JP3877268B2 - Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method for producing the same, electrophotographic apparatus using the same, and process cartridge for electrophotographic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

［ 式中、ｄ：ニッケルドラムの肉厚（ｍｍ）、φ：ニッケルドラムの直径（ｍｍ）］
【００１１】
さらには、中空ニッケルドラムを電子写真感光体用支持体として用いることで、電子写真用感光層形成後でも支持体加工が容易となる。すなわち予め十分な大きさの中空ニッケルドラムを用意すれば、従来の問題であった浸漬塗布法における塗布上端からの液ダレ及び塗工下端の液溜まり部位を簡単に切断除去でき、これまでにない均一な膜厚を有する電子写真感光体を簡単に得ることが可能となる。加えて、形状記憶性を有しつつ、ある程度の可撓性を持たせることが可能であって、従来のアルミニウム／又はその合金からなる円筒状ドラムに比較すれば、格段に支持体材料であるニッケル片として単離させ易く、非常にリサイクル性にも優れている。
【００１２】
本発明の中空ニッケルドラムは電気メッキを利用して形成される。該ドラムの機械特性はメッキ液の温度、電流密度、メッキ液濃度等を調整することにより制御されるが、中でもメッキ液の温度は得られるドラムの硬度と密接な関係があり、特に４０℃以上が好ましい。メッキ液の温度が４０℃未満であるとベルト端部の割れが生じたりして好ましくない。以下、図１を参照しながら本発明の電子写真感光体の中空ニッケルドラム及び感光層の製造方法について説明する。図１は中空ニッケルドラムを電気メッキにより形成する装置の概略を示したものである。円筒状マンドレル１は電気メッキ槽２中に軸６を介して絶縁性の支持部７により垂直に吊り下げられている。円筒状マンドレル１の外表面はクロム又はステンレス鋼等の金属から成り、内表面はテフロン等の絶縁性部材から成る。電気メッキ槽２はメツキ液３で満たされており、メッキ液３の温度は３０〜７０℃が好ましい。ニッケル片４は円筒状マンドレル１を囲む様に設けられた陽極バスケット５内に配置されている。円筒状マンドレル１は絶縁性のプーリ８、エンドレスベルト９及びモーター１０により３〜６０rpmで回転可能となっている。 電気メッキ電流は直流電源１２から電気メッキ槽２へ供給される。このため、直流電源１２の正極は陽極バスケット５に、陰極は電極１１、導電性の軸６を介して円筒状マンドレルの外表面に接続されている。 メッキ液としてはスルファミン酸ニッケルが一般的に使用される。
【００１３】
中空ニッケルドラムの肉厚はメッキ時の電流密度とメッキ時間の積によって決まるが、中空ニッケルドラム自体に必要な耐トルク特性から、下記式を満たす肉厚に調整する必要がある。
【００１４】
【数３】

［ 式中、ｄ：ニッケルドラムの肉厚（ｍｍ）、φ：ニッケルドラムの直径（ｍｍ）］
【００１５】
上記式を満たさない場合には、中空ニッケルドラムの耐トルク（ねじれ）特性が不足して、電子写真装置内に搭載した際の駆動負荷に耐えることが不十分となる。
【００１６】
一方、本発明の中空ニッケルドラムの肉厚は厚ければ厚いほど、より耐トルク特性の向上が期待できるが、これは前出の製造方法からわかるようにメッキ時間、すなわち生産性に直接影響を及ぼす因子であって、必要以上に肉厚を厚く調整することは現実性に乏しく、コスト的にも好ましくない。また、本発明の目的である耐キズ性、更には耐摩耗性、耐刷性への効果の点、及び電子写真感光層形成後の加工容易性とリサイクル性を加味すると、０．１２０ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。また、以上の点から、中空ニッケルドラムの直径は６０ｍｍ以下が実用的なものである。
【００１７】
次に感光層について説明する。 単層型電子写真感光体において、感光層はＣｄＳ、ＣｄＳｅ、Ｓｅ、色素増感されたＺｎＯなどの無機光導粉体やフタロシアニン、アゾ系顔料、インジゴ系顔料、ペリレン系顔料等の有機顔料、ポリビニルカルバゾール、オキサゾール系誘導体、トリフェニルアミン誘導体、ピラゾリン、フェニルヒドラゾン類、α−スチルベン誘導体、ジフェノキノン誘導体等の電荷輸送物質及び結着剤樹脂を適当な有機溶媒に分散した塗工液を塗布して製造される。
【００１８】
下引き層、電荷発生層、電荷輸送層から成る積層型電子写真感光体とした場合、下引き層はポリアミド、ポリビニルアルコール、ポリビニルアセタール、ポリビニルブチラール、ポリビニルメチルエーテル、ポリビニルピロリドン、ポリ−Ｎ−ビニルイミダゾール、エチルセルロース、ニトロセルロース、エチレン−アクリル酸コポリマー、カゼイン、ゼラチン等の熱可塑性樹脂、フェノール、尿素樹脂、メラミン、アニリン、アルキッド、不飽和ポリエステル、エポキシ等の熱硬化性樹脂及びこれらの樹脂に酸化チタン、酸化亜鉛、酸化インジウム、酸化アンチモン、酸化スズ等の無機顔料が分散されたものから構成される。 ここで用いられる溶媒はシクロヘキサン、ベンゼン、トルエン、キシレン、ジクロロメタン、１，１−ジクロロエタン、１，２−ジクロロエタン、１，１，２−トリクロロエタン、１，１，２，２−テトラクロロエタン、モノクロルベンゼン、メタノール、エタノール、ブタノール、メチルエチルケトン、メチルイソブチルケトン、メチル−ｎ−アミルケトン、メチル−ｎ−ブチルケトン、ジエチルケトン、メチル−ｎ−プロピルケトン、シクロヘキサノン、メチルセロソルブ、エチルセロソルブ、ブチルセロソルブ、酢酸エチル、酢酸ブチル、ジオキサン、テトラヒドロフラン等が好ましい。 下引き層の膜厚は０．１〜３０μｍ好ましくは０．３〜２０μｍ程度である。
【００１９】
