JP4640167B2 - Electrophotographic photosensitive member, manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus thereof, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a manufacturing method thereof, a manufacturing apparatus, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

  As a method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a dip coating method is widely used in which a cylindrical substrate is held in a substrate holding device, immersed in a light paint, and then pulled up to form a coating film. The coating liquid adheres to the lower end and the lower end. The adhering coating solution is unnecessary because of the structure of the electrophotographic apparatus in which the photosensitive member is incorporated, and the adhering coating solution causes various problems.

  For example, the attached coating liquid portion is thicker than the flat portion, so that the cleaning blade contacts poorly, resulting in poor cleaning or damage to the blade. Further, when a coating film is formed on the inner surface of the lower end of the substrate, it may adhere to the pallet of the transport line and stain the pallet. At the time of inserting and bonding a flange to be mounted for incorporation into an electrophotographic apparatus, problems arise in the deformation, dimensions, accuracy, adhesive strength, etc. of the substrate. Furthermore, in order to improve the quality of the image, there are cases where various abutting members are brought into contact with the surfaces of both ends of the substrate to give accuracy. In that case, if the coating film on the end surface is not flat, the accuracy is remarkably high. It will decline. In order to remove the applied coating solution, it is rotated while it is in contact with the sponge soaked with the solvent, but when the bubbles in the sponge adhere to the coating and are dried, the swelling of the coating and the swelling burst. May result in a concave defect.

  In order to solve such a problem, various end coating film removing apparatuses and methods have been developed so far. For example, as a solvent immersion method, Patent Documents 1 to 4 describe a method of removing a coating film by immersing a substrate in a solvent that dissolves the coating film under specific conditions, and Patent Document 5 describes a removal device having a positioning mechanism. There has been proposed a method of removing a coating film by immersing a substrate in a solvent by using a solution. Further, as solvent cleaning, Patent Document 6 discloses that a solvent is sprayed with a nozzle to dissolve and clean a coating film. As a scraping removal method, Patent Document 7 discloses a method of removing a coating film by contacting a blade. However, Patent Document 8 shows that an inner surface coating film is removed with a brush and a method for removing an end surface, and Patent Document 9 shows that an inner surface coating film and an outer surface coating film are removed with a brush. As for solvent / sponge cleaning, Patent Document 10 discloses a coating film removing apparatus provided so that a sponge is exposed above the solvent liquid surface, and Patent Document 11 describes a removal method of contacting a non-work cloth. Has been. Patent Document 12 shows a time during which the lower end wiping after application can be optimally performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-202352 JP 05-173339 A JP-A 64-90065 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 01-90066 No. 07-42533 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-73778 JP 61-223844 A JP 09-152724 A JP 09-152725 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 64-56887 JP-A-8-305050 JP 2002-287385 A

  However, the conventional techniques have the following problems.

(1) The solvent immersion method is a method in which the coating film is dissolved and removed in a solvent. However, it cannot be completely removed, and it takes time to remove the coating film. There is a possibility that sagging due to solvent vapor occurs and even a necessary coating film is removed or uneven.

(2) Even with the solvent cleaning method, complete cleaning is not possible and a large amount of solvent is required. Further, it is necessary to remove the outer coating film separately.

(3) In the scraping cleaning method, removal is performed with a blade or a brush as a removing member, but the degree of cleaning is affected by the adhesion and the reproducibility is poor, so complete removal cannot be achieved. Moreover, there is a risk of removing the coating film excessively or scratching the substrate.

(4) In the solvent / sponge cleaning, the inner and outer surfaces are treated with the same sponge, but since the cylindrical substrate is immersed in the solvent as it is, the result is the same as the solvent immersion method.

(5) In the method of removing the cloth by bringing it into contact with the non-work cloth, the non-work cloth is fixed with dirt, and in the continuous coating, the non-work cloth is contaminated with the coating solution, and the dirt is reattached.

  In any of the above cases, since a solvent is used, the solvent vapor may cause problems in the characteristics of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

  An object of the present invention is to generate an electron generated when a cylindrical substrate is dipped in a photosensitive coating solution and then pulled up to remove adhesion of the coating solution on the substrate end and inner surface, which occurs when forming a coating film, with a solvent. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member manufacturing method and apparatus capable of reducing defects in electrical characteristics of the photographic photosensitive member, particularly sensitivity unevenness. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor obtained thereby and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus provided with the electrophotographic photoreceptor.

  The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention has the following characteristics.

(1) A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a photosensitive coating material is applied to the surface of a cylindrical substrate to form a photosensitive coating film, wherein the lower end of the cylindrical substrate coated with the coating solution is used as a solvent. An end coating film removing member containing a solvent for removing the lower end coating film of the cylindrical substrate is provided inside without being immersed, and the shutter is used at a time other than the lower end coating coating removing process of the cylindrical substrate. a wiping tank is sealed, yet wiping tank solvent is present therein while evacuating to be predetermined concentration of solvent vapor generated by said wiping tank, the cylindrical substrate It is a manufacturing method of the electrophotographic photoreceptor which removes the coating film of a lower end using the said edge part coating film removal member .

  As a result, the cylindrical base end does not immerse in the solvent tank even if it contacts the end coating removal member, thus suppressing coating unevenness and sagging, which are defects in the solvent soaking method, The possibility of solvent vapor coming into contact with the coated surface of the coated cylindrical substrate can be reduced as much as possible when removing the coating film on the lower end, so that the electrical characteristics of the surface of the obtained electrophotographic photoreceptor can be reduced. As a result, the sensitivity unevenness can be greatly reduced without loss.

( 2 ) In an electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus that forms a photosensitive coating film by applying a coating solution of a photosensitive material on the surface of a cylindrical substrate, the lower end coating film of the cylindrical substrate coated with the coating solution is removed. An end coating film removing member containing a solvent for carrying out, a wiping tank in which the end coating film removing member is disposed, and is sealed by a shutter except for the removal processing of the lower end coating film of the cylindrical substrate; The solvent supply means for supplying the end coating film removing member to the end coating film removing member so that the solvent overflows constantly or intermittently from the end coating film removing member, and the solvent vapor in the wiping tank has a predetermined concentration. an exhaust means for discharging such a manufacturing apparatus of an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a.

