Brush, method for manufacturing brush, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a brush including brush bristles that are not largely deformed by creep that occurs with time in a high temperature and high humidity environment.SOLUTION: A brush includes brush bristles, and the brush bristles include a fiber having an endothermic peak having a peak top in a region of 30°C or more and a glass-transition temperature or less in a DSC curve that is measured by a differential scanning calorimeter during the temperature rise at a rate of temperature rise of 10°C / min. The glass-transition temperature of the fiber is less than 155°C.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brush, a method for manufacturing the brush, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] During the image formation process, photoreceptors, which are electrophotographic image carriers (image carriers), typically undergo repeated processes including charging, exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, and de-ionization. De-ionization may occur after cleaning, and cleaning may occur after de-ionization. The electrostatic latent image formed by charging and exposure is visualized and developed into a toner image using a developer containing toner. This toner image is transferred to a transfer material (transfer medium) such as paper by a transfer device, but not all of the toner is transferred; some of the visualized toner remains on the photoreceptor. During the image formation process, some of the toner may also remain on the intermediate transfer member and / or secondary transfer member. Typical cleaning devices for removing this residual toner include, for example, a fur brush, a magnetic brush, or a blade. Cleaning blades and / or cleaning brushes are primarily used as such cleaning devices, considering cleaning accuracy and / or device configuration.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that residual toner on a photoreceptor is removed using a cleaning brush for an electronic copying machine having pile yarns made by twisting together two or more types of fibers with different electrostatic charge series.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses that a cleaning device is used to clean an intermediate transfer belt in an image forming apparatus. The cleaning device in Patent Document 2 includes an electrostatic cleaning brush member, a brush member voltage application means for applying a voltage to the brush member, a recovery member for recovering toner on the brush member into electrostatic liquid, and a recovery member voltage application means for applying a voltage to the recovery member.

[0005] Fluctuations in the operating environment of an image forming apparatus, particularly fluctuations in temperature and humidity, affect the cleaning ability and / or the degree of wear on the surface of the image carrier. For this reason, it may be difficult to clean the image carrier and a cleaning blade as a cleaning means using only the cleaning blade throughout the entire service life of the image forming apparatus, from the start of use. For this reason, a cleaning brush that rotates while in contact with the image carrier may be provided as a cleaning auxiliary member.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses the use of a cleaning device in an image forming apparatus. This cleaning device has a cleaning blade that contacts a rotating image carrier, an entrance seal that is located upstream of the cleaning blade in the direction of rotation of the image carrier, and a cleaning brush that is located between the entrance seal and the cleaning blade. In this cleaning device, the entrance seal prevents toner scraped off by the cleaning blade from scattering. In this cleaning device, the entrance seal is located upstream of the cleaning blade in the direction of rotation of the image carrier. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-106108 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-126618 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-243977 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, when the brush is left in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, there is a problem in that the brush bristles may creep and deform at the contact points between the brush and the object member that is rubbed by the brush bristles.

[0009] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a brush in which the deformation of the bristles due to creep that occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is small. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with such a brush. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present inventors conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems. In the course of their research, they surprisingly discovered that the above-mentioned problems can be solved when the top of an endothermic peak exists in a specific temperature range in a DSC curve of the fibers contained in the brush bristles during temperature rise measured with a differential scanning calorimeter. As a result, the present inventors have completed the present invention.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, Includes brush bristles, the brush bristles contain fibers that have an endothermic peak with a peak top in a region of 30°C or higher and a glass transition temperature or lower in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter at a temperature rise rate of 10°C / min, The glass transition temperature of the fiber is less than 155°C. A brush may be provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a brush that has small deformation of brush bristles due to creep that occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with the brush. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the invention. [Figure 1]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of a main part of an image forming unit 31Y in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as necessary. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0015] While the present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. The exemplary embodiments described in this specification can be combined in any manner to form other exemplary embodiments.

[0016] In this specification, the range "X to Y" means "X or more and Y or less." Unless otherwise specified, operations and measurements of physical properties are performed at room temperature (20 to 25°C) and a relative humidity of 40 to 50% RH.

[0017] <Brush and its manufacturing method> One aspect of the present invention is Includes brush bristles, the brush bristles contain fibers that have an endothermic peak with a peak top in a region of 30°C or higher and a glass transition temperature or lower in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter at a temperature rise rate of 10°C / min, The glass transition temperature of the fiber is less than 155°C. Regarding brushes.

[0018] In this specification, a fiber having an endothermic peak top in the region of 30°C or higher and lower than the glass transition temperature in a DSC curve measured by a differential scanning calorimeter at a heating rate of 10°C / min, and having a glass transition temperature of less than 155°C, is also simply referred to as "fiber (I)".

[0019] In this specification, an endothermic peak having a peak top in the region of 30°C or higher and a glass transition temperature (Tg) or lower, inclusive, at a glass transition temperature of less than 155°C in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter at a heating rate of 10°C / min, is also simply referred to as an "endothermic peak having a peak top in the region of 30°C or higher and Tg or lower."

[0020] The inventors speculate that the mechanism by which the brush according to this embodiment can solve the above problems is as follows.

[0021] When a fiber has an endothermic peak with a peak top in the range of 30°C or higher and Tg or lower, the amorphous portion of the molecules constituting the fiber is in a state of advanced volume relaxation, and the fiber has a stable structure. Fibers with such a structure are less susceptible to creep deformation that occurs over time in high-temperature, high-humidity environments, and creep deformation of the brush bristles is reduced. Note that the above mechanism is based on speculation, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by this mechanism. Similarly, the correctness of other speculations in this specification does not affect the technical scope of the present invention.

[0022] The brush according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0023] (Brush structure) The brush according to this embodiment includes bristles. The bristles are composed of a plurality of fibers. The bristles of the brush according to this embodiment include fibers having an endothermic peak with a peak top in a region of 30°C or higher and below the glass transition temperature in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter when the temperature is increased at a rate of 10°C / min, and the glass transition temperature of the fibers is lower than 155°C. The bristles may further include other fibers in addition to such fibers (fibers (I)). In one embodiment, the bristles are preferably composed only of fibers (I). The bristles may include fiber bundles formed by bundling a plurality of fibers. The bristles preferably include fiber bundles formed by bundling a plurality of fibers including fiber (I), more preferably comprise only fiber bundles formed by bundling a plurality of fibers including fiber (I), and even more preferably comprise only fiber bundles formed by bundling a plurality of fibers (I).

[0024] In one embodiment, the brush preferably further has a base in addition to the brush bristles. The base is not particularly limited as long as it functions as a foundation for the brush, but is preferably, for example, a cylindrical or columnar member. Specific examples of the base include, but are not particularly limited to, a shaft. A known shaft may be used as the shaft. The shaft is preferably a metal shaft. Examples of metal shafts include, but are not particularly limited to, aluminum shafts, stainless steel shafts, and zinc alloy shafts. Among these, an aluminum shaft is particularly preferred. The outer diameter of the metal shaft is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 4 mm to 10 mm. The length of the metal shaft is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 300 mm to 500 mm, or 300 mm to 400 mm. In one embodiment, the brush may further have a base fabric in addition to the brush bristles, or may further include a base fabric and a base in addition to the brush bristles. In the brush, the base fabric may also serve as the base. A known base fabric may be used as the base fabric. The base fabric is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyester base fabric, polypropylene base fabric, and vinylon base fabric. Among these, polyester base fabric is particularly preferred. In one embodiment, the brush preferably includes a base fabric and a base in addition to the brush bristles. In one embodiment, the brush preferably has a base fabric into which a plurality of fibers including fiber (I) are woven and implanted, and a metal shaft. In this case, it is more preferred that the plurality of fibers are composed only of a plurality of fibers (I). In one embodiment, the brush preferably has a base fabric into which a plurality of fiber bundles, each of which is a bundle of fibers including fiber (I), are woven and implanted, and a metal shaft. In this case, it is more preferred that the fiber bundles are composed only of a plurality of fibers (I).

[0025] The bristle height of the brush bristles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, more preferably 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, and even more preferably 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. The bristle height can be determined as follows: When the brush includes a base but not a backing fabric, the bristle height refers to the distance from the surface of the base to the outermost surface where fibers exist (the outermost surface of the brush) in a direction perpendicular to the surface (in the case where the base is cylindrical or cylindrical, the radial direction from the central axis of the base). When the brush includes a base and a backing fabric, the bristle height refers to the distance from the surface of the backing fabric to the outermost surface where fibers exist (the outermost surface of the brush) in a direction perpendicular to the surface (in the case where the base is cylindrical or cylindrical, the radial direction from the central axis of the base).

[0026] When the brush bristles include a fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers, the bundle fineness of the brush bristles is not particularly limited. In this specification, bundle fineness refers to the thickness of the fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers. The bundle fineness of the brush bristles is preferably 1 decitex or more and 1,000 decitex or less, more preferably 10 decitex or more and 500 decitex or less, and even more preferably 100 decitex or more and 300 decitex or less. Note that tex is a unit of measurement for the thickness of a fiber or thread, and is a unit that expresses the thickness of a fiber or thread in terms of the mass [g] of a fiber or thread 1,000 m long. 1 tex indicates that a fiber or thread has a mass of 1 g per 1,000 m long. 1 decitex is 1 / 10 of 1 tex, so 10 decitex = 1 tex.

