JPH08272125A - Electrophotography photoreceptor and electrophotography device and device unit using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To increase abrasion resistance and flaw resistance for an organic photoreceptor surface so as to improve durability of a photoreceptor without any deterioration in image characteristics such as sensitivity and image quality by containing specific polycarbonate and specific inorganic grain respectively in the uppermost layer. CONSTITUTION: In a photosensitive layer 6, a charge generating layer (CGL) 4 containing charge generating material (CGM) as a principal constituent, the first charge transporting layer (CTL) 3 containing charge transporting material (CTM) as a principal constituent, and the second CTL containing inorganic grain, especially silica grain, CTM, and an oxidation inhibitor in a binder resin are laminated in this order on a conductive base 1 via an intermediate layer 2. For the binder resin in the second CTC, 5 serving as the uppermost layer, polycarbonate with viscosity average molecular weight of 40000 or more is used, and the inorganic grain contained in the second CTL 5 is provided with a volume average grain diameter of 0.05-2.0μm. In addition, specific cleaning means are used in combination, and as a result, no abrasion and no damage is generated in a process for repeated image formation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member used in copying machines, printers and the like, an electrophotographic apparatus and an apparatus unit using the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in order to form an image by an electrophotographic method, a toner image is formed on a surface of a photoconductor by charging, imagewise exposing and developing the toner image, and the toner image is transferred and fixed on a transfer material to form an image. After the transfer, the photosensitive member after the transfer is cleaned and removed of residual toner, and is repeatedly used for a long period of time.

Therefore, the photoconductor has, of course, electrophotographic performance such as charging potential, sensitivity, dark decay and residual potential characteristics.
It is also required to have good physical properties such as printing durability, abrasion resistance, and moisture resistance during repeated use, and durability to ozone and image exposure generated during corona discharge.

On the other hand, as an electrophotographic photosensitive member, an inorganic photoconductive photosensitive member using amorphous silicon, selenium, cadmium sulfide, etc. has been widely used as a conventional electrophotographic photosensitive member. Organic photoconductive photoreceptors (hereinafter simply referred to as organic photoreceptors) that are excellent and have a high degree of freedom in selection according to the purpose have become the mainstream.

Fatigue deterioration due to repeated use of these electrophotographic photosensitive members is caused by the steps of transferring a toner image formed on the photosensitive member onto a transfer material, separating and cleaning residual toner on the photosensitive member after transfer. It is said that the surface of the photosensitive layer is rubbed and damaged due to the rubbing, and the surface of the photosensitive body is decomposed and deteriorated in each step such as charging, imagewise exposure and charge removal.

Therefore, in order to prevent fatigue deterioration of the photoreceptor, improvement of the surface of the photosensitive layer is an important issue. In particular, the photosensitive layer of the organic photoconductor is softer than the inorganic photoconductor, and since the photoconductive substance is organic, fatigue deterioration is large during repeated use of the photoconductor, and the improvement of the surface of the photoconductive layer is Becomes more important.

As measures against this, JP-A-56-117245 and JP-A-60-
57346, 60-57847, 63-91666 and JP-A 1-205
JP-A No. 171 describes that silica particles can be contained in the outermost surface layer of the photoconductor to increase the mechanical strength of the photoconductor surface and improve the durability. Furthermore, JP-A-57-176057, JP-A-61-117558, and JP-A-3-1555.
In each publication such as No. 58, hydrophobic silica particles obtained by treating the silica particles with a silane coupling agent or the like are contained in the outermost surface layer of the photoconductor to increase the mechanical strength of the photoconductor and lubricity. It is described that a highly durable photoreceptor can be obtained by adding

On the other hand, the utilization of various organic photoconductive substances as materials for the photosensitive layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor has been actively developed and studied in recent years.

For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-10496 describes an organic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer containing poly-N-vinylcarbazole and 2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorenone. However, this photoreceptor is not always satisfactory in sensitivity and durability. In order to improve such a defect, in the photosensitive layer, by separately sharing the charge generation function and the charge transport function with different substances,
Attempts have been made to develop an organic photoreceptor having high sensitivity and high durability. In the so-called function-separated type electrophotographic photoreceptor, the substances exhibiting the respective functions can be selected from a wide range of substances, so that an electrophotographic photoreceptor having arbitrary characteristics can be produced relatively easily. It is possible.

For example, by using a low molecular weight organic compound as a charge transporting substance and using a substance capable of generating an arbitrary charge and a polymer binder in combination, an electrophotographic photoreceptor having excellent electrophotographic characteristics and film strength is obtained. Efforts are being made to get it.

As the polymer binder, charging characteristics,
Polycarbonate is excellent in terms of repeatability and the like, and polycarbonate having bis-phenol A as a main repeating unit is typical. This polycarbonate is
Bisphenol A has a structure in which two methyl groups are symmetrically bonded to the central carbon atom.

[0012] Further, in the prior art made in order to improve the above-mentioned problems of the organic photoreceptor such as durability, JP-A-61-219049 and JP-A-62-205357 describe that a photosensitive layer is formed. A technique for adding fine particles of silicone resin is disclosed in JP-A-50-23231 and 61-116362.
No. 61-204633 and No. 61-270768.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-177349.
Japanese Patent No. 3187242 describes a technique relating to addition of melanin-based resin fine particles. However, these materials are insufficient in the effect of improving the durability, so that they tend to give turbidity and opacity to the photosensitive layer, resulting in reduction in sensitivity and nonuniform image density.

Further, attempts have been made to polymerize the binder resin for the photoconductor in order to improve the durability, but the abrasion resistance and the scratch resistance cannot be increased to such an extent that there is no problem in the market only by this.

As described above, in spite of many attempts, the present situation is that the organic photoreceptor does not have sufficient durability.

[0015]

The object of the present invention is to improve the abrasion resistance and scratch resistance of the surface of an organic photoconductor, and to achieve high durability of the photoconductor without impairing the image characteristics such as sensitivity and image quality. It is what

[0016]

The object of the present invention can be achieved by adopting any of the following constitutions.