( 3 ) The wiping tank is provided with a detector for detecting the amount of solvent vapor in the wiping tank, and the exhaust means exhausts the solvent vapor from the wiping tank according to the output of the detector. It is a manufacturing apparatus of the electrophotographic photosensitive member as described in said (2).

( 4 ) When the surface potential (VL) after exposure is measured in the axial direction in the image area, which is an electrophotographic photoreceptor produced using the method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor described in (1 ) above. the surface potential after exposure in the axial direction (VL) of the variation range, the surface potential after exposure at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (VL1) and the surface potential after exposure of the other end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (VL2) absolute value of the difference between (| VL1-VL2 |) when the the surface potential (VL) fluctuation width after exposure in the axial direction is an electrophotographic photosensitive member is within 20V.

(5) is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (4).

  Therefore, it is possible to provide an excellent image forming apparatus having an electrophotographic photosensitive member with a highly sensitive removal of coating film and small sensitivity unevenness.

  According to the present invention, since the end of the cylindrical substrate does not immerse in the solvent tank even when it comes into contact with the end coating film removing member, it suppresses coating unevenness and sagging that are defects in the solvent dipping method. Furthermore, when removing the lower end coating film, the possibility that the solvent vapor comes into contact with the coating film surface of the coated cylindrical substrate can be reduced as much as possible. Thereby, sensitivity unevenness can be greatly reduced without impairing the electrical characteristics of the surface of the obtained electrophotographic photosensitive member.

  The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus is roughly divided into a dip coating apparatus and an edge cleaning apparatus. The dip coating apparatus includes at least one tank for forming a photosensitive coating film on the surface of a cylindrical substrate 24 held by a coating liquid tank 30 in which a coating liquid is stored and a pipe chuck device 21 provided in the lifting device 20. In addition, a coating liquid is stored in the immersion tank 30. A liquid receiving tray 28 is provided above the immersion tank 30. The liquid receiving tray 28 is supplied from the coating liquid tank 36 via the pump 34 and the filter 32 and overflows from the opening of the immersion tank 30. The liquid is temporarily stored, and the coating liquid in the liquid receiving tray 28 is returned to the coating liquid tank 36 leaving a certain amount. A plurality of openings for controlling a plurality of cylindrical substrates 24 to be immersed in the immersion bath 30 and suppressing solvent evaporation of the coating solution from the liquid receiving tray 28 and the immersion bath 30 are provided on the upper surface of the liquid receiving tray 28. A hood 26 having a portion is provided. The pipe chuck device 21 includes a horizontal arm configured to be movable up and down and horizontally movable, and an insertion shaft that is suspended vertically by the horizontal arm and inserted into a cylinder of a cylindrical base.

  The coating solution tank 36 is provided with a stirring device 38, and the coating solution is uniformly stirred by the stirring device 38. Further, a jacket is provided on the outer periphery of the coating solution tank 36 to control the temperature of the coating solution. The coating liquid is fed from the coating liquid tank 36 to the immersion tank 30 via the pump 34 and the filter 32, and the coating liquid overflowing from the immersion tank 30 returns to the coating liquid tank 36 again via the liquid receiving tray 28. . That is, the coating liquid circulates. In addition, since the solvent in the coating liquid may evaporate during the circulation, the coating liquid viscosity is measured in the coating liquid tank 36, and a solvent or the like is appropriately replenished so as to obtain an appropriate viscosity.

  In the dip coating using the dip coating apparatus described above, the cylindrical substrate 24 is vertically lowered and immersed in a dipping tank in which the liquid level of the coating solution is maintained constant by overflow, and then the cylindrical substrate 24 is vertically immersed. It is done by raising it and pulling it up. At that time, by controlling the descending and rising speeds of the cylindrical substrate 24, vibration of the coating liquid surface around the cylindrical substrate 24 can be prevented, and coating defects (flow unevenness) can be prevented. The cylindrical base 24 is moved up and down using the pipe chuck device 21. In the case of producing a laminated electrophotographic photosensitive member, the above-described dip coating is performed for each of coating of a coating solution for a charge generation layer and coating of a coating solution for a charge transport layer.

  The edge cleaning device has a wiping tank 40, and a shutter 42 for preventing evaporation of the wiping solvent is provided on the upper surface of the wiping tank 40. A partial coating film removing member 50 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, it is important that after the coating liquid is applied to the surface of the cylindrical substrate, the lower end of the cylindrical substrate is brought into contact with the edge cleaning device before drying. In the above operation, the cylindrical substrate held by the pipe chuck device 21 is normally lowered vertically and brought into contact with the end coating film removing member 50 disposed in the solvent tank. As a result, the coating liquid that is thickly attached to the lower end edge of the cylindrical substrate pulled up from the coating liquid by the surface tension can be absorbed by the end coating film removing member 50.

[Embodiment 1]
Next, the configuration of the edge cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the edge cleaning device includes an edge coating film removing member 50 containing a solvent for removing the coating film on the lower end of the cylindrical substrate coated with the coating liquid, and an edge coating film removal. The member 50 is disposed and the solvent is constantly or intermittently provided from the wiping tank 40 provided with the shutter 42 so as to be able to be sealed except for the removal processing of the lower end coating film of the cylindrical substrate, and the end coating film removing member 50. Solvent supply means for supplying the end coating film removing member to overflow, and exhaust means for discharging the solvent vapor in the wiping tank 40.

  More specifically, the solvent supply means is stored in the wiping liquid reservoir tank 52 and a pipe connecting the solvent discharge nozzle 46 and the wiping liquid reservoir tank 52 provided on the inner surface of the end coating film removing member 50. The wiping liquid feed pump 48 supplies the wiping solvent to the solvent discharge nozzle 46, and a filter 54 is provided downstream of the wiping liquid feed pump 48 in the liquid feeding direction.

