JP2002341574A - Electrophotographic photoreceptor, method of manufacturing electrophotographic photoreceptor image forming method, image forming device and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly durable electrophotographic photoreceptor improved in wear resistant characteristics to grazing with a cleaning blade, etc., and electrophotographic characteristics in repetitive use and further to provide the electrophotographic photoreceptor having a surface layer which is excellent in cleaning performance of toners and stability to peeling of the cleaning blade. SOLUTION: This electrophotographic photoreceptor has a resin layer formed by crosslinking a polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge using the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a photosensitive member), an organic electrophotographic photosensitive member containing an organic photoconductive material (hereinafter, also referred to as an organic photosensitive member) is most widely used. Organic photoreceptors are advantageous over other photoreceptors in that they are easy to develop materials for various exposure light sources from visible light to infrared light, that they can select materials that do not pollute the environment, and that they have low manufacturing costs. However, the drawback is that the mechanical strength is weak, and the photoreceptor surface is likely to be degraded or damaged during copying or printing a large number of sheets.

In order to satisfy the above-mentioned various required characteristics, various studies have been made so far.

[0004] As a problem for improving the durability of the organic photoreceptor as described above, there has been a strong demand for suppressing the abrasion of a cleaning blade or the like due to abrasion. As an approach therefor, techniques such as providing a high-strength protective layer on the surface of the photoreceptor have been studied. For example, JP-A-6
JP-A-118681 reports that a colloidal silica-containing curable siloxane resin is used as a surface layer of a photoreceptor. However, a siloxane bond (Si-O-
In a protective layer made of only silica formed by repeating three-dimensionally (Si bond), cracks (cracks) are generated on the surface, adhesion to the photosensitive layer is deteriorated, and electrostatic characteristics of the photosensitive layer are reduced. Was a problem.

As an attempt to improve abrasion resistance and adhesion to a photosensitive layer, an organic-inorganic hybrid polymer having both properties of an organic polymer and a crosslinked siloxane component has been proposed. For example, JP-A-2000-22172
No. 3 discloses a protective layer containing a polymer in which polysiloxane and a silyl group-containing vinyl resin are chemically bonded as a protective layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member. However, the photoreceptor having such a protective layer has improved mechanical abrasion resistance, but has insufficient electrophotographic properties upon repeated use, and is liable to cause fogging and image blur. The photoreceptor having a layer was not suitable as the most widely used electrophotographic photoreceptor such as the Carlson process.

Therefore, as a protective layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member that simultaneously satisfies mechanical wear resistance and electrophotographic characteristics during repeated use, the present inventors have a charge transporting performance imparting group,
In addition, a siloxane-based resin layer having a crosslinked structure has been proposed as a protective layer of a photoreceptor (Japanese Patent Application No. 11-70308).
issue). The photoreceptor having this protective layer has improved friction resistance and electrophotographic characteristics (charging, sensitivity, residual potential characteristics, etc.) upon repeated use, which have been important issues in the past, and is a highly durable organic electrophotographic photoreceptor. It has sufficient practicality.
However, this protective layer also forms a high-order cross-linked resin specific to siloxane-based resins, so that the protective layer has a strong elastic behavior. In many cases, problems such as an increase in the torque between the toners and a decrease in toner cleaning performance and stability of the cleaning blade against turning are likely to occur. Further, a problem that the resolution of an image is significantly reduced in a high-humidity environment as compared with a conventional organic photoreceptor has also become apparent.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has been developed in consideration of the abrasion resistance against rubbing with a cleaning blade and the like, and the electrophotographic characteristics (charging, sensitivity, residual potential) when repeatedly used. To provide a highly durable electrophotographic photoreceptor having improved properties and the like, and to provide a photoreceptor having a protective layer excellent in toner cleaning performance and stability against turning of a cleaning blade. An object of the present invention is to provide a photoreceptor having a protective layer capable of obtaining a clear image even in an environment, and a method for producing the electrophotographic photoreceptor, an image forming method using the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and an image forming method. An object of the present invention is to provide a forming apparatus and a process cartridge.

[0008]

That is, the object of the present invention is achieved by the following constitutions.

1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a resin layer obtained by crosslinking the polycarbonate represented by the formula (1).

[0010] 2. 2. The electrophotographic photoconductor according to the above item 1, wherein the polycarbonate is crosslinked using a crosslinking agent.

3. 3. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the above item 1 or 2, wherein the crosslinking agent is a polyisocyanate compound.

4. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of the above items 1 to 3, wherein the resin layer contains a charge transporting compound.

5. 5. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein a resin layer obtained by crosslinking the polycarbonate is modified with a charge transporting group.

6. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of the above items 1 to 5, wherein the resin layer contains an antioxidant.

[0015] 7. The resin layer has a number average particle size of 5 nm to 5 nm.
7. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of the above items 1 to 6, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member contains fine particles of μm.

8. 8. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the item 7, wherein the fine particles are organic fine particles containing a fluorine atom.

9. 9. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the resin layer is a surface layer.

10. In the method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member having at least a resin layer provided on a conductive support, the resin layer is coated with a coating solution containing a polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group represented by the formula (1) and a crosslinking agent. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the method is formed by curing afterwards.

11. 11. The method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the item 10, wherein the coating solution contains a charge transporting compound.

[12] 12. The method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the above item 11, wherein the charge transporting compound is a reactive charge transporting compound.

13. 13. The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor as described in 12 above, wherein the reactive charge transporting compound is a charge transporting compound having a hydroxyl group.

14. 14. The method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of 11 to 13, wherein the crosslinking agent is a polyisocyanate compound.

[15] 15. The method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of the items 11 to 14, wherein the resin layer is a surface layer.

16. 10. An image forming method, wherein an image is formed using the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of 1 to 9 through at least a charging step, an image exposure step, a developing step, and a cleaning step.

