Conductive member, charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A conductive member, a charging device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus, the conductive member including: a substrate; the elastic layer is arranged on the base material; and a surface layer provided on the elastic layer, the surface layer having a sea-island structure composed of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, and a conductive agent being unevenly distributed on the interface between the sea portion and the island portion, the conductive agent being unevenly distributed on the interface between the sea portion and the island portion when the cross-section of the surface layer is viewed. The ratio (A) of the total area of the island parts in a region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is 40-80%, and a connected island part in which two or more island parts are connected is present in the region X. The ratio B of the total area of the connecting island parts to the total area of the island parts is 50% or more and 100% or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conductive component, a charging device, a processing box, and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 proposes "a conductive component comprising: a substrate; an elastic layer disposed on the substrate; and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer, having an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, and having carbon black contained at least inside the island portion."

[0003] Patent document 2 proposes "a conductive component comprising: a substrate; an elastic layer disposed on the substrate; and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer, the surface layer having an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising at least a first resin and a conductive agent and an island portion comprising at least a second resin, the island portion having an average diameter of 100 nm or more and a layer thickness of 1 / 10 or less of the surface layer, the conductive agent contained in the sea portion being located near the interface between the sea portion and the island portion."

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-22410

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-15952 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a conductive component that, compared to a component comprising a substrate, an elastic layer disposed on the substrate, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer, has a surface layer having an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, wherein the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion, and when observing a cross-section of the surface layer, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the island portions in a region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is 40% or more and 80% or less, and there are connecting island portions formed by the connection of two or more island portions in region X, wherein the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting island portions in the total area of ​​the island portions is less than 50%, thereby suppressing the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0007] The specific means used to solve the problem include the following methods.

[0008] <1> A conductive component comprising:

[0009] Substrate;

[0010] An elastic layer is disposed on the substrate; and

[0011] A surface layer is disposed on the elastic layer.

[0012] The surface layer has an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, and the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion.

[0013] When observing the cross-section of the surface layer, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the islands in the region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is more than 40% and less than 80%.

[0014] In region X, there exist two or more connecting islands, and the total area of ​​the connecting islands accounts for more than 50% and less than 100% of the total area of ​​the islands.

[0015] <2> According to the conductive component described in <1>, wherein,

[0016] The ratio A is above 50% and below 70%.

[0017] <3> The conductive component according to <1>, wherein,

[0018] The ratio B is above 80% and below 100%.

[0019] <4> The conductive component according to <1>, wherein,

[0020] The ratio A is 50% or more and 70% or less, and the ratio B is 80% or more and 100% or less.

[0021] <5> The conductive component according to <1>, wherein,

[0022] The first resin is polyamide, and the second resin is polyvinyl butyral.

[0023] <6> The conductive component according to <5>, wherein,

[0024] The surface layer NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) derived from amide was measured by FT-IR before and after a discharge test in which a voltage of 1.1 kV was applied to the conductive component while the conductive component was rotated at 150 rpm and the aluminum tube was discharged. -1 The absorbance ratio at position (i.e., absorbance aged / absorbance ini) is 0.20 or higher.

[0025] The absorbance ini represents the NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) originating from amide in the sample measured before the discharge test. -1 Absorbance at position )

[0026] The absorbance value aged indicates the NH wave angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) originating from amide in the sample after the discharge test. -1 The absorbance at position )

[0027] <7> The conductive component according to <6>, wherein,

[0028] The absorbance ratio, i.e., absorbance aged / absorbance ini, is 0.25 or higher.

[0029] <8> An electric device comprising any one of <1> to <7> conductive components.

[0030] <9> A processing box comprising the energizing device described in <8>.

[0031] The processing box is mounted and dismounted from the image forming apparatus.

[0032] <10> An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0033] Like a retainer;

[0034] The charging device described in <9> charges the surface of the image holder.

[0035] An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the already charged image holder;

[0036] A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and

[0037] A transfer device that transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium.

[0038] Invention Effects

[0039] According to the invention described in <1> or <5>, a conductive component is provided, which, compared to having a substrate, an elastic layer disposed on the substrate, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer, has a surface layer having an island structure composed of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, and the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion. When observing the cross-section of the surface layer, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the island portions in a region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is 40% or more and 80% or less, and there are connecting island portions formed by connecting two or more island portions in region X, and the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting island portions in the total area of ​​the island portions is less than 50%, can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0040] According to the invention described in <2> or <4>, a conductive component is provided that, compared to a ratio A of 40% or more but less than 50% or more than 70% but less than 80%, can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0041] According to the invention described in <3> or <4>, a conductive component is provided that can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation when the ratio B is 50% or more but less than 70%.

[0042] According to the invention described in <6>, a conductive component is provided that can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation compared to a light absorption ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance in) of less than 0.20.

[0043] According to the invention described in <7>, a conductive component is provided that can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation, compared to a light absorption ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance in) of 0.20 or more and less than 0.25.

[0044] According to the inventions described in <8>, <9>, or <10>, a charged device, processing unit, or image forming apparatus is provided that, compared to the case of having a conductive component, can suppress blurring. This conductive component includes a substrate, an elastic layer disposed on the substrate, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer. The surface layer has an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin. A conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion. When a cross-section of the surface layer is observed, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the island portions in a region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is 40% or more and 80% or less. In region X, there are connecting island portions formed by the connection of two or more island portions, and the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting island portions in the total area of ​​the island portions is less than 50%. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a conductive component according to this embodiment;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the conductive component involved in this embodiment. Figure 1 AA section view;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of an island structure in the surface layer of a conductive component according to this embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0050] Symbol Explanation

[0051] 30-shaft, 31-elastic layer, 32-surface layer, 121A-conductive component, 210-image forming apparatus, 214-image forming section, 216-conveying section, 218-discharging section, 220-control section, 222-image forming unit, 223-electrifying device, 223A-electrified roller, 224-intermediate transfer belt, 226-first transfer roller, 228-second transfer roller, 232-photoreceptor, 236-exposure apparatus, 238-developing apparatus, 240-removal component, 260-fixing apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The following describes an embodiment as an example of the present invention. These descriptions and examples illustrate the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0053] In the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit of a numerical range can be replaced with the upper or lower limit of other numerical ranges described in different periods. Furthermore, within the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit of that range can be replaced with the values ​​shown in the embodiments.

[0054] Each component can contain multiple corresponding substances.

