Cleaning body, cleaning device, charging device, assembly and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A cleaning body, a cleaning device, a charging device, an assembly, and an image forming apparatus. A cleaning body includes: a shaft; and an elastic layer provided by spirally winding on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft from one end of the shaft to the other end of the shaft, wherein a relationship between a linear roughness (RaE) of a protrusion formed at an end of the elastic layer in a width direction and a linear roughness (RaV) of a central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction satisfies 5≤RaE / RaV.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning body, a cleaning device, a charging device, a component and an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] JP-A-02-272594 discloses an image forming apparatus including an image holding member and a contact type elastic charging unit for applying a bias voltage to the image holding member and / or a transfer material by pressure contacting the image bearing member, wherein a cleaning unit formed of a sponge material contacts the elastic charging unit.

[0003] JP-A-2012-014011 discloses a cleaning member for an image forming device, which includes a core and an elastic layer provided by spirally winding a strip-like elastic member on the outer peripheral surface of the core, wherein when the thickness of the central portion of the elastic layer in a state of being wound on the outer peripheral surface of the core in the spiral width direction is set to t (mm), and the thickness of the strip-like elastic member before being wound on the outer peripheral surface of the core in the width direction is set to T (mm), the following conditional expression (A1) is satisfied.

[0004] Conditional expression (A1): 0.7<t / T<1.0

[0005] In the case of cleaning the surface of an object to be cleaned by applying a cleaning body having a shaft and an elastic layer spirally wound on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft from one end of the shaft to the other end of the shaft and bringing the cleaning body into contact with the object to be cleaned, there is still room for further improvement in the cleaning maintenance properties of the object to be cleaned. Summary of the invention

[0006] An aspect of a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning body having high cleaning maintenance characteristics for an object to be cleaned compared to a cleaning body having an axis and an elastic layer arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the axis by being spirally wound from one end of the axis to the other end of the axis (wherein the relationship (RaE / RaV) between a linear roughness (RaE) of a protrusion formed at the end of the elastic layer in the width direction and a linear roughness (RaV) of a central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction is less than 5).

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning body, the cleaning body comprising:

[0008] Axles; and

[0009] an elastic layer provided by being spirally wound on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft from one end of the shaft to the other end of the shaft,

[0010] Here, a relationship between a line roughness RaE of a protrusion formed at an end portion of the elastic layer in the width direction and a line roughness RaV of a center portion of the elastic layer in the width direction satisfies 5≤RaE / RaV.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the cleaning body according to the first aspect, the relationship between RaE and RaV satisfies 6≤RaE / RaV.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the cleaning body according to the second aspect, the relationship between RaE and RaV satisfies 7≤RaE / RaV.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the cleaning body according to any one of the first to third aspects, the number of cells relative to the elastic layer is 80 cells / 25 mm to 105 cells / 25 mm, and the helical angle is 15° to 65°.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the cleaning body according to the fourth aspect, the number of cells relative to the elastic layer is 85 cells / 25 mm to 100 cells / 25 mm, and the helical angle is 25° to 45°.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning device, the cleaning device comprising:

[0016] The body to be cleaned; and

[0017] The cleaning body according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cleaning body cleans the object to be cleaned while rotating in contact with the rotating object to be cleaned.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging device, the charging device comprising:

[0019] a rotatable charging body; and

[0020] The cleaning body according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cleaning body cleans the charging body while rotating in contact with the rotating charging body.

[0021] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a component, the component comprising:

[0022] Body to be charged;

[0023] a rotatable charging body, the rotatable charging body charging the body to be charged; and

[0024] The cleaning body according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cleaning body cleans the charging body while rotating in contact with the rotating charging body,

[0025] The body to be charged, the charging body and the cleaning body are integrally and detachably assembled to the main body of the device.

[0026] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming device, the image forming device comprising:

[0027] an image holding member that holds an image;

[0028] a rotatable charging body that charges the image holding member;

[0029] an exposure device that exposes the image holding member charged by the charging body to form an electrostatic latent image;

[0030] a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image holding member by the exposure device; and

[0031] The cleaning body according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cleaning body cleans the charging body while rotating in contact with the rotating charging body.

[0032] According to the present invention described in the first aspect, the second aspect or the third aspect, there is provided a cleaning body having high cleaning maintenance characteristics for an object to be cleaned compared to a cleaning body having an axis and an elastic layer arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the axis by spirally winding from one end of the axis to the other end of the axis (wherein the relationship (RaE / RaV) between the linear roughness (RaE) of a protrusion formed at the end of the elastic layer in the width direction and the linear roughness (RaV) of the central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction is less than 5).

[0033] According to the present invention described in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, a cleaning body is provided, which has high cleaning maintenance characteristics for the body to be cleaned, compared with the case where the number of cells of the elastic layer is less than 80 cells / 25 mm or greater than 105 cells / 25 mm or the helix angle of the elastic layer is less than 15° or greater than 65°.

[0034] According to the present invention described in the sixth aspect, there is provided a cleaning device including a cleaning body, which has high cleaning maintenance characteristics for an object to be cleaned compared to a cleaning body provided with an axis and an elastic layer arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the axis by spirally winding from one end of the axis to the other end of the axis (wherein the relationship (RaE / RaV) between the linear roughness (RaE) of a protrusion formed at the end of the elastic layer in the width direction and the linear roughness (RaV) of the central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction is less than 5).

[0035] According to the present invention described in the seventh aspect, there is provided a charging device including a cleaning body, which has high cleaning maintenance characteristics for an object to be cleaned compared to a cleaning body provided with an axis and an elastic layer arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the axis by spirally winding from one end of the axis to the other end of the axis (wherein the relationship (RaE / RaV) between the linear roughness (RaE) of a protrusion formed at the end of the elastic layer in the width direction and the linear roughness (RaV) of the central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction is less than 5).