17. An image forming apparatus using the image forming method described in 16 above.

18. In the process cartridge used in the image forming apparatus used in the above item 17,
9. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to any one of 9 above, and any one of a charger, an image exposing device, a developing device, and a cleaning device are integrally combined, and are configured to be freely inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus. A process cartridge.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The resin layer of the present invention is a layer formed using a resin on a conductive support, that is, a layer containing a resin, and does not directly relate to the function of the resin layer.

The resin layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention has a resin layer obtained by crosslinking polycarbonate. The crosslinked structure of the polycarbonate can be formed by using a polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group of the formula (1) and reacting the hydroxyl group with a crosslinking agent such as an isocyanate compound.

In the above formula (1), the halogen atom is
Examples include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom and a bromine atom. Examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and preferably have 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
The aryl group includes a phenyl group and a naphthyl group, and preferably has 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkenyl group include a vinyl group and an allyl group,
It is preferable that the number of carbon atoms is 2 to 5. Examples of the alkoxy group include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group and a propoxy group, and preferably have 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of the aralkyl group include a benzyl group, and preferably have 7 to 17 carbon atoms.

Examples of the substituent which R ^{1 to} R ¹⁰ may have include the above-mentioned alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, halogen atom and dimethylsiloxane group.

The polycarbonate having the structural unit represented by the above formula (1) is a bisphenol compound represented by the following formula (2):

[0032]

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(Wherein, R ^{1 to} R ¹⁰ have the same meanings as in the above formula (1)) with phosgene, carbonate or chloroformate. On this occasion,
The above bisphenol may be used alone, or may be used as a mixture with another bisphenol.

Preferred examples of the bisphenol represented by the above formula (2) are shown below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)
Propanol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl) propanol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl) propanol,
2,2-bis (4-hydroxy-3-fluorophenyl) propanol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxy-3
-Chlorophenyl) propanol, 2,2-bis (4-
(Hydroxy-3-bromophenyl) propanol, 2,
2-bis (4-hydroxy-3,5-difluorophenyl) propanol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxy-
3,5-dichlorophenyl) propanol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxy-3,5-dibromophenyl) propanol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) ethanol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) ) Phenethyl alcohol, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) -3-methylbutanol, 2,2-bis (4-
(Hydroxyphenyl) -4-pentenol Among these, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propanol is particularly preferred.

In order to crosslink the polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group of the formula (1) and form a resin layer having a crosslinked polycarbonate structure, it is preferable to use a crosslinking agent which reacts with the hydroxyl group of the polycarbonate to form a crosslinked structure. . As such a crosslinking agent, a polyisocyanate compound, a polyepichlorohydrin compound, or the like can be used. In particular, when a polyisocyanate compound is used as a crosslinking agent, a resin layer having a urethane bond having high strength against friction with a cleaning blade can be formed. Preferred examples of the crosslinking agent will be described below, but the crosslinking agent used in the present invention is not limited to these.

2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,
Polyisocyanate compounds (compounds containing two or more isocyanate groups) such as 6-tolylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylenemethane diisocyanate, 2,4'-diphenylenemethane diisocyanate, and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate No.

Further, the resin layer of the present invention preferably contains a charge transporting compound. As the charge transporting compound coexisting in the resin layer, a conventionally known charge transporting substance can be used. As the charge transport material (CTM), a known charge transport material (CTM) can be used. For example, triphenylamine derivatives, hydrazone compounds, styryl compounds, benzidine compounds, butadiene compounds and the like can be used.

It is preferable that the resin layer formed by crosslinking the polycarbonate is modified with a charge transporting group.

The phrase “the resin layer formed by crosslinking the polycarbonate is modified with a charge transporting group” means a structure in which a charge transporting group is incorporated as a partial structure of the crosslinked polycarbonate resin. The partial structure may be a partial structure incorporated into a chain structure of a resin or a pendant structure.

Here, the charge transporting group is a chemical structural group exhibiting the property of having electron or hole drift mobility, or a charge transporting compound residue.
It is a structural group or a charge transporting compound residue from which a detection current due to charge transport can be obtained by a known method capable of detecting charge transport performance such as a me-Of-Flight method.

In order to modify the resin obtained by crosslinking the polycarbonate with a charge transporting group, a reactive charge transporting compound as described below is used, and the charge transporting group is converted into a crosslinked structure by a reaction with a crosslinking agent or the like. This is achieved by incorporating

That is, examples of the reactive charge transporting compound that reacts with the crosslinking agent include a charge transporting compound having active hydrogen such as a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, an amine group, and a carboxylic acid group.

The reactive charge transporting compound includes the following compounds, but the reactive charge transporting compound used in the present invention is not limited to these compounds.

[0045]

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[0046]

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[0047]

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The reactive charge transporting compound of the present invention is preferably a compound having a plurality of reactive groups in the same molecule. Due to this, the reactivity of the reactive charge transporting compound with the crosslinking agent is improved, and the charge transporting group is incorporated into the partial structure of the polycarbonate resin layer through the reaction with the crosslinking agent,
Good charge transport properties are imparted to the crosslinked polycarbonate resin layer of the present invention.

The molecular weight of the reactive charge transporting compound used in the present invention is preferably 700 or less and 100 or more. 70
By using a reactive charge transporting compound of 0 or less,
It is possible to form a resin layer that has a small residual electric charge, good electrophotographic properties, and excellent cleaning properties. Further, a reactive charge transporting compound having a molecular weight of 450 or less and 100 or more is preferable.

The thickness of the resin layer of the present invention is 0.03 to 30 μm.
m, preferably 0.3 to 10 μm, most preferably 0.1 μm.
It is desirable that the thickness be 1 to 5 μm. In the present invention, even if the thickness of the resin layer is relatively large as described above, the wear resistance, toner cleaning performance, The stability against turning of the cleaning blade can be improved. Further, a clear image can be obtained even in a high humidity environment.

