JPH10123729A - Apparatus for production of electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor, production of electrophotographic photoreceptor and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate unevenness of the thickness of a coating film, to enhance photoreceptor characteristics and to eliminate stripe patterns and color irregularity by providing a clamping means with a wind shielding device for shielding outside wind so as to cover the production apparatus on the windward side of the outside wind. SOLUTION: A conductive substrate 10 is clamped by a substrate holder 9. The wind shielding device 11 is arranged on the outer side of this conductive substrate 10 so as to cover the windward direction of the outside wind when the conductive substrate 10 comes outside a coating vessel 1. Namely, the wind shielding device 11 is disposed at an arm 9 and moves up and down together with this arm 9. The outside wind is, therefore, shielded and the coated surface of the conductive substrate is dried without receiving the influence of the outside wind. The wind shielding device 11 covers only windward direction of the outside wind and does not cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate 10 and, therefore, the solvent vapor evaporated from the coated surface does not stagnate between the conductive substrate 10 and the wind shielding device 11. This solvent vapor diffuses outside rapidly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention is suitable for use in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine and the like, and has a uniform film thickness, excellent photoreceptor characteristics, and a high quality free from streaks and color unevenness. The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor capable of obtaining an image, an apparatus and a method for efficiently producing the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and a method for forming a high-quality image using the electrophotographic photoreceptor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an electrophotographic photoreceptor is manufactured by coating a photoreceptor material on a peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate. As a method of applying the photoconductor material, usually, in a coating tank containing a coating solution, after immersing the conductive substrate to a predetermined depth in a state where the longitudinal direction of the conductive substrate is vertical,
A method is employed in which the conductive substrate is pulled up, allowed to stand still, and naturally dried. However, in the case of such a method, at the time of the natural drying, the influence of the outside air causes application unevenness,
There is a problem that it is difficult to form a coating film having a uniform film thickness.

[0003] Therefore, it has been proposed to use a windshield to ensure uniformity of the coating film in the longitudinal direction of the conductive substrate, that is, in the vertical direction, and to prevent coating unevenness due to the influence of external wind. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-274569 proposes that a cylindrical windshield having openings at upper and lower sides be moved up and down with the elevating and lowering of the base material in order to avoid the influence of the outside wind and the atmosphere outside the hood. I have. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-127678 proposes that the coating tank and the periphery of the base are covered in order to avoid the influence of external wind. Also, JP-A-63-6656
No. 0 proposes that a plastic windshield is moved up and down as the base material is raised and lowered. In addition, Tokiko Sho 6
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-1940 proposes to use a cover having a vertically split structure having a large number of openable and closable holes.
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-7873 proposes to use a telescopic hood.

However, in these cases, the shape of the windshield is not sufficient, and the solvent vapor concentration in the windshield due to the solvent vapor radiated from the application surface is higher than the start of the application (when the conductive substrate is applied upward). Also, the solvent vapor concentration immediately before the end of application (at the time of application below the conductive substrate) becomes higher due to the solvent vapor radiated from the application surface, and the time required for solidification of the application liquid increases, and the application to the coating film is increased. There is a problem that unevenness is likely to occur, and it is difficult to form a coating film having a uniform film thickness.

[0005] Under such circumstances, a quick-drying solvent is used as a solvent for the coating solution, but the above problem still cannot be avoided. In order to avoid the influence of external wind and dust in the air, dip coating may be performed in a clean room.However, even in this case, there is an effect of down flow in the clean room, and exhaust of organic solvent vapor is performed. Since the operation generates a breeze, the influence of the outside wind cannot be sufficiently avoided.

On the other hand, with the recent improvement in color image quality of the electrophotographic system, the required level of image quality of the electrophotographic photosensitive member has been improved, and the film thickness uniformity of the coating film of the electrophotographic photosensitive member has been required to be higher than before. ing.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and achieve the following objects. That is, the present invention can be suitably used for an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, and has an electrophotographic device capable of obtaining a high-quality image with no unevenness in the thickness of a coating film, excellent photoreceptor characteristics, and no line pattern or color unevenness. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographic photosensitive member, an apparatus and a method capable of efficiently manufacturing the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a method of forming a high-quality image using the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

[0008]

Means for solving the above problems are as follows. That is, (1) An electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus having at least a coating tank containing a coating liquid, and a gripper for gripping a conductive substrate so as to be able to move up and down and dipping the conductive substrate in the coating liquid. An electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus, wherein the gripping means includes a windshield that shields the outside wind so as to cover the windward direction of the outside wind.

