JP4906415B2 - Electrophotographic photoreceptor inspection method and inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, a plotter, etc., a charging device used in the image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge. The present invention relates to an inspection method and an inspection apparatus.

In recent years, the quality of an electrophotographic apparatus using an electrophotographic system has been improved. For example, the printing resolution has become 1200 dpi or higher, and full-color printing has become possible. The device itself is also compact.
Under such circumstances, it is required to minimize the influence of the electrophotographic apparatus on the installation environment. For example, it is required to reduce the amount of ozone and NOx generated during use and to reduce the power consumption. .
Under such demands, a charging roller system has been proposed from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of ozone and NOx generated and saving energy during charging.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a contact charging device in which a charging roller is used as a charging member, and the charging roller is brought into contact with a photosensitive member. The surface of the charging roller is a dielectric, and the rotation direction of the charging roller is the same as the rotation direction of the photosensitive member (the moving direction at the closest portion between the charging roller and the photosensitive member is opposite). Since the surface of the charging roller is a dielectric, even if there is a pinhole on the photoconductor, the surface around the pinhole of the opposite charging member does not lose its charge, and this causes an uncharged portion on the photoconductor. Does not occur. Further, by rotating the charging roller in the above-mentioned direction, even if each of the photosensitive member and the dielectric member is charged, the photosensitive member comes into contact with the dielectric member having a lower charging potential in order, so that the photosensitive member can be exposed with a low applied voltage. The body can be charged to a desired potential. Thus, the charging roller is used in a state where it is in contact with the photosensitive member. Certainly, compared with a non-contact charging machine represented by Scorotron, the voltage applied to the charging machine is small, and the amount of the reactive gas generated is reduced.

However, the contact charging device includes (i) a charging roller mark, (ii) charging sound, (iii) a decrease in charging performance due to adhesion of toner on the photosensitive member to the charging member, and (iv) a charging member. There are problems such as the adhesion of the substance to the photoconductor and (v) permanent deformation of the charging member that occurs when the photoconductor is stopped for a long time.

  Charging roller traces occur because substances constituting the charging member ooze out from the charging member and adhere to and transfer to the surface of the charged body during the stop period of the charged body. Further, the charging sound is generated because the charging member in contact with the member to be charged vibrates when an AC voltage is applied to the charging member. As a method for solving such a problem, a proximity charging device has been devised in which a charging member is brought close to a photoconductor in a non-contact manner. In the proximity charging device, the charging device is opposed so that the distance at the closest part to the photosensitive member is 0.005 to 0.3 [mm], and a voltage is applied to the charging member, whereby the photosensitive member It is a charging device that performs charging. In the proximity charging device, since the charging device and the photoconductor are not in contact with each other, there is a problem with the contact charging device such as “adhesion of the substance constituting the charging member to the photoconductor”, “the photoconductor has been stopped for a long time. “Permanent deformation sometimes occurs” is not a problem. Further, with respect to “decrease in charging performance due to adhesion of toner or the like on the photosensitive member to the charging member”, the proximity charging device is superior because less toner adheres to the charging member.

Examples of such proximity charging include those described in Patent Literature 2, Patent Literature 3, Patent Literature 4, Patent Literature 5, Patent Literature 6, Patent Literature 7, Patent Literature 8, and Patent Literature 9. These are described as proximity charging methods, and an example is described in which the charging member and the photosensitive member are experimentally brought close to each other through a gap and the charged state is examined.

The following patent documents exist as a method for creating a gap.
For example, Patent Document 10 proposes a method in which a sheet-like member is attached to both ends of a charging roller to form a minute charging gap between the photoreceptor and the charging roller.
In Patent Document 11, a proposal is made to secure a gap by providing a gap holding member on at least one surface of a charging member or a photoreceptor.

In Patent Document 12 and Patent Document 13, proposals are made to secure a gap by sandwiching an insulating tape as a gap holding member with both ends fixed by a spring or the like between a charging member and a photosensitive member.
In Patent Document 14, a proposal is made to secure a gap by providing an appropriate spacer at the bearing portion of the charging roller and contacting the spacer with the surface of the photoreceptor.

In Patent Document 15, a proposal is made to secure a gap by providing a gap holding member on at least one surface of a charging member or a photoreceptor.
In addition, there are Patent Literature 16, Patent Literature 17, Patent Literature 18, and Patent Literature 19 regarding the gap holding between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging roll.

As described above, a member that forms a certain gap is sandwiched between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging roll to form a certain gap. The gap forming member is formed between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging roll. Clamp it at both ends.
Here, the gap forming member is sandwiched between the non-image areas at both ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An electrophotographic photosensitive member is formed by dip coating an electrophotographic photosensitive member layer such as a charge generation layer or a charge transport layer on the surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate. In this dip coating, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is formed on the upper end of the conductive substrate. By providing a non-coating portion and not coating the entire length, the conductive substrate is exposed. Therefore, it is general that the gap forming member is disposed at this portion.
The other end is generally wiped off the coating solution at the lower end of the coating after dip coating to expose the conductive substrate, and the gap forming member is generally located here.
There are many patent documents regarding the method of removing the coating film adhered to the lower end portion of the photosensitive drum after the dip coating, but as an example, Patent Document 20, Patent Document 21, Patent There are Document 22, Patent Document 23, and Patent Document 24.

With the methods shown in these patent documents, the coating film adhered to the lower end of the photosensitive drum during dip coating is removed. However, if there is a malfunction of the manufacturing apparatus or insufficient supply of cleaning liquid, the coating film on the lower end is removed. Becomes insufficient, and a coating film residue is generated at the lower end.
In the case where the coating film is a charge transport layer, the coating film is a transparent film having a slightly yellowish tinge, and its thickness is as thin as several μm, so it was difficult to find this. For this reason, there was no patent document related to this inspection method.

JP-A-4-336556 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-148059 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-127296 JP-A-5-273737 JP-A-5-307279 JP-A-6-308807 JP-A-8-202126 JP-A-9-171282 JP-A-10-288888 JP 2001-194868 A JP-A-11-95523 JP-A-5-107871 JP-A-5-273737 JP 7-168417 A JP-A-11-95523 JP 2002-148904 A JP 2003-148905 A JP 2003-215889 A JP 2005-194868 A JP 2000-275878 A JP 2000-305292 A JP 2002-148825 A JP 2002-278104 A JP 2002-346449 A JP 52-36016 A JP 2000-103984 A

  The present invention has been made to cope with the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, does not damage the object to be inspected in a non-contact manner, and is affected by the surface properties and gloss of the aluminum base tube as the base. And an inspection method and an inspection apparatus for the outer surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member end surface that are not affected by the gloss or surface properties of the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to be inspected. And

