JP4720010B2 - Method for measuring vibration of electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and method for manufacturing electrophotographic photosensitive member using the method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for measuring vibration of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member using the method, an electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured by the manufacturing method, and an image using the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 4, the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a conductive support, a photosensitive layer formed thereon, and flanges 2 provided at both ends or one end of the conductive support. . The flange 2 receives a driving force from the driving means and transmits the driving force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. As a result, the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the image forming apparatus rotates. The conductive support of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is prepared, for example, by drawing out an aluminum alloy. However, there is already a fluctuation of several μ to several tens of μ including the uneven thickness and bending of the material. Also, the photosensitive layer formed on the conductive support is not uniform in all regions where the photosensitive layer exists, and has some unevenness. Further, the flange 2 is not completely symmetrical, and has an eccentricity of about several μ to several tens of μ.
The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is bent (a state in which the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 itself is curved) or an axial deviation (a state in which the center of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is shifted from the rotation center). In some cases, slight rotation unevenness occurs when the electrophotographic photosensitive member is assembled and rotated in the electrophotographic apparatus. As a result, image misalignment occurs during electrostatic latent image formation, transfer, and the like, resulting in image unevenness in the finally obtained image. Such image unevenness was not particularly problematic in an electrophotographic apparatus having a monotone and a low resolution. However, high resolution and full color are being advanced in recent electrophotographic apparatuses, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 that is the central part of the electrophotographic apparatus is required to have high accuracy.
In particular, in a full-color electrophotographic apparatus, three or four electrophotographic photosensitive members are arranged in parallel, and yellow, cyan, and magenta (, black) toners are used for the respective electrophotographic photosensitive drums 1. A tandem type electrophotographic apparatus has been developed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a full-color electrophotographic apparatus, there is a problem that the rotation unevenness caused by the shake of each electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 has a great influence on the finally formed image.
An object of the present invention is to provide a measuring method and a measuring apparatus for measuring the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 with high accuracy and in a short time.
In addition, the present invention cancels the eccentricity of the flange 2 and the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 when the flange 2 is mounted, so that an electrophotographic photosensitive member with little rotation unevenness and an image using the electrophotographic photosensitive member are provided. Another object is to provide an image forming apparatus with little unevenness.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0005]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a shake measuring method for an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 according to the present invention, a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member using the measuring method, and an apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views showing the overall structure of the shake measuring apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the first roller. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electrophotographic photosensitive member. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the distance measuring means. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly apparatus.
[0006]
[Run-out measuring device]
As shown in FIG. 1, a shake measuring device 20 for an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 according to the present invention includes a base 22 and a mounting portion on the base 22 on which the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 to be measured is placed. 24, supporting means (and rotating means) 26 provided on both sides of the mounting portion 24, and the position of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 to be measured by sandwiching the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 together with the supporting means 26 The fixing means 34 for stabilizing the distance, the distance measuring means 28 for measuring the distance between the measurement point 118 on the side surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member by performing arithmetic processing on the information based on the distance measurement result A calculation unit (not shown) for calculating the shake of the drum 1 and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the shake measurement device are provided.
[0007]
The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is supported by two support means 26 inserted from both ends thereof. A distance so as to have the first measurement point 118 at a substantially central point on the bus line connecting the two support means 26 inserted from both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the portion where the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 contacts. Measuring means 28 is installed. The distance measuring means 28 measures the distance between the first measuring point 118 outside the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the measuring means. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is rotated by the rotating means (supporting means 26), the measurement point 118 changed by the rotation is set as the second measuring point 118, and the second measuring point 118 and the measuring means are measured by the distance measuring means 28. And measure the distance. By performing the distance measurement at least three times, the distance measurement results of at least three points are obtained. Based on the measurement result, the amount of eccentricity and the direction of eccentricity of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 with respect to the virtual center axis connecting the centers of the fitting holes 7 at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 are calculated by the calculation means. In this way, the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is measured.
[0008]
[Placement section]
The mounting portion 24 of the present invention is disposed on the lifting platform 30 supported by the lifting means 42 provided on the base 22 so as to be movable up and down, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is shaken. And a drum receiver 29 that can support the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 when not measured. The drum receiver 29 has a V-shaped groove, which can support the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
[0009]
When measuring the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is first placed on the drum receiver 29 as shown in FIG. 2. Thereafter, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is supported by the support means 26 described later, and the mounting table 68 is lowered downward, whereby the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is released from the drum receiver 29. In this manner, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is installed at the position where the deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 shown in FIG. 1 is measured.
[0010]
[Shape shape]
The shape of the roller will be described with reference to FIG.
The roller as the support means 26 preferably includes an annular part 50 having a constant diameter located at the center of the roller and a tapered part 52 whose diameter decreases as the distance from the annular part 50 increases. By setting it as such a shape, it becomes possible to reduce the area which the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and a roller contact. If the area of contact between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the roller is small, the possibility of the roller entraining dust or the like when measuring the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is reduced, and the measurement accuracy can be improved. It becomes possible. When measuring the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, there may be a situation where the end portion of the roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 are in contact with each other. Can be stably rotated.
[0011]
In order to reduce the contact area between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the roller, it is also conceivable to make the roller into a thin disk shape. However, if the thickness is too thin, the strength of the roller cannot be maintained, and the roller may be distorted during measurement, which is not necessarily preferable.
Therefore, the width of the portion where the diameter of the first roller 60 is constant is preferably φ / 300 mm to φ / 20 mm when the diameter of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 to be measured is φ mm. Considering the actual diameter of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the width of the portion where the diameter of the roller is constant is preferably 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and more preferably 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.
[0012]
The diameter of the first roller 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can be inserted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, but is preferably from φ / 100 mm to φmm, and φ / 10 to φ /1.1 is more preferable, and φ / 4 to φ / 1.2 is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of the stability when the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is supported using the first roller. .