[0027] When the brush bristles include fiber bundles each made up of a plurality of fibers, the bundle density of the brush bristles is not particularly limited. In this specification, the bundle density refers to the density of the fiber bundles each made up of a plurality of fibers (the number of fiber bundles per unit area). The bundle density of the brush bristles is preferably 10 kF / inch. 2 More than 300kF / inch 2 More preferably, it is 10 kF / inch or less. 2 More than 250kF / inch 2More preferably, it is 50 kF / inch or less. 2 More than 200kF / inch 2 The bundle density of the brush bristles is preferably 1 kb / cm 2 More than 47k pieces / cm 2 More preferably, it is 1k strands / cm or less. 2 More than 39k pieces / cm 2 More preferably, 7k strands / cm or less. 2 More than 32k pieces / cm 2 Here, "k fibers / cm 2 " is "x10 3 book / cm 2 As will be described later, when the fiber bundle is provided in a loop shape, one loop is regarded as two fiber bundles.

[0028] The shape of the brush bristles is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the brush may be a straight brush or a loop brush. In a straight brush, the fibers (or bundles of such fibers) that make up the brush bristles are provided in a straight shape on the brush. In a straight brush, only one end of the fibers is fixed. In a straight brush, it is preferable that the tips of the fibers are present on the brush surface. In a loop brush, the fibers (or bundles of such fibers) that make up the brush bristles are provided in a loop shape on the brush. In a loop brush, the fibers are fixed to form a loop shape. In one embodiment, fiber (I) may be provided in a straight shape on the brush, and fiber (multiple fibers) including fiber (I) may be provided in a straight shape on the brush. A fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers including fiber (I) may be provided in a straight shape on the brush. A fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers (I) may be provided in a straight shape on the brush. A fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers (I) may be provided in a straight shape on the brush. A fiber bundle including fiber (I) and a fiber bundle not including fiber (I) may be provided in a straight shape on the brush. In one embodiment, the fiber (I) is preferably provided in a loop shape in the brush, and the fiber (multiple fibers) containing the fiber (I) is more preferably provided in a loop shape in the brush. A fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers including the fiber (I) may be provided in a loop shape in the brush. A fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers (I) may be provided in a loop shape in the brush. A fiber bundle including the fiber (I) and a fiber bundle not including the fiber (I) may be provided in a loop shape in the brush. This is because forming the fibers in a loop shape increases the repulsive force of the fibers and reduces the amount of deformation caused by pressure. In the brush according to one embodiment, a fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers including the fiber (I) may be woven into a loop shape and implanted in the base fabric, or a fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple fibers (I) may be woven into a loop shape and implanted in the base fabric. The fiber bundle may be a fiber bundle in which a plurality of fibers are bundled together without being twisted, or a fiber bundle in which a plurality of fibers are bundled together and twisted to form an integrated bundle.

[0029] The direction of the brush bristles is not particularly limited. The brush bristles may be arranged in an upright state or in an oblique state. In this specification, the term "upright state" refers to a state in which the fibers constituting the brush bristles are arranged so that the tips of the fibers (or fiber bundles) or the tips of the loops point in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the surface of the base or the backing fabric (in the case of a cylindrical or columnar base, approximately in a radial direction from the central axis of the base). The term "approximately perpendicular direction" refers to a direction that is completely perpendicular or approximately perpendicular. The term "approximately radial direction" refers to a direction that is completely radial or approximately in a radial direction. In the upright state, the fibers or fiber bundles are not limited to being linear. The term "oblique state" refers to a state in which the fibers constituting the brush bristles are arranged so that the tips of the fibers (or fiber bundles) or the tips of the loops point in a direction that is perpendicular to the surface of the base or the backing fabric (in the case of a cylindrical or columnar base, approximately in a radial direction from the central axis of the base). In the slanted state, the fibers or fiber bundles may or may not be straight, and the fibers, fiber bundles or loops may, for example, be curved.

[0030] In one embodiment, the brush may be a rotary brush (brush roller) or a rod-shaped brush (bar brush), but is preferably a rotary brush. In a rotary brush, the bristles of the brush come into sliding contact with the object while the brush is rotating. That is, in a rotary brush, the bristles of the brush rub against the object while the brush is rotating. The outer diameter of the rotary brush is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less, and even more preferably 12 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0031] (fiber) The fibers (I) are preferably resin fibers. In this specification, the term "resin fibers" refers to fibers made of a substance composed of a polymer, or fibers made of a substance composed of a polymer and a component other than the polymer that is compatible with the polymer and / or dispersed in the polymer. The fibers (I) may be fibers of a crystalline resin or fibers of an amorphous resin. The term "crystalline resin" refers to a resin having crystallinity. A crystalline resin usually contains an amorphous portion in addition to a crystalline portion. The term "amorphous resin" refers to a resin that does not have crystallinity. The presence or absence of crystallinity in the resin constituting the fibers (I) can be confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The fibers (I) preferably contain fibers of a crystalline resin, and preferably consist solely of fibers of a crystalline resin.

[0032] The fibers (I) are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyester resin fibers, polyamide resin fibers (e.g., nylon resin fibers, aramid resin fibers), and acrylic resin fibers. Known polyester resins include crystalline polyester resins and amorphous polyester resins. Known polyamide resins include crystalline polyamide resins and amorphous polyamide resins. Among polyamide resins, nylon resins are generally known as crystalline resins. Acrylic resins are generally known as amorphous resins. In one embodiment, the fibers (I) preferably contain at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of polyester resin fibers, polyamide resin fibers, and acrylic resin fibers. More preferably, the fibers (I) contain at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers, crystalline polyamide resin fibers, and amorphous acrylic resin fibers. Even more preferably, the fibers (I) contain at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers, nylon resin fibers, and acrylic resin fibers. Fiber (I) more preferably contains at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers and nylon resin fibers, and particularly preferably contains crystalline polyester resin fibers. In one embodiment, fiber (I) is preferably composed of at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of polyester resin fibers, polyamide resin fibers, and acrylic resin fibers. Fiber (I) is more preferably composed of at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers, crystalline polyamide resin fibers, and acrylic resin fibers. Fiber (I) is even more preferably composed of at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers, nylon resin fibers, and acrylic resin fibers. Fiber (I) is even more preferably composed of at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers and nylon resin fibers, and particularly preferably contains crystalline polyester resin fibers.In one embodiment, the crystalline resin fibers contained in fiber (I) preferably include at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers and nylon resin fibers. In one embodiment, the crystalline resin fibers contained in fiber (I) more preferably include crystalline polyester resin fibers, and preferably consist solely of crystalline polyester resin fibers. In one embodiment, the crystalline resin fibers contained in fiber (I) may consist solely of at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of crystalline polyester resin fibers and nylon resin (crystalline nylon resin) fibers, or may consist solely of nylon resin (crystalline nylon resin) fibers. Polyester resins generally have a high glass transition temperature, which makes it difficult for molecular motion to occur when heated, and are therefore presumed to have a more stable molecular structure. Crystalline polyester resins have crystalline portions that make it difficult for molecular motion to occur when heated, and are therefore presumed to have a particularly stable molecular structure.

[0033] The polyester contained in the polyester resin fibers is not particularly limited, and known polyesters may be used. Specific examples of polyesters include, but are not limited to, polyalkylene terephthalates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene terephthalate (PPT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); copolymer polyesters obtained by copolymerizing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol (also known as 1,2-propanediol), trimethylene glycol (also known as 1,3-propanediol), 1,4-butanediol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polybutylene glycol with terephthalic acid and / or a terephthalic acid derivative and a third component; and biodegradable polyesters such as polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate, and aliphatic polyesters (e.g., polyε-caprolactone). The polyesters may be used alone or in combination. The polyester fiber preferably contains only one type of polyester. When fiber (I) contains polyester resin fibers, the content of polyester in the polyester resin fibers is not particularly limited. When fiber (I) contains polyester resin fibers, the content of polyester in the polyester resin fibers is preferably 50% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the polyester resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains polyester resin fibers, the content of polyester in the polyester resin fibers is more preferably 60% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the polyester resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains polyester resin fibers, the content of polyester in the polyester resin fibers is even more preferably 70% by mass or more and 95% by mass, based on the total mass of the polyester resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains crystalline polyester resin fibers, the content of crystalline polyester in the crystalline polyester resin fibers is not particularly limited.When fiber (I) contains crystalline polyester resin fibers, the content of the crystalline polyester in the crystalline polyester resin fibers is preferably 50% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the crystalline polyester resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains crystalline polyester resin fibers, the content of the crystalline polyester in the crystalline polyester resin fibers is more preferably 60% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the crystalline polyester resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains crystalline polyester resin fibers, the content of the crystalline polyester in the crystalline polyester resin fibers is even more preferably 70% by mass or more and 95% by mass, based on the total mass of the crystalline polyester resin fibers. The terephthalic acid derivative used as a raw material for the copolymer polyester is not particularly limited, but examples include terephthalic anhydride and dialkyl terephthalate (e.g., dimethyl terephthalate). The third component as a raw material for the copolymer polyester is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include dicarboxylic acids such as adipic acid and isophthalic acid (excluding terephthalic acid); diols (excluding ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, and 1,4-butanediol) and / or polyalkylene glycols (excluding polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polybutylene glycol); oxycarboxylic acids; and the like.