(1) The viscosity average molecular weight of the uppermost layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer provided on a conductive substrate is 40,000.
The above polycarbonate and the volume average particle size of 0.05 to 2.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor containing inorganic particles of 0 μm.

(2) The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to (1), wherein the polycarbonate contains a monomer unit represented by the following general formula (1), (2), (3) or (4).

[0019]

Embedded image

(In the general formula (1), R _{1 to} R ₈ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group. R ₉ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, i
Represents an integer of 4 to 11.

In the general formula (2), R _{10 to} R ₁₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group. Represent

In the general formula (3), R _{20 to} R ₂₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group.

In the general formula (4), R ₃₁ and R ₃₂ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group,
Represents a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, R _{33 to} R
₄₈ is each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms,
Represents a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, k and m
Each represents a positive integer, and k / m is 1 to 10. (3) The amount ΔH of change in endothermic energy in the temperature range of 40 to 200 ° C. is 0 to 20 J / g in the differential scanning calorimetric analysis after the inorganic particles are conditioned at 25 ° C. and 80% relative humidity. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (1) or (2).

(4) The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (1), (2) or (3), wherein the inorganic particles are silica.

(5) The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to (1), (2), (3) or (4), wherein the silica particles are subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.

(6) In an electrophotographic apparatus having an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on a conductive support, an electrostatic latent image forming means, a developing means, a transferring means, and a cleaning means, the uppermost layer of the photosensitive layer is Polycarbonate having a viscosity average molecular weight of 40,000 or more and a volume average particle diameter of 0.05 to 2 μm
An electrophotographic apparatus, characterized in that the cleaning means is an elastic blade means.

(7) In an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on a conductive support, and an apparatus unit having at least two of a plurality of image forming means, the uppermost layer of the photosensitive layer has a viscosity average molecular weight of 40,000. The photoconductor is constituted as a layer containing the above-mentioned polycarbonate and inorganic particles having a volume average particle diameter of 0.05 to 2 μm, and the photoreceptor and at least one of a charging means, a developing means, a transfer means and a cleaning means as an image forming means are provided. An apparatus unit, which is integrally supported and is detachably attached to the apparatus body.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, it is to achieve a surface strength which is insufficient with only a high molecular weight binder by using a specific binder in combination with specific inorganic particles, and in particular, among the inorganic particles, the water content is high. It is desirable to use silica particles that are difficult to adsorb, which means that
It is unthinkable with a conventionally known combination or a single configuration.

The reason why the combination of the present invention has an unexpected effect is that polycarbonate exhibits particularly good properties from the viewpoint of electrical properties and strength, and particularly viscosity average molecular weight of 40,0.
00 or more is excellent in terms of strength, and the particle diameter of the inorganic particles is preferably 0.05 to 2 (μm). It is presumed that the damage is caused and the image defect caused by the poor cleaning is exerted in a repeated manner.

On the other hand, in the present invention, since a high molecular weight binder is used, the viscosity of the coating liquid is high, and it is difficult to apply the coating liquid by the conventional dipping method. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-7235.
It is preferable to manufacture the photoconductor using the circular amount regulation type coating method described in No. 0, No. 6-7265 and No. 6-14188.

The inorganic particles contained in the uppermost layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention are preferably hard particles having a Mohs hardness of 4 or more, and do not adversely affect the electrophotographic performance.

Examples of such inorganic particles include oxides such as cerium oxide, chromium oxide, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon oxide, tin oxide, zirconium oxide, iron oxide and titanium oxide; calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, sulfuric acid. Sulfates such as aluminum; silicates such as calcium silicate and magnesium silicate; nitrides such as boron nitride and titanium nitride; silicon carbide, titanium carbide,
Carbides such as boron carbide, tungsten carbide, and zirconium carbide; borides such as zirconium boride and titanium boride, and the like can be given. One of these can be used, or two or more can be used as necessary.

The inorganic particles have a volume average particle size of 0.05 to
2.0 μm, preferably a ratio of major axis / minor axis of 2.0
Less than substantially spherical particles.

The volume average particle diameter of the inorganic particles is 0.05 μ
If it is less than m, sufficient mechanical strength of the surface of the photoreceptor cannot be obtained, and the surface area of the particles becomes large. As a result, the amount of water absorption increases and the surface of the photoreceptor wears and is damaged during repeated image formation, resulting in electrophotography. Performance deteriorates. If it exceeds 2.0 μm, the surface roughness of the photoconductor becomes large and the cleaning blade wears.
If it is damaged, the cleaning characteristics are deteriorated, cleaning failure occurs, and image blurring easily occurs. It is desirable that the inorganic particles have a substantially spherical shape.
It is assumed that the particles magnified by 0000 times are not indefinite and have a spherical shape with a major axis / minor axis ratio of less than 2.0. In that case, the abrasion coefficient of the surface of the photoconductor can be reduced, and it is possible to prevent the reversal of the elastic cleaning blade, which has been a problem in the related art.

The volume average particle size of the inorganic particles is measured by a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measuring device LA-700 (manufactured by Hikiba Seisakusho).

The inorganic particles are preferably hydrophobized with a hydrophobizing agent such as a titanium coupling agent, a silane coupling agent, a polymeric fatty acid or a metal salt thereof.

Examples of the titanium coupling agent include tetrabutyl titanate, tetraoctyl titanate, isopropyl triisostearoyl titanate, isopropyl tridecylbenzene sulfonyl titanate, bis (dioctyl pyrophosphate) oxyacetate titanate and the like. Further, as the silane coupling agent, γ- (2-aminoethyl) aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ- (2-aminoethyl) aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, N-β- (N-vinylbenzylaminoethyl) γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane hydrochloride, hexamethyldisilazane, methyltrimethoxysilane, butyltrimethoxysilane, isobutyltrimethoxysilane, hexyltrimethoxysilane, octyltrimethoxysilane, decyltri Methoxysilane,
Examples thereof include dodecyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, o-methylphenyltrimethoxysilane, p-methylphenyltrimethoxysilane and the like.