[0013]
[Configuration of support means (rotation means)]
The support means (rotating means) 26 is inserted from the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, a first roller 60 that contacts the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and a rotary actuator 62 that rotates the first roller 60. A shaft member 64 that pivotally mounts the first roller 60 and the rotary actuator 62 and a mounting means 66 that supports the rotary actuator 62 are provided.
The mounting means 66 supports the mounting table 68 set so as to be horizontally movable by the moving mechanism 90 and the rotary actuator 62, and is supported by the lifting means 42 provided on the mounting table 68 so as to be movable up and down. And a mounting table 68.
[0014]
[Configuration of fixing means]
The fixing means 34 is provided from a fixing member 80 that fixes the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 together with the supporting means 26, a supporting beam 82 that supports the fixing member 80, and one end of the supporting beam 82. A pressing spring 84 that imparts elasticity to the head, a pressing spring 84, and a pressing cylinder 86 that controls the position of the support beam 82 and supports the pressing spring 84. One end of the support beam 82 where the holding spring 84 is not installed is connected to the support means 26 by an attachment member 88. As a result, the rotation means is connected to the support means 26 so as to be rotatable about the attachment member 88.
[0015]
The shape of the fixing member 80 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the electrophotographic photosensitive member together with the support means 26. However, it is desirable that the fixing means 34 does not hinder the rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member when the electrophotographic photosensitive member rotates. Therefore, from this viewpoint, the shape of the fixing member 80 is preferably a roller shape or a roller shape.
[0016]
[Operation of supporting means, rotating means, fixing means]
The operation of the support means 26, the rotation means 26, and the fixing means 34 will be described.
The support mechanism 26 and the fixing means 34 are moved in the direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 by the moving mechanism 90, and the first roller 60 is inserted from the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. When the first roller 60 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 are in contact with each other, the fixing member 80 moves downward by moving the pressing cylinder 86 vertically downward. When the fixing member 80 comes into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is held between the fixing member 80 and the first roller 60.
[0017]
If the insertion position 92 where the support means 26 should be inserted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is near the center of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 may be shaken. The shake of 1 cannot be measured accurately.
Accordingly, the insertion position 92 is preferably within L / 3 of the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, where L is the length in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is preferably within the insertion position 92. To L / 50 to L / 4, more preferably L / 15 to L / 5 from the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
Here, the insertion position 92 where the supporting means 26 should be inserted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 means the distance from the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to the point where the supporting means 26 contacts the electrophotographic photosensitive member. To do.
[0018]
If the pressure applied to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 by the fixing member 80 is too small, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is likely to wobble and accurate measurement data cannot be obtained, and if too much pressure is applied to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. The surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is easily scratched or the photosensitive layer portion is dented, making accurate measurement difficult.
Accordingly, the pressure applied by the fixing member 80 to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is preferably 10 g to 500 g, more preferably 15 g to 100 g, and particularly preferably 20 g to 50 g.
[0019]
When the holding cylinder 86 is moved upward from the state shown in FIG. 1, the fixing member 80 is moved upward by a trajectory that draws an arc centering on the attachment member 88. As a result, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is released from the fixing member 80 and the first roller 60. Further, the support mechanism 26 and the fixing means 34 are moved away from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 by the moving mechanism 90, and the first roller 60 inserted from the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. When moved from the inside to the outside, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 becomes removable.
In the above description, the support means 26 also serves as the rotation means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the support means 26 and the rotation means may be different.
[0020]
[Distance measuring means]
A specific configuration of the distance measuring means 28 will be described with reference to FIG. The distance measuring means 28 is not particularly limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5 as long as it can measure the position between the specific position 116 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the first form of the distance measuring means 28 is a semiconductor laser 100, a polygon mirror 102, a reflecting mirror 104, a collimator lens 106, a light receiving lens 108, and a light receiving element 110. And a conversion device 112.
[0021]
When measuring the distance between the specific position 116 and the measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is installed between the collimator lens 106 and the light receiving lens 108. .
The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 100 is reflected by the polygon mirror 102 and the reflection mirror 104 and then becomes parallel light by the collimator lens 106. The laser beam that has scanned the measurement object is collected by the light receiving lens 108 and received by the light receiving element 110. The amount of light received by the light receiving element 110 is converted by the conversion device 112 into an electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of light.
[0022]
A method for measuring the distance between the specific position 116 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in the optical path A, the first laser light is emitted from the semiconductor laser 100, reflected by the polygon mirror 102 and the reflection mirror 104, converted into parallel rays by the collimator lens 106, and condensed by the light receiving lens 108. The light receiving element 110 receives the light. The center position of the bus on the electrophotographic photosensitive member connecting the contact points between the two support means 26 (first roller 60) and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the perpendicular drawn from the optical path A are electrophotographic photosensitive. A perpendicular foot on the optical path A when crossing that the body drum 1 is supported is defined as a specific position 116. Thereafter, as the angle of the polygon mirror 102 changes, the optical path of the laser beam changes vertically downward. In the optical path C to the optical path E, the laser light that has passed through the collimator is blocked by the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and the amount of light received by the light receiving element 110 is significantly reduced. By measuring the irradiation time of the laser beam passing through the optical path C from the first laser beam, the distance from the specific position 116 to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 (measurement point on the side surface thereof) is measured. Information based on the distance measurement result is transmitted to the calculation means, and the amount of eccentricity and the direction of eccentricity of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with respect to the virtual center axis connecting the centers of the fitting holes at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, The deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is calculated by calculating means.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 5B, the second form of the distance measuring means 28 includes a semiconductor laser 100, a reflecting mirror 104, a reflecting mirror 104 attached to one end of a tuning fork deflector 120, and a collimator lens 106. And a light receiving lens 108, a light receiving element 110, and a conversion device 112.