[0034] The (co)polymer of a monomer containing a monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group (also simply referred to as "acrylic (co)polymer" in this specification) contained in the acrylic resin fiber is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a known (co)polymer. The term "(meth)acryloyl group" is a general term including an acryloyl group and a methacryloyl group. In this specification, the term "(co)polymer" is a general term including copolymers and homopolymers. The acrylic (co)polymer contained in the acrylic fiber is not particularly limited and may be, for example, polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer of acrylonitrile and a monomer copolymerizable with acrylonitrile. The monomer copolymerizable with acrylonitrile is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, itaconic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylamide, methacrylamide, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, methallylsulfonic acid, methallylsulfonate salts, styrenesulfonic acid, styrenesulfonate salts, allylsulfonic acid, and allylsulfonate salts. When fiber (I) contains acrylic resin fibers, the content of the acrylic (co)polymer in the acrylic resin fibers is not particularly limited. When fiber (I) contains acrylic resin fibers, the content of the acrylic (co)polymer in the acrylic resin fibers is preferably 50% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the acrylic resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains acrylic resin fibers, the content of the acrylic (co)polymer in the acrylic resin fibers is more preferably 60% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the acrylic resin fibers. When the fibers (I) contain acrylic resin fibers, the content of the acrylic (co)polymer in the acrylic resin fibers is more preferably 70% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the acrylic resin fibers.

[0035] The polyamide contained in the polyamide resin fibers is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a known polyamide. Examples of polyamides include, but are not limited to, nylon and aramid. Examples of nylons include, but are not limited to, nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 69, nylon 46, nylon 610, nylon 12, polymetaxylene adipamide, and the like. When fiber (I) contains polyamide resin fibers, the content of polyamide in the polyamide resin fibers is not particularly limited. When fiber (I) contains polyamide resin fibers, the content of polyamide in the polyamide resin fibers is preferably 50% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the polyamide resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains polyamide resin fibers, the content of polyamide in the polyamide resin fibers is more preferably 60% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the polyamide resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains polyamide resin fibers, the polyamide content in the polyamide resin fibers is more preferably 70% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the polyamide resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains nylon resin fibers, the nylon content in the nylon resin fibers is not particularly limited. When fiber (I) contains nylon resin fibers, the nylon content in the nylon resin fibers is preferably 50% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, relative to the total mass of the nylon resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains nylon resin fibers, the nylon content in the nylon resin fibers is more preferably 60% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, relative to the total mass of the nylon resin fibers. When fiber (I) contains nylon resin fibers, the nylon content in the nylon resin fibers is more preferably 70% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the nylon resin fibers.

[0036] When the fiber (I) contains a resin fiber, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymer (e.g., polyester, polyamide, or acrylic (co)polymer) contained in the resin fiber is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, in the range of 1,500 to 2,000,000. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymer contained in the resin fiber can be calculated as a polystyrene-equivalent value by, for example, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a calibration curve prepared using monodisperse polystyrene standard particles as the polystyrene for calibration curve measurement.

[0037] The fibers (I) may contain a conductive material. Therefore, when the fibers (I) contain resin fibers, the resin fibers preferably contain a conductive material. When the fibers (I) contain crystalline resin fibers, the crystalline resin fibers more preferably contain a conductive material. When the fibers (I) contain crystalline polyester resin fibers, the crystalline polyester resin fibers more preferably contain a conductive material. The electrical resistance of the fibers (I) can be adjusted by adding a conductive material to the fibers (I). The conductive material is not particularly limited, but examples include carbon black, metal particles, and metal oxide particles. The conductive material may be a single material, or two or more materials may be used in combination. The content of the conductive material in the fibers (I) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the fibers (I). When the fibers (I) contain two or more conductive materials, the content of the conductive materials refers to the total amount of these materials.

[0038] When fiber (I) contains resin fibers, the resin fibers may or may not contain components (other components) other than the polymer and conductive material. For example, when fiber (I) contains crystalline resin fibers, the crystalline resin fibers may or may not contain components other than the polymer and conductive material. For example, when fiber (I) contains crystalline polyester resin fibers, the crystalline polyester resin fibers may or may not contain components other than the crystalline polyester and conductive material. Examples of components other than the polymer and conductive material include conventionally known fiber additives.

[0039] The surface resistance value of the fiber (I) at a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of 50% RH is not particularly limited. However, the surface resistance value of the fiber (I) at a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of 50% RH is, for example, 10 12 Preferably, the surface resistance is Ω / cm or less. The surface resistance at 23°C and 50% RH can be measured in a 23°C and 50% RH environment using fiber (I) that has been left overnight or longer in such an environment. The surface resistance can be measured under an applied voltage of 100V using a probe consisting of two rod terminals (diameter φ2 mm, distance between the rod terminals 20 mm) connected to a commercially available insulation resistance meter (for example, insulation resistance meter SM-8220 manufactured by Hioki E.E. Corporation).

[0040] The fiber material (also simply referred to as "fiber material" in this specification) used to produce fiber (I) may be a manufactured product or a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available fiber materials include, but are not limited to, Belltron (registered trademark) BR-1 manufactured by KR Seiren Co., Ltd., Belltron (registered trademark) 931 manufactured by KR Seiren Co., Ltd., and Luana (registered trademark) SA-7 manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. The fiber (I) may be produced by a manufacturing method that includes, for example, heat-treating the fiber material at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the fiber material in the final step of one or more steps that include heat-treating the fiber material, as described below.

[0041] The brush bristles may contain one type of fiber alone, or two or more types of fibers. When the brush bristles contain two or more types of fibers, at least one type of fiber selected from the group consisting of two or more types of fibers is fiber (I). The brush bristles may or may not further contain fibers other than fiber (I). It is preferable that the brush bristles do not contain fibers other than fiber (I). The brush bristles may contain one type of fiber alone, or two or more types of fibers as fiber (I). It is preferable that the brush bristles are made of fiber (I) alone, and more preferably made of only one type of fiber (I).

[0042] The peak top temperature of the endothermic peak in the fiber (I) having a peak top in the range of 30°C to Tg is not particularly limited as long as it is in this range. The temperature range in the fiber (I) where the peak top temperature of the endothermic peak in the range of 30°C to Tg exists is preferably 30°C to less than 155°C, more preferably 30°C to 100°C, and even more preferably 45°C to 100°C. The temperature range in the fiber (I) where the peak top temperature of the endothermic peak in the range of 30°C to Tg exists is further preferably 55°C to 100°C, and even more preferably 55°C to 80°C. The temperature range in the fiber (I) where the peak top temperature of the endothermic peak in the range of 30°C to Tg exists is further preferably 65°C to 80°C, and particularly preferably 65°C to 70°C. Within these ranges, creep deformation of the brush bristles that occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is further reduced. Within these ranges, an image forming apparatus equipped with the brush according to this embodiment tends to be able to form higher quality images even after aging in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0043] In this specification, when the endothermic peak candidate (a portion exhibiting characteristics similar to an endothermic peak) in a DSC curve measured by a differential scanning calorimeter has an endothermic amount of 4.0 mJ / mg or more, it is determined that a clear endothermic peak has been confirmed. In this case, the endothermic peak candidate is determined to be an endothermic peak. The endothermic amount of the endothermic peak in the fiber (I) having its peak top in the range of 30°C to Tg is not particularly limited as long as it is 4.0 mJ / mg or more. The endothermic amount of the endothermic peak in the fiber (I) having its peak top in the range of 30°C to Tg is preferably 10.0 mJ / mg or more, more preferably 15.0 mJ / mg or more, and even more preferably 16.0 mJ / mg or more. The endothermic amount of the endothermic peak in the fiber (I) having its peak top in the range of 30°C to Tg is particularly preferably 20.0 mJ / mg or more. Within these ranges, it is presumed that volume relaxation of the molecules constituting the fiber (I) is more advanced, resulting in a more stable molecular structure. The endothermic amount of the endothermic peak in the fiber (I), which has its peak top in the region of 30°C or higher and Tg or lower, is preferably less than 100.0 mJ / mg, more preferably less than 80.0 mJ / mg, and even more preferably 60.0 mJ / mg or lower. The endothermic amount of the endothermic peak in the fiber (I), which has its peak top in the region of 30°C or higher and Tg or lower, is more preferably 40.0 mJ / mg or lower, and particularly preferably 30.0 mJ / mg or lower. Preferred examples of the endothermic amount range of the endothermic peak in the fiber (I), which has its peak top in the region of 30°C or higher and Tg or lower, include 4.0 mJ / mg or higher and lower than 100.0 mJ / mg, and 10.0 mJ / mg or higher and lower than 80.0 mJ / mg. Preferred examples of the range of the endothermic amount of the endothermic peak in fiber (I) having its peak top in the range of 30°C or higher and Tg or lower include 15.0 mJ / mg to 60.0 mJ / mg, 16.0 mJ / mg to 40.0 mJ / mg, and 20.0 mJ / mg to 30.0 mJ / mg. However, the range of the endothermic amount of the endothermic peak in fiber (I) having its peak top in the range of 30°C or higher and Tg or lower is not limited to these. Within these ranges, creep deformation of the brush bristles that occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is reduced.Within these ranges, an image forming apparatus equipped with a brush according to this embodiment tends to be able to form higher quality images even after aging in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. Even when the peak top temperature of the endothermic peak of fiber (I) having a peak top in the range of 30°C to Tg is in a temperature range narrower than 30°C to Tg, it is clear that the endothermic amount of the endothermic peak is preferably within the ranges listed above. Such temperature ranges are not particularly limited. Examples of such temperature ranges include 30°C to less than 155°C, 30°C to 100°C, 45°C to 100°C, 55°C to 100°C, 55°C to 80°C, 65°C to 80°C, and 65°C to 70°C.

