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

Abstract

To provide cleaning components with excellent cleanability and maintainability. [Solution] A cleaning member having a core material and a foamed elastic layer on the core material, wherein at least one of Si and F is detected when elemental analysis of the surface of the foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cleaning member, a charging device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses "a charging device comprising a charging member and a charging member cleaning member having an elastic layer, wherein the elastic layer contains silicone oil, and the silicone concentration when the charging member is analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy satisfies the condition: 1 atm% ≤ (difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the silicone concentration in Si2p detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on the charging member) ≤ 3 atm%."

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a charging device comprising: a charging member having a conductive elastic layer and a conductive surface layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive elastic layer; a support; a foamed elastic layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support and having a surface free energy greater than that of the conductive surface layer of the charging member; and a cleaning member that rotates in contact with the conductive surface layer of the charging member. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-22421 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-160276 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The object of this disclosure is to provide a cleaning member that exhibits superior cleaning and maintenance properties compared to a case where Si and F are not detected when elemental analysis of the surface of a foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Specific means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A cleaning member having a core material and a foamed elastic layer on the core material, When elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDX) is performed on the surface of the foamed elastic layer, at least one of Si and F is detected. <2> When the Si is detected, the detected amount of the Si is 3% or more and 70% or less, The cleaning member according to <1>, wherein when the F is detected, the detected amount of the F is 3% or more and 70% or less. <3> When the Si is detected, the detected amount of the Si is 10% or more and 50% or less, The cleaning member according to <1>, wherein when the F is detected, the detected amount of the F is 10% or more and 50% or less. <4> The cleaning member according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein at least one of particulate matter and layer-like matter containing a Si-containing compound, a F-containing compound, or both a Si-containing compound and a F-containing compound is adhered to the surface of the foamed elastic layer. <5> The Si-containing compound is silsesquioxane, The cleaning member according to <4>, wherein the F-containing compound is polytetrafluoroethylene. <6> A charging device including the cleaning member according to any one of <1> to <5>. <7> Including the charging device according to <6>, A process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus. <8> An image carrier, The charging device according to <6> for charging the surface of the image carrier, An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier, A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image holder using a developer containing toner to form a toner image, The system includes a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium. Image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] <1> , or <4> According to the invention, a cleaning member is provided that exhibits superior cleaning and maintenance properties compared to a case where Si and F are not detected when elemental analysis of the surface of a foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). <2> According to the invention, a cleaning member is provided that offers superior cleaning and maintenance performance compared to cases where the detected amount of Si is less than 3% or more than 70%, or where the detected amount of F is less than 3% or more than 70%. <3> According to the invention, a cleaning member is provided that offers superior cleaning and maintenance performance compared to cases where the detected amount of Si is less than 10% or more than 50%, or where the detected amount of F is less than 10% or more than 50%.

[0008] <5> According to the invention, a cleaning member is provided that offers superior cleaning and maintenance properties compared to the case where silicone rubber is used as the compound to be attached to the surface of the foamed elastic layer.

[0009] <6> , <7> or <8> According to the invention, a charging device, process cartridge, or image forming apparatus is provided that includes a cleaning member that exhibits superior cleaning maintenance compared to a case where a cleaning member is applied to which Si and F are not detected when elemental analysis of the surface of a foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a cleaning member according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view showing an example of a cleaning member according to this embodiment. [Figure 3]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a cleaning member according to this embodiment, cut parallel to the radial direction of the core material. [Figure 4A] This is a process diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a cleaning member according to this embodiment. [Figure 4B] This is a process diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a cleaning member according to this embodiment. [Figure 4C] This is a process diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a cleaning member according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an assembly according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing enlarged views of the surrounding area of ​​the charging device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes an example embodiment of this disclosure. These descriptions and examples are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0012] In this disclosure, the numerical range indicated using "~" represents a range that includes the numbers before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples. In this disclosure, the term "process" includes not only independent processes but also processes that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, provided that their objectives are achieved. When embodiments are described in this disclosure with reference to the drawings, the configuration of such embodiments is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. The sizes of the components in each figure are conceptual, and the relative relationships between the components are not limited thereto. Components having the same function and operation may be given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and their descriptions may be omitted. In this disclosure, each component may contain multiple types of the corresponding substance. When referring to the amount of each component in a composition in this disclosure, if there are multiple types of the substance corresponding to each component in the composition, it means the total amount of those multiple types of substances present in the composition unless otherwise specified. In this disclosure, each component may contain multiple types of particles. If multiple types of particles corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the particle size of each component refers to the value for a mixture of such multiple types of particles present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0013] (Cleaning components) The cleaning member according to this embodiment has a core material and a foamed elastic layer on the core material. Furthermore, when elemental analysis of the surface of the foamed elastic layer is performed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX), at least one of Si and F is detected.

[0014] The cleaning member according to this embodiment exhibits excellent cleaning and maintenance capabilities due to the above configuration. The reason for this is presumed to be as follows.

[0015] Conventional cleaning devices that utilize a foamed elastic layer to clean objects have been known. However, the water-repellent and oil-repellent properties of the foamed elastic layer are low, and the objects to be cleaned often adhere to them. In particular, the tendency for adhesion increases when the objects to be cleaned contain oil components. Therefore, the cleaning effect is often not sufficiently maintained.

[0016] In contrast, the cleaning member according to this embodiment is configured such that at least one of Si and F is detected when elemental analysis of the surface of the foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). This enhances the water-repellent and oil-repellent properties of the surface of the foamed elastic layer. As a result, the cleaning performance is improved.

[0017] From the above, it is presumed that the cleaning member according to this embodiment has excellent cleaning and maintenance properties. In particular, cleaning members for image forming apparatus components such as electrostatic members contain external additives in the toner that include inorganic particles and oil components. As a result, aggregates of inorganic particles and discharge products are formed using the oil components as a binder, which adhere to the foamed elastic layer of the cleaning member, reducing its cleaning performance. However, even when the cleaning member according to this embodiment is applied to a cleaning member for an image forming apparatus, the discharge products and oil components of external additives are less likely to adhere to the surface of the foamed elastic layer. As a result, aggregates of inorganic particles and discharge products are less likely to form. This prevents a decrease in cleaning performance and improves maintenance.

[0018] The details of the cleaning member according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0019] (Elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX)) In the cleaning member according to this embodiment, when elemental analysis is performed on the surface of the foamed elastic layer by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX), at least one of Si and F is detected.

