group and a naphthyl group, and an aralkyl group such as a benzyl group and a phenethyl group.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a radically polymerizable functional group in the trifunctional or more radically polymerizable monomer which does not have the said charge transportable structure, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, An acryloyloxy group, a methacryloyloxy group Is preferred. The compound having 3 or more acryloyloxy groups as the radical polymerizable functional group and the compound having 3 or more methacryloyloxy groups as the radical polymerizable functional group are not particularly limited and are appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, it can be obtained by ester reaction or transesterification reaction using a compound having 3 or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule and acrylic acid (salt), acrylic acid halide, and acrylic acid ester. The radical polymerizable functional groups in the monomer having three or more radical polymerizable functional groups may be the same or different.

  The trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, in order to form a dense cross-linked bond in the cross-linked surface layer. Furthermore, the ratio of molecular weight to the number of functional groups in the monomer (molecular weight / number of functional groups) is preferably 250 or less. When the ratio exceeds 250, the crosslinked surface layer is soft and wear resistance is somewhat lowered. Therefore, among monomers exemplified above, monomers having modifying groups such as HPA, EO, and PO are extremely long modified. It is not preferable to use a group having a group alone.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the trifunctional or more functional radically polymerizable monomer which does not have the said charge transport structure, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 20 mass% with respect to the bridge | crosslinking surface layer whole quantity. ~ 80% by mass is preferable, and the wear resistance and electrical characteristics required by the process to be used are different, so it is not possible to say unconditionally, but considering the balance of both characteristics, 35% to 65% by mass is more preferable . When the content is less than 20% by mass, the three-dimensional cross-linking density of the cross-linked surface layer is small, and a drastic improvement in wear resistance may not be achieved as compared with the case of using a conventional thermoplastic binder resin. If it exceeds 80% by mass, the content of the charge transporting compound is lowered, and the electrical characteristics may be deteriorated.

-Other ingredients-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said other component, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, filler microparticles | fine-particles are mentioned suitably, Even if it contains a surface treating agent, binder resin, a solvent, and a correction resin. Well, monofunctional radically polymerizable monomers, bifunctional radically polymerizable monomers, and functionalities for the purpose of imparting functions such as viscosity adjustment during coating, stress relaxation of the cross-linked surface layer, lower surface energy and reduced friction coefficient You may contain a monomer, a radically polymerizable oligomer, etc. In addition, a polymerization initiator may be added for the purpose of efficiently proceeding the curing reaction (crosslinking reaction), and it has a plasticizer, a leveling agent, and radical reactivity for the purpose of stress relaxation and adhesion improvement. Additives such as non-low molecular charge transport materials may be added.

--Filler fine particles--
The filler fine particles remarkably improve wear resistance, achieve a long life of the latent image carrier, and have fine irregularities formed on the cross-linked surface layer, particularly fatty acids such as zinc stearate and calcium stearate. It can be contained for the purpose of improving the applicability of a lubricant composed of a metal salt and improving the cleaning property and transferability.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said filler fine particle, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, an organic filler material, an inorganic filler material, etc. are mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said organic filler material, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, fluororesin powder like polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone resin powder, a-carbon powder, etc. The organic material is mentioned.
The inorganic filler material is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, metal powder such as copper, tin, aluminum, and indium, silicon oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, Examples thereof include metal oxides such as indium oxide, antimony oxide, and bismuth oxide, and inorganic materials such as potassium titanate.
Among these, an inorganic material is preferable in terms of the hardness of the filler, and the wear resistance of the crosslinkable surface layer formed with a three-dimensional network structure using the radical polymerizable monomer and the radical polymerizable compound is high. In terms of remarkably improving, metal oxide inorganic filler fine particles are preferable, and silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, and titanium oxide are preferable in that the metal oxide has good side effects on the electrostatic characteristics of the latent image carrier, and is preferably used. Fine particles such as colloidal silica and colloidal alumina are also preferred.

  The average primary particle size of the filler fine particles is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but is 0.01 μm to 0.5 μm from the viewpoint of light transmittance and wear resistance of the surface layer. preferable. When the average primary particle size is less than 0.01 μm, it may cause a decrease in abrasion resistance, a decrease in dispersibility, and the like. When the average primary particle size exceeds 0.5 μm, the filler particles in the coating liquid (dispersion) There is a possibility that sedimentation is promoted and toner filming on the surface of the latent image carrier in the image forming apparatus may occur.

  The content of the filler fine particles is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.The higher the better, the higher the wear resistance, but if it is too high, the residual potential increases. Since the writing light transmittance of the protective layer is lowered and may cause side effects, it is preferably 5% by mass to 50% by mass and more preferably 5% by mass to 30% by mass with respect to the total solid content.

  The filler fine particles are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, in terms of dispersibility of the filler, it is preferable to perform surface treatment with at least one kind of surface treatment agent. Note that the decrease in the dispersibility of the filler not only causes an adverse effect on the electrostatic properties such as an increase in residual potential, but also decreases the transparency of the coating film, the occurrence of coating film defects, and further decreases the wear resistance. May cause a major problem that prevents high durability or high image quality.

--Surface treatment agent--
The surface treatment agent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, a conventionally used surface treatment agent can be used, and a surface treatment agent that can maintain the insulating properties of the filler can be used. Preferably, in terms of filler dispersibility and image blur, titanate coupling agents, aluminum coupling agents, zircoaluminate coupling agents, and higher fatty acids, or mixed treatment agents of these with silane coupling agents, Al ₂ O ₃ , TiO ₂ , ZrO ₂ , silicone, aluminum stearate, or a mixed treating agent thereof is more preferable. Note that the silane coupling agent has a strong influence on image blur, but there are cases where the influence can be suppressed by performing a mixing treatment of the surface treatment agent and the silane coupling agent.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the said surface treating agent, According to the objective, it can select suitably, Although it changes with the average primary particle sizes of the filler to be used, 3 mass%-30 mass% are preferable, and 5 mass% is preferable. -20 mass% is more preferable. When the content is less than 3% by mass, the filler dispersion effect may not be obtained. When the content exceeds 30% by mass, the residual potential may be significantly increased.

--Binder resin--
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said binder resin, It is used for the bridge | crosslinking surface layer (protective layer) in which filler fine particles are disperse | distributed, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin , Methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polystyrene resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, alkyd resin, silicone resin, polyvinyl carbazole resin, polyvinyl butyral resin Polyvinyl formal resin, polyacrylate resin, polyacrylamide resin, phenoxy resin, and the like are used. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

--Solvent--
Preparation of a coating liquid containing the trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure and a monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure having a charge transport structure. It is used in the case of.

  The solvent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and cyclohexanone; acetic acid Esters such as ethyl and butyl acetate; Ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and propyl ether; Halogens such as dichloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloroethane and chlorobenzene; Aromatics such as benzene, toluene and xylene; Methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve and cellosolve Examples include cellosolve such as acetate. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a dilution rate of the said solvent, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, it determines arbitrarily with the solubility of a composition, the coating method, and the target film thickness.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a coating method of the said solvent, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a dip coating method, a spray coat, a bead coat, a ring coat method etc. are mentioned.

--- Crosslinkable resin-
The crosslinkable resin is not particularly limited as long as surface protection and high wear resistance can be achieved, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, urethane resin, silicone resin, phenol resin, An epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, etc. are mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

--1-functional radically polymerizable monomer--
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said monofunctional radical monomer, A well-known thing can be suitably selected according to the objective, For example, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, tetrahydro fluor Furyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl carbitol acrylate, 3-methoxybutyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, methoxytriethylene glycol acrylate, phenoxytetraethylene glycol acrylate, cetyl acrylate, isostearyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, Examples thereof include styrene monomers.

--2 Functional radical polymerizable monomer-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said bifunctional radically polymerizable monomer, A well-known thing can be suitably selected according to the objective, For example, 1, 3- butanediol diacrylate, 1, 4- butanediol diacrylate 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, EO-modified bisphenol A diacrylate, EO-modified bisphenol F di Examples thereof include acrylate and neopentyl glycol diacrylate.

-Functional monomer-
The functional monomer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. For example, octafluoropentyl acrylate, 2-perfluorooctylethyl acrylate, 2-perfluorooctylethyl methacrylate, Acryloyl polydimethylsiloxane ethyl having 20 to 70 siloxane repeating units described in JP-A-5-60503 and JP-B-6-45770, which are substituted with fluorine atoms such as 2-perfluoroisononylethyl acrylate, Vinyl monomers having polysiloxane groups, such as methacryloyl polydimethylsiloxane ethyl, acryloyl polydimethylsiloxane propyl, acryloyl polydimethylsiloxane butyl, diacryloyl polydimethylsiloxane diethyl, Acrylate, methacrylate and the like.

--Radically polymerizable oligomers--
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said radically polymerizable oligomer, A well-known thing can be suitably selected according to the objective, For example, an epoxy acrylate type, a urethane acrylate type, a polyester acrylate type oligomer etc. are mentioned.

  The content of the monofunctional radically polymerizable monomer, bifunctional radically polymerizable monomer, functional monomer, and radically polymerizable oligomer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. If contained, the three-dimensional cross-linking density of the cross-linked surface layer is substantially reduced, resulting in a decrease in wear resistance. Therefore, the content is 50 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer. Preferably, it is 30 parts by mass or less.