[0036] According to the present invention described in the eighth aspect, there is provided a component including a cleaning body, which has high cleaning maintenance characteristics for an object to be cleaned compared to a cleaning body provided with an axis and an elastic layer arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the axis by spirally winding from one end of the axis to the other end of the axis (wherein the relationship (RaE / RaV) between the linear roughness (RaE) of a protrusion formed at the end of the elastic layer in the width direction and the linear roughness (RaV) of the central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction is less than 5).

[0037] According to the present invention described in the ninth aspect, there is provided an image forming device including a cleaning body, which has high cleaning maintenance characteristics for an object to be cleaned compared to a cleaning body provided with an axis and an elastic layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the axis by spirally winding from one end of the axis to the other end of the axis (wherein the relationship (RaE / RaV) between the linear roughness (RaE) of a protrusion formed at the end of the elastic layer in the width direction and the linear roughness (RaV) of the central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction is less than 5). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a process cartridge according to the exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3 It is magnified Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of the peripheral portion of a charging member (charging device) in FIG.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of a charging device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a cleaning body according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a cleaning body according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a cleaning body in an axial direction according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 8 is a process diagram illustrating processes in an example of a method of manufacturing a cleaning body according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 9 is a process diagram illustrating processes in an example of a method of manufacturing a cleaning body according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Fig.10 is a process diagram illustrating processes in an example of a method of manufacturing a cleaning body according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Fig.11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a foamed elastic layer in a cleaning body according to another exemplary embodiment; and

[0050] Fig.12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a foamed elastic layer in a cleaning body according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, examples of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that throughout the drawings, components having the same function and the same action may be given the same reference numerals and not described in some cases.

[0052] The cleaning body according to this exemplary embodiment is provided with a shaft and an elastic layer provided by spirally winding on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft from one end of the shaft to the other end of the shaft. In addition, the relationship between the line roughness (RaE) of the protrusion formed at the end of the elastic layer in the width direction and the line roughness (RaV) of the central part of the elastic layer in the width direction satisfies 5≤RaE / RaV.

[0053] Here, in the present specification, the "protruding portion" of the elastic layer is a portion formed at an end portion in the width direction of the elastic layer, and means a portion that is 10% of the distance from one end side to the other end side along the shortest distance measured from the surface of the elastic layer from one end side to the other end side in the width direction of the elastic layer in a state where the elastic layer is set by being wound on a shaft. The "central portion" of the elastic layer means a portion other than the protruding portion in the shortest distance measured from the surface of the elastic layer from one end side to the other end side in the width direction of the elastic layer along the elastic layer in a state where the elastic layer is set by being wound on a shaft.

[0054] According to the above-described configuration, the cleaning body according to the exemplary embodiment is a cleaning body having high cleaning performance for the object to be cleaned. The reason is presumed as follows.

[0055] When an elastic layer (e.g., a strip-shaped elastic material) is spirally wound on the surface of the shaft from one end of the shaft to the other end of the shaft, the elastic layer is set to be in a state of bending on the shaft along the curved surface of the shaft. At this time, the outermost peripheral surface of the elastic layer has a stress that resists the bending applied to the maximum extent, and is therefore stretched to the outside of the cross section of the elastic layer in the circumferential direction. When observed in the cross-sectional direction of the elastic layer, the two ends of the outermost peripheral surface of the elastic layer are pulled to the outermost side, and the maximum thickness is formed in a state of protruding ends. In an exemplary embodiment, an area corresponding to the above-mentioned range and including a protrusion at both ends is set as a protrusion. On the other hand, the central portion of the outermost peripheral surface is compressed in the thickness direction, and when observed from the cross-sectional direction of the elastic layer, it is obvious that it forms the minimum thickness of the concave shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the area forming the concave shape except the protrusions at both ends is set as the central portion.

[0056] In the case where the cleaning body contacts the body to be cleaned and cleans the surface of the body to be cleaned, there is room for further improvement in the cleaning and maintenance characteristics of the body to be cleaned. In particular, depending on the relationship between the line roughness RaE of the protruding portion and the line roughness RaV of the central portion when removing contaminants attached to the gap on the portion with large surface roughness of the body to be cleaned, the cleaning and maintenance characteristics of the body to be cleaned tend to deteriorate.

[0057] On the other hand, in the cleaning body according to the exemplary embodiment, in particular, when removing the pollutants in the gaps on the part with large surface roughness of the body to be cleaned (the uneven and fine part on the surface of the body to be cleaned), the cleaning performance for the body to be cleaned is high. Since the line roughness RaE of the protrusion is large, when the protrusion of the elastic layer contacts the surface of the body to be cleaned, the effect of scraping off the pollutants attached to the body to be cleaned is excellent. That is, it is believed that the initial contact of the protrusion enables the protrusion to enter the fine part of the surface of the body to be cleaned, thereby enabling efficient contact. In addition, if the line roughness RaV of the central part is small, when the central part of the elastic layer contacts the surface of the body to be cleaned, the effect of collecting the pollutants attached to the body to be cleaned is excellent. That is, it is believed that when the line roughness RaV of the recess is low, it becomes possible to collect pollutants more stably when the cleaning body contacts.

[0058] When the relationship between the line roughness RaE of the protruding portion and the line roughness RaV of the central portion satisfies RaE / RaV≥5, the effect of scraping off the pollutants attached to the body to be cleaned and collecting them becomes excellent, so the cleaning and maintenance characteristics of the cleaning body to the body to be cleaned are high. In particular, even on the part with a large surface roughness of the body to be cleaned (that is, the uneven and fine part on the surface of the body to be cleaned), the pollutants can be effectively removed and the cleaning action works in the state before the attached pollutants are deposited. Therefore, it is estimated that the cleaning body according to the exemplary embodiment is a cleaning body with high cleaning performance on the body to be cleaned.

[0059] Hereinafter, details of the exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] (Image Forming Apparatus 10)

[0061] An image forming apparatus 10 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0062] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms a toner image (an example of an image) on a recording medium 24. More specifically, Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 10 is a tandem-type image forming apparatus, and is configured as follows.

[0063] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body for the apparatus 10A. Process cartridges 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K (hereinafter, collectively referred to as 18) corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are provided inside the main body for the apparatus 10A.