[0024]
A method for measuring the distance between the specific position 116 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in the optical path A, the first laser light is emitted from the semiconductor laser 100, reflected by the reflection mirror 104, converted into parallel rays by the collimator lens, and condensed by the light receiving lens 108, and received by the light receiving element. 110 receives the light. The center position of the bus on the electrophotographic photosensitive member connecting the contact points between the two support means 26 (first roller 60) and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the perpendicular drawn from the optical path A are electrophotographic photosensitive. A perpendicular foot on the optical path A when crossing that the body drum 1 is supported is defined as a specific position 116. Thereafter, the tuning fork deflector 120 vibrates, so that the optical path of the laser light changes vertically downward. In the optical path C to the optical path E, the laser light that has passed through the collimator is blocked by the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and the amount of light received by the light receiving element 110 is significantly reduced. The distance from the specific position 116 to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is measured by measuring the irradiation time of the laser light passing through the optical path C from the first laser light.
The distance measuring means 28 in which the tuning fork deflector 120 is attached to the reflecting mirror 104 is particularly preferable because it is not easily affected by vibration of the electrophotographic photosensitive member being measured.
[0025]
[Calculation means]
Based on the distance measurement result, the eccentric amount and the eccentric direction of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 with respect to the virtual center axis connecting the centers of the fitting holes 7 at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 are calculated. The reason why the amount of eccentricity and the direction of eccentricity of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 can be calculated will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
[0026]
FIG. 7 shows the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 eccentric in one direction with the amount of eccentricity exaggerated. FIG. 7A shows a case where the eccentric direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is directed toward the specific position 116. In FIG. 7A, the distance from the specific position 116 is shortened (117a) compared to the case where there is no eccentricity, depending on the amount that the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is eccentric. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 in the state of FIG. In FIG. 7B, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 has no eccentricity toward the specific position 116. Therefore, the distance between the specific position 116 and the measurement point 118 on the side surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is longer than in the case of FIG. FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 in the state of FIG. 7A is rotated 180 degrees. In FIG. 7C, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is eccentric in the direction opposite to the specific position 116. Therefore, the distance between the specific position 116 and the measurement point 118 is longer than in the case where it is not eccentric (117c). In this way, the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is obtained. The calculation means for obtaining the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 from the measurement result of the distance between the specific position 116 and the measurement point 118 is programmed in advance, and the shake measuring device (control device for the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1) is programmed. ) May be installed.
[0027]
Further, if a large number of distance measurement data can be obtained, the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 can be measured more accurately.
When calculating the amount of eccentricity and the direction of eccentricity of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 from the distance measurement result, if the distance measurement value of a certain part deviates specifically from the distance measurement value of the peripheral part due to some abnormality, By using means such as a low-pass filter, it is possible to reduce the influence as an error.
In addition, by a sequential comparison of measured values, a simpler method can be used in which the current measured value is excluded as a specific measured value when it does not fall within a predetermined range compared to the previous measured value.
[0028]
In some cases, dust or the like is attached to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. Such dust is not related to the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. However, when the distance between the specific position 116 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is measured using the normal distance measuring means 28, a distance considering the presence of such dust is obtained. By using means such as the low-pass filter, it is possible to measure the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 excluding the influence of dust and the like.
[0029]
[Electrophotographic photoconductor drum runout measurement method]
A method for measuring the shake of an electrophotographic image according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
When measuring the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is first placed on the drum receiver 29 as shown in FIG. 2. Thereafter, the support means 26 moves in the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 2, and the support means 26 (first roller 60) is inserted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. Thereafter, the placement unit 24 moves downward. While the mounting portion 24 is moving downward, the support means 26 comes into contact with the inner surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and the support means 26 supports the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. Thereafter, the holding cylinder 86 is moved downward. Along with this, the fixing means 34 also moves downward, and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is sandwiched and supported by the fixing means 34 and the support means 26 (FIG. 1).
[0030]
The first measurement point 118 is the position of the approximate center on the bus line connecting the two support means 26 inserted from both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the two portions in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. . As the first measurement point 118, the central portion of the bus bar is preferable because the deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 can be measured effectively. The distance measuring unit 28 measures the distance between the first measurement point 118 and the specific position 116.
[0031]
The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is rotated by rotating means (supporting means 26), and the measurement point 118 changed by the rotation is set as a second measurement point 118. The distance from the position 116 is measured. In this way, distance measurement results of at least three points or more are obtained by measuring the distance between the specific position 116 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 at least three times.
[0032]
The distance between the specific position 116 and the measurement point 118 may be measured continuously while rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. Alternatively, the operation of temporarily stopping the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 for measurement and measuring the distance between the specific position 116 and the measurement point 118 and then rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 may be repeated a plurality of times. . Among these, it is particularly preferable to use a method in which measurement is performed continuously while rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 because a large amount of measurement data can be obtained quickly.
[0033]
The rotational speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is not particularly limited as long as the distance measuring means 28 can measure the distance between the specific position 116 and the measurement point 118. If the rotational speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is too fast, accurate measurement becomes difficult due to drum vibration and responsiveness of the distance measuring means 28, and if it is too slow, the productivity decreases. 5 seconds to 60 seconds (20 rpm to 120 rpm) is preferable, 1 second to 10 seconds per rotation is more preferable, and 1 second to 3 seconds is particularly preferable.
[0034]
When the number of measurement points 118 is n, the angle formed by the n−1th measurement point 118 and the nth measurement point 118 with respect to the central portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is 360 / n degrees. It is desirable. Further, it is desirable that at least one of the n measurement points 118 is a point shifted by 90 degrees or more from the first measurement point 118. By providing such a measurement point 118, it becomes possible to measure the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 more accurately.