[0044] The peak top temperature of the endothermic peak and the endothermic amount of the endothermic peak of fiber (I) can be determined from a DSC curve obtained by heating from 0°C to 160°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min in a temperature modulation mode measured with a differential scanning calorimeter. Details of the measurement method are described in the Examples. When the brush bristles contain multiple types of fibers, in this evaluation, a measurement sample is prepared for each type of fiber and measurement is performed, and the characteristics of the endothermic peak are determined for each type of fiber.

[0045] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the fiber (I) is not particularly limited as long as it is less than 155°C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the fiber (I) is preferably 40°C or higher and lower than 155°C, more preferably 50°C or higher and 100°C or lower. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the fiber (I) is further preferably 60°C or higher and 100°C or lower, even more preferably 65°C or higher and 80°C or lower, and particularly preferably 70°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Within these ranges, creep deformation of the brush bristles that occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is further reduced. Within these ranges, an image forming apparatus equipped with the brush according to this embodiment tends to be able to form higher quality images even after aging in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0046] The glass transition temperature of fiber (I) can be determined from the DSC curve in the second heating process described below, measured using a differential scanning calorimeter. First, a first heating process is measured, in which the temperature is raised from 0°C to 300°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min. Next, after the first heating process, a cooling process is measured, in which the temperature is cooled from 300°C to 0°C at a cooling rate of 10°C / min. Then, after the cooling process, a second heating process is measured, in which the temperature is raised from 0°C to 300°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min. Details of the measurement method are described in the Examples. When the brush bristles contain multiple types of fibers, in this evaluation, a measurement sample is prepared for each type of fiber and measurement is performed, and the characteristics of the endothermic peak are determined for each type of fiber.

[0047] The single-yarn fineness of fiber (I) is not particularly limited. The single-yarn fineness of fiber (I) is preferably 1.0 decitex or more and 10.0 decitex or less, more preferably 2.0 decitex or more and 8.0 decitex or less, and even more preferably 3.0 decitex or more and 6.0 decitex or less. The single-yarn fineness of fiber (I) is particularly preferably 4.0 decitex or more and 5.0 decitex or less. Note that tex is a unit of measurement for the thickness of a fiber or thread, and is a unit that expresses the thickness of a fiber or thread in terms of the mass [g] of a fiber or thread having a length of 1,000 m. 1 tex indicates that a fiber or thread has a mass of 1 g per 1,000 m of length. 1 decitex represents 1 / 10 of 1 tex, so 10 decitex = 1 tex.

[0048] (Brush manufacturing method) The method for manufacturing the brush according to this embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the brush according to one embodiment can be manufactured by a manufacturing method including manufacturing conditions in which the brush bristles contain the fiber (I). Therefore, it can be said that another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the brush according to the above embodiment.

[0049] The brush manufacturing method preferably includes one or more steps including heat-treating a fiber material, and the final step of the one or more steps includes heat-treating the fiber material at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the fiber material. In this specification, the final step of the one or more steps including heat-treating the fiber material is also referred to simply as the "final step including heat treatment." As mentioned above, in this specification, the fiber material for manufacturing fiber (I) is also simply referred to as the "fiber material." In the final step including heat treatment, the fiber material can become fiber (I) through heat treatment. This method makes it easier to realize fiber (I) in the manufactured brush. The mechanism behind this is presumed to be as follows: When the fiber material is heat-treated at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature, volume relaxation of molecules occurs in the fiber material, resulting in a more stable structure of the amorphous portion of the molecules. As a result, creep deformation of the fiber, which occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, is less likely to occur, and creep deformation of the fiber is reduced. On the other hand, if heat treatment is performed at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the fiber, the molecular motion of the amorphous portion of the molecules in the fiber material becomes active, making it difficult for the amorphous portion to form a stable structure. As a result, the effect of preventing creep deformation of the fiber over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is no longer achieved. Even if the fiber is heat-treated at a temperature below the glass transition temperature, the stable structure of the amorphous portion of the molecules is reset when the fiber is subsequently heat-treated at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the fiber. As a result, the effect of preventing creep deformation of the fiber over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is no longer achieved. The above mechanism is based on speculation, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by this mechanism. The final step including heat treatment is not particularly limited, but it is preferably the final step including heat treatment in a manufacturing method (brush manufacturing method) using a woven fabric containing a fiber material.

[0050] The conditions for the heat treatment in the final step, including the heat treatment, are not particularly limited as long as the heat treatment temperature is lower than the glass transition temperature of the fiber material. Examples of the range of the glass transition temperature of the fiber material include the same range as the range exemplified for the glass transition temperature of fiber (I) described above. The heat treatment temperature in the final step, including the heat treatment, is preferably 35°C or higher and lower than the glass transition temperature of the fiber material, more preferably 40°C or higher but lower than 100°C, even more preferably 55°C or higher but lower than 80°C, and even more preferably 60°C or higher but lower than 70°C. The heat treatment temperature in the final step, including the heat treatment, is particularly preferably 65°C or higher but lower than 70°C. Within these ranges, creep deformation of the brush bristles that occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is reduced. Within these ranges, an image forming apparatus equipped with the manufactured brush tends to be able to form higher-quality images even after aging in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. The heat treatment time in the final step, including the heat treatment, is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 hour to 1,000 hours, more preferably 3 hours to 800 hours, and even more preferably 50 hours to 500 hours. The heat treatment time in the final step, including the heat treatment, is more preferably 100 hours to 400 hours, and particularly preferably 200 hours to 300 hours. Within these ranges, creep deformation of the brush bristles that occurs over time in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment is reduced. Within these ranges, an image forming apparatus equipped with the manufactured brush tends to be able to form higher-quality images even after aging in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. The relative humidity during the heat treatment in the final step, including the heat treatment, is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10% RH to 90% RH, more preferably 30% RH to 70% RH, and even more preferably 40% RH to 60% RH. Although the details are unclear, it is believed that within these ranges, volume relaxation proceeds more efficiently due to the influence of an appropriate amount of water.

[0051] The heat treatment may be any treatment including heating, and the method is not particularly limited. The heat treatment method is not particularly limited, and for example, a known method can be used. Examples of equipment used for the heat treatment include a thermostatic bath. The heat treatment can be performed, for example, by aging the brush in the thermostatic bath before the heat treatment in the final step including the heat treatment.

[0052] The brush according to one embodiment may be manufactured by a known manufacturing method, except that the manufacturing conditions include those that result in the brush bristles containing fiber (I). In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing the brush includes, for example, a method including manufacturing a brush before a final step including a heat treatment using a woven fabric containing a fibrous material, and carrying out the final step including a heat treatment. In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing the brush includes, for example, a method including the following (a) to (c): (a) manufacturing a fibrous material and / or manufacturing a woven fabric containing a fibrous material; (b) manufacturing a brush before a final step including a heat treatment using the manufactured woven fabric; and (c) carrying out the final step including a heat treatment.

[0053] The raw materials for the fiber material are not particularly limited. The raw materials for the fiber material preferably contain the polymer described above for fiber (I). The raw materials for the fiber material may further contain, as necessary, the conductive material and / or other components described above for fiber (I). The methods for manufacturing the fiber material, the method for manufacturing a woven fabric containing the fiber material, and the method for manufacturing a brush using the manufactured woven fabric are not particularly limited, and known methods may be used. The range of the single-fiber fineness of the fiber material is not particularly limited, but preferred examples include the same range as the single-fiber fineness range of fiber (I) described above. Commercially available fiber materials may also be used. As mentioned above, commercially available fiber materials are not particularly limited, but examples include Belltron (registered trademark) BR-1 manufactured by KR Seiren Co., Ltd., Belltron (registered trademark) 931 manufactured by KR Seiren Co., Ltd., and Luana (registered trademark) SA-7 manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.

[0054] In the brush manufacturing method, when a brush provided with a fibrous material is used, the bristle height, bristles bundle fineness, and bristles bundle density of the brush bristles are not particularly limited. Preferred examples of the range of bristle height of the brush bristles before the final process including heat treatment include the same range as the bristle height range described above. Preferred examples of the range of bristles bundle fineness of the brush bristles before the final process including heat treatment include the same range as the bristles bundle fineness range described above. Preferred examples of the range of bristles bundle density of the brush bristles before the final process including heat treatment include the same range as the bristles bundle density range described above.

[0055] The method for manufacturing a woven fabric containing a fibrous material may include fixing the fibrous material to a base or weaving the fibrous material into a base fabric. The method for weaving the fibrous material into a base fabric is not particularly limited, and various known techniques, such as pile weaving and electrostatic flocking, may be used. When weaving the fibrous material into the base fabric, a fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple strands of fibrous material may be prepared in advance, and the fiber bundle may be woven into the base fabric. When weaving the fibrous material into the base fabric, it is preferable to weave the fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple strands of fibrous material into the base fabric in a loop shape. The fiber bundle may be a fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple strands of fibrous material without twisting, or may be a fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple strands of fibrous material and then twisting the bundle to form an integrated fiber material. After weaving the fibrous material or a fiber bundle formed by bundling multiple strands of fibrous material into the base fabric in a loop shape, the tip of the fiber bundle may be cut to form a woven fabric in which the fibrous material is woven into the base fabric in a straight pile shape.

[0056] The method for manufacturing a brush using the manufactured woven fabric is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, fixing the woven fabric to a base. The method for fixing the woven fabric to the base preferably includes wrapping the woven fabric around the base. The method for fixing the fibers and / or woven fabric to the base is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a method for fixing the fibers and / or woven fabric to the base using double-sided tape and / or adhesive. The method for fixing the fibers and / or woven fabric to the base preferably includes a method for fixing the fibers and / or woven fabric to the base using adhesive. Examples of the base include those similar to the examples of the base in the description of the brush structure above. Examples of the base cloth include those similar to the examples of the base cloth in the description of the brush structure above.