The fatty acids and their metal salts include undecyl acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid,
Palmitic acid, pentadecanoic acid, stearic acid, heptadecanoic acid, arachidic acid, montanic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, long chain fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, and the like, as its metal salt, zinc, iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, Examples thereof include salts with metals such as sodium and lithium.

These compounds are preferably added in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight with respect to the above-mentioned inorganic particles for coating, preferably 3 to 7% by weight. Further, these materials can be used in combination, and usually they are formed as a monomolecular layer or a layer close thereto on the surface of the inorganic particles.

In the present invention, silica particles are particularly preferably used as the inorganic particles contained in the uppermost layer of the photoreceptor, and further silica particles having a low hygroscopicity and a small number of active hydroxyl groups on the surface are preferably used. .

As such silica particles, 25 ° C.,
When silica particles conditioned under a high humidity of 80% RH were measured for their endothermic properties by differential scanning calorimetry, it was 40-2.
Even if there is no endothermic peak at 00 ° C, or even if it has an endothermic peak, the change amount ΔH of endothermic energy calculated from the area of the endothermic peak is set to 20 J / g or less. Preferably, the silica particles are hydrophobized with the silane coupling agent or the like to have no endothermic peak, or the endothermic energy change amount ΔH is 10 J / g or less.

The differential scanning endothermic analysis method of the silica particles was measured as follows.

That is, the differential scanning calorimeter OSC20 (SE
IKO Instruments & Electron
ics → SEIKO I & E) 25 ° C, 80% R
H was filled with silica particles whose humidity was controlled for 24 hours, and the endothermic property was measured by using a temperature control device SSC / 580 (manufactured by SEIKO I & E) while raising the temperature at a rate of 10 ° C./min under static air conditions. .

In the differential scanning calorimetric analysis of the silica particles, when the change amount ΔH of the endothermic energy is 0 J / g, the silica particles do not adsorb the components that volatilize due to heat such as water, and This is the case where the endothermic peak does not appear on the endothermic characteristic curve, and conversely, when the amount of change in endothermic energy ΔH is not 0 J / g, the silica particles have adsorbed components that volatilize due to the heat of water, This is a case where an endothermic peak appears on the endothermic characteristic curve in the course of temperature, and the amount of change in endothermic energy Δ from the area of the adsorption peak.
HJ / g is required.

The hydrophobic treatment of the silica particles is achieved by reacting the silanol groups on the silica surface with the above-mentioned hydrophobic treatment agent by a chemical reaction.

As a method for hydrophobizing the silica particles, for example, a method of reacting silanol groups with trimethylchlorosilane under high pressure (Kolloid-Z, 149,
39 (1956)), esterification with alcohol (DB
P 1074559) esterification in an autoclave, (Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 49 (1
2), 3389 (1976)) and the like,
In particular, a treatment method using a silane coupling agent is common. The treatment method with a silane coupling agent can be performed by, for example, the method described in “Silane coupling agent” (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), “Technical data No. Z003” (Toshiba Silicone), or the like.

The silica particles having a low hygroscopicity and a small amount of active species on the surface as described above are, for example, chemical flame CVD (CV).
D: Chemical Vapor Deposition
On) method, among them, it is preferable to introduce the metallic silicon powder into a mixed gas for combustion, and explosively combust and react with it.

Details of this manufacturing method are described in, for example, JP-A-60-2.
55602, JP-A-5-193908 and 5-19.
No. 3909, No. 5-193910, No. 5-19392
No. 8, No. 5-196614, and No. 6-107406.

In the manufacturing method described in the above-mentioned publications, the raw material silicon metal material is washed with high-purity water a plurality of times in advance to remove dissolved components, and heat treatment is performed to remove gas phase components and increase the temperature. A fine silicon powder is obtained. Next, a combustible gas such as LPG and a supporting gas such as oxygen gas are introduced into a burner at the head of the manufacturing apparatus to form a flame for ignition, and the high-purity silicon powder is added to the flame for ignition. A carrier gas such as air dispersedly contained is introduced to start ignition and combustion. After that, the combustion-supporting gas is supplied in multiple stages to explosively oxidize and burn the silicon powder to obtain high-purity silica particles.

According to the above manufacturing method, in the endothermic characteristics measured by the differential scanning calorimetry, there is no endothermic peak, or even if there is an endothermic peak, the amount of change in endothermic energy is High-purity silica particles having ΔH of 10 J / g or less and having a sharp particle size distribution can be obtained, and the particle size distribution can be varied over a wide range according to the purpose.

The silica particles produced as described above contain very few impurities, and the aluminum component is 1000 ppm or less in terms of weight, preferably 200 to 1 p.
The pm and calcium components are 300 ppm or less, preferably 50 to 1 ppm, and the iron component is 1000 ppm or less, preferably 200 to 1 ppm. Aluminum and iron in the silica particles are measured by ICP emission spectrometry, and calcium is measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member containing the above-mentioned inorganic particles, especially silica particles in the uppermost layer may be an inorganic photosensitive member using selenium, amorphous silicon, cadmium sulfide or the like, but preferably organic charge generation. Substance (CG
A photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer containing M) and a charge transport material (CTM).

Typical polycarbonates used in the present invention are represented by the following general formulas (1), (2), (3) and (4).
Containing a structural unit represented by.

[0054]

Embedded image

(In the formula, R _{1 to} R ₈ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, i Is an integer from 4 to 11.

R ₉ is an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group. )

[0057]

[Chemical 4]

(In the formula, R _{10 to} R ₁₇ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group.)

[0059]

Embedded image

(In the formula, R _{20 to} R ₂₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group.)

[0061]

[Chemical 6]

(In the formula, R ₃₁ and R ₃₂ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, and R _{33 to} R ₄₈ each independently represent a hydrogen atom. , A halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, respectively, k and m are positive integers, and k / m is 1 to 10. ) The polycarbonate of the present invention has repeating structural units represented by the general formulas (1) to (4), and includes not only these homopolymers but also copolymers thereof with each other or with other monomers. Be done.