  Further, the end coating film removing member 50 is supplied with a solvent through a solvent discharge nozzle 46 constantly or intermittently. Therefore, the end coating film removing member 50 is always in a state of being impregnated with the solvent. Thereby, when the edge part coating film of the coated cylindrical base | substrate is removed, the coating-film component adhering to the surface of the edge part coating-film removal member 50 can be washed away. However, as described above, the solvent impregnated in the end coating film removing member 50 evaporates, and after being supplied from the solvent discharge nozzle 46 and impregnated in the end coating film removing member 50, overflows and wipes away. The solvent temporarily stored in 40 evaporates. Therefore, the solvent vapor concentration in the wiping tank 40 sealed by the shutter 42 is considerably high at times other than the cylindrical base end coating film removal process. Therefore, when the cylindrical substrate is lowered to the wiping tank 40 immediately after opening the shutter 42, the high concentration solvent vapor comes into contact with the photosensitive coating film, and the electrical characteristics of the contacted portion change, resulting in the obtained electrons. There is a risk of unevenness in the sensitivity of the photoconductor. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the exhaust means is a shutter 42 provided in the wiping tank 40, and as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the edge of the coated cylindrical substrate is cleaned. Before performing this operation, the shutter 42 is opened for a certain period of time, and the solvent vapor in the wiping tank 40 is discharged.

  The end coating film removing member 50 is provided on the outer periphery of the solvent discharge nozzle 46, and an inner surface wiping rotary head 44 is provided at the tip of the solvent discharge nozzle 46. On the other hand, a first pulley is provided at the lower end of the solvent discharge nozzle 46, while a second pulley is provided on the rotating shaft of the rotary motor 56. And the 1st pulley and the 2nd pulley are connected by the belt so that rotation is possible. Therefore, when the rotary motor 56 is driven to rotate, the second pulley rotates, whereby the belt moves and the first pulley also rotates. By the rotation of the first pulley, the solvent discharge nozzle 46 rotates, and the coating film removing member 50 provided on the outer periphery of the solvent discharge nozzle 46 also rotates.

  Accordingly, the end coating film removing member 50 is supplied with the wiping solvent, which is fed from the wiping liquid reservoir tank 52 by the wiping liquid feeding pump 48 and impurities are removed by the filter 54, through the mechanical seal, By driving the rotary motor 56, the coating liquid adhering to the inside of the lower end of the coated cylindrical substrate can be wiped off with the impregnated solvent while rotating the end coating film removing member 50. As a result, it is possible to eliminate adhesion of the coating liquid at the lower end portion and inside the cylindrical substrate, and a coating having a uniform thickness can be formed on the entire surface of the cylindrical substrate by subsequent drying. Moreover, even when mounted on a pallet, the pallet is not soiled, and the cleanliness in the transport line can be maintained.

  The end coating film removing member 50 is an elastic member having water absorption, and examples thereof include sponges and unemployed cloths. Examples of sponges include solvent-resistant sponges such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polycellulose, and rubber. Examples of unemployed fabrics include cotton, polyamides such as nylon-6 and nylon-6,6, polyesters, and isotactics. Examples thereof include tic polypropylene and polyethylene. The shape may be processed using a material that is not easily dissolved by the solvent to be used so as to be in proper contact with the substrate. The solvent to be used is one that can dissolve the coating film, and is particularly preferably a solvent used in the photosensitive coating solution.

  Further, the edge cleaning device and its operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. The components described in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, in the present embodiment, the coated cylindrical substrate 60 is lowered to the wiping tank 50 while being held using the pipe check device described above. At that time, instead of lowering the cylindrical base 60 at a stretch, first, the shutter 42 is opened, held for a predetermined time, for example, 60 seconds, the solvent vapor in the tank is exhausted, and then the cylindrical base 60 is moved to a predetermined position. Until the end coating film removing member 50 is brought into contact with the end coating film removing member 50, and the end coating film removing member 50 is rotated by the rotary motor described above, thereby removing the coating film on the lower end on the inner surface of the cylindrical substrate 60. it can. Thereby, the coating liquid which adhered to the lower end edge of the cylindrical base pulled up from the coating liquid thickly by the surface tension can be absorbed by the end coating film removing member.

  Further, the inner end coating film removing member is brought into contact with the inside of the cylindrical base body 60 while supplying the coating liquid adhering to the inside of the lower end to the end coating film removing member again, and then rotating. After several rotations, the end cleaning device is returned to the original position, and the end coating film removing member is separated from the inside of the cylindrical base 60 to raise the cylindrical base 60. In some cases, this operation is repeated. After wiping, the state returns to the state shown in FIG. 3A.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, the configuration of the edge cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component demonstrated in FIG. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the edge cleaning apparatus of the present embodiment, an exhaust pipe 72 is connected in the middle of a solvent return pipe 70 that connects the wiping tank 40 and the wiping liquid reservoir tank 52. This exhaust pipe 72 is an exhaust means. Here, the exhaust pipe 72 is disposed at the same position as or below the solvent surface in the wiping tank 40. In this way, exhaustion of the solvent vapor heavier than air is promoted by utilizing the dead weight of the solvent vapor. By opening the valve connected to the exhaust pipe 72 constantly or intermittently, the amount of solvent vapor in the wiping tank 40 can be reduced. Thereby, even if the cylindrical substrate 60 is lowered immediately after the shutter 42 is opened, there is no possibility that the characteristics of the photosensitive coating film are changed by the solvent vapor.

  In the present embodiment, the exhaust pipe 72 is provided with a valve and connected to the solvent recovery tank 72 through the solvent vapor exhaust pipe. As a result, the solvent vapor is not released into the working environment, and the recovered solvent can be reused as a wiping solvent, which is economical.