(2) The apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (1), wherein the windshield is one of a plate and a mesh made of a material which is not deteriorated by a solvent contained in the coating liquid.

(3) a storage tank for storing the coating liquid;
The apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the above (1) or (2), further comprising a coating liquid circulating means for circulating the coating liquid between the coating tank and the storage tank.

(4) The gripping means according to any of (1) to (3), wherein the gripping means simultaneously grips a plurality of conductive substrates so as to be able to move up and down, and immerses the plurality of conductive substrates simultaneously in the coating solution. 3. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to item 1.

(5) An electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured by the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of (1) to (4).

(6) A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, comprising immersing a conductive substrate in a coating tank containing a coating solution to form a coating layer on the conductive substrate. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising: using an air shield to cover the windward direction of the external wind and to shield the external wind when the resin is taken out of the coating tank and dried.

(7) The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (6), wherein the windshield is one of a plate and a mesh made of a material that is not deteriorated by a solvent contained in the coating solution.

(8) In an image forming method including charging, image exposure, development and transfer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the above (5). An image forming method characterized by the following.

In the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of the above (1) to (4), the holding means holds the conductive substrate and immerses the conductive substrate in a coating solution contained in a coating tank. Remove from the coating tank and dry. During this drying, the windshield is used to cover the windward direction of the outside wind to block the outside wind, so that the coating surface is dried without being affected by the outside wind. Further, the windshield covers not only the entire peripheral side surface of the conductive base but the peripheral side surface in the windward direction of the outside wind, and does not cover the other peripheral side surfaces, so that it evaporates from the application surface. The solvent vapor is rapidly diffused into the outside air. Therefore, the coated surface is dried in a short time.

In the method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the above (6) or (7), the conductive substrate is immersed in a coating solution contained in a coating tank, taken out of the coating tank, and dried. Let it. During the drying, the application surface is dried without being affected by the external wind since the wind is covered by the external wind to shield the external wind. In addition, since the wind is shielded only on the windward peripheral side surface of the conductive substrate, not on the entire peripheral side surface, the solvent vapor evaporated from the application surface is quickly diffused into the outside air. Therefore, the coated surface is dried in a short time.

Since the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the above (5) has a uniform thickness of the coating film, in the image forming method according to the above (8) using the same, the electrophotographic photosensitive member is coated on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An image without unevenness is formed.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention comprises at least a coating tank and a holding means provided with a wind shield, and further includes a storage tank and a coating liquid circulation as required. It further has other means such as means. The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention includes a step of forming a coating layer on a conductive substrate. The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention can be suitably carried out using the apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention. The electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention is manufactured by the above-described electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. The image forming method of the present invention uses the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention. Hereinafter, these will be described in detail.

(Electrophotographic Photoreceptor Manufacturing Apparatus) -Coating Tank- The coating tank is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of accommodating a coating liquid, and its material may be appropriately determined according to the purpose. , Shape, structure, size, etc. can be selected. A conductive substrate is immersed in the coating tank, and the coating liquid may overflow from the coating tank during the immersion. Therefore, the coating tank is configured to collect or guide the overflowing coating liquid. It is preferable to have a guide means, and further, a storage tank for temporarily storing the coating liquid collected by the liquid collecting means or the guide means, and a coating liquid for circulating the coating liquid in the storage tank again in the coating tank. More preferably, a circulation means is provided.
When the coating tank has such a storage tank and the coating liquid circulating means, the coating liquid can be effectively used, and the influence of the coating liquid on the external environment can be reduced. It is advantageous.

-Grip means- The grip means has a wind shield. The windshield may be provided in the gripping means so as not to be detachable, but is preferably provided detachably. The connection between the windshield and the gripping means is not particularly limited and may be selected from known means, and examples thereof include fitting, screwing, engaging, and connection with an adhesive. The windshield has a function of blocking the outside wind so as to cover the windward direction of the outside wind. As the material of the windshield,
The material is appropriately selected from materials that do not deteriorate, for example, dissolve or deform, due to the vapor of the solvent contained in the coating liquid. Specific examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, aluminum, stainless steel, and paper.