It has been known that it is effective to use a high molecular weight polycarbonate and the mechanical strength of the resin increases as the molecular weight increases. However, when the inorganic particles are added to the polycarbonate having a viscosity average molecular weight of 40,000 or more according to the present invention, a synergistic action is achieved by "polymerization of the binder resin" and "composite using the inorganic particles", resulting in a dramatic mechanical effect. It was found that durability was improved.

The polycarbonate of the present invention preferably has a viscosity average molecular weight of 40,000 or more, more preferably 50,
000 or more is preferable.

Specific examples of polycarbonate include the following.

[0066]

[Chemical 7]

[0067]

Embedded image

[0068]

[Chemical 9]

[0069]

[Chemical 10]

[0070]

[Chemical 11]

[0071]

[Chemical 12]

[0072]

The layer structure of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1A shows an intermediate layer 2 on a conductive support 1.
Via a charge generating substance (CGM) as a main component in the charge generating layer (CGL) 4, the charge transporting substance (CTM) as a main component in the CTL3 and the binder resin. Said inorganic particles, especially silica particles and C
A photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer 6 formed by laminating TM and CTL5 which is a second CTL containing the antioxidant in this order. 1B is a photosensitive layer obtained by laminating the CGL 4 and the inorganic particles, particularly silica particles and the CTL 3 containing the antioxidant in this order on the conductive support 1 via the intermediate layer 2. 6 is a photosensitive member. See also Figure 1
(C) is a single-layer photosensitive layer containing both CGM and CTM on the conductive support 1 via the intermediate layer 2 and containing the inorganic particles, particularly silica particles and the antioxidant. 6 is a photosensitive member. Further, FIG. 1 (d) shows a photosensitive layer 6 formed by laminating the CTL 3 and the inorganic particles, particularly silica particles, CTM 4 containing CTM and the antioxidant in this order on a conductive support 1. It is the body.

The CTL5 shown in FIG.
CTL 3 in (b), photosensitive layer 6 in FIG. 1 (c), and FIG.
All of CGL4 of (d) form the uppermost layer in the present invention, and the amount ratio of the inorganic particles, especially silica particles to each binder resin is 0.001 to 2.0. Inorganic particles used as described above, particularly silica particles, are preferably hydrophobized by the above method.

If the weight ratio of the inorganic particles to the binder resin is less than 0.001, the mechanical strength of the photoconductor and the uppermost layer will be insufficient, and the electrophotographic performance will be easily deteriorated. At this time, the end surface of the cleaning blade in contact with the photoreceptor is worn or damaged, resulting in poor cleaning and image blurring.

The CTM contained in the uppermost layer is the CTL5 shown in FIG. 1 (a) or the CGL4 shown in FIG. 1 (d).
In the case of 0.01 to 2.
It is preferable that the CTM is contained in a weight ratio of 0. If the weight ratio of the CTM to the binder resin is less than 0.01, the residual potential is apt to increase and the sensitivity is lowered due to repeated use of the photoconductor, and it is more than 2.0. As a result, the charging potential lowers, the darkening and darkening increase, and the sensitivity lowers.

Further, the CTL5 shown in FIG.
(D) CTM contained in CGL4 is CTL3 in the lower layer
CTM may be the same or different.

If the uppermost layer is the CTL 3 shown in FIG. 1B or the photosensitive layer 6 shown in FIG. 1C, a predetermined amount of CTM has already been added.
, It does not need to be added.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention is shown in FIG.
Those having the layer structure of (a) are particularly preferable.

In the photoconductor of FIG. 1 (a), the CTL
The film thickness of 5 is 0.1 to 20 μm, preferably 0.2 to 10
μm, and if the film thickness is smaller than 0.1 μm, CT
If the mechanical strength of L5 is insufficient and is larger than 20 μm, the image quality is likely to deteriorate.

The CGL shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b) and 1 (d).
4 and CGM contained in the photosensitive layer 6 of FIG. 1 (c) are, for example, phthalocyanine pigment, polycyclic quinone starch, azo pigment, perylene pigment, indigo pigment, quinacridone pigment, azurenium pigment, squarylium dye, cyanine dye, Pyrylium dyes, thiopyrylium dyes, xanthene dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, styryl dyes and the like can be mentioned, and these CGMs can be used alone or together with a suitable binder resin to form a layer.

Next, C in FIG. 1 (a), (b), (d)
TL3, photosensitive layer 6 of FIG. 1 (c), CTL5 of FIG. 1 (d)
Examples of the CTM contained in CGL4 of FIG. 1 (d) include oxazole derivatives, oxadisazole derivatives, thiazole derivatives, thiadiazole derivatives, triazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, imidazolone derivatives, imidazoline derivatives, bisimidazolidine derivatives,
Styryl compounds, hydrazone compounds, benzidine compounds, pyrazoline derivatives, stilbene compounds, amine derivatives, oxazolone derivatives, benzothiazole derivatives, benzimidazole derivatives, quinazoline derivatives, benzofuran derivatives, acridine derivatives, phenazine derivatives, aminostilbene derivatives, poly-N-vinyl. Carbazole, poly-1-vinylpyrene, poly-9-vinylanthracene and the like can be mentioned, and in these CTMs, a layer is usually formed with a binder.

Among these, particularly preferred CTMs include compounds represented by the following general formula.

[0084]

[Chemical 13]

(Wherein Ar ₁ , Ar ₂ , Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a heterocyclic group, and R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, respectively). Represents a group hydrocarbon group or a heterocyclic group, n is 1 or 2. Ar ₄ and R ₂ may be bonded to each other.)