  When the amount of solvent vapor to be discharged is small, the solvent vapor may be discharged from the exhaust pipe 72 without being connected to the solvent recovery tank 72.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, the configuration of the edge cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component demonstrated in FIG. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a detector for detecting the amount of solvent vapor is further provided in the configuration of the edge cleaning device of the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a sensor 80 is provided on the inner wall of the wiping tank 40, and the solvent connected to the exhaust pipe 72 is opened according to the detection result of the sensor 80. Steam can be discharged and the amount of solvent vapor in the wiping tank 40 can be kept below a certain concentration. Thereby, even if the cylindrical substrate 60 is lowered immediately after the shutter 42 is opened, there is no possibility that the characteristics of the photosensitive coating film are changed by the solvent vapor.

  As the sensor 80, for example, a gas sensor used for gas detection or the like (“DD671”, manufactured by Riken Keiki Co., Ltd.) or an infrared sensor is provided on the opposite surface of the inner wall of the wiping tank 40, and the transmittance. The solvent vapor concentration may be detected by In addition, since solvent vapor | steam is heavier than air, it is preferable to provide below the inner wall face of the wiping tank 40. FIG.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, the configuration of the edge cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component demonstrated in FIG. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration is the same as that of the edge cleaning device of the other embodiments except that the exhaust pipes 72a and 72b are provided on the side surface of the wiping tank 80. Since the exhaust pipes 72s and 72b are directly provided in the wiping tank 80, the exhaust of the solvent vapor is promoted, and the amount of the solvent vapor in the wiping tank 80 can be kept below a certain concentration in a short time. Therefore, even if the cylindrical substrate 60 is lowered immediately after the shutter 42 is opened, there is no possibility that the characteristics of the photosensitive coating film are changed by the solvent vapor. The exhaust pipe is two pipes in the present embodiment, but is not limited to this, and may be one pipe or a plurality of exhaust pipes.

  In the present embodiment, the gas sensor described above may be provided to set the opening time of the exhaust pipe 72 and the descent time of the cylindrical substrate after the shutter 42 is opened.

  After any of the above-described end cleaning, although not shown, the cylindrical substrate held by the chuck device is transferred to the pallet of the transfer line and sent to the drying process, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical substrate is dried. A photosensitive coating film is formed on the outer peripheral surface.

  The drying method is performed by a conventionally known temperature rising drying method or natural drying method. The temperature rising drying method is a drying method in which an air convection drying device (hot air drying device) is used and the temperature of the cylindrical substrate is raised to a predetermined temperature to dry the coating liquid. In the temperature rising drying method, the temperature rising rate and the like are controlled in order to prevent so-called bubble defects. The natural drying method is a method in which the cylindrical substrate is statically dried in a space sealed with a cover. In the natural drying method, the concentration of the solvent vapor in the shield space is controlled in order to adjust the drying speed and prevent the occurrence of thickness unevenness.

  The members and materials constituting the electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured using the above-described electrophotographic photosensitive member manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method will be described below.

  In the present invention, various conventionally known cylindrical substrates can be used. For example, metallic materials such as aluminum, brass, and stainless steel, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polymer materials such as polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene, and phenol resin, or other materials such as hard paper are used in a cylindrical shape. I can do it. In the case of an insulator material, it is necessary to conduct a conductive treatment. Examples of the treatment method include methods such as impregnation with a conductive substance, lamination of metal foil, and vapor deposition of metal. Further, the outer diameter of the cylindrical base is usually 20 to 150 mm and the length is 250 to 1000 cm. Furthermore, if necessary, the surface of the conductive support can be subjected to various treatments within a range that does not affect the image quality. For example, surface oxidation treatment, chemical treatment, coloring treatment, or irregular reflection treatment such as graining can be performed.

  If necessary, an undercoat layer can be provided. As materials used for the undercoat layer, zirconium chelate compounds, zirconium alkoxide compounds, organic zirconium compounds such as zirconium coupling agents, titanium chelate compounds, titanium alkoxide compounds, organic titanium compounds such as titanate coupling agents, aluminum chelate compounds, In addition to organoaluminum compounds such as aluminum coupling agents, antimony alkoxide compounds, germanium alkoxide compounds, indium alkoxide compounds, indium chelate compounds, manganese alkoxide compounds, manganese chelate compounds, tin alkoxide compounds, tin chelate compounds, aluminum silicon alkoxide compounds, Aluminum titanium alkoxide compound, aluminum zirconium alkoxide Compounds, organometallic compounds such as, in particular an organic zirconium compound, an organic titanyl compound, an organic aluminum compound residual potential to show the good electrophotographic properties lower, are preferably used. In addition, vinyltrichlorosilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltris-2-methoxyethoxysilane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropyl Triethoxysilane, γ-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-2-aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-mercapropropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-ureidopropyltriethoxysilane, β-3,4-epoxycyclohexyl It can be used by containing a silane coupling agent such as trimethoxysilane. Furthermore, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl methyl ether, poly-N-vinyl imidazole, polyethylene oxide, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, polyamide, polyimide, casein, gelatin, polyethylene, polyester, phenol resin, vinyl chloride- Known binder resins such as a vinyl acetate copolymer, an epoxy resin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl pyridine, polyurethane, polyglutamic acid, and polyacrylic acid can also be used.

  Next, the charge generation layer will be described. The charge generation layer is composed of a known charge generation material and a binder resin. The binder resin can be selected from a wide range of insulating resins, and the binder resin can be selected from a wide range of insulating resins. Poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyvinyl anthracene, polyvinyl pyrene, It can also be selected from organic photoconductive polymers such as polysilanes. Preferred binder resins include polyvinyl butyral resin, polyarylate resin (polycondensate of bisphenol A and phthalic acid, etc.), polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, phenoxy resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide resin, acrylic resin Insulating resin such as polyacrylamide resin, polyvinyl pyridine resin, cellulose resin, urethane resin, epoxy resin, casein, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone resin can be used, but is not limited thereto. These binder resins can be used alone or in admixture of two or more.