電荷発生層は電荷発生物質のみから形成されていても、あるいは電荷発生物質がバインダー中に均一に分散されて形成されていてもよい。電荷発生物質は、従って、これら成分を適当な溶剤中に分散し、これを下引き層上に塗布し、乾燥することにより形成される。 電荷発生物質としては例えばシーアイピグメントブルー２５（カラーインデックス（ＣＩ）２１１８０）、シーアイピグメントレッド４１（ＣＩ ２１２００）、シーアイアシッドレッド５２（ＣＩ ４５１００）、シーアイベーシックレッド３（ＣＩ ４５２１０）などの他に、ポルフィリン骨格を有するフタロシアニン系顔料、カルバゾール骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５３−９５０３３号公報に記載）、スチルベン骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５３−１３８２２９号公報に記載）、ジスチリルベンゼン骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５３−１３３４５５号公報に記載）、トリフェニルアミン骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５３−１３２５４７号公報に記載）、ジベンゾチオフェン骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５４−２１７２８号公報に記載）、オキサジアゾール骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５４−１２７４２号公報に記載）、フルオレノン骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５４−２２８３４号公報に記載）、ビススチルベン骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５４−１７７３３号公報に記載）ジスチリルオキサジアゾール骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５４−２１２９号公報に記載）、ジスチリルカルバゾール骨格を有するアゾ顔料（特開昭５４−１７７３４号公報に記載）、カルバゾール骨格を有するトリスアゾ顔料（特開昭５７−１９５７６７号公報、同５７−１９５７５８号公報に記載）等、更にはシーアイピグメントブルー１６（ＣＩ ７４１００）等のフタロシアニン系顔料、シーアイバットブラウン５（ＣＩ ７３４１０）、シーアイバットダイ（ＣＩ ７３０３０）等のインジゴ系顔料、アルゴスカーレットＢ（バイオレット社製）、インダンスレンスカーレットＲ（バイエル社製）等のペリレン系顔料、スクエアリック顔料等の有機顔料：Ｓｅ、Ｓｅ合金、ＣｄＳ、アモルファスＳｉ等の無機顔料を使用することができる。 バインダー樹脂としては、ポリアミド、ポリウレタン、ポリエステル、エポキシ樹脂、ポリケトン、ポリカーボネート、シリコーン樹脂、アクリル樹脂、ポリビニルブチラール、ポリビニルホルマール、ポリビニルケトン、ポリスチレン、ポリ−Ｎ−ビニルカルバゾール、ポリアクリルアミドなどが用いられる。バインダー樹脂の量は電荷発生物質１００重量部に対し５〜１００重量部、好ましくは１０〜５０重量部が適当である。 ここで用いられる溶媒としてはテトラヒドロフラン、シクロヘキサノン、ジオキサン、ジクロロエタン、シクロヘキサン、メチルエチルケトン、１，１，２−トリクロロエタン、１，１，２，２−テトラクロロエタン、ジクロロエタン、エチルセロソルブ等又はこれらの混合溶媒が好ましい。 電荷発生層の平均膜厚は０．０１〜２μｍ、好ましくは０．１〜１μｍ程度である。
【００２０】
電荷輸送層は電荷移動物質、バインダー樹脂及び必要ならば可塑剤、レベリング剤を適当な溶剤に溶解し、これを電荷発生層上に塗布し乾燥することにより形成される。 電荷輸送物質としてはポリ−Ｎ−ビニルカルバゾール及びその誘導体、ポリ−γ−カルバゾリルエチルグルタメート及びその誘導体、ピレン−ホルムアルデヒド縮合物及びその誘導体、ポリビニルピレン、ポリビニルフェナントレン、オキサゾール誘導体、オキサジアゾール誘導体、イミダゾール誘導体、トリフェニルアミン誘導体、９−（ｐ−ジエチルアミノスチリル）アントラセン、１，１−ビス（４−ジベンジルアミノフェニル）プロパン、スチリルアントラセン、スチリルピラゾリン、フェニルピラゾリン類、α−スチルベン誘導体等の電子供与性物質が挙げられる。 バインダー樹脂としてはポリスチレン、スチレン−アクリロニトリル共重合体、スチレン−ブタジエン共重合体、スチレン−無水マレイン酸共重合体、ポリエステル、ポリ塩化ビニル、塩化ビニル−酢酸ビニル共重合体、ポリ酢酸ビニル、ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリ塩化ビニリデン、ポリアクリレート樹脂、フェノキシ樹脂、ポリカーボネート、酢酸セルロース樹脂、エチルセルロース樹脂、ポリビニルブチラール、ポリビニルホルマール、ポリビニルトルエン、ポリ−Ｎ−ビニルカルバゾール、アクリル樹脂、シリコーン樹脂、エポキシ樹脂、メラミン樹脂、ウレタン樹脂、フェノール樹脂、アルキッド樹脂等の熱可塑性又は熱硬化性樹脂が挙げられる。 電荷輸送層を形成するための溶剤としてはテトラヒドロフラン、ジオキサン、トルエン、モノクロルベンゼン、１，２−ジクロロエタン、シクロヘキサノン、塩化メチレン、１，１，２，２−テトラクロロエタン及びこれらの混合溶剤が好ましい。電荷輸送層の膜厚は５〜５０μｍ、好ましくは１０〜３０μｍである。また、電荷輸送層上に保護層を設けても良い。この保護層は結着剤樹脂中に金属又は金属酸化物の超微粉末を分散した層で形成することができる。結着剤樹脂としては可視及び赤外光に対して実質上透明で電気絶縁性、機械的強度、接着性に優れたものが望ましい。例えば、ポリエステル樹脂、ポリカーボネート樹脂、ポリウレタン樹脂、エポキシ樹脂、アクリル樹脂、塩化ビニル−酢酸ビニル共重合体、シリコーン樹脂、アルキッド樹脂、メラミン樹脂、フェノール樹脂、ポリビニルクロライド樹脂、環化ブタジエンゴム、フッ素樹脂等を用いることができる。金属粉末としては、金、銀、アルミニウム、鉄、銅、ニッケル、金属酸化物としては酸化亜鉛、酸化チタン、酸化スズ、酸化ビスマス、酸化アンチモン、酸化インジウム等が使用できる。 保護層の結着樹脂と金属又は金属酸化物の組成比は材料の組み合せによっても異なるが、結着剤樹脂１００重量部に対し金属あるいは金属酸化物を５〜５００重量部の範囲で用いる。 保護層の膜厚は必要に応じて０．５〜３０μｍの間に設定することができる。
【００２１】
次に本発明の感光体ドラムについて図２〜７を参照しながら説明する。ニッケルの積層にて制作された薄物の円筒状基材の表面に感光層を設け、この両端にフランジ部材を圧入・接着にて固定する。又、フランジ部材の少なくとも１つには、円筒状基材と導通が得られるアース板を有している（図２参照）。
【００２２】
Ｎｉ円筒状基材の内径（ｄ）に対し、フランジ部材の圧入・接着用外径を、０〜＋０．０３ｍｍ（ｄ＋０〜０．０３＝Ｄ）とすることにより（図３参照）Ｎｉ素管の変形を画像品質に影響でないレベルにおさえる事ができる。
【００２３】
又、ドラム周辺の部材の位置決めをドラムにコロを当て実施する場合、フランジ部材の圧入・接着用外径部とほぼ同じ径のコロ受け部を有したフランジを使用し、現像ローラのＧａｐ決め等が可能である（図４参照）。このコロに相当する位置に円筒部材をもったフランジを使用しているので、Ｎｉ素管の変形を画像品質に影響しないレベルにおさえる事ができる。
【００２４】