[0020] Specifically, when Si is detected, the amount of Si detected is preferably 3% to 70%, more preferably 10% to 50%, and even more preferably 15% to 30%. On the other hand, when F is detected, the amount of F detected is preferably 3% to 70%, more preferably 10% to 50%, and even more preferably 15% to 25%. When the detected levels of Si and F are 3% or higher, the water-repellent and oil-repellent properties of the foamed elastic layer surface become sufficient. This further improves cleanability and maintenance. When the detected amounts of Si and F are 70% or less, contamination of the cleaning material and adhesion of external additives to the charged material can be suppressed. Specifically, for example, excessive filling of the bubbles on the surface of the foamed elastic layer by Si-containing compounds or F-containing compounds is suppressed. As a result, damage to the foamed structure of the foamed elastic layer is suppressed, deformation that follows the charged material is ensured, and a decrease in scraping performance is suppressed.

[0021] The detection and measurement of Si and F by elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX) are as follows:

[0022] First, using tweezers and analytical scissors, make an incision in the foamed elastic layer of the cleaning material to be measured, measuring 4 mm in width and 5 mm in circumference, to cut out a sample piece. In the cut-out sample piece, avoid touching the surface corresponding to the foamed elastic layer, and remove the portion that was touched during cutting. Next, the sample piece is attached to the sample stage (φ26mm) for observation using a scanning microscope (SEM) via carbon tape. Next, a conductive section is formed using silver paste to connect the sample stage and the sample piece. Next, the surface of the sample piece attached to the sample stage is coated with platinum.

[0023] Next, total elemental analysis is performed on the surface of the sample piece using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). The positions of Si and F are selected based on the elemental analysis, and the detected amounts of Si and F are calculated using the instrument's accompanying software's "quantification" process. Perform the above procedure for five sample pieces and calculate the arithmetic mean. The measurement conditions for energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX) are as follows: Equipment: JEOL Ltd. "FE-SEM (JSM-6700F)" WD (working distance): 8mm Magnification: 500x Acceleration voltage: 20kV Irradiation current: 20μA Emissions: Constant

[0024] Here, fluorine-containing compounds are sensitive to electron beams and may disappear, making it impossible to detect fluorine. Therefore, it is best to complete the elemental analysis within 600 seconds after the start of measurement (i.e., after electron beam irradiation).

[0025] (Si-containing compounds and F-containing compounds) In this embodiment, it is preferable that the cleaning member has at least one of granular material and / or layered material attached to the surface of the foamed elastic layer, which contains a Si-containing compound, contains an F-containing compound, or contains both a Si-containing compound and an F-containing compound. This allows the detected amounts of Si and F to be within the above range.

[0026] -Si-containing compounds- Examples of Si-containing compounds include polysiloxane compounds. Examples of polysiloxane compounds include well-known polysiloxane compounds such as organopolysiloxanes and modified organopolysiloxanes. Among these, from the viewpoint of improving cleanability and maintenance, silsesquioxane is preferred as the polysiloxane compound, and more specifically, silsesquioxane having a T unit represented by the following formula SQ is more preferred. Formula (SQ):(RSiO 1.5 ) n In formula (SQ), R represents an organic group, and n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2. In formula (SQ), the organic group represented by R is, for example, a hydroxyl group, a siloxy group, a hydrocarbon group, a hydrocarbon group in which one or more methylene groups are replaced by carbonyl groups, a hydrocarbon group in which one or more carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, or sulfur atoms), or a group that is a combination of these.

[0027] Examples of siloxy groups represented by R include monoalkylsiloxy groups, dialkylsiloxy groups, and trialkylsiloxy groups.

[0028] Examples of hydrocarbon groups represented by R include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0029] Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups include linear, branched, or alicyclic saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and linear, branched, or alicyclic unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. As the aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is preferred, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms is even more preferred. Aliphatic hydrocarbon groups may be substituted with substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, or aryl groups. Aromatic hydrocarbon groups include hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 6 to 14 carbon atoms). Examples of aromatic hydrocarbon groups include phenyl groups, naphthyl groups, and anthracenyl groups. Aromatic hydrocarbon groups may be substituted with substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, alkyl groups, and alkoxy groups.

[0030] The organic group represented by R may have a reactive group. Examples of reactive groups include vinyl groups, allyl groups, styryl groups, maleimide groups, epoxy groups, and (meth)acryloyl groups. In other words, the silsesquioxane having a T unit represented by formula SQ may be a cured product obtained by the reaction of the above reactive groups.

[0031] The multiple Rs in formula (SQ) may be the same organic group or different organic groups.

[0032] In formula (SQ), the organic group represented by R is preferably a group having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, more preferably a group having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a group having a methyl group. Specifically, the organic group represented by R is preferably a siloxy group having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, more preferably a siloxy group having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a siloxy group having a methyl group or a methyl group. In the formula (SQ), in particular, when the organic group represented by R represents the above group, the cleaning and maintenance properties are likely to be improved.

[0033] In the formula (SQ), n represents an integer of 2 or more, preferably represents an integer of 8 or more, and more preferably represents an integer of 8 or more and 10,000 or less. [[ID= 7]]

[0034] Note that the silsesquioxane can be selected from silsesquioxanes having various skeletal structures. The silsesquioxane may have any of a cage structure (a complete cage structure or a cage structure), a ladder structure, and a random structure.

[0035] The silsesquioxane may have units other than the T unit represented by the formula SQ. Examples of such units include the following units. · Formula: (R 1 R 2 SiO 2 / 2 ) n represents the D unit. However, in the D unit, R 1 and R 2 each independently represent an organic group. n represents an integer of 2 or more. Note that the organic groups represented by R 1 and R 2 are synonymous with the organic group represented by R in the formula SQ. · Formula: [SiO 4 / 2 n represents the Q unit. In the Q unit, n represents an integer of 2 or more.

[0036] -F-containing compound- ​Examples of F-containing compounds include fluororesins such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, also known as "tetrafluoroethylene resin"), perfluoroalkoxy fluororesins, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polydichlorodifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer. Among these, polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as the F-containing compound from the viewpoint of improving cleanability and maintainability.

[0037] -Granular or layered material- A method for attaching granular or layered material containing the above components to the surface of a foamed elastic layer is as follows, for example.

[0038] One method for attaching granular material to the surface of the foamed elastic layer is to roll a roll member, on which a foamed elastic layer has been formed on a core material, over a spread of granular material containing the above components. Other methods for adhering granular material to the surface of the foamed elastic layer include, for example, transferring the granular material to the foamed elastic layer via brush-like fibers.

[0039] One method for attaching layered material to the surface of a foamed elastic layer is to spray a dispersion containing the above-mentioned granular material onto the surface of a roll member on which a foamed elastic layer has been formed on a core material, and then dry it. When granular material is attached to the surface of a foamed elastic layer in this way, the attached material is observed to be layered. Other methods for attaching layered materials to the surface of the foamed elastic layer include, for example, transferring granular materials to the foamed elastic layer via brush-like fibers.

