JPH10319730A - Manufacture of intermediate transfer body and image forming device - Google Patents
Manufacture of intermediate transfer body and image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH10319730A JPH10319730A JP9130015A JP13001597A JPH10319730A JP H10319730 A JPH10319730 A JP H10319730A JP 9130015 A JP9130015 A JP 9130015A JP 13001597 A JP13001597 A JP 13001597A JP H10319730 A JPH10319730 A JP H10319730A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- intermediate transfer
- transfer member
- image
- fine particles
- transfer body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、中間転写体の製造
方法、及び該中間転写体を有し、電子写真方式を用いた
画像形成装置に関し、特に第１の画像担持体上に形成さ
れたトナー像を一旦中間転写体上に転写させた後に第２
の画像担持体上に更に転写させることにより画像形成物
を得る複写機、プリンタ、ファックス等の画像形成装置
に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an intermediate transfer member, and an image forming apparatus having the intermediate transfer member and using an electrophotographic method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus formed on a first image carrier. After the toner image is once transferred onto the intermediate transfer member, the second
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile that obtains an image-formed product by further transferring the image on an image carrier.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】中間転写体を使用した画像形成装置は、
多色画像情報の複数の成分色画像を順次積層転写して多
色画像を合成再現した画像形成物を出力する多色画像形
成装置として有効であり、各成分色画像の重ね合わせの
ズレ（色ズレ）のない画像を得ることが可能である。2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer member includes:
This is effective as a multicolor image forming apparatus that sequentially outputs a plurality of component color images of the multicolor image information by layered transfer and synthesizes and reproduces the multicolor image. It is possible to obtain an image without deviation).
【０００３】ドラム状の中間転写体を用いた画像形成装
置の概略図の例を図１に示す。FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus using a drum-shaped intermediate transfer member.
【０００４】図１に示される画像形成装置は電子写真プ
ロセスを利用したフルカラー画像形成装置（複写機ある
いはレーザービームプリンタ）であり、中間転写体とし
て中抵抗の弾性ローラ６を使用している。The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a full-color image forming apparatus (copier or laser beam printer) utilizing an electrophotographic process, and uses a medium-resistance elastic roller 6 as an intermediate transfer member.
【０００５】１は第１の画像担持体として繰り返し使用
される回転ドラム型の電子写真感光体（以下、感光体と
記す）であり、矢印の方向に所定の周速度（プロセスス
ピード）で回転駆動される。感光体１は回転過程で、一
次帯電器（コロナ放電器）２により所定の極性・電位に
一様に帯電処理され、次いで不図示の画像露光手段（カ
ラー原稿画像の色分解・結像露光光学系、画像情報の時
系列電気デジタル画素信号に対応して変調されたレーザ
ビームを出力するレーザスキャナによる走査露光系等）
による画像露光３を受ける。このようにして感光体上に
目的のカラー画像の第１の色成分像（例えばマゼンタ成
分像）に対応した静電潜像が形成される。次いで、その
静電潜像が第１現像器４１（マゼンタ現像器）により第
１色であるマゼンタ成分像に現像される。この時第２〜
第４のイエロー現像器４２、シアン現像器４３及びブラ
ック現像器４４は作動しておらず、感光体１には作用し
ないので、上記第１色のマゼンタ成分像は上記第２〜第
４の現像器４２〜４４による影響を受けない。中間転写
体６は、シリンダー状の支持体と、その外周面に形成さ
れた弾性層及び被覆層を有しており、矢印の方向に感光
体１と同じ周速度で回転駆動される。そして、感光体１
上に形成された上記第１色のマゼンタ成分像が、感光体
１と中間転写体６とのニップ部を通過する過程で、中間
転写体６に印加される一次転写バイアス８によって形成
される電界により、中間転写体６の外周面に順次一次転
写されていく。中間転写体６に対応する第１色のマゼン
タ成分像の転写を終えた感光体１の表面は、クリーニン
グ装置５により清掃される。以下同様に、第２色である
シアン成分像、第３色であるイエロー成分像及び第４色
であるブラック成分像が順次中間転写体６上に重畳転写
され、目的のカラー画像に対応したフルカラー画像が形
成される。第１〜第４色のトナー画像を感光体１から中
間転写体６へ順次重畳転写するための一次転写バイアス
は、トナーとは逆極性でバイアス電源８から印加され
る。その印加電圧は例えば＋２ｋＶ〜＋５ｋＶの範囲で
ある。９１は転写ローラで、中間転写体６に対応し平行
に軸受させて下面部に接触させて配設してあるが、感光
体１から中間転写体６への第１〜第４色のトナー画像の
転写工程においては、転写ローラ９１及び後述の中間転
写体クリーナ７は中間転写体６から離間することも可能
である。中間転写体６上に重畳転写されたフルカラー画
像は、転写ローラ９１が中間転写体６に当接され、給紙
カセット１１から中間転写体６と転写ローラ９１との当
接部分に所定のタイミングで第２の画像担持体である転
写材１０が給送され、同時に二次転写バイアスがバイア
ス電源１２から転写ローラ９１に印加されることにより
転写材１０に二次転写される。トナー画像転写を受けた
転写材１０は定着器１３へ導入され加熱定着される。転
写材１０への画像転写終了後、中間転写体６上の転写残
トナーは中間転写体クリーナ７が当接されクリーニング
される。Reference numeral 1 denotes a rotating drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive member) which is repeatedly used as a first image carrier, and is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the direction of an arrow. Is done. The photoreceptor 1 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by a primary charger (corona discharger) 2 in the course of rotation, and then image exposure means (not shown, such as color separation / imaging exposure optical System, scanning exposure system using a laser scanner that outputs a laser beam modulated according to a time-series electric digital pixel signal of image information)
Receives the image exposure 3 by. In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to a first color component image (for example, a magenta component image) of a target color image is formed on the photoconductor. Next, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a magenta component image of the first color by the first developing device 41 (magenta developing device). At this time,
Since the fourth yellow developing device 42, the cyan developing device 43, and the black developing device 44 are not operating and do not act on the photoreceptor 1, the magenta component image of the first color is subjected to the second to fourth developing processes. Unaffected by devices 42-44. The intermediate transfer member 6 has a cylindrical support, an elastic layer and a coating layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is driven to rotate at the same peripheral speed as the photosensitive member 1 in the direction of the arrow. And the photoconductor 1
An electric field formed by a primary transfer bias 8 applied to the intermediate transfer member 6 while the magenta component image of the first color formed above passes through a nip portion between the photosensitive member 1 and the intermediate transfer member 6 As a result, the primary transfer is sequentially performed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body 6. After the transfer of the first color magenta component image corresponding to the intermediate transfer member 6, the surface of the photoconductor 1 is cleaned by the cleaning device 5. Similarly, a cyan component image of the second color, a yellow component image of the third color, and a black component image of the fourth color are sequentially superimposed and transferred on the intermediate transfer body 6 to form a full-color image corresponding to the target color image. An image is formed. A primary transfer bias for sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner images of the first to fourth colors from the photoconductor 1 to the intermediate transfer body 6 is applied from a bias power supply 8 with a polarity opposite to that of the toner. The applied voltage is in a range of, for example, +2 kV to +5 kV. Reference numeral 91 denotes a transfer roller, which is provided in parallel with the intermediate transfer member 6 so as to be in contact with the lower surface thereof, and is provided with a first to fourth color toner image from the photosensitive member 1 to the intermediate transfer member 6. In the transfer step, the transfer roller 91 and an intermediate transfer member cleaner 7 described later can be separated from the intermediate transfer member 6. In the full-color image superimposed and transferred on the intermediate transfer member 6, the transfer roller 91 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer member 6, and from the sheet cassette 11 to the contact portion between the intermediate transfer member 6 and the transfer roller 91 at a predetermined timing. The transfer material 10 serving as the second image carrier is fed, and at the same time, the secondary transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 91 from the bias power supply 12 to perform the secondary transfer to the transfer material 10. The transfer material 10 that has received the toner image transfer is introduced into the fixing device 13 and is heated and fixed. After the image transfer to the transfer material 10 is completed, the transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 6 is cleaned by contacting the intermediate transfer body cleaner 7.