フランジが圧入されない円筒状基材のスペースに、ゴム、発泡材質の弾性体を巻き付けＮｉ円筒基材内に挿入することにより、感光体ドラムに当接する部材による変形を画像品質に影響しないレベルにおさえる事ができる（図５参照）。又、この感光体ドラムの軸上部材を延長し、両端のフランジを貫通させる。この軸に、軸とフランジ部材が連れ回りするため回り止め機能（Ｄロット等）を付け、片方のフランジに発生したトルクをＮｉ円筒状基材にかけず、他方のフランジに伝達することにより、Ｎｉ素管に対するフランジの耐トルクを補う事ができる（図６参照）。
【００２５】
更に感光体ドラムに金属蒸着したＰＥＴフィルム／繊維を用いたアース部材を採用することにより、アース部材接触によるＮｉ素管の変更を画像品質に影響しないレベルにおさえる事ができる（図７）。
【００２６】
図面を用いて本発明の電子写真方法ならびに電子写真装置を詳しく説明する。図８は、本発明の電子写真プロセスおよび電子写真装置を説明するための概略図であり、下記するような変形例も本発明の範疇に属するものである。図８において、感光体２１は本発明の中空ニッケルドラム上に感光層が設けられてなる。帯電チャージャ２３、転写前チャージャ２７、転写チャージャ３０、分離チャージャ３１、クリーニング前チャージャ３３には、コロトロン、スコロトロン、固体帯電器（ソリッド・ステート・チャージャー）、帯電ローラを始めとする公知の手段が用いられる。転写手段には、一般に上記の帯電器が使用できるが、図に示されるように転写チャージャーと分離チャージャーを併用したものが効果的である。また、画像露光部２５、除電ランプ２２等の光源には、蛍光灯、タングステンランプ、ハロゲンランプ、水銀灯、ナトリウム灯、発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）、半導体レーザー（ＬＤ）、エレクトロルミネッセンス（ＥＬ）などの発光物全般を用いることができる。そして、所望の波長域の光のみを照射するために、シャープカットフィルター、バンドパスフィルター、近赤外カットフィルター、ダイクロイックフィルター、干渉フィルター、色温度変換フィルターなどの各種フィルターを用いることもできる。かかる光源等は、図８に示される工程の他に光照射を併用した転写工程、除電工程、クリーニング工程、あるいは前露光などの工程を設けることにより、感光体に光が照射される。さて、現像ユニット２６により感光体２１上に現像されたトナーは、転写紙２９に転写されるが、全部が転写されるわけではなく、感光体２１上に残存するトナーも生ずる。このようなトナーは、ファーブラシ３４およびブレード３５により、感光体より除去される。クリーニングは、クリーニングブラシだけで行なわれることもあり、クリーニングブラシにはファーブラシ、マグファーブラシを始めとする公知のものが用いられる。電子写真感光体に正(負)帯電を施し、画像露光を行なうと、感光体表面上には正(負)の静電潜像が形成される。これを負(正)極性のトナー（検電微粒子）で現像すれば、ポジ画像が得られるし、また正(負)極性のトナーで現像すれば、ネガ画像が得られる。かかる現像手段には、公知の方法が適用されるし、また、除電手段にも公知の方法が用いられる。
【００２７】
以上の図示した電子写真プロセスは、本発明における実施形態を例示するものであって、もちろん他の実施形態も可能である。一方、光照射工程は、像露光、クリーニング前露光、除電露光が図示されているが、他に転写前露光、像露光のプレ露光、およびその他公知の光照射工程を設けて、感光体に光照射を行なうこともできる。
【００２８】
以上に示すような画像形成手段は、複写装置、ファクシミリ、プリンター内に固定して組み込まれていてもよいが、プロセスカートリッジの形でそれら装置内に組み込まれてもよい。プロセスカートリッジとは、感光体を内蔵し、他に帯電手段、露光手段、現像手段、転写手段、クリーニング手段、除電手段を含んだ１つの装置（部品）である。プロセスカートリッジの形状等は多く挙げられるが、一般的な例として、図９に示すものが挙げられる。感光体３６は、本発明の中空ニッケルドラム上に感光層を有してなるものである。
【００２９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を実施例を挙げて説明する。
作成例１
第１図の電気メッキ装置において長さ４２０ｍｍのステンレス鋼製円筒状マンドレルを用いて下記表１のメッキ液組成及びメッキ条件で肉厚を変化させた中空ニッケルドラムＡ、Ｂ，Ｃ，Ｄ，Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈを作成した。
（メッキ液組成）
６０％スルファミン酸ニッケル液（日本化学産業製） ４５０ｇ／ｌ
臭化ニッケル（日本化学産業製） ５ｇ／ｌ
硼酸（関東化学製） ３０ｇ／ｌ
添加剤（ＮＳＦ−Ｅ 日本化学産業製） ５ｃｃ／ｌ
（メッキ条件）
浴温度 ：５０℃
電流密度：５．０Ａ／ｄｍ²
【００３０】
【表１】

この様にして作成した中空ニッケルドラムを円筒状マンドレルから取り外し、長さ３４０ｍｍに切断した後、イオン交換水（伝導度１×１０^-6Ω／ｃｍ以下）中で５分間超音波洗浄を行なった。
【００３１】
実施例１
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ａ］上に、下記組成の下引層塗工液、電荷発生層塗工液、電荷輸送層塗工液を順次、浸漬塗布・乾燥して各々３μｍの下引層、０．５μｍの電荷発生層、２５μｍの電荷輸送層を形成し、実施例１の電子写真感光体を作成した。
［下引層塗工液］
オイルフリーアルキッド樹脂
（大日本インキ化学製：ベッコライトＭ６４０１） １５部
メラミン樹脂 １０部
（大日本インキ化学製：スーパーベッカミンＧ−８２１） １０部
二酸化チタン（石原産業（株）製：タイペークＲ−６７０） ５０部
２−ブタノン ４０部
［電荷発生層塗工液］
Ｙ型チタニルフタロシアニン ５部
ポリビニルブチラール樹脂（積水化学製、エスレックＢＭ−Ｓ） ５部
テトラヒドロフラン ３００部
［電荷輸送層塗工液］
４−ジエチルアミノベンズアルデヒド−１−ベンジル−１−
フェニルヒドラゾン ７部
ポリカーボネート（三菱瓦斯化学社製ユーピロンＺ−２００） １０部
シリコーンオイル（信越シリコーン社製ＫＦ５０） ０．０２部
テトラヒドロフラン ５０部
【００３２】
比較例１
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｂ］を用いた以外は、実施例１と同様にして比較例１の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００３３】
実施例２