The above resin layer may contain metal oxide particles as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. By blending the metal oxide particles, the wear resistance of the resin layer of the present invention can be further improved, and the cleaning performance of the toner and the stability of the cleaning blade against turning up can be improved.

The number average primary particle size of the metal oxide particles is 5
nm to 500 nm. These metal oxide particles are usually synthesized by a liquid phase method and can be obtained as colloid particles. An example of a metal atom is S
i, Ti, Al, Cr, Zr, Sn, Fe, Mg, M
n, Ni, Cu and the like. The amount is preferably 0.1 to 30% by mass of the total mass of the resin layer. If the amount of these components exceeds 30% by mass, the cleaning performance deteriorates, and the image in a high humidity environment deteriorates.

The resin layer may contain organic fine particles or the like. By blending these, the surface energy of the resin layer can be reduced and the cleaning characteristics can be improved. As organic fine particles, fluorine resin,
Silicone resins, acrylic resins, olefin resins and the like are mentioned, and particularly preferable ones are fluorine resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinyldene fluoride and olefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Organic fine particles may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

As the size of the organic fine particles, the number average particle size is 0.01 to 5.0 μm, preferably 0.05 to 1.0 μm.
μm is desirable. The compounding amount of the organic fine particles is preferably 0.1 to 30% by mass based on the total mass of the resin layer. When the amount of these components exceeds 30% by mass, the sensitivity of the photoreceptor decreases,
During repeated use, the residual potential of the photoconductor rises and fog occurs.

Further, an antioxidant having a hindered phenol, hindered amine, thioether or phosphite partial structure can be added to the resin layer in the present invention.
This is effective in improving the potential stability and image quality when the environment changes.

Here, hindered phenol refers to compounds having a branched alkyl group at an ortho position to the hydroxyl group of the phenol compound and derivatives thereof (however, the hydroxyl group may be modified to alkoxy).

Examples of the hindered amine include compounds having an organic group represented by the following formula.

[0058]

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R ₁₃ in the formula is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group,
R ₁₄ , R ₁₅ , R ₁₆ and R _{17 each} represent an alkyl group, and R ₁₈ represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a monovalent organic group.

As an antioxidant having a hindered phenol partial structure, for example, JP-A-1-118137 (P.
7 to P14), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Examples of the antioxidant having a hindered amine partial structure include, for example, JP-A-1-118138 (P7-
The compounds described in P9) may also be mentioned, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The following are examples of typical antioxidant compounds.

[0063]

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[0064]

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Examples of the antioxidants that have been commercialized include the following compounds, for example, “Irganox 107”.
6, Irganox 1010, Irganox 1098, Irganox 245, Irganox 1330, Irganox 3114, Irganox 1076, 3,5-di-t-butyl- 4
-Hydroxybiphenyl "or more hindered phenols," Sanol LS2626 "," Sanol LS76 "
5 "," Sanol LS2626 "," Sanol LS77 "
0 "," Sanol LS744 "," Tinuvin 144 ",
“Tinuvin 622LD”, “Mark LA57”, “Mark LA67”, “Mark LA62”, “Mark LA6”
8 "," mark LA63 "or more hindered amine-based,
"SUMILIZER TPS", "SUMILIZER TP-D" or higher thioether type, "Mark 2112", "Mark PE"
P-8 "," Mark PEP-24G "," Mark PEP "
-36 "," Mark 329K "," Mark HP-10 "
The phosphite type is mentioned above. Among these, hindered phenol and hindered amine antioxidants are particularly preferred. It is preferable to use 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of the antioxidant based on 100 parts by mass of the total solid content of the resin layer.

Next, a method for manufacturing the resin layer will be described. In the present invention, the resin layer may be formed by any method as long as the resin layer as described above is formed. Hereinafter, a typical method for producing the resin layer of the present invention will be described.

The resin layer of the present invention is formed by applying a coating solution containing a polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group represented by the above formula (1) and a crosslinking agent, followed by curing.

It is more preferable that the coating liquid contains a charge transporting compound. Further, when the charge transporting compound is a reactive charge transporting compound, the reactive charge transporting compound reacts with a cross-linking agent such as a polyisocyanate compound, and, together with the polycarbonate cross-linking reaction, charge transport into the cross-linked resin. The functional group is formed as a partial structure.

In this case, the reactive charge transporting compound is mixed with a crosslinking agent such as a polyisocyanate compound, and the reaction between the reactive charge transporting compound and the polyisocyanate compound is advanced in advance. The liquid may be applied and cured.

By the curing, the polycarbonate is crosslinked by a urethane bond or the like and is made three-dimensional, whereby a resin layer having good abrasion resistance, adhesion to the photosensitive layer and cleaning properties is formed.

In the formation of the resin layer of the present invention, the ratio (M ₁ / M ₂ ) of the total number of moles of hydroxyl groups M ₁ of the polycarbonate of the formula (1) to the total number of moles M ₂ of the crosslinking agent is 0.01 to 10%. Is preferable, and M ₁ / M ₂ is preferably 0.1 to 5,
Three to three are most preferred.

By using M ₁ / M ₂ in the range of 0.01 to 10, the film strength of the resin layer can be appropriately adjusted, and an image having excellent abrasion resistance and excellent density can be obtained even in repeated image formation. The resulting photoreceptor can be formed.

In the formation of the resin layer of the present invention, the above formula
Mass number m of polycarbonate of (1) ₁And charge transport
Mass number of compound m_TwoRatio (m₁/ M_Two) Is 0.01 to 10
Preferred, further m₁/ M_TwoIs preferably 0.1 to 5;
Three to three are most preferred.

By using m ₁ / m ₂ in the range of 0.01 to 10, the charge transport property of the resin layer can be appropriately adjusted,
In repeated image formation, a photoreceptor capable of obtaining a clear and good image can be formed.

In any of the above production methods, a polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group represented by the above formula (1) as a raw material,
The mass ratio of the crosslinking agent and the charge transporting compound in the coating solution is 10
A compounding ratio of 0: 1 to 400: 1 to 1000 is preferable.