[0086]

Embedded image

(In the formula, R ₃ and R ₄ each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a heterocyclic group or an alkyl group, which may be linked to each other. R ₅ is a hydrogen atom or a substituted group) ,
It represents an unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a heterocyclic group or an alkyl group, and Ar ₅ represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a heterocyclic group, respectively. m is 0 or 1. )

[0088]

[Chemical 15]

(Wherein Y represents a substituted or unsubstituted benzene, naphthalene, pyrene, fluorene, carbazole or 4,4′-alkylidene diphenyl group, and A
r ₆ and Ar ₇ each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group. l is an integer of 1 to 3. )

[0090]

Embedded image

(In the formula, Ar ₈ , Ar ₉ , Ar ₁₀ and Ar ₁₁ each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a heterocyclic group.) Of these, preferred for the photoconductor of the present invention. Specific examples of such compounds are shown below.

[0092]

[Chemical 17]

[0093]

Embedded image

[0094]

[Chemical 19]

[0095]

Embedded image

[0096]

[Chemical 21]

[0097]

[Chemical formula 22]

Next, the ratio of the CGM of the CGL4 of the photoreceptor of FIGS. 1 (a), (b) and (c) to the binder resin is 1: 5 to 5: 1 by weight, and particularly 1: 2 to 2. 3: 1 is preferable, and the film thickness of the CGL4 is 5 μm or less, preferably 0.
It is set to 05 to 2 μm.

The ratio of CTM to binder resin in the photosensitive layer 6 of FIG. 1 (c) is 1: 5 to 5: 1 by weight,
In particular, 1: 2 to 3: 1 is preferable, and the ratio of CTM to binder resin in the photosensitive layer 6 is 3: 1 to 1: 5.
Particularly, it is set to 2: 1 to 1: 2, and the thickness of the photosensitive layer 6 is 5
˜50 μm.

Further, the ratio of CTM to binder resin in CTL3 of each photoconductor of FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b) and 1 (d) is 3: 1 to 1: 5 by weight, particularly 2: 1. ~ 1: 2,
The thickness of the CTL3 is 5 to 50 μm, particularly 10 to 40 μm.
μm.

Next, as a conductive support for the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention, 1) a metal plate such as an aluminum plate or a stainless plate 2) aluminum, palladium, gold, etc. on a support such as paper or a plastic film A thin metal layer of 3 is provided by lamination or vapor deposition 3) A thin film of a conductive compound such as a conductive polymer, indium oxide or tin oxide is provided by coating or vapor deposition on a support such as paper or plastic film Can be mentioned.

Next, as a coating processing method for producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention, dip coating, spray coating,
Although a coating processing method such as circular amount regulation type coating is used, the uppermost layer of the photosensitive layer, for example, CTL5 in FIG.
In the coating process of (d) CGL4 or the like, it is preferable to use a coating process method such as spray coating or circular amount regulation type coating in order to prevent the lower layer film from being dissolved as much as possible and to achieve uniform coating. The spray coating is described in detail, for example, in JP-A-3-90250 and JP-A-3-269238, and the circular amount regulation coating is described in detail in JP-A-58-189061. .

According to the spray coating and the circular amount regulation coating, as compared with the dip coating, the coating liquid is not wasted, the lower layer is not dissolved or damaged, and uniform coating is achieved. And so on.

In the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention, an intermediate layer having a barrier function and an adhesive function can be provided between the conductive support 1 and the photosensitive layer 6.

The material of the intermediate layer 2 is casein,
Polyvinyl alcohol, nitrocellulose, ethylene-
Examples thereof include acrylic acid copolymers, polyvinyl butyral, phenol resin polyamides (nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 610, copolymerized nylon, alkoxymethylated nylon, etc.), polyurethane, gelatin and aluminum oxide. The thickness of the intermediate layer 2 is 0.1 to 10 μm.
m is preferable, and 0.1 to 5 μm is particularly preferable.

In the present invention, further, a coating is provided between the support 1 and the intermediate layer 2 for compensating for surface defects of the support 1, and particularly when the image input is laser light, there is a problem. A conductive layer (not shown) may be provided for the purpose of preventing the generation of interference fringes. This conductive layer can be formed by applying and drying a solution in which conductive powder such as carbon black, metal particles or metal oxide particles is dispersed in a suitable binder resin. The thickness of the conductive layer is 1 to 40 μm
m is preferable, and particularly 2 to 30 μm is preferable.

The various layers described above can be applied by a coating method such as a dipping method, a spray coating method, a spinner coating method, a bead coating method, a blade coating method or a beam coating method.

The shape of the support 1 may be drum-shaped, sheet-shaped or belt-shaped, and is preferably a shape most suitable for the electrophotographic apparatus to which it is applied.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention can be applied to general electrophotographic apparatuses such as analog copying machines, digital copying machines, laser printers, LED printers and liquid crystal shutter printers. It is also widely applicable to such devices as displays, recording, light printing, plate making, and facsimiles.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the construction of a digital color copying machine showing an example of an electrophotographic apparatus incorporating the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a photosensitive drum which is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow (clockwise), and is uniformly charged by the charger 12.

After the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged, the image exposing means 13 performs image exposure based on an image signal. In the image exposure means 13, the laser beam from a laser light source (not shown) is modulated by the image signal read by the document scanning optical system 133, and the obtained modulated laser beam is rotated at a high speed by the polygon mirror 131, and the photosensitive drum is rotated. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10 by performing main scanning on the photosensitive drum 10 and sub-scanning by rotation of the photosensitive drum.

First, at the first rotation of the photoconductor drum, a yellow (Y) image signal is read by the original scanning optical system 133, and a laser beam modulated by the Y image signal is used to form a laser beam on the photoconductor drum 10. An electrostatic latent image is formed by imagewise exposure, and the latent image is developed by a developing device 14Y filled with a Y developer containing Y toner, and the photosensitive drum 10
A Y toner image is formed on top.

Next, in the second rotation of the photosensitive drum 10,
A magenta (M) image signal is read, laser image exposure based on the M image signal is performed on the photosensitive drum 10 after recharging, an electrostatic latent image is formed, and an M developer containing M toner is generated. It is developed by the filled developing device 14M,
An M toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10 by superimposing it on the Y toner image.