【０００６】上述の中間転写体を用いた画像形成装置を
有するカラー電子写真装置は、従来の技術である転写ド
ラム転写ドラム上に第２の画像担持体を張り付けまたは
吸着させ、そこへ第１の画像担持体上から画像を転写す
る画像形成装置を有したカラー電子写真、例えば特開昭
６３−３０１９６０号公報中で述べられたごとくの転写
方法よりは以下の点で優れている。即ち、各色のトナー
画像の重ね合わせ時の色ズレが少ない。次に図１で示さ
れるごとく、第２の画像担持体になんら加工、制御（例
えばグリッパーに把持する、吸着する、曲率を持たせる
等）を必要とせずに中間転写体から画像を転写すること
ができるため、第２の画像担持体を多種多様に選択する
ことができ、例えば４０ｇ／ｍ2 程度の薄い紙から、２
００ｇ／ｍ2 程度の厚い紙まで選択することが可能であ
る。また、幅の広狭、あるいは長さの長短によらず転写
可能であり、封筒、ハガキ及びラベル紙等までに対応す
ることが可能である。In a color electrophotographic apparatus having an image forming apparatus using the above-mentioned intermediate transfer member, a second image carrier is stuck or adsorbed on a transfer drum, which is a conventional technique, and a first image carrier is attached thereto. It is superior to a color electrophotography having an image forming apparatus for transferring an image from an image carrier, for example, a transfer method as described in JP-A-63-301960, in the following points. That is, there is little color misalignment at the time of superimposing the toner images of each color. Next, as shown in FIG. 1, transferring the image from the intermediate transfer body to the second image carrier without any processing or control (for example, gripping, adsorbing, giving a curvature, etc.) to the second image carrier. Therefore, the second image carrier can be variously selected, for example, from thin paper of about 40 g / m 2 to 2
It is possible to select up to a thick paper of about 00 g / m 2 . Further, the transfer can be performed regardless of the width or the length or the length of the length, and can be applied to envelopes, postcards, label paper, and the like.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】このように中間転写体
を用いることによる利点のため、すでに市場においては
この画像形成装置を用いたカラー複写機、カラープリン
タ等が稼動し始めているが、これらのカラー電子写真装
置は、前記の利点を十分に生かし、ユーザーに対して真
に期待され、かつ満足を与える装置として機能していな
いのが現状である。Due to the advantages of using the intermediate transfer member, a color copying machine, a color printer, and the like using the image forming apparatus have already started operating in the market. At present, color electrophotographic devices do not function as devices that fully utilize the advantages described above and that are truly expected and satisfying for users.
【０００８】即ち、この中間転写体を用いた画像形成装
置を提供する場合、次のごとく克服すべき問題点を未だ
有している。That is, when providing an image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member, there are still problems to be overcome as follows.
【０００９】即ち、中間転写体から第２の画像担持体、
例えば紙やＯＨＰシートへの二次転写効率が十分に高い
ものとなっていないことにより、画質が良好でなく、中
間転写体に具備すべきクリーニング装置が不可欠とな
り、かつ、多量のクリーニング残トナーをクリーニング
するために当該クリーニング装置が構成上かなり複雑な
ものとなり、高価なものとなってしまっている。That is, from the intermediate transfer member to the second image carrier,
For example, since the secondary transfer efficiency to paper or OHP sheet is not sufficiently high, the image quality is not good, and a cleaning device to be provided in the intermediate transfer body becomes indispensable, and a large amount of residual toner is removed. The cleaning device is considerably complicated in construction and expensive in order to perform cleaning.
【００１０】そこで、二次転写効率を向上させる手段と
して、特開平７−２３４５９２号公報中で述べられてい
るように、中間転写体表面に微粒子を存在させることが
有効であるが、中間転写体表面に微粒子を存在させる方
法として、特開平７−２３４５９２号公報では中間転写
体表面に微粒子を擦り付けて固着させると記されてい
る。しかしながら、このような方法では中間転写体表面
に均一に微粒子を存在させることが不可能であり、微粒
子の固着状態のムラによる転写ムラが画像に出てしまう
といった不具合が発生する場合があった。Therefore, as a means for improving the secondary transfer efficiency, as described in JP-A-7-234592, it is effective to make fine particles exist on the surface of the intermediate transfer member. As a method for causing fine particles to exist on the surface, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-234592 describes that fine particles are rubbed and fixed to the surface of the intermediate transfer member. However, in such a method, it is impossible to make the fine particles uniformly exist on the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and there is a case where a problem such that transfer unevenness due to unevenness of the fixed state of the fine particles appears in an image.
【００１１】従って、本発明の目的は、第２の画像担持
体への二次転写効率が高く、転写ムラのない良好な画質
が得られ、クリーニング装置が不要で構造が複雑となら
ない中間転写体を得る製造方法、及び該中間転写体を有
する画像形成装置を提供することにある。Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer member which has a high secondary transfer efficiency to the second image carrier, provides good image quality without transfer unevenness, does not require a cleaning device, and does not have a complicated structure. And an image forming apparatus having the intermediate transfer member.
【００１２】[0012]
【課題を解決するための手段】即ち、本発明は、中間転
写体表面に、微粒子を湿式塗布することにより付着させ
ることを特徴とする中間転写体の製造方法である。That is, the present invention is a method for producing an intermediate transfer member, wherein fine particles are attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer member by wet coating.
【００１３】また、本発明は、第１の画像担持体上に形
成された画像を中間転写体上に一次転写した後、第２の
画像担持体上に更に二次転写する画像形成装置におい
て、該中間転写体として前記製造方法により製造された
中間転写体を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置であ
る。[0013] The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus in which an image formed on a first image carrier is primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer member and then secondarily transferred onto a second image carrier. An image forming apparatus comprising an intermediate transfer member manufactured by the manufacturing method as the intermediate transfer member.
【００１４】本発明においては、中間転写体表面に微粒
子を湿式塗布することにより、微粒子を極めて均一に中
間転写体表面に付着させることが可能であり、二次転写
効率が向上し、転写ムラのない良好な画像を得ることが
可能である。In the present invention, the fine particles can be applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer member very uniformly by wet coating the fine particles on the surface of the intermediate transfer member. It is possible to obtain no good images.
【００１５】更に、擦り付ける等の乾式塗布と比較し
て、湿式塗布の場合には、微粒子を多量に中間転写体表
面に付着させることが可能であることから、遊離状態の
微粒子を存在させることが可能で、中間転写体から第２
の画像担持体への二次転写の際に、中間転写体表面とト
ナー（現像剤）表面との間で、微粒子がスペーサー的な
役割を果たし、極めて高い二次転写効率が得られるとい
った効果もある。Further, compared with dry coating such as rubbing, in wet coating, a large amount of fine particles can be adhered to the surface of the intermediate transfer member. Possible, second from intermediate transfer member
In the secondary transfer to the image carrier, the fine particles play a role of a spacer between the surface of the intermediate transfer member and the surface of the toner (developer), so that an extremely high secondary transfer efficiency can be obtained. is there.