In order to promote the reaction of the polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group represented by the formula (1), the crosslinking agent, and the reactive charge transporting compound, a curing accelerator (catalyst) is used in the coating solution or during the process of forming the coating solution. Is preferably added.

As the curing accelerator, naphthenic acid, octyl
Alkaline such as luic acid, nitrous acid, sulfurous acid, aluminate, carbonic acid
Li metal salts; sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.
Lucari compound: alkyl titanic acid, phosphoric acid, p-toluene
Acidic compounds such as enesulfonic acid and phthalic acid; ethylene
Diamine, hexanediamine, diethylenetriamine,
Triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine,
Piperidine, piperazine, metaphenylenediamine, d
Hardness of tanolamine, triethylamine, epoxy resin
Various modified amines used as an agent
Piltriethoxysilane, γ- (2-aminoethyl)-
Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ- (2-amino
Ethyl) -aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ
-Amines such as anilinopropyltrimethoxysilane
Compound, (C_FourH₉)_TwoSn (OCOC₁₁H_{twenty three})_Two, (C_Four
H₉)_TwoSn (OCOCH = CHCOOCH_Three)_Two, (C_Four
H₉)_TwoSn (OCOCH = CHCOOC_FourH₉)_Two, (C₈
H₁₇)_TwoSn (OCOC₁₁H _{twenty three})_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSn
(OCOCH = CHCOOCH_Three)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSn
(OCOCH = CHCOOC_FourH₉)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoS
n (OCOCH = CHCOOC₈H₁₇)_Two, Sn (OCO
CC₈H₁₇)_TwoCarboxylic acid type organotin compounds such as
(C_FourH₉)_TwoSn (SCH_TwoCOO)_Two, (C_FourH₉)_TwoSn
(SCH_TwoCOOC₈H₁₇)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSn (SC
H_TwoCOO)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSn (SCH _TwoCH_TwoCO
O)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSn (SCH_TwoCOOCH_TwoCH_TwoO
COCH_TwoS)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSn (SCH_TwoCOOC
H_TwoCH_TwoCH_TwoCH_TwoOCOCH_TwoS)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoS
n (SCH_TwoCOOC₈H₁₇)_Two, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSn (S
CH_TwoCOOC₁₂H_{twenty five})_TwoMercaptide-type organotin such as
Compound; (C_FourH₉)_TwoSnO, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoSnO,
(C_FourH₉)_TwoSnO, (C₈H₁₇)_TwoOrganic materials such as SnO
Oxide and ethyl silicate, ethyl silicate 4
0, dimethyl maleate, diethyl maleate, phthalate
Reaction products with ester compounds such as dioctyl acid
And the like are used.

The amount of the curing accelerator added in the coating solution is 0.1 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the coating solution (the solid content means the component remaining after drying in the components of the coating solution).
It is parts by mass, preferably 0.5 to 100 parts by mass. If these amounts are too small, the strength of the film may be reduced, while if too large, the pot life of the coating liquid deteriorates.

The resin layer of the present invention can be prepared by adding the above-mentioned metal oxide particles, organic fine particles and antioxidant to the above-mentioned coating solution as required.

The curing conditions after the application of the coating solution for the resin layer depend on the reactivity of the organosilicon compound used, but it is preferable to carry out drying at 60 to 150 ° C. for 30 minutes to 6 hours. .

In order to accelerate these curing reactions, it is preferable that an organic solvent is present. As the organic solvent usable here, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, ketones, esters and the like are suitable. The amount of the organic solvent used is not limited to the amount of the organosilicon compound, but is adjusted according to the purpose of use.

As the solvent for accelerating the curing reaction, a solvent capable of uniformly dissolving the polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group represented by the above formula (1), a crosslinking agent, a reactive charge transporting compound and the like is preferably used. As these solvents, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, ketones, esters and the like are used, and particularly preferred are the solvents exemplified below.

Examples of the alcohol solvent include alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, that is, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, is
o-Butanol, sec-butanol and tert-butanol are preferably used.

As the non-alcohol solvent, ketone solvents such as ethyl methyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone are preferably used.

In the present invention, an organic solvent can be used in order to adjust the total solid content of the resin layer coating solution and also adjust the viscosity. As such an organic solvent, it is preferable to use an organic solvent such as alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, ketones and esters. As the alcohols, for example, monovalent or divalent
Alcohols, specifically methanol, ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, t-butyl alcohol, n-hexyl alcohol, n-octyl alcohol, Ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,
Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol mono n
-Propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate and the like. Among them, monovalent saturated aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 8 carbon atoms are preferred. Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbons include benzene, toluene, xylene and the like. Specific examples of the ethers include tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, and specific examples of the esters. Examples include ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, propylene carbonate and the like. These organic solvents can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The method for adding the organic solvent is not particularly limited, and the organic solvent can be added at the time of preparing the resin layer coating solution of the present invention and / or at an appropriate stage after the preparation.

Next, the structure of the photoconductor of the present invention other than the resin layer will be described. The photoreceptor having the resin layer of the present invention can be applied to an inorganic photoreceptor using selenium, amorphous silicon, or the like. However, for the purpose of the present invention, an organic electrophotographic photoreceptor (also referred to as an organic photoreceptor) is used. It is preferable to apply a resin layer. In the present invention, the organic photoreceptor means an electrophotographic photoreceptor constituted by providing an organic compound with one of a charge generation function and a charge transport function indispensable for the configuration of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, It includes all known organic electrophotographic photosensitive members such as a photosensitive member composed of a known organic charge generating substance or organic charge transporting substance, and a photosensitive member composed of a polymer complex having a charge generating function and a charge transporting function.

The layer constitution of the organic photoreceptor is not particularly limited, but may be a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer, or a charge generation / charge transport layer (a layer having functions of charge generation and charge transport in the same layer).
And the like, and a resin layer of the present invention coated thereon as a protective layer.