[0040] The granular or layered components of the above-mentioned material may, for example, adhere only to the surface of the foamed elastic layer, but it is preferable that they penetrate and adhere to the pores exposed on the surface of the foamed elastic layer.

[0041] Here, from the viewpoint of improving cleanability and maintainability, the average particle size of the granular material of the above component is preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. The average particle size of granular material is measured as follows: The granular material to be measured is observed and an image is taken. In the image, the area of ​​each primary particle of the granular material is measured by image analysis, and the equivalent diameter is calculated from this area value. This calculation of the equivalent diameter is performed for 100 primary particles. The arithmetic mean of the obtained equivalent diameters is then taken as the average particle size of the granular material.

[0042] The amount of granular and layered material of the above components attached is adjusted so that the detected amounts of Si and F fall within the above range.

[0043] The configuration of the cleaning member according to this embodiment will be described further below. The cleaning member according to this embodiment has a core material and a foamed elastic layer. The cleaning member may have an adhesive layer between the core material and the foamed elastic layer.

[0044] (Core material) The core material can be made of metal, alloy, or resin. Examples of metals or alloys include iron (free-cutting steel, etc.), copper, brass, aluminum, nickel, and other metals; and stainless steel and other alloys. Examples of resins include polyacetal resin and polycarbonate resin. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0045] The core material may have a surface treatment. If the core material is made of metal, plating is preferable. If the core material is made of a non-conductive material (e.g., resin), a conductive treatment such as plating may be performed.

[0046] (Foam elastic layer) A foamed elastic layer is a layer that, for example, can be deformed by an external force of 100 Pa and then restored to its original shape. Examples of elastic materials constituting the foamed elastic layer include foamed resins such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polyamide, and polypropylene; and rubber materials such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, urethane rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), chlorinated polyisoprene, isoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, hydrogenated polybutadiene, and butyl rubber. These materials may be used individually or in combination of two or more. These elastic materials may contain foaming agents, foaming aids, foam stabilizers, catalysts, curing agents, plasticizers, vulcanizing agents, vulcanizing aids, vulcanizing accelerators, and the like.

[0047] From the standpoint of preventing scratches on the surface of the object to be cleaned due to friction, and from the standpoint of suppressing tearing and damage over the long term, it is desirable that the foamed elastic layer be a layer of foamed polyurethane that is resistant to tension.

[0048] Examples of foamed polyurethanes include reaction products of polyols (e.g., polyester polyols, polyether polyols, acrylic polyols, etc.) and isocyanates (e.g., 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, tolidine diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, etc.), and may also be reaction products obtained by further reacting with chain extenders (1,4-butanediol, trimethylolpropane). The foaming of polyurethane foam is generally carried out using a foaming agent such as water or an azo compound (e.g., azodicarbonamide, azobisisobutyronitrile, etc.). The foamed polyurethane may contain foaming aids, foam stabilizers, catalysts, etc.

[0049] The density of the foamed elastic layer is 60 kg / m³ 3 More than 100kg / m 3 The following is preferable: 65 kg / m 3 More than 95kg / m 3 The following is more preferable: 70 kg / m 3More than 90kg / m 3 The following is even more preferable.

[0050] The foam diameter of the foamed elastic layer is preferably 5 μm or more and 500 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and particularly preferably 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0051] The method for measuring the foam diameter of a foamed elastic layer involves observing multiple locations in the foamed elastic layer with a laser microscope, and determining the equivalent diameter of 100 randomly selected foams (voids) from the circles in the binarized image obtained from fields of view n5 or larger. The arithmetic mean of these equivalent diameters is then defined as the arithmetic mean particle size.

[0052] (adhesive layer) The cleaning member according to this embodiment may have an adhesive layer between the core material and the foamed elastic layer. The material of the adhesive layer is not particularly limited, as long as it can bond the core material and the foamed elastic layer. Examples of adhesive layers include double-sided tape and adhesives.

[0053] (Specific details) Figures 1 and 2 show examples of cleaning members according to this embodiment. However, it goes without saying that the cleaning members according to this embodiment are not limited to these. Here, the foamed elastic layer provided on the cleaning member may be a cylindrical foamed elastic layer. Alternatively, the foamed elastic layer provided on the cleaning member may be a foamed elastic layer in which a strip-shaped foamed elastic member is wound in a spiral. From the viewpoint of improving cleaning performance, the foamed elastic layer is preferably a foamed elastic layer in which a strip-shaped foamed elastic member is wound in a spiral. The following describes a cleaning member that has a foamed elastic layer in which a strip-shaped foamed elastic member is wound in a spiral shape.

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a cleaning member according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a cleaning member according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1.

[0055] The cleaning member 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a member comprising a core material 102, a foamed elastic layer 104, and an adhesive layer 106. The core material 102 and the foamed elastic layer 104 are bonded together by the adhesive layer 106.

[0056] The core material 102 is a rod-shaped or cylindrical member. The diameter of the core material 102 is preferably 2 mm or more and 12 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 4 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

[0057] The foamed elastic layer 104 is a layer formed by spirally winding a strip-shaped foamed elastic member. The foamed elastic layer 104 is a layer that is spirally arranged at intervals on the outer surface of the core material 102 from one end to the other.

[0058] The cleaning member 100 may have an area at its axial end where it does not need to exhibit cleaning performance toward the member to be cleaned. In that case, the foamed elastic layer 104 does not need to be placed at the end of the cleaning member 100, which is the aforementioned area.

[0059] The foamed elastic layer 104, which is spirally wound around the core material 102, may be wound to the right or to the left.

[0060] The cleaning member 100 may have multiple (e.g., two) foamed elastic layers 104. Multiple (e.g., two) foamed elastic layers 104 are independent layers formed by spirally winding multiple (e.g., two) strip-shaped foamed elastic members around the outer surface of the core material 102. The multiple foamed elastic layers 104 may be spaced apart from each other, or their longitudinal edges may be in contact with each other. By providing multiple independent foamed elastic layers 104, the cleaning performance of the cleaning member 100 is improved.

[0061] The adhesive layer 106 has, for example, approximately the same width and length as the foamed elastic layer 104. If the cleaning member 100 has multiple foamed elastic layers 104, the adhesive layer 106 may be a separate layer for each of the multiple foamed elastic layers 104. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 106 may be a single layer on which multiple foamed elastic layers 104 are placed.