  Any known charge generating material can be used, but metal and metal-free phthalocyanine pigments are particularly preferred. Among these, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine, chlorogallium phthalocyanine, dichlorotin phthalocyanine, and titanyl phthalocyanine having specific crystals are particularly preferable.

  The blending ratio of the charge generating material and the binder resin (weight ratio) is preferably in the range of 10: 1 to 1:10. In addition, as a method for dispersing these, a usual method such as a ball mill dispersion method, an attritor dispersion method, a sand mill dispersion method, or the like can be used, but in this case, a condition that the crystal type does not change by dispersion is required. . Incidentally, it has been confirmed that the crystal form is not changed before dispersion in any of the dispersion methods implemented in the present invention. Further, at the time of this dispersion, it is effective to make the particles have a particle size of 0.5 μm or less, preferably 0.3 μm or less, more preferably 0.15 μm or less. Moreover, as a solvent used for these dispersions, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, benzyl alcohol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran Ordinary organic solvents such as methylene chloride, chloroform, chlorobenzene and toluene can be used alone or in admixture of two or more. The thickness of the charge generation layer used in the present invention is generally 0.1 to 5 μm, preferably 0.2 to 2.0 μm.

  Moreover, as a coating method used when providing a charge generation layer, the lower end wiping of this invention is implemented using a dip coating method.

  As the charge transport layer in the photoreceptor of the present invention, a layer formed by a known technique can be used. These charge transport layers are formed containing a charge transport material and a binder resin, or are formed containing a polymer charge transport material.

  As charge transport materials, quinone compounds such as p-benzoquinone, chloranil, bromanyl, anthraquinone, tetracyanoquinodimethane compounds, fluorenone compounds such as 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone, xanthone compounds, benzophenone compounds Electron transporting compounds such as cyanovinyl compounds and ethylene compounds, triarylamine compounds, benzidine compounds, arylalkane compounds, aryl-substituted ethylene compounds, stilbene compounds, anthracene compounds, hydrazone compounds, etc. Examples thereof include pore-transporting compounds. These charge transport materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more, but are not limited thereto. These charge transport materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

       Further, the binder resin used for the charge transport layer is polycarbonate resin, polyester 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- Vinyl carbazole, polysilane, and polymer charge transport materials such as polyester polymer charge transport materials disclosed in JP-A-8-176293 and JP-A-8-208820 can also be used. Furthermore, as a solvent used when providing a charge transport layer, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and chlorobenzene, ketones such as acetone and 2-butanone, and halogenation such as methylene chloride, chloroform and ethylene chloride Usual organic solvents such as aliphatic hydrocarbons, cyclic or linear ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and ethyl ether can be used alone or in admixture of two or more. The thickness of the charge transport layer used in the present invention is generally 5 to 50 μm, preferably 10 to 30 μm.

  The cross section of the obtained electrophotographic photosensitive member is as shown in FIG. That is, the intermediate layer 92 is laminated on the surface of the conductive substrate 90, the charge generation layer 94 is further laminated on the surface of the intermediate layer 92, and the charge transport layer 96 is formed on the surface of the charge generation layer 94. The charge generation layer 94 and the charge transport layer 96 function as a photosensitive layer.

  Next, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. An image forming apparatus 220 shown in FIG. 15 is an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus. In the housing 400, four electrophotographic photosensitive members 401a to 401d (for example, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 401a is yellow and the electrophotographic photosensitive member 401b is provided. Magenta, electrophotographic photosensitive member 401c can be formed with cyan, and electrophotographic photosensitive member 401d can be formed with black.) Are arranged in parallel with each other along intermediate transfer belt 409. Here, the electrophotographic photoreceptors 401a to 401d mounted on the image forming apparatus 220 are the electrophotographic photoreceptors of the present invention.

  Each of the electrophotographic photosensitive members 401a to 401d can be rotated in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise on the paper surface), and the power failure rolls 402a to 402d, the developing devices 404a to 404d, and the primary transfer roll 410a along the rotation direction. To 410d and cleaning blades 4151a to 415d are arranged. Each of the developing devices 404a to 404d can be supplied with toners of four colors, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan accommodated in toner cartridges 405a to 405d, and the primary transfer rolls 410a to 410d are respectively intermediate transfer belts. 409 is in contact with the electrophotographic photoreceptors 401a to 401d.

  Further, a laser light source (exposure device) 403 is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing 400, and the surfaces of the electrophotographic photoreceptors 401a to 401d after withstanding electric power are irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser light source 403. Is possible. As a result, power failure, exposure, development, primary transfer, and cleaning steps are performed in accordance with the rotation process of the electrophotographic photosensitive members 401a to 401d, and the toner images of the respective colors are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 409 in an overlapping manner.

  The intermediate transfer belt 409 is instructed with a predetermined tension by the driving roller 406, the backup roll 408, and the tension roll 407, and can be rotated without causing deflection by revision of these rolls. Further, the secondary transfer roll 413 is disposed so as to contact the backup roll 408 via the intermediate transfer belt 409. The intermediate transfer belt 409 passing between the backup roll 408 and the secondary transfer roll 413 is cleaned by, for example, a cleaning blade 416 disposed in the vicinity of the drive roll 406 and then repeatedly used for the next image forming process. Is done.

  In addition, a tray (transfer object tray) 411 is provided at a predetermined position in the housing 400, and the transfer object 4 such as paper in the tray 411 is transferred to the intermediate point belt 409 and the secondary transfer by the transfer roll 412. After being transferred in accordance with between the rolls 413 and between the two spreading rolls 414 in contact with each other, the paper is discharged outside the housing 400.

  In the above description, the case where the intermediate transfer belt 409 is used as the intermediate transfer member has been described. However, the intermediate transfer member may have a belt shape like the intermediate transfer belt 409 or a drum shape. Also good. When a belt-shaped configuration such as the intermediate transfer belt 409 is employed as the intermediate transfer member, the thickness of the belt is generally preferably 50 to 500 μm and more preferably 60 to 150 μm, but is appropriately selected according to the hardness of the material. be able to. Further, when a drum-shaped configuration is employed as the intermediate transfer member, it is preferable to use a cylindrical substrate formed of aluminum, stainless steel (SUS), copper, or the like as the substrate. If necessary, an elastic layer can be coated on the cylindrical substrate, and a surface layer can be formed on the elastic layer.

  The transfer target in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a medium for transferring a toner image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member. For example, when transferring directly from an electrophotographic photosensitive member to paper or the like, paper or the like is a transfer target, and when an intermediate transfer member is used, the intermediate transfer member is a transfer target.

[Other preferred embodiments]
(I) In the method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a photosensitive coating material is applied to the surface of a cylindrical substrate to form a photosensitive coating film, the upper surface of the end coating film removing member is the end of the cylindrical substrate. When the coating film is removed, it is exposed from the liquid surface of the solvent tank.

  (Ii) In a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor in which a photosensitive material coating solution is applied to the surface of a cylindrical substrate to form a photosensitive coating film, the lower end of the cylindrical substrate on which the coating solution has been applied and before drying is applied. The coating film adhering to the inside of the lower end of the cylindrical substrate is removed while contacting and rotating the end coating film removing member containing the solvent. Next, the cylindrical substrate is lifted, separated from the end coating film removing member, lowered again, and the bottom end of the cylindrical substrate is rotated while contacting and rotating the inner end coating film removing member containing the solvent at the bottom of the cylindrical substrate. A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the removal of the coating film adhered to the inside is repeated twice or more.

  As a result, reliable wiping can be performed, and bubbles are not entrapped at the end of the substrate, and swelling and concave defects are not generated.

  (Iii) An apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein a plurality of the above-described electrophotographic photosensitive member manufacturing apparatuses are arranged in accordance with the number and arrangement of the cylindrical substrates when a plurality of cylindrical substrates are applied simultaneously.

  Since a coating film can be removed with high accuracy in the manufacturing apparatus, an apparatus capable of simultaneously removing a plurality of coating films can be provided.

  (Iv) In the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the charge generation material of the charge generation layer is composed of a phthalocyanine pigment.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention can provide an excellent electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a coating film is removed with high accuracy and sensitivity unevenness is small. In particular, this effect is exhibited when the charge generation material of the charge generation layer is composed of a phthalocyanine pigment.
( V) In the method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (1) above, the time until the coating film portion at the lower end of the cylindrical substrate comes into contact with the end coating film removing member is determined by applying the coating liquid. A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member which is within one minute from completion. As a result, the coating film on the end can be processed before the solvent of the coating solution adhering to the end of the cylindrical substrate evaporates and the shape is determined.
(Vi) In the method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (1) or (v), the end coating film removing member is an elastic member having water absorption. When an elastic member (sponge-like) having water absorbency is used, it expands and contracts with a solvent, so that it has excellent adhesion to the substrate, absorbs the solvent well, improves the degree of cleaning, and does not damage the substrate.
(Vii) The method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of the above (1), wherein the solvent overflows constantly or intermittently from the edge coating film removing member. Since the solvent is supplied from the outside and the coating liquid after the edge treatment attached to the edge coating film removal member is dissolved and washed except when the coating film is removed from the end of the cylindrical substrate, a constant cleaning effect is always obtained. It is done.
(Viii) In the electrophotographic photosensitive member manufacturing apparatus according to (2), the wiping tank is provided with a detector that detects an amount of solvent vapor in the wiping tank, and the exhaust unit includes An electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus that exhausts solvent vapor from a wiping tank in accordance with the output of a detector.
(Ix) The method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member described in any one of (1) and (v) to (vii) or the production of the electrophotographic photosensitive member described in (2) or (viii) above. An electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured using the apparatus.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated further more concretely based on an Example and a comparative example, this invention is not limited to a following example at all.

(Preparation of metal oxide fine particles A)
Zinc oxide: (average particle size 70 μm: prototype manufactured by Teika) 100 parts by weight of 450 parts by weight of toluene and 50 parts by weight of methanol were stirred and mixed, and 1.25 parts by weight of a silane coupling agent (KBM603: manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) And added for 1 hour in a sand grinder mill. Thereafter, toluene was distilled off under reduced pressure, and after baking at 150 ° C. for 2 hours, the solution was cooled to room temperature and crushed to obtain surface-treated zinc oxide.

Example 1.
(Preparation of electrophotographic photoreceptor)
After mixing 33 parts by weight of metal oxide fine particles A, 6 parts by weight of blocked isocyanate (Sumijour 3175, manufactured by Sumitomo Bayern Urethane Co., Ltd.) and 25 parts by weight of methyl ethyl ketone for 30 minutes, butyral resin (BM-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) 5 Part by weight, 3 parts by weight of a silicone ball (Tospearl 145, manufactured by Toshiba Silicone) and 0.01 part by weight of a leveling agent (silicone oil SH29PA, manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone) were added to the above mixture and 2 in a sand mill. Time dispersion treatment was performed to obtain an intermediate layer coating solution. Further, the above coating solution is applied to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical aluminum substrate having a diameter of 30 mm, a length of 360 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm by a dip coating method, followed by drying and curing at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, and an intermediate thickness of 20 μm. A layer was formed.

  Next, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine having diffraction peaks at positions of at least 7.6 ° and 28.2 ° in the Bragg angle (2θ ± 0.2 °) of the X-ray diffraction spectrum using CuKα ray as the charge generating substance. A mixture of 15 parts by weight of pigment, 10 parts by weight of vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer resin (VMCH, manufactured by Nihon Unicar) as a binder resin, and 300 parts by weight of n-butyl alcohol was dispersed in a sand mill for 4 hours. A coating solution for charge generation layer was obtained. This coating solution was dip coated on the intermediate layer with the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and after 45 seconds, the lower end was wiped with the lower end wiping apparatus shown in FIG. 4A. At this time, polyurethane sponge was used as the end coating film removing member and the inner end coating film removing member. Moreover, the edge part coating film removal was implemented using THF as a solvent for coating film removal. Further, it was dried to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.2 μm.