[0057] A preferred embodiment of a method for manufacturing a brush includes wrapping a fabric having a fibrous material woven into a base around a base, securing the fabric to the base to obtain an article, and performing a final step on the fibers in the obtained article, including heat treatment.

[0058] The method for manufacturing a brush according to one embodiment may further include, for example, slanting the bristles and / or quenching the fiber material after heat treatment in a final step including heat treatment.

[0059] (Brush use) The brush according to an embodiment is preferably used in an image forming apparatus. The brush according to an embodiment is preferably used in an application in which the brush bristles are used to rub the surface of a component of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus provided with the brush according to an embodiment is preferably an image forming apparatus that forms images by electrophotography. The brush according to an embodiment is preferably used in an application in which the brush bristles are used to rub the surface of a component of the image forming apparatus that forms images by electrophotography. The brush according to an embodiment is preferably used in an application in which the brush bristles are used to rub the surface of a component of the image forming apparatus while rotating. The component (component of the image forming apparatus) rubbed with the brush bristles preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer belt. The component rubbed with the brush bristles is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer belt, and even more preferably an image carrier. The brush according to an embodiment is preferably used in an application in which the brush bristles are used to rub the surface of at least one selected from the group consisting of an image carrier and a lubricant while rotating. The image forming apparatus provided with the brush according to the embodiment is not particularly limited and may be a known image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is preferably, for example, an apparatus described in the description of the image forming apparatus below.

[0060] The brush according to one embodiment is preferably a cleaning brush or a lubricant application brush. That is, the brush according to one embodiment is preferably used for cleaning the surface of a component of an image forming apparatus by rubbing the brush bristles against the surface of the component. Alternatively, the brush according to one embodiment is preferably used for supplying a lubricant to the surface of a component of the image forming apparatus by rubbing the surface of a lubricant provided in the image forming apparatus with the brush bristles. Alternatively, the brush according to one embodiment is preferably used for supplying a lubricant to the surface of a component of the image forming apparatus by rubbing the surface of a lubricant provided in the image forming apparatus and the surface of a component of the image forming apparatus with the brush bristles. The component to which a lubricant is supplied (the component of the image forming apparatus) does not include lubricants. Components to which a lubricant is supplied include, but are not limited to, image carriers, intermediate transfer belts, secondary transfer rollers, and secondary transfer belts. Examples of lubricants include, but are not limited to, the lubricants described below. The brush according to one embodiment is more preferably used for cleaning the surface of a component of an image forming apparatus by rubbing the brush bristles against the surface of the component. The brush according to one embodiment is more preferably used in an application in which the brush bristles are used to rub the surface of a component of an image forming apparatus that forms an image by electrophotography, thereby removing at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surface. The component (component of the image forming apparatus) rubbed with the brush bristles preferably includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer belt. The component rubbed with the brush bristles is more preferably at least one component selected from the group consisting of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer belt, and is even more preferably an image carrier. The brush according to one embodiment is particularly preferably used in an application in which the brush bristles are used to rub the surface of an image carrier of an image forming apparatus that forms an image by electrophotography, while rotating, to clean the surface and remove at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surface.

[0061] The brush according to one embodiment is preferably used in an image forming apparatus equipped with the brush and a cleaning blade. The brush according to one embodiment is preferably used in an image forming apparatus that forms images by electrophotography, for cleaning an image carrier. The brush according to one embodiment is more preferably used together with a cleaning blade for cleaning an image carrier. The brush according to one embodiment is preferably used in an image forming apparatus equipped with a cleaning blade that contacts the surface of an image carrier to remove a portion of the developer adhering to the surface. Furthermore, the brush according to the embodiment is more preferably used in the image forming apparatus, for removing a portion of the developer adhering to the surface by rubbing the surface of the image carrier with the brush bristles while the brush is rotating.

[0062] By using the brush according to this embodiment for the above-mentioned purposes, an image forming apparatus equipped with the brush tends to be able to form higher quality images even after aging in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0063] <Image forming apparatus and manufacturing method thereof> Another aspect of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including the brush according to the above aspect. The image forming apparatus is preferably an image forming apparatus that forms an image by electrophotography. The image forming apparatus in which the brush according to the above aspect is installed is not particularly limited, and any known image forming apparatus may be used. An example of an image forming apparatus in which the brush according to the above aspect is installed is the following image forming apparatus (A) (also simply referred to as "apparatus (A)" in this specification). The apparatus (A) is an image forming apparatus including an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, and at least one component selected from the group consisting of a secondary transfer roller and a secondary transfer belt. In the apparatus (A), a toner image is formed on the image carrier by electrophotography, and the intermediate transfer belt contacts the image carrier to transfer the toner image. In the apparatus (A), at least one component selected from the group consisting of a secondary transfer roller and a secondary transfer belt is disposed downstream of the intermediate transfer belt and transfers the toner image to a recording medium (e.g., paper). An example of an image forming apparatus in which the brush according to the above embodiment is installed is the "bizhub C650i" (manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc.).

[0064] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment includes a cleaning unit that cleans the surfaces of the components of the image forming apparatus, and the cleaning unit preferably includes the brush according to the above aspect. In this case, it is more preferable that the cleaning unit rubs the surfaces of the components of the image forming apparatus with brush bristles. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the image forming apparatus forms images using an electrophotographic system, and that the cleaning unit rubs the surfaces of the components of the image forming apparatus with brush bristles, thereby removing at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surfaces. An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment includes a lubricant supply unit that supplies a lubricant to the surfaces of the components of the image forming apparatus, and the lubricant supply unit preferably includes the brush according to the above aspect. In this case, it is more preferable that the lubricant supply unit rubs the surfaces of the lubricant with brush bristles. In these embodiments, the brush according to the above aspect preferably rubs the surfaces of the components of the image forming apparatus with its brush bristles while rotating. The components (components of the image forming apparatus) rubbed with the brush bristles preferably include at least one selected from the group consisting of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer belt. The component rubbed with the brush bristles is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer belt, and even more preferably an image carrier. In these embodiments, the brush according to the above aspect preferably rubs the surface of at least one selected from the group consisting of an image carrier and a lubricant with the brush bristles while rotating.

[0065] A preferred embodiment is, for example, the above-mentioned device (A) equipped with a cleaning unit that cleans the surfaces of components of an image forming device. In such a device, the cleaning unit preferably includes a brush according to the above-mentioned aspect, and the brush preferably rotates while rubbing the surfaces of the components with its bristles, thereby removing at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surfaces. Here, the surface of the component preferably refers to the surface of at least one component selected from the group consisting of an image carrier, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer belt.

[0066] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment preferably includes a brush according to the above aspect and a cleaning unit including a cleaning blade. An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment preferably includes an image carrier on which a toner image is formed by electrophotography, and a cleaning unit that cleans the image carrier. Here, the cleaning unit preferably includes the brush according to the above aspect and a cleaning blade. The cleaning unit more preferably includes the following (i) and (ii): (i) While the brush is rotating, the brush bristles rub against the surface of the image carrier to remove a portion of the developer adhering to the surface; and (ii) the cleaning blade comes into contact with the surface of the image carrier to remove a portion of the developer adhering to the surface.

[0067] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the image forming apparatus using the brush according to the above aspect and the image forming apparatus according to this aspect are not limited to the following embodiment and illustrated examples.

[0068] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, an operation panel 20, an image forming unit 30, and a paper feed / transport unit 40.

[0069] The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and performs various controls of the entire image forming apparatus 1 by the CPU executing a control program stored in the memory.

[0070] The operation panel 20 is equipped with a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, etc., and is used to input various settings related to the device, display the device status, and input various instructions.

[0071] The image forming unit 30 has image creating units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K, an intermediate transfer belt 32, a cleaning device 33 for the intermediate transfer belt 32, a secondary transfer unit 34 (the secondary transfer belt in FIG. 1), a cleaning device 35 for the secondary transfer unit 34, and a fixing device 36.

[0072] The imaging units have components corresponding to each of the basic colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Imaging unit 31Y has a component corresponding to yellow (Y). Imaging unit 31M has a component corresponding to magenta (M). Imaging unit 31C has a component corresponding to cyan (C). Imaging unit 31K has a component corresponding to black (K). Intermediate transfer belt 32 moves in a clockwise direction in the illustration (see arrow). The imaging units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are arranged in the order of most upstream, with imaging unit 31Y being the most upstream, followed by imaging unit 31M, imaging unit 31C, and imaging unit 31K, respectively.

[0073] Each of the image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K includes a photosensitive member (image carrier), a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit, a lubricant supply unit, and a primary transfer unit (e.g., a primary transfer roller). The developing unit 314Y contains a yellow developer, the developing unit 314M contains a magenta developer, the developing unit 314C contains a cyan developer, and the developing unit 314K contains a black developer. The image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are configured similarly, except for the colors of the toner images formed on the photosensitive members 311Y, 311M, 311C, and 311K. Therefore, the image forming unit 31Y will be described in detail, and descriptions of the image forming units 31M, 31C, and 31K will be omitted. The developer is not particularly limited, and known developers may be used. It is preferable to use a two-component developer as the developer. The two-component developer consists of a carrier and a toner. The carrier is not particularly limited, but may have a particle size of 15 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and a saturation magnetization of 10 emu / g or more and 80 emu / g or less. The toner is not particularly limited, but may have a particle size of 3 μm or more and 15 μm or less. The toner has a negative charging characteristic, and the average charge amount is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, -60 μC / g or more and -20 μC / g or less. The two-component developer may be, for example, a mixture of the carrier and toner so that the toner concentration is 4% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, but the two-component developer is not limited thereto.