【００１６】[0016]
【発明の実施の形態】微粒子の湿式塗布とは、微粒子分
散液の中間転写体表面へのコーティングのことをいい、
コーティングの方法としては、浸漬塗工、ロールコー
ト、スプレーコート等があるが、微粒子分散液の重ね塗
りが容易なことからスプレーコートが好ましい。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The wet application of fine particles means coating of a fine particle dispersion on the surface of an intermediate transfer member.
Examples of the coating method include dip coating, roll coating, spray coating and the like, but spray coating is preferred because it is easy to apply the fine particle dispersion repeatedly.
【００１７】また、微粒子とは、使用するトナーの平均
粒径の１０分の１以下の平均粒径をもつ粒子であればい
かなるものでもよく、好ましくはシリカ（ＳｉＯ2 ）、
更に好ましくは表面が疎水化されたシリカである。The fine particles may be any particles having an average particle diameter of one-tenth or less of the average particle diameter of the toner used, preferably silica (SiO 2 ),
More preferably, the surface-modified silica is used.
【００１８】シリカ表面の疎水化方法としては、シリカ
微粒子と反応、あるいは物理吸着する有機ケイ素化合物
のごとき処理剤で化学的に処理する。そのような有機ケ
イ素化合物の例としては、ヘキサメチルジシラザン、ト
リメチルシラン、トリメチルクロルシラン、トリメチル
エトキシシラン、ジメチルクロルシラン、メチルトリク
ロルシラン、アリルジメチルクロルシラン、アリルフェ
ニルジクロルシラン、ベンジルジメチルクロルシラン、
ブロムメチルジメチルクロルシラン、α−クロルエチル
トリクロルシラン、β−クロルエチルトリクロルシラ
ン、クロルメチルジメチルクロルシラン、トリオルガノ
シリルメルカプタン、トリメチルシリルメルカプタン、
トリオルガノシリルアクリレート、ビニルジメチルアセ
トキシシラン、ジメチルエトキシシラン、ジメチルジメ
トキシシラン、ジフェニルジエトキシシラン、ヘキサメ
チルジシロキサン、１，３−ジビニルテトラメチルジシ
ロキサン、１，３−ジフェニルテトラメチルジシロキサ
ン及び１分子当たり２から１２個のシロキサン単位を有
し末端に位置する単位にそれぞれ１個宛のＳｉに結合し
た水酸基を含有するジメチルポリシロキサンが挙げられ
る。これらは１種あるいは２種以上の混合物で用いられ
る。As a method for hydrophobizing the silica surface, the silica surface is chemically treated with a treating agent such as an organosilicon compound which reacts with or physically adsorbs the silica fine particles. Examples of such organosilicon compounds include hexamethyldisilazane, trimethylsilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethylethoxysilane, dimethylchlorosilane, methyltrichlorosilane, allyldimethylchlorosilane, allylphenyldichlorosilane, benzyldimethylchlorosilane ,
Bromomethyldimethylchlorosilane, α-chloroethyltrichlorosilane, β-chloroethyltrichlorosilane, chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane, triorganosilylmercaptan, trimethylsilylmercaptan,
Triorganosilyl acrylate, vinyldimethylacetoxysilane, dimethylethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, diphenyldiethoxysilane, hexamethyldisiloxane, 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane, 1,3-diphenyltetramethyldisiloxane and one molecule Dimethylpolysiloxane having from 2 to 12 siloxane units per unit and having hydroxyl groups bonded to Si, each of which is located at one terminal unit. These are used alone or as a mixture of two or more.
【００１９】微粒子分散液は、前記微粒子と分散媒を混
合し、ボールミル、サンドミル、ホモジナイザー、ペイ
ントシェイカー、ナノマイザーもしくはそれに類する装
置を使用して分散することにより調製できるが、微粒子
を均一分散できることから、ナノマイザーが好ましい。
ここで、微粒子を分散する分散媒としては各種の溶剤が
使用できるが、中間転写体表面と相溶性のよい溶媒が好
ましい。中間転写体表面と相溶性の良い溶媒を微粒子分
散液の分散媒として使用することにより、微粒子分散液
を中間転写体表面にコーティングした際に、より均一に
微粒子分散液を中間転写体表面に塗布することができ、
中間転写体の表面が溶剤に可溶もしくは膨潤する場合に
は、微粒子の一部が中間転写体表面上に固定化され、微
粒子の中間転写体表面からの脱落を防止する効果があ
る。ここで、上記特性を阻害しない範囲で、分散媒中に
結着成分を配合してもよい。The fine particle dispersion can be prepared by mixing the fine particles and a dispersion medium and dispersing them by using a ball mill, a sand mill, a homogenizer, a paint shaker, a nanomizer or a device similar thereto. Nanomizers are preferred.
Here, various solvents can be used as a dispersion medium for dispersing the fine particles, but a solvent having good compatibility with the surface of the intermediate transfer member is preferable. By using a solvent having good compatibility with the surface of the intermediate transfer member as the dispersion medium for the particle dispersion, the fine particle dispersion is more uniformly applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer member when the fine particle dispersion is coated on the surface of the intermediate transfer member. Can be
When the surface of the intermediate transfer member is soluble or swells in the solvent, a part of the fine particles is fixed on the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and there is an effect of preventing the fine particles from falling off the surface of the intermediate transfer member. Here, a binder component may be blended in the dispersion medium as long as the above characteristics are not impaired.
【００２０】また、少なくともコーティングによって形
成された被覆層を有する中間転写体の場合には、該被覆
層が、溶媒を３０重量％以上含有している状態で微粒子
分散液をコーティングすることにより、上記と同様に微
粒子の一部が被覆層上に固定化され、微粒子の中間転写
体表面からの脱落を防止する効果がある。In the case of an intermediate transfer member having at least a coating layer formed by coating, the above-mentioned coating layer is coated with a fine particle dispersion in a state containing 30% by weight or more of a solvent, whereby In the same manner as described above, a part of the fine particles is fixed on the coating layer, which has an effect of preventing the fine particles from falling off the surface of the intermediate transfer member.