The structure of the windshield is not particularly limited as long as it has the above function, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include a plate structure without holes and a mesh structure. In the case of the mesh structure, the mesh is J
IS standard sieve standard (JIS-Z-8801 (198
7)). The shape of the windshield is not particularly limited as long as it has the function, and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.For example, a flat plate, a shape having a curved surface such as an arc, a shape formed by combining a plurality of flat plates, A shape formed by combining a plurality of curved surfaces such as a wavy shape, a shape formed by combining these shapes, and the like can be given. When an arc shape is selected as the shape, the center angle of the arc is not particularly limited as long as the function of the windshield is not hindered.
To 180 [deg.] And the like.

In the present invention, a reinforcing device for covering the inside or outside of the windshield may be used in combination with the windshield. The use of the stiffener is advantageous in the case where the mechanical strength of the wind shield is not sufficient, and the like. The operability is improved by using the stiffener in combination, so that the stiffener can sufficiently withstand mass production. Can be. The material, structure, shape, and the like of the reinforcing device are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined. However, when using a mesh structure as the windshield, it is preferable to use a mesh structure as the reinforcing device. In this case, the mesh diameter of the reinforcing device is determined by the combined use of the shielding. Preferably it is larger than the mesh diameter of the fan.

The gripping means has a function of gripping the conductive base so as to be able to move up and down, and immersing the conductive base in the coating solution. The gripping means may grip one conductive substrate, or may grip a plurality of conductive substrates. In the latter case, the gripping means has a function of simultaneously gripping a plurality of conductive substrates so as to be able to move up and down, and simultaneously immersing the plurality of conductive substrates in the coating solution. The latter case is advantageous in terms of manufacturing efficiency. The gripping means is not particularly limited as long as it has the function, and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.For example, a gripping part that grips the conductive base and a moving part that moves the gripping part up and down can be used. A holding means having the same is preferably used.

The gripping portion is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of gripping the conductive substrate. For example, the gripping portion may be connected to a structure that grips the conductive substrate in an intimate contact with the inner surface thereof, such as an arm. Examples of such a substrate holder include a structure for holding the conductive substrate, such as a clip, an adhesive body for attaching the object to be processed, and a chuck device.
Among these, a structure that grips the conductive substrate in a state of being in close contact with the inner surface is not in contact with the outer surface of the conductive substrate, which is advantageous for convenience in forming a coating film.

The moving part is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of moving the conductive base up and down.
For example, a structure having a vertically erected rod and a structure that moves up and down on the peripheral side surface of the rod by a driving source such as a motor, such as a lifting motor and a pole screw, A rod that stands vertically and that is designed to be extendable and contractible by a driving source such as a motor may be used. The gripper,
It is connected to the moving part. The operation of the driving source can be controlled using a control unit such as a computer.

In the electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, as long as the above-mentioned windshield is used, the same means as the conventional electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus may be employed. The other means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include a substrate producing means for producing a conductive substrate.

Preferred embodiments of the apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing one example of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic explanatory view of a part of the apparatus for manufacturing the electrophotographic photosensitive member shown in FIG. FIG.
2, the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor has a coating tank 1 that stores a coating liquid 13. The coating tank 1 is provided with a liquid receiving section 12 for collecting and guiding the coating liquid 13 overflowing from the coating tank 1 and overflowing. One end of a guide tube 5 for guiding the coating liquid 13 is connected to the liquid receiving section 12. The other end of the guide tube 5 is connected to the storage tank 2 for temporarily storing the application liquid 13 guided by the guide tube 5. One end of a pipe 3 is connected to the storage tank 2,
The other end of the pipe 3 is connected to the coating tank 1. The piping 3
Is provided with a pump 4 for circulating the coating liquid 13 contained in the storage tank 2 to the coating tank 1 through the pipe 3.

1 and 2, the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member has a base holder 9 connected to the lower surface of an arm 8 as means for gripping a conductive base 10 so as to be able to move up and down. A windshield 11 is provided on the lower surface of the arm 8 such that the base holder is located at the center. The arm 8 is fixed to a pole screw 7. The pole screw 7 is arranged upright on a base 14, and is designed to be movable up and down by an elevator motor 6 arranged on the base 14. ing.

The apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member shown in FIG. 1 operates as follows. That is, first, the conductive holder 10 is held by the base holder 9. Elevator motor 6
Drive. Then, the pole screw 7 is shortened, and the conductive base 10 moves downward. An application tank 1 containing an application liquid 13 is opened below the conductive substrate 10, and the conductive substrate 10 is immersed in the application liquid 13. At this time, the coating liquid 13 overflowing from the coating tank 1
Is collected by the liquid receiving portion 12, guided by the guide tube 5, and stored in the storage tank 2 at one end.