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｃ］を用いた以外は、実施例１同様にして実施例２の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００３４】
実施例３
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｄ］を用いた以外は、実施例１と同様にして実施例３の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００３５】
比較例２
直径３０ｍｍ、長さ３４０ｍｍのアルミニウム製ドラム上に、実施例１と同様にして中間層、電荷発生層、電荷輸送層を浸漬塗工法により順次形成して、比較例２の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００３６】
比較例３
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｅ］を用いた以外は、実施例１と同様にして比較例３の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００３７】
実施例４
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｆ］を用いた以外は、実施例１と同様にして実施例４の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００３８】
実施例５
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｇ］を用いた以外は、実施例１と同様にして実施例５の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００３９】
実施例６
作成例１で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｈ］を用いた以外は、実施例１と同様にして実施例６の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００４０】
以上のようにして得られた実施例１、２、３、及び比較例１、２の電子写真感光体を図９に示す電子写真用プロセスカートリッジに装着した後、画像形成装置［画像露光光源を７８０ｎｍの半導体レーザー(ポリゴン・ミラーによる画像書き込み)］に、実施例４、５、６、及び比較例３の電子写真感光体を図８に示す電子写真用プロセス［画像露光光源を７８０ｎｍの半導体レーザー(ポリゴン・ミラーによる画像書き込み)］に装着し、２０，０００枚連続印刷による耐久試験を行った。結果を表２に示す。
【００４１】
【表２】

【００４２】
作成例２
作成例１の中空ニッケルドラム［Ｂ］において、円筒状マンドレルから取り外して、イオン交換水（伝導度１×１０^-6Ω／ｃｍ以下）中で５分間超音波洗浄を行ない、中空ニッケルドラム[Ｉ］を作成した。
なお、上記実施例１〜６は参考実施例とする。
【００４３】
実施例７
作成例２で作成した中空ニッケルドラム［Ｉ］を用いた以外は、実施例１と同様にして中間層、電荷発生層、電荷輸送層を浸漬塗工法により順次形成した後、両端から４０ｍｍを切断して、実施例７の電子写真感光体を作成した。
【００４４】
以上のようにして得られた実施例７、及び実施例２の電子写真感光体の電荷輸送層を各々剥離し、触針式の膜厚計にて、電荷輸送層の長さ方向の膜厚分布を評価した。結果を図１０に示す。
【００４５】
【発明の効果】
以上の結果から明らかなように、本発明の支持体、また、その電子写真感光体用支持体を使用した電子写真感光体、及びそれを用いた電子写真方法、電子写真装置、電子写真装置用プロセスカートリッジは、繰返使用時の耐キズ性に優れ、生産性、及びリサイクル性を考慮し、かつ低コストなものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】中空ニッケルドラムを電気メッキにより形成する装置の一実施例の概略を示したものである。
【図２】本発明の感光体ドラムの構成を示す図である。
【図３】本発明の感光体ドラムの構成を示す図である。
【図４】本発明の感光体ドラムの構成を示す図である。
【図５】本発明の感光体ドラムの構成を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の感光体ドラムの構成を示す図である。
【図７】本発明の感光体ドラムの構成を示す図である。
【図８】本発明を適用する電子写真プロセス及び電子写真装置の説明図である。
【図９】本発明を適用するプロセスカートリッジの説明図である。
【図１０】実施例２および実施例７の電子写真感光体の電荷輸送層の長さ方向の膜厚分布を示す。
【符号の説明】
１．．．円筒状マンドレル ２．．．電気メッキ槽
３．．．メッキ液 ４．．．ニッケル片
５．．．陽極バスケット ６．．．軸
７．．．支持部 ８．．．プーリ
９．．．エンドレスベルト １０．．．モーター
１１．．．電極 １２．．．直流電源
１３．．．ニッケルドラム[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor using the hollow nickel drum formed by electroplating, and more particularly excellent in scratch resistance in repeated use, considering productivity, and recyclability, and low cost It relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member. Moreover, its Re electrophotographic apparatus using, a process cartridge for an electrophotographic apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The electrophotographic photoreceptor is basically constituted by providing a photosensitive layer on a conductive support, and there are various shapes such as a cylindrical drum and a belt. Among them, a cylindrical drum made of aluminum / or an alloy thereof is currently used as a mainstream.
[0003]
On the other hand, in recent years, electrophotographic copying machines and printers have been required to be able to quickly form a large amount of images and not to be troublesome to maintain. Although printing is indispensable, organic photoreceptors have the disadvantages that they have weak mechanical properties compared to inorganic photoreceptors, and are easily worn and damaged when used repeatedly.
[0004]
In order to improve such a defect, various studies have been conducted. When the amount of the charge transport material is decreased, the wear amount is decreased, but the photosensitive property is deteriorated. As another means, when the molecular weight of the binder of the charge transport layer is increased, the wear amount is decreased, but the viscosity of the coating solution is increased, and thus defects such as sagging and unevenness are likely to occur at the coating stage. Recently, a method has been devised in which inorganic fillers and lubricating particles are dispersed in a charge transport layer or a protective layer provided on the surface. However, since the incident light is scattered by the particles, the sensitivity is greatly deteriorated or the coating liquid is dispersed. There are disadvantages such as sedimentation when the dispersed particles inside are left unattended, and there is currently no electrophotographic photosensitive layer that has improved mechanical properties without losing properties such as photosensitive properties and coating properties. is there.
[0005]
On the other hand, in recent years, in addition to colorization, the demand for higher image quality requires the formation of a more uniform electrophotographic photosensitive layer. As a method for forming an electrophotographic photosensitive layer, it is most commonly formed by a dip coating method. Immersion coating is a method of forming a coating film on a coated body by immersing the coated body in a container filled with a coating solution and pulling up the coated body at a constant coating speed with respect to the liquid surface. Although a coating film can be formed relatively easily, in principle, liquid dripping from the upper end of application and a liquid pool phenomenon at the lower end of coating are inevitable problems.
[0006]
In order to improve such problems, for example, attempts have been made to optimize the coating liquid viscosity and solid content of the charge transport layer, change the coating speed, and apply multiple times. The current situation is that quality products are not available.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member support and a photosensitive drum that are excellent in scratch resistance during repeated use, take productivity and recycling into consideration, and are low in cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member using a body support, an electrophotographic method using the same, an electrophotographic apparatus, and a process cartridge for an electrophotographic apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a result of intensive studies on the above problems, it is possible to greatly improve scratch resistance, wear resistance, and printing durability by using a hollow nickel drum as a support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member as a conductive support drum. As a result, the present invention has been completed.
[0009]
That is, in a drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a photosensitive layer is provided on a conductive support drum, the hollow nickel drum formed by electroplating, in which the conductive support drum satisfies the following formula, is replaced with an electrophotographic photosensitive member. It is used as a support for an object.
[0010]
[Expression 2]

[Where d: thickness of the nickel drum (mm), φ: diameter of the nickel drum (mm)]
[0011]
Furthermore, by using a hollow nickel drum as a support for an electrophotographic photoreceptor, the support can be easily processed even after formation of the electrophotographic photosensitive layer. In other words, if a sufficiently large hollow nickel drum is prepared in advance, it is possible to easily cut and remove the liquid dripping from the upper end of the coating and the liquid accumulation portion at the lower end of the coating in the dip coating method, which has been a problem in the past. An electrophotographic photosensitive member having a uniform film thickness can be easily obtained. In addition, it has a shape memory property and can have a certain degree of flexibility, and is a support material as compared with a conventional cylindrical drum made of aluminum / or an alloy thereof. It is easy to isolate as a nickel piece and is very recyclable.
[0012]
The hollow nickel drum of the present invention is formed using electroplating. The mechanical properties of the drum are controlled by adjusting the temperature of the plating solution, the current density, the concentration of the plating solution, etc. Among them, the temperature of the plating solution is closely related to the hardness of the drum to be obtained. Is preferred. If the temperature of the plating solution is less than 40 ° C., the belt end may be cracked, which is not preferable. Hereinafter, the method for producing the hollow nickel drum and the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an outline of an apparatus for forming a hollow nickel drum by electroplating. The cylindrical mandrel 1 is suspended vertically in the electroplating tank 2 by an insulating support 7 via a shaft 6. The outer surface of the cylindrical mandrel 1 is made of a metal such as chromium or stainless steel, and the inner surface is made of an insulating member such as Teflon. The electroplating tank 2 is filled with the plating solution 3, and the temperature of the plating solution 3 is preferably 30 to 70 ° C. The nickel piece 4 is arranged in an anode basket 5 provided so as to surround the cylindrical mandrel 1. The cylindrical mandrel 1 can be rotated at 3 to 60 rpm by an insulating pulley 8, an endless belt 9 and a motor 10. The electroplating current is supplied from the DC power source 12 to the electroplating tank 2. For this reason, the positive electrode of the DC power source 12 is connected to the anode basket 5, and the cathode is connected to the outer surface of the cylindrical mandrel via the electrode 11 and the conductive shaft 6. As the plating solution, nickel sulfamate is generally used.
[0013]
The thickness of the hollow nickel drum is determined by the product of the current density during plating and the plating time, but it is necessary to adjust the thickness to satisfy the following formula from the torque resistance characteristics required for the hollow nickel drum itself.
[0014]
[Equation 3]

[Where d: thickness of the nickel drum (mm), φ: diameter of the nickel drum (mm)]
[0015]
When the above formula is not satisfied, the torque resistance (twist) characteristic of the hollow nickel drum is insufficient, and it is insufficient to withstand the driving load when mounted in the electrophotographic apparatus.