【００２１】また、本発明で得られた中間転写体は、中
間転写体上の二次転写残トナーに電荷を付与し、電界で
回収する手段により中間転写体をクリーニングすること
も可能である。更には、中間転写体上の二次転写トナー
に電荷を付与し、第１の画像担持体から中間転写体に一
次転写すると同時に中間転写体上の二次転写残トナーを
第１の画像担持体に回収することも可能である。このよ
うに中間転写体上の二次転写残トナーに電荷を付与して
電界で回収するといった簡単な構成で中間転写体表面を
クリーニングできることから、装置の小型化と低コスト
化が可能である。The intermediate transfer member obtained by the present invention can also be cleaned by means of applying an electric charge to the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer member and collecting the toner by an electric field. Further, a charge is applied to the secondary transfer toner on the intermediate transfer body to perform primary transfer from the first image carrier to the intermediate transfer body, and at the same time, transfer the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body to the first image carrier. It is also possible to collect it. As described above, the surface of the intermediate transfer member can be cleaned with a simple structure in which the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer member is applied with an electric charge and collected by an electric field, so that the size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
【００２２】また、機械的な力で中間転写体上の二次転
写残トナーをクリーニングしないことから、中間転写体
に対するダメージが小さくなり、中間転写体の寿命が長
くなるというメリットもある。しかしながら、ここで二
次転写効率が悪いと、結果的に転写残トナーが多くなる
と同時に、中間転写体上の二次転写残トナーに電荷を付
与して電界で回収する際の回収効率も二次転写効率と同
様に悪いことから、クリーニング不良が発生し易い。ま
た、一次転写すると同時に中間転写体上の二次転写残ト
ナーを第１の画像担持体に回収する際にも、前記と同様
にクリーニング不良が発生し易いと同時に、二次転写残
トナーが正規に一次転写すべきトナーを引き連れて第１
の画像担持体に回収されてしまい、前画像に相当する部
分の画像濃度が薄くなってしまう画像不良（ネガゴース
ト）も発生し易い。しかし、本発明で得られた中間転写
体を用いた場合にはこのような問題は発生せず、中間転
写体上の二次転写残トナーに電荷を付与して中間転写体
をクリーニングする手段との組み合わせにより、装置の
小型化と低コスト化が達成できる。Further, since the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer member is not cleaned by mechanical force, there is an advantage that damage to the intermediate transfer member is reduced and the life of the intermediate transfer member is extended. However, if the secondary transfer efficiency is low, the residual transfer toner increases as a result, and at the same time, the recovery efficiency when the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body is charged and collected by an electric field is also reduced. Since the transfer efficiency is as bad as the transfer efficiency, cleaning failure is likely to occur. In addition, when the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body is collected on the first image carrier at the same time as the primary transfer, cleaning failure is likely to occur as described above, and the secondary transfer residual toner is With the toner to be transferred first to the first
(Negative ghost) that the image density of the portion corresponding to the previous image is reduced due to being collected by the image carrier. However, when the intermediate transfer member obtained by the present invention is used, such a problem does not occur, and means for cleaning the intermediate transfer member by applying a charge to the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer member is provided. By combining the above, the size and cost of the device can be reduced.
【００２３】また、本発明で得られた中間転写体は、第
１の画像担持体として少なくとも表面層に四フッ化エチ
レン（ＰＴＦＥ）樹脂粒子を含有する感光ドラムを用い
る時にも好適である。このように表面にＰＴＦＥ樹脂粒
子を含有することにより第１の画像担持体である感光体
ドラムから中間転写体への一次転写特性が向上し、転写
中抜け等の画像欠陥のない良好な画質と高い一次転写効
率が得られる。ここで中間転写体の二次転写特性が十分
でないと中間転写体上の転写残トナーが増加し、実質的
な転写効率は向上せず、同時に二次転写不良等の画像欠
陥を発生してしまうことになる。しかし、本発明で得ら
れた中間転写体を用いた場合にはこのような問題は発生
せず、表面にＰＴＦＥ樹脂粒子を含有する感光ドラムと
の組み合わせにより実質的な転写効率と画像品位の向上
が達成できる。The intermediate transfer member obtained by the present invention is also suitable when a photosensitive drum containing at least a surface layer containing tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin particles is used as a first image carrier. By including PTFE resin particles on the surface in this way, the primary transfer characteristics from the photosensitive drum as the first image carrier to the intermediate transfer member are improved, and good image quality free from image defects such as missing during transfer is obtained. High primary transfer efficiency can be obtained. If the secondary transfer characteristics of the intermediate transfer member are not sufficient, the transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer member increases, and the transfer efficiency is not substantially improved, and at the same time, image defects such as defective secondary transfer occur. Will be. However, such a problem does not occur when the intermediate transfer member obtained in the present invention is used, and the combination with a photosensitive drum containing PTFE resin particles on the surface substantially improves transfer efficiency and image quality. Can be achieved.
【００２４】本発明に用いる中間転写体は、例えば、円
筒状の導電性支持体（芯金）６１の外周面上にゴム、エ
ラストマーまたは樹脂等を含有する基層６２を有し、そ
の基層６２の表面に微粒子６３を有するドラム状（図
４）、基層６２の外周面上に被覆層６４を有し、この被
覆層６４の表面に微粒子６３を有するドラム状（図
５）、ゴム、エラストマーまたは樹脂等からなる基層６
２を有し、その基層６２の表面に微粒子６３を有するベ
ルト状（図６）、基層６２の外周面上に被覆層６４を有
し、この被覆層６４の表面に微粒子６３を有するベルト
状（図７）等種々の態様の中間転写体から目的、必要に
応じて選択することができるが、色ずれを小さく抑え易
いことから、ドラム形状が好ましい。The intermediate transfer member used in the present invention has, for example, a base layer 62 containing rubber, elastomer or resin on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive support (core bar) 61. A drum having fine particles 63 on the surface (FIG. 4), a coating layer 64 on the outer peripheral surface of the base layer 62, and a drum having fine particles 63 on the surface of the coating layer 64 (FIG. 5), rubber, elastomer or resin Base layer 6 composed of
6 having fine particles 63 on the surface of a base layer 62 (FIG. 6), a belt shape having a coating layer 64 on the outer peripheral surface of the base layer 62, and having the fine particles 63 on the surface of the coating layer 64 (FIG. 6). Although the purpose and need can be selected from various types of intermediate transfer members such as the one shown in FIG. 7), a drum shape is preferable because it is easy to suppress color misregistration.
【００２５】導電性支持体は、アルミニウム、鉄、銅及
びステンレス等の金属や合金、カーボンや金属粒子等を
分散した導電性樹脂等を用いて制作することができ、そ
の形状としては、上述したような円筒状や、円筒の中心
に軸を貫通したもの円筒の内部に補強を施したもの等が
挙げられる。The conductive support can be manufactured using a metal or alloy such as aluminum, iron, copper and stainless steel, a conductive resin in which carbon or metal particles are dispersed, or the like. Such a cylinder, a cylinder penetrating an axis at the center of the cylinder, a cylinder having a reinforced interior, and the like are exemplified.
【００２６】本発明に用いる中間転写体の基層、及び被
覆層に使用されるゴム、エラストマー、樹脂として、例
えば、エラストマーやゴムとしては、スチレン−ブタジ
エンゴム、ハイスチレンゴム、ブタジエンゴム、イソプ
レンゴム、エチレン−プロピレン共重合体、アクリロニ
トリルブタジエンゴム、クロロプレンゴム、ブチルゴ
ム、シリコーンゴム、フッ素ゴム、ニトリルゴム、ウレ
タンゴム、ポリアミドエラストマー、アクリルゴム、エ
ピクロロヒドリンゴム及びノルボルネンゴム等が挙げら
れる。また、樹脂類としてはポリスチレン、クロロポリ
スチレン、ポリ−α−メチルスチレン、スチレン−ブタ
ジエン共重合体、スチレン−塩化ビニル共重合体、スチ
レン−酢酸ビニル共重合体、スチレン−マレイン酸共重
合体、スチレン−アクリル酸エステル共重合体（スチレ
ン−アクリル酸メチル共重合体、スチレン−アクリル酸
エチル共重合体、スチレン−アクリル酸ブチル共重合
体、スチレン−アクリル酸オクチル共重合体及びスチレ
ン−アクリル酸フェニル共重合体等）、スチレン−メタ
クリル酸エステル共重合体（スチレン−メタクリル酸メ
チル共重合体、スチレン−メタクリル酸エチル共重合
体、スチレン−メタクリル酸フェニル共重合体等）、ス
チレン−α−クロルアクリル酸メチル共重合体、スチレ
ン−アクリロニトリル−アクリル酸エステル共重合体等
のスチレン系樹脂（スチレンまたはスチレン置換体を含
む単重合体または共重合体）、塩化ビニル樹脂、スチレ
ン−酢酸ビニル共重合体、ロジン変性マレイン酸樹脂、
フェノール樹脂、エポキシ樹脂、ポリエステル樹脂、ポ
リアミド樹脂、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、アイオ
ノマー樹脂、ポリウレタン樹脂、シリコーン樹脂、フッ
素樹脂、ケトン樹脂、エチレン−エチルアクリレート共
重合体、キシレン樹脂及びポリビニルブチラール樹脂等
が挙げられる。また、これらのゴム、エラストマー、樹
脂を２種類以上組み合わせて使用してもよい。The rubber, elastomer, and resin used in the base layer and the coating layer of the intermediate transfer member used in the present invention, for example, styrene-butadiene rubber, high styrene rubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, Examples include ethylene-propylene copolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, nitrile rubber, urethane rubber, polyamide elastomer, acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, and norbornene rubber. Further, as resins, polystyrene, chloropolystyrene, poly-α-methylstyrene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-vinyl chloride copolymer, styrene-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-maleic acid copolymer, styrene -Acrylate copolymers (styrene-methyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-octyl acrylate copolymer and styrene-phenyl acrylate copolymer) Styrene-methacrylic acid ester copolymer (styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-ethyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-phenyl methacrylate copolymer), styrene-α-chloroacrylic acid Methyl copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile-acryl Styrene-based resins such as acrylate copolymers (homopolymers or copolymers containing styrene or styrene substituents), vinyl chloride resins, styrene-vinyl acetate copolymers, rosin-modified maleic acid resins,
Phenol resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyamide resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, ionomer resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, fluorine resin, ketone resin, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, xylene resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, and the like. Further, two or more of these rubbers, elastomers and resins may be used in combination.