--Polymerization initiator--
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said polymerization initiator, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a thermal polymerization initiator, a photoinitiator, etc. are mentioned.

  The thermal polymerization initiator is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide, dicumyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, t-Butylcumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (peroxybenzoyl) hexyne-3, di-t-butyl peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, lauroyl peroxide Peroxide initiators such as azobisisobutyronitrile, azobiscyclohexanecarbonitrile, methyl azobisisobutyrate, azobisisobutylamidine hydrochloride, azo initiators such as 4,4'-azobis-4-cyanovaleric acid, etc. Is mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  The photopolymerization initiator is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include diethoxyacetophenone, 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethane-1-one, 1-hydroxy -Cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone, 4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl- (2-hydroxy-2-propyl) ketone, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1- (4-morpholinophenyl) butanone-1, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, 2-methyl-2-morpholino (4-methylthiophenyl) propan-1-one, 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione-2- ( acetophenone photopolymerization initiators such as o-ethoxycarbonyl) oxime, ketal photopolymerization initiators, benzoin, benzo Benzoin ether photopolymerization initiators such as dimethyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isobutyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, benzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone, methyl o-benzoylbenzoate, 2-benzoylnaphthalene, 4-benzoylbiphenyl, 4 -Benzophenone photopolymerization initiators such as benzoylphenyl ether, acrylated benzophenone, 1,4-benzoylbenzene, 2-isopropylthioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2,4-dimethylthioxanthone, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, 2, Thioxanthone photopolymerization initiators such as 4-dichlorothioxanthone, ethyl anthraquinone, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphenylethoxyphosphine oxide, bis (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphine oxide, bis (2,4-dimethoxybenzoyl) -2,4,4-trimethylpentylphosphine oxide, Examples include photopolymerization initiators such as methylphenylglyoxyester, 9,10-phenanthrene, acridine compounds, triazine compounds, and imidazole compounds. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. The photopolymerization initiator includes triethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate, isoamyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate, (2-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate, 4,4′-dimethylaminobenzophenone. Those having a photopolymerization-promoting effect such as can be used alone or in combination with the photopolymerization initiator.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the said polymerization initiator, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 0.5 mass with respect to 100 mass parts of total content of a radically polymerizable compound and a radically polymerizable monomer. Mass parts to 40 parts by mass are preferable, and 1 to 20 parts by mass are more preferable.

--Plasticizer--
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said plasticizer, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, what is used for common resins, such as a dibutyl phthalate and a dioctyl phthalate, is mentioned.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the said plasticizer, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 20 mass% or less is preferable with respect to the total solid of a coating liquid, and 10 mass% or less is more preferable. .

--Leveling agent--
The leveling agent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil and methylphenyl silicone oil, polymers having a perfluoroalkyl group in the side chain, Examples include oligomers having a perfluoroalkyl group in the chain.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the said leveling agent, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 3 mass% or less is suitable with respect to the total solid of a coating liquid.

<< Method for forming crosslinked surface layer >>
The method for forming the crosslinked surface layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, the monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure and the charge transporting structure are not included. A method of forming a three-dimensional network structure by heat curing using a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer is preferable. When the low molecular charge transport material having no functional group is contained in the cross-linked surface layer as the material, precipitation of the low molecular charge transport material or white turbidity occurs due to its low compatibility, and the cross-linked surface layer machine The mechanical strength may also decrease. In addition, when a bifunctional or higher functional charge transporting compound is used as a main component as a material used for forming the crosslinked surface layer, it is fixed in the crosslinked structure by a plurality of bonds, but the charge transporting structure is very Therefore, the cured resin is distorted, the internal stress of the crosslinked surface layer is increased, and cracks and scratches may frequently occur due to carrier adhesion or the like. On the other hand, when the material contains at least a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure and a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure, the charge transporting structure is Since the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound is incorporated into the cross-linking during the curing of the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer, a highly hard surface layer having a very high degree of cross-linking can be obtained, and higher wear resistance can be obtained. Achieved.

  The curing method for forming the crosslinked surface layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure and a charge transporting structure may be used. An example is a method in which a coating liquid containing a trifunctional or higher-functional radical polymerizable monomer that is not present is applied and then cured by applying light energy from the outside.

  The light energy used in the curing method in the formation of the crosslinked surface layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a high-pressure mercury lamp having an emission wavelength in ultraviolet light, an emission wavelength in ultraviolet light A UV irradiation light source such as a metal halide lamp having the above can be used, but a visible light source can also be used in accordance with the absorption wavelength of the radical polymerizable substance or the photopolymerization initiator.

  The crosslinking reaction by radical polymerization at the time of curing in the formation of the crosslinked surface layer is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. It is preferable to maintain the surface temperature of the coating film at 20 to 170 ° C. The surface temperature control means of the coating film may be any method as long as the above temperature range can be maintained, but a method of controlling the temperature using a heat medium is preferable.

  A specific example of the method for forming the cross-linked surface layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, when a urethane resin is used as the cross-linkable resin, the polymerization having the charge transporting structure is performed. A suitable cross-linked surface layer is formed by a method of heat-curing the functional compound and the isocyanate compound. The polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure can form a crosslinked layer having a urethane bond by crosslinking with an isocyanate compound or a crosslinked layer having a siloxane bond by crosslinking with a silanol compound.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as thickness of the said bridge | crosslinking surface layer, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 1 micrometer-30 micrometers are preferable, 2 micrometers-20 micrometers are more preferable, and 4 micrometers-15 micrometers are especially preferable. If the thickness of the cross-linked surface layer is less than 1 μm, the film thickness is too small relative to the amount of retraction on the surface of the latent image carrier when carrier adhesion or the like occurs, so that sufficient durability cannot be ensured. In many cases, if it exceeds 30 μm, problems such as an increase in residual potential may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to form a cross-linked surface layer with a suitable film thickness so as to secure a margin for wear and scratches and reduce the occurrence of residual potential.

<< Other layers >>
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said other layer, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, an undercoat layer may be provided between the said electroconductive support body and the said photosensitive layer as needed. Good.

  The undercoat layer is a layer provided for the purpose of improving adhesiveness, preventing moire, improving coatability of the upper layer, and reducing residual potential.

The undercoat layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a layer containing a resin as a main component is preferable, and examples include a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, and a chromium cup. Metal oxide layer formed by a sol-gel method using a ring agent, an anodized layer of Al ₂ O ₃ , an organic substance such as polyparaxylylene (parylene), SnO ₂ , TiO ₂ , ITO, CeO _And a layer provided with an inorganic substance such as ₂ by a vacuum thin film manufacturing method.

  The resin contained in the undercoat layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, considering that a photosensitive layer is applied on the resin using a solvent, a general resin is used. Resins with high solubility resistance to organic solvents are preferred.

  The highly resistant resin contained in the undercoat layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include water-soluble resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, casein, sodium polyacrylate, and the like. Examples thereof include alcohol-soluble resins such as polymerized nylon and methoxymethylated nylon, polyurethane, melamine resin, alkyd-melamine resin, epoxy resin, and other curable resins that form a three-dimensional network structure.

  Other components contained in the undercoat layer are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include titanium oxide, silica, alumina, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, and indium oxide. Examples thereof include fine powders such as metal oxides, metal sulfides, and metal nitrides.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a formation method of the said undercoat layer, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, it can form by the coating method conventionally used using a suitable solvent.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as thickness of the said undercoat layer, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 0.1 micrometer-10 micrometers are preferable, and 1 micrometer-5 micrometers are more preferable.

<Method for forming latent image carrier>
The method for forming the latent image carrier is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and the charge transport layer on a support such as an aluminum cylinder. The prepared coating solution is applied onto a photoconductor laminated in sequence by spraying, etc., dried by touching, cured by light irradiation, and then reduced to 100 ° C. to 150 ° C. for 10 minutes to reduce residual solvent. The method of forming by heating for 30 minutes is mentioned.

  The method for preparing the coating liquid used in the formation of the latent image carrier is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerization having no charge transport structure. An acrylate monomer having three acryloyloxy groups as a functional monomer, and a triarylamine compound having one acryloyloxy group as a monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, from 7: 3 to 3: A method of preparing a coating solution by adding 3% by mass to 20% by mass of the polymerization initiator and adding the solvent to the total amount of the acrylate compound obtained by mixing at a ratio of 7.

  The solvent for the coating liquid used in the formation of the latent image carrier is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, in the charge transport layer that is the lower layer of the crosslinked surface layer, When a polycarbonate is used as the triarylamine donor and the binder resin and the crosslinked surface layer is formed by spray coating, tetrahydrofuran, 2-butanone, ethyl acetate, and the like are preferable.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content of the solvent of the coating liquid used by formation of the said latent image carrier, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 3 times amount-10 times amount with respect to the acrylate compound whole quantity. Preferably, the cured surface crosslinked layer is preferably insoluble in the organic solvent. A film that is not sufficiently cured is soluble in an organic solvent and has a low crosslink density, so that the mechanical durability is also low.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a lamp | ramp which uses formation of the said latent image carrier by UV irradiation, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a metal halide lamp is mentioned.
The formation of the latent image carrier as the illuminance at the time of performing the UV irradiation is not particularly limited, as appropriate may be ^{selected, 50mW / cm 2 ~1000mW / cm} 2 are preferred according to the purpose, for example, 700 mW In the case of irradiation with UV light of / cm ² , during curing, the drum is rotated to uniformly irradiate all surfaces for about 2 minutes. At this time, a heat medium is used to control the surface temperature so as not to become too high.