[0064] like Figure 2 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , each process cartridge 18 is provided with a photoreceptor 12 (an example of an image holding member, an example of a body to be charged) capable of holding an image, a charging device 11 (an example of a charging body) having a charging member 14, and a developing device 19. The process cartridge 18 can be Figure 1 The main body of the device 10A illustrated in FIG. 1 is disassembled and used as an example of a component detachably assembled to the main body of the device 10A. Note that the component of the exemplary embodiment may be a component provided with at least the photoreceptor 12 and the charging device 11. Subsequently, the specific configuration of the charging device 11 provided in the process cartridge 18 will be described.

[0065] Figure 1 The surface of the photoreceptor 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 is charged by a charging member 14 and then subjected to image exposure by a laser beam emitted from an exposure device 16 to form an electrostatic latent image according to image information. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 12 is developed by a developing device 19 to form a toner image.

[0066] For example, in the case of forming a color image, each process of charging, exposure, and development corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is performed on the surface of the photoreceptor 12, and a colorant image corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 12 of each color.

[0067] The toner image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) formed sequentially on the photoreceptor 12 is transferred to the recording medium 24 conveyed by the conveyor belt 20 at a position where the photoreceptor 12 and the transfer device 22 face each other through the conveyor belt 20 supported by the support rollers 40 and 42. In addition, the recording medium 24 to which the toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor 12 is conveyed to the fixing device 64, and is heated and pressed by the fixing device 64 to fix the toner image on the recording medium 24. Thereafter, in the case of single-sided printing, the recording medium 24 to which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the output section 68 provided on the upper part of the image forming device 10 by the action of the output roller 66.

[0068] The recording medium 24 is taken out from the storage container 28 by the take-out roller 30 and is conveyed to the conveyor belt 20 by the conveyor rollers 32 and 34 .

[0069] On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing, the recording medium 24 having the image fixed on the first surface (front surface) by the action of the fixing device 64 is not output to the output portion 68 by the action of the output roller 66, and the output roller 66 rotates in the reverse direction in a state where the rear end portion of the recording medium 24 is pinched by the output roller 66. Accordingly, the recording medium 24 is introduced into the conveying path 70 for double-sided printing, and is again conveyed to the conveying belt 20 by the action of the conveying roller 72 provided on the conveying path 70 in a state where the front and back sides of the recording medium 24 are reversed, so as to perform double-sided printing. Then, the toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor 12 to the second surface (back surface) of the recording medium 24. Thereafter, the toner image on the second surface (back surface) of the recording medium 24 is fixed by the fixing device 64, and the recording medium 24 (transfer receiver) is output to the output portion 68.

[0070] After the transfer process of the colorant image is completed, the surface of the photoreceptor 12 is the surface of the photoreceptor 12 each time the photoreceptor 12 rotates once, and the residual colorant, paper powder, etc. are removed from the position facing the transfer device 22 by the cleaning scraper 80 arranged on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 12, thereby preparing for the next image formation process.

[0071] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the exemplary embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration, and a known image forming apparatus such as an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus may be employed.

[0072] (Charging device 11)

[0073] The charging device 11 (charging unit) is provided with a cleaning device 13, such as Figure 3 The cleaning device 13 includes the above-mentioned charging member 14 (an example of a charging object, an example of an object to be cleaned) for charging the photoreceptor 12 and a cleaning member 100 for cleaning the charging member 14. Hereinafter, specific configurations of the charging member 14 and the cleaning member 100 will be described.

[0074] (Charging member 14)

[0075] Figure 3 The charging member 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of an object to be cleaned having an uneven structure on the surface. The charging member 14 is also an example of a charging member that charges the object to be charged. Specifically, the charging member 14 is a charging roller that charges the photoreceptor 12. More specifically, as Figure 4 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the charging member 14 includes a support 14A and a conductive elastic layer 14B.

[0076] (Supporting member 14A)

[0077] Specifically, the support 14A is a shaft formed of a conductive cylinder or a cylindrical body. For example, free-cutting steel, stainless steel, etc. are used as the material of the support 14A, and the surface treatment method, etc. are appropriately selected according to the necessary functions such as sliding properties. In addition, in the case of using a non-conductive material as the material of the support 14A, conductivity can be imparted by a common conductive treatment such as a plating treatment.

[0078] (Conductive Elastic Layer 14B)

[0079] Specifically, the conductive elastic layer 14B is formed of a conductive foamed elastic layer. The conductive elastic layer 14B is laminated on the outer periphery of the support body 14A, and is formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0080] As the material of the conductive elastic layer 14B, for example, in addition to the conductive agent for the purpose of adjusting the resistance, if necessary, in an elastic material such as rubber having elasticity, materials such as a softener, a plasticizer, a curing agent, a vulcanizer, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-aging agent and a filler (such as silica or calcium carbonate) that can be added to common rubber may be added.

[0081] As the conductive agent for the purpose of adjusting the resistance value, a material in which a material making at least one of electrons and ions conductive, such as carbon black and an ion conductive agent, mixed in a matrix material as a charge carrier is dispersed is used.

[0082] For example, the elastic material constituting the conductive elastic layer 14B is formed by dispersing a conductive agent in a rubber material. Examples of rubber materials include silicone rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, and blended rubbers thereof. These rubber materials may be foamed or non-foamed.

[0083] As the conductive agent, an electronic conductive agent or an ion conductive agent is used. Examples of the electronic conductive agent include fine powders such as carbon black (such as Ketjen black and acetylene black); pyrolytic carbon; graphite; various conductive metals or alloys (such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and stainless steel); various conductive metal oxides (such as tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide-antimony oxide) solid solutions; and materials obtained by performing conductive treatment on the surface of an insulating material.