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a charging mechanism using a charging roll. Reference numeral 1 denotes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and flanges are attached to both ends so as to be rotatable. In the electrophotographic photosensitive member shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a conductive substrate exposed portion on the upper end side during coating. The width of this part is usually 2 to 10 mm. Reference numeral 3 denotes a portion where an electrophotographic photosensitive layer is formed, and 4 denotes a lower conductive substrate exposed portion during coating. When the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is manufactured by dip coating, since the coating liquid adheres to the lower side during coating, the conductive substrate surface is exposed by wiping the coating film at the lower end using a solvent and a wiping member. Part 4 is formed. This width is usually 2 to 10 mm.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes a charging roll having shafts at both ends so that the charging roll rotates. Belt-like spacers 6a and 6b are attached to both ends of the charging roll. The electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is such that the spacer 6a of the charging roll contacts the conductive substrate exposed portion 2 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 and the spacer 6b contacts the conductive substrate exposed portion 4 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1. Abut. As a result, the distance between the surface 7 of the charging roll 5 where there is no spacer and the coating surface 3 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is kept exactly constant, whereby uniform charging is performed.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 has various layer configurations, but the simplest example is one in which a charge generation layer is formed on a conductive substrate and a charge transport layer is further formed thereon.
For the purpose of preventing image interference fringes, an undercoat layer is also formed between the conductive substrate and the charge generation layer as necessary. Also, a protective layer is formed on the outermost surface for the purpose of improving wear resistance. The undercoat layer and the protective layer may be composed of a plurality of layers.

The conductive substrate and each layer will be described. Examples of the conductive substrate include those having a volume resistance of 10 ¹⁰ Ω · cm or less, such as aluminum, nickel, chromium, nichrome, copper,
Metals such as gold, silver and platinum, metal oxides such as tin oxide and indium oxide, film or cylindrical plastics, paper coated by vapor deposition or sputtering, or aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, stainless steel, etc. These can be used, and pipes that have been surface-treated by cutting, superfinishing, polishing, or the like after being made into raw pipes by a method such as extrusion and drawing. The endless nickel belt and the endless stainless steel belt disclosed in Patent Document 25 can also be used as the conductive substrate.

  In addition to this, a conductive layer formed by dispersing conductive powder in an appropriate binder resin on the support and forming a conductive layer can also be used as the conductive substrate of the present invention. Examples of such conductive powder include carbon black, acetylene black, metal powder such as aluminum, nickel, iron, nichrome, copper, zinc, silver, or metal oxide powder such as conductive tin oxide and ITO. Is mentioned. The binder resin used simultaneously is polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer. , Polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyarylate resin, phenoxy resin, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate resin, ethyl cellulose resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl toluene, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, Examples thereof include thermoplastics such as melamine resin, urethane resin, phenol resin, and alkyd resin, thermosetting resin, and photocurable resin.

  The conductive layer is formed by dispersing the conductive powder and the binder resin in a suitable solvent such as THF (tetrahydrofuran), MDC (dichloromethane), MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), toluene, etc. and applying them. Can do. Furthermore, it is electrically conductive by a heat-shrinkable tube in which the conductive powder is contained in a material such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, chlorinated rubber, Teflon (registered trademark) on a suitable cylindrical substrate. Those provided with a conductive layer can also be used favorably as the conductive support 1 in the present invention.

The charge generation layer is formed by applying a coating liquid containing a binder resin, a charge generation material, and a solvent on a conductive substrate and drying it.
As the binder resin used for the charge generation layer, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyamide, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyketone, polycarbonate, silicone resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl ketone, polystyrene, polysulfone, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, poly Examples include acrylamide, polyvinyl benzal, polyester, phenoxy resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyphenylene oxide, polyamide, polyvinyl pyridine, cellulosic resin, casein, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The amount of the binder resin is 20 to 200 parts by weight, preferably 50 to 150 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the charge generation material.

  In particular, the charge generation layer preferably contains a butyral resin having a degree of butyralization of less than 70 mol% or a butyral resin having a degree of formalization of less than 15 mol%, and these butyral resins are polymers of vinyl compounds, or It is preferably made of a copolymer resin. By using such a binder resin, a stable coating solution having good dispersibility and handleability can be obtained, and a high-quality and stable electrophotographic image can be obtained over a long period of time even when the formed photoreceptor is used repeatedly. Can be provided.

Examples of the solvent used here include isopropanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethyl cellosolve, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, monochlorobenzene, cyclohexane, toluene, xylene, ligroin and the like. . As the coating method of the coating solution, methods such as dip coating, spray coating, beat coating, nozzle coating, spinner coating, and ring coating can be used. The thickness of the charge generation layer 2 is suitably about 0.01 to 5 μm, preferably 0.1 to 2 μm.

  If necessary, a plasticizer, a leveling agent, an antioxidant and the like can be added to the charge generation layer. As the leveling agent, silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil and methylphenyl silicone oil, and polymers or oligomers having a perfluoroalkyl group in the side chain are used, and the amount used is 0 to 1 weight with respect to the binder resin. % Is appropriate.

The charge transport layer 3 is formed by dissolving or dispersing a charge transport material and a binder resin in an appropriate solvent, and applying and drying the solution on the charge generation layer 2.
Here, the charge transport material includes a hole transport material and an electron transport material, both of which can be used. Examples of the electron transport material include chloroanil, bromanyl, tetracyanoethylene, tetracyanoquinodimethane, 2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorenone, 2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-fluorenone, 2, 4,5,7-tetranitroxanthone, 2,4,8-trinitrothioxanthone, 2,6,8-trinitro-4H-indeno [1,2-b] thiophen-4-one, 1,3,7- Examples thereof include electron-accepting substances such as trinitrodibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide and benzoquinone derivatives.

  On the other hand, as hole transport materials, poly-N-carbazole and derivatives thereof, poly-γ-carbazolylethyl glutamate and derivatives thereof, pyrene-formaldehyde condensates and derivatives thereof, polyvinylpyrene, polyvinylphenanthrene, polysilane, oxazole derivatives Oxadiazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, monoarylamine derivatives, diarylamine derivatives, triarylamine derivatives, stilbene derivatives, α-phenylstilbene derivatives, benzidine derivatives, diarylmethane derivatives, triarylmethane derivatives, 9-styrylanthracene derivatives, Pyrazoline derivatives, divinylbenzene derivatives, hydrazone derivatives, indene derivatives, butadiene derivatives, pyrene derivatives, etc., bisstilbene derivatives, enamine derivatives, etc. Knowledge materials are mentioned. These charge transport materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Examples of the binder resin for forming the charge transport layer include polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer. Coalescence, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyarylate, phenoxy resin, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate resin, ethyl cellulose resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl toluene, poly-N-vinyl carbazole, acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, Thermoplastic or thermosetting resins such as melamine resin, urethane resin, phenol resin, alkyd resin and the like can be mentioned.

  The amount of the charge transport material is appropriately 20 to 300 parts by weight, preferably 40 to 150 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin. The thickness of the charge transport layer is preferably about 5 to 50 μm. Here, examples of the solvent used include tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, toluene, dichloromethane, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethane, cyclohexanone, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetone.

For the charge transport layer, a polymer charge transport material having a function as a charge transport material and a function as a binder resin is also preferably used. The charge transport layer composed of these polymer charge transport materials is excellent in wear resistance. A known material can be used as the polymer charge transporting material, but a polycarbonate containing a triarylamine structure in the main chain and / or side chain is preferably used. For example, a polymer charge transport material represented by the formulas (1) to (10) in Patent Document 26 is preferably used.