Thereafter, in the same manner, at the third and fourth rotations of the photosensitive drum 10, image exposure based on the cyan (C) image signal and the black (K) image signal is performed, and the development containing the C developer is performed. The developing device 14C and the developing device 14K containing the K developing agent, respectively, develop the photosensitive drum 1.
On C, the C toner image and the K toner image are formed in superposition with the Y toner image and the Y toner image.

Photoreceptor drum 1 obtained as described above
A color toner image composed of four color toner images on the transfer roller 18 is fed from the paper feeding device 16 and is transferred onto the transfer material P by the timing roller 17 at the same timing.
The transfer material P on which the color toner images have been transferred is removed by the separating brush to be separated from the photoconductor drum 10, and the fixing device 2
The image is conveyed to 0 and is thermally fixed under pressure contact between the heat roller 201 and the pressure roller 202 to form a color image.

After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 10 is destaticized by the destaticizer 23, cleaned by the elastic cleaning blade 221 of the cleaning device 22, and decharged by the destaticizing lamp (PCL) 11 such as an LED to form the next image. Be prepared.

Numeral 222 is a toner guide roller,
The guide roller and the elastic cleaning blade are separated from the photosensitive drum 10 when not in use.

In the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention, the charger 1
2, PCL 11, cleaning device 22, static eliminator 23,
Separation brush 19, transfer roller 18, and photosensitive drum 10
Is integrally supported as a unit and is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 100.

The developers filled in the developing devices 14Y, 14M, 14C and 14K include ferrite as a core, a carrier coated with an insulating resin around the core, and polyester as a main material and a pigment according to the color. The toner comprises a toner to which a charge control agent, silica, titanium oxide and the like are added, and the developer is developed by the layer forming means.
A layer thickness (developer) of 100 to 600 μm is regulated on the sheet 41 and the sheet is conveyed to the developing area, and a DC or AC bias voltage is applied between the photosensitive drum 10 and the developing sleeve 141 to perform development.

In the above description, the digital color copying machine has been described, but it may be used as a color printer by inputting an image signal from a computer, a facsimile or other external communication means, or a monochrome image signal is input. Then, it may be used as a monochrome copying machine or a monochrome printer.

The photoconductor of the present invention is a color type in which a toner image of each color is transferred onto a transfer material each time it is formed on the photoconductor, and the toner images of the respective colors are superposed on the transfer material to form a color image. It may be applied to a copying machine or a color printer.

Further, it may be applied to a color copying machine or a color printer in which a plurality of sets of charging devices, exposing devices and developing devices are arranged around the periphery of the photoconductor to form a color image in one pass.

Further, it goes without saying that the photoconductor of the present invention can be applied to an analog monochrome copying machine.

In the digital color copying machine of FIG. 2, the charger 12, PCL 11, cleaning device 22,
Although the image forming means such as the static eliminator 23, the separating brush 19, the transfer roller 18 and the photosensitive drum are unitized, the developing unit and at least one other image forming means may be unitized.

[0125]

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

<Preparation of Inorganic Particles> Five kinds of silica particles SOC1 and SOC2 manufactured by Admatechs, prototype No.
1, Prototype No. 2 and Prototype No. 3 were each treated with a theoretical amount of silane coupling agent consisting of trimethylsilylmethoxysilane to give hydrophobic silicas A1 to A4 for Examples shown in Table 1 and hydrophobic silica for Comparative Examples. A8 was obtained.
Also, titanium oxide particles A-100 manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. were treated with a theoretical amount of trimethylmethoxysilane in the same manner as described above and then Table 1
Hydrophobic titanium oxide particles A5 for the example shown in FIG.

A silica-high pressica produced by Ube Nitto Kasei Co. was treated in the same manner as A6.

Hydrophobicized Aerosil R972 manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd. was used as Comparative Example silica particles A7. Also, Tospearl 105 manufactured by Toshiba Silicone Co., Ltd. was subjected to a hydrophobic treatment by the same method as above to obtain fine particles A9 for comparative examples.

[0129]

[Table 1]

The theoretical amount is the amount required to form a monomolecular layer on the particle surface and is calculated by the following formula.

[0131]

[Equation 1]

(Ws: amount of silane coupling agent added (g), Wf: amount of particles used (g), SE: specific surface area of particles (m ² / g), MCA: minimum coating area per 1 g of silane coupling agent ( m ² / g)).

<Production of Photoreceptor 1 for Examples> Diameter 80 mm
Immerse 1.5 parts by weight of a copolymer type polyamide resin "CM-8000" (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) in a mixed solvent of 90 parts by volume of methanol and 10 parts by volume of butanol on the aluminum drum. Coating thickness of 0.3μm
Was formed. Next, 0.8 part by weight of polyvinyl butyral resin "ES-REC (BX-L)" (manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in a mixed solvent of 80 parts by volume of methyl ethyl ketone and 20 parts by volume of cyclohexanone, and the following was added to the resulting solution. 4 parts by weight of CGM-1 represented by the structural formula (CGM
The coating liquid obtained by mixing and dispersing the / binder resin amount ratio of 5.0) was applied onto the intermediate layer by dip coating to form a CGL having a thickness of 0.2 μm after drying.

[0134]

[Chemical formula 23]

Then, a polycarbonate resin P _1-2 "Iupilon Z300" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.) as a binder resin, a viscosity average molecular weight of 30,000 15 parts by weight, and an exemplary compound (T-31) as CTM 10 parts by weight. A coating solution prepared by dissolving (CTM / binder resin amount ratio 0.67) in 100 parts by volume of methylene chloride was dip-coated on the CGL to form a first CTL having a thickness of 20 μm after drying. .