[0084] In addition, examples of ion conductive agents include onium perchlorates and chlorates (such as tetraethylammonium and lauryltrimethylammonium); alkali metals (such as lithium and magnesium); and perchlorates and chlorates (such as alkaline earth metals). Note that these conductive agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0085] In addition, the amount thereof added is not particularly limited, but in the case of the electronic conductive agent, it is preferably in the range of 1 part by weight to 60 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber material, and in the case of the ionic conductive agent, it is preferably in the range of 0.1 part by weight to 5.0 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber material. By controlling the resistance value with such a conductive agent, the conductive elastic layer 14B can obtain stable characteristics without changing the resistance depending on environmental conditions.

[0086] The surface of the charging member 14 may form a surface layer 14C. The material of the surface layer 14C is not particularly limited, and any of polymer materials such as resin (polymer material) and rubber may be used.

[0087] Examples of the polymer material included in the surface layer 14C include polyvinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene copolymers, polyesters, polyimides, and copolymer nylons. The polymer material included in the surface layer 14C may be a fluorine-based or silicone-based resin, etc. The polymer material may be used alone, or two or more of the polymer materials may be used in combination.

[0088] The surface layer 14C may contain a conductive material to adjust the resistance value. Examples of the conductive material for the purpose of adjusting the resistance value include carbon black, conductive metal oxide particles, and ion conductive agents.

[0089] The conductive material may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0090] The surface layer 14C may contain insulating particles such as aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide.

[0091] (Supporting Structure of Charging Member 14)

[0092] exist Figure 3 In the charging member 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 , both axial ends of the support 14A are rotatably supported by a support member (not shown) such as a bearing. By applying a load F1 to both axial ends of the support 14A via the support member, the charging member 14 is pressed against the photoreceptor 12. Accordingly, the conductive elastic layer 14B is elastically deformed along the surface (peripheral surface) of the photoreceptor 12 to form a contact range having a certain width between the charging member 14 and the photoreceptor 12.

[0093] In addition, when the photoreceptor 12 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow X by the action of the motor (not shown), the charging device 14 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow Y following the rotation of the photoreceptor 12. That is, the charging member 14 is driven to rotate with the axial direction of the support 14A as the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the axial direction of the charging member 14 and the axial direction of the support 14A correspond to the rotational axial direction of the charging member 14. The cleaning member 100 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow Z due to the rotation of the charging member 14.

[0094] (Cleaning member 100)

[0095] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a cleaning member (an example of a cleaning body) according to the exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 : is a schematic plan view illustrating a cleaning member (an example of a cleaning body) according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0096] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cleaning member 100 (an example of a cleaning body) illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided with a core 100A (an example of a shaft) and a foamed elastic layer 100B (an example of an elastic layer) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the core 100A and in contact with the charging member 14. In addition to the core 100A and the foamed elastic layer 100B, the cleaning member 100 also includes an adhesive layer 100D that joins the core 100A and the foamed elastic layer 100B and is provided as a roll-shaped member.

[0097] (Core 100A)

[0098] As a material for the core 100A, metal (eg, free-cutting steel, stainless steel, etc.) or resin (eg, polyacetal resin (POM)) may be exemplified. Note that it is desirable to select the material and the surface treatment method as required.

[0099] In particular, in the case where the core 100A is made of metal, it is desirable to perform plating treatment. In addition, in the case where a resin or the like has no conductivity, it may be processed by a common process such as plating treatment to be conductive, or it may be used as it is.

[0100] (Adhesive layer 100D)

[0101] The adhesive layer 100D is not particularly limited as long as it can bond the core 100A and the foamed elastic layer 100B, and is made of, for example, a double-sided tape or other adhesives.

[0102] (Foamed elastic layer 100B)

[0103] The foamed elastic layer 100B is made of a material with bubbles (so-called foamed body) Subsequently, a specific material of the foamed elastic layer 100B will be described.

[0104] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the foamed elastic layer 100B is provided by spirally winding on the outer peripheral surface of the core 100A from one axial end to the other axial end of the core 100A. Specifically, as Figures 8 to 10 As illustrated in the figure, the foamed elastic layer 100B is formed so that the core 100A is set as a spiral axis from one axial end of the core 100A to the other axial end, and a strip-shaped foamed elastic member 100C (hereinafter, may be referred to as strip 100C) is formed so as to be spirally wound on the core 100A at a certain interval.

[0105] Figure 7 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cleaning member (an example of a cleaning body) in the axial direction according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the foamed elastic layer 100B has a quadrilateral shape surrounded by four faces (including curved faces) in a cross section of the core 100A in the axial direction, and includes protrusions 122 which are provided at both ends of the foamed elastic layer 100B in the axial direction (K direction) and protrude radially from the central portion 120 toward the outside of the core 100A. The protrusions 122 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the foamed elastic layer 100B.

[0106] Then, when the protrusion 122 applies, for example, tension to the foamed elastic layer 100B in the longitudinal direction, a difference in outer diameter is generated and formed in the central portion 120 of the outer peripheral surface in the width direction of the foamed elastic layer 100B and in both end portions in the width direction. Here, in the exemplary embodiment, the range of the protrusion 122 refers to a range of up to 10% from one end side to the other end side of the distance in the K direction measured along the surface of the elastic layer bent in the recess. In addition, the range of the central portion 120 refers to a portion other than the range of the protrusion 122 at both end portions in the K direction.

[0107] The thickness of the foamed elastic layer 100B (thickness at the center portion in the width direction) may be, for example, 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably 1.4 mm to 2.6 mm, and more preferably 1.6 mm to 2.4 mm.

[0108] For example, the thickness of the foamed elastic layer 100B is measured as follows.

[0109] Using a laser measuring machine (a laser scanning measuring instrument manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation), the profile of the thickness of the foamed elastic layer (foamed elastic layer thickness) is measured by scanning the foamed elastic layer in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the cleaning member at a moving speed of 1 mm / s in a state where the peripheral direction of the cleaning member is fixed. Thereafter, the same measurement is performed by shifting the position in the circumferential direction (the position in the circumferential direction is located at three points at intervals of 120°). Based on the profile, the thickness of the foamed elastic layer 100B is calculated.