[0055] When referring to the amount of each component in a composition, if there are multiple substances corresponding to each component in the composition, unless otherwise specified, the amount refers to the total amount of the multiple substances present in the composition.

[0056] <Conductive components>

[0057] The conductive component according to this embodiment includes a substrate, an elastic layer disposed on the substrate, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer. When the cross-section of the surface layer is observed, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the islands in the region X from a depth of 10% of the film thickness of the surface layer is 40% or more and 80% or less. There are connecting islands formed by connecting two or more islands in the region X, and the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting islands in the total area of ​​the islands is 50% or more and 100% or less.

[0058] The conductive component involved in this embodiment, through the above-described structure, can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0059] The reasoning is as follows.

[0060] A conductive component is known to have a substrate, an elastic layer disposed on the substrate, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer. The surface layer has an island structure consisting of a sea portion made of a first resin and an island portion made of a second resin, and a conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion.

[0061] In this type of conductive component, the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea and island portions in the surface layer. Therefore, the location of the conductive agent, i.e., the area around the island portion, becomes a conductive path. If the surface layer has finely dispersed granular island portions, there are more conductive paths. As a result, during discharge, there are more first resins in contact with these paths, making the first resins more prone to deterioration.

[0062] If the first resin deteriorates, the resistance of the conductive component will increase. This increase in resistance can cause issues such as the generation of haze when the conductive component is applied to a charged component in an image forming apparatus.

[0063] In the conductive component of this embodiment, the following configuration is provided: when the cross-section is observed, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the islands in the region X (corresponding to the surface layer) up to a depth of 10% of the film thickness of the surface layer is 40% or more and 80% or less; there are connecting islands formed by connecting two or more islands in the region X; and the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting islands in the total area of ​​the islands is 50% or more and 100% or less.

[0064] Therefore, it is believed that when the proportion A of the total area of ​​the island in region X is within the above range, the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting island in the total area of ​​the island is set to be more than 50% and less than 100%. As a result, compared with the case where the proportion A is equal and the proportion B is less than 50%, the conductive path is reduced, and the first resin that comes into contact with the path is reduced during discharge, so the deterioration of the first resin can be suppressed.

[0065] In summary, it is presumed that the resistance increase caused by discharge degradation of the conductive components involved in this embodiment is suppressed.

[0066] The conductive components involved in this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a conductive component involved in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a conductive component involved in this embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating an example of an island structure in the surface layer of a conductive component according to this embodiment.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the conductive component 121A involved in this embodiment is, for example, a roller-shaped component having a shaft 30 (an example of a substrate), an elastic layer 31 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 30, and a surface layer 32 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 31.

[0069] Hereinafter, each component of the conductive component according to this embodiment will be described in detail. However, symbols attached to each component are sometimes omitted.

[0070] (Substrate)

[0071] The substrate is a conductive cylindrical or cylindrical component.

[0072] In this invention, "conductivity" refers to a volume resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 13 Ωcm.

[0073] Materials used as substrates include, for example, iron (free-cutting steel, etc.), copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, and other metals. Other examples of substrates include parts with plated outer surfaces (e.g., resin, ceramic parts), and parts with dispersed conductive agents (e.g., resin, ceramic parts).

[0074] (Elastic layer)

[0075] The elastic layer may contain elastic materials, conductive agents, and other additives.

[0076] Examples of elastic materials include isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene ternary copolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and their blends.

[0077] Among them, the elastic material is preferably polyurethane, silicone rubber, EPDM, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, NBR and their mixtures, and is particularly preferably epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber.

[0078] Elastic materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0079] These elastic materials can be either foamed or non-foamed.

[0080] Examples of conductive agents include electronic conductive agents and ionic conductive agents.

[0081] Examples of conductive agents include carbon black such as Ketjen black and acetylene black, thermally decomposed carbon and graphite, conductive metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper, nickel and stainless steel, conductive metal oxides such as tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide-antimony oxide solid solution, and tin oxide-indium oxide solid solution, as well as powders of materials whose surfaces have been treated to make insulating materials conductive.

[0082] Examples of ionic conductive agents include tetraethylammonium, lauryltrimethylammonium, and other onium-based perchlorates or chlorates, as well as perchlorates or chlorates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals such as lithium and magnesium.

[0083] Conductive agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0084] Carbon black is particularly preferred as a conductive agent.

[0085] Specifically, examples of carbon black include "Asahi Thermal" manufactured by ASAHI CARBON CO.,LTD., "Special Black 350", "Special Black 100", "Special Black 250", "Special Black 5", "Special Black 4", "Special Black 4A", "Special Black 550", "Special Black 6", "Color Black FW 200", "Color Black FW 2", and "Color Black FW 2V" manufactured by Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH, and "MONARCH 880", "MONARCH 1000", "MONARCH 1300", "MONARCH 1400", "MOGUL-L", and "REGAL 400R" manufactured by Cabot Corporation.

[0086] The amount of conductive agent is not particularly limited, but in the case of electronic conductive agents, it is preferably in the range of 1 part by mass and 30 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the elastic material, more preferably in the range of 15 parts by mass and 25 parts by mass. In the case of ionic conductive agents, for example, it is preferably in the range of 0.1 parts by mass and 5.0 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the elastic material, more preferably in the range of 0.5 parts by mass and 3.0 parts by mass.

[0087] Other additives that can be incorporated into the elastic layer include, for example, softeners, plasticizers, curing agents, vulcanizing agents, vulcanization accelerators, antioxidants, surfactants, coupling agents, fillers (silica, calcium carbonate, etc.) and other common materials that can be incorporated into the elastic layer.

[0088] The thickness of the elastic layer is preferably 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0089] Furthermore, the volume resistivity of the elastic layer is preferably, for example, 1×10⁻⁶. 3 Ω·cm or more and 1×10 14 Below Ω·cm.

[0090] (Surface layer)

[0091] -Composition of the surface layer-

[0092] The surface layer has an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, and the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion.

[0093] Here, "island structure" refers to a structure in which at least two resins are mixed in an immiscible state, and an island portion is included as a dispersed phase within the sea portion, which is the continuous phase. That is, the surface layer is composed of two or more resins, including a first resin and a second resin.

[0094] The island structure is formed by adjusting the difference in solubility parameters (SP values) between the first resin and the second resin, as well as the mixing ratio of the first resin and the second resin. From the viewpoint of facilitating the formation of an island structure, for example, the difference in SP values ​​between the first resin and the second resin is preferably 2 or more and 10 or less.