Then, 1.5 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin P _1-2 "Iupilon Z-800" having a viscosity average molecular weight of 80,000 as a binder resin and 0.6 parts by weight of the inorganic particles A1 shown in Table 1 (A1 / binder resin) Of 0.4) and 1 part by weight of the exemplary compound (T-31) as CTM (the ratio of CTM / binder resin is 0.67).
Was dissolved and dispersed in 100 parts by volume of 1,2-dichloroethane to apply a coating solution on the first CTL using a circular amount control type coating machine, and a second CT having a film thickness after drying of 5 μm.
L was formed to obtain the photoconductor 1 for the example shown in Table 2.

<Production of Photoreceptors 2 to 9 for Examples and Photoreceptors 1 to 4 for Comparative Examples> The thickness and binder of the first CTL of the photoreceptor 1 and the kind, particle size and binder of the inorganic particles of the second CTL. Example photoconductors 2 to 9 and comparative photoconductors 1 to 4 were obtained in the same manner as the photoconductor 1 except that the weight ratio to the resin and the binder resin in the second CTL were changed as shown in Table 2. However, in Comparative Example photoreceptor 4, instead of the inorganic particles, a hydrophobic treatment product A8 of organic silicone fine particle Tospearl 105 (manufactured by Toshiba Silicone Co., average particle size 0.5 μ) was used.

[0138]

[Table 2]

<Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4> The 13 kinds of photoconductors obtained as described above are charged and image-exposed so that at least the photoconductor and the cleaning means are unitized. Analog copying machine Konica U-BIX with each process of development, transfer, charge removal and cleaning
Attached to 4145 (made by Konica), normal temperature and humidity (20
An image forming test was carried out for each photoconductor under a condition of 60 ° C. and 60% RH, and image evaluation and potential variation of the obtained image were measured.

<Evaluation of Image> The above 13 kinds of photoconductors were sequentially mounted on the copying machine, and 10 images were obtained using an original having a halftone.
The image was printed 10,000 times. At this time, a scorotron charger was used as the charger, and an image was formed on the photoreceptor under a constant charging condition of -750 V by grid control.

The image forming test was conducted 100,000 times, and the presence or absence of background fog due to defective cleaning, the presence or absence of streak failure due to the cleaning blade being turned over, the sharpness of the image, etc. were visually observed, and the abrasion loss on the surface of the photoconductor was examined. Was measured and the results are shown in Table 3.

<Measurement of Potential Fluctuation Value> The black paper potential (Vb) and the white paper potential (Vw) before and after the 100,000 times image forming test are measured, and from the difference ΔVb and ΔVw, the photoconductors before and after image formation are detected. The potential fluctuation value (displayed as an absolute value) was calculated and the results are shown in Table 3.

An original having half a solid black area with a reflection density of 1.3 and a half white area with a reflection density of 0.0 was used as the original for measurement, and the original was -750 by the scorotron charger.
After being charged with V, the electrostatic latent image formed by image exposure from the original is measured by an electrometer arranged at the position of the developing device to measure the black paper potential (Vb) and the white paper potential (Vw). I did it.

The evaluation of the surface wear reduction is 1
After the completion of the image output of 100,000 copies, the film thickness of the photoreceptor was measured and compared with the initial value.

[0145]

[Table 3]

From Table 3, in each of the examples using the photoconductors for the examples, there is little potential fluctuation such as black paper potential and white paper potential in the process of repeated image formation, and a clear image without background fog or streak failure is obtained. In addition, although the amount of wear is small, in each comparative example using the photoconductor for the comparative example, background fog and streak failure occur in the process of repeated image formation, and the amount of wear is large and a good image is obtained. I know there isn't.

<Production of Photoreceptor 10 for Examples> Diameter 80 m
A coating solution prepared by dissolving 2 parts by weight of a modified polyamide resin "X-1874M (manufactured by Daicel Hüls)" in a mixed solvent of 90 parts by volume of methanol and 10 parts by volume of butanol is dipped on an aluminum drum of m. It was applied to form an intermediate layer having a film thickness of 0.3 μm. Next, 0.8 part by weight of polyvinyl butyral resin "ES-REC (BX-L)" was dissolved in 100 parts by volume of methyl isopropyl ketone, and 2 parts by weight (CGM-2) of CGM-2 represented by the following structural formula was added to the obtained solution. The coating liquid obtained by mixing and dispersing the binder / binder weight ratio of 2.5) was applied onto the intermediate layer by dip coating to form CGL having a film thickness after drying of 0.2 μm.

Then, 20 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin P _1-2 "Iupilon Z-300" as a binder resin and 15 parts by weight of an exemplary compound (T-21) as a CTM (the weight ratio of CTM / binder is 0.75). ) 1,
A coating solution prepared by dissolving 100 parts by volume of 2-dichloroethane is applied onto the CGL by dip coating, and the film thickness after drying is 20 μm.
The first CTL of was formed.

Next, a polycarbonate resin P _1-2 "Iupilon Z-800" as a binder resin, a viscosity average molecular weight of 80,000 parts by weight, and the inorganic particles A of Table 1 were used.
2.4 parts by weight of A.
4) and 4 parts by weight of the exemplary compound (T-21) as CTM (CTM / binder weight ratio 0.67)
A coating solution prepared by dissolving in 100 parts by volume of 2-dichloroethane is applied onto the first CTL by a circular amount regulation type coating machine to form a second CTL having a film thickness after drying of 5 μm,
The photoconductor 10 for the example shown in Table 4 was obtained.

<Preparation of Photoreceptors 11 and 12 for Examples> Photoreceptor 10 except that inorganic particles A5 (titanium oxide) and A6 (silica) shown in Table 1 were used instead of inorganic particles A1 of photoreceptor 10.
In the same manner as in Table 4, the photoreceptors 11 and 12 for the examples shown in Table 4
I got

<Production of Photoreceptor 13 for Example> Photoreceptor 10
Except for the second CTL of No. 4, the first CTL was made to contain 2.0 parts by weight of the inorganic particles A1 (A1 / weight ratio of the binder is 0.1), and otherwise the same as in the photoconductor 10 of Table 4. The photoconductor 13 for the example was obtained.

