JP2019061039A - Conductive support, electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor unit, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a conductive support for an electrophotographic photoreceptor that prevents turn-up of a photosensitive layer.SOLUTION: A conductive support for an electrophotographic photoreceptor has a thickness of an end face at one end in the axial direction smaller than a thickness of the end face at the other end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a conductive support, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, an electrophotographic photosensitive member unit, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method is known as an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer for forming a color or black and white image.
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus generally has the following process. The surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is charged to the polarity and potential determined by the charging means, and the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after charging is selectively discharged by image exposure to form an electrostatic latent image, and then development is performed. The toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image by the means and developed as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto the recording medium by the transfer means and discharged as an image forming material.

For example, in Patent Document 1, “a conductive substrate having a surface roughness R _max of 0.5 μm to 5 μm and a conductive resin disposed on the conductive substrate, a binder resin, a metal oxide particle, an electron accepting member, etc. Layer as a photosensitive layer disposed on the undercoat layer, the undercoat layer having a surface roughness R _max of 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less, which contains a luminescent compound and light scattering particles, and specular reflection to incident light An electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising: a laminated photosensitive layer having a charge transport layer having a component content of 30% or less, or a single layer photosensitive layer having a specular reflection component for incident light of 30% or less. It is disclosed.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2015-184493

  An object of the present invention is to provide a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which curling of the photosensitive layer is suppressed.

  The above-mentioned subject is solved by the following means.

The invention according to claim 1 is
It is a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which the thickness of the end face of the other end is larger than the thickness of the end face of the one end in the axial direction.

The invention according to claim 2 is
The conductive support according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the conductive support gradually increases toward the other end.

The invention according to claim 3 is
The conductive support according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the conductive support gradually increases from the one end side toward the other end than the axial center of the conductive support. .

The invention according to claim 4 is
The conductive support according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the thickness of the conductive support increases inward in the radial direction of the conductive support.

The invention according to claim 5 is
The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hollow portion at the other end of the conductive support is conical.

The invention according to claim 6 is
The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a thickness of an end face of the other end portion is a maximum thickness.

The invention according to claim 7 is
The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the thickness of the end face of the other end is 1.04 times to 1.1 times the thickness of the end face of the one end. .

The invention according to claim 8 is
The conductive support according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the end face of the other end portion is 1.05 times to 1.08 times the thickness of the end face of the one end portion.

The invention according to claim 9 is
The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a thickness of an end face of the one end portion is 0.4 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less.

The invention according to claim 10 is
The conductive support according to claim 9, wherein a thickness of an end face of the one end portion is 0.4 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

The invention according to claim 11 is
It is an electrophotographic photosensitive member provided with the electroconductive support body as described in any one of Claims 1-10, and the photosensitive layer arrange | positioned on the said electroconductive support body.

The invention according to claim 12 is
An electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 11, a first supporting portion for supporting the one end portion of the conductive supporting member in the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the conductive supporting member in the electrophotographic photosensitive member And a second support portion having a transmission portion for supporting the other end portion and transmitting a driving force for rotationally driving the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

The invention according to claim 13 is
A process cartridge comprising the electrophotographic photosensitive member unit according to claim 12 and which is detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus.

The invention according to claim 14 is
An electrophotographic photosensitive member unit according to claim 12, charging means for charging the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged electrophotographic photosensitive member Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer containing toner to form a toner image; and transfer means for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium And an image forming apparatus.

According to the invention of claims 1 to 6,
In a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member,
A conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member is provided in which the curling of the photosensitive layer is suppressed as compared with the case where the thickness of the end face at one end in the axial direction is the same as the thickness of the end face at the other end.

According to the invention of claims 7 and 8,
In a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member,
Provided is a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which the curling of the photosensitive layer is suppressed as compared with the thickness of the end face of the other end being less than 1.04 times and 1.1 times or more the thickness of one end face. Be done.

According to the invention of claims 9 and 10,
In a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member,
There is provided a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which curling of the photosensitive layer is suppressed as compared with the case where the thickness of the end face is less than 0.4 mm and exceeds 0.7 mm.

According to the invention of claims 11 and 12,
In an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member, or in an electrophotographic photosensitive member unit,
An electrophotographic photosensitive member or an electrophotographic photosensitive member unit in which the curling of the photosensitive layer is suppressed as compared with the case where the thickness of the end face of one end in the axial direction of the conductive support and the thickness of the end face of the other end are the same. Is provided.

According to the inventions of claims 13 and 14,
In a process cartridge or an image forming apparatus comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive member unit having a conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member,
Process cartridge or image formation in which the curling of the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is suppressed as compared with the case where the thickness of the end face of one end in the axial direction of the conductive support and the thickness of the end face of the other end are the same An apparatus is provided.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the electroconductive support body which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the electroconductive support body which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a layer configuration of an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an electrophotographic photosensitive member unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration view showing another example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment which is an example of the present invention will be described in detail.

(Conductive support)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a conductive support according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conductive support according to the present embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the conductive support taken along the radial direction, passing through the axial center axis of the conductive support in FIG.
The conductive support 1 for an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
Both end portions in the axial direction has a structure that than the thickness T _A of the end surface 1A of the end portion 1AA, the larger the thickness T _B of the end face 1B of the other end portion 1BB.