Conductive Support The conductive support used in the photoreceptor of the present invention may be either a sheet or a cylinder. However, in order to design an image forming apparatus compactly, a cylindrical conductive support is used. Supports are preferred.

The cylindrical conductive support means a cylindrical support necessary for forming an image endlessly by rotating, and has a straightness of 0.1 mm or less and a run-out of 0.1 mm.
Conductive supports in the following ranges are preferred. Exceeding the ranges of the roundness and the shake make it difficult to form a good image.

As the conductive material, a metal drum such as aluminum or nickel, a plastic drum on which aluminum, tin oxide, indium oxide, or the like is deposited, or a paper / plastic drum coated with a conductive substance can be used. The conductive support preferably has a specific resistance of 10 ³ Ωcm or less at room temperature.

The conductive support used in the present invention may have a surface on which a sealed alumite film is formed. The alumite treatment is usually performed in an acidic bath such as chromic acid, sulfuric acid, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid, and sulfamic acid, but anodizing treatment in sulfuric acid gives the most preferable result. In the case of the anodic oxidation treatment in sulfuric acid, the sulfuric acid concentration is preferably 100 to 200 g / L, the aluminum ion concentration is 1 to 10 g / L, the liquid temperature is about 20 ° C., and the applied voltage is preferably about 20 V. It is not limited. The average thickness of the anodic oxide coating is usually 2
It is preferably 0 μm or less, particularly preferably 10 μm or less.

Intermediate Layer In the present invention, an intermediate layer having a barrier function may be provided between the conductive support and the photosensitive layer.

In the present invention, in order to improve the adhesion between the conductive support and the photosensitive layer, or to prevent charge injection from the support, an intermediate layer (below the lower layer) is provided between the support and the photosensitive layer. (Including a subbing layer). Examples of the material for the intermediate layer include polyamide resins, vinyl chloride resins, vinyl acetate resins, and copolymer resins containing two or more of the repeating units of these resins. Among these undercoating resins, a polyamide resin is preferable as a resin capable of reducing an increase in residual potential due to repeated use. The thickness of the intermediate layer using these resins is 0.01 to 0.5 μm.
Is preferred.

The intermediate layer most preferably used in the present invention is an intermediate layer using a curable metal resin obtained by thermosetting an organic metal compound such as a silane coupling agent and a titanium coupling agent. The thickness of the intermediate layer using a curable metal resin is preferably 0.1 to 2 μm.

Photosensitive Layer The photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor of the present invention may have a single-layer structure in which a charge generation function and a charge transport function are provided in one layer on the intermediate layer. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the functions of the layers are separated into a charge generation layer (CGL) and a charge transport layer (CTL). By adopting a configuration in which functions are separated, an increase in residual potential due to repeated use can be controlled to be small, and other electrophotographic characteristics can be easily controlled according to the purpose. In the photoreceptor for negative charging, the charge generation layer (C
GL) and a charge transport layer (CTL) thereon. In the case of a positively charged photoreceptor, the order of the layer configuration is opposite to that of the negatively charged photoreceptor. The most preferred photosensitive layer structure of the present invention is a negatively charged photosensitive member having the function-separated structure.

The structure of the photosensitive layer of the function-separated negatively charged photosensitive member will be described below. Charge generation layer The charge generation layer contains a charge generation material (CGM). As other substances, a binder resin and other additives may be contained as necessary.

As the charge generating substance (CGM), a known charge generating substance (CGM) can be used. For example, phthalocyanine pigments, azo pigments, perylene pigments, azurenium pigments, and the like can be used. Among them, CGM that can minimize the increase in residual potential due to repeated use
Has a steric and potential structure capable of forming a stable aggregation structure among a plurality of molecules, and specifically includes CGM of a phthalocyanine pigment and a perylene pigment having a specific crystal structure. For example, Bragg angle 2θ for Cu-Kα ray
CGM such as titanyl phthalocyanine having a maximum peak at 27.2 ° and benzimidazole perylene having a maximum peak at 2θ of 12.4 have almost no deterioration due to repeated use, and the residual potential increase can be reduced.

When a binder is used as the CGM dispersion medium in the charge generation layer, a known resin can be used as the binder, but the most preferred resin is a formal resin, a butyral resin, a silicone resin, a silicone-modified butyral resin, a phenoxy resin. Resins. The ratio between the binder resin and the charge generating substance is preferably from 20 to 600 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the binder resin. By using these resins, the increase in residual potential due to repeated use can be minimized. The thickness of the charge generation layer is preferably from 0.01 μm to 2 μm.

Charge Transport Layer The charge transport layer contains a charge transport material (CTM) and a binder resin for dispersing the CTM and forming a film. As other substances, additives such as antioxidants may be contained as necessary.

As the charge transport material (CTM), a known charge transport material (CTM) can be used. For example, triphenylamine derivatives, hydrazone compounds, styryl compounds, benzidine compounds, butadiene compounds and the like can be used. These charge transport materials are usually dissolved in a suitable binder resin to form a layer. Among these, the CTM that can minimize the increase in residual potential due to repeated use has a high mobility and a characteristic in which the ionization potential difference with the CGM to be combined is 0.5 (eV) or less, and is preferably 0. .25 (eV) or less.

The ionization potential of CGM and CTM is measured with a surface analyzer AC-1 (manufactured by Riken Keiki Co., Ltd.).

Examples of the resin used for the charge transport layer (CTL) include polystyrene, acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinyl acetate resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, phenol resin, polyester resin, and alkyd. Resins, polycarbonate resins, silicone resins, melamine resins, and copolymer resins containing two or more of the repeating units of these resins. In addition to these insulating resins, poly-
A high-molecular organic semiconductor such as N-vinylcarbazole may be used.

The most preferred binder for these CTLs is a polycarbonate resin. Polycarbonate resins are most preferred for improving the dispersibility and electrophotographic properties of CTM. The ratio of the binder resin to the charge transporting material is preferably from 10 to 200 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the binder resin. The thickness of the charge transport layer is preferably from 10 to 40 μm.