[0074] The intermediate transfer belt 32, which also functions as a toner carrier, is rotatably stretched by multiple rollers. The intermediate transfer belt 32 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a semiconductor belt made of polyimide with a thickness of 80 μm and a volume resistivity set to 8 LOG Ω·cm or more and 11 LOG Ω·cm or less. The multiple rollers stretching the intermediate transfer belt 32 include an opposing roller that forms a transfer nip with the secondary transfer unit described below. This opposing roller is not particularly limited, but may be made of, for example, nitrile rubber (NBR). In this case, the rubber hardness is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 40° (Asker-C), and the volume resistivity is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 8 LOG Ω.

[0075] The toner images formed by each image forming unit 31Y are sequentially transferred onto the surface of intermediate transfer belt 32 by the respective primary transfer units, and after being superimposed, are transferred onto paper 50 transported to the transfer position. Secondary transfer unit 34 contacts the back side of the paper at the transfer position and transfers the toner onto the front side of the paper. Paper 50 with the transferred full-color toner image is transported to downstream fixing device 36, where it is heated and pressurized, thereby forming a full-color image on paper 50.

[0076] Residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 32 without being transferred to the paper 50 is transported downstream and collected by a cleaning device 33 for the intermediate transfer belt 32. The cleaning device 33 includes, for example, a brush roller, a lubricant supply unit, one or more cleaning blades, and a housing that houses these. The residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is cleaned by the cleaning blade. Furthermore, a lubricant is applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 32 by a lubricant supply unit. The lubricant supply unit in the cleaning device 33 may further include a brush roller. In one embodiment, the brush according to the above embodiment may be used as the brush roller in the cleaning device 33 and / or the brush roller in the lubricant supply unit in the cleaning device 33.

[0077] The paper feed conveyance unit 40 includes multiple paper feed trays 41 and paper feed paths 42 and 43. Multiple sheets of paper 50 are stacked in the paper feed tray 41, and the topmost sheet 50 is fed one by one. The paper feed conveyance unit 40 includes multiple pairs of transport rollers arranged along the paper feed paths 42 and 43 and a drive motor (not shown) for driving the transport rollers. The paper feed conveyance unit 40 conveys the paper 50 fed from the paper feed tray 41 to the transfer position of the secondary transfer unit 34 or to the fixing device 36 downstream thereof. The cleaning device 35 for the secondary transfer unit 34 includes, for example, one or more cleaning blades, a lubricant supply unit, a transport screw, and a storage case. The cleaning device 35 may further include a brush roller. The lubricant supply unit in the cleaning device 35 includes, for example, a brush roller, a lubricant, and a support unit. In one embodiment, the brush according to the above embodiment may be used as the brush roller in the cleaning device 35 and / or the brush roller in the lubricant supply unit in the cleaning device 35.

[0078] When double-sided printing is performed, the paper 50 with an image formed on one side is transported to the double-sided paper transport path 43 located below. The paper 50 transported to this paper transport path 43 is turned over on a switchback path, and then rejoins the single-sided paper transport path 42, where an image is again formed on the other side of the paper 50 by the image forming unit 30.

[0079] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main components of the image forming unit 31Y. The image forming unit 31Y forms a yellow (Y) toner image on a photoreceptor 311Y, which is an image carrier. For example, the image forming unit 31Y includes at least a photoreceptor 311Y, a charging unit 312Y, an exposure unit 313Y (FIG. 1), a developing unit 314Y (FIG. 1), a primary transfer unit 315Y, and a cleaning unit 316Y. The image forming unit 31Y may further include a lubricant supply unit (not shown) disposed between the primary transfer unit 315Y and the cleaning unit 316Y around the photoreceptor 311Y. The lubricant supply unit may include, for example, a rotating brush (brush roller). The lubricant supply unit may include, for example, a rotating brush (brush roller), a solid lubricant, and a pressure spring. The brush roller in the lubricant supply unit applies lubricant to the surface of the photoreceptor 311Y. The pressure spring presses the brush roller against the photoreceptor 311Y via the lubricant. In one embodiment, the brush according to the above aspect may be used as the brush roller in the lubricant supply unit.

[0080] The specific configuration of the photoreceptor 311Y is not particularly limited. The photoreceptor refers to an electrophotographic photoreceptor configured by imparting at least one of the charge generation function and the charge transport function, which are essential for the configuration of an electrophotographic photoreceptor, to an organic compound. In this specification, the photoreceptor includes all known organic photoreceptors, such as photoreceptors configured from known organic charge generation materials or organic charge transport materials, and photoreceptors configured with a polymer complex that has the charge generation function and the charge transport function.

[0081] The charging unit 312Y serves to apply a uniform potential to the photoconductor 311Y. The charging unit 312Y is configured, for example, by a non-contact charging device. Examples of non-contact charging devices include a corona discharge type charger such as a scorotron.

[0082] The exposure unit 313Y (FIG. 1) exposes the photoconductor 311Y, which has been given a uniform potential by the charging unit 312Y, based on an image signal (yellow). As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image is formed in the exposure unit 313Y. The exposure unit 313Y may have, for example, light-emitting elements and imaging elements arranged in an array in the axial direction of the photoconductor 311Y. The light-emitting elements may include, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The exposure unit 313Y may have, for example, a laser optical system.

[0083] The developing unit 314Y (FIG. 1) includes, for example, a developing sleeve and a voltage application device. The developing sleeve has a built-in magnet. A yellow developer is stored inside the developing unit 314Y. The developing sleeve rotates while holding the developer. The voltage application device applies a DC and / or AC bias voltage between the developing sleeve and the photoconductor 311Y.

[0084] The primary transfer unit 315Y transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 311Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 32 (FIG. 1), which is an endless belt. The primary transfer unit 315Y is disposed in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 32.

[0085] The cleaning unit 316Y includes a rotating brush (brush roller) 317Y, preferably including the rotating brush (brush roller) 317Y and a cleaning blade 318Y. The cleaning unit 316Y may further include, for example, a collection roller, a scraper, a stopper, and a conveying screw. These components of the cleaning unit are housed in a housing. The collection roller is driven by a motor to rotate in a direction counter to the rotation of the brush roller 317Y. A bias voltage of opposite polarity to the toner is applied from the control unit to the shaft of the collection roller, attracting toner from the bristles of the brush roller 317Y by electrostatic force. The attracted toner adheres to the surface of the collection roller, and the toner removed from the photoconductor 311Y is collected by the collection roller. The scraper abuts against the surface of the collection roller and scrapes the toner off the surface of the collection roller downward as the collection roller rotates. The scraper includes, for example, a support member and a scraper. The scraper of the scraping unit, which is stationary and abuts against the collection roller, scrapes off residual toner from the collection roller. The stopper stops the rotation of the scraping unit by receiving the support member of the rotating scraping unit. The conveying screw has a spiral blade formed around a shaft and is driven to rotate by a motor. The conveying screw is preferably located below the stopper. The residual toner scraped off from the collection roller by the scraper of the scraping unit and accumulated on the bottom surface of the housing is transported in the rotational axis direction by the spiral blade of the rotating conveying screw and discharged outside the housing through an outlet provided in the housing. The cleaning blade 318Y is a flat member that abuts against the surface of the photoreceptor 311Y to clean the surface of the photoreceptor 311Y. The cleaning blade 318Y has a flat plate shape that extends in the rotational axis direction of the photoreceptor 311Y. The cleaning blade 318Y abuts in a direction counter to the rotational direction of the photoreceptor 311Y. The cleaning blade 318Y presses against the surface of the photoreceptor 311Y, thereby scraping off toner (residual toner) remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 311Y after transfer.Some of the residual toner on the photoconductor 311Y is scraped off by the brush roller 317Y, but the remaining residual toner is scraped off by the cleaning blade 318Y.

[0086] The above describes a case where the brush according to the above embodiment is used as the brush roller 317Y. More specifically, the above describes a case where the brush according to the above embodiment rotates and the brush bristles of the brush rub against the image carrier. The above also describes in detail a case where the brush roller 317Y is a cleaning brush. However, in one embodiment, it is preferable to use the brush according to the above embodiment as a cleaning brush and / or a lubricant application brush in, for example, an imaging unit, a cleaning device for an intermediate transfer belt, and / or a cleaning device for a secondary transfer unit.