[0062] The cleaning member 100 is defined as follows: when the inner circumference length of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the radial cross-section of the core material 102 is X (mm) and the thickness of the foamed elastic layer 104 is Y (mm), for example, X × Y 2 The value is 45 or higher. The foamed elastic layer 104 is arranged by being spirally wound around the core material 102. The foamed elastic layer 104 is fixed to the core material 102 in a deformed state. When the foamed elastic layer 104 is fixed in a deformed state, the larger the value of X and the larger the value of Y, the greater the force that tries to restore the original shape, that is, the force that causes it to peel off from the adhesive layer 106. On the other hand, X × Y 2 The larger the value, the greater the cleaning effect due to the compression and deformation of the foamed elastic layer 104.

[0063] The inner circumference length X (mm) of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the radial cross-section of the core material 102 is the average of the dimensions appearing in the cross-section obtained by cutting the cleaning member 100 parallel to the radial direction of the core material 102. Specifically, the inner circumference length X (mm) is the average of the inner circumference lengths of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the cross-section of the foamed elastic layer 104. With the circumferential direction of the cleaning member 100 fixed, the inner circumference length of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the above cross-section is measured for each turn of the helix. For example, if the number of turns of the helix is ​​7, measurements are taken at 7 locations. The arithmetic mean of the measured values ​​is then the inner circumference length X (mm). The measurement may be performed by a destructive method that creates a cross-section of the foamed elastic layer 104, or by a method that does not destroy the foamed elastic layer 104 (for example, a method using a laser scanning type dimensional measuring instrument). If the cleaning member 100 has multiple layers of foamed elastic layer 104, the inner circumference length X is determined for each layer.

[0064] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning member 100 cut parallel to the radial direction of the core material 102 (i.e., a cross-sectional view in the AA direction of Figure 2). The average inner circumference length of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the cross-section of the foamed elastic layer 104 is the inner circumference length X (mm). In the cleaning member 100 shown in Figure 3, the width of the foamed elastic layer 104 and the width of the adhesive layer 106 are the same. Therefore, in the cross-section shown in Figure 3, the length of the inner circumference of the foamed elastic layer 104 is, in other words, the length of the boundary between the foamed elastic layer 104 and the adhesive layer 106.

[0065] The thickness Y (mm) of the foamed elastic layer 104 is a value measured by the following measurement method. A laser scanning dimensional measuring instrument (e.g., Mitutoyo Corporation, Laser Scan Micrometer) is used for measurement. Using the measuring instrument, the cleaning member 100 is scanned in the axial direction at a traverse speed of 1 mm / s while its circumferential direction is fixed. This obtains a profile of the thickness of the foamed elastic layer 104. The same scan is performed three times, shifting the circumferential direction by 120° intervals. The thickness Y (mm) of the foamed elastic layer 104 is calculated from the three profiles. If the cleaning member 100 has multiple layers of foamed elastic layer 104, the thickness Y is determined for each layer.

[0066] The inner circumference X of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the radial cross-section of the core material 102 is preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 6 mm or more, and even more preferably 8 mm or more. When the inner circumference X is within the above range, the foamed elastic layer 104 becomes less likely to peel off from the adhesive layer 106. In addition, the cleaning performance of the member to be cleaned is improved. The inner circumference X of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the radial cross-section of the core material 102 is preferably 14 mm or less, more preferably 12 mm or less, and even more preferably 10 mm or less. When the inner circumference X is within the above range, the winding process is stable.

[0067] The thickness Y of the foamed elastic layer 104 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and even more preferably 4 mm or more. When the thickness Y is within the above range, the cleaning performance of the member to be cleaned is improved. The thickness Y of the foamed elastic layer 104 is preferably 8 mm or less, more preferably 7 mm or less, and even more preferably 6 mm or less. When the thickness Y is within the above range, the winding process is stable.

[0068] The helical angle θ of the foamed elastic layer 104 is preferably greater than 15° and less than or equal to 45°. When the helical angle θ is within the above range, the foamed elastic layer 104 becomes less likely to peel off from the adhesive layer 106. In addition, the cleaning performance of the member to be cleaned is improved. The spiral angle θ, as shown in Figure 2, refers to the angle (acute angle) at which the longitudinal direction P (spiral direction) of the foamed elastic layer 104 intersects with the axial direction Q of the core material 102. When the helical angle θ is greater than 15°, resistance is less likely to be encountered when in contact with the member to be cleaned, and peeling of the foamed elastic layer 104 is suppressed. Also, when the helical angle θ is greater than 15°, the number of turns of the foamed elastic layer 104 is relatively large, and the cleaning performance of the member to be cleaned is improved. From these viewpoints, a helical angle θ of 18° or more is more preferable, and 20° or more is even more preferable. When the helical angle θ is 45° or less, the deformation and restoring force of the foamed elastic layer 104 are suppressed. Furthermore, peeling of the foamed elastic layer 104 is suppressed. From this viewpoint, a helical angle θ of 40° or less is more preferable, and 35° or less is even more preferable.

[0069] The number of turns of the foamed elastic layer 104 around the core material 102 is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and even more preferably 5 or more. When the number of turns is within the above range, the cleaning performance of the member to be cleaned is improved. In addition, the cleaning member 100 becomes easier to rotate in conjunction with the member to be cleaned. The upper limit of the number of turns of the foamed elastic layer 104 is not particularly limited, as it depends on the length of the core material 102.

[0070] The coverage rate of the foamed elastic layer 104 over the core material 102 is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 35% or more, and even more preferably 40% or more. When the coverage rate is within the above range, the cleaning performance of the member to be cleaned is improved. The coverage rate of the foamed elastic layer 104 on the core material 102 is preferably 70% or less, more preferably 65% ​​or less, and even more preferably 55% or less. When the coverage rate is within the above range, the re-migration of deposits adhering to the surface of the foamed elastic layer 104 to the member to be cleaned is suppressed. The coverage ratio is defined as {width W1 of the foamed elastic layer 104 ÷ (width W1 of the foamed elastic layer 104 + spacing W2 of the foamed elastic layer 104)}. The width W1 and spacing W2 of the foamed elastic layer 104 refer to the length of the foamed elastic layer 104 and the distance between the foamed elastic layers 104 along the axial direction Q of the core material 102, as shown in Figure 2.

[0071] The width W1 of the foamed elastic layer 104 is preferably 5 mm or more and 25 mm or less, more preferably 6 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0072] <Method for manufacturing the cleaning component 100> Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are process diagrams showing an example of a manufacturing method for the cleaning member 100.

[0073] First, a foamed elastic material (e.g., foamed polyurethane) is sliced ​​to the desired thickness to obtain a foamed elastic sheet (e.g., a foamed polyurethane sheet). Here, it is desirable to control the diameter of the tip of the cell skeleton protruding from the surface of the foamed elastic layer to 50 μm or less. To achieve this, for example, the surface of the foamed elastic material is ground when slicing it.

[0074] Next, attach double-sided tape to one side of the foamed elastic sheet. Cut out a strip of foamed elastic material of the desired length and width from the foamed elastic sheet with the double-sided tape attached. The double-sided tape may also be attached to one side after the strip of foamed elastic material has been cut from the foamed elastic sheet. Through the above process, a strip-shaped member (see Figure 4A) is obtained in which double-sided tape 100D is attached to one side of a strip-shaped foamed elastic member 100C.

[0075] A rod-shaped core material 100A is prepared. Core material 100A is in contact with the core material 102 of the cleaning member 100.

[0076] The length of the foamed elastic member 100C is determined by the axial length of the core material 100A, the winding angle of the foamed elastic member 100C (the spiral angle θ in the cleaning member 100), and the tension applied when winding the foamed elastic member 100C.

[0077] Next, place the foamed elastic member 100C on the table with the side with the double-sided tape 100D facing upwards. Then, peel off one end of the release paper from the double-sided tape 100D. Next, as shown in Figure 4B, place one end of the core material 100A on the double-sided tape 100D from which the release paper has been peeled off. At this time, determine the positions of the core material 100A and the foamed elastic member 100C so that the helical angle θ in the cleaning member 100 is achieved.

[0078] Next, while peeling off the release paper from the double-sided tape 100D, rotate the core material 100A and spirally wrap the foamed elastic member 100C around the outer surface of the core material 100A (see Figure 4C). This arranges the foamed elastic layer 100B (foamed elastic layer 104 in the cleaning member 100) spirally around the outer surface of the core material 100A.

[0079] It is preferable to wrap the foamed elastic member 100C around the core material 100A while suppressing the degree of elastic deformation (change in the thickness of the member) of the foamed elastic member 100C. Specifically, it is desirable to control the angle at which the foamed elastic member 100C is wrapped and the tension applied when wrapping the foamed elastic member 100C, according to the thickness of the foamed elastic member 100C. This reduces the restoring force of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the cleaning member 100 and prevents the longitudinal end of the foamed elastic layer 104 from peeling off from the core material 102.

[0080] When applying tension when wrapping the foamed elastic member 100C around the core material 100A, the tension should be such that no gap is created between the foamed elastic member 100C and the double-sided tape 100D. Specifically, a tension that extends the length of the foamed elastic member 100C by more than 100% but less than or equal to 105% is desirable. Applying too much tension makes it difficult to suppress the restorative force of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the cleaning member 100. In addition, the permanent elongation under tension increases, and the elastic force of the foamed elastic layer 104 necessary for cleaning tends to decrease.

[0081] When the foamed elastic member 100C is wrapped around the core material 100A, the foamed elastic member 100C tends to stretch. This stretch differs in the thickness direction of the foamed elastic member 100C, with the outermost edge stretching the most. This stretch is controlled by the radius of curvature at which the foamed elastic member 100C is wrapped around the core material 100A and the thickness of the foamed elastic member 100C. The radius of curvature at which the foamed elastic member 100C is wrapped around the core material 100A is controlled by the outer diameter of the core material 100A and the wrapping angle of the foamed elastic member 100C. Specifically, for example, it is preferable that the stretch is such that the outermost edge of the foamed elastic layer 104 in the cleaning member 100 is approximately 105% of the outermost edge of the foamed elastic member 100C.

[0082] The radius of curvature at which the foamed elastic member 100C wraps around the core material 100A is preferably {(outer diameter of core material / 2) + 0.2 mm} or more and {(outer diameter of core material / 2) + 8.5 mm} or less, and more preferably {(outer diameter of core material / 2) + 0.5 mm} or more and {(outer diameter of core material / 2) + 7.0 mm} or less.

[0083] (Cleaning device) The cleaning device according to this embodiment comprises a cleaning member and a member to be cleaned. The member to be cleaned is a rotating member. The cleaning member is a member that cleans the member to be cleaned while rotating in contact with the rotating member to be cleaned. The cleaning member according to this embodiment is used as the cleaning member.

[0084] The cleaning device according to this embodiment is, for example, a cartridge-type cleaning device that can be attached to and detached from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of members to be cleaned include a charged body, a transfer roll, a transfer belt, and a conveyor belt. Toner, paper dust, and other materials adhering to the surface of these members to be cleaned are removed by the cleaning device.

[0085] (Image forming apparatus, charging apparatus, process cartridge) The charging device according to this embodiment is a charging device equipped with a cleaning member according to this embodiment. The process cartridge according to this embodiment is a process cartridge equipped with a charging device that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment comprises an image holder, a charging device according to this embodiment for charging the surface of the image holder, an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holder, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with a developer containing toner to form a toner image, and a transfer device for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium.

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an assembly according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the peripheral portion of the charging device in Figures 5 and 6.

[0087] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 5 is a tandem and direct transfer color image forming apparatus. Inside the main body 10A of the image forming apparatus 10, there are process cartridges 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K for each color: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0088] Process cartridges 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K are detachable from the image forming apparatus 10. Process cartridges 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K each have a photoreceptor 12, a charger 14, and a developer 19, as shown, for example, in Figures 5 and 6.

[0089] The photoreceptor 12 is rotated by a motor (not shown). The surface of the photoreceptor 12 is charged by a charger 14 placed on its surface. After being charged, the photoreceptor 12 is exposed to a laser beam emitted from the exposure device 16 on the downstream side in the direction of rotation of the photoreceptor 12. This forms an electrostatic charge image on the photoreceptor 12. The electrostatic charge image formed on the photoreceptor 12 is developed by the developing device 19 to become a toner image. The charging, exposure, and development processes are performed on the surface of each color of photoreceptor 12. As a result, a toner image corresponding to the respective color is formed on the surface of each color of photoreceptor 12.

[0090] The toner image formed on the photoreceptor 12 is transferred to the recording medium 24 being transported on the transport belt 20 at the point where the photoreceptor 12 and the transfer member 22 come into contact via the transport belt 20. The transfer member 22 is, for example, a roll having a conductive elastic layer on the outer surface of a conductive support. The conductive support is rotatably supported within the image forming apparatus 10. The transport belt 20 is supported from its inner surface while tension is applied by support rolls 40 and 42. In this state, the transport belt 20 transports the recording medium 24 by rotating. The recording medium 24 is removed from the storage container 28 by the removal roller 30. Then, it is transported to the transport belt 20 by transport rolls 32 and 34.