Protective Layer By providing the resin layer of the present invention as a protective layer on the surface of a photoreceptor, a photoreceptor having the most preferred layer constitution of the present invention can be obtained.

The surface layer of the present invention means a layer forming the surface of the photoreceptor, and is not necessarily a protective layer.

Solvents or dispersion media used for forming layers such as the intermediate layer and the photosensitive layer include n-butylamine, diethylamine, ethylenediamine, isopropanolamine, triethanolamine, triethylenediamine, N, N-
Dimethylformamide, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, cyclohexanone, benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,1,1-
Examples include trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxolan, dioxane, methanol, ethanol, butanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl cellosolve, and the like. The present invention is not limited to these, but dichloromethane, 1,2
-Dichloroethane, methyl ethyl ketone and the like are preferably used. In addition, these solvents can be used alone or as a mixed solvent of two or more kinds.

The coating method for producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention includes dip coating, spray coating,
A coating method such as a circular amount control type coating is used, but the coating process on the upper layer side of the photosensitive layer is performed by spray coating or a circular amount control type in order to minimize dissolution of the lower layer film and to achieve a uniform coating process. A typical example is a circular slide hopper type. It is preferable to use a coating method such as coating. It is most preferable that the resin layer of the present invention employs the above-mentioned circular amount control type coating processing method. The circular amount control type coating is described in detail in, for example, JP-A-58-189061.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus as an example of the image forming method of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 50 denotes a photoreceptor drum (photoreceptor) serving as an image carrier, which is a photoreceptor having an organic photosensitive layer applied on the drum and a resin layer of the present invention provided thereon. It is driven and rotated clockwise. 52
Is a scorotron charger (charging means) for uniformly charging the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 by corona discharge. Prior to the charging by the charger 52, in order to eliminate the history of the photoconductor in the previous image formation, exposure by the pre-charging exposure unit 51 using a light emitting diode or the like may be performed to remove the charge on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor.

After the photosensitive member is uniformly charged, an image exposing device (image exposing means) 53 performs image exposure based on an image signal. The image exposure device 53 in this figure uses a laser diode (not shown) as an exposure light source. Rotating polygon mirror 53
1. The light on the photosensitive drum is scanned by the light whose optical path is bent by the reflection mirror 532 via the fθ lens and the like, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

Here, the reversal development is to uniformly charge the surface of the photoreceptor by the charger 52, and to develop a region where the image exposure has been performed, that is, an exposed portion potential (exposed portion region) of the photoreceptor in a developing step (means).
Is an image forming method for visualizing the image. On the other hand, the unexposed portion potential is not developed by the developing bias potential applied to the developing sleeve 541.

The electrostatic latent image is then developed by a developing device (developing means).
Developed at. A developing device 54 containing a developer including a toner and a carrier is provided on the periphery of the photoreceptor drum 50, and development is performed by a developing sleeve 541 that contains a magnet and rotates while holding the developer. The inside of the developing device 54 is composed of developer stirring / conveying members 544 and 543, a conveyance amount regulating member 542, and the like. The developer is agitated and conveyed to be supplied to the developing sleeve. Controlled by member 542. The transport amount of the developer varies depending on the linear velocity of the applied electrophotographic photosensitive member and the specific gravity of the developer, but is generally 20 to 200 m.
g / cm ² .

The developer is composed of, for example, a carrier having ferrite as a core and an insulating resin coated around the core, a coloring agent such as carbon black, a charge control agent and a low molecular weight polyolefin using the above-mentioned styrene acrylic resin as a main material. The developer is made up of a toner in which silica, titanium oxide, or the like is externally added to the colored particles. The developer is transported to the development area with the layer thickness regulated by the transport amount regulating member, and is developed. At this time, development is usually performed by applying a DC bias voltage between the photosensitive drum 50 and the developing sleeve 541 and, if necessary, an AC bias voltage. The developer is developed in a state of contact or non-contact with the photoconductor.
The potential measurement of the photoconductor is performed by providing a potential sensor 547 above the developing position as shown in FIG.

After the image is formed, the recording paper P is fed to the transfer area by the rotation of the paper feed roller 57 at the time when the transfer timing is adjusted.

In the transfer area, the toner on the photoreceptor is transferred to the fed recording paper P by a transfer electrode (transfer means) 58 which applies a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner.

Next, the recording paper P is separated from the separation electrode (separation means) 5.
9, the toner is removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50, conveyed to a fixing device (fixing unit) 60, and heated and pressed by the heat roller 601 and the pressure roller 602 to fuse the toner and then discharge the paper 61. Is discharged out of the apparatus via The transfer electrode 58 and the separation electrode 59 are retracted and separated from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 after the recording paper P has passed to prepare for the formation of the next toner image.

On the other hand, after the recording paper P is separated, the photosensitive drum 50 removes and cleans residual toner by pressing the blade 621 of the cleaning device (cleaning means) 62.
Upon receiving the charge elimination by the pre-charge exposure unit 51 and the charging by the charger 52 again, the image forming process starts.

Reference numeral 70 denotes a detachable process cartridge in which a photosensitive member, a charger, a transfer device, a separator, and a cleaning device are integrated.

The image forming method and the image forming apparatus of the present invention are generally applicable to electrophotographic apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines, laser printers, LED printers, and liquid crystal shutter printers. , Light printing, plate making and facsimile.

[0119]

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In the description, “parts” means “parts by mass”.