[0095] The mixing ratio of the first resin and the second resin will be described later.

[0096] The method for calculating the solubility parameter (SP value) is described in "Polymer Handbook, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons", VII680–683. The solubility parameters of the main resins are described in VII702–711 of the aforementioned literature.

[0097] Furthermore, in the surface layer, the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea and the island, but the degree of bias can be expressed by the proportion of the conductive agent present in the region within 100 nm from the interface between the sea and the island towards the sea (also known as the bias rate of the conductive agent). Specifically, the conductive agent being biased at the interface between the sea and the island means that the bias rate of the conductive agent present in the region within 100 nm from the interface between the sea and the island towards the sea is 80% or more. A higher bias rate of the conductive agent is preferred, and more preferably 85% or more.

[0098] The bias rate of the conductive agent was determined by the following method.

[0099] Surface layer sections were prepared using a low-temperature slicing method, cut along the thickness direction. These sections were then observed using a scanning electron microscope. Ten randomly selected regions were 4μm × 4μm squares, including both the marine and island portions. For each region, the area of ​​the conductive agent was measured overall, the area of ​​the conductive agent in the marine portion, and the area of ​​the conductive agent within 100 nm from the interface towards the marine portion. Furthermore, when the surface layer thickness was less than 4μm, the number of observed regions was increased to achieve the same area as described above.

[0100] Regarding the bias rate (%) of the conductive agent, calculate {the area of ​​the conductive agent in the region within 100 nm from the interface to the sea side ÷ the area of ​​the conductive agent in the sea side × 100}, and set it as the arithmetic mean of 10 regions.

[0101] Examples of the first resin include acrylic resins, cellulose resins, polyamide resins (including copolynylon), polyurethane resins, polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, polyethylene resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, polyarylate resins, styrene-butadiene resins, melamine resins, epoxy resins, urethane resins, silicone resins, fluoropolymers (e.g., tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc.), and urea resins. Furthermore, the copolynylon is a copolymer containing one or more of 610 nylon, 11 nylon, and 12 nylon as polymeric units; other polymeric units may include 6 nylon, 66 nylon, etc. As the first resin, it can be used in elastic materials incorporated into elastic layers.

[0102] The first resin can be used alone or in combination with two or more resins.

[0103] From the viewpoints of obtaining the electrical properties of the surface layer, resistance to contamination, appropriate hardness and its maintenance, and from the viewpoints of obtaining the dispersion suitability or film-forming properties of the conductive agent when forming the surface layer using the dispersion, the first resin is preferably, for example, a polyamide resin (e.g., nylon), more preferably a methoxymethylated polyamide resin (e.g., methoxymethylated nylon).

[0104] Examples of second resins include polyvinyl butyral resin, polystyrene resin, and polyvinyl alcohol resin.

[0105] The second resin can be used alone or in combination with two or more resins.

[0106] From the viewpoints of obtaining the electrical properties of the surface layer, resistance to contamination, appropriate hardness and its maintenance, and from the viewpoints of obtaining the dispersion suitability of the conductive agent or the film-forming properties when using the dispersion to form the surface layer, the second resin is preferably, for example, a polyvinyl butyral resin.

[0107] As can be seen from the above, in this embodiment, for example, it is preferable that the first resin is a polyamide resin and the second resin is a polyvinyl butyral resin. This combination is preferred from the viewpoints of obtaining the electrical properties of the surface layer, resistance to contamination, appropriate hardness and its maintenance, as well as the dispersion suitability of the conductive agent or the film-forming properties when forming the surface layer using a dispersion liquid. Furthermore, it is preferred from the viewpoints of easily forming island structures in the surface layer and easily biasing the conductive agent between the sea and island portions.

[0108] Relative to the total of 100 parts by mass of the first resin and the second resin, the content of the first resin in the surface layer is preferably 50 parts by mass or more and 90 parts by mass or less, more preferably 60 parts by mass or more and 85 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 70 parts by mass or more and 80 parts by mass or less.

[0109] Relative to the total of 100 parts by mass of the first resin and the second resin, the content of the second resin in the surface layer is preferably 10 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 15 parts by mass or more and 40 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 20 parts by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less.

[0110] By keeping the contents of the first resin and the second resin within the aforementioned range, it is easy to set the proportion A in the island structure of the surface layer (region X) to the aforementioned numerical range. Furthermore, by keeping the contents of the first resin and the second resin within the aforementioned range, it is easy to obtain the electrical properties, resistance to contamination, appropriate hardness (mechanical strength), and their retention of the surface layer.

[0111] The total content of the first resin and the second resin relative to the surface layer as a whole is preferably 50% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less.

[0112] Examples of conductive agents include electronic conductive agents and ionic conductive agents.

[0113] Examples of conductive agents include carbon black such as Ketjen black and acetylene black, thermally decomposed carbon and graphite, conductive metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper, nickel and stainless steel, conductive metal oxides such as tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide-antimony oxide solid solution, and tin oxide-indium oxide solid solution, as well as powders of materials whose surfaces have been treated to make insulating materials conductive.

[0114] Examples of ionic conductive agents include tetraethylammonium, lauryltrimethylammonium, and other onium-based perchlorates or chlorates, as well as perchlorates or chlorates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals such as lithium and magnesium.

[0115] Conductive agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0116] Carbon black is preferred as a conductive agent.

[0117] This is because, compared to conductive agents other than carbon black, carbon black tends to concentrate at the interface between the marine and island parts of the surface layer.

[0118] Examples of carbon black include Ketjen black, acetylene black, and oxidized carbon black with a pH below 5. More specifically, examples include "Special Black 350", "Special Black 100", "Special Black 250", "Special Black 5", "Special Black 4", "Special Black 4A", "Special Black 550", "Special Black 6", "Color Black FW200", "Color Black FW2", and "Color Black FW2V" manufactured by Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH, and "MONARCH 880", "MONARCH 1000", "MONARCH 1300", "MONARCH 1400", "MOGUL-L", and "REGAL 400R" manufactured by Cabot Corporation.

[0119] The average particle size of the carbon black is preferably 15 nm or more and 30 nm or less, more preferably 15 nm or more and 25 nm or less, and even more preferably 15 nm or more and 20 nm or less.

[0120] By setting the average particle size of the carbon black to be above 15 nm and below 30 nm, the carbon black particles become more compact and more easily dispersed at the interface between the marine and island regions. Therefore, current flows more easily between the conductive agents.