[0035]
[Specific position]
A specific position 116 outside the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is an extension of a line drawn perpendicularly to the measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 from a virtual central axis connecting the centers of the fitting holes 7 at both ends of the drum. If there is in, it will not specifically limit. The specific position 116 may be the position of the distance measuring unit 28 or may be one point on the optical path of the specific laser light emitted from the distance measuring unit 28 as described above.
The specific position 116 may be fixed, or may be movable in the longitudinal direction or the circumferential direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. If the specific position 116 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, it is possible to measure the deflection of the entire electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the like.
[0036]
[Measurement points]
The measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a point located on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. However, when measuring the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, it is desirable that the measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is not shifted as much as possible. From this point of view, the measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 connects the two support means 26 inserted from both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the two portions where the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 comes into contact. It is desirable to be on the bus. Further, it is desirable that the measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is a point at which the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 can be observed most greatly. From this point of view, it is particularly desirable that the measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is substantially the center of the bus bar.
[0037]
After the calculation of the deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 may be rotated so that the direction of eccentricity is in a specific direction. If it does in this way, attachment of the below-mentioned flange 2 will become easy.
[0038]
[Assembly equipment]
Next, a flange mounting (assembly) device used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The assembling apparatus 200 of the present invention includes a mounting portion 224 on which the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is placed, two mounting portions 240 for attaching the flange 2 to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and the mounting portion 224 and the mounting portion 240. And a distance control mechanism 260 for controlling the distance between the two. The two mounting portions 240 are arranged so as to face each other with the placement portion 224 interposed therebetween.
[0039]
By the distance control mechanism 260, the distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 mounted on the mounting portion 224 before mounting the flange 2 and the mounting portion 240 on which the flange 2 is mounted is reduced so that the flange 2 is electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1. It is press-fitted into. In this way, the flange 2 is fitted to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is manufactured.
[0040]
[Placement section]
The mounting unit 24 of the assembling apparatus 200 includes a mounting table 268 that is rectangular in plan view, a drum receiver 29 provided on the mounting table 68 for mounting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, and a base that supports the mounting table 268. And a table 222. The base 222 can be moved in the direction of the mounting portion 240 by a rail (not shown).
[0041]
The drum receiver 228 has a V-shaped groove. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is held by a V-shaped groove of the drum receiver 228. Since the base 222 can be moved in the direction of the mounting portion 240 by the rail, one mounting portion 240 approaches the mounting portion 224 and the other from the mounting portion 240 to the mounting portion 224 as will be described later. When receiving the force in the direction of the mounting portion 240, the mounting portion 224 moves in the direction of the other mounting portion (the arrow direction in FIG. 6).
[0042]
[Mounting part]
As shown in FIG. 6, the two mounting portions 240 are disposed so as to face each other with the placement portion 24 interposed therebetween. The mounting portion 240 includes a shaft portion 242 that is inserted into the hole 9 of the flange 2 and fixes the flange 2, and a flange 2 fixing base 244 that contacts the outer surface of the gear portion 3 of the flange 2 and fixes the flange 2.
[0043]
The shaft portion 242 is passed through the hole portion 9 of the flange 2, and the flange 2 is pushed in until the outer surface of the flange 2 gear portion 3 comes into contact with the flange 2 fixing base 244 to mount the flange 2 on the mounting portion 240. Such work may be performed manually or automatically by a machine. At this time, it is preferable to grasp the eccentricity of the flange 2 by measuring or the like in advance, and to attach the flange 2 so that the direction of the eccentricity becomes a constant direction.
[0044]
The eccentricity of the flange 2 may be measured in advance or may be measured after the flange 2 is mounted on the mounting portion 240. When the flange 2 is molded using a mold, the eccentricity of the same flange 2 is measured in advance, and the flange 2 having the same molding conditions such as the resin material and temperature molded by the same mold has substantially the same eccentricity. You may treat as what you have.
When mounting the flange 2 in a certain direction, it is preferable to provide a mark on the flange 2 in advance, determine the position, and mount the flange 2 on the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
The mark provided on the flange 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, the convex piece 8 provided on the flange 2, a mark made of ink, etc. Part.
[0045]
[Distance control mechanism]
Hereinafter, the distance which controls the distance of mounting part 240A and mounting part 24, and mounting part 24 and other mounting part 240 (mounting part 240B) by moving one mounting part 240 (mounting part 240A). The control mechanism will be described. The distance control mechanism of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the distance between the placement unit 24 and the mounting unit 240 can be controlled. For example, even if the mounting unit 24 is fixed and the two mounting units 240 are movable, the two mounting units 240 are fixed and the mounting unit 24 is movable. Also good.
[0046]
The distance control mechanism includes an air cylinder 262 attached to the mounting portion 240A.
Since the mounting portion 240A is movable in the direction of the mounting portion 224 (mounting portion 240B) by a rail (not shown), the air cylinder 262 pushes the mounting portion 240A in the direction of the mounting portion 224 (mounting portion 240B), or The mounting portion 240A can be separated from the placement portion 224.
[0047]
[Attaching the flange]
When the flange 2 is attached to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the flange 2 are first installed as shown in FIG. The mounting portion 240A moves in the direction of the placement portion 224 by the distance control mechanism (air cylinder 262). When the flange 2 mounted on the mounting portion 240A and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 mounted on the mounting portion 224 come into contact with each other (FIG. 6B), a force in the mounting portion 240B direction is applied to the mounting portion 224. Will be added. Further, when the mounting portion 240A is moved in the direction of the mounting portion 240B by the air cylinder 262, the mounting portion 24 is also moved in the direction of the mounting portion 240B together with the mounting portion 240A, and one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 in the mounting portion 240B direction is mounted. It comes into contact with the portion 240B (FIG. 6C). Further, when a force in the direction of the mounting portion 240B is applied to the mounting portion 240A by the air cylinder 262, the two flanges 2 mounted on the mounting portion 240A and the mounting portion 240B are inserted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and fitted. The joining portion 4 is almost completely fitted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 (the fitting portion 4 of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1).