[0110] The foamed elastic layer 100B is provided in a spiral shape. Specifically, the foamed elastic layer 100B may have a spiral angle of, for example, 15° to 65° (preferably, 25° to 45°) and a spiral width R1 of 3mm to 25mm (preferably, 3mm to 10mm). The pitch R2 may be, for example, 3mm to 25mm (preferably, 15mm to 22mm) (see Figure 6 ).

[0111] The coverage of the foamed elastic layer 100B (spiral width R1 of the foamed elastic layer 100B / [spiral width R1 of the foamed elastic layer 100B+spiral pitch R2 of the foamed elastic layer 100B: (R1+R2)]) may be 20% to 70%, and preferably 25% to 55%.

[0112] When the coverage ratio is greater than the above range, the contact time between the foamed elastic layer 100B and the body to be cleaned becomes longer, so the deposits attached to the surface of the cleaning member are more likely to re-contaminate the body to be cleaned; however, when the coverage ratio is less than the above range, the thickness of the foamed elastic layer 100B becomes difficult to stabilize, and the cleaning ability tends to deteriorate.

[0113] The helical angle θ means an angle (acute angle) at which the longitudinal direction P (helical direction) of the foamed elastic layer 100B intersects the axial direction Q (core axial direction) of the core 100A (see Figure 6 ).

[0114] The spiral width R1 means the length of the foamed elastic layer 100B along the axial direction Q (core axial direction) of the cleaning member 100 .

[0115] The pitch R2 means the length between adjacent foamed elastic layers 100B in the axial direction Q (core axial direction) of the cleaning member 100 along the foamed elastic layer 100B.

[0116] In addition, the foamed elastic layer 100B refers to a layer made of a material that restores its original shape even when deformed by application of an external force of 100 Pa.

[0117] (Material of the Foamed Elastic Layer 100B)

[0118] Examples of the material of the foamed elastic layer 100B include one selected from foamed resins (polyurethane, polyethylene, polyamide and polypropylene) and rubber materials (silicone rubber, fluororubber and polyurethane rubber, EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber), NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), chlorinated polyisoprene rubber, isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, hydrogenated polybutadiene rubber and butyl rubber) and materials obtained by mixing two or more of them.

[0119] Furthermore, auxiliary agents such as a foaming aid, a foaming regulator, a catalyst, a curing agent, a plasticizer, and a vulcanization accelerator may be added as needed.

[0120] In particular, from the viewpoint of preventing the surface of the body to be cleaned (charging member 14 ) from being scratched due to friction and preventing cracking or damage for a long period of time, the foamed elastic layer 100B is preferably a tension-resistant polyurethane foam.

[0121] As the polyurethane, for example, reactants of polyols (e.g., polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polyesters, and acrylic polyols) and isocyanates (e.g., 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate) are exemplified, and materials containing a chain extender (1,4-butanediol or trimethylolpropane) can be exemplified.

[0122] Generally, the foaming of polyurethane is performed using a foaming agent such as water or an azo compound (eg, azodicarbonamide and azobisisobutyronitrile).

[0123] As required, auxiliary agents such as a foaming aid, a foam control agent and a catalyst may be added to the foamed polyurethane.

[0124] From the viewpoint of obtaining a cleaning body having high cleaning performance for the body to be cleaned, the number of cells of the foamed elastic layer 100B is preferably 80 cells / 25 mm to 105 cells / 25 mm, and more preferably 85 cells / 25 mm to 100 cells / 25 mm. The number of cells of the foamed elastic layer 100B is calculated based on JIS K 6400-1:2004 (Appendix 1).

[0125] (Structure of Foamed Elastic Layer 100B)

[0126] In the foamed elastic layer 100B, the relationship between the line roughness RaE of the protruding portion and the line roughness RaV of the central portion satisfies RaE / RaV≥5. From the viewpoint of obtaining a cleaning body having high cleaning performance for the body to be cleaned (particularly, from the viewpoint of enhancing the cleaning performance for the body to be cleaned having a detail containing large surface irregularities), RaE / RaV≥6 is preferred and RaE / RaV≥7 is more preferred. In addition, the upper limit of RaE / RaV is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 15 or less.

[0127] From the viewpoint of obtaining a cleaning body having high cleaning performance for a body to be cleaned, the line roughness RaE of the protrusion is preferably 20 or more, and more preferably 50 or more. In addition, the upper limit of RaE is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 100 or less.

[0128] From the viewpoint of obtaining a cleaning body having high cleaning performance for a body to be cleaned, the line roughness RaV of the central portion is preferably 5 or more, and more preferably 7 or more. In addition, the upper limit of RaV is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 20 or less.

[0129] The line roughness RaE of the protrusion and the line roughness RaV of the center portion can be controlled by the material type, foaming density and structure of the elastic layer, and the width (spiral width) and winding angle (spiral angle) when the elastic layer is wound on a core (example shaft).

[0130] Here, the linear roughness RaE of the protrusion and the linear roughness RaV of the central part are measured as follows. First, both ends of the axis of the cleaning body to be measured are mounted and fixed on the V-block on the measuring table of the laser microscope (VK; manufactured by Keyence). Next, the surface of the elastic layer is directly observed to obtain an analysis image. Then, the linear roughness of the protrusion calculated by the image analysis performed by the measurement is used as an indicator of RaE, and the linear roughness of the central part is used as an indicator of RaV. Specifically, it is performed as follows. The surface of the elastic layer to be measured is scanned with a pitch of 0.01μm in the depth direction with a 100x objective lens (measuring area (100μm×100μm)), and the obtained image data is used to measure at six positions each with an area of ​​10 square microns, and the average value of the six measured positions is calculated. The protrusion is observed by observing the peripheral portion of the end side to measure RaE. The linear roughness RaV of the central part is measured by observing the peripheral portion as the most recessed area.

[0131] In the cleaning body according to the exemplary embodiment, from the viewpoint of obtaining a cleaning body having high cleaning performance for the body to be cleaned, the number of cells of the elastic layer is 80 cells / 25mm to 105 cells / 25mm, and the helical angle of the elastic layer is preferably 15° to 65°. From the same viewpoint, it is more preferred that the number of cells of the elastic layer is 85 cells / 25mm to 100 cells / 25mm, and the helical angle of the elastic layer is 25° to 45°.