  The method for promoting the curing reaction in forming the latent image carrier is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere during heating or UV light irradiation is extremely low. A method of accelerating the curing reaction is preferable. Further, at this time, when UV light is irradiated, it is irradiated with UV light while rotating, but it is more preferable to lower the oxygen concentration in the surrounding atmosphere including not only the portion that is exposed to UV light but also the portion that is not exposed to UV light. . Thereby, since oxygen inhibition at the time of radical polymerization reaction can be remarkably reduced, a surface layer having a higher crosslinking density can be obtained.

  When spray coating is used in forming the latent image carrier, there is no particular limitation, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, the coating equipment is filled with nitrogen to reduce the oxygen concentration. It is preferable to apply in an atmosphere and dry with the touch.

<Charging step and charging means>
The charging step is a step of charging the surface of the latent image carrier mounted on the image forming apparatus of the present invention by a charging unit.
The charging unit is a unit that uniformly charges the surface of the latent image carrier by applying a voltage to the surface of the latent image carrier using a charging member including a charger.

  The charger used in the charging means is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a known charger equipped with a conductive or semiconductive roller, brush, film, rubber blade, or the like. Examples thereof include a known non-contact charger (corona charger) using corona discharge such as a contact charger, corotron, and scorotron. Among these, a contact-type charger is preferable in that an image forming apparatus in which ozone generated from the charger is reduced is obtained, and is disposed in a contact or non-contact state with the latent image carrier. DC and AC voltage are applied in a superimposed manner to a charger that charges the surface of the latent image carrier by applying an AC voltage in a superimposed manner, and a charging roller that is arranged in a non-contact proximity to the latent image carrier through a gap tape. A charger that charges the surface of the latent image carrier is preferable, and a corona charger is more preferable.

  The shape of the charging member used in the charging unit is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the specifications and form of the image forming apparatus. Examples thereof include a roller shape, a magnetic brush shape, and a fur brush shape. It is done. There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said magnetic brush, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, various ferrite particles, such as Zn-Cu ferrite, are mentioned, As a support body of the said magnetic brush, a nonmagnetic conductive sleeve The magnet roll included in this is mentioned. The fur brush is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include a fur brush that is conductively treated with carbon, copper sulfide, metal, or metal oxide, and supports the fur brush. The body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include metal and other conductive metal cores, and the fur brush is wound around or pasted on the support. By doing so, a charger can be obtained.

<Exposure process and exposure means>
The exposure step is a step of forming an electrostatic latent image by exposing the surface of the uniformly charged latent image carrier with exposure means.
The exposure means is a means for forming an electrostatic latent image by exposing the uniformly charged latent image carrier surface with an exposure device that exposes the image like the image.

  The exposure device used in the exposure means is not particularly limited as long as the surface of the latent image carrier can be exposed like an image to be formed, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof include various exposure devices such as a copying optical system, a rod lens array system, a laser optical system, and a liquid crystal shutter optical system. In addition, you may employ | adopt the back light system which performs imagewise exposure from the back surface side of the said latent image carrier.

<Development process and development means>
The developing step is a step of developing the electrostatic latent image using a toner or a developer to form a visible image (toner image).
The developing unit is a unit that forms the visible image by developing the electrostatic latent image using a toner or a developer.

  The developing unit is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, the developing unit is housed in a supply unit that supplies any of the toner or the developer into the developing unit and the developing unit. In addition, a developing device having discharge means for discharging any of the toner or developer to the outside of the developing means is preferable.

  The developing unit used in the developing unit is not particularly limited as long as it can be developed using the toner or developer, and can be appropriately selected from known ones. For example, development using a dry development system Container, wet developing type developer unit, single color developer unit, multicolor developer unit, etc., containing the toner or developer, and applying the developer to the electrostatic latent image in a contact or non-contact manner. A developing device including a developing device capable of charging, a stirrer for charging the toner or the developer by frictional stirring, and a rotatable magnet roller is preferable.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a developing agent used by the said image development means, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, the two-component developer etc. which consist of a one-component developer and a toner and a carrier are mentioned. Among these, a two-component developer is preferable.
The toner contained in the developer used in the developing unit is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, at least a binder resin, a colorant, and an external additive are included. And a toner containing a release agent, a charge control agent, and the like. Further, if necessary, other components may be contained, and two or more color toners and a full color toner are more preferable.

  Inside the developing device used in the developing means, the toner is charged by friction when the two-component developer composed of toner and carrier is mixed and stirred, and is held in a raised state on the surface of the rotating magnet roller. And a magnetic brush is formed. Since the magnet roller is disposed in the vicinity of the latent image carrier, a part of the toner constituting the magnetic brush formed on the surface of the magnet roller is electrically attracted by the latent image carrier. Move to the surface. As a result, the electrostatic latent image formed in the exposure step is developed with the toner, and a visible image is formed with the toner on the surface of the latent image carrier.

<Transfer process and transfer means>
The transfer step is a step of transferring the visible image onto a recording medium by a transfer unit that charges the latent image carrier using a transfer charger.
The transfer means includes a primary transfer means for primary transfer to an intermediate transfer body, and a secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of a toner image carried on the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium, and the primary transfer means Means for sequentially superposing a plurality of color toner images on an intermediate transfer member to form a visible image (color image), and secondary transferring the visible image onto a recording medium at once by the secondary transfer unit It is.

  The transfer means is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. At least a transfer device that peels and charges the visible image formed on the latent image carrier to the recording medium side. It is preferable to have.

  The intermediate transfer member used in the transfer unit is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known transfer members according to the purpose, but a transfer belt is preferable.

  The transfer unit used in the transfer unit is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a corona transfer unit using a corona discharge, a transfer belt, a transfer roller, a pressure transfer roller, an adhesive transfer unit, etc. Is mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  The recording medium used in the transfer means is not particularly limited as long as it can transfer an unfixed image after development, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, plain paper, OHP PET base Etc. are preferable.

<Lubricant application process and lubricant application means>
The lubricant applying step is a step of reducing the coefficient of friction of the surface of the latent image carrier with respect to the cleaning blade over a long period of time by supplying and applying the lubricant onto the latent image carrier by the lubricant applying means. is there.
The lubricant applying means is applied when the lubricant is applied to the surface of the latent image carrier to facilitate cleaning of spherical toner that is difficult to clean, and occurs when the cleaning blade and the latent image carrier are rubbed. It is a means that can eliminate problems such as easy blade squeal and blade edge wear. Further, the toner releasability is improved, and the occurrence of abnormal images such as voids can be suppressed.

<Other means>
The other means is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include a fixing means, a static elimination means, a cleaning means, a recycling means, and a control means.

-Fixing process and fixing means-
The fixing step is a step of fixing the visible image transferred to the recording medium using a fixing device, and may be performed each time the toner of each color is transferred to the recording medium, or may be applied to the toner of each color. On the other hand, it may be carried out simultaneously at the same time in a state of being laminated.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said fixing means, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, what has a heat source which heats a fixing member and this fixing member is mentioned.
The fixing member used in the fixing unit is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include a combination of an endless belt and a roller and a combination of a roller and a roller. Among these, a combination of an endless belt and a roller having a small heat capacity is preferable in that the warm-up time can be shortened, energy saving can be realized, and the fixable width can be increased.

-Static elimination process and static elimination means-
The neutralization step is a step of performing neutralization by applying a neutralization bias to the latent image carrier and irradiating neutralization light, and can be suitably performed by a neutralization unit.
The neutralization means is not particularly limited as long as it can neutralize the surface charge of the latent image carrier, and can be appropriately selected from known neutralizers. For example, a charger or a neutralization lamp that applies a neutralization bias. Are preferable.

-Cleaning process and cleaning means-
The cleaning step is a step of removing the electrophotographic toner remaining on the latent image carrier, and can be suitably performed by a cleaning unit.
The cleaning means is not particularly limited as long as the electrophotographic toner remaining on the latent image carrier can be removed, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, a magnetic brush cleaner, electrostatic A known cleaner such as a brush cleaner, a magnetic roller cleaner, a blade cleaner, a brush cleaner, or a web cleaner is preferably used.

  The material of the cleaning blade used in the cleaning means is not particularly limited as long as it is an elastic body having a low coefficient of friction, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, urethane resin, silicone resin, fluorine resin , Urethane elastomer, silicone elastomer, fluorine elastomer and the like. Among these, thermosetting urethane resins are preferable, and urethane elastomers are more preferable from the viewpoints of wear resistance, ozone resistance, and contamination resistance. The elastomer includes rubber.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as hardness (JIS-A) of the cleaning blade used by the said cleaning means, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 65 degrees-85 degrees are preferable.