[0048]
When the flange 2 is fitted to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, as described above, after measuring the deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is rotated so that the deflection is in a fixed direction. The flange 2 may be inserted later, or after measuring the deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the flange 2 is installed so as to face a predetermined direction when the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is fitted into the flange 2. Later, the flange 2 may be fitted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1.
[0049]
Although the flange 2 may be press-fitted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 as described above, a known adhesive may be applied to the fitting portion 4 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before the press-fitting. This is because if the adhesive is applied to the fitting portion 4 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the fixing degree between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the flange 2 can be increased.
The assembling apparatus 200 may be provided integrally with the shake measuring apparatus 20 or may be provided as a separate apparatus. If they are provided as a single unit, the space required for the entire apparatus can be reduced, which is preferable.
[0050]
[How to install the flange]
When a flange without a gear is attached, the flange is attached so as to cancel the displacement of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with reference to a line connecting the centers of the fitting holes at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. In this case, the flange is attached to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in such a direction that the direction of deflection of the center of the fitting portion of the flange with respect to the rotation axis of the flange is approximately opposite to the deviation of the drum.
[0051]
When attaching a flange with gears to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the deflection of the flange fitting center from the center of the module circle of the gear and the direction of deviation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum should be approximately opposite. Attach the flange to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.
As a result of incorporating the flange into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum as described above, the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be more uniformly rotated.
Next, the electrophotographic photosensitive member measured according to this embodiment will be described.
The electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a cylindrical one and a sheet-like one. The present invention relates to a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member.
[0052]
The electrophotographic photoreceptor comprises a photosensitive layer on a conductive support. The photosensitive layer includes a so-called laminated type in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are separately formed, and a single layer type composed of one layer. From the viewpoint of sensitivity, etc., a laminated type electrophotographic photosensitive member. Is preferred. In particular, in a full-color electrophotographic photosensitive member that requires high sensitivity, a laminated electrophotographic photosensitive member is preferably used. A carrier blocking layer may be provided between the photosensitive layer and the conductive support. Further, a surface protective layer may be provided on the outer surface of the photosensitive layer.
The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention is corrected for shake, and can be particularly suitably used for a full-color electrophotographic apparatus such as a full-color printer, a full-color copying machine, or a full-color facsimile.
[0053]
Charge generators include selenium and its alloys, arsenic-selenium, cadmium sulfide, zinc oxide, other inorganic photoconductors, phthalocyanines, azo series, quinacridone series, polycyclic quinone series, perylene series, indigo series, squarylium dyes Organic pigments such as azolenium pigments, azulenium dyes, thiapyryliums, and benzimidazoles can be used. In particular, metals such as copper, indium chloride, potassium chloride, tin, oxytitanium, zinc, vanadium, or phthalocyanines coordinated with oxides or chlorides, metal-free phthalocyanines, or monoazo, bisazo, trisazo, polyazos Azo pigments such as are preferred. Of these, azo pigments or phthalocyanines are more preferable, and so-called Y-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine is particularly preferable because high sensitivity can be obtained. The charge generating agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. For example, a mixture of so-called Y-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine and so-called β-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine or α-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine may be used as the charge generator.
[0054]
The so-called Y-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine has a maximum diffraction peak at a Bragg angle (2θ ± 0.2) of 27.3 ° in X-ray diffraction by CuKα rays. This crystalline oxytitanium phthalocyanine is generally called Y-type or D-type. For example, FIG. 2 (referred to as type II in the publication) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-67094, Fig. 1 of Kaihei 2-8256, Fig. 1 of JP-A-64-82045, Journal of Electrophotographic Society, Vol. 92 (issued in 1990), No. 3, pages 250-258 (in the same publication, Y-type It is shown in the above. This crystalline oxytitanium phthalocyanine is characterized by having a maximum diffraction peak at 27.3 °, but normally has peaks at 7.4 °, 9.7 °, and 24.2 °.
[0055]
The intensity of the diffraction peak may vary depending on the crystallinity, the orientation of the sample, and the measurement method, but in the measurement by the Bragg-Brendano concentration method usually used when performing X-ray diffraction of the powder crystal, The Y-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine has a maximum diffraction peak at 27.3 °. In addition, when measured by a thin film optical system (generally called thin film method or parallel method), 27.3 ° may not be the maximum diffraction peak depending on the state of the sample. This is probably because it is oriented in the direction.
[0056]
Various solvents may be used as the dispersion medium. For example, ethers such as diethyl ether, dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran and 1,2-dimethoxyethane; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; esters such as methyl acetate and ethyl acetate; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and propanol alone Alternatively, two or more kinds can be mixed and used.
The amount of the dispersion medium to be used may be any amount as long as the dispersion can be sufficiently performed and an effective amount of the charge generator is contained in the dispersion, and usually 3 to 20 wt as the concentration of the charge generator in the dispersion at the time of dispersion. %, More preferably about 4 to 20 wt%.
[0057]
As binder resin, polyvinyl polymers such as polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal, polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyester carbonate, polysulfone, polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate, funol resin, butyral resin, polyvinyl chloride, copolymers thereof, phenoxy Epoxy, silicone resin, etc., and these partially crosslinked cured products can be used alone or in combination of two or more.
As a method for mixing the binder resin and the charge generating particles, for example, a method of dispersing the charge generating particles as a powder or a polymer solution at the same time while dispersing the charge generating particles, or dispersing the dispersion of the binder resin. Any method such as a method of mixing in a polymer solution, or a method of mixing a polymer solution in a dispersion, may be used.
[0058]
Next, the dispersion obtained here may be diluted with various solvents in order to obtain liquid properties suitable for coating. As such a solvent, the solvent illustrated as the said dispersion medium can be used, for example. The ratio between the charge generating agent and the binder resin is not particularly limited, but generally the charge generating agent is used in the range of 5 to 500 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the resin.