【００２７】また、基層及び被覆層の添加剤としてカー
ボンブラック、グラファイト、カーボン繊維、金属粉、
金属酸化物、導電性金属酸化物、有機金属化合物、有機
金属塩、導電性高分子、樹脂粒子等を用いてもよい。Further, carbon black, graphite, carbon fiber, metal powder, and the like may be used as additives for the base layer and the coating layer.
A metal oxide, a conductive metal oxide, an organic metal compound, an organic metal salt, a conductive polymer, a resin particle, or the like may be used.
【００２８】中間転写体の基層の膜厚は０．５ｍｍ以
上、更には１ｍｍ以上、特には１ｍｍ〜１０ｍｍである
ことが好ましい。また、被覆層の膜厚は、下層の弾性層
の柔軟性を更にその上の層あるいは感光体表面に伝える
ために薄層にすることが好ましく、具体的には３ｍｍ以
下、更には２ｍｍ以下、特には２０μｍ〜１ｍｍである
ことが好ましい。The thickness of the base layer of the intermediate transfer member is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, and particularly preferably 1 mm to 10 mm. Further, the thickness of the coating layer is preferably a thin layer in order to further convey the flexibility of the lower elastic layer to the upper layer or the surface of the photoreceptor, specifically, 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less. In particular, it is preferably 20 μm to 1 mm.
【００２９】また、中間転写体の体積抵抗率は、１０1
〜１０13Ω・ｃｍであることが好ましく、特には１０2
〜１０10Ω・ｃｍであることが好ましい。The volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer member is 10 1
Is preferably ~10 13 Ω · cm, especially 10 2
It is preferably 10 to 10 10 Ω · cm.
【００３０】以下に実施例をもって本発明を詳細に説明
する。Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.
【００３１】（実施例１） （中間転写体基層の作成）ＥＰＤＭ１００重量部、酸化
亜鉛５重量部、高級脂肪酸１重量部、導電性カーボンブ
ラック８重量部、パラフィンオイル１５重量部、硫黄２
重量部、加硫促進剤ＭＢＴ１重量部、加硫促進剤ＴＭＴ
Ｄ２重量部及び加硫促進剤ＺｎＭＤＣ１重量部を２本ロ
ールにて冷却しながら２０分間混錬してコンパウンドを
調製し、この弾性層用コンパウンドを金型を用いて直径
１８２ｍｍ、長さ３２０ｍｍ、厚さ３ｍｍのアルミニウ
ム製円筒状ローラーの表面にトランスファー成形及び加
硫することにより厚さ５ｍｍの弾性層を有するゴムロー
ラ（１）を得た。(Example 1) (Preparation of Intermediate Transfer Substrate) EPDM 100 parts by weight, zinc oxide 5 parts by weight, higher fatty acid 1 part by weight, conductive carbon black 8 parts by weight, paraffin oil 15 parts by weight, sulfur 2
Parts by weight, vulcanization accelerator MBT1 part by weight, vulcanization accelerator TMT
D2 parts by weight and 1 part by weight of a vulcanization accelerator ZnMDC were kneaded for 20 minutes while cooling with two rolls to prepare a compound, and the compound for the elastic layer was 182 mm in diameter, 320 mm in length and 320 mm in thickness using a mold. A rubber roller (1) having a 5 mm-thick elastic layer was obtained by transfer molding and vulcanizing the surface of a 3 mm-thick aluminum cylindrical roller.
【００３２】（中間転写体被覆層用塗料の調製）ポリエ
ステルポリウレタンプレポリマー溶液１００重量部、硬
化剤溶液５重量部、四フッ化エチレン樹脂粒子４０重量
部、分散剤２重量部及びメチルイソブチルケトン（ＭＩ
ＢＫ）３００重量部を混合後、サンドミルで分散するこ
とにより中間転写体被覆層用塗料を調製した。(Preparation of coating for intermediate transfer member coating layer) 100 parts by weight of a polyester polyurethane prepolymer solution, 5 parts by weight of a curing agent solution, 40 parts by weight of ethylene tetrafluoride resin particles, 2 parts by weight of a dispersant, and methyl isobutyl ketone ( MI
BK) 300 parts by weight were mixed and dispersed by a sand mill to prepare a coating material for an intermediate transfer member coating layer.
【００３３】（微粒子分散液の調製）表面がヘキサメチ
ルジシラザンで疎水化処理された、平均粒径が０．０２
μｍのシリカ（ＳｉＯ2 ）１０重量部とアセトン９０重
量部を混合後、ナノマイザーを用いて分散することによ
り微粒子分散液を調製した。(Preparation of Fine Particle Dispersion) The surface was hydrophobized with hexamethyldisilazane and had an average particle size of 0.02.
After mixing 10 parts by weight of silica (SiO 2 ) of 90 μm with 90 parts by weight of acetone, the mixture was dispersed using a nanomizer to prepare a fine particle dispersion.
【００３４】（中間転写体の作成）前記ゴムローラ
（１）に前記被覆層用塗料をスプレー塗布することによ
り被覆層を形成し、その直後に微粒子分散液をスプレー
塗布した後、１２０℃で２時間乾燥、硬化させることに
より中間転写体を得た。ここで、微粒子分散液を塗布す
る時点で、被覆層は約５０重量％の溶媒を含有してい
た。微粒子分散液を塗布する時点の被覆層中の溶媒量
は、前記ゴムローラ（１）の重量（Ｉ）、前記被覆層用
塗料塗布後微粒子分散液塗布直前の重量（II）及び微粒
子分散液を塗布せずに乾燥硬化したものの重量（III ）
を測定し、以下の計算式によって求めた。(Preparation of Intermediate Transfer Body) A coating layer was formed by spray-coating the coating material for the coating layer on the rubber roller (1). Immediately thereafter, a fine particle dispersion was spray-coated, and then the coating was performed at 120 ° C. for 2 hours. An intermediate transfer member was obtained by drying and curing. Here, at the time of applying the fine particle dispersion, the coating layer contained about 50% by weight of the solvent. The amount of the solvent in the coating layer at the time of applying the fine particle dispersion is the weight (I) of the rubber roller (1), the weight (II) immediately after the application of the coating for the coating layer and immediately before the application of the fine particle dispersion, and the application of the fine particle dispersion. Weight of dried and cured products (III)
Was measured and determined by the following formula.