[0132] In the cleaning body according to the exemplary embodiment, from the perspective of a cleaning body having high cleaning performance for the body to be cleaned, when W is set to the width of the nodal section of the foam cell wall surface of the elastic layer, the width W of the nodal section of the foam cell wall surface is preferably 30 μm to 90 μm, and more preferably 35 μm to 45 μm.

[0133] In the present specification, "the width of the node portion of the foam cell wall surface of the elastic layer" is defined as follows. When the foamed elastic layer of the cleaning member is observed by the method of measuring the width W of the node portion of the foam cell wall surface shown below, the length of each side of the protruding triangular area formed by the foam cell wall surface of the foamed elastic layer (that is, the part that will become the skeleton of the foam cells forming the foamed elastic layer) is measured, and the result obtained by calculating the average value of the length of each side of the measured triangular area is set as the "width of the node portion of the foam cell wall surface of the elastic layer".

[0134] The width W of the node portion of the foam cell wall surface was measured using a confocal microscope (OPTELICS HYBRID manufactured by Lasertec Corporation) to measure the width of the node portion of the foam cell wall surface. An observation image of 1386 μm×1038 μm was captured at three positions, and the average value obtained by measuring all the widths of the node portions in the observation image was used.

[0135] (Supporting Structure of Cleaning Member 100)

[0136] In the cleaning member 100, as Figure 3 , the foamed elastic layer 100B contacts the charging member 14 on the side of the charging member 14 opposite to the photoreceptor 12. Specifically, in the cleaning member 100, when both axial ends of the core 100A are pushed toward the charging member 14 by the load F2, the foamed elastic layer 100B is pressed toward the charging member 14, and the foamed elastic layer 100B is elastically deformed along the circumferential surface of the charging member 14 to form a contact area.

[0137] The foamed elastic layer 100B has a compression ratio calculated by [(original thickness of foamed elastic layer 100B−thickness of foamed elastic layer 100B in contact region of charging member 14 (ie, body to be cleaned) / original thickness of foamed elastic layer 100B]×100.

[0138] Here, the thickness of the foamed elastic layer 100B refers to the thickness of the central portion in the width direction in a state where the foamed elastic layer 100B is provided on the core 100A.

[0139] The bite amount E of the cleaning member 100 with respect to the charging member 14 is obtained by the difference between the axial distance between the charging member 14 and the cleaning member 100 and the value obtained by adding the no-load radius of the cleaning member 100 to the no-load radius of the charging member 14 (see Figure 4 ). In the case where the bite amount is different in the axial direction of the cleaning member 100, the bite amount here means the minimum value.

[0140] The cleaning member 100 is driven to rotate in the arrow Z direction due to the rotation of the charging member 14. The present invention is not limited to the case where the cleaning member 100 is always in contact with the charging member 14 and the configuration in which the cleaning member 100 is in contact with the charging member 14 and is driven to rotate only when the charging member 14 is cleaned. In addition, the cleaning member 100 may also be brought into contact with the charging member 14 only when the charging member 14 is cleaned, and the cleaning member 100 may be driven alone to rotate around the charging member 14 with a difference in peripheral speed.

[0141] (Method of Manufacturing Cleaning Member 100)

[0142] Next, a method of manufacturing the cleaning member 100 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. Figures 8 to 10 1 is a process diagram illustrating processes in an example of a method of manufacturing the cleaning member 100 (an example of a cleaning body) according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0143] First, if Figure 8 As exemplified in , a sheet-like foamed elastic member (foamed polyurethane sheet, etc.) cut into a target thickness is prepared, and the member is punched out with a punching die to obtain a sheet having a target width and length.

[0144] A double-sided tape 100D is attached to one side of the sheet-like foamed elastic member to obtain a strip 100C (strip-like foamed elastic member with double-sided tape 100D) having a target width and length.

[0145] Next, if Fig. 9As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the strip 100C is provided with a surface with the double-sided tape 100D facing upward, in which state one end of the release paper of the double-sided tape 100D is peeled off, and one end portion of the core 100A is placed on the double-sided tape with the release paper peeled off.

[0146] Next, if Fig.10 As illustrated in FIG, while peeling off the release paper of the double-sided tape, the core 100A is rotated at a target speed to spirally wind the tape 100C on the outer peripheral surface of the core 100A, thereby obtaining the cleaning member 100 including the foamed elastic layer 100B spirally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the core 100A.

[0147] Here, when the strip 100C to be the foamed elastic layer 100B is wound on the core 100A, the strip 100C may be positioned so that the longitudinal direction of the strip 100C is a target angle (helix angle) relative to the axial direction of the core 100A. The outer diameter of the core 100A may be, for example, φ3 mm to φ6 mm.

[0148] The tension applied when winding the strip 100C on the core 100A is preferably such that no gap is generated between the core 100A and the double-sided tape 100D of the strip 100C, and it is preferable not to apply excessive tension. When the tension is excessively applied, the tensile permanent elongation tends to increase, and the elastic force of the foamed elastic layer 100B necessary for cleaning tends to decrease. Specifically, for example, the tension can be set to an elongation that falls within the range of more than 0% and 5% or less relative to the length of the original strip 100C.

[0149] On the other hand, when the strip 100C is wound on the core 100A, the strip 100C tends to stretch. This stretching is different in the thickness direction of the strip 100C, and the outermost portion tends to stretch the most, and the elastic force decreases. Therefore, it is preferred that the elongation of the outermost portion after the strip 100C is wound on the core 100A is about 5% relative to the outermost portion of the original strip 100C.

[0150] The elongation is controlled by the radius of curvature of the strip 100C wound on the core 100A and the thickness of the strip 100C, and the radius of curvature of the strip 100C wound on the core 100A is controlled by the outer diameter of the core 100A and the winding angle (helix angle θ) of the strip 100C.

[0151] The curvature radius of the strip 100C wound on the core 100A may be, for example, ((core outer diameter / 2)+0.2 mm) to ((core outer diameter / 2)+8.5 mm), and preferably ((core outer diameter / 2)+0.5 mm) to ((core outer diameter / 2)+7.0 mm).

[0152] The thickness of the strip 100C may be, for example, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, and preferably 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm. In addition, the width of the strip 100C may be adjusted so that the coverage of the foamed elastic layer 100B is within the above range. In addition, the length of the strip 100C is determined by, for example, the axial length of the region to be wound on the core 100A, the winding angle (helix angle θ), and the tension during winding.

[0153] (Operation of the exemplary embodiment)

[0154] Next, the actions of the exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0155] In the exemplary embodiment, foreign matter such as developer remaining on the photoreceptor 12 without being transferred to the recording medium 24 is removed from the photoreceptor 12 by the cleaning blade 80. Some foreign matter such as developer that slides through the cleaning blade 80 without being removed by the cleaning blade 80 is attached to the surface of the charging member 14 (see Figure 1 ).

[0156] By using the protrusion 122 and the outer peripheral surface ( Figure 7 The outer peripheral surface of the charging member 14 is wiped with the upper surface in the middle portion to remove foreign matter attached to the surface of the charging member 14. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, since the relationship between the line roughness RaE of the protrusion 122 and the line roughness RaV of the central portion 120 satisfies 5≤RaE / RaV, the cleaning performance is high (that is, the cleaning maintenance property is high).

[0157] (Revision)

[0158] The foamed elastic layer 100B is not limited to the configuration of one strip 100C. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the foamed elastic layer 100B may be configured to include at least two or more strips 100C (strip-shaped foamed elastic members) in which the two or more strips 100C are spirally provided on the core 100A.

[0159] In addition, the foamed elastic layer 100B constructed by spirally winding two or more strips 100C (strip-shaped foamed elastic members) on the core 100A may have a configuration in which the strips are provided by being wound on the core in a state in which the faces of the adhesive surfaces of the strips 100C in the longitudinal direction (the surfaces of the strips 100C on the side opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the core 100A) are in contact with each other (see Fig.11 ) or a configuration in which the strip is provided by winding on a core in a state in which the faces are not in contact with each other (see Fig.12 ).

[0160] (Other Modifications)

[0161] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the exemplary embodiment, a configuration is described in which the charging device 11 is formed by a unit of the charging member 14 and the cleaning member 100, that is, a configuration in which the charging member 14 is adopted as a body to be cleaned; however, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, as the body to be cleaned, a photoreceptor (image holding member), a transfer device (transfer member; transfer roller), and an intermediate transfer body (intermediate transfer belt) are examples. Then, the unit of the body to be cleaned and the cleaning member disposed to contact the body to be cleaned may be directly disposed in the image forming apparatus, or may be formed as a box like a process box to be disposed in the image forming apparatus as described above.

[0162] The present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and various modifications, changes and improvements can be made without departing from the subject matter of the present invention. For example, the above modifications can be combined with each other as appropriate.

[0163] Example

[0164] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of examples. However, these examples do not limit the present invention.

[0165] [Charging roller]

[0166] (Formation of Elastic Layer)

[0167] The following mixture was kneaded with an open roll, and the outer peripheral surface of a conductive support member made of SUS416 having a diameter of 9 mm and a length of 370 mm was cylindrically coated with the kneaded mixture so that the thickness of the outer peripheral surface was 1.5 mm, and then the resultant was put into a cylindrical mold having an inner diameter of 12.0 mm, vulcanized at 170° C. for 30 minutes, taken out of the mold, and then polished. Thus, a cylindrical conductive elastic layer was obtained.

[0168] Rubber material (epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, GECHRON 3106 manufactured by ZEON CORPORATION) 100 parts by weight

[0169] Conductive agent (carbon black Asahi Thermal produced by Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd.) 25 parts by weight

[0170] Conductive agent (Ketjen black EC produced by Lion) 8 parts by weight

[0171] Ion conductive agent (lithium perchlorate) 1 part by weight

[0172] · Vulcanizing agent (200 mesh sulfur manufactured by Tsurumi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 1 part by weight

[0173] Vulcanization accelerator (NOCCELERDM manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.) 2.0 parts by weight

[0174] Vulcanization accelerator (NOCCELERTT manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts by weight

[0175] (Formation of Surface Layer)

[0176] The following mixture was dispersed with a bead mill, the resulting dispersion was diluted with methanol, the surface (peripheral surface) of the conductive elastic layer was dip-coated with the resulting dispersion, and then the surface was dried by heating at 140° C. for 15 minutes. Thus, a charging roller 1 including a surface layer having a thickness of 4 μm was obtained.

[0177] Polymer material (copolymer nylon AMILAN CM 8000 produced by Toray Industries) 20 parts by weight

[0178] Conductive agent (antimony-doped tin oxide produced by SHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA--SN-100P) 30 parts by weight

[0179] Solvent (methanol) 500 parts by weight

[0180] Solvent (butanol) 240 parts by weight

[0181] <Example 1>

[0182] [Cleaning roller 1]

[0183] A foamed polyurethane sheet (FHS manufactured by INOAC CORPORATION) having a thickness of 2.4 mm was cut into a strip having a width of 5 mm and a length of 360 mm. A double-sided tape (No. 5605 manufactured by NITTO DENKO CORPORATION) having a thickness of 0.05 mm was attached to the entire surface of the strip to obtain a strip having double-sided tape.

[0184] The resulting strip with the double-sided tape was placed on a horizontal platform with release paper attached to the double-sided tape facing downward, and the longitudinal top end was compressed from the top with heated stainless steel so that the thickness within a range of 1 mm in the longitudinal direction from the longitudinal top end of the strip was 15% of the thickness of the other parts.

[0185] The obtained strip with double-sided tape is placed on a horizontal platform, with release paper attached to the double-sided tape facing upward, and the strip is wound around a metal core (material = SUM24EZ, outer diameter = φ5.0 mm, entire length = 360 mm) while applying tension to the metal core so that the spiral angle θ is 15° and the entire length of the strip is elongated in the range of 0% to 5%, thereby obtaining a cleaning roller 1.