Next, when the elevator motor 6 is driven in reverse, the pole screw 7 is extended, and the conductive base 10 moves upward. The conductive substrate 10 comes out of the coating tank 1. At this time, since the amount of the coating liquid 13 in the coating tank 1 has been reduced by the amount of the overflow, the pump 4 is driven to move the coating liquid 13 contained in the storage tank 2 to the pipe 3. And circulated into the coating tank 1 through As a result, the amount of the coating liquid 13 in the coating tank 1 is controlled to be constant.

When the conductive substrate 10 comes out of the coating tank 1, the windshield 11 is disposed outside the conductive substrate 10 so as to cover the windward direction of the outside wind. Blower 1
1 is provided on the arm 9 and moves up and down together with the arm 9), the outside air is shielded, and the coated surface of the surface of the conductive substrate is dried without being affected by the outside air. In addition, the windshield 11 is
Since it covers only the windward direction of the outside wind and does not cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate 10, the solvent vapor evaporating from the application surface stays between the conductive substrate 10 and the windshield 11. The solvent vapor diffuses quickly to the outside. Therefore, the concentration of the solvent vapor is easily kept low on the application surface, and the drying of the application surface is not hindered. As a result, according to the electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the concentration of the solvent vapor during and after dip coating can be controlled to be low and constant, and the coating having a uniform film thickness can be quickly formed without being affected by the outside air. A film can be formed.

The apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention is a single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor in which a coating film contains a charge generating substance and a charge transporting substance, and the coating film comprises a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer And any type of electrophotographic photoreceptor can be manufactured. Although uniform film formation is possible in the case of manufacturing any electrophotographic photoreceptor, it has a remarkable effect on uniform film formation of a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer in a laminated electrophotographic photoreceptor, As a result, an excellent laminated electrophotographic photosensitive member can be manufactured. Further, the apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention can be suitably used for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor having any other layer. It can also be suitably used for the production of an electrophotographic photoreceptor provided with an undercoat layer provided therebetween, an interference prevention layer, and the like.

(Method of Manufacturing Electrophotographic Photoreceptor) In the method of manufacturing the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, the conductive substrate is immersed in a coating tank containing a coating solution, and then removed from the coating tank and dried. Then, the outside wind is shielded by covering the windward direction of the outside wind using a windshield. Examples of the wind shield include the above-described wind shields. When using the windshield, the above-mentioned reinforcing device may be used in combination. The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention can be suitably carried out using the above-described apparatus for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention. Further, in the method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, when the coating surface on which the coating solution is applied on the conductive substrate is dried, the outside wind is shielded by using the windshield as described above. Can be carried out under the same conditions and in the same procedure as in a known method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor.

(Electrophotographic Photoreceptor) The details of the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention manufactured by the above-described apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention and / or the method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention will be described below. It is as follows. The electrophotographic photoreceptor, for example, on a conductive substrate, an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer,
A charge transport layer and the like are laminated.

Examples of the conductive substrate include metal materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and nickel, polymer materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene, and phenol resin, and insulating materials such as hard paper. Examples of the conductive treatment include a method in which a conductive material is dispersed, a method of laminating a metal foil, and a method of vapor deposition of a metal. The shape of the conductive substrate is usually cylindrical. The size of the conductive gas is usually
10-300 mm in diameter and 20-1000 in length
mm.

Examples of the undercoat layer include acrylic, methacrylic, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, epoxy, polyurethane, phenol, polyester, alkyd, polycarbonate, silicon, melamine and the like. The above-mentioned resins containing various resins, a zirconium compound, a titanium compound, and the like are included. The thickness of the undercoat layer is 0.05 μm to 10 μm.
μm is preferred, and 0.1 to 2 μm is particularly preferred. When the photosensitive layer has a laminated structure of a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer, any of them may be provided on the undercoat layer.

The charge generation layer contains a charge generation substance,
The charge transport layer contains a charge transport material.