In the present specification, conductivity means that the volume resistivity at 20 ° C. is less than 1 × 10 ¹³ Ωcm.

In the conductive support according to the present embodiment, the occurrence of curling of the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “photosensitive member”) is suppressed. The reason for this is not clear, but is considered to be due to the following reasons.
When the photoreceptor is used for a long time, curling of the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor may occur. First of all, there is pressure in the radial direction of the photosensitive member by a cleaning member (for example, a cleaning blade) for cleaning the photosensitive member. The other is that the driving force from the driving device provided at one end side of the photosensitive member is transmitted to the photosensitive member through the drive transmitting member, which is generated by the rotational driving of the drive transmitting member. There is a rotational force on the photoreceptor. When both of these forces are applied to one end of the photosensitive member, distortion or bending occurs in the conductive support of the photosensitive member. It is believed that the distortion or deflection of this conductive support causes the photosensitive layer to curl up.
In contrast, the conductive support 1 for an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present embodiment, the end surface 1A of the end portion in the axial direction than the thickness T _A, the end face 1B of the other end portion of the thickness T _B By increasing the size, the rigidity of the conductive support at the place where distortion or bending occurs can be enhanced. That is, even if the photoreceptor is used for a long period of time, it is presumed that distortion or bending of the conductive support can be suppressed, and curling of the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, the details of the conductive support 1 for an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment will be described. However, specific contents of the following embodiments may be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. It can be performed.

The conductive support 1 according to the present embodiment is formed of a cylindrical body, and as shown in FIG. 2, the thickness (thickness) of the conductive support 1 starts to increase from the end 1AA side more than the center 1CC in the axial direction, for example. , Gradually increases toward the other end 1BB side. And in the end face 1B of the other end, the thickness becomes maximum. Also, the increase in thickness is increased radially inward of the conductive support 1. Moreover, the shape of the hollow part in the other end part of the electroconductive support body 1 is a cone shape.
However, the form in which the thickness of the conductive support 1 of the present embodiment is increased is not limited to this.

The state in which the thickness of the conductive support 1 “increases gradually” may be, for example, an aspect in which the thickness linearly increases from one end 1AA to the other end 1BB, or an aspect in which it increases in a curved shape. Or the aspect which increases in steps may be sufficient. Here, in the case of the aspect increasing in a step-like manner, there is a possibility that stress may be concentrated on the step portion during use of the photosensitive member. Therefore, from the viewpoint of alleviating stress concentration on the conductive support 1 The thickness of the support 1 is preferably linearly increasing or curvilinearly increasing, and more preferably linearly increasing.
In addition to the aspect in which the thickness of the conductive support 1 gradually increases from one end 1AA to the other end 1BB, the thickness increases from one end 1AA to the other end 1BB, but the increase is It may stop before reaching the end face 1B, and maintain the maximum thickness from that point to the end face 1B of the other end.

  Also, as the thickness of the conductive support 1 increases in the axial direction from the one end 1AA to the other end 1BB, the point at which the increase in thickness starts is greater than the center 1 CC of the conductive support 1 It may be from the one end 1AA side, may be from the center 1CC, or may be from the other end 1BB side than the center 1CC, but it is preferable to increase from the one end 1AA side than the center 1CC of the conductive support 1 .

  Further, the shape of the hollow portion 1D at the other end portion 1BB of the conductive support is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of alleviating stress concentration on the conductive support, it is preferable to have a pyramid shape. Specifically, it is preferable that the diameter of the circle gradually becomes smaller as the opening of the one end 1AA is the bottom and the diameter of the circle is gradually decreased toward the other end 1BB.

The thickness T _B of the end face of the other end portion is preferably from the viewpoint of suppressing curling of the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor is less 1.1 times 1.04 times the thickness T _A of the end face of the one end, More preferably, it is 1.05 times or more and 1.08 times or less.

The thickness _{T A} of the end face of the one end portion, from the viewpoint of suppressing curling of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive member, preferably at 0.4mm or more 0.7mm or less, further not less 0.4mm or more 0.5mm or less preferable.

  Examples of the conductive support 1 include the following. For example, a metal plate containing a metal (aluminum, copper, zinc, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, indium, gold, platinum etc.) or an alloy (stainless steel etc.), a metal drum, a metal belt, etc. may be mentioned.

  Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the conductive support body 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. Although the manufacturing method of the conductive support 1 is not particularly limited, it is preferable that it is a manufacturing method using impact pressing. An impact press tube manufactured by impact pressing has higher hardness than a tube obtained by subjecting the surface of a similar cylindrical tube (element tube) made of aluminum to a cutting process. In addition, it is possible to make the thickness of the tube thin and control the thickness of the end face of the tube. A specific example is as follows

  For example, in the method of manufacturing the conductive support 1 according to the present embodiment, after disposing the slag to which the lubricant has been applied to at least the punch contact surface in the female die, the slag disposed in the female die (concave die) is It has an impact press process of forming a metal cylindrical body by plastically deforming the slag on the outer peripheral surface of the male mold by pressing with a male mold (punch mold). In addition, the metal cylindrical body formed by the impact pressing process is passed through the inside of an annular pressing die having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the metal cylindrical body to iron the outer peripheral surface of the metal cylindrical body. It may have a rubbing process.