[0087] (lubricant) The image forming apparatus preferably contains a lubricant. For example, the lubricant used in the image forming apparatus, such as the lubricant used in the lubricant supply unit of the imaging unit, the lubricant used in the lubricant supply unit of the cleaning device 33, and / or the lubricant used in the lubricant supply unit of the cleaning device 35, is not particularly limited. The lubricant may be appropriately selected from known lubricants. The lubricant is preferably a solid lubricant (solid lubricant). The lubricant is not particularly limited, but examples include fatty acid metal salts and fluorine-based resins. The lubricant is preferably a fatty acid metal salt, more preferably a metal salt of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 10 or more carbon atoms, and even more preferably zinc stearate. The lubricant may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0088] (Image carrier) The image carriers used in the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment, such as photoreceptors 311Y, 311M, 311C, and 311K, are not particularly limited. Known photoreceptors may be appropriately selected and used as the image carriers. Examples of the photoreceptor include organic photoreceptors having a structure in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are sequentially stacked on a conductive support. Preferred photoreceptors include, for example, organic photoreceptors having a structure in which a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer, and a protective layer are sequentially stacked on a conductive support. The photoreceptor preferably further includes an intermediate layer having barrier and adhesive properties between the conductive support and the charge generation layer. The conductive support, intermediate layer, charge generation layer, charge transport layer, and protective layer are not particularly limited, and known materials may be appropriately selected and used. Examples of conductive supports include supports formed by molding metal into a drum or sheet shape; supports formed by laminating metal foil onto a plastic film; supports formed by vapor-depositing metal or metal oxide onto a plastic film; and metal, plastic film, or paper provided with a conductive layer containing a conductive material. The intermediate layer may contain, for example, a binder resin, and may further contain various conductive particles or metal oxide particles in addition to the binder resin for the purpose of adjusting resistance. The charge generation layer preferably contains, for example, a charge generation material and a binder resin. The charge transport layer preferably contains, for example, a charge transport material and a binder resin. The protective layer preferably contains at least a resin component obtained by curing a polymerizable compound. The polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, but examples include monomers that polymerize (cure) upon exposure to actinic rays such as ultraviolet rays or electron beams to form resins commonly used as binder resins for photoreceptors. The protective layer preferably contains, in addition to the resin component, metal oxide particles and / or an electron transport compound that transports charge carriers. The conductive support, intermediate layer, charge generating layer, charge transport layer and protective layer may each further contain components other than those listed above.

[0089] (Toner and Developer) The developer contained in the developing units used in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, such as developing units 314Y, 314M, 314C, and 314K, is not particularly limited. The developer may be appropriately selected from known developers. In the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, the toner (toner for developing electrostatic latent images) may be used as a magnetic or non-magnetic one-component developer, or may be mixed with a carrier and used as a two-component developer.

[0090] The toner is not particularly limited. The toner contains toner base particles. Preferably, the toner further contains an external additive. Known toner base particles may be appropriately selected and used as the toner base particles. The toner base particles contain at least a binder resin. The toner base particles may further contain other components such as a colorant, a release agent, and / or a charge control agent, as necessary. The binder resin, colorant, release agent, charge control agent, and other components are not particularly limited, and known components may be appropriately selected and used. Examples of binder resins include thermoplastic resins. Specific examples of binder resins include styrene-based resins; acrylic resins such as alkyl acrylates and alkyl methacrylates; styrene-acrylic copolymer resins; polyester resins; silicone resins; olefin-based resins; amide resins; and epoxy resins. Examples of colorants include known inorganic colorants and known organic colorants. Specific examples of colorants include carbon black. Examples of release agents include hydrocarbon waxes such as polyethylene wax, oxidized polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, and oxidized polypropylene wax; carnauba wax; fatty acid ester wax; sazol wax; rice wax; candelilla wax; jojoba oil wax; and beeswax. Examples of charge control agents include zinc or aluminum metal complexes of salicylic acid derivatives (salicylic acid metal complexes); calixarene compounds; organic boron compounds; and fluorine-containing quaternary ammonium salt compounds. Examples of external additives include, but are not limited to, fatty acid metal salt particles, inorganic fine particles, and organic fine particles. The fatty acid metal salt particles, inorganic fine particles, and organic fine particles are not particularly limited, and known particles may be used. Examples of fatty acid metal salt particles include, but are not limited to, zinc stearate particles, lithium stearate particles, and magnesium stearate particles. Examples of inorganic fine particles include, but are not limited to, silica particles, titania particles, and alumina particles. The inorganic particles may be surface-treated with, for example, a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, a higher fatty acid, or a silicone oil.The organic fine particles are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polystyrene particles, polymethyl methacrylate particles, and styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer particles.

[0091] When a toner for developing electrostatic latent images is used as a two-component developer, the carrier is not particularly limited, and magnetic particles made of known materials can be used. Examples of such known materials include, but are not limited to, metals such as iron, ferrite, and magnetite; alloys of these metals with metals such as aluminum and / or lead; and the like. Examples of carriers include, but are not limited to, resin-coated carriers (coated carriers) in which the surfaces of magnetic particles are coated with a coating agent such as a resin, and binder-type carriers in which magnetic fine powder is dispersed in a binder resin. Examples of coating resins that constitute resin-coated carriers include, but are not limited to, olefin-based resins, styrene-based resins, styrene-acrylic resins, acrylic resins, silicone-based resins, ester resins, and fluororesins. Examples of binder resins that constitute binder-type carriers include, but are not limited to, styrene-acrylic resins, polyester resins, fluororesins, and phenolic resins.

[0092] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an image forming device, including manufacturing a brush and incorporating the brush into an image forming device. The method for manufacturing the brush preferably includes one or more steps including heat-treating a fiber material, and the final step of the one or more steps preferably includes heat-treating the fiber material at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the fiber material. Through the final step including heat treatment, the fiber material can become fiber (I). Details of the brush and its manufacturing method, as well as the image forming device, in the method for manufacturing an image forming device according to one embodiment are as described above.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is clear that this is by way of illustration and example only and not of limitation, and that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims.

[0094] The present invention encompasses the following aspects and configurations. [1] Includes brush bristles. the brush bristles contain fibers that have an endothermic peak with a peak top in a region of 30°C or higher and a glass transition temperature or lower in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter at a temperature rise rate of 10°C / min, The glass transition temperature of the fiber is less than 155°C. Brush. [2] The brush according to [1], wherein the endothermic peak has an endothermic amount of 10.0 mJ / mg or more. [3] The brush according to [1] or [2], wherein the fibers include fibers of a crystalline resin. [4] The brush according to [3], wherein the crystalline resin fibers include crystalline polyester resin fibers. [5] The brush according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the fibers are provided in the brush in a loop shape. [6] The brush according to any one of [1] to [5] above, which is used in an image forming apparatus. [7] The brush according to any one of [1] to [6], which is used to clean the surface of a component of an image forming apparatus by rubbing the brush bristles against the surface. [8] The brush according to any one of [1] to [7], which is used for rubbing the surface of a component of an image forming device that forms an image by an electrophotographic method with the brush bristles to remove at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surface. [9] one or more steps including heat treating the fiber material; a final step of the one or more steps comprising heat treating the fiber material at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the fiber material; A method for manufacturing a brush according to any one of [1] to [8] above.

[10] An image forming device comprising the brush according to any one of [1] to [8].

[11] A cleaning unit is provided for cleaning the surfaces of components of the image forming apparatus, The cleaning means includes the brush, and the surface is rubbed by the brush bristles in the cleaning means. The image forming apparatus according to

[10] above.

[12] An image is formed by an electrophotographic method. In the cleaning means, the surface is rubbed by the brush bristles, thereby removing at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surface. The image forming apparatus according to

[11] above. [Example]

[0095] The effects of the present invention will be explained using the following examples and comparative examples. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "%" and "parts" mean "% by mass" and "parts by mass", respectively.

[0096] <Brush manufacturing> [Brush manufacturing before heat treatment] (Brush 1) A pile fabric 1 made of polyester base fabric woven with the following fibers was wrapped around the outer layer of an aluminum shaft with an outer diameter of 5 mm and a length of 330 mm and fixed with adhesive to create a brush 1 with fibers in a loop shape.

[0097] <Pile fabric 1> Fiber: Crystalline polyester resin fiber (product name: Belltron (registered trademark) BR-1, manufactured by KR Seiren Co., Ltd., conductive polyester fiber, single fiber fineness 4.4 decitex) Fiber shape: Loop shape Bundle size: 210 decitex Flux density: 150kF / inch 2 Pile length: 3.0mm.

[0098] (Brush 2) Brush 2, in which the fibers are arranged in a loop shape, was produced in the same manner as Brush 1, except that pile fabric 1 was changed to pile fabric 2, in which the following fibers were woven into a polyester base fabric.

[0099] <Pile fabric 2> Fiber: Nylon resin fiber (product name: Belltron (registered trademark) 931, manufactured by KR Seiren Co., Ltd., conductive nylon fiber, crystalline resin fiber, single fiber fineness 3.3 decitex) Fiber shape: Loop shape Bundle size: 210 decitex Flux density: 150kF / inch 2 Pile length: 3.0mm.

[0100] (Brush 3) Brush 3, in which fibers are arranged in a loop shape, was produced in the same manner as brush 1, except that pile fabric 1 was changed to pile fabric 3, in which the following fibers were woven into a polyester base fabric.

[0101] <Pile fabric 3> Fiber: Acrylic resin fiber (product name: Luana (registered trademark) SA-7, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc., conductive acrylic fiber, amorphous resin fiber, single fiber fineness 3.3 decitex) Fiber shape: Loop shape Bundle size: 210 decitex Flux density: 150kF / inch 2 Pile length: 3.0mm.

[0102] (Brush 4) Pile fabric 1 was changed to pile fabric 4, which was made by weaving the following fibers into a polyester base fabric, and a brush with looped fibers was produced in the same manner as brush 1. 0.2 mm of the tip of the brush bristles was then cut off to produce brush 4 with straight fibers.

[0103] <Pile fabric 4> Fiber: Crystalline polyester resin fiber (product name: Belltron (registered trademark) BR-1, manufactured by KR Seiren Co., Ltd., conductive polyester fiber, single fiber fineness 4.4 decitex) Fiber shape: Loop shape Bundle size: 210 decitex Flux density: 150kF / inch 2 Pile length: 3.2mm.

[0104] The outer diameter of the brushes 1 to 4 obtained as described above (the outer diameter of the entire brush including the shaft, base fabric, and brush bristles) was 13 mm.