  Next, 40 parts by weight of N, N′-bis (3-methylphenyl) -N, N′-diphenylbenzidine and 60 parts by weight of bisphenol Z polycarbonate resin (molecular weight 40,000) were added to 280 parts by weight of tetrohydrofuran and 120 parts of toluene. After sufficiently dissolving and mixing in parts by weight, 10 parts by weight of tetrafluoroethylene resin particles were added and further mixed. At this time, the room temperature was set to 25 ° C., and the liquid temperature in the mixing step was kept at 25 ° C. Then, it disperse | distributed with the sand grinder using a glass bead, and the tetrafluoroethylene resin particle dispersion liquid was created. At this time, water of 24 degrees was passed through the vessel of the sand cylinder, and the temperature of the dispersion was maintained at 50 degrees.

  The obtained coating solution was dip-coated on the charge generation layer with the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the same manner as the charge generation layer, and after 45 seconds, the lower end was wiped with the edge cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. . At this time, as the (inner) end coating film removing member, the end coating film removing member was “single-foamed polyethylene sponge”, processed by Marushin Chemical Company. Moreover, the edge part coating film removal was implemented using THF as a solvent for coating film removal. The wiping process was repeated twice. Next, a charge transport layer having a film thickness of 32 μm was formed by drying.

(Production of image forming apparatus and continuous print test)
Using this electrophotographic photosensitive member, in the evaluation apparatus shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, which will be described later, exposure is performed with a charged potential of −700 V to obtain a target VL-220 V, and one end portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive member and others. VL unevenness with respect to the target VL with the end portion was measured. The result is shown in FIG. Here, the target VL is a value corresponding to the surface potential at the development position in the image forming apparatus in which the electrophotographic photosensitive member to be evaluated is used, and is a value that is appropriately determined by the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the one end and the other end in the present case refer to a position 20 mm from each end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the photosensitive member axial direction in the region where the photosensitive layer is formed.

  In addition, an electrophotographic apparatus was produced using the obtained photoreceptor. The configuration of the image forming apparatus was the same as that of a full color printer Docu Center Color 400 (having a contact charging device and an intermediate transfer device) manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. shown in FIG. These results are shown in Table 1.

(VL measuring device and measuring method)
13 is a front view of the electrophotographic photosensitive member evaluation apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion I of the evaluation apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 to be evaluated is set in the housing 7 of the evaluation device 100, and an annular portion fixed to the bottom of the housing 7 is provided on the outer periphery of the photosensitive member 1. The charging device 3, the exposure device 4, the potential measuring devices 2, 2 ′, and the charge removal device 5 are set via the attachment member 6.

  The arrangement of the charging device 3, the exposure device 4, the potential measurement devices 2, 2 ′ and the charge removal device 5 is arranged around the photosensitive member clockwise with the exposure device as a reference (0 °), the potential measurement device 2 (30 °), The static eliminator 5 (185 °), the charging device 3 (291 °), and the potential measuring device 2 ′ (335 °) were disposed.

  Here, one end of the photosensitive member 1 is fixed to the support portion 8, and then the slide table 13 on which the support portion 9 is installed is moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The other end of the body drum 1 is fixed by the support portion 9. One support portion 8 can rotate the photosensitive member 1 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 in conjunction with the rotary motor 10, and the number of rotations can be set arbitrarily. Further, the conductive support constituting the photosensitive member 1 is connected to the ground via the support portion 8.

  Further, the support portions 8 and 9 and the rotary motor 10 are installed on an automatic stage 12 that reciprocates in the axial direction of the photosensitive member 1, and thereby the charging device 3, the exposure device 4, and the mounting device 6 attached to the mounting member 6. The photosensitive member 1 can be moved in the axial direction with respect to the potential measuring devices 2, 2 ′ and the static eliminating device 5.

  Further, each of the charging device 3, the exposure device 4, the potential measuring devices 2, 2 ′, and the charge eliminating device 5 can be arranged with a certain distance from the surface of the photoconductor 1 even when the diameter of the photoconductor 1 is different. It is attached to the attachment member 6 so as to be able to advance and retract in the normal direction of the surface of the photoreceptor 1. Further, each of the charging device 3, the exposure device 4, the first potential measuring device 2, and the charge eliminating device 5 is attached to the attachment member 6 so that the position of the photosensitive member 1 can be adjusted in the circumferential direction.

  Hereinafter, each component of the evaluation apparatus 100 will be described.

  The charging device 3 charges the photoreceptor 1, and a scorotron is used as the charging device 3. In addition, the scorotron is connected to a power source, and an arbitrary voltage can be applied to the wire and the grid. In this embodiment, -700V was applied to the grid so that the photoreceptor surface potential was -700V.

The exposure apparatus irradiates light on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 charged by the charging device, uses a halogen lamp as a light source, and aims at a wavelength of 780 nm and VL on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 through an interference filter having a wavelength of 780 nm. As an exposure amount for setting the value (220 V), light of 2.7 mJ / mm ² (fixed light amount) is exposed.

  The potential measuring device 2 measures the potential of the surface of the photoreceptor 1 and is composed of a potential measuring probe and a surface potential meter. The potential measuring position 2 is provided at a position rotated for a time corresponding to the time from exposure to development in an actual image forming apparatus.

The static eliminator 5 is for irradiating the surface of the photoconductor 1 charged by the charging device 3 with light to neutralize residual charges on the surface of the photoconductor 1. A halogen lamp is used as a light source, and the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is irradiated with light of 50 mJ / mm ² through a red filter that transmits only light having a wavelength of 600 nm or more.

  The evaluation apparatus 100 further includes a control unit (not shown), which can control the rotational speed, charging conditions, and the like of the photoreceptor 1.