The shape of the male die (punch die) used in the impact pressing process corresponds to the shape of the target conductive support. Therefore, by selecting the shape of the punch die, it is possible to adjust the thickness of the conductive support 1 to a desired thickness. Specifically, the tip (bottom) of the punch has a shape corresponding to the hollow portion of the other end 1BB of the conductive support 1, and the end (upper) of the punch is the conductive support 1 The shape corresponds to the hollow portion of the one end portion 1AA.
By performing impact pressing using a punch-type of such a shape, a configuration that is larger thickness T _B of the end surface of the other end portion than the thickness T _A of the end face of one end portion Conductive support 1 can be obtained.

The thickness of the conductive support 1 can be adjusted also by the ironing step. In the ironing step, a cylindrical type in which the tip end portion is inserted into the metal cylindrical body formed by impact pressing and a pressing type in which the metal cylindrical body is pressed against the cylindrical outer peripheral surface are used. It is a process to be performed. Also by selecting the cylindrical shape and the pressing-like shape, conductivity has a configuration that is larger thickness T _B of the end surface of the other end portion than the thickness T _A of the end face of one end portion Support 1 can be obtained.

[Electrophotographic photosensitive member]
The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment includes the conductive support according to the above-described embodiment and a photosensitive layer provided on the conductive support.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the layer configuration of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, a layer configuration having an undercoat layer 2 and a photosensitive layer 3 in this order on a conductive support 1 is exemplified, and the photosensitive layer 3 is formed by laminating a charge generation layer 31 and a charge transport layer 32. It is a laminated (functionally separated) photosensitive layer.

  In the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment, a protective layer may be provided on the photosensitive layer 3. Further, an intermediate layer may be provided between the undercoat layer 2 and the photosensitive layer 3.

  Next, each element of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment will be described. In addition, the code | symbol is abbreviate | omitted and demonstrated.

(Sublayer)
The undercoat layer is, for example, a layer containing inorganic particles and a binder resin.

Examples of the inorganic particles include inorganic particles having a powder resistance (volume resistivity) of 10 ² Ωcm or more and 10 ¹¹ Ωcm or less.
Among these, as the inorganic particles having the above-mentioned resistance value, metal oxide particles such as tin oxide particles, titanium oxide particles, zinc oxide particles, and zirconium oxide particles are preferable, and zinc oxide particles are particularly preferable.

  The content of the inorganic particles is, for example, preferably 10% by mass to 80% by mass, and more preferably 40% by mass to 80% by mass, with respect to the binder resin.

  The inorganic particles may be subjected to surface treatment. The inorganic particles may be used as a mixture of two or more kinds of particles different in surface treatment or different in particle diameter.

  As a surface treating agent, a silane coupling agent, a titanate coupling agent, an aluminum coupling agent, surfactant etc. are mentioned, for example. In particular, a silane coupling agent is preferable, and a silane coupling agent having an amino group is more preferable.

  Here, the undercoat layer preferably contains the electron accepting compound (acceptor compound) together with the inorganic particles, from the viewpoint of enhancing the long-term stability of the electrical characteristics and the carrier blocking property.

Examples of the electron accepting compound include quinone compounds such as chloranil and bromoanil; tetracyanoquinodimethane compounds; 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone, 2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-fluorenone and the like 2- (4-biphenyl) -5- (4-t-butylphenyl) -1,3,4-oxadiazole, 2,5-bis (4-naphthyl) -1,3,4- Oxadiazole compounds such as oxadiazole and 2,5-bis (4-diethylaminophenyl) -1,3,4 oxadiazole; xanthone compounds; thiophene compounds; 3,3 ', 5,5'tetra- Examples include diphenoquinone compounds such as t-butyl diphenoquinone; electron transporting substances such as, and the like.
In particular, as the electron accepting compound, a compound having an anthraquinone structure is preferable. As the compound having an anthraquinone structure, for example, a hydroxyanthraquinone compound, an aminoanthraquinone compound, an aminohydroxyanthraquinone compound and the like are preferable, and specifically, for example, anthraquinone, alizarin, quinizarin, anthralphine, and purpurin are preferable.

  The content of the electron accepting compound is, for example, preferably 0.01% by mass to 20% by mass, and preferably 0.01% by mass to 10% by mass, with respect to the inorganic particles.

Examples of the binder resin used for the undercoat layer include acetal resin (for example, polyvinyl butyral etc.), polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl acetal resin, casein resin, polyamide resin, cellulose resin, gelatin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, unsaturated polyester Resin, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride resin, silicone resin, silicone-alkyd resin, urea resin, phenol resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, melamine resin, Known polymer compounds such as urethane resin, alkyd resin, epoxy resin, etc .; zirconium chelate compound; titanium chelate compound; aluminum chelate compound; titanium alkoxide compound ; Organic titanium compounds; known materials silane coupling agent, and the like.
Examples of the binder resin used for the undercoat layer also include a charge transporting resin having a charge transporting group, a conductive resin (for example, polyaniline and the like), and the like.