[0186] <Example 2>

[0187] [Cleaning roller 2]

[0188] The cleaning roller 2 was obtained in the same manner as the cleaning roller 1 except that the helix angle θ at which the strip with the double-sided tape was wound on the core was set to 30°.

[0189] <Example 3>

[0190] [Cleaning roller 3]

[0191] The cleaning roller 3 was obtained in the same manner as that of the cleaning roller 1 except that the helical angle θ at which the strip with the double-sided tape was wound on the core was set to 45°.

[0192] <Example 4>

[0193] [Cleaning roller 4]

[0194] Cleaning roller 4 was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of cleaning roller 3, except that a foamed polyurethane sheet having a thickness of 3.0 mm and a width of 10 mm was used.

[0195] <Example 5>

[0196] [Cleaning roller 5]

[0197] Cleaning roller 5 was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of cleaning roller 3, except that a foamed polyurethane sheet (EP70S manufactured by INOAC Corporation) was used.

[0198] <Comparative Example 1>

[0199] [Cleaning roller 6]

[0200] The cleaning roller 6 was obtained in the same manner as the cleaning roller 5 except that the helix angle θ at which the strip with the double-sided tape was wound on the core was set to 30°.

[0201] <Comparative Example 2>

[0202] [Cleaning roller 7]

[0203] The cleaning roller 7 was obtained in the same manner as the cleaning roller 5 except that the helix angle θ at which the strip with the double-sided tape was wound on the core was set to 15°.

[0204] <Comparative Example 3>

[0205] [Cleaning roller 8]

[0206] Cleaning roller 8 was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of cleaning roller 4, except that a foamed polyurethane sheet (EZQ-S manufactured by INOAC) was used.

[0207] <Comparative Example 4>

[0208] [Cleaning roller 9]

[0209] Cleaning roller 9 was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of cleaning roller 1, except that a foamed polyurethane sheet (EP-70 manufactured by INOAC Corporation) having a thickness of 3.0 mm and a width of 4 mm was used.

[0210] [Surface condition of elastic layer]

[0211] The linear roughness RaE of the protrusions formed at the ends of the elastic layer in the width direction and the linear roughness RaV of the central portion of the elastic layer in the width direction were measured by the above method, and then RaE / RaV was calculated. The width W of the node portion of the foam cell wall surface was measured by the above method.

[0212] [Evaluation of cleaning ability]

[0213] The drum cartridge of the image forming apparatus "DOCUCENTER-VI C7771 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd." was installed so as to contact the cleaning roller indicated in Table 1 and the prepared charging roller 1. Next, after printing 20,000 sheets of a band-shaped image quality pattern having a length of 320 mm and a width of 30 mm in the output direction on A3 recording paper of 100% image density under an environment of 32° C. and 85% RH, the surface condition at the image quality pattern printing position of the charging roller 1 was observed so as to perform an evaluation of the cleaning ability of the deposit. In addition, after printing 50,000 sheets of the same image quality pattern (a total of 70,000 sheets) using the same cleaning roller and charging roller under an environment of 10° C. and 15% RH, similarly, the surface condition was observed so as to perform an evaluation of the cleaning ability of the deposit. Observation of the charging roller was performed by directly observing the surface using a confocal laser microscope (OLS1100 manufactured by OLYMPAS), and the cleaning ability was evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0214] -Evaluation of cleaning performance: guidelines-

[0215] G0: Observe that the surface of the charging roller has a 2 The deposition is 10% or less.

[0216] G0.5: Observe that the surface of the charging roller has a 2 The deposition is 10% to 20% or less.

[0217] G1: Observe that the surface of the charging roller has a 2 The deposition is 20% to 30% or less.

[0218] G2: Observe that the surface of the charging roller has a 2 The deposition is 30% to 40% or less.

[0219] G3: Observe that the surface of the charging roller has a 2 The deposition is 40% to 50% or less.

[0220] Table 1

[0221]

[0222] From the above evaluation results, it can be understood that the Examples have excellent cleaning ability (ie, cleaning performance) compared with the Comparative Examples.

[0223] The above description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. This is not intended to be exclusive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is apparent that many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments and various modifications of the present invention suitable for the particular use contemplated. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning body, comprising: axis; as well as an elastic layer provided by being spirally wound on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft from one end of the shaft to the other end of the shaft, Here, a relationship between a line roughness RaE of a protrusion formed at an end portion of the elastic layer in the width direction and a line roughness RaV of a center portion of the elastic layer in the width direction satisfies 5≤RaE / RaV.

2. The cleaning body according to claim 1, wherein The relationship between the RaE and the RaV satisfies 6≤RaE / RaV.

3. The cleaning body according to claim 2, wherein: The relationship between the RaE and the RaV satisfies 7≤RaE / RaV.

4. The cleaning body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein With respect to the elastic layer, the number of cells is 80 cells / 25 mm to 105 cells / 25 mm, and the helical angle is 15° to 65°.

5. The cleaning body according to claim 4, wherein: The number of cells is 85 cells / 25 mm to 100 cells / 25 mm with respect to the elastic layer, and the helix angle is 25° to 45°.

6. A cleaning device, comprising: body to be cleaned; as well as The cleaning body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which cleans the object to be cleaned while rotating in contact with the rotating object to be cleaned.

7. A charging device, comprising: A rotatable charging body; as well as The cleaning body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which cleans the charging body while rotating in contact with the rotating charging body.

8. A component comprising: The body to be charged; a rotatable charging body, the rotatable charging body charging the body to be charged; as well as The cleaning body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which cleans the charging body while rotating in contact with the rotating charging body, The body to be charged, the charging body and the cleaning body are integrally and detachably assembled to the main body of the device.

9. An image forming device, the image forming device comprising: an image holding member that holds an image; a rotatable charging body that charges the image holding member; an exposure device that exposes the image holding member charged by the charging body to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image holding member by the exposure device; as well as The cleaning body according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which cleans the charging body while rotating in contact with the rotating charging body.

Images