【００３５】 [0035]
【００３６】この中間転写体を図２に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して転写効率を測定した結果、二
次転写効率は９９％であった。また、フルカラー画像を
連続してプリントした結果、良好な画質が得られ、クリ
ーニング不良も見られなかった。The intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the transfer efficiency was measured. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 99%. Further, as a result of continuous printing of full-color images, good image quality was obtained, and no cleaning failure was observed.
【００３７】図２で７１は中間転写体クリーニングロー
ラであり、バイアス電源７２から感光体の帯電電位と逆
極性（この場合は＋）の電圧が印加され、中間転写体６
上の二次転写残トナーを帯電する。その後、中間転写体
６上の二次転写残トナーは、感光ドラム１の表面電位に
よる電界によって、感光ドラム１上に回収される。この
際、感光ドラム１から中間転写体６上へトナーは一次転
写されると同時に、中間転写体６上の二次転写残トナー
は感光ドラム１に回収される。In FIG. 2, reference numeral 71 denotes an intermediate transfer member cleaning roller, to which a voltage having a polarity (+ in this case) opposite to the charging potential of the photosensitive member is applied from a bias power source 72, and
The upper secondary transfer residual toner is charged. Thereafter, the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 6 is collected on the photosensitive drum 1 by an electric field due to the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 1. At this time, the toner is primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 onto the intermediate transfer body 6, and the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body 6 is collected on the photosensitive drum 1.
【００３８】なお、本発明において、二次転写効率は以
下のようにして求めた値である。２００ｍｍ×１００ｍ
ｍのシアン＋マゼンタの２色のベタ画像（カバリッジ２
００％）を出力し、中間転写体上に残った二次転写残ト
ナーと、第２の画像担持体である１０５ｇ／ｍ2 紙上の
未定着トナーをエアーで吸引し、サンプリングされたト
ナーの重量から計算して求めた値である。計算式を以下
に示す。In the present invention, the secondary transfer efficiency is a value obtained as follows. 200mm x 100m
m cyan + magenta two-color solid image (coverage 2
00%), and the secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer body and the unfixed toner on 105 g / m 2 paper as the second image carrier are sucked by air to obtain the weight of the sampled toner. Is a value calculated from The calculation formula is shown below.
【００３９】 [0039]
【００４０】その後、この中間転写体を図２に示される
フルカラー電子写真装置に装着し、繰り返して１０５ｇ
／ｍ2 紙上にフルカラー画像プリント試験を行った。そ
の結果、１万枚の耐久試験後も初期と同様な画質が得ら
れ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。また、上記と
同様の方法で測定した二次転写効率も９８％と殆ど低下
が見られなかった。Thereafter, this intermediate transfer member was mounted on a full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
/ M 2 paper was tested for full color image printing. As a result, the same image quality as the initial one was obtained even after the durability test of 10,000 sheets, and no cleaning failure was observed. In addition, the secondary transfer efficiency measured by the same method as above was 98%, and hardly decreased.
【００４１】以下に本実施例の作像条件を示す。The image forming conditions of this embodiment will be described below.
【００４２】感光体：導電性支持体上に下引き層、電荷
発生層及び電荷輸送層を有し、該電荷輸送層上に四フッ
化エチレン樹脂微粉末（粒径０．２μｍ）を分散した保
護層を有する有機感光体 感光体表面電位：−７００Ｖ カラー現像剤（４色共に）：非磁性一成分トナー（粒径
６．８μｍ） 一次転写電圧：＋３００Ｖ 二次転写電圧：＋１．８ｋＶ プロセススピード：１２０ｍｍ／ｓｅｃ． 現像バイアス：−４５０ＶPhotoreceptor: An undercoat layer, a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are provided on a conductive support, and fine powder of ethylene tetrafluoride resin (particle size: 0.2 μm) is dispersed on the charge transport layer. Organic photoreceptor having protective layer Photoreceptor surface potential: -700 V Color developer (for all four colors): Non-magnetic one-component toner (particle diameter: 6.8 μm) Primary transfer voltage: +300 V Secondary transfer voltage: +1.8 kV Process speed : 120 mm / sec. Development bias: -450V
【００４３】（実施例２）実施例１のゴム配合におい
て、押し出し成形、蒸気加硫及び研磨を行い、外径１５
０ｍｍ、幅３２０ｍｍ、厚さ０．８ｍｍのゴムベルトを
作成し、このゴムベルトを中間転写体基層として用いた
以外は実施例１と同様に中間転写体を作成した。(Example 2) In the rubber compound of Example 1, extrusion molding, steam vulcanization and polishing were performed to obtain an outer diameter of 15%.
A rubber belt having a thickness of 0 mm, a width of 320 mm, and a thickness of 0.8 mm was prepared, and an intermediate transfer member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that this rubber belt was used as an intermediate transfer member base layer.
【００４４】この中間転写体を図３に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１と同様に転写効率を
測定した結果、二次転写効率は９９％であった。また、
フルカラー画像を連続してプリントした結果、良好な画
質が得られ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。図３
中、６５はベルト状中間転写体、９２は転写帯電器であ
る。The intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 3, and the transfer efficiency was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 99%. Also,
As a result of continuous printing of full-color images, good image quality was obtained, and no cleaning failure was observed. FIG.
Reference numeral 65 denotes a belt-shaped intermediate transfer member, and reference numeral 92 denotes a transfer charger.
【００４５】その後、この中間転写体を図２に示される
フルカラー電子写真装置に装着し、繰り返して１０５ｇ
／ｍ2 紙上にフルカラー画像プリント試験を行った。そ
の結果、１万枚の耐久試験後は若干の色ずれが見られた
が、許容できる画質であり、クリーニング不良も見られ
なかった。また、上記と同様の方法で測定した二次転写
効率も９７％と殆ど低下が見られなかった。Thereafter, the intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
/ M 2 paper was tested for full color image printing. As a result, a slight color shift was observed after the durability test of 10,000 sheets, but the image quality was acceptable, and no cleaning failure was observed. Also, the secondary transfer efficiency measured by the same method as above was 97%, and almost no decrease was observed.
【００４６】（実施例３）実施例１において、微粒子を
表面が疎水化処理されていない平均粒径が０．０２μｍ
のシリカに変更した以外は実施例１と同様に中間転写体
を作成した。(Example 3) In Example 1, the fine particles were not treated to have a surface subjected to hydrophobic treatment and had an average particle size of 0.02 μm.
An intermediate transfer member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the silica was changed to silica.
【００４７】この中間転写体を図２に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１と同様に転写効率を
測定した結果、二次転写効率は９８％であった。また、
フルカラー画像を連続してプリントした結果、良好な画
質が得られ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。The intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the transfer efficiency was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 98%. Also,
As a result of continuous printing of full-color images, good image quality was obtained, and no cleaning failure was observed.
【００４８】その後、この中間転写体を図２に示される
フルカラー電子写真装置に装着し、繰り返して１０５ｇ
／ｍ2 紙上にフルカラー画像プリント試験を行った。そ
の結果、１万枚の耐久試験後も初期と同様な画質が得ら
れ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。また、上記と
同様の方法で測定した二次転写効率も９７％と殆ど低下
が見られなかった。Thereafter, the intermediate transfer member was mounted on a full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
/ M 2 paper was tested for full color image printing. As a result, the same image quality as the initial one was obtained even after the durability test of 10,000 sheets, and no cleaning failure was observed. Also, the secondary transfer efficiency measured by the same method as above was 97%, and almost no decrease was observed.