  The thickness of the cleaning blade used in the cleaning means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. 0.8 mm to 3.0 mm is preferable, and the amount of protrusion of the cleaning blade is particularly limited. However, it is preferably 3 mm to 15 mm, and other conditions such as the contact pressure, contact angle, and biting amount in the cleaning blade are not particularly limited, It can be determined appropriately according to the purpose.

-Recycling process and recycling means-
The recycling step is a step of recycling the toner removed by the cleaning step to the developing unit, and can be suitably performed by the recycling unit.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said recycling means, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a well-known conveyance means is mentioned.

-Control process and control means-
The control step is a step of controlling each of the steps, and can be suitably performed by a control unit.
The control means is not particularly limited as long as the movement of each means can be controlled, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof include devices such as sequencers and computers.

Here, the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 4 are schematic views showing an example of a latent image carrier in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a layer configuration example of a latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention, and has a configuration in which a photosensitive layer 202 is provided on a support 201 in the latent image carrier.
FIG. 2 shows another layer configuration example of the latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention, in which the photosensitive layer is composed of a charge generation layer (CGL) 203 and a charge transport layer (CTL) 204. It is a separate type.
FIG. 3 shows another example of the layer structure of the latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention. An undercoating layer 205 is inserted between the support 201 and the charge generation layer (CGL) 203, and the undercoating is carried out. This is a type in which a functional separation type photosensitive layer is laminated on the layer 205.
FIG. 4 shows another example of the layer structure of the latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention, which is a type in which a protective layer 206 is laminated on the charge transport layer 204.
The latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention may have any combination of the above other layers and photosensitive layer types as long as it has at least a photosensitive layer on the support 201. However, the surface layer of the latent image carrier is preferably made of a cross-linked resin, and in particular, the surface layer made of a cross-linked surface layer cured by using a polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is preferred.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6 has a drum-shaped latent image carrier 1, a charger 3, a pre-transfer charger 7, a transfer charger 100, a separation charger 111, a pre-cleaning charger 113, and a surface of the latent image carrier. It is comprised from the lubricant application unit 130 which supplies and apply | coats.

  The shape of the latent image carrier 1 shown in FIG. 6 is not limited to a drum shape, and may be, for example, a sheet shape or an endless belt shape. In addition, various chargers have a gap between the latent image carrier and the corotron, scorotron, solid state charger, contact arrangement, or gap tape or a step at the end. Well-known means such as charging rollers arranged in close proximity can be used. As the transfer means, the above-mentioned charger can be generally used, but a combination of a pre-transfer charger 7 and a separation charger 111 as shown in the figure is effective.

  Examples of light sources such as the image exposure unit 5 and the charge removal lamp 2 shown in FIG. 6 include a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a sodium lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a semiconductor laser (LD), and an electroluminescence (EL). All of the luminescent materials can be used. Various types of filters such as a sharp cut filter, a band pass filter, a near infrared cut filter, a dichroic filter, an interference filter, and a color temperature conversion filter can be used to irradiate only light in a desired wavelength range. Such a light source or the like irradiates the latent image carrier with light by providing a transfer step, a static elimination step, a cleaning step, or a pre-exposure step in combination with light irradiation in addition to the steps shown in FIG. Can do.

  The toner image developed on the latent image carrier 1 by the developing unit 6 shown in FIG. 6 is transferred to a transfer paper (recording medium) 9, but not all is transferred. The toner remains on the surface. If such a residual toner is not cleaned and the next copying process is carried out, defective charging or a problem in forming an electrostatic latent image due to exposure will occur. Therefore, it is generally necessary to remove untransferred residual toner using a cleaning unit.

  As the cleaning means shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning brush 114 or the cleaning blade 115 may be used alone or in combination, and a well-known one such as a fur brush or a mag fur brush is used as the cleaning brush. Reference numeral 8 denotes a registration roller, and 112 denotes a separation claw. Such a cleaning means that comes into contact with the latent image carrier has a high toner removing performance, but naturally, a mechanical hazard is given to the latent image carrier and the surface layer of the latent image carrier is worn.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of the lubricant applying means.
In FIG. 7, a rod-shaped lubricant (solid matter) 119 is pressed against the cleaning brush 114, the lubricant is scraped off when the cleaning brush 114 rotates, and the lubricant attached to the brush is the latent image carrier. It is a mechanism to be applied to the surface of. The aforementioned lubricant is used as the lubricant. In the figure, reference numeral 115 denotes a cleaning blade. Since the latent image carrier having a protective layer suitably used in the present invention has extremely high wear resistance of the crosslinked surface layer, a stable and good image can be obtained even in an image forming apparatus having a cleaning means in contact with the surface. Can be output.
The provision of the lubricant applying means shown in FIG. 7 in the cleaning unit 120 has advantages such as easy layout design around the drum and simplification of the apparatus, but the lubricant is applied to the cleaned toner. In some cases, a large amount of toner may be mixed, making it difficult to recycle toner, and causing problems such as reduced brush cleaning efficiency. Although not shown in the drawings, the above problem can also be solved by providing an application unit having a lubricant applying means independently of the cleaning unit. In that case, the coating unit is preferably provided downstream of the cleaning unit. Furthermore, by providing application units at a plurality of locations and operating them simultaneously or sequentially, it is possible to increase the efficiency of applying the lubricant and to control the consumption.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another example of the process using the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
The latent image carrier 122 shown in FIG. 8 is driven by a driving roller 123, charged by a charging charger 129, image exposure by an image exposure light source 132, development (not shown), transfer using a transfer charger charger 125, and lubricant. The application of the lubricant by the application unit 130, the uniform application of the lubricant by the lubricant leveling blade 131, the cleaning by the cleaning brush 126, and the charge removal by the charge removal light source 128 are repeated. In the figure, reference numeral 124 denotes a transfer roller, and 127 denotes a driven roller.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the full-color image forming apparatus of the present invention.
The latent image carrier drum 156 shown in FIG. 9 is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing, and its surface is uniformly charged by a charging charger 153 using a corotron or a scorotron. The electrostatic latent image is carried by scanning with the emitted laser beam (exposure) L. Since this scanning is performed based on single-color image information obtained by decomposing a full-color image into yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color information, yellow, magenta, cyan, or black are used on the latent image carrier drum 156. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  A revolver developing unit 250 is disposed on the left side of the latent image carrier drum 156 shown in FIG. This has a yellow developing unit, a magenta developing unit, a cyan developing unit, and a black developing unit in a rotating drum-shaped casing, and each developing unit is opposed to the latent image carrier drum 156 by the rotation. To move sequentially. The yellow developer, magenta developer, cyan developer, and black developer are for developing an electrostatic latent image by attaching yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively. On the latent image carrier drum 156, electrostatic latent images for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially formed, and these images are sequentially developed by each developer of the revolver developing unit 250 to obtain a yellow toner image and a magenta toner image. A toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image are obtained.

  In FIG. 9, an intermediate transfer unit is disposed on the downstream side of the latent image carrier drum 156 from the development position. This is because an intermediate transfer belt 158 stretched by a tension roller 159a, an intermediate transfer bias roller 157 as a transfer means, a secondary transfer backup roller 159b, and a belt drive roller 159c is driven by rotation of the belt drive roller 159c. Move endlessly clockwise. The yellow toner image, magenta toner image, cyan toner image, and black toner image developed on the latent image carrier drum 156 are transferred to the intermediate transfer nip where the latent image carrier drum 156 and the intermediate transfer belt 158 are in contact with each other. enter in. Then, while being influenced by the bias from the intermediate transfer bias roller 157, the toner image is superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 158 and primarily transferred to form a four-color superimposed toner image. The intermediate transfer method in which the toner images are superimposed using such an intermediate transfer belt is advantageous for color misregistration because the relative positioning of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member can be relatively easily and accurately performed. Therefore, it can be said that this is an effective means for obtaining a high-quality full-color image.

  The surface of the latent image carrier drum 156 that has passed through the intermediate transfer nip in accordance with the rotation shown in FIG. The drum cleaning unit 155 cleans untransferred residual toner with a cleaning brush such as a fur brush or a mag fur brush, and uses a cleaning roller to which a cleaning bias is applied, a cleaning blade, or the like alone or in combination. It may be a thing. In FIG. 9, the cleaning unit 155 is also used as a lubricant application member.

  The surface of the latent image carrier drum 156 from which the untransferred residual toner shown in FIG. 9 is cleaned is neutralized by the neutralizing lamp 154. As the charge removal lamp 154, a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a sodium lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a semiconductor laser (LD), an electroluminescence (EL), or the like is used. A semiconductor laser is used as the light source of the laser optical device. About these emitted lights, you may make it use only a desired wavelength range by various filters, such as a sharp cut filter, a band pass filter, a near-infrared cut filter, a dichroic filter, an interference filter, and a color temperature conversion filter.