Synthesis Example Synthesis of Polycarbonate (A) 3.7 (kg) of sodium hydroxide was dissolved in 42 (l) of water, and 2,2-bis (4-
(Hydroxyphenyl) propanol 2 (kg), 2,2
-Bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane 6 (kg)
And 8 (g) of hydrosulfite were dissolved. Furthermore,
While adding 28 (l) of methylene chloride and stirring,
78 pt-butylphenol was added. Next, 2.34 (kg) of phosgene was blown in over 60 minutes, and the mixture was vigorously stirred to emulsify the reaction solution. Then, 8 (g) of triethylamine was added, and the mixture was stirred for 60 minutes. The reaction solution was separated into an aqueous phase and an organic layer, the organic phase was neutralized with phosphoric acid, washed with water until the washings became neutral, and 35 (l) of isopropanol was added to precipitate a polymer. , Filtration and drying to prepare a polycarbonate (A) having a hydroxyl group. When the viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) of the obtained polycarbonate (A) was measured, it was 30,000.

Preparation of Photoconductor 1 Photoconductor 1 was prepared as follows.

<Undercoat layer> Titanium chelate compound (TC-750, manufactured by Matsumoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) 30 parts Silane coupling agent (KBM-503, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 17 parts 2-propanol 150 parts A cylinder having a diameter of 100 mm using the above coating solution. It was applied on a conductive support in the form of a film so as to have a dry film thickness of 0.5 μm.

<Charge Generating Layer> Y-type titanyl phthalocyanine (Titanyl phthalocyanine having a maximum peak at 27.2 degrees at a Bragg angle of 2θ (± 0.2) in Cu-Kα characteristic X-ray diffraction spectrum measurement) 60 parts Silicone 700 parts of modified butyral resin (X-40-1211M: manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 2,000 parts of 2-butanone were mixed and dispersed using a sand mill for 10 hours to prepare a charge generating layer coating solution. This coating solution was applied on the undercoat layer by a dip coating method to form a charge generation layer having a dry film thickness of 0.2 μm.

<Charge Transport Layer> Charge transport material (N- (4-methylphenyl) -N- {4- (β-phenylstyryl) phenyl} -p-toluidine) 225 parts Polycarbonate (viscosity average molecular weight 30,000) 300 parts Antioxidant (Exemplified Compound 1-3) 6 parts Dichloromethane 2000 parts were mixed and dissolved to prepare a charge transport layer coating solution. This coating solution was applied on the charge generation layer by a dip coating method to form a charge transport layer having a dry film thickness of 20 μm.

<Protective Layer> Polycarbonate (A) 400 parts Charge transport substance (N- (4-methylphenyl) -N- {4- (β-phenylstyryl) phenyl} -p-toluidine) 300 parts 1,3- Dioxolane 5000 parts and toluene 1000 parts were mixed and uniformly dissolved. Thereafter, 20 parts of toluylene diisocyanate (TDI: manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.) was added and dissolved to prepare a coating solution. This coating solution was applied onto the charge transport layer by a circular amount control type coating apparatus to obtain a dry film thickness of 3
A protective layer having a thickness of μm was formed, and cured by heating at 120 ° C. for 1 hour, to produce a photoreceptor 1 having a protective layer obtained by crosslinking polycarbonate.

Preparation of Photoreceptor 2 A protective layer obtained by crosslinking polycarbonate in the same manner as in Photoreceptor 1 except that 2 parts of an antioxidant (Exemplified Compound 2-1) was added to the coating solution used for the protective layer in Photoreceptor 1 Was produced.

Preparation of Photoreceptor 3 The charge transport layer was prepared in the same manner as in Photoreceptor 1.

<Protective Layer> Polycarbonate (A) 400 parts Charge transport substance (N- (4-methylphenyl) -N- {4- (β-phenylstyryl) phenyl} -p-toluidine) 300 parts Fluorine-based acrylic graft Polymer (GF300: manufactured by Toa Gosei Co., Ltd.) 5 parts 1,3-dioxolane 5000 parts toluene 1000 parts were mixed and uniformly dissolved. Then average particle size 0.2 μm
PTFE particles (Rubron L2: manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.) 2
0 parts were added and dispersed by a sand mill for 10 hours to prepare a coating solution. Then, using a coating solution obtained by adding and dissolving 20 parts of toluylene diisocyanate (TDI: manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.), a protective layer having a dry film thickness of 3 μm was formed on the charge transporting layer by a circular amount control type coating apparatus. The resultant was subjected to heat curing at 120 ° C. for 1 hour to prepare a photoreceptor 3 having a protective layer obtained by crosslinking polycarbonate.

Preparation of Photoconductor 4 Photoconductor 1 was prepared in the same manner as photoconductor 1 except that the charge transporting substance of the coating solution used for the protective layer in photoconductor 1 was changed to the reactive charge transporting compound of exemplified compound (B-1). Thus, a photoreceptor 4 having a protective layer obtained by crosslinking polycarbonate was prepared.

Preparation of Photoreceptor 5 Photoreceptor 1 was prepared in the same manner up to the charge generation layer.

<Charge Transport Layer> Charge transport substance (N- (4-methylphenyl) -N- {4- (β-phenylstyryl) phenyl} -p-toluidine) 225 parts Polycarbonate (A) 300 parts Antioxidant (Exemplified Compound 1-3) 6 parts of dichloromethane and 2,000 parts of dichloromethane were mixed and dissolved to prepare a charge transport layer coating solution. To this coating solution, 25 parts of a diisocyanate compound (TDI) was added and dissolved, and a charge transporting layer having a dry film thickness of 20 μm was formed on the charge generating layer by a circular amount-regulating coating device.
The resultant was cured by heating at a temperature of 1 ° C. for 1 hour to prepare a photoreceptor 5 having a charge transport layer obtained by crosslinking polycarbonate.

Preparation of Photoconductor 6 (Photoconductor for Comparative Example) Photoconductor 1 was heated and dried at 120 ° C. for 1 hour without providing a protective layer.

1. Evaluation Konica Digital Copier Konica7 as evaluation machine
075 (having a process employing a corona charging, laser exposure, reversal development, electrostatic transfer, claw separation, blade cleaning, and cleaning auxiliary brush roller), the photoconductors 1 to 6 were mounted on the copying machine and evaluated. The cleaning performance and image evaluation are as follows: character images with a pixel ratio of 7%, portrait photos,
An original image in which a solid white image and a solid black image were each equally divided into quarters was copied to A4 neutral paper. Environmental conditions are considered to be the most severe high temperature and high humidity environment (30 ° C, 80
% RH), and a halftone, solid white image and solid black image were prepared and evaluated as follows.