[0059]
Examples of the charge transfer agent include electron-withdrawing substances such as 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone and tetracyanoxydimethane, and heterocyclic rings such as selbazole, indole, imidazole, oxazole, pyrazole, oxadiazole, pyrazoline and thiadiazole. Examples thereof include an electron donating substance such as a compound, an aniline derivative, a hydrazone compound, an aromatic amine derivative, a stilbene derivative, or a polymer having a group composed of these compounds in the main chain or side chain. For the charge transfer layer, the same binder resin or the like as the charge generation layer can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use a binder resin having high compatibility with the charge transfer layer. The dispersion for the charge transfer layer is prepared so that the ratio of the charge transfer agent to the binder resin ranges from 5 to 500 parts by weight of the charge transfer substance with respect to 100 weight of the binder resin.
Using the dispersion prepared as described above, a charge generation layer is formed on a conductive support, and a charge transfer layer is laminated thereon to form a photosensitive layer. When the charge generation layer is laminated with the charge transfer layer to form a photosensitive layer, the range of 0.1 μm to 10 μm is preferable, and the thickness of the charge transfer layer is preferably 10 to 40 μm.
[0060]
The conductive substrate of the electrophotographic photosensitive member used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but aluminum or an aluminum alloy is preferably used.
Examples of the material of the aluminum conductive support include pure aluminum such as JIS1050, JIS1070, and JIS1080, AL-Mg alloy, AL-Cu alloy, AL-Si alloy, AL-Mg-Si alloy, Various aluminum alloys such as an AL-Cu-Si alloy can be used, and JIS 3003 which is an AL-Mn alloy and JIS6063 which is an AL-Si alloy are more preferable. In the present invention, the term “aluminum” generally represents a general term including an aluminum alloy unless it is expressed separately from an aluminum alloy.
[0061]
Although the manufacturing method of these aluminum conductive supports is not particularly limited, an aluminum billet is processed into an extruded tube by a porthole method, a mandrel method, etc., and then a cylinder having a predetermined thickness and outer diameter is obtained. It can be made by drawing, impacting, ironing, or mirroring by cutting. Since drawing oil, cutting oil, rust preventive oil, various dusts in the air, and the like adhere to the surface of the conductive support, the cleaning treatment is usually performed before the photoconductive layer is formed.
A conductive support manufactured by a known method cannot be expected to be a perfect cylindrical shape, and there is a deviation of several μm to several tens of μm, including uneven thickness of the material and bending. It is also conceivable to increase the accuracy of electrophotographic exposure by reducing this shake. However, it is very expensive and not always practical.
A known barrier layer as commonly used may be provided between the conductive support and the charge generation layer. Further, a surface protective layer may be provided on the outer surface of the photosensitive layer.
[0062]
Examples of barrier layers include inorganic layers such as anodized films, aluminum oxide, and aluminum hydroxide, and organic layers such as polyvinyl alcohol, casein, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, celluloses, gelatin, starch, polyurethane, polyimide, and polyamide. used. The barrier layer is most effectively used in the range of 0.1 μm to 20 μm, preferably 0.1 μm to 10 μm.
[0063]
The total thickness of the charge generation layer, charge transfer layer, and protective layer (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive layer” in this column) provided on the conductive support is preferably set to about 10 μm to 50 μm. In particular, when the photosensitive layer is thick, unevenness of the photosensitive layer itself is likely to occur, and the present invention is more suitably applied. The thickness of the photosensitive layer is preferably 20 μm to 50 μm, more preferably 25 μm to 50 μm, and particularly preferably 30 μm to 50 μm.
The electrophotographic photosensitive member in the present embodiment is provided with a flange 2 at one end or both ends. The flange 2 in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a flange 2 used in an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a known flange 2 can be used.
[0064]
The flange 2 includes a fitting portion 4 that is inserted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and a gear portion 3 that is molded integrally with the fitting portion 4. In order to confirm the position of the flange 2, the fitting portion 4 is preferably provided with a convex portion. The gear unit 3 receives a driving force from a driving unit (not shown) and transmits the driving force to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, whereby the electrophotographic photosensitive member rotates.
[0065]
The gear portion 3 is not particularly limited, but a spur gear, a helical gear, a helical gear, a quick bevel gear, a helical bevel gear, a hypoid gear, a worm gear, a screw gear, or a spur gear and a helical gear. Examples include a case where a plurality of gears are provided, a case where a plurality of helical gears are provided, a case where a helical gear and a spur gear are combined, and the like. Of these, those using helical gears are more preferable. This is because if the helical gear is used, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 can be prevented from running out of rotation by pressing the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 in a specific direction with a thrust force.
[0066]
As the molding resin for the flange 2, a general-purpose engineering resin that is easily available and inexpensive can be used. For example, polyacetal, polycarbonate, and those in which a fluorine-based resin is mixed are preferable.
The resin used is preferably imparted with conductivity by, for example, kneading a conductivity imparting member.
[0067]
As a method for molding the flange 2, known molding means such as injection molding and extrusion molding can be used. However, the injection molding is particularly preferable because the shape of the molded flange 2 can be controlled constantly. That is, if an injection molding apparatus having a certain mold is prepared and the flange 2 is molded under the same molding conditions such as resin material and temperature, the flange 2 molded from the mold has a substantially constant eccentricity. It is.
[0068]
[Image forming apparatus]
Examples of the image forming apparatus of the present invention include a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile. Since the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention is configured with less shake, it can be suitably used particularly for full-color printers, copiers, facsimiles, and the like.