  In the present invention, a plasticizer or a leveling agent may be added to the charge transport layer. As the plasticizer, those used as general plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate can be used as they are, and the amount used is suitably about 0 to 30% by weight with respect to the binder resin. As the leveling agent, silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil and methylphenyl silicone oil, and polymers or oligomers having a perfluoroalkyl group in the side chain are used, and the amount used is 0 to 1 weight with respect to the binder resin. % Is appropriate.

  In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, an undercoat layer can be provided between the conductive substrate 1 and the photosensitive layer. In the present invention, the photosensitive layer refers to a layer containing at least one or both of a charge generation material and a charge transport material. In general, the undercoat layer is mainly composed of a resin. However, considering that the photosensitive layer is coated with a solvent in the form of an undercoat layer, these resins are resins with high solvent resistance to general organic solvents. Is desirable. Examples of such resins include water-soluble resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, casein, and sodium polyacrylate, alcohol-soluble resins such as copolymer nylon and methoxymethylated nylon, polyurethane, melamine resin, phenol resin, alkyd-melamine resin, and epoxy. Examples thereof include curable resins that form a three-dimensional network structure such as resins. In order to prevent moiré and reduce the residual potential, the undercoat layer may contain metal oxide fine powders exemplified by titanium oxide, silica, alumina, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide and the like. These undercoat layers can be formed using an appropriate solvent and coating method as in the case of the photosensitive layer described above.

Furthermore, a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, a chromium coupling agent, or the like can be used as the undercoat layer in the present invention. In addition, the undercoat layer of the present invention is provided with Al ₂ O ₃ by anodization, organic substances such as polyparaxylylene (parylene), SiO ₂ , SnO ₂ , TiO ₂ , ITO, CeO _2, etc. Those provided with an inorganic material by a vacuum thin film manufacturing method can also be used favorably. In addition, known ones can be used. The thickness of the undercoat layer is suitably from 0 to 5 μm.
The undercoat layer is not a single layer, and may be composed of a plurality of layers.

  Furthermore, in the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, a protective layer may be provided on the photosensitive layer for the purpose of protecting the photosensitive layer. Materials used for the protective layer include ABS resin, ACS resin, olefin-vinyl monomer copolymer, chlorinated polyether, allyl resin, phenol resin, polyacetal, polyamide, polyamideimide, polyacrylate, polyallylsulfone, polybutylene, Polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, acrylic resin, polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polystyrene, AS resin, butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, poly Examples of the resin include vinylidene chloride and epoxy resin. In addition, for the purpose of improving wear resistance, the protective layer 5 is further dispersed with a fluorine resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, a silicone resin, and inorganic materials such as titanium oxide, tin oxide, and potassium titanate dispersed in these resins. Things can be added.

  As a method for forming the protective layer, a normal coating method is employed. In addition, about 0.1-7 micrometers is suitable for the thickness of a protective layer. In addition to the above, known materials such as α-C and α-SiC formed by a vacuum thin film manufacturing method can also be used as the protective layer 5.

In the present invention, an intermediate layer (not shown) can be provided between the photosensitive layer and the protective layer. In the intermediate layer, a binder resin is generally used as a main component. Examples of these resins include polyamide, alcohol-soluble nylon, polyvinyl hydroxide butyral, polyvinyl butyral, and polyvinyl alcohol. As a method for forming the intermediate layer, the usual coating method as described above is employed. In addition, about 0.05-2 micrometers is suitable for the thickness of an intermediate | middle layer.

Next, the case where the photosensitive layer has a single layer structure will be described.
Here, the single-layer photoconductor is a general term for a photoconductor having a single layer having an electrophotographic function. Even if there is an undercoat layer or a protective layer, the single-layer photoconductor It can be formed by dissolving or dispersing the substance, the charge transport substance and the binder resin in an appropriate solvent, and applying and drying the substance.

  As the binder resin, the binder resin previously mentioned in the charge transport layer 3 may be used as it is, or the binder resin mentioned in the charge generation layer 2 may be mixed and used. Of course, polymer charge transport materials can also be used favorably. The amount of the charge generating material with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin is preferably 5 to 40 parts by weight, and the amount of the charge transporting material is preferably 0 to 190 parts by weight, and more preferably 50 to 150 parts by weight. A single-layer photosensitive layer is formed by dip coating or spraying with a coating solution dispersed with a disperser using a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, dichloroethane, or cyclohexane together with a charge transport material, if necessary, with a charge generating material and a binder resin. It can be formed by coating with a coat or bead coat. The film thickness of the single photosensitive layer is suitably about 5 to 25 μm.

Next, the charging roll will be described.
The charging roll is provided with a conductive elastic body on a rotating shaft.
A metal member such as iron, copper, brass, or stainless steel is used as the rotating shaft, and conductive powder or conductive fiber (carbon black, metal powder, carbon fiber, etc.) is generally used in the synthetic rubber as the conductive elastic body. It is formed by the composition which mixed. When a resistance adjusting layer is used on the surface, the semiconductive region of about 10 ³ to 10 ⁸ Ω · cm is preferably used for the resistance of this layer, and when used alone, it is slightly higher (10 ⁴ ˜10 ¹⁰ Ω · cm). For the resistance adjustment layer, a normal synthetic resin (polyethylene, polyester, epoxy resin), synthetic rubber (ethylene-propylene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene rubber, or the like) is used. In addition, various things such as epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, a mixture of epichlorohydrin rubber and fluororesin can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a gap forming member is attached to a portion of the photosensitive member on the surface of the charging roll that is in contact with the non-image forming region, and the charging roll and the electrophotographic photosensitive member have a spatial gap (gap). The body is charged in a non-contact state.

Next, problems in the charging mechanism having such a configuration will be described.
The electrophotographic photosensitive member is often manufactured by dip coating, but in this dip coating method, the coating solution adhering to the lower end of the coating is dissolved and removed with a solvent to expose the surface of the conductive substrate, as shown in FIG. 4 to expose the conductive substrate. However, if the adhering liquid removal at the lower end of the coating is insufficient, it is difficult to accurately maintain the development gap and the charging gap using the substrate surface at the lower end of the coating as described above. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a mechanism for maintaining the distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging roll, and FIG. 2A is a view before the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging roll are brought into contact with each other.
In FIG. 2, 10 is a conductive substrate of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, 11 is a photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and 2 is an exposed portion of the conductive substrate on the upper end side during coating. Reference numeral 4 denotes a lower conductive substrate exposed portion at the time of coating. As described above, when the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is manufactured by dip coating, since the coating liquid adheres to the lower side during coating, the lower end portion is wiped off with a solvent and a wiping member. The conductive substrate surface forms the exposed portion 4. This width is usually 2 to 10 mm.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a charging roll, and belt-like spacers 6a and 6b are attached to both ends.
When the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the state of FIG. 2A and the charging roll are brought into contact with each other, the state of B in FIG. 2 is obtained, and the distance between the surface of the photosensitive layer 11 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the surface of the charging roll 5 is accurate. Kept.