Evaluation Criteria Image density (measured using Macbeth RD-918).
The measurement was made at a relative reflection density where the reflection density of the paper was "0".
Evaluation was made up to 200,000 copies at initial and every 10,000 copies. ◎: Black solid image is 1.2 or more ○: Black solid image is less than 1.2 to 1.0 ×: Black solid image is less than 1.0 Resolution (determined by easiness of character image discrimination) ○: Initial No difference in resolution after 200,000 copies △: Slight decrease in resolution after 200,000 copies in halftone image ×: Remarkable decrease in resolution after 200,000 copies Cleanability (100,000, 15) After copying 10,000 and 200,000 sheets, 10 continuous copies are made on A3 paper, and it is determined based on whether or not toner slippage has occurred in the solid white area. ◎: No toner slippage occurs in 200,000 sheets ○: Toner up to 150,000 sheets No slippage occurred ×: Toner slippage occurred below 100,000 sheets Blade turning ◎: No occurrence up to 200,000 sheets ○: Minor partial turning ×: Blade turning occurred Measurement of starting torque of cleaning blade Using a drum cartridge after 200,000 copies, a torque gauge (MODEL) connected to the drum shaft of the copying machine body
6BTG: TOHNICHI) was rotated to measure the starting torque. The measurement was performed five times, and the average value was adopted. 3. Photoreceptor Film Thickness Amount The wear amount was determined by calculating the difference between the average film thickness of the photoreceptor measured at the start of actual copying evaluation and at the end of 200,000 sheet copying, and was defined as the film thickness loss.

Method of Measuring Film Thickness The film thickness of the photosensitive layer is measured at random at 10 locations of uniform thickness, and the average value is defined as the film thickness of the photosensitive layer. The film thickness measuring device is an eddy current type film thickness measuring device EDDY560C (HELMUT
FISCER GMBTE CO), and the difference between the thicknesses of the photosensitive layers before and after the actual printing test is defined as the thickness loss.

Other Evaluation Conditions The other evaluation conditions using the digital copying machine Konica 7075 were set as follows.

Charging conditions: Charger: Scorotron charger, initial charging potential was -750
V Exposure conditions Exposure amount is set so that the exposure portion potential is -50V.

Developing conditions DC bias: -550 V As a developer, a toner developer obtained by externally adding silica, titanium oxide, or the like to a carrier coated with an insulating resin using ferrite as a core and polyester resin particles is used.

Transfer conditions Transfer pole; corona charging method Cleaning conditions Hardness of the cleaning section is 67 °, rebound resilience is 55%, thickness is 2
(Mm), a cleaning blade having a free length of 9 mm was abutted in the counter direction by a weight load method so as to have a linear pressure of 19 (g / cm).

The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0141]

[Table 1]

As is clear from Table 1, the photoreceptors 1 to 5 using the resin layer of the present invention for the surface layer have improved film thickness loss and cleaning properties as compared with the photoreceptor 6 outside the present invention. .
Further, image characteristics such as image density and resolution are also excellent, and it is shown that both image characteristics and cleaning properties are stable.

[0143]

As is clear from the above examples, the use of the photoreceptor having the resin layer of the present invention as a surface layer improves the abrasion resistance against abrasion with a cleaning blade and the like, and improves the cleaning property. And an electrophotographic image capable of forming a clear and excellent image can be provided. Further, the present invention can provide a method for manufacturing the photoconductor, an image forming method using the photoconductor, an image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus as an example of an image forming method of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 50 photoconductor drum (or photoconductor) 51 pre-charging exposure unit 52 charger 53 image exposure device 54 developing device 541 developing sleeve 543, 544 developer stirring and conveying member 547 potential sensor 57 paper feed roller 58 transfer electrode 59 separation electrode (separation) Device) 60 fixing device 61 paper discharge roller 62 cleaning device 70 process cartridge

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a resin layer obtained by crosslinking a polycarbonate represented by the following formula (1). Formula (1) (Wherein, R ¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, and R ² represents a hydroxyl group or an organic group containing a hydroxyl group. , R ^{3 to} R ¹⁰ are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted Represents an aralkyl group.) 2. The electrophotographic photoconductor according to claim 1, wherein the crosslinking of the polycarbonate is performed using a crosslinking agent. 3. The electrophotographic photoconductor according to claim 1, wherein the crosslinking agent is a polyisocyanate compound. 4. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer contains a charge transporting compound. 5. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein a resin layer obtained by crosslinking the polycarbonate is modified with a charge transporting group. 6. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer contains an antioxidant. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer has a number average particle size of 5 nm to 5 μm.
The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising m fine particles. 8. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 7, wherein the fine particles are organic fine particles containing a fluorine atom. 9. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer is a surface layer. 10. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising at least a resin layer provided on a conductive support, wherein the resin layer contains a polycarbonate having a hydroxyl group represented by the formula (1) and a crosslinking agent. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, which is formed by applying a coating liquid and then curing the coating liquid. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the coating liquid contains a charge transporting compound. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the charge transporting compound is a reactive charge transporting compound. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the reactive charge transporting compound is a charge transporting compound having a hydroxyl group. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the cross-linking agent is a polyisocyanate compound. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the resin layer is a surface layer. 16. An image is formed by using the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1 through at least a charging step, an image exposing step, a developing step, and a cleaning step. Image forming method. 17. An image forming apparatus using the image forming method according to claim 16. 18. A process cartridge used in the image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
An electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charger according to any one of claims 9 to 9,
A process cartridge, wherein one of an image exposing device, a developing device, and a cleaning device is integrally combined, and is configured to be freely inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus.