JPH0547820B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, and more particularly, to an electrophotographic photoreceptor having an organic layer, in which the edges of the organic layer are peeled off. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor.

(Prior Art) In an electrophotographic photoreceptor that uses a photoconductive substance as a photosensitive material, the photoconductive substance includes inorganic photoconductors such as selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and cadmium sulfide, phthalocyanine pigments, and disazo Organic photoconductors such as pigments are known, and a layer containing these photoconductors is formed on a conductive support to produce an electrophotographic photoreceptor.

In this case, the layer containing a photoconductor may include a layer in which an inorganic photoconductor such as zinc oxide, titanium oxide, or cadmium sulfide is dispersed in a resin, a layer consisting of an organic photoconductor, or a layer in which an organic photoconductor is dissolved in a resin. Alternatively, organic layers such as dispersed layers are utilized. Selenium is generally used as a vapor deposited layer.

It is also known to provide a charge transport layer on the photoconductive layer.

As the charge transport layer, an organic layer in which a charge transport substance is dissolved or dispersed in a resin is generally used.

It is also well known to provide an organic layer (protective layer) containing a resin on the photoconductive layer or the charge transport layer for surface protection.

The various organic layers described above are applied by applying a solution in which the necessary components are dispersed and/or dissolved in an organic solvent by methods such as dip coating, spray coating, blade coating, brush coating, roll coating, knife coating, and bar coating. It is formed. The layer of organic photoconductor can also be formed by vacuum deposition.

Although electrophotographic photoreceptors are often cylindrical, when an organic layer is formed by the above method, the organic layer is formed all the way to the ends. Therefore, when an electrophotographic photoreceptor is inserted into an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a laser beam printer, etc., the organic layer peels off at the fitting part of the copier or printer, and this causes the organic layer to peel off from the center of the electrophotographic photoreceptor. This may cause damage. Further, according to the above-mentioned coating method, coating liquid clumps may occur on the end portion and back surface (or inside) of the photoreceptor, which may impede the above-mentioned insertion. Furthermore, since the ends of the electrophotographic photoreceptor are subjected to conductive treatment, if an organic layer is present at these ends, the conductive treatment is not carried out effectively.

Therefore, the end of the organic layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor is peeled off, but as a method of peeling off this, the end of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with the coating film is immersed in an organic solvent and a flexible plate (for example, polytetra A method of removing the edges of the coating film by rubbing with a fluoroethylene plate (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 170858/1985), an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photoconductive layer and an insulating layer on a cylindrical support. After immersing the lower end of the photoconductive layer formed by dip coating in a solvent and scraping it off with a rubber blade,
A method of polishing (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 119562/1983), a method of removing the resin layer or photosensitive layer by applying ultrasonic waves while immersing the end of the electrophotographic photoreceptor having the resin layer or photosensitive layer in an organic solvent. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 142555/1983) has been proposed.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) In the method described in JP-A-60-170858, the organic solvent is scattered on the surface of the necessary coating film of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and organic solvent vapor accumulates. This causes uneven coating film thickness. Further, in this method, not only paint film residue adheres to the removal boundary line, but also the paint film near the boundary line swells and is easily dissolved due to contact with the solvent. Furthermore, with this method, if there is a pool of coating liquid inside the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, it cannot be removed.

The method described in JP-A No. 60-119562 has the same drawbacks as above, and furthermore, since it uses a rubber blade, it cannot be scraped off unless a chlorinated solvent, a strongly alkaline solvent, or a solvent with strong dissolving power is used. It is often difficult to use such solvents, and the above-mentioned drawbacks are exacerbated when such solvents are used. Furthermore, polishing causes problems such as adhesion of polishing powder, which tends to damage necessary areas near the boundary line where the photoconductive layer is removed.

In the method described in JP-A-59-142555, when ultrasonic waves are applied, the surface of the solvent is violently rippled, which causes the solvent to scatter, further increasing the mist and evaporation of the solvent. As a result,
Disturbance of the removal boundary line, uneven thickness of the necessary photosensitive layer or resin layer, etc. are likely to occur. Further, if the photosensitive layer or resin layer is dried and hardened, it may not be possible to peel off the photosensitive layer or resin layer by applying ultrasonic waves.

The present invention solves these problems, and firstly provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor in which the ends of the organic layer are removed without causing damage to necessary parts or uneven film thickness. Second, it provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor without disturbing the removal boundary line, and third, it provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor that allows removal of coating liquid pools. It provides law.

(Means for Solving the Problems) When the present invention removes the end portions of an organic layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor having an organic layer on a conductive support, a removed portion of the organic layer and an unremoved portion of the organic layer are removed. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, characterized in that a shielding material is provided along the boundary of the portion to protect the non-removed portion, and the removed portion is removed by applying a positive pressure on the non-removed portion side than on the removed portion side.

In the present invention, the electrophotographic photoreceptor having an organic layer on a conductive support is as follows.

As a conductive support, a metal plate made of metal such as aluminum, a cylindrical cylinder (drum)
etc., plastic plates or plastic cylindrical cylinders laminated with metal foil such as aluminum, and conductive treated paper or plastic film laminated on a base made of metal, plastic, etc. Cylindrical types are the most common. used.

Note that conductive-treated paper or plastic film itself may be used as the conductive support.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor must have a photoconductive layer on a conductive support, and if necessary,
A protective layer is provided on the photoconductive layer, and a subbing layer, adhesive layer, barrier layer, etc. are provided below the photoconductive layer.

The photoconductive layer contains selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide,
A layer containing an inorganic photoconductor such as cadmium sulfide or an organic photoconductor described below, and a composite consisting of a film of these photoconductors, a film containing a photoconductor and a resin binder, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer. There is mold coating etc.

In this photoconductive layer, the one containing a resin binder and the film made of an organic photoconductor serve as an organic layer in the present invention.