[0121] The average particle size of carbon black was measured by TEM (transmission electron microscopy).

[0122] The determination method is as follows.

[0123] First, the surface layer is cut off by a slicer, and the resulting cross-section is observed using TEM (transmission electron microscopy). The diameter of a circle with the same projected area as each of the 50 carbon black particles is defined as the particle size, and their average value is defined as the average particle size.

[0124] Relative to a total of 100 parts by mass of the first resin and the second resin, the content of the conductive agent in the surface layer is preferably 10 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less, more preferably 12 parts by mass or more and 15 parts by mass or less.

[0125] If the content of the conductive agent is 10 parts by mass or more relative to the total 100 parts by mass of the first resin and the second resin, it is easy to obtain a state in which the conductive agents present at the interface between the sea area and the island are close to each other, so that current can easily flow between the conductive agents. As a result, conductive paths are easily formed due to the conductive agents present at the interface between the sea area and the island. Furthermore, it is speculated that since the state of the island in the surface layer (region X) is as described above, the number of conductive paths is limited, thereby effectively suppressing the degradation of the first resin and suppressing the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0126] Furthermore, if the content of the conductive agent is 10 parts by mass or more relative to the total of 100 parts by mass of the first resin and the second resin, sufficient conductive paths generated by the conductive agent will be formed at the interface between the sea and the island, thereby easily obtaining the desired discharge characteristics.

[0127] -Structure of the surface layer (region X) of the island--

[0128] When the cross-section of the surface layer is observed, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the islands in region X, from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness, is more than 40% and less than 80%. In region X, there are connecting islands formed by connecting two or more islands, and the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting islands in the total area of ​​the islands is more than 50% and less than 100%.

[0129] use Figure 3 The connecting islands in region X are explained. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the structure of an island, therefore the conductive agent has been omitted.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, in region X, there exists a marine part as a continuous phase and an island part as a dispersed phase. Furthermore, in the center of the island part, there are connected island parts formed by connecting two or more granular island parts, and island parts other than the connected island parts (i.e., an island part in which only one granular island part exists).

[0131] Ratio A represents the proportion of the total area of ​​the islands (the sum of the areas of all islands existing in region X) to the overall area of ​​region X. Furthermore, it represents the proportion of the total area of ​​the connected islands (formed by linking two or more islands in region X) to the total area of ​​the islands in region X.

[0132] Ratio A represents the proportion of the total area of ​​the islands to the overall area of ​​region X. In the surface layer, i.e., region X, the proportion A of the island area is within an appropriate range, thereby maintaining mechanical strength while providing sufficient interface between the sea and islands for the conductive agent to be absorbed, thus facilitating the flow of current.

[0133] From these perspectives, the proportion A is 40% or more and 80% or less, preferably 50% or more and 70% or less, and more preferably 55% or more and 65% or less.

[0134] Ratio B represents the ratio of the total surface area of ​​the connecting islands formed by the connection of two or more islands in region X to the total area of ​​the islands in region X. By increasing ratio B, the discharge path is restricted, thus suppressing the degradation of the first resin, thereby suppressing the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0135] Therefore, the proportion B is 50% or more and 100% or less, preferably 80% or more and 100% or less, and more preferably 85% or more and 100% or less.

[0136] From the viewpoint of maintaining mechanical strength and sufficient conductivity in the surface layer while further suppressing the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation, it is preferable, for example, that the proportion A is 50% or more and 70% or less, and the proportion B is 80% or more and 100% or less.

[0137] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of maintaining mechanical strength and obtaining the desired conductivity, the following approach is preferred, for example.

[0138] That is, when the cross-section of the surface layer is observed, the proportion C of the total area of ​​the islands in the region Y from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of more than 10% of the film thickness is preferably 50% or more and 70% or less, more preferably 55% or more and 65% or less.

[0139] Furthermore, the proportion D of the total area of ​​the connected islands in the total area of ​​the islands in region Y is preferably 80% or more and 100% or less, more preferably 85% or more and 100% or less.

[0140] Furthermore, the difference between proportion A and proportion C is preferably small, preferably 15% or less, and more preferably 10% or less. The lower limit of the difference between proportion A and proportion C can be 0 or more, or it can be 5% or more.

[0141] Furthermore, the difference between proportion B and proportion D is preferably small, preferably less than 15%, and more preferably less than 10%. The lower limit of the difference between proportion B and proportion D can be 0 or more than 5%.

[0142] The proportions A to D are the values ​​measured below.

[0143] A surface layer section was prepared by a low-temperature slicing method, cut along the thickness direction. The cross-section of the surface layer cut by the low-temperature slicing method was observed using a scanning electron microscope.

[0144] Then, in the observed image, 10 regions are randomly selected from the regions corresponding to region X, extending from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness. For each region, the area of ​​that region, the total area of ​​the islands within that region, and the total area of ​​the connecting islands within that region are measured. The arithmetic mean of the ratios of the total island area to the area of ​​the region for the 10 regions is then calculated, as ratio A. Furthermore, the arithmetic mean of the ratios of the total area of ​​the connecting islands to the total area of ​​the islands for the 10 regions is calculated, as ratio B.

[0145] Similarly, ten regions are randomly selected from the regions corresponding to the region Y extending from the surface of the surface layer to a depth greater than 10% of the film thickness. For each region, its area, the total area of ​​the islands within that region, and the total area of ​​the connecting islands within that region are measured. Then, the arithmetic mean of the ratios of the total island area to the area of ​​the region for the ten measured regions is calculated, as ratio C. Furthermore, the arithmetic mean of the ratios of the total area of ​​the connecting islands to the total island area for the ten measured regions is calculated, as ratio D.

[0146] In this invention, "connected islands" refers to a portion formed by connecting two or more granular islands.

[0147] Regarding connecting islands, extract the individual island portions (those that can be fitted into a circular shape) from the above sectional view, calculate their average diameter, and set a reference circle. Portions where two or more reference circles can be configured at the expected location for connecting islands are identified as connecting islands. However, the overlap between the configured reference circles is allowed to be 50%.

[0148] -Diameter of the island-

[0149] Regarding the conductive component involved in this embodiment, if it is a connecting island in the cross section of the surface layer (either of region X and region Y), it is preferably 500 nm or more and 1500 nm or less, and more preferably 500 nm or more and 1000 nm or less.