  Under the intermediate transfer unit shown in FIG. 9, a transfer unit composed of various rollers such as a transfer conveyance belt 162, a transfer bias roller 163, and a driving roller is disposed. A belt 164 and a fixing unit 165 are provided. In the transfer unit, the endlessly moving transfer belt may be moved in the vertical direction in FIG. 9 by a moving means (not shown). At least one color toner image (yellow toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 158 may be used. In addition, when the two-color or three-color superimposed toner image passes through the position facing the secondary transfer bias roller 163, the toner image is retracted to a position where it does not contact the intermediate transfer belt 158. Then, before the leading end of the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 158 enters the position facing the secondary transfer bias roller 163, it moves to the contact position with the intermediate transfer belt 158 to perform secondary transfer. Form a nip. On the other hand, the registration roller pair 161 that sandwiches the recording medium 160 sent from a paper feeding cassette (not shown) between the two rollers can superimpose the recording medium 160 on the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 158. Feed toward the secondary transfer nip at the timing. The four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 158 is secondarily transferred collectively onto the recording medium 160 under the influence of the secondary transfer bias from the paper transfer bias roller 163 in the secondary transfer nip. By this secondary transfer, a full color image is formed on the recording medium 160. Then, the recording medium 160 on which the full-color image is formed is sent to the paper conveyance belt 164 by the transfer conveyance belt 162. The conveyance belt 164 sends the recording medium 160 received from the transfer unit into the fixing device 165.

  The fixing device 165 shown in FIG. 9 conveys the fed recording medium 160 while being sandwiched between fixing nips formed by the contact between the heating roller and the backup roller. The full-color image on the recording medium 160 is fixed on the recording medium 160 under the influence of the heating from the heating roller and the pressure in the fixing nip. Although not shown, a bias for attracting the recording medium 160 may be applied to the transfer conveyance belt 162 and the paper conveyance belt 164. Further, a paper recording medium neutralization charger that neutralizes the recording medium 160 and three belt neutralization chargers that neutralize each belt (intermediate transfer belt 158, transfer conveyance belt 162, and conveyance belt 164) may be provided. Further, the intermediate transfer unit may include a belt cleaning unit having the same configuration as that of the drum cleaning unit 155, thereby cleaning untransferred residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 158.

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is a tandem type color image forming apparatus. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of partial enlargement of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
The tandem image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 150, a paper feed table 200, a scanner 300, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 400.
The image forming apparatus main body 150 shown in FIG. 10 is provided with an endless belt-like intermediate transfer member 50 at the center. The intermediate transfer member 50 is stretched around the support roller a (14), the support roller b (15), and the support roller c (16), and can rotate clockwise in FIG. An intermediate transfer body cleaning device 17 for removing untransferred residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 50 is disposed in the vicinity of the support roller b (15). Four image forming units 18 of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black are opposed to the intermediate transfer member 50 stretched by the support roller a (14) and the support roller b (15) along the conveyance direction. The tandem developing devices 170 arranged in parallel are arranged. An exposure device 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the tandem developing unit 170.

  In the intermediate transfer member 50 shown in FIG. 10, the secondary transfer device 22 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the tandem developing device 170 is arranged. In the secondary transfer device 22, a secondary transfer belt 24, which is an endless belt, is stretched around a pair of rollers 23, and the recording medium conveyed on the secondary transfer belt 24 and the intermediate transfer member 50 are in contact with each other. Is possible. A fixing device 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the secondary transfer device 22. In the tandem image forming apparatus of FIG. 10, a sheet reversing device 28 for reversing the recording medium in order to form an image on both sides of the recording medium is disposed in the vicinity of the secondary transfer device 22 and the fixing device 25. Has been.

  In FIG. 10, a full color image formation (color copy) using the tandem developing device 170 will be described. That is, first, a document is set on the document table 31 of the automatic document feeder (ADF) 400, or the automatic document feeder 400 is opened and a document is set on the contact glass 32 of the scanner 300. 400 is closed.

  In FIG. 10, when a start switch (not shown) is pressed, when a document is set on the automatic document feeder 400, the document is transported and moved onto the contact glass 32. As soon as the document is set on the scanner 300, the scanner 300 is driven and the first traveling body 33 and the second traveling body 34 travel. At this time, light from the light source is irradiated by the first traveling body 33 and reflected light from the document surface is reflected by the mirror in the second traveling body 34 and is received by the reading sensor 36 through the imaging lens 35 to be color. An original (color image) is read and used as black, yellow, magenta, and cyan image information. Each image information of black, yellow, magenta and cyan is stored in each image forming means 18 (black image forming means, yellow image forming means, magenta image forming means, and cyan image forming means in the tandem developing device 170. ) And black, yellow, magenta and cyan toner images are formed in the respective image forming means. In the figure, reference numeral 26 denotes a fixing belt, 27 denotes a pressure roller, 51 denotes a manual feed tray, and 52 denotes a separation roller.

That is, each image forming means 18 (black image forming means, yellow image forming means, magenta image forming means, and cyan image forming means) in the tandem developing device 170 shown in FIG. 10 is as shown in FIG. The latent image carrier 10 (black latent image carrier 10K, yellow latent image carrier 10Y, magenta latent image carrier 10M, and cyan latent image carrier 10C) are combined with the latent image carrier. The latent image carrier is exposed (L in FIG. 11) in a manner corresponding to each color image on the basis of the color image information and the charger 60 for charging in this manner, and each color image is formed on the latent image carrier. An exposure device for forming a corresponding electrostatic latent image, and developing the electrostatic latent image with each color toner (black toner, yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner) , A transfer charger (primary transfer charger) 62 for transferring the toner image onto the intermediate transfer member 50, a latent image carrier cleaning device 63, and a static eliminator 64. Therefore, it is possible to form each monochrome image (black image, yellow image, magenta image, and cyan image) based on the image information of each color.
The black image, the yellow image, the magenta image, and the cyan image thus formed are rotated and moved by the support roller a (14), the support roller b (15), and the support roller c (16). A black image formed on the black latent image carrier 10K, a yellow image formed on the yellow latent image carrier 10Y, a magenta image and cyan formed on the magenta latent image carrier 10M, respectively. The cyan image formed on the latent image carrier 10C is sequentially transferred (primary transfer). Then, the black image, the yellow image, the magenta image, and the cyan image are superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 50 to form a composite color image (composite transfer image).

  On the other hand, in the paper feed table 200 shown in FIG. 10, one of the paper feed rollers 142 is selectively rotated to feed out a recording medium (recording paper) from one of the paper feed cassettes 144 provided in multiple stages in the paper bank 143. The paper is separated one by one by the separation roller 145 and sent to the paper feed path 146, conveyed by the transport roller 110, guided to the paper feed path 148 in the image forming apparatus main body 150, and abutted against the registration roller 49 and stopped. Alternatively, the recording medium (recording paper) on the manual feed tray 51 is fed out by rotating the paper feed roller, separated one by one by the separation roller 52, and put into the manual paper feed path 53. . The registration roller 49 is generally used while being grounded, but may be used in a state where a bias is applied to remove paper dust from the recording medium.

  Then, the registration roller 49 is rotated in synchronization with the synthesized color image (composite transfer image) synthesized on the intermediate transfer member 50 shown in FIG. 10, and recording is performed between the intermediate transfer member 50 and the secondary transfer device 22. The medium (recording paper) is sent out, and the composite color image (composite transfer image) is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the recording medium (recording paper) by the secondary transfer device 22, thereby the recording medium (recording paper). A color image is transferred and formed thereon. The residual toner on the intermediate transfer member 50 after image transfer is cleaned by the intermediate transfer member cleaning device 17. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 26 denotes a fixing belt, and 27 denotes a pressure roller.

  In FIG. 10, the recording medium (recording paper) on which a color image has been transferred is transported by a secondary transfer device 22 and sent to a fixing device 25. A composite color image (composite transfer image) is fixed on the recording medium (recording paper). Thereafter, the recording medium (recording paper) is switched by the switching claw 55 and discharged by the discharge roller 56 and stacked on the paper discharge tray 57, or switched by the switching claw 55 and reversed by the sheet reversing device 28 and again. After leading to the transfer position and recording an image on the back surface, the image is discharged by the discharge roller 56 and stacked on the discharge tray 57.

  Since the tandem type image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 10 can perform the latent image formation and development of each color in parallel, the image forming speed can be much higher than the revolver type. Furthermore, the printer of FIG. 10 also employs an intermediate transfer method, and by mounting the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention, a high-quality full-color image with little color misregistration can be repeated at a very high speed for a long period of time. Can be output.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 65 denotes a developing sleeve, 66 denotes a stirring portion, 67 denotes a developing portion, 68 denotes a stirring screw, 69 denotes a partition plate, 70 denotes a developing case, 71 denotes a toner concentration sensor, 72 denotes a developing roller, and 73 denotes a developing roller. A doctor blade, 74 is a lubricant, 75 is a cleaning blade, 76 is a cleaning brush, 77 is an electric field roller, 78 is a scraper, 79 is a recovery screw, and 80 is a toner recycling device.

(Process cartridge)
The process cartridge of the present invention is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and includes the latent image carrier, the charging unit, the latent image forming unit, the developing unit, the transfer unit, and the latent image. The lubricant is mounted on the surface of the carrier, and a lubricant applying means for applying the lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier, and further includes other means as necessary.