[0016]
On the other hand, the thicker the hollow nickel drum of the present invention, the higher the torque resistance characteristics can be expected, but this has a direct effect on the plating time, that is, productivity as can be seen from the above manufacturing method. It is a factor that exerts an influence, and adjusting the thickness to be larger than necessary is not realistic and is not preferable in terms of cost. In addition, in consideration of scratch resistance, which is the object of the present invention, further wear resistance, effects on printing durability, ease of processing after formation of the electrophotographic photosensitive layer, and recyclability, it is 0.120 mm or less. Preferably there is. From the above points, the diameter of the hollow nickel drum is practically 60 mm or less.
[0017]
Next, the photosensitive layer will be described. In the single layer type electrophotographic photoreceptor, the photosensitive layer is made of CdS, CdSe, Se, dye-sensitized inorganic light powder such as ZnO, organic pigments such as phthalocyanine, azo pigment, indigo pigment, perylene pigment, polyvinyl Manufactured by applying a coating solution in which a charge transport material such as carbazole, oxazole derivative, triphenylamine derivative, pyrazoline, phenylhydrazone, α-stilbene derivative, diphenoquinone derivative and binder resin are dispersed in a suitable organic solvent. Is done.
[0018]
In the case of a laminated electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer, the undercoat layer is composed of polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly-N-vinyl. Thermosetting resins such as imidazole, ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, casein, gelatin, etc., phenol, urea resin, melamine, aniline, alkyd, unsaturated polyester, epoxy, etc. and oxidation to these resins It is composed of a dispersion of inorganic pigments such as titanium, zinc oxide, indium oxide, antimony oxide and tin oxide. Solvents used here are cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, dichloromethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, monochlorobenzene, Methanol, ethanol, butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl-n-amyl ketone, methyl-n-butyl ketone, diethyl ketone, methyl-n-propyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, butyl cellosolve, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, Dioxane, tetrahydrofuran and the like are preferable. The thickness of the undercoat layer is 0.1 to 30 μm, preferably about 0.3 to 20 μm.
[0019]
The charge generation layer may be formed of only the charge generation material or may be formed by uniformly dispersing the charge generation material in the binder. The charge generating material is therefore formed by dispersing these components in a suitable solvent, applying it onto the subbing layer and drying. Examples of the charge generation material include C-Iigment Blue 25 (Color Index (CI) 21180), C-Iigment Red 41 (CI 21200), C-I Acid Red 52 (CI 45100), C-I Basic Red 3 (CI 45210), and the like. Phthalocyanine pigment having a porphyrin skeleton, azo pigment having a carbazole skeleton (described in JP-A-53-95033), azo pigment having a stilbene skeleton (described in JP-A-53-138229), distyrylbenzene skeleton An azo pigment having a triphenylamine skeleton (described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 53-132547), an azo pigment having a dibenzothiophene skeleton (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54). No.-21728 Description), azo pigments having an oxadiazole skeleton (described in JP-A-54-12742), azo pigments having a fluorenone skeleton (described in JP-A-54-22834), azo pigments having a bis-stilbene skeleton An azo pigment having a distyryl oxadiazole skeleton (described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-2129) and an azo pigment having a distyryl carbazole skeleton (described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-17733). And trisazo pigments having a carbazole skeleton (described in JP-A-57-195767 and 57-195758), and phthalocyanine pigments such as CI Pigment Blue 16 (CI 74100); Bat Brown 5 (CI 73410), Sea Butt Die (CI 73030) Indigo pigments, perylene pigments such as Argo Scarlet B (manufactured by Violet), Indence Scarlet R (manufactured by Bayer), organic pigments such as squaric pigments: inorganics such as Se, Se alloys, CdS, and amorphous Si Pigments can be used. As the binder resin, polyamide, polyurethane, polyester, epoxy resin, polyketone, polycarbonate, silicone resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl ketone, polystyrene, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyacrylamide and the like are used. The amount of the binder resin is 5 to 100 parts by weight, preferably 10 to 50 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the charge generating material. The solvent used here is preferably tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexanone, dioxane, dichloroethane, cyclohexane, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, dichloroethane, ethyl cellosolve, or a mixed solvent thereof. . The average film thickness of the charge generation layer is about 0.01 to 2 μm, preferably about 0.1 to 1 μm.
[0020]
The charge transport layer is formed by dissolving a charge transfer material, a binder resin and, if necessary, a plasticizer and a leveling agent in a suitable solvent, coating the charge transport layer on the charge generation layer, and drying. Examples of charge transport materials include poly-N-vinylcarbazole and derivatives thereof, poly-γ-carbazolylethyl glutamate and derivatives thereof, pyrene-formaldehyde condensates and derivatives thereof, polyvinylpyrene, polyvinylphenanthrene, oxazole derivatives, and oxadiazole derivatives. , Imidazole derivatives, triphenylamine derivatives, 9- (p-diethylaminostyryl) anthracene, 1,1-bis (4-dibenzylaminophenyl) propane, styrylanthracene, styrylpyrazoline, phenylpyrazolines, α-stilbene derivatives And electron donating substances. The binder resin is polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polychlorinated. Vinyl, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylate resin, phenoxy resin, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate resin, ethyl cellulose resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl toluene, poly-N-vinyl carbazole, acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, Thermoplastic or thermosetting resins such as urethane resin, phenol resin, alkyd resin and the like can be mentioned. As the solvent for forming the charge transport layer, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, toluene, monochlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, cyclohexanone, methylene chloride, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, and a mixed solvent thereof are preferable. The film thickness of the charge transport layer is 5 to 50 μm, preferably 10 to 30 μm. Further, a protective layer may be provided on the charge transport layer. This protective layer can be formed of a layer in which ultrafine powder of metal or metal oxide is dispersed in a binder resin. As the binder resin, a resin that is substantially transparent to visible and infrared light and excellent in electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and adhesiveness is desirable. For example, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone resin, alkyd resin, melamine resin, phenol resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, cyclized butadiene rubber, fluorine resin, etc. Can be used. Gold, silver, aluminum, iron, copper, nickel can be used as the metal powder, and zinc oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, bismuth oxide, antimony oxide, indium oxide, or the like can be used as the metal oxide. The composition ratio of the binder resin and the metal or metal oxide in the protective layer varies depending on the combination of materials, but the metal or metal oxide is used in the range of 5 to 500 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin. The film thickness of a protective layer can be set between 0.5-30 micrometers as needed.
[0021]
Next, the photosensitive drum of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A photosensitive layer is provided on the surface of a thin cylindrical substrate made of nickel, and flange members are fixed to both ends by press fitting and adhesion. In addition, at least one of the flange members has a ground plate that can be electrically connected to the cylindrical base material (see FIG. 2).
[0022]
By setting the outer diameter for press-fitting and bonding of the flange member to 0 to +0.03 mm (d + 0 to 0.03 = D) with respect to the inner diameter (d) of the Ni cylindrical base material (see FIG. 3) Can be controlled to a level that does not affect the image quality.
[0023]
In addition, when positioning the drum peripheral member by applying a roller to the drum, use a flange having a roller receiving portion having the same diameter as the outer diameter portion for press-fitting and bonding the flange member, and determine the gap of the developing roller. Is possible (see FIG. 4). Since a flange having a cylindrical member is used at a position corresponding to this roller, the deformation of the Ni element tube can be suppressed to a level that does not affect the image quality.
[0024]
By wrapping an elastic body of rubber or foam material in the space of the cylindrical base material into which the flange is not press-fitted, and inserting it into the Ni cylindrical base material, the deformation caused by the member contacting the photosensitive drum is kept at a level that does not affect the image quality. (See FIG. 5). Further, the on-axis member of the photosensitive drum is extended to penetrate the flanges at both ends. This shaft is provided with a non-rotating function (D lot or the like) because the shaft and the flange member rotate together, and the torque generated in one flange is transmitted to the other flange without being applied to the Ni cylindrical substrate. The torque resistance of the flange with respect to the raw pipe can be supplemented (see FIG. 6).
[0025]
Furthermore, by adopting a grounding member using PET film / fiber which is metal-deposited on the photosensitive drum, the change of the Ni base tube due to the contact of the grounding member can be suppressed to a level which does not affect the image quality (FIG. 7).
[0026]
The electrophotographic method and electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a schematic view for explaining the electrophotographic process and the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention, and the following modifications also belong to the category of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the photosensitive member 21 is formed by providing a photosensitive layer on the hollow nickel drum of the present invention. For the charging charger 23, the pre-transfer charger 27, the transfer charger 30, the separation charger 31, and the pre-cleaning charger 33, known means such as a corotron, a scorotron, a solid charger (solid state charger), and a charging roller are used. It is done. As the transfer means, the above charger can be generally used. However, as shown in the figure, a combination of a transfer charger and a separation charger is effective. Further, light sources such as a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a sodium lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a semiconductor laser (LD), an electroluminescence (EL), etc. All things can be used. Various types of filters such as a sharp cut filter, a band pass filter, a near infrared cut filter, a dichroic filter, an interference filter, and a color temperature conversion filter can be used to irradiate only light in a desired wavelength range. Such a light source or the like irradiates the photosensitive member with light by providing a process such as a transfer process, a charge eliminating process, a cleaning process, or a pre-exposure using light irradiation in addition to the process shown in FIG. The toner developed on the photosensitive member 21 by the developing unit 26 is transferred to the transfer paper 29, but not all is transferred, and toner remaining on the photosensitive member 21 is also generated. Such toner is removed from the photoreceptor by the fur brush 34 and the blade 35. Cleaning may be performed only with a cleaning brush, and a known brush such as a fur brush or a mag fur brush is used as the cleaning brush. When the electrophotographic photosensitive member is positively (negatively) charged and image exposure is performed, a positive (negative) electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member. When this is developed with negative (positive) polarity toner (electrodetection fine particles), a positive image can be obtained, and when developed with positive (negative) polarity toner, a negative image can be obtained. A known method is applied to the developing unit, and a known method is also used for the charge eliminating unit.
[0027]
The above illustrated electrophotographic process is illustrative of an embodiment of the present invention, and of course other embodiments are possible. On the other hand, the light irradiation process is illustrated as image exposure, pre-cleaning exposure, and static elimination exposure. In addition, a pre-transfer exposure, a pre-exposure of image exposure, and other known light irradiation processes are provided to light the photosensitive member Irradiation can also be performed.
[0028]
The image forming means as described above may be fixedly incorporated in a copying apparatus, a facsimile, or a printer, but may be incorporated in these apparatuses in the form of a process cartridge. A process cartridge is a single device (part) that contains a photosensitive member and includes a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, and a charge eliminating unit. There are many shapes and the like of the process cartridge, but a general example is shown in FIG. The photosensitive member 36 has a photosensitive layer on the hollow nickel drum of the present invention.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to examples.
Creation example 1
Hollow nickel drums A, B, C, D, and E in which the thickness is changed according to the plating solution composition and plating conditions shown in Table 1 below using a 420 mm long stainless steel cylindrical mandrel in the electroplating apparatus of FIG. , F, G, H were created.
(Plating solution composition)
60% nickel sulfamate solution (manufactured by Nippon Chemical Industry) 450g / l
Nickel bromide (Nippon Chemical Industry) 5g / l
Boric acid (Kanto Chemical) 30g / l
Additive (NSF-E manufactured by Nippon Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 5cc / l
(Plating conditions)
Bath temperature: 50 ° C
Current density: 5.0 A / dm ²
[0030]
[Table 1]

The hollow nickel drum thus prepared was removed from the cylindrical mandrel, cut into a length of 340 mm, and then subjected to ultrasonic cleaning in ion-exchanged water (conductivity 1 × 10 ⁻⁶ Ω / cm or less) for 5 minutes. .
[0031]
Example 1
On the hollow nickel drum [A] prepared in Preparation Example 1, an undercoat layer coating solution, a charge generation layer coating solution, and a charge transport layer coating solution having the following composition were sequentially dip-coated and dried, each having a thickness of 3 μm. An undercoat layer, a 0.5 μm charge generation layer, and a 25 μm charge transport layer were formed to produce the electrophotographic photoreceptor of Example 1.