【００４９】（実施例４）実施例１において、微粒子を
平均粒径が０．２μｍの四フッ化エチレン樹脂粒子に変
更した以外は実施例１と同様に中間転写体を作成した。Example 4 An intermediate transfer member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the fine particles were changed to tetrafluoroethylene resin particles having an average particle diameter of 0.2 μm.
【００５０】この中間転写体を図２に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１と同様に転写効率を
測定した結果、二次転写効率は９７％であった。また、
フルカラー画像を連続してプリントした結果、良好な画
質が得られ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。This intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the transfer efficiency was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 97%. Also,
As a result of continuous printing of full-color images, good image quality was obtained, and no cleaning failure was observed.
【００５１】その後、この中間転写体を図２に示される
フルカラー電子写真装置に装着し、繰り返して１０５ｇ
／ｍ2 紙上にフルカラー画像プリント試験を行った。そ
の結果、１万枚の耐久試験後も初期と同様な画質が得ら
れ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。また、上記と
同様の方法で測定した二次転写効率も９６％と殆ど低下
が見られなかった。Thereafter, the intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
/ M 2 paper was tested for full color image printing. As a result, the same image quality as the initial one was obtained even after the durability test of 10,000 sheets, and no cleaning failure was observed. Further, the secondary transfer efficiency measured by the same method as above was 96%, and hardly decreased.
【００５２】（実施例５）実施例１において、微粒子を
平均粒径が０．５μｍのポリエチレン樹脂粒子に変更し
た以外は実施例１と同様に中間転写体を作成した。Example 5 An intermediate transfer member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the fine particles were changed to polyethylene resin particles having an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm.
【００５３】この中間転写体を図２に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１と同様に転写効率を
測定した結果、二次転写効率は９６％であった。また、
フルカラー画像を連続してプリントした結果、ほぼ良好
な画質が得られ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。The intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the transfer efficiency was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 96%. Also,
As a result of continuous printing of full-color images, almost good image quality was obtained, and no cleaning failure was observed.
【００５４】その後、この中間転写体を図２に示される
フルカラー電子写真装置に装着し、繰り返して１０５ｇ
／ｍ2 紙上にフルカラー画像プリント試験を行った。そ
の結果、１万枚の耐久試験後も初期と同様な画質が得ら
れ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。また、上記と
同様の方法で測定した二次転写効率も９５％と殆ど低下
が見られなかった。Thereafter, the intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
/ M 2 paper was tested for full color image printing. As a result, the same image quality as the initial one was obtained even after the durability test of 10,000 sheets, and no cleaning failure was observed. Further, the secondary transfer efficiency measured by the same method as described above showed almost no decrease of 95%.
【００５５】（実施例６）実施例１において、微粒子分
散液を塗布する時点で、被覆層の溶媒の含有量が約２５
重量％になるまで溶媒を蒸発させた以外は実施例１と同
様に中間転写体を作成した。Example 6 In Example 1, when the fine particle dispersion was applied, the content of the solvent in the coating layer was about 25%.
An intermediate transfer member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the solvent was evaporated until the amount of the intermediate transfer member reached 10 wt%.
【００５６】この中間転写体を図２に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１と同様に転写効率を
測定した結果、二次転写効率は９９％であった。また、
フルカラー画像を連続してプリントした結果、良好な画
質が得られ、クリーニング不良も見られなかった。This intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the transfer efficiency was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 99%. Also,
As a result of continuous printing of full-color images, good image quality was obtained, and no cleaning failure was observed.
【００５７】その後、この中間転写体を図２に示される
フルカラー電子写真装置に装着し、繰り返して１０５ｇ
／ｍ2 紙上にフルカラー画像プリント試験を行った。そ
の結果、１万枚の耐久試験後、上記と同様の方法で測定
した二次転写効率は９３％であり、若干の二次転写効率
と画像濃度の低下が見られたが許容できる画質であり、
クリーニング不良も確認されなかった。Thereafter, the intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
/ M 2 paper was tested for full color image printing. As a result, after the endurance test of 10,000 sheets, the secondary transfer efficiency measured by the same method as above was 93%, and although the secondary transfer efficiency and the image density were slightly reduced, the image quality was acceptable. ,
No cleaning failure was found.
【００５８】（実施例７）実施例１の中間転写体を図１
に示されるフルカラー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１
と同様に転写効率を測定した結果、二次転写効率は９９
％であった。また、フルカラー画像を連続してプリント
した結果、良好な画質が得られ、クリーニング不良も見
られなかった。(Example 7) The intermediate transfer member of Example 1 is shown in FIG.
Example 1 mounted on a full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 99%.
%Met. Further, as a result of continuous printing of full-color images, good image quality was obtained, and no cleaning failure was observed.
【００５９】その後、この中間転写体を図１に示される
フルカラー電子写真装置に装着し、繰り返して１０５ｇ
／ｍ2 紙上にフルカラー画像プリント試験を行った。そ
の結果、１万枚の耐久試験後、上記と同様の方法で測定
した二次転写効率は９２％であり、若干の二次転写効率
と画像濃度の低下が見られたが許容できる画質であり、
クリーニング不良も確認されなかった。Thereafter, the intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG.
/ M 2 paper was tested for full color image printing. As a result, after the endurance test of 10,000 sheets, the secondary transfer efficiency measured by the same method as above was 92%, and although the secondary transfer efficiency and the image density were slightly reduced, the image quality was acceptable. ,
No cleaning failure was found.
【００６０】（比較例１）実施例１において、微粒子分
散液を塗布しなかった以外は実施例１と同様に中間転写
体を作成した。Comparative Example 1 An intermediate transfer member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the fine particle dispersion was not applied.
【００６１】この中間転写体を図２に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１と同様に転写効率を
測定した結果、二次転写効率は８６％であった。また、
フルカラー画像を連続してプリントした結果、濃度の低
い画像が得られ、顕著なクリーニング不良が確認された
ので耐久試験は行わなかった。The intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the transfer efficiency was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 86%. Also,
As a result of continuous printing of full-color images, low-density images were obtained, and remarkable cleaning defects were confirmed. Therefore, the durability test was not performed.
【００６２】（比較例２）実施例１において、微粒子分
散液を塗布せずに中間転写体を作成し、その中間転写体
上に表面を疎水化処理した平均粒径０．０２μｍのシリ
カを乾式塗布した以外は実施例１と同様に中間転写体を
作成した。ここで、シリカの乾式塗布方法としては、被
覆層を形成、焼成後の中間転写体を周方向に回転させな
がら摩擦部材を当接させ、中間転写体と摩擦部材とのニ
ップ部分にシリカを投入することにより塗布した。(Comparative Example 2) In Example 1, an intermediate transfer member was prepared without applying the fine particle dispersion, and silica having an average particle diameter of 0.02 μm whose surface was hydrophobized was dried on the intermediate transfer member. An intermediate transfer member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the coating was performed. Here, as a dry coating method of silica, a friction layer is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer body after the formation of a coating layer and the baked intermediate rotation body is rotated in the circumferential direction, and silica is injected into a nip portion between the intermediate transfer body and the friction member. And applied.