Among inorganic photoconductors, zinc oxide, titanium oxide,
Cadmium sulfide and the like are often used after being dispersed in a resin binder. As this resin binder,
There are some things mentioned below.

Selenium is primarily vacuum deposited onto conductive supports.

Even when an inorganic photoconductor is used, a composite film consisting of a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer can be used, for example, a combination of a charge generation layer consisting of a selenium-tellurium film and a charge transport layer consisting of selenium. , a combination of a charge generation layer formed by dispersing zinc oxide, titanium oxide, cadmium sulfide, etc. in a resin binder and an organic charge transport layer described below.

A photoconductive layer may be formed by combining zinc oxide, titanium oxide, cadmium sulfide, or the like with a charge transporting substance described below and dispersing it in a resin binder.

As the organic photoconductor, known ones can be used. Further, as the organic photoconductor, it is preferable to use a charge-generating organic pigment and a charge-transporting substance in combination. In the case of a composite film, the charge generation layer contains an organic pigment that generates charges, and the charge transport layer contains a charge transporting substance.

Organic pigments that generate charges include azoxybenzene, disazo, trisazo, benzimidazole, polycyclic quinone, indigoid,
Quinacridone series, perylene series, methine series, α type,
Pigments known to generate charges, such as metal-free or metallic phthalocyanine-based pigments, having various crystal structures such as β-type, γ-type, δ-type, ε-type, and χ-type can be used. These pigments are e.g.
JP-A-47-37453, JP-A-47-37544, JP-A-47-18543, JP-A-47-18544, JP-A-48-43942, JP-A-48- 70538
Publication No. 1231, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 49-1231.
Publication No. 105536, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1983-75214, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1987-75214
It is disclosed in JP-A No. 53-44028, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 17732-1980, and the like.

In particular, τ, which is sensitive to long wavelengths (near 800 nm), is disclosed in JP-A-58-182640 and European Patent Publication No. 92255, etc.
Metal-free phthalocyanines of the τ', η and η' types are preferred. In addition to these, any organic pigment that generates charge carriers upon irradiation with light can be used.

Examples of charge transporting substances include polymer compounds such as poly-N-vinylcarbazole, halogenated poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyvinylpyrene, polyvinylindoquinoxaline, polyvinylbenzothiophene, polyvinylanthracene,
Polyvinylacridine, polyvinylpyralizone, etc., and low molecular weight compounds such as fluorenone, fluorene, 2,7-dinitro-9-fluorenone,
4H-indeno(1,2,6)thiophene-4-
one, 3,7-dinitro-dibenzothiophene-
5-oxide, 1-bromopyrene, 2-phenylpyrene, carbazole, 3-phenylcarbazole, 2-phenylindole, 2-phenylnaphthalene, oxadiazole, 1-phenyl-3-
(4-diethylaminostyryl)-5-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-5-(4-diethylaminophenyl)pyrazoline, 2-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-4-(p-diethylaminophenyl)-5- Examples include (o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-oxazole, imidazole, chrysene, tetraphene, acridene, triphenylamine, and derivatives thereof.

When using a mixture of charge-generating organic pigments and charge-transporting substances, the weight ratio of the latter/former is
It is preferable to mix them in a ratio of 10/1 to 2/1.
At this time, if the charge transport material is a polymer compound, there is no need to use a resin binder.
Even in this case, or even when the charge-transporting substance is a low-molecular-weight compound, it is preferable to use the resin binder in an amount of 500% by weight or less based on the total amount of these compounds.
Further, when a low molecular weight compound is used as the charge transporting substance, it is preferable to use the binder in an amount of 30% by weight or more. In addition, when using a resin binder,
Additives such as a plasticizer, fluidity imparting agent, pinhole inhibitor, etc. can be added as necessary.

Examples of the resin binder include silicone resin, polyamide resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, polyketone resin, polycarbonate resin, polystyrene resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, and polyacrylamide resin. Furthermore, thermosetting resins and photocuring resins that are crosslinked by heat and/or light can also be used.

In any case, there are no particular limitations as long as the resin is insulative and can form a film under normal conditions, and the resin can be cured by heat and/or light to form a film. Examples of the plasticizer include halogenated paraffin, dimethylnaphthalene, dibutyl phthalate, and the like. Examples of the fluidity imparting agent include Modaflow (manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Company) and Acronal 4F (manufactured by Basf Company), and examples of the pinhole inhibitor include benzoin and dimethyl phthalate. These may be appropriately selected and used, and the amount thereof may be determined appropriately.

When an organic photoconductor is used and a composite photoconductive layer consisting of a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer is formed, the charge generation layer contains the above-mentioned charge-generating organic pigment; The resin binder may be contained in an amount of 500% by weight or less based on the organic pigment, and the above-mentioned additives may be added in an amount of 5% by weight or less based on the organic pigment.
Further, the charge transporting layer may contain the charge transporting substance described above, and the binder may be contained in an amount of 500% by weight or less based on the charge transporting substance. When the charge transport substance is a low molecular weight compound, it is preferable that the binder is contained in an amount of 50% by weight or more based on the compound. The charge transporting layer may contain the above-mentioned additives in an amount of 5% by weight or less based on the charge transporting substance.

In the composite film, when the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer each contain a resin binder, it becomes an organic layer of the present invention. Each film made of a charge transporting substance serves as an organic layer of the present invention.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor in the present invention may have a protective layer formed on the light guide layer described above.

Materials used for the protective layer include thermoplastic resins or thermosetting resins such as polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyvinyl formal resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, urethane resin, melamine resin, alkyd resin, and acrylic resin. There are thermosetting resins and photocurable resins.

When using thermosetting resin or photocuring resin,
The curing catalyst and curing agent can be used in an amount of 100% by weight or less based on the resin. If too much curing catalyst or curing agent is used, the coating film after curing tends to become brittle.

Such a protective layer becomes an organic layer in the present invention.

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, the thickness of the photoconductive layer is preferably 5 to 50 μm. If a composite type of charge generation layer and charge transport layer is used as photoconductive layer, the thickness of the charge generation layer is preferably from 0.001 to 10 μm, particularly preferably from 0.2 to 5 μm. If it is less than 0.001 μm, it becomes difficult to uniformly form a charge generation layer, and if it exceeds 10 μm, electrophotographic properties tend to deteriorate. The thickness of the charge transport layer is preferably 5~
50 μm, particularly preferably 8 to 20 μm. If the thickness is less than 5 μm, the initial potential will be low, and if it exceeds 50 μm, the sensitivity will tend to decrease.

The thickness of the protective layer laminated as necessary is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, particularly preferably 0.1 to 5 μm. If it is less than 0.01 μm, the protective layer will not be hardened much and its durability will be poor, and if it exceeds 5 μm, the sensitivity will be poor and the residual potential will tend to increase.

To form a photoconductive layer on a conductive support,
A method for depositing a photoconductor on a conductive support, in which the photoconductor, resin binder and other components as necessary are mixed in a ketone solvent such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.
Ether solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, aromatic solvents such as toluene and xylene, methylene chloride,
There is a method in which the material is uniformly dissolved or dispersed in a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent such as carbon tetrachloride, or an alcohol solvent such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, etc., coated on a conductive support, and dried. The same method can be used to form a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer, but in this case, either the charge generation layer or the charge transport layer may be the upper layer, and the charge generation layer may be a two-layer charge transport layer. You can also make it colder.

The protective layer may be formed in the same manner as the coating and drying method used in forming the photoconductive layer.

In the above, the specific methods for applying these materials when forming the photoconductive layer etc. include well-known methods such as dip coating, spray coating, blade coating, brush coating, roll coating, knife coating, and bar coating. The method will be adopted.

In the present invention, an electrophotographic photoreceptor having an organic layer on a conductive support is one in which the entire photoconductive layer formed on the conductive support is an organic layer, or a composite film; There are those in which only the top layer is an organic layer, and those in which protective layers are laminated, and those in which at least the surface layer is an organic layer.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor having an organic layer on the conductive support described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic photoreceptor in which a photoconductive layer is formed on a cylindrical conductive support (for example, an aluminum drum).

In FIG. 1, a photoconductive layer 2 is laminated on the outer surface of a cylindrical conductive support 1. As shown in FIG. This photoconductive layer 2 consists of the above-mentioned organic layer.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which the end portion of the organic layer of such an electrophotographic photoreceptor is removed.

In FIG. 2, both upper and lower ends (unnecessary parts) of the photoconductive layer 2 formed on the cylindrical conductive support 1 are removed along the boundary line between the removed part and the non-removed part. .

In addition, when a photoconductive layer is formed by dip-coating in a photoconductive layer forming solution while gripping and sealing the upper end of a cylindrical conductive support while leaving the lower end open, the resulting electrophotographic photoreceptor is or inside the support,
Especially the spigot part 4 (this is not necessarily necessary)
There is a puddle of coating fluid on the surface. An example of this is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, a photoconductive layer 2 is formed on a cylindrical conductive support 1, and a pool of coating liquid of the photoconductive layer is formed. For such an electrophotographic photoreceptor, it is preferable to remove not only the ends of the organic layer 2 but also the coating liquid pools to form a structure as shown in FIG. 2.

The above explanation is about an electrophotographic photoreceptor in which the photoconductive layer is an organic layer, but as mentioned above,
In the present invention, the organic layer is formed as appropriate, and it should be understood that the structures shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may vary depending on the formed organic layer.

In the method according to the present invention, the end portion of the organic layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. A shielding material is provided along the border of the removed section. The shielding material may be in contact with the electrophotographic photoreceptor or may have a gap, but in this case, the portion of the shielding material that contacts the electrophotographic photoreceptor or the closest portion (hereinafter referred to as the tip) is a wire. In order to prevent the removal liquid from penetrating into the portion where the organic layer is not removed, it is preferable to configure the structure so that the removal liquid has a shape or a surface with a slight width (preferably a surface with a width of 1 mm or less).

The material of the shielding material is a removal liquid-resistant synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.
There are rubber elastic materials that are resistant to cleaning fluids, stainless steel, ceramics, etc.

The shielding material may be a packing such as an O-ring, a V-ring, or a flat ring (wide), or a sealing material used as the tip of the shielding material. At this time, the shielding material and the electrophotographic photoreceptor may not be brought into contact with each other, or may be brought into contact with each other. In the former case, the tips of O-rings, V-rings, flat rings, etc. are planar or planar rather than linear, so the removal liquid easily penetrates into the gap between them and the photoreceptor, resulting in As a result, the boundary line between the removed portion and the non-removed portion tends to become unclear. In the latter case, O-ring, V-
When packing rings, flat rings, etc. or sealing materials are tightened to bring them into close contact with the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the boundary line will not only be blurred as described above, but also the organic layer thickness will increase near the boundary line. uneven removal of the organic layer and peeling of the unremoved part due to this, peeling of the organic layer when tightening is released, and staining of the seal itself. When using such a shielding material repeatedly, it is difficult to clean the seal stain. Since it is necessary to tighten and release the shielding material, this method is not suitable for mass production of electrophotographic photoreceptors. In this case, in order to eliminate tightening and release, if the packing or sealing material such as an O-ring, V-ring, or flat ring is used with a diameter that will come into contact with the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the disadvantages of tightening and release will be avoided. However, it has the same drawbacks as above, and when the electrophotographic photoreceptor is inserted, the packing and sealing material are likely to be destroyed due to a collision with the end of the photoreceptor, and when the electrophotographic photoreceptor is pulled out, the conductive support may be broken. Easy to attach.

Replacement of the above-mentioned packing, sealing material, etc. each time the method of the present invention is repeated reduces the mass productivity of electrophotographic photoreceptors. A one-touch coupler is an easy-to-replace type of packing, sealing material, etc., but this also covers the ends of the organic layer, making it unusable.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned shielding material whose tip is formed into a linear shape or a surface with a slight width does not have such a drawback.

In the present invention, the non-removal part side is made to have a more positive pressure than the removal part side, and one method for achieving this is to provide a hood on the non-removal part side and blow air into the hood from an air blower.

For example, 31 in Figure 17 or 4 in Figure 18
A hood such as 0 is provided and air is blown into the hood.

In this case, it is preferable to arrange a filter or screen in the hood to purify the supplied gas. Note that the structure of the hood is designed so that it does not come into contact with the non-removed portion of the organic layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor. In addition, if the shielding material comes into contact with the electrophotographic photoreceptor and the hood covers the entire electrophotographic photoreceptor, it is possible to close the upper end of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and the hood using a gasket or the like. , an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a hood, and a shielding material.

In addition, negative pressure may be applied to the removal section side, or suction may be applied.

For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the removal liquid storage tank 37 is subjected to negative pressure or suction by a suction pump 84.

In addition, as a method of applying negative pressure or suction to the removal section side, in order to remove the end of the organic layer, the electrophotographic photoreceptor is made into a sealed structure in which it comes into contact with a shielding material, and this is connected to a negative pressure or suction device. This can be done by applying negative pressure or driving a suction device.
There may be a gap between the electrophotographic photoreceptor and the shielding material.

Gas may be blown near the shielding material on the non-removed portion side. In this case, if there is a gap between the tip of the shielding material and the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the blown gas may be partially blown toward the removed portion.

Furthermore, in order to blow air from the non-removed portion to the removed portion from the shielding material through the gap between the shielding material and the electrophotographic photoreceptor, the shielding material and the electrophotographic photoreceptor must be in contact with each other during the above-mentioned air blowing, negative pressure, or suction. If not, it is sufficient that the system is open so that airflow can occur as a whole. In addition, when the shielding material and the electrophotographic photoreceptor are not in contact, it is possible to install a blower nozzle near the shielding material on the side that is not removed or a suction nozzle near the shielding material on the side that is removed. You can do it even if you have to.

In the present invention, the end of the organic layer is removed by applying more positive pressure to the non-removed part than to the removed part, and after the end of the organic layer is removed, the electrophotographic photoreceptor is It is preferable to continue the process even when the removal liquid is removed from the apparatus in which it was removed, from the viewpoint of drying the removal liquid adhering to the removal part and protecting the electrophotographic photoreceptor from the removal liquid.

In the present invention, there is no particular restriction on the means for making the pressure on the non-removal part side more positive than on the removal part side, and various means may be used in combination as necessary, without being limited to the above-mentioned method.

The end portion (removal portion) of the organic layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor can be removed by a method such as a method in the presence of a removing liquid, a method by spraying an abrasive material, or the like.

When the removal part is carried out in the presence of a removal liquid, a method of spraying or spraying the removal liquid, a method of immersing in the removal liquid and applying ultrasonic waves, a method of combining these methods with rubbing or peeling with a removal tool, There are methods such as rubbing or peeling while supplying a removal liquid to a removal tool. Furthermore, when spraying or scattering the removal liquid, the effect of removing the ends of the organic layer can be improved by dispersing insoluble organic or inorganic fine particles in the removal liquid.

The removal liquid is preferably one that has the effect of dissolving or swelling the organic layer, but when using jetting force or mainly removing with a removal tool, it may be one that does not have such an effect. Examples of removal liquid include hexane, heptane, isohexane,
Octane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, petroleum ether,
Hydrocarbon solvents such as gasoline, gasoline solvents, petroleum naphtha, and solvent naphtha, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane,
trichlorethylene, tetrachlorethylene, tetrachloroethane, verchlorethylene,
Halogenated solvents such as dichlorobutane and chlorobenzene, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol,
propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol,
Alcohol solvents such as amyl alcohol and cyclohexanol, ethyl cellosolve ether, butyl ether, methyl cellosolve, cellosols,
Ether solvents such as butyl cellosolve, carbitols, dioxanes, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, ketone solvents such as acetone, methyl acetone, methyl propyl ketone, dimethyl ketone, methyl butyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, methyl oxide, cyclohexanone, formic acid Ester solvents such as ethyl, amyl formate, butyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, cellosolve acetate, paraldehyde, crotonaldehyde, acetonitrile, dimethyl formaldehyde, dimethyl acetaldehyde, N-methyl 2-pyrrolidone,
Water, etc. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more as a mixed solvent. Upon removal, the organic layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor may be undried or dried and cured.

When removing the removed portion by spraying an abrasive, there is a method in which the abrasive is sprayed onto the removed portion using compressed gas such as compressed air. As the abrasive material, inorganic powder or granules such as sand, metal, glass, and diamond are used.

The present invention will be explained below using the drawings.

The method according to the present invention will be explained using FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an example of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

A shielding material 6 and a guide 7 are installed in the removal liquid storage tank 5, and a hood 8 is installed on the shielding material 6. The hood 8 is connected to an air supply device (not shown) through a flow path 9. A filter or screen 10 is installed in the hood 8 so as to surround the inside of the hood, so that the supplied gas is purified. Filters and screens may be omitted. The cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11 having an organic layer is held by a gripping device 12, and the lower end of the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11 is held by a guide 7.
It is inserted into the center hole of the shielding material 6 while being guided by the shielding material 6, and its lower end is introduced into the removal liquid storage tank 5. The cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11 is held such that the boundary line between the removed portion and the non-removed portion of the organic layer is located at the tip of the shielding material 6 . The gripping device 12 can be moved up and down by a conveying device 13. After the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11 is introduced, the gap between the upper end of the hood 8 and the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11 is closed to the packing 1.
Blocked by 4. The packing 14 is one that can be opened and closed, and the packing 14 has screws 15 and 1.
5' to the upper end of the hood 8.

A removal liquid supply line 16 is provided in the removal liquid storage tank 5.
is introduced, and a removal liquid injection port 17, 1 is installed at its tip.
7' and 18,18'. Removal liquid injection port 1
The removal liquid sprayed from 7, 17' and 18, 18' removes the organic layer at the lower end of the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11, but it is blocked by the shielding material 6 and The upper part of the photoreceptor 1 is kept under positive pressure by supplying positive pressure gas to the hood 8.
1. The removal liquid does not scatter onto the necessary organic layer on the upper part, nor does it allow vapors to build up that would corrode the surface. The removal liquid is configured to be sprayed all around the lower end of the photoreceptor 11 by this spraying.
The removal liquid is removed from a drain port 19 provided in the removal liquid storage tank 5. In FIG. 4, the tip of the shielding material 6 may be in contact with the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, but it may also be apart. If they are separated, the tip of the shielding material 6 and the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11
The distance is preferably 5 mm or less, particularly preferably 2 mm or less. In FIG. 4, the removal liquid injection ports 18 and 18' are provided to remove coating liquid clumps on the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11 as described above, and may be removed depending on the case. good. Further, the guide 7 is not necessarily necessary. Incidentally, positive pressure gas is supplied to the hood 8 during removal of the organic layer removal section.

In FIG. 4, the removal liquid supply line 16 and the removal liquid injection ports 17, 17' and 18, 18' are used as an abrasive supply line and an abrasive injection port, respectively, and the abrasive is transported and sprayed using compressed gas. I can do it. In this case, the abrasive can be discharged by using the drain port 19 in FIG. 4 as an abrasive discharge port for absorption or the like. As described above, when using an abrasive material, due to the presence of a shielding material and the positive pressure applied to the upper part of the shielding material, the organic layer is not removed from the abrasive material and the removed powder in the part where the organic layer is removed. can be protected.

The shielding material 6 protects the non-removed portion along the boundary line between the removed portion and the non-removed portion of the organic layer of the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 11 by protecting the non-removed portion from scattering of removal liquid, accumulation of vapor, scattering of abrasive material, and removal of removed powder. There is no particular restriction as long as it has a structure that protects it from scattering, etc.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the shielding material 6 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line a-a' in FIG. Furthermore, other aspects of the shielding material are shown in FIGS. 7 to 16 as cross-sectional views similar to FIG. 6.

As the shielding material of the present invention, a conical band or a spherical band with a downwardly convex inner surface as shown in FIGS. 6 to 13 has the function of a shoot guide when inserting the electrophotographic photoreceptor into the removal liquid storage tank. However, this is preferable because it is possible to avoid the end of the electrophotographic photoreceptor from colliding with the tip of the shielding material. For this reason, the angle α in Figs. 6 to 10 and Fig. 13 is 5 to 40
The temperature is preferably 10 to 30 degrees, particularly 10 to 30 degrees. If this angle is too small, the shoot guide function of the shielding material will be lost.

As the shielding material of the present invention, a conical strip or a spherical strip having a downwardly convex outer surface as shown in FIGS. This is preferable because it produces a liquid return function to repel scattering, that is, knife hardening. Furthermore, when the end portion of the organic layer is removed using a removal tool provided as needed, which will be described later, the removed portion can be reliably rubbed or peeled off along the boundary line between the removed portion and the non-removed portion.

In Figures 6 to 10, in order to provide appropriate strength or elasticity to the shielding material, the angle β is 5 to 15
Angles plus degrees are preferred.

For those without a shoot guide function as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, it is preferable to add an opening/closing function, widen the inner diameter, and add a protection function to the tip. In this case, it is necessary to ensure complete shielding after the electrophotographic photoreceptor is inserted.

The shielding material shown in FIG. 15 has a shielding plate 20 secured to backup springs 21 and 22 with scissor bolts 23.

The shielding material shown in FIG.
This is fixed at 7.

The above-mentioned shielding material may be fixed to the removal liquid storage tank integrally, screwed together, or by bolts and nuts, or may be fixed separately from the removal liquid storage tank by other means.

By integrating the shielding material with the removal liquid storage tank, the shielding material can prevent scattering of the organic solvent and diffusion of its vapor, and can also prevent deterioration of the working environment. In addition, when the shielding material is not integrated with the removal liquid storage tank, in order to achieve the purpose, it is configured to have sufficient spread, or to sufficiently cover the removal liquid by spraying or spraying the removal liquid.

In FIG. 4, the guide 7 has the same function as the shoot guide function of the shielding material, and also serves to protect the tip of the shielding material and facilitate the insertion and positioning of the electrophotographic photoreceptor into the removal liquid storage tank to increase mass productivity. It is preferable to provide one.

The guide 7, especially in combination with the shoot guide function described above, enables quick insertion of electrophotographic photoreceptors in mass production.

In general, it is preferable that the electrophotographic photoreceptor be inserted and attached using a guide function.As the guide function, there are methods other than those described above, such as using air current, and care must be taken not to damage the organic layer on the outer surface. .

In FIG. 4, the lower end of the organic layer is removed only by spraying the removal liquid, but it may also be performed by immersing the lower end in the removal liquid and applying ultrasonic waves. This will be explained with reference to FIG.

In the structure shown in FIG. 17, a shielding material 29 is connected to the removal liquid storage tank 28, and ventilation holes 30 are provided in the removal liquid storage tank 28 at appropriate intervals. A hood 31 is provided above the shielding material 29.
The inside of the hood 31 is surrounded by a filter or screen 32, and the hood 31 is connected to the flow path 3.
3 is connected to an air supply device (not shown).
The cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 34 is equipped with a hood 31 and a shielding material 2 so that its lower end is immersed in the removal liquid 35.
9 is introduced into the central hole. Removal liquid storage tank 28
An ultrasonic oscillator 36 is installed below. In FIG. 17, illustrations of a device for gripping the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 34 and a conveyance device are omitted. In the structure shown in this figure, the positive pressure gas supplied to the hood 31 passes through the gap between the shielding material 29 and the cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member 34 as an airflow from above the shielding material 29 to the bottom, and passes through the ventilation hole 30. is exhausted from. In addition, the positive pressure gas supplied to the hood 31 is
Part of the air is exhausted from the gap between the upper end of the hood 31 and the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 34. Even if the surface of the removal liquid ripples when ultrasonic waves are applied, the shielding material 29 and the air flow prevent the ripple itself or the removal liquid 35 from scattering due to it in the vicinity of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 34. This allows the lower end of the organic layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to be neatly removed along the set boundary line.

In FIG. 4, the lower end of the organic layer is removed only by spraying the removal liquid, but the removal part may be made of felt, sponge, non-woven fabric, woven fabric, metal or non-metal wool, brush, brush, etc. It is preferable to remove using a removal tool, such as a method of rubbing with a knife or a method of scraping (peeling) off with a knife-like object, a spatula, or the like.

FIG. 18 shows a method of scrubbing off the removed portion with a brush.

A shielding material 38 is connected to the removal liquid storage tank 37,
Moreover, a hood 40 is installed which is connected to a blower (not shown) by a flow path 39.
A brush rotation shaft tube 41 is inserted from the bottom opening of the removal liquid storage tank 37 , and a removal liquid introduction tube 42 is inserted into the rotation shaft tube 41 .
is rotatable, and is rotated by transmitting power from a motor 43 through a belt 44. A brush stand 45 is connected to the tip of the rotating shaft tube 41 , and brushes 46 and 47 are connected to the brush stand 45 , and as the rotating shaft tube 41 rotates, these brushes move the lower ends of the inner and outer surfaces of the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 48 . to remove the organic layer and coating liquid pool. A guide 49 is provided at the tip of the removal liquid introduction pipe 42.
are connected, and the removal liquid that has passed through the removal liquid introduction pipe 42 continues to pass through the flow path 50 in the guide 49,
It is designed to flow down onto the brush 47.
A removal liquid supply line 51 is introduced from the upper side of the removal liquid storage tank 37, and a sprayer 52 is connected to the tip thereof. The removing liquid is sprayed onto the shielding material 38 from the sprayer 52, and is supplied to the organic layer removing portion of the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor 48 and the brush 46 through the lower surface of the shielding material 38.

Brush stand 45 and brushes 46, 47 in Fig. 18
A plan view of the chisel is shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a view with the brush 47 removed from FIG. 19. In Figure 18, the 20th
The brush stand 45 and brush 46 shown in the figure may also be used. In addition, in FIG. 18, the removal liquid introduction pipe 4
2 and the guide 49 may be omitted.

In FIG. 18, the removal liquid is introduced through the removal liquid introduction pipe 42 and the removal liquid supply line 51, but it can also be introduced through the brush rotation shaft tube. This is shown in FIG.

A brush rotating shaft tube 54 is rotatably inserted from the opening at the bottom of the removal liquid storage tank 53, and a brush stand 55 and brush supports 56, 56', 57, 57' are installed at the tip of this rotating shaft tube 54. are connected sequentially. A removing liquid is passed through the inside of the rotary shaft tube 54, and this removing liquid flows through the channel 58 in the brush stand 55 and the brush supports 56, 56' and 57 connected thereto.
It passes through channels 59, 59' and 60, 60' in 57' and is supplied to brushes 61 and 62 from openings in brush supports 56, 56' and 57, 57'. A guide 63 is connected to the brush stand 55,
This is not necessary. A shielding member 64 is connected to the removal liquid storage tank 53, and a hood 66 is installed thereon, which is connected to an air supply device (not shown) through a flow path 65. An electrophotographic photoreceptor 66' is mounted in these central holes.

The removal liquid can also be supplied from the shielding material in FIG. 18 or FIG. 21.

Partial cross-sectional views of the shielding material for this purpose are shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

In FIG. 22, the shielding material consists of a protective plate 67, a porous Teflon sintered body 68, and a non-porous Teflon resin 69, which can be manufactured by integral molding. A channel 70 is perforated in the non-porous Teflon resin 69. A connector 71 is connected to this flow path 70.
Thus, the removal liquid introduction pipe 72 is connected. In this shielding material, the removal liquid oozes out through the porous Teflon sintered body 68. The protective plate 67 may be any material as long as it does not allow the removal liquid to pass through, and may be made of a material such as a plastic film such as Teflon resin, a plastic plate, a stainless steel plate, a steel plate, etc., and is not particularly limited.

In FIG. 23, a cover 74 is attached to the shielding material 73.
are integrated with a bolt 75 with a gap provided. A removal liquid introduction pipe 76 is connected to a removal liquid introduction port 77 of the cover 73 . A removal liquid is supplied through the gap.

By providing a mechanism that can supply the removal liquid to the tip of the shielding material as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, it is possible to automatically clean dirt caused by removal pieces of the organic layer attached to the tip, which improves accuracy. and preferred for improving mass productivity.

The tip of the shielding material is
Preferably, it is cleaned each time the method of the invention is repeated. For this purpose, as described above, there is a method of using a shielding material as shown in FIG. 22 or 23, and in FIGS. 18 and 21, the brush 47 and the brush 62 are After the body is pulled out, it has the function of cleaning. In FIGS. 18 and 21, the brush 47 and the brush 62
Another embodiment of these supports and the supply of organic solvents is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 24, the brush 78 is
The tip should be sufficiently covered. The brush 78 is
Via the organic solvent supply pipe 80 and the brush support 81,
They are integrally connected, and the organic solvent is passed through the brush 78.
It seems to flow upwards. This integrated brush 78, supply pipe 80 and brush support 81
is configured to be moved up and down as appropriate.

The cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor from which the lower end of the organic layer has been completely removed is lifted up by the gripping device and the conveying device and transferred to the next step. During this lift,
The end of the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor wetted with the removal liquid can be dried by blowing air into the hood.

In the above description, examples have been given in which positive pressure is applied above the shielding material or gas is supplied above the shielding material to generate an airflow from above the shielding material to below the shielding material.

Next, a method for applying negative pressure or suction to the area below the shielding material will be explained using the drawings.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of an example of an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the hood 8 and flow path 9 in FIG. 4 are removed, an opening 82 is provided in the removal liquid storage tank 5, and a suction pump 84 is connected to this via a condenser 83. The rest is the same as the explanation regarding FIG. 4.

In FIG. 25, when the tip of the shield plate is in contact with the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, the suction pump 84
The removal liquid storage tank (below the shielding plate) is
is reduced in pressure. Furthermore, when the tip of the shielding plate is not in contact with the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, the suction pump 84 is driven to cause airflow from above to below the shielding plate through the gap between the tip of the shielding plate and the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor. At this time as well, the pressure in the removal liquid storage tank (below the shielding plate) can be reduced.

Further, the device shown in FIG. 4 and the device shown in FIG. 25 can be combined. That is, in the apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, an opening 82 is provided, to which a suction pump 84 can be connected via a condenser, if necessary.

Also, in FIG. 4, instead of the hood 8,
Gas blowing nozzles can be used. This is shown in FIG. In FIG. 26, a gas blowing nozzle 8 to which a gas blowing channel 85 is connected
6 is installed on the shielding material. The rest is the same as the explanation in FIG. 4.

In the above, the method of removing the ends of the organic layer with the cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor set vertically has been described, but it is also possible to remove the ends of the organic layer with the electrophotographic photoreceptor horizontal. .

(Examples) Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the implementation contents and aspects of the present invention are not limited by these examples.

Each material of the electrophotographic photoreceptor used in the following examples is listed below. Abbreviations are shown in parentheses.

(1) Organic pigment that generates charge τ-type metal-free phthalocyanine (τ-H ₂ Pc) (2) Charge-transporting substance 2-(p-dimethylamino)phenyl-4-(p
-dimethylamine) phenyl-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-oxazole (OXZ) (3) Binder (A) Binder for charge generation layer Silicon varnish: KR-255 [Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. product] Name] (B) Binder for charge transport Polyester resin: Vylon 200 [Product name of Toyobo Co., Ltd.] (4) Material for protective layer (A) Butyl etherified melamine formaldehyde resin (BMF) (Synthesis of BMF) Stirrer In a flask equipped with a reflux condenser and a thermometer, 126 g of melamine, 444 g of n-butanol, and
Add 0.2 g of 61% nitric acid aqueous solution and raise the temperature to 100℃, then add 16 g of paraformaldehyde at equal intervals in 6 portions over 30 minutes, then react at reflux temperature for 30 minutes, remove moisture, and heat. The solvent was removed so that the residual amount was 50%.

The viscosity of the resulting resin melt was Gardner (25
It was B at ℃). The number average molecular weight of the resin was determined to be 1400 in terms of standard polystyrene by gel permeation chromatography.

(B) Polyvinyl butyral resin Denka Butyral #3000-1 [Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.] Electrophotographic photoreceptor A τ-H ₂ Pc80g, silicone varnish (KR-
255) and 3760 g of tetrahydrofuran were kneaded for 10 hours using a ball mill. The obtained pigment dispersion was coated onto an aluminum cylinder having an outer diameter of 80 mm, a wall thickness of 2 mm, a length of 300 mm, and a surface roughness of 0.1 S by a dipping method so that the dry film thickness was approximately 1.0 μm. The resulting coating film was dried at 100° C. for 30 minutes to form a charge generation layer.

Next, 200g of OXZ and polyester resin (Byron
200) was mixed with 3200 g of tetrahydrofuran and completely dissolved. The resulting solution was applied onto the charge generation layer by a dipping method so that the dry film thickness was 15 μm. The resulting coating film was dried at 100° C. for 30 minutes to form a charge transport layer. In this manner, an electrophotographic photoreceptor A was produced in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer were sequentially laminated on an aluminum cylinder.

Production of electrophotographic photoreceptor B 600 g of butyl etherified melamine formaldehyde resin (BMF), 100 g of polyvinyl butyral resin (#3000-1), and isobutyl alcohol
3300g was mixed and completely dissolved. The obtained solution was coated onto the electrophotographic photoreceptor A described above by a dipping method so that the dry film thickness was 3 μm. The resulting coating film was heated at 120°C for 1 hour to form a protective layer. In this manner, an electrophotographic photoreceptor B having a protective layer provided on the surface was manufactured.

In electrophotographic photoreceptors A and B, an organic layer was formed as shown in FIG.

Example 1 Electrophotographic photoreceptor A was processed using the apparatus shown in FIG. 18 to remove the organic layer and coating liquid pools on both end faces thereof.

The removal solution (indicated by the arrow) is methylene chloride.
The material of the shielding material 38 was polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon, trade name of DuPont). Also,
The gap between the tip of the shielding material 38 and the electrophotographic photoreceptor 48 is
It was set to 0.3mm. An animal hair brush 46 is used as a removal tool.
was used, and the removal tool was rotated at a speed of 150 revolutions/min. The electrophotographic photoreceptor was inserted at a depth of 10 mm from the tip of the shielding material.