[0091] The toner images of each color are transferred to the recording medium 24 in the order of the four process cartridges, namely, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

[0092] The recording medium 24 onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fuser 64. The fuser 64 then heats and pressurizes the recording medium 24 to fix the toner image. Subsequently, in the case of single-sided printing, the recording medium 24 with the fixed toner image is discharged by the discharge roll 66 onto the discharge section 68 located at the top of the image forming apparatus 10. In the case of double-sided printing, the recording medium 24 with the toner image fixed on the first surface is transported to the transport path 70 for double-sided printing by the reverse rotation of the discharge roll 66. Subsequently, the recording medium 24 is transported back onto the transport belt 20 by a transport roll 72 installed on the transport path 70, with its front and back sides reversed. The toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor 12 onto the second side (back side) of the transported recording medium 24. The recording medium 24 with the toner image transferred to the second side (back side) is transported to the fuser unit 64. The fuser unit 64 then fixes the toner image onto the recording medium 24. After that, the recording medium 24 with the toner image fixed on both sides is discharged onto the discharge unit 68 by the discharge roll 66.

[0093] After the transfer of the toner image is complete, the photoreceptor 12 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 80 to remove any remaining toner or paper dust from its surface with each rotation. The photoreceptor then prepares for the next image formation.

[0094] The charged body 14 is a roll member having a conductive elastic layer 14B on the outer circumferential surface of a support 14A, as shown in Figure 7, for example. The support 14A is a conductive cylindrical or columnar body. The support 14A is rotatably supported within the image forming apparatus. The conductive elastic layer 14B is cylindrically laminated on the outer circumferential surface of the support 14A. The conductive elastic layer 14B is, for example, a layer in which a conductive agent is dispersed in foamed or non-foamed rubber material.

[0095] On the side of the charged body 14 opposite the photoreceptor 12, a cleaning member 100 for the charged body 14 is positioned in contact with the charged body 14. In other words, the charged body 14 and the cleaning member 100 constitute a charging device (unit) (see Figures 6 and 7). The cleaning member 100 used is the cleaning member according to this embodiment. The cleaning member 100 may be, for example, a member that is always in contact with the charged body 14 and rotates in accordance with the charged body 14, a member that is in contact with the charged body 14 only during cleaning and rotates in accordance with the charged body 14, or a member that is in contact with the charged body 14 only during cleaning and rotates by a separate drive.

[0096] The charged body 14 is pressed against the photoreceptor 12 by applying a load F to both ends of the support 14A, as shown in Figure 7, for example. As a result, the conductive elastic layer 14B elastically deforms to form a nip portion along the outer surface of the photoreceptor 12. As shown in Figure 7, for example, the cleaning member 100 is pressed against the charged body 14 by applying a load F' to both ends of the core material 102. As a result, the foamed elastic layer 104 elastically deforms to form a nip portion along the outer surface of the charged body 14.

[0097] In the configuration example shown in Figure 7, the photoreceptor 12 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow X by a motor (not shown), and the charged body 14 rotates in the direction of arrow Y due to the rotation of the photoreceptor 12. In addition, the cleaning member 100 rotates in the direction of arrow Z due to the rotation of the charged body 14.

[0098] Although examples of the image forming apparatus and process cartridge according to this embodiment have been described above with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7, this embodiment is not limited thereto. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is not limited to the tandem and direct transfer method shown in Figure 5, but can also be a well-known image forming apparatus such as an intermediate transfer method. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment may not have its internal devices and components packaged in cartridges, but rather in a configuration where each component is directly arranged. A process cartridge equipped with a charging device may be a process cartridge that includes a charging device (a unit of a charged body and a cleaning member) and at least one selected from a photoreceptor, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device.

[0099] The member to be cleaned by the cleaning member according to this embodiment is not limited to charged bodies such as charging rolls. Other examples of members to be cleaned include photoreceptors, transfer members, paper transport belts, secondary transfer members in an intermediate transfer system (e.g., secondary transfer rolls), and intermediate transfer bodies in an intermediate transfer system (e.g., intermediate transfer belts). These members to be cleaned and the cleaning member positioned in contact with them may be unitized to form a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus.

[0100] Hereinafter, an example of a member to be cleaned by the cleaning member according to this embodiment will be described in detail, specifically an embodiment of a charged body (i.e., a charged body provided in the charging device according to this embodiment).

[0101] The charged body comprises, for example, a support and a conductive elastic layer. The conductive elastic layer may be a single layer or a laminate of multiple layers. The conductive elastic layer may be a layer whose surface is surface-treated, and a surface layer containing a polymer material may be further laminated on the outer surface of the conductive elastic layer.

[0102] Examples of materials for the support include free-cutting steel and stainless steel. The surface of the support may be plated. If the material is not conductive, a conductive treatment such as plating may be performed.

[0103] The conductive elastic layer comprises an elastic material such as rubber and a conductive agent such as carbon black or an ionic conductive agent, for example, the conductive agent being dispersed in the elastic material. The conductive elastic layer may further contain softeners, plasticizers, hardening agents, vulcanizing agents, vulcanizing aids, vulcanizing accelerators, anti-aging agents, lubricants, fillers (silica, calcium carbonate, etc.), etc. The conductive elastic layer is formed by coating the outer surface of a conductive support with a mixture of the above materials. The elastic material may be a foam, in which case the conductive elastic layer becomes a conductive foamed elastic layer.

[0104] Examples of elastic materials constituting the conductive elastic layer include silicone rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, and mixtures thereof. The elastic material may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0105] Examples of conductive materials include electronic conductive materials and ionic conductive materials. Examples of electronically conductive agents include particles or powders of carbon black such as Ketjenblack and acetylene black; pyrolytic carbon and graphite; conductive metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and stainless steel; conductive metal oxides such as tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide-antimony oxide solid solution, and tin oxide-indium oxide solid solution; and insulating materials whose surfaces have been treated to become conductive. Examples of ionic conductive agents include perchlorates or chlorates of onium compounds such as tetraethylammonium and lauryltrimethylammonium; and perchlorates or chlorates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals such as lithium and magnesium.

[0106] The conductive agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. There are no particular restrictions on the amount of conductive agent to be added. In the case of an electronically conductive agent, the amount of conductive agent blended is preferably in the range of 1 part by mass or more and 60 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the elastic material. In the case of an ionic conductive agent, the amount of conductive agent blended is preferably in the range of 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5.0 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the elastic material.

[0107] A surface layer containing a polymer material may be provided on the surface of the charged body. Examples of polymer materials included in the surface layer include polyvinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyester, polyimide, copolymerized nylon, and silicone resin. One of the above polymer materials may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0108] The surface layer may contain a conductive material to adjust the resistance. Examples of conductive materials include carbon black, conductive metal oxide particles, and ionic conductive agents. One type of conductive material may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. The surface layer may also contain insulating particles such as alumina and silica. [Examples]

[0109] The embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the embodiments of the invention are not limited to these examples. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" are based on mass. In the following description, synthesis, processing, manufacturing, etc., were carried out at room temperature (25℃±3℃) unless otherwise specified.