  The film thickness difference at the gap portion is preferably 10 to 200 μm. More preferably, it is 20-100 micrometers. When the thickness is 10 μm or less, there is a possibility that the charging member and the photosensitive member come into contact with each other, and uncleaned toner on the photosensitive member may be fixed to the charging member. On the other hand, when the thickness is 200 μm or more, the voltage applied to the charging member is high, and excessive power consumption is required.

C in FIG. 2 is an example in which the coating film removal at the lower end portion during coating is insufficient, 11 is a photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and 2 is an exposed conductive substrate portion at the upper end side during coating. Reference numeral 13 denotes a portion where the coating film remains on the lower conductive substrate during coating. Reference numeral 5 denotes a charging roll having belt-like spacers 6a and 6b attached to both ends.
When the electrophotographic photosensitive member 10 in the state of C in FIG. 2 and the charging roll 5 are brought into contact with each other, the state of D in FIG. 2 is obtained, and the distance between the surface of the photosensitive layer 11 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 10 and the surface of the charging roll 5. There is a difference between left and right. If the image is taken out in such a state, an abnormal image is generated or a problem occurs that the electrophotographic photosensitive member is worn on one side.

In order to prevent such a phenomenon from occurring, it is necessary to inspect that no coating liquid remains on the lower side during dip coating when an electrophotographic photosensitive member is produced.
However, the charge transport layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is a transparent film having a slightly yellowish tint, and it is very difficult to find out if this film remains several μm. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor capable of inspecting an end portion of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and uniformly charging with a charging roll.

Therefore, as means for achieving the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is that the electrophotographic photosensitive member is stopped on the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after coating of the charge transport layer, or 5 times / second or less. While rotating at a rotation speed, ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm or near-ultraviolet light (hereinafter abbreviated as ultraviolet light) has an elliptical shape with an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: 1. Or a charge transport layer coating remaining on the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by irradiating a plurality of ellipses having an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: 1 so as to overlap each other at the end of the major axis. Inspecting the adhesion state of the solidified product of the charge transport layer coating solution present on the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by sidelighting the fluorescence emitted by the solidified product of the solution upon receiving the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light. It is characterized by.

  In particular, the main component of the charge transport layer coating liquid is composed of a charge transport material, a binder resin, and a solvent, and this dried product is a slightly yellowish transparent material. Therefore, even if such a solidified material adheres to the outer surface of the lower end of the coating, it is difficult to visually confirm the adhesion state. When the thickness of the solidified product is several μm, it cannot be easily detected visually. However, as shown in claim 1, when the solidified product is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the solidified product emits fluorescence. Therefore, even if its thickness is 0.1 to 0.01 μm, its presence can be easily confirmed. be able to.

  As means for achieving the above object, in the invention according to claim 2, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is stopped on the outer surface of the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after coating the charge transport layer, or the rotational speed is 5 times / second or less. Irradiating ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm while rotating the photoelectron, and measuring the fluorescence emitted by the charge transport layer coating solution adhering to the outer surface of the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member or its solidified light upon receiving the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light Thus, the adhesion amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified product existing on the outer surface of the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is measured.

Furthermore, in the invention shown in claim 2, when the surface to be inspected is irradiated with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm, the charge transport layer coating solution or the solidified product thereof remains on the outer surface of the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Fluorescence is generated in response to ultraviolet light, and the amount of the fluorescence correlates with the amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified product, so that the amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified product can be accurately measured. It becomes possible.
In addition, since only the charge transport layer coating solution and its solidified product emit fluorescence, there is an advantage that it is not affected at all by the surface properties and gloss of the outer surface of the end of the aluminum tube that is the substrate. Accurate measurement of liquefied solids becomes possible.

Here, the rotation speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive member may be a rotation speed that can measure fluorescence generated when irradiated with ultraviolet light, and may be a speed of 5 times / second or less, preferably 1 time / time. A rotation speed from 1 second to 1 second / 2 seconds is good.
Even if the rotation speed is set to 5 times / second or more, there is no merit at all because the cost of the equipment is increased.
Further, the electrophotographic photosensitive member to be inspected is stopped and irradiated with rotating ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm, and the charge transport layer coating solution remaining on the outer surface of the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member or the solidified product thereof is the ultraviolet light. By measuring the fluorescence emitted upon receiving light, the amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified substance present on the outer surface of the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is measured.

In the invention shown in claim 2, while rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to be inspected, the fluorescence emitted from the solidified product of the charge transport layer coating solution by receiving the ultraviolet light is converted into an electric signal by an optical sensor, Alternatively, when A / D conversion is performed after amplification, it is preferable that the A / D conversion interval does not leak in the photometric target portion even if the electrophotographic photosensitive drum rotates. For this purpose, when the electrophotographic photosensitive drum rotates after photometry and A / D conversion, it is preferable that a part of the photometry part overlaps at the next photometry and A / D conversion.
In the present invention, the value after A / D conversion may be compared with the reference value as it is. However, when there is an overlap in the photometric target part, it is compared with the reference value after performing numerical processing such as a moving average method. May be.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the surface to be inspected is irradiated with ultraviolet light or near-ultraviolet light, and the charge transport layer coating solution or the fluorescence emitted from its solidification is measured. There is an advantage that there is no influence even if there is a difference in the amount of reflected light of ultraviolet light.
Here, in order to generate ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 250 nm or less as the wavelength of light irradiated on the inspection target surface, an apparatus having a large size such as a halogen lamp or an ultraviolet lamp is required, which is not preferable.
Further, when the wavelength of light irradiated onto the inspection target surface is 420 nm or more, even if the charge transport layer coating solution or the solidified product remains on the inspection target surface, no fluorescence is emitted or the amount of the emitted fluorescence is small. Since it is very few, it is not preferable.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the inspection method for an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source for irradiating the ultraviolet light is an ultraviolet LED. Further, since the size is at most 8 mm or less and the diameter is 5 mm or less at most, it is extremely small, so that a small inspection apparatus can be configured. Here, one ultraviolet LED may be used, but two or more may be used.

In the present invention, the presence form of the solidified substance of the charge transport layer coating liquid to be inspected is thinly spread, thickly spread, swelled in small dots, swelled in stripes, etc. .
When trying to detect the charge transport layer coating liquid solidified in such various forms, if the spot diameter of the ultraviolet light to irradiate is large, small point-like charge transport that tries to grasp the existence in the irradiation range. Even if the layer coating solution is solidified, fluorescence is generated only in the form of dots. When such point-like fluorescence is measured with an optical sensor, the amount of fluorescence is averaged and it is difficult to detect. As a countermeasure against such a phenomenon, a large number of photosensors are arranged. However, it is necessary to prepare a photosensor having a large number of pixels and to check the light quantity of each photosensor or pixel of the photosensor. However, this method has a problem that the photometric system becomes complicated.