[0152]

[Table 4]

<Examples 10 to 13> The copying machine U-BI.
Three types of photoconductors 10 to 13 for the above-described examples were sequentially conceived for X4145, and in the same manner as in Example 1, negatively charged 10
The image formation test was performed 10,000 times, and the image evaluation of the obtained image and the white paper potential of the photoconductor at the initial stage and the fluctuation amount and the wear amount of each potential after 100,000 copy images were printed with respect to the black paper potential, were measured. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0154]

[Table 5]

<Production of Photoreceptor 14 for Examples> Diameter 100
C of the photoconductor of Example 1 using an aluminum drum of mm
In the X-ray diffraction diagram using the characteristic X-ray of CuK instead of GM-1, the Bragg angle (2θ ± 0.2 °) was 27.3 °.
Has the maximum peak at 9.5 °, 11.6 °,
Photosensitive member 14 for Example was obtained in the same manner as photosensitive member 1 except that CGM-3 composed of oxytitanium phthalocyanine having the following structure having at least one peak at 15.0 ° and 24.1 ° was used. It was

[0156]

[Chemical formula 24]

<Production of Photoreceptor 15 for Example> Photoreceptor 14
A4 instead of the inorganic particles A1 contained in the second CTL of
A photoconductor 15 for the example was obtained in the same manner as the photoconductor 14 except that was used.

(Examples 14 and 15) Digital color printer "LP-7010" in which an apparatus unit including a photoconductor drum, a strip electrode, an AC electrode remover, a cleaning device, a pre-charge electrode remover, and a transfer device was detachably mounted. (Konica Corporation), two types of photoconductors, the photoconductors 14 and 15 for the examples, were sequentially mounted, and a black image print image was printed 100,000 times under the conditions of 20 ° C. and 60% RH. The evaluation, the potential fluctuation amount, and the wear loss amount were measured, and the results are shown in Table 6.

The black image print is -750V.
Charging, laser image exposure and DC-600V, AC5K
Image formation was performed by reversal development under a bias of 2.3 KV (PP) at Hz.

In the measurement of the potential fluctuation amount, the difference between the potential V _H of the unexposed portion and the potential V _{L of the} exposed portion of the photosensitive member at the initial stage and the respective potentials of the photosensitive member after printing the image 100,000 times | ΔV _H | and | ΔV _L | are calculated.

[0161]

[Table 6]

From Table 6, even when the photoconductors 14 and 15 for the examples are mounted on a digital color printer to form an image, the potential fluctuation is small, an excellent printed image is obtained, and the amount of wear is small. I understand.

[0163]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member which can obtain a high density and clear image without mechanical abrasion or damage on the surface of the photosensitive member during the repeated image formation.

By using a specific cleaning means in combination with the photosensitive member of the present invention, the surface of the photosensitive member is not worn or damaged in the course of repeated image formation, no image defect due to defective cleaning occurs, and high durability is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrophotographic apparatus capable of stably obtaining a high density and clear image.

Furthermore, since the built-in photoconductor has a high durability, it is possible to repeatedly and stably form an image without replacing the photoconductor, and if a defect occurs in the image forming means other than the photoconductor. Even in such a case, it is possible to quickly and easily replace the photosensitive member surface without causing scratches and the like, and it is possible to provide an apparatus unit capable of stably obtaining a high-quality image for a long period of time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a layer structure of a photoreceptor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Conductive Support 2 Intermediate Layer 3 Charge Transport Layer (CTL) or First Charge Transport Layer (First
CTL) 4 charge generation layer (CGL) 5 second charge transport layer (second CTL) 6 photosensitive layer 10 photoconductor drum 11 charge eliminating lamp 12 charger 13 image exposure means 14 developing device 18 transfer roller 19 separation brush 22 Cleaning device 23 Static eliminator 30 Device unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G03G 5/05 101 G03G 5/05 101 15/22 101 15/22 101Z 21/10 21/00 318 (72) Inventor Yoshihiko Eto 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji City, Tokyo Konica Stock Company

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An uppermost layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a photosensitive layer provided on a conductive substrate and a polycarbonate having a viscosity average molecular weight of 40,000 or more and a volume average particle diameter of 0.05 to 2.0 μm.
An electrophotographic photoreceptor containing m inorganic particles. 2. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate contains a monomer unit represented by the following general formula (1), (2), (3) or (4). Embedded image (In the general formula (1), R _{1 to} R ₈ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, R ₉ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, and i represents an integer of 4 to 11. In the general formula (2), R _{10 to} R ₁₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom. , A halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, respectively, in the general formula (3), R ₂₀ to
R _27's each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group. In formula (4), R ₃₁ and R ₃₂ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, and R _{33 to} R ₄₈ each independently represent a hydrogen atom. , A halogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group or an aryl group, k and m each represent a positive integer, and k / m is 1 to 10. ) 3. The temperature range of 40 to 2 in differential scanning calorimetry after the inorganic particles are conditioned at 25 ° C. and 80% relative humidity.
The amount of change ΔH in endothermic energy at 00 ° C. is 0 to 20
3. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, which is J / g. 4. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inorganic particles are silica. 5. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein the silica particles are subjected to a hydrophobic treatment. 6. An electrophotographic apparatus having an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on a conductive support, an electrostatic latent image forming means, a developing means, a transfer means, and a cleaning means, wherein the uppermost layer of the photosensitive layer is a viscosity. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising a layer containing a polycarbonate having an average molecular weight of 40,000 or more and inorganic particles having a volume average particle diameter of 0.05 to 2 μm, wherein the cleaning means is an elastic blade means. 7. In an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer on a conductive support, and an apparatus unit having at least two of a plurality of image forming means, the uppermost layer of the photosensitive layer has a viscosity average molecular weight of 40,000 or more. Of a polycarbonate and inorganic particles having a volume average particle diameter of 0.05 to 2 μm, and the photoreceptor is integrated with at least one of a charging means, a developing means, a transfer means and a cleaning means as an image forming means. Device unit that is detachably mounted on the device body.