Examples of the charge generation material include azo pigments, disazo pigments, quinone pigments, quinocyanine pigments,
Examples include perylene pigments, indigo pigments, bisbenzimidazole pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, quinacridone pigments, pyrylium salts, azurenium salts, and tricrystalline selenium. Among these, phthalocyanine pigments are preferred in terms of light sensitivity, electrical property stability, and image quality.Examples of the phthalocyanine pigments include metal-free phthalocyanines, halogenated gallium phthalocyanines such as chlorogallium, and halogenated tin phthalocyanines such as dichlorotin; Examples include halogenated indium phthalocyanines such as hydroxygallium phthalocyanine, oxytitanyl phthalocyanine, and chloroindium, and vanadyl phthalocyanine.

The charge generation layer may contain a charge generation material other than phthalocyanine in order to change the spectral sensitivity and to improve the electrical characteristics such as chargeability and residual potential. Such charge generating materials include, for example, selenium and its alloys, arsenic-selenium, cadmium sulfide, zinc oxide,
Other inorganic photoconductive substances, azo dyes, quinacridone, polycyclic quinones, pyrylium salts, thiapyrylium salts, indigo, thioindigo, anthantrone, pyranthrone,
Cyanine and the like. The average particle size of the above-mentioned charge generating substance is preferably 1 μm or less, more preferably 0.5 μm or less, and particularly preferably 0.3 μm or less.

Examples of the binder resin used in the charge generation layer include polycarbonate, polyarylate,
Examples include polystyrene, polymethacrylates, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, polyester, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polysulfone, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, and cellulose esters.

The content of the charge generating substance in the charge generating layer is usually 30 to 500 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the binder. The thickness of the charge generation layer is usually 0.05 μm to 1 μm.
1 to 0.5 μm is particularly preferred. In the charge generation layer,
If necessary, various additives such as a leveling agent, an antioxidant, and a sensitizer for improving coatability can be added. The charge generating layer may be a layer formed by binding the fine particles of the charge generating substance in a state of being dispersed in the binder, or may be a deposition film of the charge generating substance.

As the charge transport material, for example, anthracene, pyrene, phenanthrene,
Polyaromatic compounds such as coronene, or compounds having a skeleton of a nitrogen-containing cyclic compound such as indole, carbazole, oxazole, isoxazole, thiazole, imidazole, pyrazole, oxadiazole, pyrazoline, hyadiazole, triazole, etc., and other hydrazones And a hole transporting substance such as a compound. The charge transport layer is formed in a state where these charge transport substances are bound to a binder.

Examples of the binder used for the charge transport layer include those exemplified as the binder resin used for the charge generation layer.

The content of the charge transporting material in the charge transporting layer is usually 30 to 200 parts by weight, preferably 40 to 150 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the binder. The thickness of the charge transport layer is usually 5
To 50 μm, and preferably 15 to 30 μm. To the charge transport layer, known plasticizers, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, leveling agents, and other additives may be added as necessary to improve film formability, flexibility, coatability, and the like. Can be.

In the electrophotographic photosensitive member, an outermost surface layer may be further provided on the photosensitive layer. Examples of such an outermost surface layer include a conventionally known thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. An overcoat layer or the like as a main component may be used.

An apparatus for manufacturing the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention and / or
Alternatively, in the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention, the coating solution to be applied by dip coating on the conductive substrate is obtained by dissolving or dispersing each substance contained in each layer in the following solvent. For example, the coating solution for the charge generation layer contains at least the charge generation substance, the binder resin, and the following solvent. Further, the charge transport layer coating solution contains at least the charge transport material, the binder resin, and the following solvent. Further, the coating liquid for a single-layer type electrophotographic photoreceptor contains at least the above-mentioned charge generating substance, the above-mentioned charge transporting substance, the above-mentioned binder resin and the following solvents. Also,
The undercoat layer coating liquid contains at least the above resins and the following solvents. In the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention and / or the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention,
To form each layer such as the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer on the conductive substrate, the coating solution for the undercoat layer, the coating solution for the charge generation layer, the coating solution for the charge transport layer, etc. What is necessary is just to apply dip coating to a conductive support sequentially and to dry it.

As the solvent, a solvent having a high performance and a vapor density higher than that of air is preferably used. For example, n-butylamine, diethylamine, ethylenediamine, isopropanolamine, triethanolamine, N , N-dimethylformamide, acetone,
Methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, benzene, 4
-Methoxy-4-methylpentanone, dimethoxymethane, dimethoxyethane, 2,4-pentadione, anisole, methyl 3-oxobutanoate, monochlorobenzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, Examples include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, 1-butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, methyl cellosolve, and methyl cellosolve acetate.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention is suitably used in the following image forming method of the present invention.

(Image Forming Method) The image forming method of the present invention includes charging, image exposure, development and transfer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.

Examples of the charging include contact charging using a conductive or semiconductive roller, brush, film, rubber blade, etc., scorotron charging using corona discharge, corotron charging, and the like. The charging can be performed using a known charger or the like. The charger is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, a conductive or semiconductive roller, a brush, a film, a contact charger using a rubber blade, a scorotron charger using corona discharge, a corotron charger, and the like. Is known per se. Among these, a contact-type charger is preferable because of its excellent charge compensation ability. The charger normally applies a direct current to the electrophotographic photoreceptor, but may apply an alternating current further superimposed.

The image exposure can be performed using an image exposure device using a known light source such as LED light, liquid crystal shutter light or the like, in addition to the semiconductor laser light.

The development can be carried out, for example, by using a general developing device which makes contact or non-contact with a magnetic or non-magnetic one-component developer or a two-component developer.

The transfer includes, for example, transfer by corona discharge, contact transfer using a transfer belt, a transfer roller and the like. The transfer can be performed using a known transfer charger or the like. The transfer charger is not particularly limited,
For example, a contact-type transfer charger using a belt, a roller, a film, a rubber blade, or the like, a transfer charger known per se such as a scorotron transfer charger or a corotron transfer charger using corona discharge may be used. Among these, a contact-type transfer charger is preferable because of its excellent transfer charge compensation ability.

In the image forming method of the present invention,
If necessary, light neutralization or the like may be further performed.

[0056]

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following examples, the above-described electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 was used. The compounds and the compositions of the coating solutions used in the examples and comparative examples are as follows.

-Coating solution A (coating solution for undercoat layer)-20 parts by weight of zirconium compound shown in Chemical formula 1 2 parts by weight of silane coupling agent shown in Chemical formula 2 2 parts by weight of polyvinyl butyral resin shown in Chemical formula 1 1-Butanol 70 Parts by weight

[0058]

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[0059]

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[0060]

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-Coating solution B (coating solution for charge generation layer) -Chlorgallium phthalocyanine 5 parts by weight 5 parts by weight of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer shown in Chemical formula 4 200 parts by weight of n-butyl acetate 1 mmφ glass beads Obtained by dispersing for 2 hours in a sand mill using

[0062]

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—Coating Solution C (Coating Solution for Charge Transport Layer) — 1 part by weight of a charge transport material shown in Chemical Formula 1 1 part by weight of a polycarbonate resin shown in Chemical Formula 6 2 parts by weight of monochlorobenzene 4 parts by weight of tetrahydrofuran

[0064]

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[0065]

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In the chemical formula 6, n represents the degree of polymerization.

The windshield 11 in FIG. 1 has a shape obtained by cutting a cylinder as shown in FIG. 3 in the longitudinal direction in the case of a single coating, and FIG. Or a plate-like structure without holes as shown in FIG. 3 (b). In the case of multi-coating, it has a U-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 4 and has a plate-like structure without holes. The reinforcing device used in combination with the mesh-shaped windshield 11 shown in FIG. 3A has a mesh-shaped structure shown in FIG. 5A or 5B. The mesh diameter of the reinforcing device is larger than the mesh diameter of the mesh-shaped structure of the windshield 11. The reinforcing device shown in FIG. 5A covers the outer peripheral surface of the windshield 11. The reinforcing device shown in FIG. 5B covers the inner peripheral surface of the windshield 11.

Example 1 As the conductive substrate 10, a 84 mmφ × 340 mmL cylindrical aluminum substrate having a surface roughness Ra of 0.20 by wet honing was used. As the windshield 11, a windshield (SUS304 cylindrical, central angle 90 °) shown in FIG. 3B was used. Further, as the coating liquid 13, a coating liquid A (a coating liquid for an undercoat layer)
Was used. Then, the coating solution A (coating solution for the undercoat layer) is dip-coated on the cylindrical aluminum substrate at a pulling rate such that the dry film thickness after coating becomes 1.0 μm.
It air-dried for 2 minutes and dried at 150 degreeC for 10 minutes. As a result, an undercoat layer was formed on the cylindrical aluminum substrate. Next, the coating liquid B (for the charge generating layer) was formed on the undercoat layer in the same manner as described above except that the windshield (SUS304 cylindrical, central angle 90 °) shown in FIG. Coating liquid) at a pulling rate such that the dry film thickness after the coating becomes 0.2 μm, and then naturally dried for 1 minute.
Dry at 00 ° C. for 10 minutes. As a result, a charge generation layer was formed on the undercoat layer. Further, the coating liquid C (the coating liquid for the charge transport layer) is dried on the surface coated with the coating liquid B using a wind shield (SUS304 cylindrical, central angle 90 °) shown in FIG. Thereafter, dip coating was performed at a pulling rate such that the dry film thickness became 20 μm, air-dried for 2 minutes, and dried at 135 ° C. for 60 minutes. As a result, a charge transport layer was formed on the charge generation layer. Thus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member was manufactured.

Example 2 When forming the charge generation layer, a wind shield (SUS304, central angle 180) shown in FIG.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except for using (°).

Example 3 When forming a charge generation layer, a wind shield (made of polypropylene, having a central angle of 90 °) shown in FIG.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except for using (°).

Example 4 When forming the charge generation layer, a wind shield (SUS304, central angle 90 °, 90 °) shown in FIG.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the mesh opening diameter was 53 μm.

(Example 5) In order to enhance the strength of the mesh-shaped air shield in consideration of mass productivity of coating, the mesh-shaped air shield used in Example 4 was placed outside the mesh-shaped air shield. FIG. 5A shows a mesh reinforcing device (SUS304, mesh opening diameter 5) having a larger opening diameter than the mesh opening diameter.
mm), and an electrophotographic photoreceptor was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that a mesh-shaped windshield and a mesh-shaped reinforcement were used in combination.

(Example 6) In consideration of mass productivity of coating, in order to reinforce the strength of the mesh-shaped windshield, the mesh-shaped windshield used in Example 4 was placed inside the mesh-shaped windshield. A mesh reinforcing device (SUS304, mesh opening diameter 5 shown in FIG. 5B) having an opening diameter larger than the mesh opening diameter shown in FIG.
mm), and an electrophotographic photoreceptor was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that a mesh-shaped windshield and a mesh-shaped reinforcement were used in combination.

(Example 7) In consideration of the mass productivity and the coating efficiency, the coating tank 1, the substrate holder 9 and the windshield 11 were changed to the multiple coating shown in FIG. An electrophotographic photoreceptor was manufactured in the same manner as in No. 5.

(Comparative Example 1) An electrophotographic photosensitive member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a cylindrical air shield (SUS304) was used instead of the air shield when forming the charge generation layer.

(Comparative Example 2) An electrophotographic photosensitive member was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that no windshield was used when forming the charge generation layer.

The electrophotographic photosensitive members of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were used in a digital color copying machine (A-Color 63).
5, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.) to evaluate the variation of the charged potential (V) and the image evaluation. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0078]

[Table 1]

From the results shown in Table 1, in the image evaluation, good results were obtained for the streaks by blocking the outside air (see Comparative Example 2), and for the haze patterns (color unevenness), It is clear that the higher the airtightness of the sample and the higher the concentration of the solvent vapor in the windshield, the worse (see Comparative Example 1).

Example 8 As the conductive substrate 10, a cylindrical aluminum substrate of 84 mmφ × 340 mmL whose surface was cut was used. As the coating liquid 13, a coating liquid C (a coating liquid for a charge transport layer) was used. As the windshield 11, FIG.
The air shield (SUS304, central angle 90 °) shown in (b) was used. Then, the coating liquid C (the coating liquid for the charge transport layer) is coated on the cylindrical aluminum substrate with a dry film thickness of 2 μm.
After dip coating at a pulling rate of 0 μm, the coating was naturally dried for 2 minutes and dried at 135 ° C. for 60 minutes. As a result, a charge transport layer film was formed on the cylindrical aluminum substrate.

(Embodiment 9) When forming the charge generation layer, a windshield (SUS304, central angle 180) shown in FIG.
A charge transport layer film was formed in the same manner as in Example 8 except for using (°).

Example 10 When forming a charge generation layer,
The windshield shown in FIG. 3B (made of polypropylene, central angle 9
0 °), except that a charge transport layer film was formed in the same manner as in Example 8.

Example 11 When forming a charge generation layer,
A charge transport layer film was formed in the same manner as in Example 8, except that the air shield (SUS304, mesh opening diameter 53 μm, central angle 90 °) shown in FIG. 3A was used.