Dry air was supplied at a rate of about 40/min from a flow path 39 provided with a filter at the front inside the hood 40. Dry air is supplied to the upper part of the hood 40 and the removal liquid storage tank 3.
It was exhausted from the removal hole 87 of No.7. The removal liquid was supplied to the position of the brush 46 from the removal liquid introduction pipe 42 and the removal liquid supply line 51, and was discharged from the removal hole 87.

Removal of the organic layer (charge generation layer and charge transport layer) was completed in about 10 seconds and was clearly removed with a removal width of 10±0.7 mm. The part (aluminum cylinder) from which the organic layer was removed was undamaged and had a mirror surface.

A printing test was conducted using this electrophotographic photoreceptor and the results were good.

Furthermore, when electrophotographic photoreceptor B was processed in the same manner as above, removal of the organic layer (charge generation layer, charge transport layer, and protective layer) was completed in 20 seconds, and other results were obtained similar to those above. Ta.

Example 2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor A was treated using the apparatus shown in FIG. 17 to remove both ends of the organic layer and the coating liquid pool.

Methylene chloride is used as the removal liquid, and it is placed in the removal liquid storage tank 28 3 mm below the tip of the shielding material 29.
filled up to. The tip of the shielding material and the electrophotographic photoreceptor 34
The gap was set to 0 mm. The electrophotographic photoreceptor was immersed in the removal liquid 35 to a depth of 10 mm. The ultrasonic oscillator 36 generates ultrasonic waves with an output of 400W and a frequency
It was applied for 50 seconds at 38KHz.

During the application of ultrasonic waves, purified dry air is passed through the Hepa filter from the flow path 33 into the hood 31 equipped with the cylindrical Teflon sintered filter 32 for approximately 40 minutes.
It was supplied as /min. The supplied air was blown onto the non-removable portion of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and then exhausted from the upper gap.

After the ultrasonic removal was completed, the electrophotographic photoreceptor from which the end of the organic layer had been removed was taken out from above the apparatus while continuing to supply the dry air.

As a result, the organic layer (charge generation layer and charge transport layer) was clearly removed in a width of 10±1 mm, and there was no influence of liquid shaking or mist generation. A printing test was conducted using this electrophotographic photoreceptor and the results were good.

Comparative Example 1 The end portion of the organic layer was removed in the same manner as in Example 2 using the apparatus shown in FIG. 17 without the shielding material and hood.

As a result, the boundary line between the removed portion and the non-removed portion was not clear and disordered due to the waving of the removal liquid, and the difference in the variation in removal width (maximum width and minimum width) was 9 mm. Further, in the non-removed area, not only a cloudy ring was generated due to the influence of the mist, but also the removal liquid was scattered and adhered to the area, which corroded the area, making it unusable as an electrophotographic photoreceptor.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor in which the necessary portions (unremoved portions) of the organic layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor are efficiently protected while the ends thereof are removed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor having an organic layer, Fig. 3 is a cross-section of a cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor having a coating liquid reservoir and an organic layer, and Fig. 2 shows an end portion of the organic layer. 4 is a sectional view showing an example of an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a shielding material; FIG. The figure is a sectional view taken along line a-a' in FIG. 5, FIGS. 7 to 16 are sectional views showing other examples of shielding materials, and FIGS. 19 and 20 are plan views of a configuration consisting of a brush stand and a brush, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing another example of an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the present invention. Cross section, 22nd
23 is a sectional view showing another example of the shielding material, FIG. 24 is a sectional view showing the relationship between the shielding material, the removal tool, and the supply of the removal liquid, and FIGS. 25 and 26 are sectional views showing the present invention. It is a sectional view showing other examples for carrying out the method concerning. Explanation of symbols, 5... Removal liquid storage tank, 6... Shielding material, 7... Guide, 8... Hood, 9... Channel,
10... Filter or screen, 11... Cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, 14... Packing, 15,
15'...Screw, 16...Removal liquid supply line, 1
2, 13...removal liquid injection port, 17, 17', 18,
18'...Removal liquid injection port, 28...Removal liquid storage tank,
29... Shielding material, 30... Ventilation hole, 31... Hood, 32... Filter or screen, 33...
...Flow path, 34...Cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, 35...
... Removal liquid, 36 ... Ultrasonic oscillator, 37 ... Removal liquid storage tank, 38 ... Shielding material, 39 ... Channel, 40
...Hood, 41...Brush rotation shaft tube, 42...
Removal liquid introduction pipe, 43...motor, 44...belt, 45...brush stand, 46...brush, 47...
Brush, 48...Cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, 49...
... Guide, 50 ... Channel, 51 ... Removal liquid supply line, 52 ... Spreader, 53 ... Removal liquid storage tank,
54... Brush rotating shaft tube, 55... Brush stand, 5
6, 56'... Brush support, 57, 57'... Brush support, 58... Channel, 59, 59'... Channel, 60, 60'... Channel, 61... Brush, 6
2... Brush, 63... Guide, 64... Shielding material.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. When removing an end of an organic layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor having an organic layer on a conductive support, a non-removed portion is removed along the boundary between a removed portion and a non-removed portion of the organic layer. 1. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, characterized in that a shielding material is provided to protect the removed portion, and the removed portion is removed by applying a positive pressure on the non-removed portion side than on the removed portion side. 2. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the removal portion is removed in the presence of a removal liquid. 3. The method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 2, wherein the removed portion is removed using a removal tool. 4. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the removed portion is removed by spraying an abrasive. 5. Claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the contact portion or the closest portion of the shielding material to the electrophotographic photoreceptor is a linear or slightly wide surface.
A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor as described in Section 1.