Therefore, if the ultraviolet light is slit-shaped parallel to the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, even if the number of photosensors is one or two to three, a small dot-shaped charge transport layer coating solution The fluorescence emitted from the solidified product can be detected.
Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, ultraviolet light can be projected only on a portion to be inspected, so that one or three fluorescent light receiving sensors may be used, and a light receiving sensor having five or more pixels is used. Therefore, the structure of the light receiving system, the configuration of the electric circuit, and the determination software are simplified.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized by irradiating the inspection target surface with the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light after passing through a cylindrical lens or a linear Fresnel lens.
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light is irradiated to the inspection object surface after passing through a cylindrical lens or a linear Fresnel lens having a focal length of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Item 4. The inspection method for an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of Items 1 to 3 .

  By using a cylindrical lens or a linear Fresnel lens, the shape of the light spot irradiated with ultraviolet light can be easily changed to the shape shown in claim 4. Further, by setting the focal length of the cylindrical lens or linear Fresnel lens to 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, it is possible to reduce the size of the ultraviolet light projecting optical system composed of the ultraviolet LED and the linear Fresnel lens. Here, the focal length of the linear Fresnel lens is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

The invention according to claim 5 is that a plurality of optical fibers are arranged and irradiated with the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light in a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 10: 1 or a shape in which both ends of a circular shape overlap each other. which is a test method of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized. As shown in claim 5 , a slit-shaped irradiation spot suitable for carrying out the present invention can also be obtained by arranging optical fibers and introducing ultraviolet light thereto.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the sensor has a light receiving element, and a peak of spectral sensitivity of the light receiving element is 460 nm or more, and the electrophotography according to any one of claims 2 to 6 This is a method for inspecting a photoreceptor. In the present invention, the wavelength of the light source is set to a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm, and the spectral sensitivity peak of the light receiving element is set to 460 nm or more, so that the substrate of an electrophotographic photoreceptor is generally used. As a result, only the fluorescence emitted from the charge generation layer coating solution and its solidified product can be measured without being affected by the surface properties, gloss, etc. of the aluminum tube used.

Therefore, it is possible to detect the charge generation layer coating liquid and its solidified product without being affected by accuracy and sensitivity even if the surface property and gloss are changed by changing the lot of the substrate of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Become.
Here, various light receiving elements can be used as the light receiving elements, but they need to have a sensitivity of 500 to 700 nm, and Si photodiodes, GaAsP photodiodes, GaP photodiodes, and the like are preferable.
Here, one light receiving element may be used, but two or more light receiving elements may be used.
Various amplification circuits can be used as a method for amplifying a signal from the light receiving element, and a method using a transistor or a method using an operational amplifier can be appropriately selected and used.

The invention according to claim 7 is the method for inspecting an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 6 , characterized in that an optical filter for blocking light of 500 nm or less is provided on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element.
In the present invention, ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm is used as a light source, and a light receiving element having a spectral sensitivity peak of 460 nm or more is used as a light receiving element, but light of 500 nm or less is shielded on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element. By providing the optical filter, it is possible to prevent light having a wavelength of 500 nm or less from entering the light receiving element, thereby completely eliminating the influence of the stray light and scattered light of the ultraviolet light that is the light source.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, an optical filter having a transmission limit wavelength defined by a JIS B-7133 photographic glass filter (sharp cut) of 440 nm or more and 580 nm or less is provided on a light receiving surface of the light receiving element. The electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection method according to claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that it is a feature.
Here, the transmission limit wavelength will be described. In the spectral transmittance of the filter, the interval between the wavelength value at which the transparency is 72% or more and the wavelength value at which the transmittance is 5% or less is referred to as the wavelength inclination width, and the wavelength corresponding to the middle point of the wavelength inclination width is referred to as the transmission limit wavelength.

  In the present invention, ultraviolet light or near-ultraviolet light is used as a light source at a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm, and a light receiving element having a spectral sensitivity peak of 460 nm or more is used as a light receiving element. B-7133 By providing a filter with a transmission limit wavelength defined by the photographic glass filter (sharp cut) that is not less than 440 nm and not more than 580 nm, ultraviolet light as a light source is prevented from entering the light sensor. It becomes possible to make only fluorescence enter.

In claim 7 and claim 8 , various materials can be used as the material of the optical filter, and glass and plastic can be used. Among commercially available photographic filters, gelatin filters and triacetyl cellulose (TRI ACETYL CELLULOSE) filters can be suitably used.

The invention according to claim 9 is the method for inspecting an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of 1 to 8 above, wherein the charge transport layer coating solution present on the lower end surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member or the amount of solidified product thereof is attached. An apparatus for inspecting an electrophotographic photosensitive member, characterized by comprising means for measuring the above. According to the inspection apparatus of the ninth aspect , it is possible to inspect the adhesion amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or the solidified product existing on the lower end surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member with high accuracy and high speed.

Hereinafter, the method and apparatus for inspecting the outer surface of the end portion of an electrophotographic cylinder according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration suitable for carrying out the invention shown in claim 1. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes an electrophotographic photosensitive member. In this figure, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 21 is drawn with the lower part at the time of dip coating as it is. Reference numeral 22 denotes an ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light source 2 may be anything as long as it emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 250 to 420 nm, but an ultraviolet LED having a wavelength of 350 to 420 nm can be suitably used. And the power consumption (Power Dissipation) of ultraviolet LED is 60-200 mW per ultraviolet LED, Preferably it is 100-150 mW.
The distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 and the ultraviolet light source 2 may be any number as long as it can be irradiated with ultraviolet light, but is preferably 1 to 10 cm. With such a configuration, the inspection target portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member before the flange is attached is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the state of fluorescence generated is observed if there is a solidified charge generation layer coating solution.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the invention shown in claim 2.
In FIG. 4, 21 is an electrophotographic photosensitive member to be inspected, 23 is an upper non-coating portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 21 at the time of dip coating, and 24 is a lower side at the time of dip coating, and a coating film after dip coating. It is the part which removed with solvent and wiper. In this manner, the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be rotated. 25 is a sensor head comprising an ultraviolet light source and a light receiving element according to the present invention, 27 is an arithmetic processing mechanism that amplifies signals from the power source and the light receiving element to the ultraviolet light source and compares thresholds, and 26 is a sensor head 25 and an arithmetic unit. A cable for connecting the processing mechanism 27.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the shape of light on the irradiation surface of ultraviolet light according to claim 4, and in this drawing, the portion irradiated with ultraviolet light is shown in an oblique lattice shape.
In FIG. 5, A is a light irradiation shape in the case of an ultraviolet light spot having an elliptical shape with an aspect ratio of about 4: 1.
FIG. 5B shows a light irradiation shape when two elliptical ultraviolet light spots having an aspect ratio of about 2: 1 are overlapped at the end of the major axis.
FIG. 5C shows a light irradiation shape when three elliptical ultraviolet light spots having an aspect ratio of about 2: 1 are overlapped at the end of the major axis.