Among these, as the binder resin used in the undercoat layer, resins insoluble in the coating solvent of the upper layer are preferable, and in particular, urea resin, phenol resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, melamine resin, urethane resin, unsaturated polyester Thermosetting resin such as resin, alkyd resin, epoxy resin; and at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyamide resin, polyester resin, polyether resin, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin and polyvinyl acetal resin Resins obtained by reaction with curing agents are preferred.
When two or more of these binder resins are used in combination, the mixing ratio thereof is set as necessary.

The undercoat layer may contain various additives to improve the electrical properties, the environmental stability, and the image quality.
Examples of the additive include known materials such as polycyclic condensation type and electron transporting pigments such as azo type, zirconium chelate compounds, titanium chelate compounds, aluminum chelate compounds, titanium alkoxide compounds, organic titanium compounds, and silane coupling agents. Be The silane coupling agent is used for surface treatment of the inorganic particles as described above, but may be further added to the undercoat layer as an additive.

  These additives may be used alone or as a mixture or polycondensate of a plurality of compounds.

  The formation of the undercoat layer is not particularly limited, and a known formation method is used. For example, a coating film of the undercoat layer forming solution obtained by adding the above components to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried. And by heating if necessary.

  The thickness of the undercoat layer is, for example, preferably in the range of 15 μm or more, more preferably 20 μm to 50 μm.

(Intermediate layer)
Although not shown, an intermediate layer may be further provided between the undercoat layer and the photosensitive layer.
The intermediate layer is, for example, a layer containing a resin. Examples of the resin used for the intermediate layer include acetal resin (eg, polyvinyl butyral etc.), polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl acetal resin, casein resin, polyamide resin, cellulose resin, gelatin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, Polymer compounds such as polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride resin, silicone resin, silicone-alkyd resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, melamine resin and the like can be mentioned.
The intermediate layer may be a layer containing an organometallic compound. Examples of the organic metal compound used for the intermediate layer include organic metal compounds containing metal atoms such as zirconium, titanium, aluminum, manganese and silicon.
The compounds used in these intermediate layers may be used alone or as a mixture or polycondensate of a plurality of compounds.

  Among these, the intermediate layer is preferably a layer containing an organic metal compound containing a zirconium atom or a silicon atom.

  The formation of the intermediate layer is not particularly limited, and a known formation method is used. For example, a coating film of the coating liquid for forming an intermediate layer in which the above components are added to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried. It does by heating according to.

  The film thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably set, for example, in the range of 0.1 μm to 3 μm. The intermediate layer may be used as a subbing layer.

(Charge generation layer)
The charge generation layer is, for example, a layer containing a charge generation material and a binder resin. The charge generation layer may be a vapor deposition layer of a charge generation material. The deposition layer of the charge generation material is suitable when using an incoherent light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) image array.

  Examples of the charge generating material include azo pigments such as bisazo and trisazo; condensed aromatic pigments such as dibromoanthanthrone; perylene pigments; pyrrolopyrrole pigments; phthalocyanine pigments; zinc oxide; trigonal selenium and the like.

The binder resin used for the charge generation layer is selected from a wide range of insulating resins, and the binder resin is selected from organic photoconductive polymers such as poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyvinyl anthracene, polyvinyl pyrene, polysilane and the like. You may choose.
As the binder resin, for example, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyarylate resin (polycondensate of bisphenol and aromatic divalent carboxylic acid, etc.), polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, phenoxy resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, Polyamide resin, acrylic resin, polyacrylamide resin, polyvinyl pyridine resin, cellulose resin, urethane resin, epoxy resin, casein, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone resin, etc. may be mentioned. Here, "insulating" means that the volume resistivity is 10 ¹³ Ωcm or more.
These binder resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The compounding ratio of the charge generating material to the binder resin is preferably in the range of 10: 1 to 1:10 by mass ratio.

  The charge generation layer may further contain known additives.

  The formation of the charge generation layer is not particularly limited, and a known formation method is used. For example, a coating film of the charge generation layer forming coating solution obtained by adding the above components to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried. And by heating if necessary. Note that the charge generation layer may be formed by vapor deposition of a charge generation material. The formation of the charge generation layer by vapor deposition is particularly suitable when a fused aromatic pigment or perylene pigment is used as the charge generation material.

  The film thickness of the charge generation layer is, for example, preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 5.0 μm, more preferably 0.2 μm to 2.0 μm.

(Charge transport layer)
The charge transport layer is, for example, a layer containing a charge transport material and a binder resin. The charge transport layer may be a layer containing a polymeric charge transport material.

  As charge transport materials, quinone compounds such as p-benzoquinone, chloranil, bromanyl, anthraquinone and the like; tetracyanoquinodimethane compounds; fluorenone compounds such as 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone; xanthone compounds; benzophenone compounds Cyanovinyl compounds; electron transporting compounds such as ethylene compounds. Examples of the charge transporting material also include hole transporting compounds such as triarylamine compounds, benzidine compounds, arylalkane compounds, aryl substituted ethylene compounds, stilbene compounds, anthracene compounds, hydrazone compounds and the like. Although these charge transport materials are used individually by 1 type or in 2 or more types, it is not limited to these.