[Undercoat layer coating solution]
Oil-free alkyd resin (Dainippon Ink Chemical Co., Ltd .: Beckolite M6401) 15 parts Melamine resin 10 parts (Dainippon Ink Chemical Co., Ltd .: Super Becamine G-821) 10 parts Titanium dioxide (Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd .: Type R) 670) 50 parts 2-butanone 40 parts [charge generation layer coating solution]
Y-type titanyl phthalocyanine 5 parts polyvinyl butyral resin (manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., ESREC BM-S) 5 parts tetrahydrofuran 300 parts [charge transport layer coating solution]
4-Diethylaminobenzaldehyde-1-benzyl-1-
Phenylhydrazone 7 parts Polycarbonate (Iupilon Z-200 manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.) 10 parts Silicone oil (KF50 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd.) 0.02 parts Tetrahydrofuran 50 parts
Comparative Example 1
An electrophotographic photosensitive member of Comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hollow nickel drum [B] prepared in Preparation Example 1 was used.
[0033]
Example 2
An electrophotographic photosensitive member of Example 2 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hollow nickel drum [C] produced in Production Example 1 was used.
[0034]
Example 3
An electrophotographic photosensitive member of Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hollow nickel drum [D] prepared in Preparation Example 1 was used.
[0035]
Comparative Example 2
An intermediate layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer are sequentially formed on an aluminum drum having a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 340 mm in the same manner as in Example 1 to produce an electrophotographic photoreceptor of Comparative Example 2. did.
[0036]
Comparative Example 3
An electrophotographic photosensitive member of Comparative Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hollow nickel drum [E] prepared in Preparation Example 1 was used.
[0037]
Example 4
An electrophotographic photosensitive member of Example 4 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hollow nickel drum [F] prepared in Preparation Example 1 was used.
[0038]
Example 5
An electrophotographic photosensitive member of Example 5 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hollow nickel drum [G] produced in Production Example 1 was used.
[0039]
Example 6
An electrophotographic photosensitive member of Example 6 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the hollow nickel drum [H] prepared in Preparation Example 1 was used.
[0040]
After the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 obtained as described above were mounted on the electrophotographic process cartridge shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus [image exposure light source 780 nm semiconductor laser (image writing by polygon mirror)], the electrophotographic photosensitive members of Examples 4, 5, 6 and Comparative Example 3 are shown in FIG. 8 as an electrophotographic process [image exposure light source is 780 nm semiconductor laser. (Image writing by polygon mirror)] and a durability test by continuous printing of 20,000 sheets. The results are shown in Table 2.
[0041]
[Table 2]

[0042]
Creation example 2
In the hollow nickel drum [B] of Preparation Example 1, the hollow nickel drum [I] was removed from the cylindrical mandrel and subjected to ultrasonic cleaning in ion exchange water (conductivity 1 × 10 ⁻⁶ Ω / cm or less) for 5 minutes. ]created.
In addition, the said Examples 1-6 are made into reference examples.
[0043]
Example 7
Except for using the hollow nickel drum [I] prepared in Preparation Example 2, the intermediate layer, the charge generation layer, and the charge transport layer were sequentially formed by the dip coating method in the same manner as in Example 1, and then 40 mm was cut from both ends. Thus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member of Example 7 was prepared.
[0044]
The charge transport layers of the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Example 7 and Example 2 obtained as described above were peeled off, and the film thickness in the length direction of the charge transport layer was measured with a stylus type film thickness meter. Distribution was evaluated. The results are shown in FIG.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above results, the support of the present invention, the electrophotographic photoreceptor using the support for the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and the electrophotographic method, electrophotographic apparatus, and electrophotographic apparatus using the same. The process cartridge is excellent in scratch resistance during repeated use, is low cost in consideration of productivity and recyclability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of an embodiment of an apparatus for forming a hollow nickel drum by electroplating.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photosensitive drum of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photosensitive drum of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photosensitive drum of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a photosensitive drum of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photosensitive drum according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photosensitive drum of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an electrophotographic process and an electrophotographic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a process cartridge to which the present invention is applied.
10 shows the film thickness distribution in the length direction of the charge transport layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptors of Example 2 and Example 7. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. . . Cylindrical mandrel . . 2. Electroplating tank . . Plating solution 4. . . 4. Nickel piece . . Anode basket 6. . . Axis 7. . . Support part 8. . . Pulley 9. . . Endless belt 10. . . Motor 11. . . Electrode 12. . . DC power supply 13. . . Nickel drum

Claims (11)

In a drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member in which at least an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer are provided on a conductive support drum, the conductive support drum satisfies the following formula and is formed by an electroplating method. A support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is a hollow nickel drum and has a thickness of 0.12 mm or less and is used by cutting and removing the end portion after forming the photosensitive layer.

[Where d: thickness of the nickel drum (mm), φ: diameter of the nickel drum (mm)]   2. The support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the nickel drum has a diameter of 60 mm or less.   3. The electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a nickel drum having a conductive material formed in a cylindrical shape and a photosensitive layer provided on the surface thereof, and a flange member for transmitting a supporting / driving force. Photoconductor. 4. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 3, wherein the outer diameter of the flange press-fit portion is 0 to 0.03 mm larger than the inner diameter of the nickel drum.   5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein a flange having a cylindrical shape is assembled at a position corresponding to the roller when the roller is abutted against the surface of the photosensitive drum for positioning the member in contact with the photosensitive drum. 6. Photoconductor.   6. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 3, wherein an on-axis member around which an elastic body is wound is inserted into a space of the cylindrical base material into which the flange is not press-fitted.   7. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 6, wherein both ends of the shaft-like member of the photosensitive drum are passed through the flange member.   The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein a PET film or PET fiber deposited on a metal wall of the earth member is used. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor is an electrophotographic method in which at least charging, image exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, and charge removal are repeated on the electrophotographic photoreceptor. An electrophotographic method characterized by the above.   An electrophotographic apparatus comprising at least a charging unit, an image exposing unit, a developing unit, a transferring unit, a cleaning unit, a charge eliminating unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member is any one of claims 1 to 8. An electrophotographic apparatus according to the above item. An electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising at least an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member is the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Process cartridge for equipment.

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