【００６３】この中間転写体を図２に示されるフルカラ
ー電子写真装置に装着して実施例１と同様に転写効率を
測定した結果、二次転写効率は９１％であった。また、
フルカラー画像を連続してプリントした結果、濃度ムラ
のある画像が得られ、若干のクリーニング不良が確認さ
れたので耐久試験は行わなかった。The intermediate transfer member was mounted on the full-color electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the transfer efficiency was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the secondary transfer efficiency was 91%. Also,
As a result of continuous printing of the full-color image, an image having uneven density was obtained, and a slight cleaning defect was confirmed. Therefore, the durability test was not performed.
【００６４】[0064]
【発明の効果】以上、本発明によれば、第２の画像担持
体への二次転写効率が高く、転写ムラのない良好な画質
が得られ、クリーニング装置が不要で構造が複雑となら
ない中間転写体を得る製造方法、及び該中間転写体を有
する画像形成装置を可能にした。As described above, according to the present invention, the secondary transfer efficiency to the second image carrier is high, good image quality without transfer unevenness is obtained, and the cleaning device is not required and the structure is not complicated. A manufacturing method for obtaining a transfer body and an image forming apparatus having the intermediate transfer body have been made possible.
【図１】本発明の中間転写体を用いたカラー画像形成装
置の概略断面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a color image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer member of the present invention.
【図２】本発明の中間転写体を用いたカラー画像形成装
置の概略断面図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a color image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer member of the present invention.
【図３】本発明の中間転写体を用いたカラー画像形成装
置の概略断面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a color image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member of the present invention.
【図４】本発明の中間転写体の１例の模式断面図であ
る。FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of one example of an intermediate transfer member of the present invention.
【図５】本発明の中間転写体の１例の模式断面図であ
る。FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of one example of an intermediate transfer member of the present invention.
【図６】本発明の中間転写体の１例の模式断面図であ
る。FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of one example of an intermediate transfer member of the present invention.
【図７】本発明の中間転写体の１例の模式断面図であ
る。FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of one example of an intermediate transfer member of the present invention.
１ 感光体 ２ 一次帯電器 ３ 画像露光 ４１〜４４ 現像器 ５ 感光体クリーナ ６ 中間転写体 ６１ 芯金 ６２ 弾性層 ６３ 微粒子 ６４ 被覆層 ６５ 中間転写ベルト ７ 中間転写体クリーニングブレード ７１ 中間転写体クリーニングローラ ７２ クリーニングバイアス電源 ８ 一次転写バイアス電源 ９１ 転写ローラ ９２ 転写帯電器 １０ 転写材 １１ 給紙カセット １２ 二次転写バイアス電源 １３ 定着器 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor 2 Primary charger 3 Image exposure 41-44 Developing device 5 Photoconductor cleaner 6 Intermediate transfer body 61 Core metal 62 Elastic layer 63 Fine particles 64 Coating layer 65 Intermediate transfer belt 7 Intermediate transfer body cleaning blade 71 Intermediate transfer body cleaning roller 72 Cleaning bias power supply 8 Primary transfer bias power supply 91 Transfer roller 92 Transfer charger 10 Transfer material 11 Paper feed cassette 12 Secondary transfer bias power supply 13 Fixer
Claims (8)
ることにより付着させることを特徴とする中間転写体の
製造方法。1. A method for producing an intermediate transfer member, wherein fine particles are attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer member by wet coating.
ングによって形成された被覆層を有し、該被覆層が、溶
媒を３０重量％以上含有している状態で前記微粒子を湿
式塗布することによる請求項１に記載の中間転写体の製
造方法。2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate transfer body has at least a coating layer formed by coating, and the coating layer contains the solvent in an amount of 30% by weight or more, and the fine particles are wet-coated. 2. The method for producing an intermediate transfer member according to item 1.
たは２に記載の中間転写体の製造方法。3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fine particles are silica.
いるシリカである請求項１乃至３のいずれかに記載の中
間転写体の製造方法。4. The method for producing an intermediate transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the fine particles are silica whose surface is subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.
中間転写体上に一次転写した後、第２の画像担持体上に
更に二次転写する画像形成装置において、該中間転写体
として、請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の製造方法に
より製造された中間転写体を有することを特徴とする画
像形成装置。5. An image forming apparatus in which an image formed on a first image bearing member is primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer member and then secondarily transferred onto a second image bearing member. An image forming apparatus comprising: an intermediate transfer body manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 1.
電荷を付与し、電界で回収する手段により該中間転写体
をクリーニングする請求項５に記載の画像形成装置。6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a charge is applied to the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body, and the intermediate transfer body is cleaned by a unit that collects the toner by an electric field.
電荷を付与し、電界で回収する手段により該中間転写体
をクリーニングする画像形成装置であって、第１の画像
担持体から中間転写体へトナーを一次転写すると同時に
中間転写体上の二次転写残トナーを第１の画像担持体に
回収する手段を有する請求項５に記載の画像形成装置。7. An image forming apparatus for applying an electric charge to the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer body and cleaning the intermediate transfer body by means for collecting the toner by an electric field, wherein the intermediate transfer body is cleaned from the first image carrier. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a unit that first-transfers the toner to the transfer member and collects the secondary transfer residual toner on the intermediate transfer member to the first image carrier.
ーラ上に感光層を有する感光ドラムであり、かつ感光ド
ラムの少なくとも表面層が四フッ化エチレン樹脂の微粉
末を含有する請求項５乃至７のいずれかに記載の画像形
成装置。8. The image bearing member according to claim 1, wherein the first image bearing member is a photosensitive drum having a photosensitive layer on a conductive rigid roller, and at least a surface layer of the photosensitive drum contains fine powder of an ethylene tetrafluoride resin. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 5 to 7.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP13001597A JP3667030B2 (en) | 1997-05-20 | 1997-05-20 | Intermediate transfer member manufacturing method and image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP13001597A JP3667030B2 (en) | 1997-05-20 | 1997-05-20 | Intermediate transfer member manufacturing method and image forming apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH10319730A true JPH10319730A (en) | 1998-12-04 |
| JP3667030B2 JP3667030B2 (en) | 2005-07-06 |
Family
ID=15024057
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP13001597A Expired - Fee Related JP3667030B2 (en) | 1997-05-20 | 1997-05-20 | Intermediate transfer member manufacturing method and image forming apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3667030B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2011039430A (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-02-24 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Intermediate transfer belt and image forming apparatus using the same, and image forming method |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5609506B2 (en) * | 2010-10-01 | 2014-10-22 | 株式会社リコー | Intermediate transfer member and image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer member |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5950475A (en) * | 1982-09-17 | 1984-03-23 | Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd | Intermediate transfer material |
| JPH07234592A (en) * | 1994-02-22 | 1995-09-05 | Hitachi Ltd | Image forming device |
| JPH0954506A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1997-02-25 | Canon Inc | Image forming device and intermediate transfer medium |
| JPH09281813A (en) * | 1996-04-10 | 1997-10-31 | Hitachi Ltd | Image forming device |
-
1997
- 1997-05-20 JP JP13001597A patent/JP3667030B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5950475A (en) * | 1982-09-17 | 1984-03-23 | Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd | Intermediate transfer material |
| JPH07234592A (en) * | 1994-02-22 | 1995-09-05 | Hitachi Ltd | Image forming device |
| JPH0954506A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1997-02-25 | Canon Inc | Image forming device and intermediate transfer medium |
| JPH09281813A (en) * | 1996-04-10 | 1997-10-31 | Hitachi Ltd | Image forming device |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2011039430A (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-02-24 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Intermediate transfer belt and image forming apparatus using the same, and image forming method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3667030B2 (en) | 2005-07-06 |
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