[0150] Furthermore, in the cross section of the surface layer (either of region X and region Y), as long as it is an island other than the connecting island, it is preferably 100 nm or more and 500 nm or less, more preferably 300 nm or more and 500 nm or less.

[0151] The diameter of the island is the value measured below.

[0152] A surface layer section was prepared by a cryogenic slicing method, cut along the thickness direction. The cross-section of the surface layer cut by the cryogenic slicing method was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Ten connecting islands and other islands were randomly selected. For each of the ten islands, the maximum length (so-called major axis) drawn at any two points on the island's outline was measured, and the average of the ten major axes was taken as the island's diameter (nm).

[0153] -Surface layer thickness-

[0154] The thickness of the surface layer is preferably 3 μm or more and 25 μm or less, more preferably 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, and even more preferably 6 μm or more and 15 μm or less.

[0155] The thickness of the surface layer is determined by cutting the surface layer along the thickness direction and observing the cross section obtained by optical microscopy.

[0156] The thickness of the elastic layer can be determined using the same method as this measurement method.

[0157] (Absorbance of conductive components)

[0158] In the conductive component of this embodiment, when the first resin is a polyamide resin, it is preferably, for example, as follows: the NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) of the surface layer derived from the amide, measured by FT-IR before and after a discharge test in which a voltage of 1.1 kV is applied to the conductive component and the aluminum tube is discharged while the conductive component is rotated at a speed of 150 rpm. -1 The absorbance ratio at position A (absorbance aged / absorbance in) is greater than 0.20.

[0159] Regarding the absorbance ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance in), its increase becomes an indicator that the deterioration of the polyamide resin, which is the first resin, is suppressed.

[0160] Therefore, the absorbance ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance in) is preferably 0.20 or higher, and more preferably 0.25 or higher from the viewpoint of further suppressing the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0161] In addition, the upper limit of the above absorbance ratio is, for example, 1, and can be below 0.75.

[0162] The methods for discharge testing and absorbance ratio determination are as follows.

[0163] A high-voltage power supply (e.g., the Trek MODEL610E high-voltage amplifier) ​​is connected to the conductive component. Then, a voltage of 1.1kV is applied to the conductive component through the high-voltage power supply, and the aluminum tube is discharged while the conductive component is rotated at 150rpm.

[0164] Specifically, a 72-hour discharge test was conducted at 22°C and 55% RH.

[0165] Before and after the above discharge test, the NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) of the surface layer derived from the amide, as measured by FT-IR, was analyzed. -1 The absorbance at the position is measured, and the ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance in) is calculated.

[0166] Specifically, the surface layer is cut out from the conductive components before and after the discharge test, and the cut test sample is placed in the measurement section of an FT-IR measuring machine (Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, for example, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, trade name: IRSpirit) for measurement.

[0167] The measurement conditions were as follows: scan speed: 0.2 cm / s, resolution: 4 cm. -1 Total number of times: 32; Area: 600-4000cm -1 .

[0168] Based on the obtained infrared absorption spectrum, the NH wave angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) originating from the amide was determined. -1 The absorbance at position ) was measured before the discharge test. The angular vibration of NH4+ derived from amide in the sample was measured at 1540 cm⁻¹. -1 The absorbance at position (i) is set as absorbance ini. The angular vibration of NH4+ from amide in the sample after the discharge test (1540 cm) is measured. -1The absorbance at position ) is set as absorbance aged, and the absorbance ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance ini) is calculated.

[0169] (Manufacturing method of conductive components)

[0170] Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing a conductive component according to this embodiment will be described.

[0171] First, a roller-shaped component with an elastic layer disposed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical or cylindrical substrate is prepared. The manufacturing method of the roller-shaped component is not particularly limited. For example, a manufacturing method may be described, which includes the following steps: winding a mixture containing an elastic material, a conductive agent and other additives as needed, onto a cylindrical or cylindrical substrate, heating it, and vulcanizing it to form an elastic layer.

[0172] There is no particular limitation on the method of forming a surface layer on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer. For example, a preferred method is to coat the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer of the roller member with a dispersion obtained by dissolving and dispersing the first resin, the second resin and the conductive agent in a solvent, and then dry the coated dispersion to form a surface layer.

[0173] Coating methods for applying a dispersion to the outer peripheral surface of an elastic layer on a roller component include, for example, blade coating, Mayer rod coating, spraying, dip coating, bead coating, air knife coating, and curtain coating.

[0174] Then, by controlling the drying conditions in the process of coating the dispersion onto the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer and drying the coated dispersion, a surface layer having a surface layer (region X) as described above can be obtained.

[0175] The drying conditions in the process of drying the dispersion coated on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer are preferably set to slow drying conditions. By slowing down the drying of the dispersion, it is easier for islands to aggregate, thereby obtaining a surface layer having a surface layer (region X) with connected islands as described above.

[0176] As conditions for slow drying, it is preferable to set the dew point of the environment during drying to be 5°C or higher and 25°C or lower, and more preferably 10°C or higher and 20°C or lower.

[0177] Furthermore, as a condition for slow drying, such as air drying, the dispersion coated on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer is preferably dried with a blowing speed of 0.4 m / s or more and 1.5 m / s or less, and more preferably dried with a blowing speed of 0.5 m / s or more and 1.0 m / s or less.

[0178] In particular, by combining the above-mentioned dew point and wind speed conditions during air drying, the conductive component involved in this embodiment can be easily obtained.

[0179] (Applications of conductive components)

[0180] The conductive components involved in this embodiment include, for example, charged rollers used in electronic photo copiers, electrostatic printers, etc., for charging the surface of an image holder, transfer rollers for transferring toner images formed on an image holder to a transfer medium, toner delivery rollers for conveying toner on an image holder, conductive rollers for powering or driving in combination with conductive strips for electrostatically conveying paper, and cleaning rollers for removing toner from an image holder. Furthermore, in inkjet image forming apparatuses, charged rollers are used to charge an intermediate transfer medium before ink is ejected from the inkjet head.

[0181] The conductive component 121A, which is a roller-shaped component, has been described above as a conductive component in this embodiment. However, the conductive component in this embodiment is not limited to this and may be an annular strip-shaped component or a sheet-shaped component.

[0182] Furthermore, the conductive component involved in this embodiment may be, for example, a structure in which an adhesive layer (primer layer) is disposed between the substrate and the elastic layer, a resistance adjustment layer or a transfer prevention layer is disposed between the elastic layer and the surface layer, and a coating layer (protective layer) is disposed on the outer side (outermost surface) of the surface layer.