The binder resin used for the charge transport layer is polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, polyarylate resin, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, styrene-butadiene copolymer, Vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride copolymer, silicone resin, silicone alkyd resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, styrene-alkyd resin, poly-N -Vinylcarbazole, polysilane and the like can be mentioned. Among these, polycarbonate resin or polyarylate resin is suitable as the binder resin. These binder resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The compounding ratio of the charge transport material to the binder resin is preferably 10: 1 to 1: 5 in mass ratio.

  The charge transport layer may further contain known additives.

  The formation of the charge transport layer is not particularly limited, and a known formation method is used. For example, a coating film of a charge transport layer forming solution obtained by adding the above components to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried. Perform by heating if necessary.

  The thickness of the charge transport layer is, for example, preferably in the range of 5 μm to 50 μm, and more preferably in the range of 10 μm to 30 μm.

(Protective layer)
A protective layer is provided on the photosensitive layer as needed. The protective layer is provided, for example, for the purpose of preventing chemical change of the photosensitive layer during charging or further improving the mechanical strength of the photosensitive layer.
Therefore, as the protective layer, a layer formed of a cured film (crosslinked film) may be applied. Examples of these layers include the layers shown in the following 1) or 2).

1) A layer composed of a cured film of a composition containing a reactive group-containing charge transporting material having a reactive group and a charge transporting skeleton in the same molecule (that is, a polymer or a crosslink of the reactive group-containing charge transporting material Layer containing the body)
2) A layer composed of a cured film of a composition including a non-reactive charge transport material and a reactive group-containing non-charge transport material having no charge transport skeleton and having a reactive group (that is, A layer comprising a non-reactive charge transport material and a polymer or cross-linked product of the reactive group-containing non-charge transport material

As a reactive group of the reactive group-containing charge transporting material, a chain polymerizable group, an epoxy group, -OH, -OR (wherein R represents an alkyl group), -NH ₂ , -SH, -COOH, -SiR ^{Q 1} _3- ^Q _n (OR ^{Q 2} ) ^Q _n [wherein, R ^Q1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and R ^Q2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a trialkylsilyl group. Qn represents an integer of 1 to 3] and the like.

  The chain polymerizable group is not particularly limited as long as it is a radically polymerizable functional group, and is, for example, a functional group having a group containing at least a carbon double bond. Specific examples thereof include a group containing at least one selected from a vinyl group, a vinyl ether group, a vinyl thioether group, a styryl group (vinyl phenyl group), an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, and derivatives thereof. Among them, a group having at least one selected from a vinyl group, a styryl group (vinylphenyl group), an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, and derivatives thereof as the chain polymerizable group because of its excellent reactivity. Is preferred.

  The charge transporting skeleton of the reactive group-containing charge transporting material is not particularly limited as long as it has a known structure in an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and, for example, triarylamine compounds, benzidine compounds, hydrazone compounds, etc. And a structure derived from the nitrogen-containing hole-transporting compound of the above, which is conjugated to a nitrogen atom. Among these, a triarylamine skeleton is preferable.

  The reactive group-containing charge transporting material having the reactive group and the charge transporting skeleton, the nonreactive charge transporting material, and the reactive group-containing non-charge transporting material may be selected from known materials.

  The protective layer may further contain known additives.

  The formation of the protective layer is not particularly limited, and a known formation method is used. For example, a coating film of a coating solution for forming a protective layer obtained by adding the above components to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried. It is carried out by curing treatment such as heating if necessary.

  The film thickness of the protective layer is, for example, preferably in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, more preferably 2 μm to 10 μm.

(Single-layer type photosensitive layer)
The single-layer type photosensitive layer (charge generation / charge transport layer) is, for example, a layer containing a charge generation material, a charge transport material, and, if necessary, a binder resin and other known additives. Note that these materials are the same as the materials described in the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer.
The content of the charge generation material in the single-layer type photosensitive layer is preferably 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass, and preferably 0.8% by mass to 5% by mass, with respect to the total solid content. . Further, the content of the charge transport material in the single-layer type photosensitive layer is preferably 5% by mass to 50% by mass with respect to the total solid content.
The method of forming the single-layer type photosensitive layer is the same as the method of forming the charge generation layer or the charge transport layer.
The film thickness of the single layer type photosensitive layer is, for example, 5 μm to 50 μm, and preferably 10 μm to 40 μm.

[Image forming apparatus (and process cartridge)]
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an electrostatic latent image forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged electrophotographic photosensitive member. Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer containing toner, thereby forming a toner image, and transfer means for transferring the toner image to the surface of the recording medium, Equipped with Then, the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment (that is, the electrophotographic photosensitive member unit according to the present embodiment) is applied as the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the electrophotographic photosensitive member unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrophotographic photosensitive member unit 10 of the present embodiment includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member 110 and a first flange 120 </ b> A supporting one end 1 AA of the conductive support 1 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 110. An example of the “first support portion” and a second flange 120B (an example of the “second support portion”) for supporting the other end 1BB of the conductive support 1 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 110; Have. The electrophotographic photosensitive member 110 is formed by laminating the photosensitive layer 3 on the conductive support 1. Further, the second flange 120B supporting the other end 1BB of the conductive support 1 is provided with a gear member 124B (an example of a “transmission portion”). The gear member 124B transmits a driving force for rotationally driving the electrophotographic photosensitive member 110, and the driving force generated from a driving device (not shown) such as a motor is electrically conductive through the gear member 124B. It can be propagated to the support 1.