The image forming apparatus includes a storage device (1), a storage device (2), a storage device (3), a storage device (4), a hopper, a stacker, a conveyance path for conveying a recording medium (paper), and a fixing unit. is there. Each of the storage devices {circle around (1)} to {circle around (4)} is provided with a developing unit (charging device, developing device, fixing device, static eliminator, cleaner), electrophotographic photosensitive member, and optical unit (exposure device).
[0069]
The recording apparatus (1) includes a yellow (hereinafter referred to as “Y”) developing unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an optical unit. The recording apparatus (2) includes a magenta (hereinafter referred to as “M”) developing unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an optical unit. The recording apparatus (3) includes a cyan (hereinafter referred to as “C”) developing unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an optical unit. The recording apparatus (4) includes a black (hereinafter referred to as “K”) developing unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an optical unit.
The hopper provides paper to the conveyance path. The stacker is a stack for storing printed sheets. The conveyance path conveys paper. The fixing unit fixes an image transferred from the electrophotographic photosensitive member to a sheet.
[0070]
The developing unit applies a developing material (toner corresponding to each recording device of Y, M, C, and K) to the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and performs development. The electrophotographic photosensitive member is to transfer an image developed by the developing unit onto a sheet after creating an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be obtained. The optical unit scans the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a laser beam modulated by each image data (information) to form an electrostatic latent image.
[0071]
The operation of the image forming apparatus will be described below. The surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is charged substantially uniformly using a charger such as corotron or strolocolon. The host computer sends a print command based on information such as images and characters. When printing is instructed from the host computer, if the printer is not ready, it responds with the device busy, and if the printer is ready, it makes a data request. When Y data, M data, C data, and K data are sent from the host computer, the recording devices {circle around (1)} to {circle around (4)} of the image forming apparatus are lasers modulated by the optical unit according to the respective color data. Each electrophotographic photosensitive member is scanned with light. Thereby, the electric charge is removed from the portion on the electrophotographic photosensitive member irradiated with the laser beam, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Thereafter, a developing material such as toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member in each developing unit to form a visible image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Next, the sheet is superimposed on the visible image, a charge opposite to the developer is applied to the sheet from the back of the sheet with a charger, and the visible image is transferred to the sheet by electrostatic force. The transferred visible image is fused with heat or pressure to form a permanent image. This operation is performed for each color of Y, M, C, and K on one sheet to obtain a color image on the sheet. On the other hand, the latent image charge on the electrophotographic photosensitive member after transfer is neutralized by light. Further, the developer such as residual toner remaining without being transferred is removed by a cleaner. By repeating the above process, image formation is continuously performed.
[0072]
In addition, the sheets are placed one by one in the conveyance path by the hopper, and the developed images of the respective colors posted on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are sequentially transferred onto the sheets while the sheets are conveyed by the belt-shaped conveyance means. Then, the image transferred on the paper is fixed by the fixing unit, and finally the printed paper is stacked and stored by the stacker.
As an image forming apparatus, a developer (each color toner) attached on each electrophotographic photosensitive member is transferred to one intermediate transfer belt at one end, and each color toner is combined on the intermediate transfer belt. Then, an image may be formed on a sheet using a transfer unit.
[0073]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples.
[Example 1]
[Electrophotographic photosensitive drum]
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum was produced by the following method.
Aluminum conductive support with a mirror finish on the surface (JIS6063 material porthole tube, wall thickness 1mm) is trichloroethylene, ultrasonic cleaning, cold bath cleaning, steam cleaning, aluminum conductive support 30mm in diameter Got the body.
As a charge generation material, 10 parts by weight of Y-type TiOPc powder was added to 150 parts by weight of 4-methoxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, and pulverized and dispersed in a sand grind mill. The obtained pigment dispersion was added to 100 parts by weight of a 5% 1,2-dimethoxyethane solution of polyvinyl butyral (trade name # 6000-C, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and finally the solid content concentration was 4.0. % Dispersion was made. A conductive support for the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 was immersed in the dispersion for charge generation layer, and the charge generation layer was provided so that the film thickness after drying was 0.63 μm.
On this charge generation layer, 110 parts by weight of 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone and 100 parts by weight of polycarbonate resin are dissolved in 600 parts by weight of a mixed solvent of 1,4-dioxane and tetrahydrofuran (50:50) to form a charge transfer layer. A working solution was obtained. Using this solution, a charge transfer layer is provided so that the film thickness becomes 27 μm after the conductive support for the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 having the charge generation layer previously provided is immersed in the solution and dried at 125 ° C. for 30 minutes. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 was obtained.
[0074]
[Run-out measuring device]
The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 was used as the shake measurement apparatus 20 of Example 1.
In FIG. 1, an oriental stepping motor UPH566A is used as a rotary actuator 62 that rotates the first roller 60.
As the first roller 60, a roller having a diameter φ of 15 mm, a constant diameter, a width of a surface in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 of 0.7 mm, and a total width of the roller of 5 mm was used.
As the second roller, one having a diameter φ of 15 mm, a constant diameter, a width of a surface in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 of 0.5 mm, and an entire width of 5 mm was used.
The pressure applied by the second roller to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 was 35 g.
As a distance measuring device, KL3000A manufactured by Anritsu Co., Ltd. was used for the display unit, and KL1003BN was used for the detection unit.
[0075]
The time required for one rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is 2 seconds.
The distance between the specific position 116 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is measured about 3000 times per second. Thus, by performing a number of distance measurements, the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 can be measured more clearly.
The obtained distance measurement data is averaged every four times, and is further set as a distance measurement result in which noise is cut by a low-pass filter.
By calculating the amount of eccentricity and the direction of eccentricity of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum relative to the virtual center axis connecting the centers of the fitting holes 7 at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 using an arithmetic unit, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is calculated. After obtaining the drum runout, the first roller is rotated by a predetermined amount so that the direction of eccentricity is vertically upward.
[Flange assembly process]
The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 arranged so that the direction of eccentricity is directed upward is moved from the shake measuring device 20 to the assembling device.