Here, the process cartridge will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example of a process cartridge used in the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 12, the process cartridge of the present invention incorporates a latent image carrier (electrophotographic photosensitive member) 101, and includes a charger 102, a developing means 104, and a cleaning means 109. Having means. Reference numeral 103 denotes exposure means (latent image forming means), 105 denotes a recording medium, and 110 denotes a conveyance roller. In FIG. 12, the cleaning unit is provided with a lubricant applying means, and the lubricant 106 is pressed against the cleaning brush 108 of the cleaning means 109, and the lubricant is supplied by the cleaning brush. Also serves as a leveling blade.

  EXAMPLES Next, although an Example and a comparative example are given and this invention is demonstrated more concretely, this invention is not restrict | limited to the following Example.

<Synthesis example>
First, a polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure was synthesized in order to produce the latent image carrier of the example.

(Synthesis Example 1)
As a polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, a compound represented by the following structural formula (D1-6), which is a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, was synthesized. The polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure is synthesized by, for example, a method described in Japanese Patent No. 3164426. An example of this is shown below.

First, 240 mL of sulfolane was added to 113.85 g (0.3 mol) of a compound represented by the following structural formula A (methoxy group-substituted triarylamine compound) and 138 g (0.92 mol) of sodium iodide, and in a nitrogen stream. Warmed to 60 ° C. In this solution, 99 g (0.91 mol) of trimethylchlorosilane was added dropwise over 1 hour and stirred at a temperature of about 60 ° C. for 4 and a half hours to complete the reaction. About 1.5 L of toluene was added to the reaction solution, cooled to room temperature, and washed repeatedly with water and an aqueous sodium carbonate solution. Thereafter, the solvent was removed from the toluene solution and purified by column chromatography (adsorption medium: silica gel, developing solvent: toluene: ethyl acetate = 20: 1). Cyclohexane was added to the obtained pale yellow oil to precipitate crystals. Thus, a compound represented by the following structural formula (B) (hydroxy group-substituted triarylamine compound) was obtained (white crystals, yield: 88.1 g, yield: 80.4%, melting point: 64.0). ° C to 66.0 ° C). The elemental analysis values of the white crystals represented by the structural formula B are shown in Table 1 together with the calculated values.

  82.9 g (0.227 mol) of the compound represented by the structural formula B (hydroxy group-substituted triarylamine compound) is dissolved in 400 mL of tetrahydrofuran, and an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH: 12.4 g, water) in a nitrogen stream. : 100 mL) was added dropwise. The solution was cooled to 5 ° C., and 25.2 g (0.272 mol) of acrylic acid chloride was added dropwise over 40 minutes. Then, it stirred at 5 degreeC for 3 hours, and reaction was complete | finished. Water was poured into the reaction solution, extracted with toluene, and the extract was washed repeatedly with an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and water. And the solvent was removed from this toluene solution, and it refine | purified by column chromatography (Adsorption medium: Silica gel, developing solvent: Toluene). N-Hexane was added to the obtained colorless oil to precipitate crystals. Thus, a compound represented by the structural formula (D1-6), which is a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having the charge transport structure, was obtained (white crystals, yield: 80.73 g, yield: 84.8%, melting point: 117.5 ° C. to 119.0 ° C.). In addition, the elemental analysis value of the white crystal of the compound represented by the obtained structural formula (D1-6) is shown in Table 2 together with the calculated value.

(Synthesis Example 2)
As a polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, a compound represented by the following structural formula (D2-4), which is a bifunctional polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, was synthesized.
First, using a derivative necessary for the structure of the target compound, the following structural formula (D2-3) (hydroxy α-phenylstilbene derivative ({4- [2,2-bis- ( 4-hydroxyphenyl) -vinyl] -phenyl} -di-p-toluyl-amine).

33.9 g of the compound represented by the structural formula (D2-3) and 35 g of potassium carbonate were placed in a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, and 120 mL of DMAc and 3 mL of nitrobenzene were added and dissolved. Subsequently, 70.5 g of 2-bromoethanol was dropped and reacted at 100 ° C. for 18 hours. Then, it cooled to room temperature, the insoluble matter was removed, it diluted with toluene, the toluene solution was wash | cleaned with the salt solution and water, and magnesium sulfate was added and dehydrated. Thereafter, filtration was performed to distill off toluene, and 39.6 g of a crude product as a target product was obtained. Then, it is purified by column chromatography using a column filled with silica gel with a mixed solvent of dichloromethane / ethyl acetate (20/1 to 3/1) as a developing solvent, and further with a mixed solvent of toluene / cyclohexane (2/1). The compound represented by the following structural formula (D2-4), which is a bifunctional polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure, which has been recrystallized and purified twice, is represented by 2- (4- {2- [4- (di- p-toluyl-amino) phenyl-]-1- [4- (2-hydroxy-ethoxy) -phenyl] -vinyl} -phenoxy) -ethanol) (yellow crystals, OH equivalent: 285.86, yield: 22.3 g, melting point: 178.5-179.0 ° C.).

<Preparation of lubricant>
Examples 1-44 and Comparative Examples 1-4 are lubricants containing the lubricants and amine compounds shown in Table 5, and Examples 45-64 are lubricants containing the lubricants and amine compounds shown in Table 6. An agent was prepared. Preparation of the lubricant used in each example and comparative example is described below.

Example 1
<Preparation of lubricant>
First, 90 parts by mass of zinc stearate as a lubricating substance was blended with 10 parts by mass of the compound represented by the structural formula (1-1) as an amine compound, and these were melted at 140 ° C. with stirring. The melt was poured into a cavity of an aluminum mold having a cavity of width 8 mm × depth 8 mm × length 500 mm preheated at 140 ° C. After injection, a preheated insulating lid was placed on the top of the mold. The mold was then placed under room temperature conditions and allowed to cool until the mold temperature reached 50 ° C. After 2 hours, the solidified molded product was taken out from the mold. Thereafter, the molded product was processed into a shape of width 8 mm × thickness 11 mm × length 380 mm to obtain a lubricant that can be mounted on an image forming apparatus (RICOH Pro C900, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.). This was bonded to a sheet metal (metal support) for a lubricant application member mounted on an image forming apparatus (RICOH Pro C900, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) with a double-sided tape instead of the existing lubricant. In addition, the temperature heated to melt the fatty acid metal salt was set to a temperature approximately 15 ° C. to 30 ° C. higher than the melting point of each fatty acid metal salt.

(Examples 2 to 64)
<Preparation of lubricant>
In Example 1, the lubricants of Examples 2 to 44 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the lubricants and amine compounds listed in Table 5 and their contents were used. The lubricants of Examples 45 to 64 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the lubricant material described in 6 and the amine compound and their contents were used.

(Comparative Example 1)
<Preparation of lubricant>
In Example 1, the lubricant of Comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as Example 1 except that no amine compound was contained.

(Comparative Examples 2 to 4)
<Preparation of lubricant>
Lubricants of Comparative Examples 2 to 4 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amine compound was changed to the antioxidant shown in Table 3 in Example 1.

<Production of latent image carrier>
Examples 1 to 44 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 used the latent image carrier shown in Table 5, and Examples 45 to 64 used the latent image carrier shown in Table 6. The production of the latent image carrier used in each example and comparative example is described below. In addition, Table 4 shows the composition of the crosslinked surface layer of the latent image carrier.

(Production Example 1)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 1>
<< Formation of undercoat layer >>
Coating on an aluminum (Al) support (outer diameter: 100 mmφ) by using an undercoat layer coating solution having the following composition by dipping so that the thickness after drying at 130 ° C. for 20 minutes is 3.5 μm. And an undercoat layer was formed.
-Composition of coating liquid for undercoat layer-
-Alkyd resin 6 parts by mass (Beckosol 1307-60-EL, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.)
Melamine resin 4 parts by mass (Super Becamine G-821-60, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.)
・ 40 parts by mass of titanium oxide (CR-EL, manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.)
・ Methyl ethyl ketone 50 parts by mass

<< Formation of Charge Generation Layer >>
On the formed undercoat layer, dip coating was performed using a charge generation layer coating solution having the following composition, followed by heating and drying at 90 ° C. for 20 minutes to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.2 μm.
-Composition of coating solution for charge generation layer-
・ 6 parts by mass of Y-type titanyl phthalocyanine ・ 4 parts by mass of butyral resin (BX-1: manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
・ 200 parts by mass of 2-butanone

<< Formation of charge transport layer >>
On this charge generation layer, dip coating was performed using a coating liquid for a charge transport layer having the following composition, followed by heating and drying at 135 ° C. for 20 minutes to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 22 μm.
-Composition of coating solution for charge transport layer-
-10 parts by mass of bisphenol Z-type polycarbonate-10 parts by mass of a low molecular charge transport material of the following structural formula (VI)-80 parts by mass of tetrahydrofuran