  The first flange 120A and the second flange 120B provided at the axial end of the conductive support 1 respectively have a flange main body and a fitting portion fitted to the opening of the conductive support 1; Is equipped.

  The flange body and the fitting portion are coaxially continuously connected, for example, via a disc portion. And a level | step-difference part is formed along the circumferential direction of a flange main body by the boundary part of a flange main body and a fitting part.

  When the fitting portion of the flange is fitted into the opening of the conductive support 1, it is arranged coaxially with the axis of the conductive support 1 and located on the axially outer side of the conductive support 1. Further, a gear member 124B for rotationally driving the electrophotographic photosensitive member 110 is provided so as to project outward in the axial direction, for example, at the central axial portion of the flange main body.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a fixing unit that fixes a toner image transferred to the surface of a recording medium; a direct transfer that directly transfers a toner image formed on the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member to a recording medium Type of device; primary transfer of the toner image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and secondary transfer of the toner image transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer member to the surface of the recording medium A device of the method; a device comprising a cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before charging after transfer of the toner image; irradiating the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member with charge removing light before charging after transfer of the toner image A known image forming apparatus such as an apparatus including a discharging unit for discharging electricity; an apparatus including an electrophotographic photosensitive member heating member for raising the temperature of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and reducing the relative temperature is applied.

  In the case of an intermediate transfer type apparatus, for example, an intermediate transfer member to which a toner image is transferred on the surface, and a primary transfer unit primary-transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to the surface of the intermediate transfer member. A configuration including a transfer unit and a secondary transfer unit for secondary transfer of the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer member to the surface of the recording medium is applied.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be either a dry developing type image forming apparatus or a wet developing type (developing type using a liquid developer) image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, the portion including the electrophotographic photosensitive member may have a cartridge structure (process cartridge) which is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus. As the process cartridge, for example, a process cartridge provided with the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present embodiment is suitably used. The process cartridge may include, in addition to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, at least one selected from the group consisting of a charging unit, an electrostatic latent image forming unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit.

  Hereinafter, although an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. The main parts shown in the figure will be described, and the description of the other parts will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration view showing an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, includes a process cartridge 300 including an electrophotographic photosensitive member 7, an exposure device 9 (an example of an electrostatic latent image forming unit), and a transfer device 40 (primary). A transfer device) and an intermediate transfer member 50 are provided. In the image forming apparatus 100, the exposure device 9 is disposed from the opening of the process cartridge 300 at a position where exposure to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 is possible, and the transfer device 40 is the electrophotographic photosensitive member via the intermediate transfer member 50. The intermediate transfer member 50 is disposed so as to be in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7. Although not shown, it also has a secondary transfer device for transferring the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer member 50 to a recording medium (for example, a sheet). The intermediate transfer member 50, the transfer device 40 (primary transfer device), and the secondary transfer device (not shown) correspond to an example of the transfer unit.

  In the process cartridge 300 in FIG. 5, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7, the charging device 8 (an example of the charging means), the developing device 11 (an example of the developing means), and the cleaning device 13 (an example of the cleaning means) In favor of The cleaning device 13 has a cleaning blade (an example of a cleaning member) 131, and the cleaning blade 131 is disposed in contact with the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7.

  In FIG. 5, as an image forming apparatus, a fibrous member 132 (roll-like) for supplying the lubricant 14 to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 and a fibrous member 133 for assisting cleaning (flat brush-like) An example is shown, but these are arranged as needed.

  Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

-Charging device-
As the charging device 8, for example, a contact type charging device using a conductive or semiconductive charging roller, a charging brush, a charging film, a charging rubber blade, a charging tube or the like is used. In addition, non-contact type roller chargers, scorotron chargers utilizing corona discharge, corotron chargers, etc., per se known chargers and the like are also used.

-Exposure apparatus-
Examples of the exposure device 9 include an optical system device that exposes the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 with light such as semiconductor laser light, LED light, liquid crystal shutter light, etc. in a defined image. The wavelength of the light source is in the spectral sensitivity region of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. As the wavelength of the semiconductor laser, near infrared light having an oscillation wavelength around 780 nm is the mainstream. However, the wavelength is not limited to this, and a laser having an oscillation wavelength of 400 nm or more and 450 nm or less may be used as an oscillation wavelength laser of about 600 nm or a blue laser. In addition, a surface emitting laser light source of a type capable of outputting multiple beams is also effective for color image formation.

-Development device-
Examples of the developing device 11 include, for example, a general developing device which develops with a developer in contact or non-contact. The developing device 11 is not particularly limited as long as it has the above-described function, and is selected according to the purpose. For example, a known developing device or the like having a function of causing the one-component developer or the two-component developer to adhere to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 using a brush, a roller or the like can be mentioned. Among them, one using a developing roller holding a developer on the surface is preferable.

  The developer used in the developing device 11 may be a single component developer of toner alone, or may be a two component developer including toner and carrier. The developer may be magnetic or nonmagnetic. As these developers, known ones are applied.

-Cleaning device-
As the cleaning device, a cleaning blade type device provided with a cleaning blade 131 is used.
In addition to the cleaning blade method, a fur brush cleaning method or a development simultaneous cleaning method may be employed.

-Transfer device-
The transfer device 40 may be, for example, a contact type transfer charger using a belt, a roller, a film, a rubber blade or the like, a scorotron transfer charger using corona discharge, a corotron transfer charger, etc. It can be mentioned.

-Intermediate transfer body-
As the intermediate transfer member 50, a belt-like member (intermediate transfer belt) containing semiconductive conductive polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyester, rubber and the like is used. The intermediate transfer member may be in the form of a drum other than the belt.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration view showing another example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
An image forming apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 6 is a tandem multicolor image forming apparatus in which four process cartridges 300 are mounted. In the image forming apparatus 120, four process cartridges 300 are arranged in parallel on the intermediate transfer member 50, and one electrophotographic photosensitive member is used for one color. The image forming apparatus 120 has the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus 100 except that the image forming apparatus 120 is a tandem system.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 is rotated and negatively charged by the charging device 8, for example.

  The electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 whose surface is negatively charged by the charging device 8 is exposed by the exposure device 9, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface.

  When the portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed approaches the developing device 11, the developing device 11 adheres the toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 on which the toner image is formed is further rotated, and the toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer member 50 by the transfer device 40 and secondarily transferred to a recording sheet (not shown). Thereby, a toner image is formed on the recording sheet.
After the primary transfer, the toner remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 is removed by the cleaning device 13.

  The toner image is fixed on the recording paper on which the toner image is formed by a fixing device (not shown).

  The toner image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 may be directly transferred to the recording paper without using the intermediate transfer member 50.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be more specifically described based on examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In addition, unless there is particular notice, "part" means a "mass part."

Example 1
A 15 mm thick aluminum plate of JIS 1050 alloy with an aluminum purity of 99.5% or more was punched out to prepare a cylindrical slag made of aluminum having a diameter of 34 mm and a thickness of 15 mm. Next, the blasting of the following conditions was performed to the punch contact surface of slag.
Next, a lubricant (powdery zinc stearate) was applied to the entire surface of the slag at an application amount of 0.3 mg / cm ² and formed into a metal cylindrical body having a diameter of 34 mm by impact pressing.
Here, in impact pressing, a truncated cone-shaped punch having a bottom diameter of 32.98 mm and a top diameter of 32.88 mm and a tapered tip (bottom) was used.
Further, the cylindrical member obtained by impact pressing was subjected to ironing.
Then, a cylindrical member made of aluminum which has been subjected to an ironing process is used as the conductive support 1. Obtained conductive support 1, diameter 30 mm, a length of 251 mm, a thickness _T A 0.41 mm of the end face of the one end portion, the thickness _T B 0.45 mm of the end face of the other end portion.
The thickness (thickness) of the conductive support 1 starts to increase from the one end 1AA and gradually increases toward the other end 1BB, and the thickness is maximum at the end face 1B of the other end. (See Figure 2). In addition, the increase in thickness was increased radially inward of the conductive support 1 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the shape of the hollow portion at the other end 1BB of the conductive support 1 was conical (see FIG. 2).

-Blasting conditions-
-Material of abrasive (media): Zirconia-Size of abrasive: 50 μm
・ The irradiation pressure of abrasives: 0.3MPa
・ Abrasive irradiation time: 10 seconds

Examples 2 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3
In the preparation of the conductive support of Example 1, each of the conductive supports having the end face thickness shown in Table 1 is the same as the conductive support of Example 1, except that the diameters of the bottom and the top of the punch die are changed. A conductive support was produced.

<Production of Photoreceptor>
Using the conductive supports obtained in Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, photoreceptors were produced as follows.

100 parts by mass of zinc oxide (trade name: MZ 300, manufactured by Tayca Corporation), 10 parts by mass of a 10 mass% toluene solution of N-2- (aminoethyl) -3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a silane coupling agent, 200 parts by mass of toluene was mixed and stirred, and refluxing was performed for 2 hours. After that, toluene was distilled off under reduced pressure at 10 mmHg and baked at 135 ° C. for 2 hours to carry out surface treatment of zinc oxide with a silane coupling agent.
Surface-treated zinc oxide: 33 parts by mass, blocked isocyanate (trade name: Sumidur 3175, manufactured by Sumitomo Bavaria Urethane Co., Ltd.): 6 parts by mass, compound represented by the following structural formula (AK-1): 1 part by mass, methyl ethyl ketone 25 parts by mass is mixed for 30 minutes, and then butyral resin (trade name: S-Lec BM-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts by mass, silicone ball (trade name: Tospearl 120, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Co., Ltd.) ): 3 parts by mass, silicone oil (trade name: SH29PA, manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd.) as a leveling agent: 0.01 parts by mass, dispersion is performed for 3 hours with a sand mill, and coating for forming undercoat layer is performed I got a liquid.
Furthermore, the coating liquid for undercoat layer formation was apply | coated on the electroconductive support body by the dip coating method, dry hardening was performed for 30 minutes at 180 degreeC, and the undercoat layer with a film thickness of 30 micrometers was obtained.