The effect of the invention shown in claim 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 6, the lower side of the dip coating is drawn as the upper side. 6A and 6C show a case where ultraviolet light is irradiated in a slit shape, and FIGS. 6A and 6B show a case where ultraviolet light is irradiated in a circular shape.
In this way, one photosensor emits fluorescence when the electrophotographic photosensitive member is rotated while irradiating the electrophotographic photosensitive member with ultraviolet light and the charge transport layer coating solution is solidified in the ultraviolet light irradiation range. Consider the case of metering with.
FIG. 6C shows a state in which a is rotated and the charge transport layer coating solution solidified product (the white portion in the figure) enters the ultraviolet light irradiation range. FIG. 6D shows a state in which A rotates and the charge transport layer coating solution solidified product (the white area in the figure) enters the ultraviolet light irradiation range. Comparing U and D, the percentage of the charge transport layer coating solution solidified product (outlined portion in the figure) in the ultraviolet light irradiation range is clearly larger in U. Therefore, the charge transport layer coating solution solidified product is Can be detected with higher accuracy.
Therefore, as shown in claim 4, the shape of light on the irradiation surface of ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light is an ellipse having an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: 1, or an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: By forming a shape in which a plurality of ellipses are overlapped at the end of the major axis, the solidified product of the charge transport layer coating liquid can be detected with higher accuracy.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a configuration suitable for carrying out the invention shown in claim 5.
FIG. 7 is a view of the sensor head 25 and the electrophotographic photosensitive member 21 of the apparatus of FIG. 4 as viewed from below.
In the figure, 31 is the lower part of the electrophotographic photosensitive member at the time of dip coating, the part where the coating film is removed by solvent and wiper after dip coating, 32 is an ultraviolet LED, 33 is a linear Fresnel lens, and 34 is an ultraviolet light irradiation surface. , 35 is a light-receiving element that measures fluorescence, and 36 is a table to which the ultraviolet LED 32, the linear Fresnel lens 33, and the light-receiving element 35 are attached. In the optical system configured as shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the light irradiation surface on the ultraviolet light irradiation surface can be changed to the shape shown in claim 4 by setting the focus processing of the linear Fresnel lens to the range shown in claim 6. .
Here, the direction of the surface irregularities of the linear Fresnel lens needs to coincide with the axial direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
When a cylindrical lens is used instead of the linear Fresnel lens, a cylindrical lens may be incorporated instead of the linear Fresnel lens 33 shown in FIG.
With the configuration of the sensor head shown in FIG. 7, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet LED 32 is adjusted by the linear Fresnel lens 33 so as to be rectangular on the irradiation surface 34.
When the charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified product is present on the irradiation surface 34, it emits fluorescence. If fluorescence is generated, the fluorescence is captured by the light receiving element 35.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the present invention, wherein 32 is an ultraviolet LED and 37 is a bundle of optical fibers, from which ultraviolet light enters. 38 is an array of optical fibers, from which ultraviolet light 39 is irradiated. With this configuration, the irradiation shape of the ultraviolet light can be made the shape shown in claim 4.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a configuration suitable for carrying out the inventions shown in claims 8 and 9.
FIG. 9 is a view of the sensor head 25 and the electrophotographic photosensitive member 21 of the apparatus of FIG. 2 as viewed from below.
In FIG. 9, 31 is the lower part of the electrophotographic photosensitive member at the time of dip coating, the part where the coating film is removed with a solvent and a wiper after dip coating, 32 is an ultraviolet LED, 33 is a linear Fresnel lens, and 34 is irradiated with ultraviolet light. The surface 35 is a light receiving element for measuring fluorescence, 40 is an optical filter, and 36 is a table on which the ultraviolet LED 32, the linear Fresnel lens 33, the light receiving element 35 and the like are mounted.
As the optical filter 40, an optical filter based on gelatin or a filter based on triacetyl cellulose (TRI ACETYL CELLULOSE) can be used. For example, a Fujifilm SC-50 filter can be suitably used.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet LED is arranged to be rectangular on the irradiation surface 34 by the linear Fresnel lens 33 as in FIG. 7. When the charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified product is present on the irradiation surface 34, it emits fluorescence. If fluorescence is generated, the fluorescence is captured by the light receiving element 35 after passing through the optical filter 40.

In the present invention, as a matter of course, the environment where the electrophotographic photoreceptor 31 to be inspected is placed is preferably shielded so that ambient light does not enter. It is necessary to prevent light from entering other than the inspection target surface.
In the present invention, when signal processing is performed by modulating the ultraviolet light source, it may be effective to remove noise due to light leaked from the surroundings.

  The invention according to claim 1 has a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm on the outer surface of the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after coating the charge transport layer while the electrophotographic photosensitive member is stopped or rotated at a rotation speed of 5 times / second or less. The solidified product of the charge transport layer coating solution remaining inside the electrophotographic photosensitive member irradiates the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light and sidelights the fluorescence generated by receiving the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light. It is difficult to check the state of existence with a lamp or incandescent lamp, and the presence of the solidified charge generation layer coating solution solidified can be clearly seen by visual observation. Accurately grasp.

The invention according to claim 2 irradiates the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member after application of the charge transport layer with ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm while stopping or rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Then, the charge transport layer coating solution remaining on the end surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member or the solidified product thereof is measured by measuring the fluorescence emitted by receiving the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light. The amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or the solidified product thereof deposited on the substrate is measured. Here, when the charge transport layer coating solution or the solidified product thereof remains, it emits fluorescence upon receiving the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light, and the amount of the fluorescence is the same as that of the charge transport layer coating solution or the solidified product thereof. Since it correlates with the amount, the amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or the solidified product thereof can be accurately measured.
In addition, since only the charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified product emits fluorescence, there is an advantage that it is not affected by the surface properties and gloss of the aluminum tube as the substrate. The charge transport layer coating solution or its solidified product has no advantage. Measurement with high accuracy is possible.
In addition, there is an advantage that there is a difference in gloss and surface property of the surface to be inspected, and there is no influence even if there is a difference in the amount of reflected light of ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the charge transport layer coating liquid or the solidified product thereof is measured by measuring the fluorescence generated by receiving the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light with a sensor, so that the charge transport layer coating liquid or It is possible to accurately measure the amount of solidified adhesion without being affected by the surface properties of the substrate or the surface properties of the substrate. When using a charging mechanism that uses a charging roll, an accurate charging gap can be obtained. It becomes possible to form.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the light source of ultraviolet light or near-ultraviolet light is an ultraviolet LED, and its size is at most 8 mm in height and 5 mm in diameter, so it is extremely small. Therefore, it constitutes a small inspection apparatus. It becomes possible.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the shape of light on the irradiation surface of ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light is an ellipse having an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: 1, or an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: 1. Since the ellipses overlap each other at the end of the major axis, the number of ultraviolet light receiving sensors may be one or three or less, and it is not necessary to use a light receiving sensor of 5 pixels or more. And the configuration of the electric circuit and the judgment software are simplified.

  The invention according to claim 5 irradiates ultraviolet light or near-ultraviolet light onto a surface to be inspected after passing through a cylindrical lens or a linear Fresnel lens having a focal length of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. It becomes possible to make the shape of the light spot as shown in claim 4.

  The invention according to claim 6 is that a plurality of optical fibers are arranged and irradiated with ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light in a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 10: 1 or a shape in which both ends of a circular shape overlap. Since it is a feature, the shape of the light spot of the ultraviolet light irradiation can be easily made the shape shown in claim 4.