[0183] <Electrified device, image forming apparatus and processing box>

[0184] The energized device according to this embodiment includes the conductive components according to this embodiment.

[0185] The charging device according to this embodiment includes the conductive component according to this embodiment, and is preferably a charging device that charges the image holder by contact charging.

[0186] The contact width of the conductive component with the image holder in the circumferential direction (i.e., the circumferential width of the conductive component in the area where the image holder contacts the conductive component) is not particularly limited. For example, a range of 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less can be given, and a range of 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less is preferred.

[0187] The processing box according to this embodiment includes, for example, an image forming apparatus that is detachable from the structure described below, and an electrification device that electrifies the surface of the image holder. Then, the electrification device described in this embodiment is used as the electrification device.

[0188] The processing box according to this embodiment may, as needed, include at least one of the following groups: an image holder, an electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of an already charged image holder, a developing apparatus for developing a toner image by developing the latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with a toner, a transfer apparatus for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image holder to a recording medium, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the surface of the image holder.

[0189] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes an image holder, a charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, an electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, a developing apparatus for forming a toner image by developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with a developer containing a toner, and a transfer apparatus for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium. The charging device described in this embodiment is then used as the charging device.

[0190] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the image forming apparatus and processing box according to this embodiment will be described.

[0191] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Additionally, the arrow UP shown in the diagram indicates upward in the vertical direction.

[0192] like Figure 4 As shown, the image forming apparatus 210 includes an image forming apparatus main body 211 housing all its constituent components. Inside the image forming apparatus main body 211 are a receiving section 212 for holding a recording medium P such as paper, an image forming section 214 for forming an image on the recording medium P, a transport section 216 for transporting the recording medium P from the receiving section 212 to the image forming section 214, and a control section 220 for controlling the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 210. Furthermore, an discharge section 218 for discharging the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming section 214 is provided at the top of the image forming apparatus main body 211.

[0193] The image forming unit 214 includes image forming units 222Y, 222M, 222C, and 222K (hereinafter referred to as 222Y to 222K) that form tonal images of various colors such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K); an intermediate transfer belt 224 (an example of a transfer object) for transferring the tonal images formed by the image forming units 222Y to 222K; a first transfer roller 226 (an example of a transfer roller) for transferring the tonal images formed by the image forming units 222Y to 222K onto the intermediate transfer belt 224; and a second transfer roller 228 (an example of a transfer member) for transferring the tonal images transferred from the first transfer roller 226 to the intermediate transfer belt 224 onto the recording medium P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 214 is not limited to the above structure and may have other structures, as long as an image is formed on the recording medium P (an example of a transfer object).

[0194] Here, the unit consisting of the intermediate transfer belt 224, the first transfer roller 226, and the second transfer roller 228 is equivalent to an example of a transfer device. Furthermore, this unit can be manufactured as a box (processing box).

[0195] Image forming units 222Y to 222K are arranged side-by-side in the central portion of the image forming apparatus 210 in the vertical direction, with the horizontal direction inclined. Furthermore, each of the image forming units 222Y to 222K has a direction (e.g., ...) Figure 3 The photoreceptor 232 (an example of an image holder) rotates clockwise. Furthermore, since the image forming units 222Y to 222K are configured in the same manner, therefore... Figure 3 The symbols for the image forming units 222M, 222C, and 222K are omitted.

[0196] Around each photoreceptor 232, upstream of the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 232, there are sequentially arranged a charging device 223 having a charging roller 223A (an example of a charging component) that charges the photoreceptor 232, an exposure device 236 (an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device) that exposes the photoreceptor 232 charged by the charging device 223 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 232, a developing device 238 that develops the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 232 by the exposure device 236 to form a toner image, and a removal component (cleaning blade, etc.) 240 that contacts the photoreceptor 232 to remove the toner residue on the photoreceptor 232.

[0197] Here, the photoreceptor 232, the charging device 223, the exposure device 236, the developing device 238, and the removal component 240 are held together by the housing (frame) 222A to form a box (processing box).

[0198] Exposure device 236 is applicable to self-scanning LED printheads. Alternatively, exposure device 236 can be an exposure device for an optical system that exposes the photoreceptor 232 from a light source via a prism.

[0199] The exposure apparatus 236 forms a latent image based on the image signal sent from the control unit 220. The image signal sent from the control unit 220 may, for example, be an image signal acquired by the control unit 220 from an external device.

[0200] The developing apparatus 238 includes a developer supply 238A that supplies developer to the photoreceptor 232 and multiple transport components 238B that transport the developer supplied to the developer supply 238A while stirring it.

[0201] The intermediate transfer belt 224 is formed in a ring shape and is disposed above the image forming units 222Y to 222K. Winding rollers 242 and 244 for winding the intermediate transfer belt 224 are provided on the inner circumference side of the intermediate transfer belt 224. Due to the rotational drive of either of the winding rollers 242 and 244, the intermediate transfer belt 224 contacts the photoreceptor 232 while moving in one direction (e.g., ...). Figure 4 It moves (rotates) in a counterclockwise direction. In addition, the winding roller 242 is set as a counter-roller opposite to the second transfer roller 228.

[0202] The first transfer roller 226 is positioned opposite the photoreceptor 232 across the intermediate transfer belt 224. The first transfer roller 226 and the photoreceptor 232 are positioned at the first transfer position where the toner image formed on the photoreceptor 232 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 224.

[0203] The second transfer roller 228 is positioned opposite the winding roller 242 across the intermediate transfer belt 224. The second transfer roller 228 and the winding roller 242 are positioned as the second transfer position for transferring the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 224 to the recording medium P.

[0204] The conveying section 216 is provided with a delivery roller 246 for delivering the recording medium P contained in the receiving section 212, a conveying path 248 for conveying the recording medium P delivered to the delivery roller 246, and a plurality of conveying rollers 250 for conveying the recording medium P delivered by the delivery roller 246 arranged along the conveying path 248 to the second transfer position.

[0205] A fixing device 260 is provided on the downstream side of the transport direction, which fixes the tonal image formed on the recording medium P by the image forming unit 214 onto the recording medium P.

[0206] The fixing device 260 is provided with a heating roller 264 for heating the image on the recording medium P and a pressure roller 266 as an example of a pressure member. A heating source 264B is provided inside the heating roller 264.