  When evaluating the photoreceptor 1 using the evaluation apparatus 100 having the above-described configuration, first, the photoreceptor 1 is attached to the support portions 8 and 9 of the evaluation apparatus 100, and the photoreceptor 1 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the photoreceptor 1. The charging device 3, the potential measuring device 2 ′, the exposure device 4, the potential measuring device 2, and the static eliminating device 5 are arranged in this order along the rotation direction of the above. Next, while rotating the photoconductor 1 at 66.7 rpm by the rotary motor 10, the photoconductor 1 is continuously moved in the axial direction of the photoconductor 1 by 5 mm per rotation by the automatic stage 12, and the photoconductor is adjusted accordingly. At each of the plurality of measurement sites, charging by the charging device 3, exposure by the exposure device 4, measurement of the potential of the surface of the photoreceptor 1 after exposure by the potential measurement device 2, and static elimination by the static elimination device 5 are performed.

  Based on the above evaluation, the potential measurement device 2 can measure the potential of the surface of the photoreceptor 1 after exposure, that is, measure VL.

Example 2
The same electrophotographic photosensitive member as in Example 1 and the same production apparatus were used, and it was produced in accordance with Example 1 except that the lower end was wiped off using the apparatus shown in FIG. 6 as the edge cleaning apparatus. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. These results are shown in FIG.

Example 3
The same electrophotographic photosensitive member as in Example 1 and the same production apparatus were used, and as the edge cleaning device, the lower edge was wiped off using the edge cleaning device shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Manufactured. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. These results are shown in FIG.

Comparative Example 1
The same electrophotographic photosensitive member as in Example 1 and the same production apparatus were used, and it was produced in accordance with Example 1 except that the lower end was wiped off using the end cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 7 as the end cleaning apparatus. . In FIG. 7, the upper surface of the end coating film removing member is partially immersed in the surface of the solvent in the wiping tank 40 when the coating film is removed from the end of the cylindrical substrate. Since a large amount of solvent is present at 40, a high-concentration solvent vapor 64 is present inside the shutter 42 even when the shutter 42 is opened. The evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. These results are shown in FIG.

  8 to 11, the sensitivity decreases as the VL value increases.

For Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1, a photoconductor was mounted on DocuCenter Color 400 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and a 20% halftone image was output on the entire surface. The image density of the uneven part and the normal part was measured using an image density measuring apparatus: X-Rite 504 manufactured by X-Rite. Problems with density differences of 0.3 or more were considered as problems.

  As an application example of the present invention, there is application to a photoreceptor in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic system.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows a photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the solvent supply method to the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and the edge part coating film removal member for implementing the cylindrical base-material edge part of this Embodiment 1, and an inner side coating film removal. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the solvent supply method to the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and the edge part coating film removal member for implementing the cylindrical base-material edge part of this Embodiment 1, and an inner side coating film removal. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the solvent supply method to the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and the edge part coating film removal member for implementing the cylindrical base-material edge part of this Embodiment 1, and an inner side coating film removal. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and solvent vapor exhaust method of this Embodiment 2. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and solvent vapor exhaust method of this Embodiment 2. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and solvent vapor exhaust method of this Embodiment 3. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and solvent vapor exhaust method of this Embodiment 3. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the edge part washing | cleaning apparatus and solvent vapor exhaust method of this Embodiment 4. It is a figure explaining the structure of the conventional edge part cleaning apparatus. 4 is a graph illustrating measurement results of VL axial non-uniformity of the electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured in Example 1. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating measurement results of VL axial unevenness of an electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured in Example 2. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating measurement results of VL axial non-uniformity of the electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured in Example 3. 6 is a graph illustrating measurement results of VL axial unevenness of the electrophotographic photosensitive member produced in Comparative Example 1. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the laminated coating film of an electrophotographic photoreceptor. It is a front view of the evaluation apparatus for an electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention. It is a partial expanded sectional view of the I section of the evaluation apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus which comprises the electrophotographic photoreceptor of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  40 wiping tank, 42 shutter, 44 inner surface wiping rotary head, 46 nozzle, 48 wiping liquid feed pump, 50 coating film removing member, 52 wiping liquid reservoir tank, 54 filter.

Claims (5)

A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein a photosensitive coating film is formed by applying a coating solution of a photosensitive material on a surface of a cylindrical substrate,
An end coating film removing member containing a solvent for removing the lower end coating film of the cylindrical substrate is provided in the cylinder base without immersing the lower end of the cylindrical substrate coated with the coating liquid in the solvent. a wiping tank is sealed by the shutter at a time other than the lower end film removal treatment Jo substrate further in wiping tank solvent is present therein,
The coating film at the lower end of the cylindrical substrate is removed using the end coating film removing member while exhausting the solvent vapor generated in the wiping tank to a predetermined concentration. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor. In an electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus for forming a photosensitive coating film by applying a coating solution of a photoreceptor material on the surface of a cylindrical substrate,
An end coating film removing member containing a solvent for removing the lower end coating film of the cylindrical substrate coated with the coating liquid;
The end coating film removing member is disposed, and a wiping tank sealed by a shutter other than the removal processing of the lower end coating film of the cylindrical substrate,
Solvent supply means for supplying the end coating film removing member to the end coating film removing member so that the solvent overflows constantly or intermittently from the end coating film removing member;
Exhaust means for exhausting the solvent vapor in the wiping tank to a predetermined concentration ;
An apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, comprising: The wiping tank is provided with a detector for detecting the amount of solvent vapor in the wiping tank, and the exhaust means exhausts the solvent vapor from the wiping tank according to the output of the detector. The apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 2. An electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured using the method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the surface potential (VL) after exposure is measured in the axial direction in the image area. the surface potential (VL) fluctuation width after exposure, the difference between the surface potential after exposure of the other end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member surface potential after exposure at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (VL1) (VL2) An electrophotographic photosensitive member characterized by having a fluctuation range of a surface potential (VL) after exposure in an axial direction within 20 V when an absolute value (| VL1-VL2 |) is used. Electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized by comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to 請 Motomeko 4.