<< Formation of crosslinked surface layer >>
On this charge transport layer, the coating solution 1 for crosslinked surface layer having the following composition was spray-coated in a nitrogen stream, and then left in a nitrogen stream for 10 minutes to dry the touch. Thereafter, in a UV light irradiation booth in which the inside of the booth is replaced with nitrogen gas so that the oxygen concentration becomes 2% or less, metal halide lamp: 160 W / cm, irradiation distance: 120 mm, irradiation intensity: 700 mW / cm ² , irradiation time: Light irradiation was performed for 60 seconds, and drying was further performed at 130 ° C. for 20 minutes to provide a crosslinked surface layer having a thickness of 8 μm. Thus, the latent image carrier 1 was produced.
-Composition of coating liquid 1 for crosslinked surface layer-
・ 10 parts by mass of a tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure (trimethylolpropane triacrylate)
(Molecular weight: 296, number of functional groups: trifunctional, molecular weight / number of functional groups = 99)
(KAYARAD TMPTA, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
10 parts by mass of a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure (compound represented by the structural formula (D1-6) synthesized in Synthesis Example 1)
-Photopolymerization initiator 1 part by mass (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone)
(Irgacure 184, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals)
1% UV curable leveling agent in tetrahydrofuran solution 5 parts by mass (acrylic group-containing polyester-modified polydimethylsiloxane,
Propoxy-modified-2-neopentylglycol diacrylate)
(Product name: BYK-UV 3570, manufactured by Big Chemie)
・ 100 parts by mass of tetrahydrofuran

(Production Example 2)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 2>
In Production Example 1, a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure contained in the coating solution for crosslinked surface layer was converted to dipentaerythritol caprolactone-modified hexaacrylate (molecular weight: 1263, functional group number: 6). A latent image carrier 2 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1 except that the molecular weight / functional group number = 211, KAYARAD DPCA-60, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. was used.

(Production Example 3)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 3>
In Production Example 1, dipentaerythritol caprolactone-modified hexaacrylate (molecular weight: 1947, functional group number: 6 functions), which is a trifunctional or higher-functional radical polymerizable monomer that does not have a charge transporting structure, contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating solution. The latent image carrier 3 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1 except that the molecular weight / functional group number = 325, KAYARAD DPCA-120, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. was used.

(Production Example 4)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 4>
In Production Example 1, a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure contained in a coating solution for a crosslinked surface layer has a charge transporting structure represented by the following structural formula (D1-7) A latent image carrier 4 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the functional radical polymerizable compound was changed to 10 parts by mass.

(Production Example 5)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 5>
In Production Example 1, a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure contained in a coating solution for a crosslinked surface layer has a charge transporting structure represented by the following structural formula (D1-8) A latent image carrier 5 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the functional radical polymerizable compound was changed to 10 parts by mass.

(Production Example 6)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 6>
In Production Example 1, a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure contained in a coating solution for a crosslinked surface layer has a charge transporting structure represented by the following structural formula (D1-9) A latent image carrier 6 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the functional radical polymerizable compound was changed to 10 parts by mass.

(Production Example 7)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 7>
In Production Example 1, the crosslinked surface layer coating solution 1 was changed to a crosslinked surface layer coating solution 2, spray coated with the crosslinked surface layer coating solution 2, and naturally dried for 1 minute. Using a metal halide lamp, light irradiation was performed under the conditions of irradiation distance: 120 mm, irradiation intensity: 500 mW / cm ² , irradiation time: 45 seconds, the coating film was cured, dried at 130 ° C. for 20 minutes, and 4 μm cross-linked surface A latent image carrier 7 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1 except that the layer was provided.
-Composition of coating liquid 2 for crosslinked surface layer-
-Filler (alumina fine particles) 3 parts by mass (average primary particle size: 0.3 μm, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer 0.06 parts by mass (BYK-P104; manufactured by BYK Chemie)
・ 5 parts by mass of trifunctional or higher-functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure (trimethylolpropane triacrylate)
(SR-351, manufactured by Sartomer)
・ 5 parts by weight of trifunctional or higher radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure (dipentaerythritol caprolactone-modified hexaacrylate)
(KAYARAD DPCA-120, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
10 parts by mass of a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure (compound represented by the structural formula (D1-6) synthesized in Synthesis Example 1)
-Photopolymerization initiator 1 part by mass (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone)
(Irgacure 184, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals)
・ 100 parts by mass of tetrahydrofuran

(Production Example 8)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 8>
A latent image carrier in the same manner as in Production Example 7, except that the alumina fine particles, which are fillers contained in the coating solution for the crosslinked surface layer, were changed to silica fine particles (KMPX100, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical) in Production Example 7. 8 was produced.

(Production Example 9)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 9>
In Production Example 7, the same procedure as in Production Example 7 was conducted except that the alumina fine particles, which are fillers contained in the coating solution for the crosslinked surface layer, were changed to titanium oxide fine particles (CR-97, manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo). An image carrier 9 was produced.

(Production Example 10)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 10>
In Production Example 1, the crosslinked surface layer coating solution 1 is changed to a surface layer coating solution 3, and the surface layer coating solution 3 is applied onto the charge transport layer by spray coating, at 150 ° C. The latent image carrier 10 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1 except that the surface layer of 5 μm was provided by drying for 20 minutes.
-Composition of surface layer coating solution 3-
-Filler (alumina fine particles) 3 parts by mass (average primary particle size: 0.3 μm, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer 0.06 parts by mass (BYK-P104, manufactured by BYK Chemie)
・ Polycarbonate 10 parts by mass (Z Polyca, manufactured by Teijin Chemicals Ltd.)
-Dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT) 0.06 parts by mass-Antioxidant 0.20 parts by mass (Sanol LS-2626, manufactured by Sankyo Corporation)
・ Cyclohexanone 70 parts by mass Tetrahydrofuran 230 parts by mass

(Production Example 11)
<Preparation of Latent Image Carrier 11>
In Production Example 1, the crosslinked surface layer coating solution 1 is changed to a crosslinked surface layer coating solution 4, spray-coated with the crosslinked surface layer coating solution 4, and then naturally dried for 1 minute, and then A latent image carrier 11 was produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1 except that heating was performed at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes and a 5 μm surface cross-linked layer was provided.
-Crosslinked surface layer coating solution 4-
・ Polyol 20 parts by mass (styrene, methyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate
Styrene-acrylic copolymer (solid content 41% by mass))
(LZR-170, manufactured by Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.)
20 parts by mass of a bifunctional polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure (compound represented by the structural formula (D2-4) synthesized in Synthesis Example 2)
・ Isocyanate 38 parts by mass (polyol adduct of tolylene diisocyanate (solid content 75%))
(Coronate L, manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.)
・ 5 parts by mass of 1% silicone oil in tetrahydrofuran (KF50-100CS, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
・ Cyclohexanone 50 parts by mass Tetrahydrofuran 200 parts by mass

<Evaluation>
The lubricants and latent image carriers of Examples 1 to 64 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were used in the combinations shown in Tables 5 and 6, and black for a remodeled machine of a full color printer (RICOH Pro C900, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.). The image was mounted on the station, and image blur, abrasion resistance, and scratch resistance were evaluated as follows. The results of Examples 1 to 44 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 are shown in Table 5, and the results of Examples 45 to 64 are shown in Table 6.

-Image blur evaluation-
At 27 ° C., in an 85% RH environment, 5,000 black single-color test charts having an image area ratio of 5% are output continuously, and then the image forming apparatus body is turned off. After the elapse of 24 hours, the image forming apparatus main body was turned on, a 1,200 dpi 2by2 black single-color half-tone image was output, and the presence or absence of blur due to image blur was evaluated according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
A: No image blur occurs.
○: Image blurring slightly occurred just below the charger. There is almost no problem in practical use.
Δ: Slight image blur occurred just under and around the charger, but at a practically acceptable level.
X: Image blurring occurs not only directly under the charger but also on the almost entire surface in the circumferential direction on the back side of the image forming apparatus, and is an unacceptable level.

-Scratch resistance evaluation-
The surface of the latent image carrier after the evaluation of wear resistance was visually observed for the presence of streak-like scratches in the sub-scanning direction (drum circumferential direction), and evaluated according to the following criteria. It is considered that the greater the number of scratches, the better the coating property of the lubricant and the lower the protective property of the latent image carrier surface.
[Evaluation criteria]
(Double-circle): The level which the applicability | paintability of a lubricant is favorable, without generating a crack.
○: Slightly scratched level Δ: Scratched but practically acceptable level.
X: Scratch occurs and is unacceptable for practical use.

-Wear resistance evaluation-
A running test was performed in which 100,000 black single-color test charts having an image area ratio of 15% were continuously output at 25 ° C. in a 50% RH environment. The thickness of the photosensitive layer before and after the running test was measured with an eddy current film thickness meter (Fisherscope MMS; manufactured by Fischer), and the amount of abrasion of the photosensitive layer due to continuous output of 100,000 sheets was calculated. The film thickness of the photosensitive layer is an average value measured from an upper end position of 50 mm to 330 mm at intervals of 10 mm in any main scanning direction (drum axis direction) of the latent image carrier drum, and the same portion can be measured before and after running. Mark as follows. It is considered that the smaller the amount of wear, the better the coating property of the lubricant and the higher the protection of the surface of the latent image carrier.