  The invention according to claim 7 is generally used as a substrate of an electrophotographic photosensitive member by setting the peak of spectral sensitivity of a light receiving element for measuring fluorescence to 460 nm or more and setting the wavelength of the light source to 250 nm to 420 nm. Only the fluorescence generated by the charge generation layer coating solution and its solidified product can be measured without being affected by the surface properties and gloss of the aluminum tube.

  In the invention according to claim 8, by providing an optical filter that shields light of 500 nm or less on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element, it becomes possible to completely eliminate the influence of stray light of ultraviolet light or scattered light as a light source.

In the invention according to claim 9, the optical filter provided on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element is JIS B-71.
33 When the value of the transmission limit wavelength defined by the glass filter for photography (sharp cut) is preferably 440 nm or more and 580 nm or less, and most preferably 480 nm or more and 520 nm or less, stray light or scattering of ultraviolet light as a light source It becomes possible to completely eliminate the influence of light.

  In the invention according to claim 10, by using an optical system in which regular reflection light of ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light is incident on the light receiving element, it becomes possible to increase the sensitivity and to apply the charge transport layer coating with high accuracy. It becomes possible to detect the liquid or its solidified product.

  An electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a charge transport layer coating solution present on the inner surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member by the method for inspecting an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Since a means for measuring the adhesion amount of the solidified product is provided, it becomes possible to inspect the adhesion amount of the charge transport layer coating liquid or the solidified product with high accuracy and at high speed.

  Next, a method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive drum as an evaluation sample in the examples and comparative examples will be described before the description of the examples of the present invention. The parts and% described below are based on weight.

[Preparation of substrate for electrophotographic photoreceptor]
The surface of an aluminum cylindrical body having an outer diameter of about 30.5 mm and a length of 340 mm prepared by drawing was cut to prepare 30 aluminum base bodies having an outer diameter of 30 mm, an inner diameter of 28.5 mm, and a length of 340 mm. This was numbered from No.1 to No.30. The aluminum substrate was washed to remove the cutting oil.
Next, the following plastic undercoat layer coating solution was prepared, and after dip coating was performed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor blank, the lower uncoated film was removed by the method shown in Patent Document 24, It dried at 120 degreeC for 20 minute (s), and formed the undercoat layer of thickness 3.0 micrometers.

[Undercoat layer coating solution]
Alkyd resin (Beccosol 1307-60-EL,
Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.) 6 parts Melamine resin (Super Becamine G-821-60,
Dainippon Ink & Chemicals) 4 parts Titanium oxide 40 parts Methyl ethyl ketone 200 parts

  Next, a charge generation layer coating solution having the following composition prepared by bead milling dispersion to have an average particle diameter of 0.2 μm is placed in a dip coating apparatus and dip coated. The coating film at the lower end was removed by the method described above. Then, it dried at 80 degreeC for 20 minute (s), and formed the charge generation layer with a film thickness of 0.2 micrometer.

[Coating liquid for charge generation layer]
15 parts of charge generating material shown in structural formula 1
Polyvinyl butyral 10 parts
600 parts of methyl ethyl ketone

[Structural Formula 1]

Subsequently, a charge transport layer coating solution having the following composition was applied onto the charge generation layer, and the coating film at the lower end was removed by the method shown in Patent Document 24, followed by drying at 130 ° C. for 20 minutes. A 25 μm charge transport layer was formed to produce an electrophotographic photoreceptor.
This is referred to as an electrophotographic photosensitive member of Example 1.

[Charge transport layer coating solution]
10 parts of Z type polycarbonate resin
8 parts of charge transport material of structural formula 2
80 parts of tetrahydrofuran

[Structural Formula 2]

  Here, after the charge transport layer coating, the charge transport layer coating solution adhering to the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member was removed by the method disclosed in Patent Document 24. However, at this time, No.1, No.11, and No.21 had a slight wiping residue on a part of the lower end. In this way, 30 electrophotographic photosensitive members from No. 1 to No. 30 were produced.

No.1, No.11, and No.21 were measured by the optical interference film thickness meter for the thickness of the remaining charge transport layer at the lower end of No.1, No.1 was 3 μm at maximum, and No.11 was 5 μm at maximum. , No. 21 was a maximum of 6 μm.
The 30 electrophotographic photoreceptors were evaluated by the method shown in the present invention. This will be described below.

Example 1
The prepared 30 electrophotographic photosensitive members were visually observed using the apparatus shown in FIG. In Example 1, one OSSV 5111A, which is an ultraviolet LED manufactured by OptoSupply, was used as the ultraviolet LED 22 of FIG. The emission peak wavelength of this ultraviolet LED is about 400 nm, and four AA batteries are connected in series to the power source. A current limiting resistor is inserted, and the current value flowing through the ultraviolet LED is 20 mA.
As a result, it was detected that the charge transport layer was not wiped off at the lower end from the three electrophotographic photosensitive members No. 1, No. 11, and No. 21.

(Example 2)
As the material of the sensor head shown in FIG. 9, two OSSV5111A manufactured by OptoSupply are used for the ultraviolet LED, two Si photodiodes S7686 manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics are used for the light receiving element, and the width is 1 cm and the length is 2 cm for the linear Fresnel lens. A sensor head was prepared by using L426 (focal length 7 mm) manufactured by Organic Optical Co., Ltd., and an optical filter SC-50 manufactured by Fuji Film Co., Ltd. as an optical filter. Note that the transmission limit wavelength defined by JIS B-7133 of the SC-50 filter is about 500 nm. Moreover, the emission peak wavelength of this ultraviolet LED was about 400 nm. Moreover, the power consumption (Power Dissipation) of ultraviolet LED was 150 mW.
Here, the ultraviolet LEDs were connected in series, and light was emitted by applying a current of 20 mA using a constant current source of DC 24V.

This sensor head was used as the sensor head 32 of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 9 to inspect the coating film removal site at the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. At this time, the distance between the tip of the sensor head 32 and the lower end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to be inspected was set to about 5 mm.
The electrophotographic photosensitive member was rotated at a speed of 1 time / second. Signals from the two Si photodiodes were amplified by 2SC1815, which is an NPN transistor. The two amplified signals are supplied to an analog signal input pin of a one-chip microcomputer ATmega8 manufactured by Atmel in the United States, and converted into numerical values of 0 to 1023 by performing A / D conversion 90 times at a speed of 90 times / second, respectively. The minimum value was obtained. Here, if the charge transport layer coating solution solidified product remains, the A / D conversion value becomes small.

  Using this apparatus, the lower end portions of 30 electrophotographic photosensitive members from No. 1 to No. 30 were inspected. As a result, the A / D conversion result at the time of No. 1 electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection is 173, the A / D conversion result at the time of No. 11 electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection is 116, and the No. 21 electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection. The A / D conversion result at the time was 84. All other A / D conversion results in the electrophotographic photoreceptor inspection were in the range of 780 to 880. Therefore, it was verified by the present invention that the charge transport layer wiping residue at the lower end was accurately detected.