The assembling apparatus 200 is mounted in advance so that the eccentricity toward the center of the fitting hole of the flange as viewed from the center of the module circle of the flange 2 is directed downward.
The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the flange 2 are installed as shown in FIG. The mounting portion 240A moves in the direction of the placement portion 224 by the distance control mechanism (air cylinder 262). When the flange 2 mounted on the mounting unit 240A and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 mounted on the mounting unit 224 come into contact with each other (FIG. 6B), the force in the mounting unit 240B direction is applied to the mounting unit 24. Will be added. Further, when the mounting portion 240A is moved in the direction of the mounting portion 240B by the air cylinder 262, the mounting portion 224 is also moved in the direction of the mounting portion 240B together with the mounting portion 240A, and one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 in the mounting portion 240B direction is mounted. It contacts the portion 240B (FIG. 6C). Further, when a force in the direction of the mounting portion 240B is applied to the mounting portion 240A by the air cylinder 262, the two flanges 2 mounted on the mounting portion 240A and the mounting portion 240B are inserted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and fitted. The joining portion 4 is almost completely fitted into the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 (the fitting portion 4 of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1).
The four electrophotographic photoreceptors thus produced are taken out and incorporated into an image forming apparatus as an electrophotographic photoreceptor that receives YCMK toner to produce a full-color image forming apparatus.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
According to the shake measuring apparatus of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 quickly and appropriately.
In addition, the electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured by using the shake measuring apparatus and the assembling apparatus of the present invention reduces the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive member because the deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum itself and the eccentricity of the flange cancel each other. .
In addition, since the image forming apparatus of the present invention has less shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, it is possible to obtain a good image with less image shift than before. The image forming apparatus of the present invention is particularly preferably used in a full-color image forming apparatus using three or four electrophotographic photosensitive members.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a shake measuring device.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the shake measuring apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a first roller.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electrophotographic photosensitive member.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of distance measuring means.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an assembling apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum during shake measurement.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Electrophotographic photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum)
2 Flange
3 Gear section
4 Fitting part
6 Fitting part
7 Mating hole
8 convex pieces
22 base
24 Placement part
26 Support means (roller)
28 Distance measuring means
29 drum receiver
30 Lifting platform
34 Fixing means
42 Lifting means
50 Annular part
52 Tapered part
60 First roller
62 Rotary actuator
64 shaft member
66 Placement means
68 mounting table
80 Fixing member
82 Support beam
84 Presser spring
86 Holding cylinder
88 Mounting member
90 Movement mechanism
92 Insertion position
100 Semiconductor laser
102 polygon mirror
104 reflection mirror
106 Collimator lens
108 Light receiving lens
110 Light receiving element
116 specific position
118 measuring points
222 base
224 Placement section
228 drum receiver
240 wearing part
240A Mounting part A
240B wearing part B
242 Shaft
244 fixed base
262 Air cylinder
268 mounting table

Claims (10)

The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 having fitting holes 7 into which the flanges 2 are to be fitted at both ends is supported by support means 26 inserted from both ends,
While rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 at a constant rotational speed,
Using the distance measuring means 28 for measuring the distance between the specific position 116 outside the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the measurement point on the side of the specific position 116 and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is measured. Measure the distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and three or more points during one rotation .
A line connecting the centers of the fitting holes 7 at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is a virtual center axis, an intersection point perpendicular to the virtual center axis from each distance measurement point is a start point, and each distance measurement point is an end point By calculating the amount of eccentricity and the direction of eccentricity of the outer peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 based on the respective vectors with the distance as the size and the rotation angle of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum as the direction. A method for measuring shake of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein the shake of the photosensitive drum 1 is measured. The method of measuring a shake of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum according to claim 1, wherein the support means is a roller. The shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is measured by the method of measuring a shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum according to claim 1 or 2,
By further rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 based on the shake information of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the eccentric direction determined by the sum of the vectors of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is directed to a specific direction. A position control method for an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein the position of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is controlled. By controlling the position of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum according to claim 3 so that the eccentric direction determined by the sum of the vectors of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is directed to a specific direction, the eccentric flange 2 is The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is inserted into the fitting hole 7 in at least one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 so that the deflection of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the eccentricity of the flange 2 cancel each other. A method for producing a photoreceptor. The shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is measured by the method of measuring a shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum according to claim 1 or 2,
Based on the shake information of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, the eccentric direction determined by the sum of the vectors of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 and the eccentricity of the flange 2 cancel each other, and the flange 2 is moved to the electrophotographic drum. A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the photosensitive drum 1 is inserted into a fitting hole 7 at least at one end. Support means 26 for supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1;
Rotating means for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1;
Distance measuring means 28 for measuring the distance from the measurement point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 to a specific position 116,
The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is rotated by the rotating unit, and the distance between the measuring point 118 on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 118 and the specific position 116 is rotated by the distance measuring unit 28 by one rotation. During measurement , at least three points are measured, and a line connecting the centers of the fitting holes 7 at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 at each measurement point is defined as a virtual central axis, and perpendicular to the virtual central axis from each distance measurement point. The starting point is the intersection point and the distance measuring point is the end point. Based on the vectors having the distance as the magnitude and the rotation angle of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 as the direction, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 An apparatus for measuring shake of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein the shake of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 is measured by calculating an eccentric amount and an eccentric direction of an outer peripheral surface. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum shake measuring device according to claim 6,
The electrophotographic photosensitive drum shake measuring apparatus further comprises a fixing means 34 for stabilizing the position of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 together with the supporting means 26. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum shake measuring apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the support means includes a roller 60. A flanged electrophotographic photosensitive member produced using the electrophotographic photosensitive drum shake measuring device according to claim 6. An image forming apparatus using the flanged electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 9.

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