(Example 12) In consideration of mass productivity of coating, in order to reinforce the strength of the mesh-shaped windshield, the mesh-shaped windshield used in Example 11 was placed outside the mesh-shaped windshield. FIG. 5 (a), in which the opening diameter is larger than the mesh opening diameter.
SUS304, mesh hole diameter 5 mm, central angle 90 °), and the charge transport layer was the same as in Example 11 except that the mesh windshield and the mesh reinforcement were used in combination. A film was formed.

Example 13 In consideration of mass productivity of coating, in order to reinforce the strength of the mesh windshield, the mesh windshield used in Example 10 was placed inside the mesh windshield. FIG. 5 (b), in which the mesh size is larger than the mesh opening size.
SUS304, mesh hole diameter 5 mm, central angle 90 °), and the charge transport layer was the same as in Example 10 except that the mesh windshield and the mesh reinforcement were used together. A film was formed.

(Example 14) In consideration of coating mass productivity and coating efficiency, the coating tank 1, the substrate holder 9 and the windshield 11 were connected as shown in FIG.
A charge transport layer film was formed in the same manner as in Example 12, except that the multi-layer coating was changed to the multi-layer coating.

(Comparative Example 3) When forming the charge generation layer, a cylindrical windshield (SUS304, central angle 90
A charge transport layer film was formed in the same manner as in Example 8 except for using (°).

Comparative Example 4 A charge transport layer film was formed in the same manner as in Example 8, except that a windshield was not used when forming the charge transport layer.

The uniformity of the charge transport layer films of Examples 8 to 14 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 was evaluated using an interference film thickness meter (MCPD-2000, manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.).
The results are shown in Table 2.

[0090]

[Table 2]

From the results shown in Table 2, it is clear that better results can be obtained with respect to the film thickness unevenness in the axial direction when the concentration of the solvent vapor in the windshield is lower (the sealability is lower). See Example 1). Further, it is clear that good results can be obtained for the film thickness unevenness in the circumferential direction by blocking the outside air (see Comparative Example 2).

[0092]

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned conventional problems can be solved. Further, according to the present invention, it can be suitably used for an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, and a high-quality image free from unevenness in the thickness of a coating film, excellent in photoreceptor characteristics, and free from stripes and color unevenness can be obtained. It is possible to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an apparatus and a method capable of efficiently manufacturing the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for forming a high-quality image using the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of an apparatus for manufacturing a photoconductor for electrophotography according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view in which a part of an apparatus for manufacturing a photoconductor for electrophotography in FIG. 1 is enlarged.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic explanatory views showing an example of a windshield, wherein FIG. 3A shows an example of a mesh windshield, and FIG. 3B shows an example of a plate-shaped windshield without holes.

FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a coating tank for multiple coating, a wind shield, and the like.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic explanatory views showing an example of a reinforcing device. FIG. 5A shows a case where a reinforcing device is provided outside a mesh-shaped windshield, and FIG. An example in the case where a reinforcing device is provided will be described.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 coating tank 2 storage tank 3 pipe 4 pump 5 guide pipe 6 motor for elevator 7 pole screw 8 arm 9 base holder 10 conductive base 11 windshield 12 liquid receiver 13 coating liquid 14 base 15 reinforcement

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus having at least a coating tank containing a coating liquid, and a gripper for gripping a conductive substrate so as to be able to move up and down and dipping the conductive substrate in the coating liquid. An electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing apparatus, wherein the gripping means includes a windshield that shields the outside wind so as to cover the windward direction of the outside wind. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air shield is one of a plate and a mesh made of a material that is not deteriorated by a solvent contained in the coating liquid. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a storage tank for storing the coating liquid, and a coating liquid circulating unit for circulating the coating liquid between the coating tank and the storage tank. Electrophotographic photoreceptor manufacturing equipment. 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping means simultaneously grips the plurality of conductive substrates so as to be able to move up and down, and simultaneously immerses the plurality of conductive substrates in the coating solution. Equipment for manufacturing photoreceptors. 5. An electrophotographic photosensitive member manufactured by the apparatus for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1. Description: 6. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising immersing a conductive substrate in a coating tank containing a coating liquid to form a coating layer on the conductive substrate. A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising: using an air shield to cover the windward direction of the outside air when the film is taken out of the coating tank and dried, thereby shielding the outside wind. 7. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 6, wherein the windshield is one of a plate and a mesh made of a material that is not deteriorated by a solvent contained in the coating solution. 8. An electrophotographic photosensitive member is charged, image-exposed,
In an image forming method including performing development and transfer,
An image forming method, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member is the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 5.