The image forming apparatuses according to Embodiments 1 to 64 having the configuration of the present invention are capable of forming an image even when left in a high temperature and high humidity environment for 24 hours after forming 5,000 images while applying a lubricant. It can be seen that blurring is less likely to occur. Further, when Examples 1, 9 to 11 and Examples 23 and 31 to 36 are compared, it can be observed that image blur suppression and amine compound content are closely related. Further, the wear resistance and scratch resistance are maintained at a level that does not cause a problem in practical use, and it can be confirmed that the side effect on the lubricity due to the inclusion of the amine compound is small.
On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1 in which the amine compound was not contained in the lubricant and in the image forming apparatuses of Comparative Examples 2 to 4 in which the antioxidants 1 to 3 were contained, image blur was observed in the same evaluation. Occurred. The reason may be that the deterioration of the lubrication material due to the discharge product could not be suppressed, or the antioxidant itself was deteriorated, which could cause image blurring. However, the image blur suppression effect confirmed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention was not exhibited.
In Examples 21 and 22 that did not contain a fatty acid metal salt as a lubricating substance, the end was scraped during formation.

  In the image forming apparatuses of Examples 45 to 49 and 54 and Examples 55 to 59 and 64 having the configuration of the present invention, image blurring hardly occurs even if the constituent material of the surface layer of the latent image carrier is changed. It has become. In addition, as in Examples 50 to 53 and Examples 60 to 63, by incorporating fine particles in the surface layer, the coating property of the lubricant was improved, and a latent image carrier having improved wear resistance was mounted. Even in this case, it was found that the side effects of image blur were suppressed as much as possible, and remarkable wear resistance and scratch resistance were exhibited.

  As described above, by using the image forming apparatus in which the lubricant of the present invention is applied to the surface of the latent image carrier, the durability of the latent image carrier is reduced without causing image blur even in a high temperature and high humidity environment. It was found that the image quality can be remarkably improved and a high-quality image can be output stably over a long period of time.

  The present invention is excellent in the wear resistance and scratch resistance of the latent image carrier without generating image blur even in a high temperature and high humidity environment, and can output a stable and high quality image over a long period of time. Therefore, for example, it can be suitably used for an image forming apparatus suitable for an electrophotographic system such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and a process cartridge used therefor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Latent image carrier 2 Static elimination lamp 3 Charger charger 5 Image exposure part 6 Developing unit 7 Charger before transfer 8 Registration roller 9 Transfer paper (recording medium)
10 latent image carrier 10K latent image carrier for black 10Y latent image carrier for yellow 10M latent image carrier for magenta 10C latent image carrier for cyan 14 support roller a
15 Support roller b
16 Support roller c
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Intermediate transfer body cleaning apparatus 18 Image forming means 21 Exposure apparatus 22 Secondary transfer apparatus 23 Pair of rollers 24 Secondary transfer belt 25 Fixing apparatus 26 Fixing belt 27 Pressure roller 28 Sheet reversing apparatus 31 Document table 32 Contact glass 33 First Traveling body 34 Second traveling body 35 Imaging lens 36 Reading sensor 49 Registration roller 50 Intermediate transfer body 51 Manual feed tray 52 Separating roller 53 Manual feed path 55 Switching claw 56 Ejection roller 57 Ejection tray 60 Charger 61 Developer 61 Transfer Charger (primary transfer charger)
63 latent image carrier cleaning device 64 static eliminator 65 developing sleeve 66 agitating unit 67 developing unit 68 agitating screw 69 partition plate 70 developing case 71 toner concentration sensor 72 developing roller 73 doctor blade 74 lubricant 75 cleaning blade 76 cleaning brush 77 electric field roller 78 Scraper 79 Recovery screw 80 Toner recycling device 100 Transfer charger 101 Latent image carrier (electrophotographic latent image carrier)
102 Charging device 103 Exposure means (latent image forming means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 Developing means 105 Recording medium 106 Lubricant 107 Cleaning blade 108 Cleaning brush 109 Cleaning means 110 Conveying roller 111 Separating charger 112 Separating claw 113 Charger before cleaning 114 Cleaning brush 115 Cleaning blade 119 Lubricant (solid matter)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Cleaning unit 122 Latent image carrier 123 Drive roller 124 Transfer roller 125 Transfer charger charger 126 Cleaning brush 127 Followed roller 128 Static elimination light source 129 Charging charger 130 Lubricant application unit 131 Lubricant leveling blade 132 Image exposure light source 142 Feed roller 143 Paper bank 144 Paper cassette 145 Separation roller 146 Paper feed path 148 Paper feed path 150 Image forming apparatus main body 153 Charger charger 154 Static elimination lamp 155 Drum cleaning unit 156 Latent image carrier drum 157 Intermediate transfer bias roller 158 Intermediate transfer belt 159a Tension Roller 159b Secondary transfer backup roller 159c Belt drive roller 160 Recording medium 161 Registration roller pair 162 Transfer conveyance belt 63 transfer bias roller 164 sheet conveying belt 165 a fixing unit 170 tandem developing device 200 feed table 201 support 202 photosensitive layer 203 a charge generation layer (CGL)
204 Charge transport layer (CTL)
205 Undercoat layer 206 Protective layer 250 Revolver development unit 300 Scanner 400 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
L Laser light (exposure)

JP 2000-162881 A JP 2002-229241 A JP 2003-241570 A JP 2008-139804 A JP 2004-258177 A

Claims (24)

A lubricant applied to a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image in electrophotography,
A lubricant comprising a lubricating substance and an amine compound represented by at least one of the following general formulas (1), (2) and (3).
However, in the general formulas (1), (2) and (3), R ₁ and R ₂ may be the same as or different from each other, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted group. R ₁ and R ₂ may be bonded to each other to form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom. R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ represent any of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, and a halogen atom. Ar represents any one of a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring group and a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group. X represents either an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. n represents an integer of 2 to 4. k, L and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3.   The lubricant according to claim 1, wherein the lubricating substance contains at least a fatty acid metal salt. The lubricant according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the amine compound is a compound represented by any one of the following structural formulas (1-1) and (3-1).
  The lubricant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of the amine compound is 0.1 mass% to 40 mass%.   The lubricant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of the amine compound is 10% by mass to 25% by mass.   The lubricant according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is in a solid state. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image;
Charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier;
Exposure means for exposing the surface of the charged latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image;
Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a transfer member;
An image forming apparatus comprising: the lubricant according to claim 1; and a lubricant applying unit that applies the lubricant to a surface of the latent image carrier.   The latent image carrier has at least a photosensitive layer and a crosslinked surface layer in this order on a conductive support, and the crosslinked surface layer is cured by using a polymerizable compound having at least a charge transporting structure. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.   The crosslinked surface layer in the latent image carrier is formed by curing using a monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure and a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure. Item 9. The image forming apparatus according to Item 8.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the polymerizable functional group of the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is either an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the charge transport structure of the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure includes a triarylamine structure. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is represented by at least one of the following general formulas (4) and (5).
However, in the general formulas (4) and (5), R ₁₀ has a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. An aryl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an alkoxy group, —COOR ₁₁ (R ₁₁ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that may have a substituent, an aralkyl group that may have a substituent, and Any of the aryl groups which may have a substituent.), A halogenated carbonyl group, and CONR ₁₂ R ₁₃ (R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ may be the same as or different from each other, a hydrogen atom; , A halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, and an aryl group which may have a substituent. Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ may be the same as or different from each other, and represent an arylene group that may have a substituent. Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ may be the same or different and each represents an aryl group which may have a substituent. X ₁₀ represents a single bond, an alkylene group that may have a substituent, a cycloalkylene group that may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group that may have a substituent, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and vinylene. Represents any of the groups. Z represents any of an alkylene group which may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group which may have a substituent, and an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group. m and n each represent an integer of 0 to 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure is represented by the following general formula (6).
However, in the said General formula (6), o, p, and q represent the integer of 0 or 1, respectively. Ra represents either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Rb and Rc may be the same as or different from each other, are substituents other than a hydrogen atom, and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. s and t each represent an integer of 0 to 3. Za represents a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group, or a divalent group represented by the following structural formulas (a), (b), and (c).
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the polymerizable functional group of the trifunctional or higher radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure is a functional group of at least one of an acryloyloxy group and a methacryloyloxy group. apparatus.   The image formation according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the ratio of molecular weight to the number of polymerizable functional groups of a tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure is 250 or less (molecular weight / number of functional groups). apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the crosslinked surface layer contains a filler.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the filler in the crosslinked surface layer is an inorganic filler.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the inorganic filler in the crosslinked surface layer is a metal oxide.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the metal oxide in the crosslinked surface layer includes an oxide of at least one of silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the charging unit includes a corona charger.   21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a color image is formed by sequentially superimposing a plurality of color toner images.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, which is a tandem type image forming apparatus.   The transfer means has a primary transfer means for primary transfer to the intermediate transfer body, and a secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer body to the recording medium, by the primary transfer means, The color image is formed by sequentially superimposing a plurality of color toner images on an intermediate transfer member, and the color image is secondarily transferred collectively onto a recording medium by the secondary transfer unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image;
Charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier;
Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a transfer member;
The lubricant according to claim 1 is mounted, and has at least one lubricant applying unit that applies the lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier, and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. And a process cartridge.