[0105] [Heat treatment in the brush state (heat treatment in the final step of a process that involves heat treating fiber materials)] Example 1 The brush 1 manufactured as described above was set in a jig that fixed the shaft portion of the brush so that the fibers of the brush 1 did not come into contact with anything, and heat treatment was performed in a thermostatic chamber at a temperature of 65°C and a relative humidity of 50%RH for 68 hours to manufacture the brush of Example 1.

[0106] (Examples 2 to 9 and Comparative Examples 4 and 5) The brushes of Examples 2 to 9 and Comparative Examples 4 and 5 were manufactured in the same manner as Example 1, except that the type of brush and the temperature and time of heat treatment were changed as shown in Table 1. The relative humidity during heat treatment in manufacturing each brush was 50% RH.

[0107] (Comparative Examples 1 to 3) Brushes 1 to 3 that were not subjected to heat treatment in the brush state were used as comparative examples 1 to 3, respectively.

[0108] In the pile fabrics 1 to 4, the fibers (loops) were provided in an upright state relative to the base fabric, and the brush bristles manufactured in Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were in an upright state.

[0109] The fibers in the brushes manufactured in Examples 1 to 6, 8, and 9, and Comparative Examples 1 to 5, had a looped shape. The fibers in the brush manufactured in Example 7 had a straight shape.

[0110] The bristle height of the brushes manufactured in Examples 1 to 6, 8, and 9, and Comparative Examples 1 to 5, did not show any significant change from the pile length of the fabric used to manufacture the brushes. The bristle height of the brush manufactured in Example 7 was 3.0 mm.

[0111] Table 1 shows the characteristics of the brush and the heat treatment conditions of the brush.

[0112] <Evaluation> (glass transition temperature of fiber) The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the fiber was confirmed from the DSC curve measured using a differential scanning calorimeter "DSC7000X" (Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation). More specifically, fibers were first extracted from the brushes of the examples and comparative examples manufactured above, and these fibers were used as measurement samples. 1.0 mg of the measurement sample (fiber) was sealed in an aluminum pan and set in the sample holder of the differential scanning calorimeter "DSC7000X." An empty aluminum pan was used as a reference. Then, a DSC curve was obtained under measurement conditions that included a first heating step in which the temperature was increased from 0°C to 300°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min, a cooling step in which the temperature was reduced from 300°C to 0°C at a cooling rate of 10°C / min, and a second heating step in which the temperature was increased from 0°C to 300°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min, in that order.

[0113] Based on the obtained DSC curve, an extension line of the baseline before the rise of the first endothermic peak in the second heating process (i.e., the peak that appears on the lowest temperature side in the second heating process) was drawn, and a tangent line showing the maximum slope between the rise of the first endothermic peak and the peak top of the first endothermic peak was drawn, and the intersection of these lines was determined to be the glass transition temperature (Tg).

[0114] The glass transition temperature of each fiber (fiber material) was measured before and after the heat treatment, and no change in the glass transition temperature due to the heat treatment was confirmed.

[0115] The glass transition temperature of each fiber is shown in Table 1.

[0116] (Fiber endothermic peak) The glass transition temperature (Tg) and endothermic peak of the fiber were confirmed from the DSC curve measured using a differential scanning calorimeter "DSC7000X" (Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation). More specifically, fibers were first extracted from the brushes of the examples and comparative examples manufactured above, and these fibers were used as measurement samples. 1.0 mg of the measurement sample (fiber) was sealed in an aluminum pan and set in the sample holder of the differential scanning calorimeter "DSC7000X." An empty aluminum pan was used as a reference. Then, a DSC curve was obtained by increasing the temperature from 0°C to 160°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min in temperature modulation mode.

[0117] For candidate endothermic peaks identified in the DSC curve, an extension of the baseline before the onset of the endothermic peak was drawn. The area connected by the extension of the baseline and the next tangent point to the DSC curve (the tangent point between the extension of the baseline and the DSC curve in the direction from the low temperature side to the high temperature side) was defined as the endothermic amount [mJ / mg]. Regarding the extension of the baseline, the baseline for the candidate endothermic peak was determined as a straight line drawn from 10°C to 155°C on the DSC curve, and the extension of the baseline was drawn by extending the baseline. In this measurement, if the endothermic amount of the candidate endothermic peak was 4.0 mJ / mg or more, it was determined that a clear endothermic peak had been identified, and the result was judged as "endothermic peak present." On the other hand, if the endothermic amount of the candidate endothermic peak was less than 4.0 mJ / mg, it was determined that a clear endothermic peak had not been identified, and the result was judged as "endothermic peak absent." The peak top temperature was also determined for the endothermic peak.

[0118] The endothermic amount and peak top temperature of the endothermic peak for each fiber are shown in Table 1.

[0119] (Deformation amount due to creep deformation of the brush) A drum unit (black drum unit) for the position K of a commercially available full-color multifunction printer "bizhub C650i" (manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc.) was prepared. The number of drum units for the position K was set to be the same as the number of brushes to be evaluated. The drum unit for the position K was then modified so that a brush could be installed upstream of the cleaning blade of the cleaning unit, and a modified drum unit was obtained.

[0120] Next, a brush from the example or comparative example was attached to the modified drum unit. The brush was set to penetrate the photoreceptor by 0.8 mm. The modified drum unit with the brush attached was then placed in a thermostatic chamber and heat-treated at 50°C and 90% RH for 168 hours, after which it was cooled to room temperature.

[0121] The photoreceptor was then removed from the modified drum unit in which the brush was installed, and the amount of deformation of the brush (the difference between the untreated bristle height and the bristle height after heat treatment) [mm] was measured, and the resulting value was taken as the amount of creep [mm]. In this evaluation, the smaller the amount of creep, the better, and a brush with a creep amount of 0.45 mm or less was deemed practically acceptable. The amount of creep for the brush is shown in Table 1.

[0122] (Image pitch unevenness) After measuring the amount of creep deformation, the brush was returned to the modified drum unit (modified drum unit) at position K, which had been modified to allow the brush to be installed upstream of the cleaning blade of the cleaning unit. The modified drum unit was the same as the one used to evaluate the amount of creep deformation for the brush being evaluated. The modified drum unit, containing the brush after measuring the amount of creep deformation, was then installed in the commercially available full-color multifunction printer "bizhub C650i," replacing the drum unit at position K. The brush's penetration into the photoreceptor was set to 0.8 mm. A single A3 full-page halftone image was then printed using the monochrome mode of the resulting full-color multifunction printer. The printed image was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. In this evaluation, if no pitch unevenness was observed or if only slight pitch unevenness was observed, the brush was deemed suitable for practical use. The results of the image pitch unevenness evaluation are shown in Table 1.

[0123] <Evaluation Criteria> A: No pitch irregularities are visually observed; B: Slight pitch unevenness can be visually confirmed; C: Pitch unevenness can be clearly confirmed with the naked eye.

[0124] [Table 1]

[0125] From Table 1, it can be seen that the brushes according to the examples have a smaller amount of creep than the brushes according to the comparative examples, and when used in an image forming apparatus, the quality of the images formed by the image forming apparatus is better.

[0126] It was also confirmed that the image forming apparatus equipped with the brush according to the example was able to form images of higher quality than the image forming apparatus equipped with the brush according to the comparative example.

[0127] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposes of illustration and example only and are not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the present invention should be construed by the language of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Image forming device 10 Control Unit 20 Operation Panel 30 Image forming unit 31Y, 31M, 31C, 31K Imaging section 311Y, 311M, 311C, 311K photoreceptor 312Y, 312M, 312C, 312K charging unit 313Y, 313M, 313C, 313K exposure section 314Y, 314M, 314C, 314K developing section 315Y, 315M, 315C, 315K Primary Transfer Unit 316Y, 316M, 316C, 316K cleaning unit 317Y Rotating Brush (Brush Roller) 318Y Cleaning Blade 32 Intermediate transfer belt 33 Cleaning device (for intermediate transfer belt) 34 Secondary transfer unit 35 Cleaning device (for secondary transfer section) 36 Fixing device 40 Paper feed transport section 41 Paper tray 42, 43 Paper transport path 50 sheets of paper.

Claims

1. Includes brush bristles, the brush bristles contain fibers that have an endothermic peak with a peak top in a region of 30°C or higher and a glass transition temperature or lower in a DSC curve measured with a differential scanning calorimeter at a temperature rise rate of 10°C / min, The glass transition temperature of the fiber is less than 155°C. Brush.

2. The brush according to claim 1 , wherein the endothermic peak has an endothermic amount of 10.0 mJ / mg or more.

3. The brush of claim 1 , wherein the fibers comprise fibers of a crystalline resin.

4. The brush according to claim 3 , wherein the crystalline resin fibers include crystalline polyester resin fibers.

5. The brush of claim 1 , wherein the fibers are provided on the brush in a loop configuration.

6. The brush according to claim 1 , which is used in an image forming device.

7. 2. The brush according to claim 1, which is used to clean a surface of a component of an image forming apparatus by rubbing the brush bristles against the surface.

8. 2. The brush according to claim 1, which is used for rubbing the surface of a component of an image forming apparatus that forms images by an electrophotographic method with the brush bristles to remove at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surface.

9. one or more steps including heat treating the fibrous material; a final step of the one or more steps comprising heat treating the fiber material at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the fiber material; A method for manufacturing the brush according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An image forming device comprising the brush according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. a cleaning unit for cleaning the surfaces of components of the image forming apparatus; the cleaning means includes the brush; In the cleaning means, the brush bristles rub against the surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. An image is formed by electrophotography, In the cleaning means, the surface is rubbed by the brush bristles, thereby removing at least a portion of the developer adhering to the surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

Images