[0207] A discharge roller 252 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 260 in the conveying direction, which discharges the recording medium P, which is fixed to a toned image, to the discharge section 218.

[0208] Next, the image forming operation of forming an image on the recording medium P in the image forming apparatus 210 will be described.

[0209] In the image forming apparatus 210, the recording medium P, which is delivered from the receiving section 212 via the delivery roller 246, is fed into the second transfer position via a plurality of transport rollers 250.

[0210] On the other hand, in the image forming units 222Y to 222K, the photoreceptor 232, charged by the charging device 223, is exposed by the exposure device 236 to form a latent image on the photoreceptor 232. This latent image is developed by the developing device 238 to form a toner image on the photoreceptor 232. The toner images of various colors formed by the image forming units 222Y to 222K are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 224 at the first transfer position to form a color image. Then, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 224 is transferred to the recording medium P at the second transfer position.

[0211] The recording medium P, on which the toner image has been transferred, is conveyed to the fixing unit 260, where the transferred toner image is fixed. The recording medium P with the fixed toner image is then discharged to the discharge section 218 via the discharge roller 252. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

[0212] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 210 described in this embodiment is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, a well-known image forming apparatus, such as an image forming apparatus that directly transfers the tonal image formed on each photoreceptor 232 of the image forming units 222Y to 222K to the recording medium P, may be used.

[0213] Example

[0214] The following describes embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments in any way. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise stated, "parts" and "%" are both mass terms.

[0215] <Example 1: Fabrication of Conductive Components>

[0216] (Formation of the elastic layer)

[0217] A mixture of 100 parts by weight of an elastic material (epoxychloropropane-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber), 15 parts by weight of a conductive agent (carbon black, Asahi Thermal manufactured by ASAHI CARBON CO.,LTD.), 1 part by weight of a vulcanizing agent (sulfur, 200 mesh, manufactured by Tsurumi Chemical Industry Co.,ltd.) as another additive incorporated into the elastic layer, and 2.0 parts by weight of a vulcanization accelerator (NOCCELER DM manufactured by OUCHI SHINKO CHEMICALINDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD.) as another additive incorporated into the elastic layer, was kneaded using open rolls to obtain an elastic layer forming composition. The elastic layer forming composition was wound onto the outer circumferential surface of an 8mm diameter shaft (substrate) made of SUS303, with an adhesive layer in between, using a stamping machine. The shaft was then subjected to a heat treatment at 180°C for 30 minutes, forming an elastic layer with a thickness of 3.5mm on the shaft. The outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer was ground to obtain a conductive elastic roller with a diameter of 14 mm and an elastic layer with a thickness of 3.0 mm.

[0218] (Formation of the surface layer)

[0219] The mixture consists of 76 parts by weight of polyamide resin (N-methoxymethylated nylon, manufactured by Nagase ChemteX Corporation / F30K) as the first resin, 24 parts by weight of polyvinyl butyral resin (S-LEC BL-1 / manufactured by SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO.,LTD.) as the second resin, 13 parts by weight of carbon black (MONARCH1000 / manufactured by Cabot Corporation) as a conductive agent, 10 parts by weight of porous polyamide filler (Orgasol2001UDNAT1 / manufactured by Arkema K.K.) as a filler, and acid catalyst (NACURE4167 / King). A composition consisting of 1.0 parts by weight of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane (manufactured by BYK Corporation) and 15 parts by weight of leveling agent (polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane (manufactured by BYK Corporation) as a polyether-modified polysiloxane) was diluted with 85 parts by weight of methanol and dispersed by a bead mill to obtain a dispersion. The obtained dispersion was impregnated onto the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer of a conductive elastic roller at a temperature of 24°C and a dew point of 5°C, and then air-dried. During air-drying, the circulating airflow within the compartment was adjusted to maintain an air velocity of 0.7 m / s near the workpiece. Then, it was heated at 140°C for 30 minutes to crosslink, forming a surface layer with a thickness of 10 μm, thus obtaining a conductive component.

[0220] <Examples 2-13, Comparative Examples 1-3>

[0221] In the formation of the surface layer, the amount (parts) of the first resin, the amount (parts) of the second resin, the amount (parts) of the conductive agent, the dew point of the drying environment, and the air speed for air drying were appropriately changed according to Table 1. Otherwise, the conductive component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0222] The abbreviations in Table 1 are as follows.

[0223] -First Resin-

[0224] PA1: Polyamide resin (manufactured by Nagase ChemteX Corporation / F30K)

[0225] -Second Resin-

[0226] • PVB1: Polyvinyl butyral resin (manufactured by S-LEC BM-1 / SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO.,LTD.)

[0227] The following characteristics of the conductive components obtained in each example were measured according to the methods described above. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0228] • "Ratio A"

[0229] • "Ratio B"

[0230] • “Bias rate of conductive agent”

[0231] • Absorbance ratio

[0232] <Evaluation>

[0233] (Evaluation of increased resistance)

[0234] The conductive component obtained in the above-described embodiments or comparative examples was assembled as a charged roller of the charging device on a modified image forming apparatus (DocuCentre-V C7776, manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.). 5000 A4 images with an image density of 30% were output under low temperature and low humidity conditions (10°C and 15% RH). The difference (average of three points along the axis) between the resistance value of the conductive component before assembly on the modified apparatus (initial resistance value (LogΩ)) and the resistance value of the conductive component after outputting 5000 images (resistance value after Run (LogΩ)) was calculated and set as the resistance Δ (LogΩ).

[0235] (A vague evaluation)

[0236] The same image formation process as for the color stripe evaluation was performed. The output to the 5000th sheet of paper was observed, and the presence or absence of haze was used as the image density. The difference between the output and the unused paper was calculated using an X-rite404A reflectance density meter (manufactured by X-rite Corporation), and evaluated as follows. A value below 0.02 is permissible in practical applications.

[0237] G5: Image density difference exceeds 0.04

[0238] G4: Image density difference greater than 0.03 and less than 0.04

[0239] G3: Image density difference greater than 0.02 and less than 0.03

[0240] G2: Image density difference exceeding 0.01 but below 0.02 (the value allowed in practical use).

[0241] G1: Image density difference below 0.01

[0242] (Evaluation of the crack)

[0243] The surface of the charged roller after fuzzy evaluation was observed using an optical microscope. The presence and width of cracks are classified as follows: G0 and G1 are permitted in practical applications.

[0244] G2: Cracks with a width of 10μm or more exist.

[0245] G1: Cracks exist, but the crack width is less than 10μm. (The value allowed in actual use) G0: No cracks exist.

[0246]

[0247] As can be seen from the above results, the conductive component in this embodiment can suppress the increase in resistance.

[0248] Furthermore, it is known that by using the conductive component of this embodiment as the charged roller, it is also possible to suppress dust and fog.

[0249] This implementation includes the following methods.

[0250] (1) A conductive component comprising:

[0251] Substrate;

[0252] An elastic layer is disposed on the substrate; and

[0253] A surface layer is disposed on the elastic layer.

[0254] The surface layer has an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, and the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion.

[0255] When observing the cross-section of the surface layer, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the islands in the region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is more than 40% and less than 80%.

[0256] In region X, there exist two or more connecting islands, and the total area of ​​the connecting islands accounts for more than 50% and less than 100% of the total area of ​​the islands.

[0257] (2) The conductive component according to (1), wherein,

[0258] The ratio A is above 50% and below 70%.

[0259] (3) The conductive component according to (1), wherein,

[0260] The ratio B is above 80% and below 100%.

[0261] (4) The conductive component according to (1), wherein,

[0262] The ratio A is 50% or more and 70% or less, and the ratio B is 80% or more and 100% or less.

[0263] (5) The conductive component according to (1), wherein,

[0264] The first resin is polyamide, and the second resin is polyvinyl butyral.

[0265] (6) The conductive component according to (5), wherein,

[0266] The surface layer NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) derived from amide was measured by FT-IR before and after a discharge test in which a voltage of 1.1 kV was applied to the conductive component while the conductive component was rotated at 150 rpm and the aluminum tube was discharged. -1 The absorbance ratio at position (i.e., absorbance aged / absorbance ini) is 0.20 or higher.

[0267] The absorbance ini represents the NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) originating from amide in the sample measured before the discharge test. -1 Absorbance at position )

[0268] The absorbance value aged indicates the NH wave angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) originating from amide in the sample after the discharge test. -1 The absorbance at position )

[0269] (7) The conductive component according to (6), wherein,

[0270] The absorbance ratio, i.e., absorbance aged / absorbance ini, is 0.25 or higher.

[0271] (8) An electric device comprising any one of (1) to (7) a conductive component.

[0272] (9) A processing box comprising the energizing device described in (8),

[0273] The processing box is mounted and dismounted from the image forming apparatus.

[0274] (10) An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0275] Like a retainer;

[0276] (9) The charging device, which charges the surface of the image holder;

[0277] An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the already charged image holder;

[0278] A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and

[0279] A transfer device that transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium.

[0280] The effects of the above methods are as follows.

[0281] According to the invention involved in (1) or (5), a conductive component is provided, which, compared to having a substrate, an elastic layer disposed on the substrate and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer, has a sea-island structure consisting of a sea portion composed of a first resin and an island portion composed of a second resin, and the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion. When the cross-section of the surface layer is observed, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the island portion in the region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is more than 40% and less than 80%. In the region X, there are connecting island portions formed by connecting two or more island portions, and the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting island portions in the total area of ​​the island portions is less than 50%. This can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation.

[0282] According to the invention involved in (2) or (4), a conductive component is provided that can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation when the ratio A is 40% or more and less than 50% or more than 70% and less than 80%.

[0283] According to the invention involved in (3) or (4), a conductive component is provided that can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation when the ratio B is 50% or more and less than 70%.

[0284] According to the invention involved in (6), a conductive component is provided that can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation compared to a light absorption ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance in) of less than 0.20.

[0285] According to the invention involved in (7), a conductive component is provided that can suppress the increase in resistance caused by discharge degradation compared to a light absorption ratio (absorbance aged / absorbance in) of 0.20 or more and less than 0.25.

[0286] According to the inventions involved in (8), (9) or (10), a charged device, processing box or image forming apparatus is provided that can suppress blurring compared to the case of having a conductive component, the conductive component having a substrate, an elastic layer disposed on the substrate and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer, the surface layer having an island structure composed of a sea portion made of a first resin and an island portion made of a second resin, and the conductive agent being biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion, when the cross section of the surface layer is observed, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the island portion in the region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is more than 40% and less than 80%, there is a connecting island portion formed by two or more island portions connected in the region X, and the proportion B of the total area of ​​the connecting island portion in the total area of ​​the island portion is less than 50%.

[0287] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A conductive component comprising: Substrate; An elastic layer is disposed on the substrate; and A surface layer is disposed on the elastic layer. The surface layer has an island structure consisting of a sea portion comprising a first resin and an island portion comprising a second resin, and the conductive agent is biased at the interface between the sea portion and the island portion. When observing the cross-section of the surface layer, the proportion A of the total area of ​​the islands in the region X from the surface of the surface layer to a depth of 10% of the film thickness is more than 40% and less than 80%. In region X, there exist two or more connecting islands, and the total area of ​​the connecting islands accounts for more than 50% and less than 100% of the total area of ​​the islands.

2. The conductive component according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio A is above 50% and below 70%.

3. The conductive component according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio B is above 80% and below 100%.

4. The conductive component according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio A is 50% or more and 70% or less, and the ratio B is 80% or more and 100% or less.

5. The conductive component according to claim 1, wherein, The first resin is polyamide, and the second resin is polyvinyl butyral.

6. The conductive component according to claim 5, wherein, The surface layer NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) derived from amide was measured by FT-IR before and after a discharge test in which a voltage of 1.1 kV was applied to the conductive component while the conductive component was rotated at 150 rpm and the aluminum tube was discharged. -1 The absorbance ratio at position (i.e., absorbance aged / absorbance ini) is 0.20 or higher. The absorbance ini represents the NH angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) originating from amide in the sample measured before the discharge test. -1 Absorbance at position ) The absorbance value aged indicates the NH wave angle vibration (1540 cm⁻¹) originating from amide in the sample after the discharge test. -1 The absorbance at position ) 7. The conductive component according to claim 6, wherein, The absorbance ratio, i.e., absorbance aged / absorbance ini, is 0.25 or higher.

8. A live device comprising a conductive component according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A processing box comprising the energizing device of claim 8. The processing box is mounted and dismounted from the image forming apparatus.

10. An image forming apparatus comprising: Like a retainer; The charging device of claim 9 charges the surface of the image holder. An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the already charged image holder; A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and A transfer device that transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium.

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