Next, a hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment as a charge generation material “Bragg angle (2θ ± 0.2 °) of X-ray diffraction spectrum using CuKα characteristic X-ray is at least 7.3 °, 16.0 °, 24.9 Type V hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment having a diffraction peak at 2 ° and 28.0 ° (maximum peak wavelength in spectral absorption spectrum in the wavelength range of 600 nm to 900 nm = 820 nm, average particle size = 0.12 μm, maximum particle size Diameter = 0.2 μm, specific surface area = 60 m ² / g), vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (trade name: VMCH, manufactured by Nippon Unicar Co., Ltd.) as a binder resin, and n-butyl acetate Place the mixture in a 100 mL glass bottle with a 1.0 mm diameter glass bead at a 50% filling rate, and 2 using a paint shaker. Dispersion treatment was carried out for 5 hours to obtain a coating solution for charge generation layer. The content of the hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment was 55.0% by volume, and the solid content of the dispersion was 6.0% by mass with respect to the mixture of the hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment and the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin. Content, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment density of 1.606g / cm ³ of vinyl chloride - calculated as specific gravity 1.35 g / cm ³ vinyl acetate copolymer resin.
The obtained coating liquid for forming a charge generation layer was dip-coated on the undercoat layer and dried at 130 ° C. for 5 minutes to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.20 μm.

Next, as charge transport materials, 8 parts by mass of butadiene charge transport material (CT1A), 32 parts by mass of benzidine charge transport material (CT2A), and bisphenol Z polycarbonate resin (biphenol Z as a binder resin) Type polycarbonate resin, viscosity average molecular weight 40,000, 58 parts by mass, and 2 parts by mass of hindered phenol type antioxidant (HP-1, molecular weight 775) as an antioxidant (total charge transport material total amount 100% by mass) 5 parts by mass) was added to and dissolved in 340 parts by mass of tetrahydrofuran to obtain a coating liquid for forming a charge transport layer.
The obtained charge transport layer forming coating solution was dip-coated on the charge generation layer, and dried at 145 ° C. for 30 minutes to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 30 μm.

  Each photosensitive member was obtained through the above steps. And the following evaluation was implemented about each obtained photoreceptor.

<Evaluation>
Flanges were attached to both ends of the obtained photosensitive member. However, the flange attached to the other end 1BB side is a flange with a gear member 124B (see FIG. 4). The flanged photosensitive member was mounted on an image forming apparatus ("Docu Print C1100" (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.)). Using this apparatus, the curling evaluation of the photosensitive layer of the flanged photosensitive member was performed as follows. 10000 black halftone images (image density 35%) were output on A4 size plain paper. Thereafter, the surface was visually confirmed.
In addition, evaluation criteria are as follows. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
A; no overturn
B: Wrinkled (Wrinkles show the innermost part)
C: Turn over

The details of the charge transport material and the antioxidant used for forming the charge transport layer are as follows.
・ Butadiene-based charge transport material: compound represented by the following structural formula (CT1A)
・ Benzidine charge transport material: compound represented by the following structural formula (CT2A)
・ Hindered phenolic antioxidant: compound represented by the following structural formula (HP-1)

Reference Signs List 1 conductive support, 1A end face, 1B end face, 1AA end portion, 1BB other end portion, 2 undercoat layer, 3 photosensitive layer, 31 charge generation layer, 32 charge transport layer, 110 electrophotographic photosensitive member, 10 electrophotographic photosensitive member Body unit,
8 charging device, 9 exposure device, 11 developing device, 13 cleaning device, 14 lubricant, 100 image forming device, 300 process cartridge,
120 image forming apparatus, 40 transfer apparatus, 50 intermediate transfer member

Claims (14)

  A conductive support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the thickness of the end face of the other end is larger than the thickness of the end face of the one end in the axial direction.   The conductive support according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the conductive support gradually increases toward the other end.   The conductive support according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the conductive support gradually increases from the one end side toward the other end with respect to the axial center of the conductive support.   The conductive support according to claim 2, wherein a thickness of the conductive support increases inward in a radial direction of the conductive support.   The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hollow portion at the other end of the conductive support is conical.   The electroconductive support as described in any one of Claims 1-5 whose thickness of the end surface of the said other end part is the largest thickness.   The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the thickness of the end face of the other end portion is 1.04 times to 1.1 times the thickness of the end face of the one end portion.   The conductive support according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the end face of the other end is 1.05 or more and 1.08 or less times the thickness of the end face of the one end.   The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a thickness of an end face of the one end portion is 0.4 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less.   The conductive support according to claim 9, wherein a thickness of an end face of the one end portion is 0.4 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The conductive support according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
A photosensitive layer disposed on the conductive support;
An electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising: An electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 11;
A first support portion for supporting the one end of the conductive support in the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
A second support portion that supports the other end portion of the conductive support in the electrophotographic photosensitive member and has a transmitting portion that transmits a driving force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
An electrophotographic photosensitive member unit comprising:   A process cartridge comprising the electrophotographic photosensitive member unit according to claim 12 and which is detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus. An electrophotographic photosensitive member unit according to claim 12;
Charging means for charging the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member;
Electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member charged;
Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer containing toner to form a toner image;
A transfer unit that transfers the toner image to the surface of a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: