JP3713986B2 - Electrophotographic photosensitive member, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge - Google Patents

Description

【００１９】
【化１０】

【００２０】
（式中、Ｒ₁、Ｒ₂、Ｒ₃、Ｒ₄、Ｒ₅及びＲ₆は各々独立に、炭素数１〜４のアルキル基又は炭素数６〜１２の置換若しくは無置換のフェニル基を示し、Ｒ₇及びＲ₈は各々独立に、ハロゲン原子、炭素数１〜４のアルキル基又は置換若しくは無置換のフェニル基を示し、且つＲ₁とＲ₂の対がＲ₃とＲ₄の対と異なり、Ｘは炭素数１〜６の置換若しくは無置換のアルキレン基を示し、ｎは１〜６の整数を示しａ及びｂは各々独立に、０〜４の整数を示し、ｐ及びｑは自然数を示し、ｐ＋ｑは１５０未満である。）
【００２１】
【化１１】

【００２２】
（式中、Ｒ₉及びＲ₁₀は各々独立に、ハロゲン原子、炭素数１〜４のアルキル基又は置換若しくは無置換のフェニル基を示し、ｃ及びｄは各々独立に、０〜４の整数を示し、Ｙは単結合である。）
【００２３】
【化１２】

【００２４】
（式中、Ｒ₁₁及びＲ₁₂は各々独立に、水素原子、ハロゲン原子、炭素数１〜６のアルキル基又は炭素数６〜１２の置換若しくは無置換のアリール基を示し、ｆ及びｇは各々独立に、０〜４の整数を示し、Ｚは−Ｃ（Ｒ₁₃）（Ｒ₁₄）−であり、Ｒ₁₃及びＲ₁₄は各々独立に水素原子、ハロゲン原子、トリハロメチル基、炭素数１〜６のアルキル基又は炭素数６〜１２の置換もしくは無置換のアリール基、又はＲ₁₃とＲ₁₄で形成される炭素数４〜１０の環状炭化水素残基を表わす。）
〔２〕 〔１〕記載の電子写真感光体を用い帯電、像露光、現像、転写・分離、クリーニングを経て画像形成することを特徴とする画像形成装置。
【００２５】
〔３〕 電子写真感光体を用い、帯電、像露光、現像、転写・分離、クリーニングの工程を経る画像形成に使用するプロセスカートリッジにおいて、〔１〕記載の電子写真感光体と、帯電器、像露光器、現像器、転写又は分離器、クリーニング器の、少なくとも何れか１つとを組み合わせて造られていることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ。
〔４〕 〔１〕記載の電子写真感光体において、前記電子写真感光体は、導電性支持体上に電荷発生物質を主成分として含有するＣＧＬ（層）と電荷輸送物質を主成分として含有するＣＴＬ（層）との積層体からなり、該ＣＴＬ（層）は、その層におけるバインダー樹脂が電荷輸送物質１重量部に対して０．１〜５重量部であることを特徴とする電子写真感光体。
【００２６】
本発明で用いられるバインダー樹脂の構造単位の例としては、例えば下記のものがある。
【００２７】
【化１３】

【００２８】
【化１４】

【００２９】
【化１５】

【００３０】
本発明のバインダー樹脂、共重合ポリカーボネートの代表的な具体例は以下の（４）、（５）がある。
【００３１】
【化１６】

【００３２】
【化１７】

【００３３】
尚、本発明において表面層とは感光体の最表面に塗設されている層をいい、導電性支持体上に単層の感光層が塗設されているだけの場合は、その層が最表面層である。
【００３４】
電荷発生物質（ＣＧＭ）としては、構造式（Ｇ１）または（Ｇ２）の少なくとも一方のイミダゾールペリレン化合物を用いる。
【００３５】
特に、本発明の電子写真感光体には、Ｃｕ−Ｋα線（波長１．５４Å）に対するＸ線回折スペクトルの６．３±０．２゜、１２．４±０．２゜、２５．３±０．２゜、２７．１±０．２゜にピークを有する結晶であって、１２．４±０．２゜のピーク強度が最大であると同時に同ピークの半値幅が０．６５゜以上であり、かつ１１．５±０．２゜に明瞭なピークを示さない状態の構造式（Ｇ１）または（Ｇ２）の少なくとも一方のイミダゾールペリレン化合物を用いると感度、耐久性及び画質の点で著しく改善された効果を示す。
【００３６】
電荷輸送物質（ＣＴＭ）としては、特に制限はないが、例えばオキサゾール誘導体、オキサジアゾール誘導体、チアゾール誘導体、チアジアゾール誘導体、トリアゾール誘導体、イミダゾール誘導体、イミダゾロン誘導体、イミダゾリジン誘導体、ビスイミダゾリジン誘導体、スチリル化合物、ヒドラゾン化合物、ピラゾリン誘導体、アミン誘導体、オキサゾロン誘導体、ベンゾチアゾール誘導体、ベンズイミダゾール誘導体、キナゾリン誘導体、ベンゾフラン誘導体、アクリジン誘導体、フェナジン誘導体、アミノスチルベン誘導体、ポリ−Ｎ−ビニルカルバゾール、ポリ−１−ビニルピレン、ポリ−９−ビニルアントラセン等である。
【００３７】
また、電荷輸送物質としては、光照射時発生するホールの輸送能力が優れているほか、オキシチタニルフタロシアニンとの組み合わせに好適なものが好ましい。
【００３８】
前記電荷発生物質及び電荷輸送物質はそれ自体では皮膜形成能が乏しいので、少なくとも何れかの層にバインダー樹脂を用いて感光層を形成する。
【００３９】
前記した本発明の共重合ポリカーボネートに併用して感光層の形成に用いられるバインダー樹脂には任意のものを用いることができるが、疎水性で、かつ誘電率が高く、電気絶縁性のフィルム形成性高分子重合体を用いるのが好ましい。このような高分子重合体としては、例えば本発明以外の構造のポリカーボネート、ポリエステル、メタクリル酸樹脂、アクリル樹脂、ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリ塩化ビニリデン、ポリスチレン、ポリビニルアセテート、スチレン−ブタジエン共重合体、塩化ビニリデン−アクリロニトリル共重合体、塩化ビニル−酢酸ビニル共重合体、塩化ビニル−酢酸ビニル−無水マレイン酸共重合体、シリコーン樹脂、シリコーン−アルキッド樹脂、フェノールホルムアルデヒド樹脂、スチレン−アルキッド樹脂、ポリ−Ｎ−ビニルカルバゾール、ポリビニルアセタール（例えばポリビニルブチラール）等が挙げられる。これらのバインダー樹脂は本発明の樹脂と合わせて２種以上の混合物として用いることができる。
【００４０】
有機感光体は導電性支持体上に、電荷発生層（ＣＧＬ）、電荷輸送層（ＣＴＬ）の他、更に必要に応じ、保護層、中間層、バリア層、接着層等の補助層が積層されてもよい。
【００４１】
また前記中間層は接着層またはブロッキング層として機能するもので、前記バインダー樹脂の他に、例えばポリビニルアルコール、エチルセルロース、カルボキシメチルセルロース、カゼイン、共重合ナイロン、Ｎ−アルコキシメチル化ナイロン、澱粉等が用いられる。
【００４２】
電荷発生層、及び電荷輸送層の形成に使用される溶媒あるいは分散媒としては、ブチルアミン、ジエチルアミン、エチレンジアミン、イソプロパノールアミン、トリエタノールアミン、トリエチレンジアミン、Ｎ，Ｎ−ジメチルホルムアミド、アセトン、メチルエチルケトン、シクロヘキサノン、ベンゼン、トルエン、キシレン、クロロホルム、１，２−ジクロルエタン、１，２−ジクロルプロパン、１，１，２−トリクロルエタン、１，１，１−トリクロルエタン、トリクロルエチレン、テトラクロルエタン、ジクロルメタン、テトラヒドロフラン、ジオキサン、メタノール、エタノール、イソプロパノール、酢酸エチル、酢酸ブチル、ジメチルスルホキシド、メチルセルソルブ等が挙げられる。
【００４３】
本発明で用いられる導電性支持体の材料としては、主としてアルミニウム、銅、真鍮、スチール、ステンレス等の金属材料、その他プラスチック材料をベルト状またはドラム状に成形加工したものが用いられる。中でもコスト及び加工性等に優れたアルミニウムが好ましく用いられ、通常押出成型または引抜成型された薄肉円筒状のアルミニウム素管が多く用いられる。
【００４４】
本発明に適用可能な電子写真感光体の層構成の断面図は、代表的なものを図１（１）〜（６）に例示する。
【００４５】
有機感光体として最も一般的なものとしては、図１（１）及び（２）に示すように、導電性支持体１上に本発明に係るＣＧＭを主成分として含有するＣＧＬ２と、ＣＴＭを主成分として含有するＣＴＬ３との積層体より成る感光層４を設ける。
【００４６】
同図（３）及び（４）に示すようにこの感光層４は導電性支持体１上に設けた中間層５を介して設けてもよい。
【００４７】
このように感光層４を二層構成としたときに優れた電子写真特性を有する電子写真感光体が得られる。
【００４８】
また、本発明においては、同図（５）および（６）に示すように前記ＣＴＭを主成分とする層６中に微粒子状のＣＧＭ７を分散して成る感光層４を導電性支持体１上に直接あるいは、中間層５を介して設けてもよい。
【００４９】
更に同図（２）および（４）に示すごとく感光層４の上に、必要に応じて保護層８を設けてもよい。
【００５０】
ここで感光層４を図１（１）のように二層構成としたときＣＧＬ２は、導電性支持体１もしくはＣＴＬ３上に直接あるいは必要に応じて接着層もしくはブロッキング層等の中間層を設けた上に、次の方法によって形成することができる。
【００５１】
（１）真空蒸着法
（２）ＣＧＭを適当な溶剤に溶解した溶液を塗布する方法
（３）ＣＧＭをボールミル、サンドグラインダ等によって分散媒中で微細粒子とし、必要に応じてバインダーと混合分散して得られる分散液を塗布する方法。
【００５２】
即ち具体的には、真空蒸着、スパッタリング、ＣＶＤ等の気相堆積法あるいはディッピング、スプレー、ブレード、ロール法等の塗布方法が任意に用いられる。
【００５３】
このようにして形成されるＣＧＬの厚さは０．０１〜５μｍであることが好ましく、更に好ましくは０．０５〜３μｍである。
【００５４】
また、ＣＴＬ３は上記ＣＧＬ２と同様にして形成することができる。
【００５５】
このＣＴＬにおける組成割合は、ＣＴＭ１重量部に対してバインダー０．１〜５重量部とするのが好ましいが、微粒子状のＣＧＭを分散せしめた感光層４を形成する場合は、ＣＧＭ１重量部に対してバインダーを５重量部以下の範囲で用いることが好ましい。
【００５６】
また、ＣＧＬをバインダー中分散型のものとして構成する場合には、ＣＧＭ１重量部に対してバインダーを５重量部以下の範囲で用いることが好ましい。
【００５７】
また、支持体の形状はドラム状でもシート状でもベルト状でもよく、適用する電子写真装置に最適した形状であることが好ましい。
【００５８】
本発明の電子写真感光体は、複写機、レーザープリンタ、ＬＥＤプリンタ、液晶シャッター式プリンタ等の電子写真装置一般に適用し得るものであるが、更には電子写真技術を応用したディスプレイ、記録、軽印刷、製版、ファクシミリ等の装置にも広く適用し得るものである。
【００５９】
図２に本発明の電子写真感光体を有する画像形成装置の断面図を示す。
【００６０】
図２において１０は像担持体である感光体ドラム（感光体）で、有機感光層をドラム上に塗布し、その上に本発明の樹脂層を塗設した感光体で、接地されて時計方向に駆動回転される。１２はスコロトロンの帯電器で、感光体ドラム１０周面に対し一様な帯電をコロナ放電によって与えられる。この帯電器１２による帯電に先だって、前画像形成での感光体の履歴をなくすために発光ダイオード等を用いた露光部１１による露光を行って感光体周面の除電をしてもよい。
【００６１】
感光体への一様帯電ののち像露光器１３により画像信号に基づいた像露光が行われる。この図の像露光器１３は図示しないレーザーダイオードを露光光源とする。回転するポリゴンミラー１３１、ｆθレンズ等を経て反射ミラー１３２により光路を曲げられた光により感光体ドラム上の走査がなされ、静電潜像が形成される。
【００６２】
その静電潜像は次いで現像器１４で現像される。感光体ドラム１０周縁にはイエロー（Ｙ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、シアン（Ｃ）、黒色（Ｋ）等のトナーとキャリアとから成る現像剤をそれぞれ内蔵した現像器１４が設けられていて、先ず１色目の現像がマグネットを内蔵し現像剤を保持して回転する現像スリーブ１４１によって行われる。現像剤は、例えばフェライトをコアとしてそのまわりに絶縁性樹脂をコーティングしたキャリアと、ポリエステルを主材料として色に応じた顔料と荷電制御剤、シリカ、酸化チタン等を加えたトナーとからなるもので、現像剤は図示していない層形成手段によって現像スリーブ１４１上に１００〜６００μｍの層厚に規制されて現像域へと搬送され、現像が行われる。この時通常は感光体ドラム１０と現像スリーブ１４１の間に直流及び／又は交流バイアス電圧をかけて現像が行われる。
【００６３】
カラー画像形成に於いては、１色目の顕像化が終った後２色目の画像形成行程にはいり、再びスコロトロン帯電器１２による一様帯電が行われ、２色目の潜像が像露光器１３によって形成される。３色目、４色目についても２色目と同様の画像形成行程が行われ、感光体ドラム１０周面上には４色の顕像が形成される。
【００６４】
一方モノクロの電子写真装置では現像器１４は黒トナー１種で構成され、１回の現像で画像を形成することができる。
【００６５】
記録紙Ｐは画像形成後、転写のタイミングの整った時点で給紙ローラ１７の回転作動により転写域へと給紙される。
【００６６】
転写域においては転写のタイミングに同期して感光体ドラム１０の周面に転写ローラ（転写器）１８が圧接され、給紙された記録紙Ｐを挟着して多色像が一括して転写される。
【００６７】
次いで記録紙Ｐは転写ローラとほぼ同時に圧接状態とされた分離ブラシ（分離器）１９によって除電がなされ、感光体ドラム１０の周面により分離して定着装置２０に搬送され、熱ローラ２０１と圧着ローラ２０２の加熱、加圧によってトナーを溶着したのち排紙ローラ２１を介して装置外部に排出される。なお前記の転写ローラ１８及び分離ブラシ１９は記録紙Ｐの通過後感光体ドラム１０の周面より退避離間して次なるトナー像の形成に備える。
【００６８】
一方記録紙Ｐを分離した後の感光体ドラム１０は、クリーニング器２２のブレード２２１の圧接により残留トナーを除去・清掃し、再び露光部１１による除電と帯電器１２による帯電を受けて次なる画像形成のプロセスに入る。なお感光体上にカラー画像を重ね合わせて形成する場合には、前記のブレード２２１は感光体面のクリーニング後直ちに移動して感光体ドラム１０の周面より退避する。
【００６９】
尚、３０は感光体、帯電器、転写器・分離器及びクリーニング器を一体化されている着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジである。
【００７０】
電子写真画像形成装置としては、上述の感光体と、現像器、クリーニング器等の構成要素をプロセスカートリッジとして一体に結合して構成し、このユニットを装置本体に対して着脱自在に構成しても良い。又、帯電器、像露光器、現像器、転写又は分離器、及びクリーニング器の少なくとも１つを感光体とともに一体に支持してプロセスカートリッジを形成し、装置本体に着脱自在の単一ユニットとし、装置本体のレールなどの案内手段を用いて着脱自在の構成としても良い。
【００７１】
像露光は、画像形成装置を複写機やプリンタとして使用する場合には、原稿からの反射光や透過光を感光体に照射すること、或いはセンサーで原稿を読み取り信号化し、この信号に従ってレーザービームの走査、ＬＥＤアレイの駆動、又は液晶シャッターアレイの駆動を行い感光体に光を照射することなどにより行われる。
【００７２】
尚、ファクシミリのプリンタとして使用する場合には、像露光器１３は受信データをプリントするための露光を行うことになる。
【００７３】
【実施例】
以下、実施例にて本発明の実施態様を示して更に説明するが、本発明はこれらに限定されるものではない。
【００７４】
（参考例１）
ポリアミド樹脂アミランＣＭ−８０００（東レ社製）３０ｇをメタノール９００ｍｌ、１−ブタノール１００ｍｌの混合溶媒中に投入し５０℃で加熱溶解した。この液を外径８０ｍｍ、長さ３６０ｍｍの円筒状アルミニウム導電性支持体上に塗布し、０．５μｍ厚の中間層を形成した。
【００７５】
次に、ポリビニルブチラール樹脂エスレックＢＸ−１（積水化学社製）２ｇをメチルエチルケトン７００ｍｌ、シクロヘキサノン３００ｍｌの混合溶媒に溶解し、これに請求項１に記載のイミダゾールペリレン化合物３ｇを混入しサンドミルを用いて１０時間分散し、電荷発生層塗工液（ＣＧＬ液−１）を得た。この液を用いて、前記中間層上に塗布し、０．３μｍ厚の電荷発生層を形成した。
【００７６】
次に、ＣＴＭ（下記化合物Ｔ−１）１５０ｇと例示（１）のバインダー樹脂（Ｍｖ＝８０，０００）２００ｇを１，２−ジクロロエタン１０００ｍｌに溶解し、電荷輸送層塗工液（ＣＴＬ液−１）を得た。この液を用いて、前記電荷発生層上に塗布を行った後、１００℃で１時間乾燥し、２０μｍ厚の電荷輸送層を形成した。
【００７７】
このようにして中間層、電荷発生層、電荷輸送層からなる感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−１）を得た。
【００７８】
【化１８】

【００７９】
（参考例２）
参考例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）をバインダー樹脂（２）に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−２）を作製した。
【００８０】
（参考例３）
参考例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）をバインダー樹脂（３）に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−３）を作製した。
【００８１】
（実施例４）
実施例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）をバインダー樹脂（４）に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−４）を作製した。
【００８２】
（実施例５）
実施例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）をバインダー樹脂（５）に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−５）を作製した。
【００８３】
（参考例６）
参考例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）をバインダー樹脂（６）に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−６）を作製した。
【００８４】
（参考例７）
参考例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）のＭｖを８０，０００から３０，０００に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−７）を作製した。
【００８５】
（比較例１）
参考例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）を下記構造の樹脂に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−８）を作製した。
【００８６】
【化１９】

【００８７】
（比較例２）
参考例１において、電荷輸送層のバインダー樹脂（１）を下記構造の樹脂に代えた以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−９）を作製した。
【００８８】
【化２０】

【００８９】
（比較例３）
参考例１において、電荷発生物質をペリレン化合物に代えて下記構造のアゾ顔料にした以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−１０）を作製した。
【００９０】
【化２１】

【００９１】
（比較例４）
参考例１において、電荷発生物質をペリレン化合物に代えてτ−フタロシアニンにした以外は同様にして感光体試料（ＯＰＣ−１１）を作製した。
【００９２】
〈評価〉
このようにして得た感光体をコニカ社製デジタル複写機Ｋｏｎｉｃａ７０５０に装着して以下の評価を行った。
【００９３】
なお、以下の評価は全て３０℃、８０％ＲＨの環境で行った。
【００９４】
まず、上記複写機に表面電位計を備え付けて、未露光部電位及び露光後の電位（それぞれＶＨ、ＶＬ）を測定できるように改造し電位特性を評価した。
【００９５】
また、クリーニングユニットにはゴム硬度ＪＩＳ Ａ ６５゜、反発弾性４０％、厚さ２ｍｍ、自由長９ｍｍの弾性ゴムブレードを当接角２０゜で感光体の回転に対してカウンター方向に押圧力１８ｇ／ｃｍで当接した。
【００９６】
次に、上記条件で１０，０００コピーの実写試験を行い、試験前後の感光体の表面電位変動と感光層の膜厚減耗を測定した。この時、印字率は５％で行った。
【００９７】
更に、画像の印字率を１％に下げた状態で１０，０００コピーの実写を行い、紙粉、トナーに対するフィルミングの強制試験を行った。フィルミングの評価は１０，０００コピー強制試験後の感光体表面及びハーフトーン画像を目視で評価した。
【００９８】
〈評価基準〉
◎：感光体表面にフィルミングなし。フィルミングによる画像欠陥なし
○：感光体表面にフィルミングあるが、画像欠陥はなく実用上問題なし
△：画像上に軽微なスジ状のムラ発生
×：画像上に明らかな黒スジ状の不良発生。
【００９９】
テストの結果を表１に示した。
【０１００】
【表１】

【０１０１】
表１より明らかな如く、本発明内の感光体はいずれの特性も優れているのに対し、本発明外のものは少なくとも何れかの特性に問題があることがわかる。
【０１０２】
【発明の効果】
本発明により、トナー成分や紙粉等のフィルミングがなく、しかも耐摩耗性が高く、長期にわたり高画質で安定した複写画像が得られる電子写真感光体画像形成装置及びプロセスカートリッジを提供することが出来る。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に適用可能な電子写真感光体の層構成の断面図。
【図２】本発明に係わる画像形成装置の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 導電性支持体
２ 電荷発生層（ＣＧＬ）
３ 電荷輸送層（ＣＴＬ）
４ 感光層
５ 中間層
６ 電荷輸送物質（ＣＴＭ）を主成分とする層
７ 電荷発生物質（ＣＧＭ）
８ 保護層
１０ 感光体ドラム（又は感光体）
１１ 発光ダイオード等を用いた露光部
１２ 帯電器
１３ 像露光器
１４ 現像器
１７ 給紙ローラ
１８ 転写ローラ（転写器）
１９ 分離ブラシ（分離器）
２０ 定着装置
２１ 排紙ローラ
２２ クリーニング器
３０ 感光体、帯電器、転写器・分離器及びクリーニング器が一体化されている着脱可能なプロセスカートリッジ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member for an image forming apparatus used as a copying machine or a printer, an image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an electrophotographic copying machine of the Carlson method, after the photoreceptor is uniformly charged, the charge is erased like an image by exposure to form an electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed and visualized with toner. Then, the toner is transferred and fixed on paper or the like.
[0003]
The electrophotographic photosensitive member used in the above situation has not only the electrophotographic characteristics such as good charging characteristics and sensitivity and further low dark decay, but also printing durability, abrasion resistance and scratch resistance in repeated use. It is also required to be good in physical properties such as property, and resistance to ozone, NOx generated during corona discharge, ultraviolet rays during exposure, and the like.
[0004]
Conventionally, as an electrophotographic photoreceptor, an inorganic photoreceptor having an inorganic photoconductive material such as selenium, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide or the like as a main component of a photosensitive layer has been widely used. However, since these inorganic photoreceptors are harmful to the human body, there are problems when they are discarded.
[0005]
In recent years, organic photoreceptors using non-polluting organic materials have been actively developed and put into practical use. In particular, the development of function-separated photoconductors that can share a charge generation function and a charge transport function to different substances and select a wide range of substances that perform each function in light of the desired properties has been actively pursued. The trend is to put organic photoconductors that are high in size into practical use.
[0006]
Such a function-sharing type organic photoreceptor is conventionally used mainly for negative charging. As described in JP-A-60-247647, a thin carrier generating layer is provided on a support, on which a relatively thin carrier generating layer is provided. A structure is provided in which a thick carrier transport layer is provided.
[0007]
As a binder used in such a photoreceptor, it is well known that bisphenol A type and bisphenol Z type polycarbonates exhibit good characteristics in terms of charging characteristics, sensitivity, residual potential, and repetitive characteristics. ing.
[0008]
On the other hand, the toner on the photoconductor is not completely transferred, and a part of the toner remains on the photoconductor. When images are repeatedly formed in this state, the latent image formation is disturbed by the residual toner. It is not possible to obtain a high-quality copy with no stains. For this reason, it is necessary to remove the residual toner. The cleaning means is typically a fur brush, a magnetic brush, or a blade, but the blade is mainly used from the viewpoint of performance, configuration, and the like. As the blade member at this time, a plate-like rubber elastic body is generally used.
[0009]
When such a polycarbonate is used for the surface layer, it has a drawback that it is scratched by the magnetic brush or cleaning blade and the surface of the photosensitive layer is scratched or the photosensitive layer is gradually worn. If the rubbing force of the cleaning means is reduced in order to reduce such scratches and wear, so-called cleaning failure occurs in which toner external additives such as silica and paper powder such as talc slip through the blade. Such a poor cleaning is unlikely to be a problem on an image in a normal use environment, but it becomes a problem due to an image defect such as a character flow or an image blur especially under high temperature and high humidity. On the other hand, the photosensitive layer is forcibly scraped to constantly expose the clean surface of the photoreceptor, increasing the wear rate by increasing the contact load of the blade, or exposing the urethane roller to which abrasive is added. It is taken into contact with the body. However, when the wear is increased in this manner, the image defect due to the cleaning failure is improved. However, the sensitivity and the charging potential are lowered due to the wear, and the main cause of shortening the life of the inorganic photosensitive member and hindering the high durability. It has become.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor image forming apparatus and a process cartridge that are free from filming of toner components, paper powder, etc., have high wear resistance, and can obtain a stable copy image with high image quality over a long period of time. is there.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.
[0012]
[1] In an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a photosensitive layer containing at least a charge generating substance, a charge transporting substance, and a binder resin is provided on a conductive support, at least a general formula (b) a 2), one general formula (B 2) and contains a copolymerized polycarbonate having a repeating unit of the general formula (C), and at least one of perylene of the charge generating material structural formula (G1) or (G2) What compounds der, 6.3 ± 0.2 ° in X-ray diffraction spectrum for Cu-K [alpha line (wavelength 1.54Å), 12.4 ± 0.2 °, 25.3 ± 0.2 °, 27 10. A crystal having a peak at 1 ± 0.2 °, the peak intensity at 12.4 ± 0.2 ° is maximum, and the half-width of the peak is 0.65 ° or more; Clear peak at 5 ± 0.2 ° An electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein an imidazole perylene compound der Rukoto the state not shown.
[0017]
[Chemical 9]

[0019]
[Chemical Formula 10]

[0020]
(Wherein R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , R ₅ and R ₆ each independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. , R ₇ and R ₈ each independently represents a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, and a pair of R ₁ and R _{2 is} a pair of R ₃ and R ₄ X is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 1 to 6, a and b are each independently an integer of 0 to 4, and p and q are natural numbers. And p + q is less than 150.)
[0021]
Embedded image

[0022]
(Wherein R ₉ and R ₁₀ each independently represent a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, and c and d each independently represents an integer of 0 to 4) Y is a single bond.)
[0023]
Embedded image

[0024]
(Wherein R ₁₁ and R ₁₂ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and f and g are each Independently, it represents an integer of 0 to 4, Z is —C (R ₁₃ ) (R ₁₄ ) —, and R ₁₃ and R ₁₄ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trihalomethyl group, a carbon number of 1 to 6 represents an alkyl group having 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, or a cyclic hydrocarbon residue having 4 to 10 carbon atoms formed by R ₁₃ and R _14. )
[2] [1] Symbol mounting the electrophotographic photoconductor using the charging, image exposure, development, transfer and separation, the image forming apparatus characterized by forming an image through the cleaning.
[0025]
(3) using an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging, image exposure, development, transfer and separation, in the process cartridge used for image formation through the cleaning process, the electrophotographic photosensitive member (1) Symbol placement, charger, A process cartridge manufactured by combining at least one of an image exposure device, a developing device, a transfer or separation device, and a cleaning device.
[ 4 ] The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to [1], wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a CGL (layer) containing a charge generating material as a main component and a charge transporting material as main components on a conductive support. An electrophotographic photosensitive film comprising a laminate with CTL (layer), wherein the binder resin in the layer is 0.1 to 5 parts by weight with respect to 1 part by weight of the charge transport material. body.
[0026]
Examples of the structural unit of the binder resin used in the present invention include the following.
[0027]
Embedded image

[0028]
Embedded image

[0029]
Embedded image

[0030]
Typical examples of the binder resin and copolymer polycarbonate of the present invention include the following ( 4) and (5 ).
[0031]
Embedded image

[0032]
Embedded image

[0033]
In the present invention, the surface layer means a layer coated on the outermost surface of the photosensitive member. When only a single photosensitive layer is coated on the conductive support, the layer is the outermost layer. It is a surface layer.
[0034]
As the charge generation material (CGM), at least one imidazole perylene compound of the structural formula (G1) or (G2) is used.
[0035]
In particular, the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention has 6.3 ± 0.2 °, 12.4 ± 0.2 °, 25.3 ± of the X-ray diffraction spectrum for Cu-Kα rays (wavelength 1.54 mm). A crystal having peaks at 0.2 ° and 27.1 ± 0.2 °, the peak intensity of 12.4 ± 0.2 ° is the maximum, and at the same time the half width of the peak is 0.65 ° or more. And at least one imidazole perylene compound of the structural formula (G1) or (G2) in a state where no clear peak is shown at 11.5 ± 0.2 °, the sensitivity, durability and image quality are remarkable. Shows improved effect.
[0036]
The charge transport material (CTM) is not particularly limited. For example, oxazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, thiazole derivatives, thiadiazole derivatives, triazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, imidazolone derivatives, imidazolidine derivatives, bisimidazolidine derivatives, and styryl compounds. Hydrazone compound, pyrazoline derivative, amine derivative, oxazolone derivative, benzothiazole derivative, benzimidazole derivative, quinazoline derivative, benzofuran derivative, acridine derivative, phenazine derivative, aminostilbene derivative, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, poly-1-vinylpyrene, Poly-9-vinylanthracene and the like.
[0037]
Further, as the charge transporting material, a material that is excellent in the ability to transport holes generated during light irradiation and that is suitable for combination with oxytitanyl phthalocyanine is preferable.
[0038]
Since the charge generation material and the charge transport material themselves have poor film forming ability, a photosensitive layer is formed using a binder resin in at least one of the layers.
[0039]
Any binder resin can be used for forming the photosensitive layer in combination with the above-described copolymeric polycarbonate of the present invention, but it is hydrophobic, has a high dielectric constant, and has an electrically insulating film-forming property. A high molecular polymer is preferably used. Examples of such a high molecular polymer include polycarbonate, polyester, methacrylic acid resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene copolymer, vinylidene chloride having a structure other than that of the present invention. -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-vinyl Examples thereof include carbazole and polyvinyl acetal (for example, polyvinyl butyral). These binder resins can be used as a mixture of two or more in combination with the resin of the present invention.
[0040]
In addition to the charge generation layer (CGL) and the charge transport layer (CTL), the organic photoreceptor is further laminated with auxiliary layers such as a protective layer, an intermediate layer, a barrier layer, and an adhesive layer on the conductive support. May be.
[0041]
The intermediate layer functions as an adhesive layer or a blocking layer. In addition to the binder resin, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, casein, copolymer nylon, N-alkoxymethylated nylon, starch and the like are used. .
[0042]
Examples of the solvent or dispersion medium used for forming the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer include butylamine, diethylamine, ethylenediamine, isopropanolamine, triethanolamine, triethylenediamine, N, N-dimethylformamide, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, Benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran , Dioxane, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl cellosolve and the like.
[0043]
As a material for the conductive support used in the present invention, a material obtained by molding a metal material such as aluminum, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, or other plastic material into a belt shape or a drum shape is mainly used. Among them, aluminum excellent in cost, workability, and the like is preferably used, and a thin cylindrical aluminum base tube that is usually extruded or pultruded is often used.
[0044]
Typical cross-sectional views of the layer structure of the electrophotographic photosensitive member applicable to the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1 (1) to 1 (6).
[0045]
As the most general organic photoreceptors, as shown in FIGS. 1 (1) and (2), CGL2 containing CGM according to the present invention as a main component on a conductive support 1, and CTM are mainly used. A photosensitive layer 4 composed of a laminate with CTL 3 contained as a component is provided.
[0046]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the photosensitive layer 4 may be provided via an intermediate layer 5 provided on the conductive support 1.
[0047]
Thus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member having excellent electrophotographic characteristics can be obtained when the photosensitive layer 4 has a two-layer structure.
[0048]
In the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the photosensitive layer 4 formed by dispersing finely divided CGM 7 in the layer 6 containing CTM as a main component is provided on the conductive support 1. May be provided directly or via the intermediate layer 5.
[0049]
Further, a protective layer 8 may be provided on the photosensitive layer 4 as required as shown in FIGS.
[0050]
Here, when the photosensitive layer 4 has a two-layer structure as shown in FIG. 1A, the CGL 2 is provided with an intermediate layer such as an adhesive layer or a blocking layer on the conductive support 1 or CTL 3 directly or as necessary. It can be formed by the following method.
[0051]
(1) Vacuum deposition method (2) Method of applying a solution in which CGM is dissolved in an appropriate solvent (3) CGM is made into fine particles in a dispersion medium using a ball mill, sand grinder, etc., and mixed with a binder as necessary. The method of apply | coating the obtained dispersion liquid.
[0052]
Specifically, vapor deposition methods such as vacuum deposition, sputtering, and CVD, or coating methods such as dipping, spraying, blades, and roll methods are arbitrarily used.
[0053]
The thickness of the CGL formed in this way is preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, more preferably 0.05 to 3 μm.
[0054]
CTL3 can be formed in the same manner as CGL2.
[0055]
The composition ratio in this CTL is preferably 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of the binder with respect to 1 part by weight of CTM. However, when forming the photosensitive layer 4 in which fine particle CGM is dispersed, 1 part by weight of CGM is used. The binder is preferably used in an amount of 5 parts by weight or less.
[0056]
Further, when CGL is constituted as a binder-dispersed type, the binder is preferably used in an amount of 5 parts by weight or less with respect to 1 part by weight of CGM.
[0057]
The shape of the support may be drum-shaped, sheet-shaped or belt-shaped, and is preferably the optimal shape for the applied electrophotographic apparatus.
[0058]
The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention can be applied to general electrophotographic apparatuses such as copying machines, laser printers, LED printers, and liquid crystal shutter printers, and further displays, recordings, and light printings using electrophotographic technology. It can be widely applied to apparatuses such as plate making and facsimile.
[0059]
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus having the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.
[0060]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) which is an image bearing member, which is a photosensitive member in which an organic photosensitive layer is coated on the drum and the resin layer of the present invention is coated thereon. Is driven and rotated. Reference numeral 12 denotes a scorotron charger, which gives a uniform charge to the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by corona discharge. Prior to the charging by the charger 12, in order to eliminate the history of the photoconductor in the previous image formation, the peripheral surface of the photoconductor may be neutralized by performing exposure by the exposure unit 11 using a light emitting diode or the like.
[0061]
After the photoreceptor is uniformly charged, the image exposure unit 13 performs image exposure based on the image signal. The image exposure unit 13 in this figure uses a laser diode (not shown) as an exposure light source. Scanning on the photosensitive drum is performed by light whose optical path is bent by the reflection mirror 132 through the rotating polygon mirror 131, the fθ lens, and the like, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.
[0062]
The electrostatic latent image is then developed by the developing device 14. At the periphery of the photosensitive drum 10, there are provided developing devices 14 each containing a developer composed of toner such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) and a carrier. The development of the first color is performed by a developing sleeve 141 that contains a magnet and rotates while holding the developer. The developer is composed of, for example, a carrier in which ferrite is used as a core and an insulating resin is coated around it, and a toner containing polyester as a main material and a pigment according to color, a charge control agent, silica, titanium oxide and the like. The developer is regulated to a layer thickness of 100 to 600 μm on the developing sleeve 141 by a layer forming means (not shown) and is transported to the developing area for development. At this time, normally, development is performed by applying a direct current and / or alternating current bias voltage between the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing sleeve 141.
[0063]
In color image formation, after the first color visualization is completed, the second color image formation process is started, and uniform charging is performed again by the scorotron charger 12, and the second color latent image is converted into the image exposure unit 13. Formed by. For the third and fourth colors, the same image forming process as that for the second color is performed, and a four-color visible image is formed on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 10.
[0064]
On the other hand, in the monochrome electrophotographic apparatus, the developing device 14 is composed of one type of black toner, and an image can be formed by one development.
[0065]
The recording paper P is fed to the transfer area by the rotation operation of the paper feed roller 17 at the time when the transfer timing is ready after image formation.
[0066]
In the transfer area, a transfer roller (transfer device) 18 is pressed against the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 in synchronism with the transfer timing, and the fed recording paper P is sandwiched to transfer the multicolor images all at once. Is done.
[0067]
Next, the recording paper P is neutralized by a separation brush (separator) 19 brought into a pressure contact state almost simultaneously with the transfer roller, separated by the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 and conveyed to the fixing device 20, and pressed against the heat roller 201. After the toner is welded by heating and pressurizing the roller 202, the toner is discharged to the outside of the apparatus via the discharge roller 21. The transfer roller 18 and the separation brush 19 are retracted and separated from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 after the recording paper P has passed to prepare for the next toner image formation.
[0068]
On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 10 from which the recording paper P has been separated removes and cleans residual toner by the pressure contact of the blade 221 of the cleaning device 22, and is subjected again to charge removal by the exposure unit 11 and charging by the charger 12, and the next image. Enter the formation process. When a color image is formed on the photosensitive member in an overlapping manner, the blade 221 moves immediately after cleaning the photosensitive member surface and retracts from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10.
[0069]
Reference numeral 30 denotes a detachable process cartridge in which a photoconductor, a charger, a transfer device / separator, and a cleaning device are integrated.
[0070]
As an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the above-described photosensitive member and components such as a developing device and a cleaning device are integrally coupled as a process cartridge, and this unit may be configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body. good. In addition, a process cartridge is formed by integrally supporting at least one of a charger, an image exposure device, a developing device, a transfer or separation device, and a cleaning device together with a photosensitive member, and a single unit that is detachable from the apparatus main body. It is good also as a structure which can be attached or detached using guide means, such as a rail of an apparatus main body.
[0071]
When the image forming apparatus is used as a copying machine or a printer, image exposure is performed by irradiating the photosensitive member with reflected light or transmitted light from a document or by reading a document with a sensor and generating a laser beam according to this signal. Scanning, driving the LED array, or driving the liquid crystal shutter array and irradiating the photosensitive member with light are performed.
[0072]
When used as a facsimile printer, the image exposure unit 13 performs exposure for printing received data.
[0073]
【Example】
Hereinafter, although an example shows an embodiment of the present invention and it explains further, the present invention is not limited to these.
[0074]
( Reference Example 1)
30 g of polyamide resin Amilan CM-8000 (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) was charged into a mixed solvent of 900 ml of methanol and 100 ml of 1-butanol and dissolved by heating at 50 ° C. This liquid was applied onto a cylindrical aluminum conductive support having an outer diameter of 80 mm and a length of 360 mm to form an intermediate layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm.
[0075]
Next, 2 g of polyvinyl butyral resin ESREC BX-1 (manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) is dissolved in a mixed solvent of 700 ml of methyl ethyl ketone and 300 ml of cyclohexanone, and 3 g of the imidazole perylene compound according to claim 1 is mixed therein and mixed with 10 g of sand mill. Dispersion with time was performed to obtain a charge generation layer coating solution (CGL solution-1). Using this solution, it was applied on the intermediate layer to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.3 μm.
[0076]
Next, 150 g of CTM (compound T-1 below) and 200 g of the binder resin (Mv = 80,000) of Example (1) are dissolved in 1000 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane, and the charge transport layer coating solution (CTL solution-1) is dissolved. ) Using this solution, coating was performed on the charge generation layer, followed by drying at 100 ° C. for 1 hour to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 20 μm.
[0077]
Thus, a photoreceptor sample (OPC-1) comprising an intermediate layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer was obtained.
[0078]
Embedded image

[0079]
( Reference Example 2)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-2) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1 except that the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was replaced with the binder resin (2).
[0080]
( Reference Example 3)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-3) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1 except that the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was replaced with the binder resin (3).
[0081]
(Example 4)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-4) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was replaced with the binder resin (4).
[0082]
(Example 5)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-5) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was replaced with the binder resin (5).
[0083]
( Reference Example 6)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-6) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1 except that the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was replaced with the binder resin (6).
[0084]
( Reference Example 7)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-7) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1 except that the Mv of the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was changed from 80,000 to 30,000.
[0085]
(Comparative Example 1)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-8) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1 except that the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was replaced with a resin having the following structure.
[0086]
Embedded image

[0087]
(Comparative Example 2)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-9) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1 except that the binder resin (1) in the charge transport layer was replaced with a resin having the following structure.
[0088]
Embedded image

[0089]
(Comparative Example 3)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-10) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1, except that the charge generating material was replaced with a perylene compound and an azo pigment having the following structure.
[0090]
Embedded image

[0091]
(Comparative Example 4)
A photoconductor sample (OPC-11) was prepared in the same manner as in Reference Example 1 except that τ-phthalocyanine was used instead of the perylene compound as the charge generation material.
[0092]
<Evaluation>
The photoreceptor thus obtained was mounted on a digital copying machine Konica 7050 manufactured by Konica, and the following evaluation was performed.
[0093]
The following evaluations were all performed in an environment of 30 ° C. and 80% RH.
[0094]
First, the copying machine was equipped with a surface potentiometer, and modified so that the unexposed portion potential and the potential after exposure (respectively VH and VL) were measured, and the potential characteristics were evaluated.
[0095]
The cleaning unit has an elastic rubber blade with a rubber hardness of JIS A 65 °, a rebound resilience of 40%, a thickness of 2 mm, and a free length of 9 mm at a contact angle of 20 ° and a pressing force of 18 g / counter in the counter direction against the rotation of the photosensitive member. abut in cm.
[0096]
Next, a real copy test of 10,000 copies was performed under the above conditions, and the surface potential fluctuation of the photoreceptor and the film thickness wear of the photosensitive layer before and after the test were measured. At this time, the printing rate was 5%.
[0097]
Further, 10,000 copies were taken with the image printing rate lowered to 1%, and a forced filming test was performed on paper dust and toner. Filming was evaluated by visual observation of the photoreceptor surface and halftone image after the 10,000 copy compulsory test.
[0098]
<Evaluation criteria>
A: No filming on the photoreceptor surface. No image defect due to filming ○: There is filming on the surface of the photoconductor, but there is no image defect and there is no practical problem Δ: Minor stripe-like unevenness on the image ×: Black stripe-like defect apparent on the image .
[0099]
The test results are shown in Table 1.
[0100]
[Table 1]

[0101]
As is apparent from Table 1, the photoreceptors in the present invention are excellent in all characteristics, while those outside the present invention have problems in at least any of the characteristics.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic photoreceptor image forming apparatus and a process cartridge that are free from filming of toner components and paper dust, have high wear resistance, and can obtain a stable and high-quality copy image over a long period of time. I can do it.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a layer structure of an electrophotographic photoreceptor applicable to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Conductive Support 2 Charge Generation Layer (CGL)
3 Charge transport layer (CTL)
4 Photosensitive layer 5 Intermediate layer 6 Layer mainly composed of charge transport material (CTM) 7 Charge generation material (CGM)
8 Protective layer 10 Photosensitive drum (or photosensitive member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Exposure part using a light emitting diode etc. Charging device 13 Image exposure device 14 Developing device 17 Paper feed roller 18 Transfer roller (transfer device)
19 Separation brush (separator)
20 Fixing device 21 Paper discharge roller 22 Cleaning device 30 Removable process cartridge in which a photoconductor, a charging device, a transfer device / separator and a cleaning device are integrated.

Claims (4)

In an electrophotographic photosensitive member provided with a photosensitive layer containing at least a charge generating substance, a charge transporting substance, and a binder resin on a conductive support, at least a general formula (A2) as the binder resin on the surface layer of the photosensitive member, Containing a copolymer polycarbonate having repeating units of the general formula (B2) and the general formula (C), and the charge generation material is at least one imidazole perylene compound of the structural formula (G1) or (G2), -6.3 ± 0.2 °, 12.4 ± 0.2 °, 25.3 ± 0.2 °, 27.1 ± 0.2 ° of the X-ray diffraction spectrum with respect to the Kα ray (wavelength 1.54Å) Having a maximum peak intensity of 12.4 ± 0.2 ° and a half-width of the peak of 0.65 ° or more and 11.5 ± 0.2 °. No clear peak An electrophotographic photosensitive member, characterized by being an imidazole perylene compound in a state.

(Wherein R ₁ , R ₂ , R _Three , R _Four , R _Five And R ₆ Each independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms; ₇ And R ₈ Each independently represents a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, and R ₁ And R ₂ Pair is R _Three And R _Four X represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n represents an integer of 1 to 6, a and b each independently represent an integer of 0 to 4, p and q represents a natural number, and p + q is less than 150. )

(Wherein R ₉ And R _Ten Each independently represents a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, c and d each independently represents an integer of 0 to 4, and Y is a single bond. )

(Wherein R ₁₁ And R ₁₂ Each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and f and g each independently represents an integer of 0 to 4; Z is -C (R ₁₃ ) (R ₁₄ )-And R ₁₃ And R ₁₄ Are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trihalomethyl group, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, or R ₁₃ And R ₁₄ Represents a cyclic hydrocarbon residue having 4 to 10 carbon atoms formed by ) An image forming apparatus, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1 is used to form an image through charging, image exposure, development, transfer / separation, and cleaning. A process cartridge used for image formation using an electrophotographic photosensitive member and undergoes charging, image exposure, development, transfer / separation, and cleaning steps, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, a charger, an image exposure device, A process cartridge manufactured by combining at least one of a developing device, a transfer or separation device, and a cleaning device. 2. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a CGL (layer) containing a charge generation material as a main component and a CTL (layer) containing a charge transport material as a main component on a conductive support. The CTL (layer) has a binder resin in the layer in an amount of 0.1 to 5 parts by weight with respect to 1 part by weight of the charge transport material.

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