Example 3
As the material of the sensor head shown in FIG. 9, two SDL-5N3CUV-A manufactured by SANDER ELECTRONICS are used for the ultraviolet LED, two Si photodiodes S7686 manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics are used for the light receiving element, and the width is used for the linear Fresnel lens. A sensor head was prepared using L426 (focal length 7 mm) manufactured by Organic Optical Co., Ltd. cut to 1 cm and a length of 2 cm, and an optical filter SC-50 manufactured by Fuji Film Co., Ltd. as the optical filter. Further, the emission peak wavelength of this ultraviolet LED is about 400 nm, and the power consumption of the ultraviolet LED (Power
Dissipation) was 150 mW.

This sensor head was used as the sensor head 32 of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 9 to inspect the lower end coating film removal portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
Here, the electrophotographic photosensitive member was rotated at a speed of 2 times / second. The signals from the two Si photodiodes are each amplified by an operational amplifier NJM2904D made by New Japan Radio Co., Ltd., and the two amplified signals are supplied to an analog signal input pin of a one-chip microcomputer ATmega8 made by US Atmel, A / D conversion was performed 90 times at a speed of 90 times / second, respectively, and converted to a numerical value of 0 to 1023, and the minimum value was obtained.
Here, if the charge transport layer coating solution solidified product remains unwiped, the A / D conversion value decreases.
Using this apparatus, the lower end portions of 30 electrophotographic photosensitive members from No. 1 to No. 30 were inspected. As a result, the A / D conversion result at the time of No. 1 electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection is 143, the A / D conversion result at the time of No. 11 electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection is 107, and the No. 21 electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection. The A / D conversion result at that time was 73. All other A / D conversion results in the electrophotographic photoreceptor inspection were in the range of 750 to 890. Therefore, it was verified by the present invention that the charge transport layer wiping residue at the lower end was accurately detected.

(Comparative example)
Using the laser type displacement sensor LV-H42 type S-31 manufactured by Keyence Corporation, the lower end surface of 30 electrophotographic photosensitive members from No. 1 to No. 30 was inspected. This LV-H42 irradiates a laser beam having a wavelength of 650 nm in a fan shape, and measures the light reflected on the object to obtain the displacement. Therefore, in the LV-H42 type, the wavelength of light projection and the wavelength of light reception are the same, and the measurement principle is different from the method according to the present invention. This laser displacement sensor manufactured by Keyence Co., Ltd. has a result that the charge transport layer coating solution solidified wiping residue is present at the lower ends of the electrophotographic photosensitive members No. 2, No. 7 and No. 21. Therefore, it was determined that the remaining wiping of the charge transport layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive members of No. 1 and No. 11 was not detected and was not accurately detected.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a charging mechanism including an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging roller. The figure for demonstrating the mechanism in which the edge coating wiping residue of an electrophotographic photoreceptor influences roller charging. The block diagram which inspects the edge part of an electrophotographic photoreceptor. FIG. 6 is another configuration diagram for inspecting an end portion of an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The figure for demonstrating the irradiation pattern of the ultraviolet light shown in Claim 4. The figure for demonstrating the effect of Claim 4. The example of a block diagram of the apparatus which implements Claim 5. The example of a block diagram of the apparatus which implements Claim 6. The example of a block diagram of the apparatus which implements Claim 8, 9.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrophotographic photosensitive body 2 The electroconductive base | substrate exposed part of the upper end side at the time of coating 3 The part in which the electrophotographic photosensitive layer was formed 4 The electroconductive base | substrate exposed part of the lower side at the time of coating Charging rolls 6a and 6b Spacer 7 on both ends Surface of the part where there is no spacer on the charging roll

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Conductive base material of electrophotographic photosensitive member 11 Photosensitive layer 13 of electrophotographic photosensitive member The part with the coating film remaining in the lower conductive base | substrate at the time of coating 21 Electrophotographic photosensitive member 22 Ultraviolet light source 23 Electrophotographic photosensitive member 21 The non-coating portion 24 on the upper side during dip coating The portion 25 in which the coating film is removed with a solvent and a wiper after dip coating on the lower side during dip coating 25 The sensor head 26 comprising the ultraviolet light source and light receiving element shown in the present invention Cable 27 for connecting the sensor head 25 and the arithmetic processing mechanism 27. An arithmetic processing mechanism for amplifying the signal from the power source and the light receiving element to the ultraviolet light source and comparing the threshold values.

31 A portion where the coating film is removed with a solvent and a wiper after dip coating on the lower side during dip coating of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 32 UV LED
33 Linear Fresnel Lens 34 Ultraviolet Light Irradiation Surface 35 Light-Receiving Element 36 for Measuring Fluorescence 37 Table Mounted with Ultraviolet LED and Light-Receiving Element 37 Bundled Optical Fiber 38 Arranged Optical Fibers 39 Ultraviolet Light Irradiation Port 40 Optical Filter

Claims (9)

While the electrophotographic photosensitive member is stopped or rotated at a rotation speed of 5 times / second or less, ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 250 nm to 420 nm or near ultraviolet light is applied to the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the light shape on the irradiated surface is Irradiate so as to form an ellipse having an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: 1, or a plurality of ellipses having an aspect ratio of 2: 1 to 6: 1 are overlapped at the end of the major axis , The solidified product of the charge transport layer coating solution remaining on the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member measures the fluorescence generated by receiving the ultraviolet light or near-ultraviolet light, thereby forming the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An inspection method for an electrophotographic photosensitive member, comprising: inspecting an adhesion state of a solidified substance of an existing charge transport layer coating solution.   2. The electrophotography according to claim 1, wherein the amount of solidified substance of the charge transport layer coating solution present on the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is measured by measuring the fluorescence with a sensor. Photoconductor inspection method.   3. The method for inspecting an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the light source for irradiating the ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light is an ultraviolet LED. The ultraviolet light or near-ultraviolet light, the focal length is 1mm or more, 10 mm or less of Sind helical lens or, and irradiating the inspection target surface from through the linear Fresnel lens, one of the claims 1 to 3 one The method for inspecting an electrophotographic photoreceptor described in 1. Aspect ratio by arranging a plurality of optical fibers 2: 1 to 10: 1 rectangular, or characterized by being irradiated with the ultraviolet light or near-ultraviolet light in a shape overlapping circular ends, claim 1-4 An inspection method for an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of the above. The sensor has a light receiving element, and wherein the peak of the spectral sensitivity of the light receiving element is 460nm or more, it has been examined a method of the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of claims 2-5. The method for inspecting an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 6 , wherein an optical filter that shields light of 500 nm or less is provided on a light receiving surface of the light receiving element. The value of the transmission threshold wavelength which is defined by JIS B-7133 photographic glass filter (sharp cut) on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element is more than 440 nm, and providing a optical filter is less than 580 nm, claim 6 or 7. The method for inspecting an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to 7 . The electrophotographic photosensitive member inspection method according to any one of 1 to 8 above, further comprising means for measuring the adhesion amount of the charge transport layer coating solution or a solidified product thereof existing on the outer surface of the end portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An inspection apparatus for an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

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