[0110] <Fabrication of electrostatic rolls> -Formation of a conductive elastic layer- • Epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber (GECHRON3106, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.): 100 units • Carbon black (Asahi Thermal, manufactured by Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd.): 25 parts • Ketjenblack EC (manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.): 8 parts • Ion conductive agent (lithium perchlorate): 1 part Sulfur (200 mesh, manufactured by Tsurumi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): 1 part • Vulcanization accelerator (Noxellar DM, manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): 2 parts • Vulcanization accelerator (Noxellar TT, manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): 0.5 parts The above materials were kneaded in an open roll to obtain an elastic layer-forming composition. The outer surface of a support made of SUS416, with a diameter of 9 mm and a total length of 370 mm, was coated with the elastic layer-forming composition to a thickness of 1.5 mm, placed in a cylindrical mold with an inner diameter of 12.0 mm, and vulcanized at 170°C for 30 minutes. After being removed from the mold, the outer surface of the conductive elastic layer was polished to obtain an elastic roll.

[0111] -Formation of the surface layer- • Copolymerized nylon (Amilan® CM8000, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.): 20 parts • Antimond-doped tin oxide (SN-100P, manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.): 30 units • Methanol: 500 parts • Butanol: 240 parts The above materials were dispersed using a bead mill. The resulting dispersion was immersed and coated onto the outer surface of an elastic roll, and heated and dried at 140°C for 15 minutes to form a surface layer with a thickness of 4 μm. This resulted in the creation of a charged roll.

[0112] <Example SA: Adhesion of granular material containing a Si-containing compound> (Example SA1) As the core material, a metal core material with a diameter of 5.0 mm and a total length of 360 mm, made of SUM24EZ material, was prepared. As the material for the foamed elastic layer, foamed urethane (FHS, manufactured by Inoac Corporation, foam diameter 40 μm) was prepared.

[0113] A sheet of polyurethane foam was obtained by thinning the foamed polyurethane to the desired thickness. A 0.15 mm thick double-sided tape (No. 501L, manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation) was applied to the entire surface of one side of the polyurethane foam sheet. The polyurethane foam sheet with double-sided tape was cut to the desired length and width to obtain a strip-shaped member with double-sided tape.

[0114] A strip of material with double-sided tape attached was placed on a horizontal surface with the release paper of the double-sided tape facing upwards. While removing the release paper, tension was applied to the strip of material with double-sided tape attached so that its total length stretched by approximately 0% to 5%, and the metal core material was rolled on the surface. The strip of material with double-sided tape attached was then wrapped around the metal core material to obtain a metal core material having a foamed elastic layer. The helical angle θ of the foamed elastic layer was 25°, the inner circumference length X of the foamed elastic layer in the radial cross-section of the core material was 5 mm, and the thickness Y of the foamed elastic layer was 3 mm. Through the above operations, a roll member with a foamed elastic layer was obtained.

[0115] Next, as a granular form of Si-containing compound, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "KMP-590" ([CH3SiO 1.5 ] n We prepared granular polymethylsilsesquioxane SQ with a three-dimensional network structure represented by (n=1~4, average particle size = 2 μm). Next, granular Si-containing compound was spread on a tray, and the resulting foamed elastic layer-coated roll member was rolled over it. The rolling cycle was 50 rotations. As a result, the amount of adhesion was 1.4 × 10⁻⁶. -7 g / mm 2 Then, granular silicon-containing compounds were attached to the foamed elastic layer. Through the above operations, a cleaning component (i.e., a cleaning roll) was manufactured.

[0116] (Example SA2) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example SA1. • An amount equivalent to 20% of the Si-containing compound used in Example SA1 was spread on a tray.

[0117] (Example SA3) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example SA1. • An amount equivalent to 25% of the Si-containing compound used in Example SA1 was spread on a tray.

[0118] (Examples SA4-SA8) For Examples SA4 to SA8, the cleaning components (i.e., cleaning rolls) were manufactured in the same manner as in Example SA1, except for the following changes. • SA4 was used in an amount equivalent to 50% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. • SA5 was used in an amount equivalent to 200% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. • SA6 was used in an amount equivalent to 250% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. • SA7 was used in an amount equivalent to 300% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. • For SA8, instead of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "KMP-600" (silicone rubber composite granules, particle size distribution n=1~15, average particle size=5μm) was prepared. Adhesion amount: 1.6 × 10⁻⁶ -6 g / mm 2 Then, granular silicon-containing compounds were attached to the foamed elastic layer.

[0119] <Example SB: Layered material containing a Si-containing compound attached> (Example SB1) A roll member with a foamed elastic layer was obtained in the same manner as in Example SA1. Next, as a granular form of Si-containing compound, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "X-52-854" ([CH3SiO 1.5 ] n We prepared granular polymethylsilsesquioxane SQ with a three-dimensional network structure represented by (particle size distribution = 0.2-5 μm, average particle size = 1.3 μm). Next, a coating solution was prepared by dispersing granular Si-containing compounds in water. The solid content concentration of the coating solution was 50% by mass. Next, the coating solution was applied to the surface of the resulting foamed elastic layer-coated roll member using a spool. The coating film was then dried to form a layered structure of Si-containing compound. This resulted in an adhesion amount of 1.5 × 10⁻⁶. -8 g / mm 2 Then, a layered material containing Si was attached to the foamed elastic layer. Through the above operations, a cleaning component (i.e., a cleaning roll) was manufactured.

[0120] (Example SB2) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example SB1. • An amount equivalent to 20% of the Si-containing compound used in Example SB1 was spread on a tray.

[0121] (Example SB3) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example SB1. • An amount equivalent to 25% of the Si-containing compound used in Example SB1 was spread on a tray.

[0122] (Examples SB4-SB8) For Examples SB4 to SB8, the cleaning components (i.e., cleaning rolls) were manufactured in the same manner as in Example SB1, except for the following changes. • SB4 was used in an amount equivalent to 50% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. • SB5 was used in an amount equivalent to 200% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. • SB6 was used in an amount equivalent to 250% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. • SB7 was used in an amount equivalent to 300% of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1. For SB8, instead of the Si-containing compound used in Example 1, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "X-52-1133" (silicone rubber powder emulsion, particle size distribution n=1~10μm, average particle size=5μm) was prepared.

[0123] <Example FA: Granular material containing F-containing compound attached> (Example FA1) A roll member with a foamed elastic layer was obtained in the same manner as in Example SA1. Next, as a granular material containing F, Technochemical Co., Ltd.'s "Microdispers-200" (a granular material of polytetrafluoroethylene, average particle size = 0.2-0.3 μm) was prepared. Next, granular material containing F was spread on a tray, and the resulting foamed elastic layer-coated roll member was rolled over it. The number of rotations was 50. As a result, the amount of adhesion was 1.0 × 10 -9 g / mm 2 Then, granular material containing F was attached to the foamed elastic layer. Through the above operations, a cleaning component (i.e., a cleaning roll) was manufactured.

[0124] (Example FA2) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example FA1. • An amount equivalent to 20% of the F-containing compound used in Example FA1 was spread on a tray.

[0125] (Example FA3) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example FA1. • An amount equivalent to 25% of the F-containing compound used in Example FA1 was spread on a tray.

[0126] (Examples FA4-FA7) For Examples FA4 to FA7, the cleaning components (i.e., cleaning rolls) were manufactured in the same manner as in Example FA1, except for the following changes. • FA4 was used in an amount equivalent to 50% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1. • FA5 was used in an amount equivalent to 200% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1. • FA6 was used in an amount equivalent to 250% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1. • FA7 was used in an amount equivalent to 300% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1.

[0127] <Example FB: Layered material containing F-containing compound attached> (Example FB1) A roll member with a foamed elastic layer was obtained in the same manner as in Example SA1. Next, as a granular material containing F, we prepared Daikin Corporation's "PTFE D-111" (granular polytetrafluoroethylene, average particle size = 0.3 μm). Next, a coating solution was prepared by dispersing granular F-containing compounds in water. The solid content concentration of the coating solution was 50% by mass. Next, the coating solution was applied to the surface of the resulting foamed elastic layer-coated roll member using a spool. The coating film was then dried to form a layered structure of the F-containing compound. This resulted in an adhesion amount of 1.3 × 10⁻⁶. -9 g / mm 2 Then, a layered material containing F was attached to the foamed elastic layer. Through the above operations, a cleaning component (i.e., a cleaning roll) was manufactured.

[0128] (Example FB2) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example FB1. • An amount equivalent to 20% of the F-containing compound used in Example FB1 was spread on a tray.

[0129] (Example FB3) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example FB1. • An amount equivalent to 25% of the F-containing compound used in Example FB1 was spread on a tray.

[0130] (Examples FB4-FB7) For Examples FB4 to FB7, the cleaning components (i.e., cleaning rolls) were manufactured in the same manner as in Example FB1, except for the following changes. • FB4 was used in an amount equivalent to 50% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1. • FB5 was used in an amount equivalent to 200% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1. • FB6 was used in an amount equivalent to 250% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1. • FB7 was used in an amount equivalent to 300% of the F-containing compound used in Example 1.

[0131] <Example SFA: Granular material containing Si-containing compound and F-containing compound attached> (Example SFA1) A roll member with a foamed elastic layer was obtained in the same manner as in Example A1.

[0132] Next, as a granular form of Si-containing compound, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "KMP-590" ([CH3SiO 1.5 ] n We prepared granular polymethylsilsesquioxane SQ with a three-dimensional network structure represented by (average particle size = 1-4, average particle size = 2 microns). Next, as a granular material containing F, Technochemical Co., Ltd.'s "Microdispers-200" (granular tetrafluoroethylene, average particle size = 0.2-0.3 μm) was prepared. Next, 30 parts of granular Si-containing compound and 30 parts of granular F-containing compound were mixed. Next, the mixed granular material was spread onto a tray, and the resulting foamed elastic layer-coated roll member was rolled over it. The rolling cycle was 50 rotations. As a result, the amount of adhesion was 2.0 × 10 -7 g / mm 2 Then, a mixture of Si-containing compounds and F-containing granular material was attached to the foamed elastic layer. Through the above operations, a cleaning component (i.e., a cleaning roll) was manufactured.

[0133] (Example SFA2) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example SFA1. • The amount used was equivalent to 200% of the Si compound and 50% of the F-containing compound used in Example SFA1.

[0134] (Example SFA3, Example SFA4) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example SFA1. SFA3 uses 50% of the amount of Si compound and 200% of the amount of F-containing compound used in SFA1. SFA4 used an amount equivalent to 50% of the Si compound and 50% of the F-containing compound used in SFA1.

[0135] <Example SFB: Layered material containing Si-containing compound and F-containing compound attached> (Example SFB1) A roll member with a foamed elastic layer was obtained in the same manner as in Example SA1. Next, as a granular form of Si-containing compound, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "X-52-854" ([CH3SiO 1.5 ] n We prepared granular polymethylsilsesquioxane SQ with a three-dimensional network structure represented by (a), with a particle size distribution of 0.2 to 5 and an average particle size of 1.3 μm. Next, Daikin Industries' "PTFE D-111" (polytetrafluoroethylene granules, average particle size = 0.3 μm) was prepared as a granular material containing F. Next, a mixed coating solution was prepared by dispersing 100 parts of granular Si-containing compound and 100 parts of granular F-containing compound in water. The solid content concentration of the mixed coating solution was 50% by mass. Next, the mixed coating solution was applied to the surface of the resulting foamed elastic layer-coated roll member using a spool. The coating film was then dried to form layers of S-containing and F-containing compounds. This resulted in an adhesion amount of 2.0 × 10⁻⁶. -7 g / mm 2 Then, layered materials containing sulfur and sulfur were attached to a foamed elastic layer. Through the above operations, a cleaning component (i.e., a cleaning roll) was manufactured.

[0136] (Example SFB2) Except for the following changes, the cleaning component (i.e., the cleaning roll) was manufactured in the same manner as in Example SFB1. • The amount used was equivalent to 200% of the Si compound and 50% of the F-containing compound used in Example SFB1.

[0137] (Example SFB3, Example SFB4) A cleaning member (i.e., a cleaning roll) was produced in the same manner as in Example SFB1, except that the following items were changed. · For SFB3, amounts corresponding to 50% of the Si compound and 200% of the F-containing compound used in SFB1 were used. · For SFB4, amounts corresponding to 50% of the Si compound and 50% of the F-containing compound used in SFB1 were used.

[0138] <Comparative Example> (Comparative Example 1) A roll member with a foamed elastic layer was obtained in the same manner as in Example SA1. The obtained roll member with a foamed elastic layer was used as the cleaning member in the comparative example.

[0139] (Comparative Example S2) A foamed elastic layer using a Si-based foam stabilizer was formed as follows to obtain a roll member with a foamed elastic layer. The obtained roll member with a foamed elastic layer was used as the cleaning member in the comparative example.

[0140] (Comparative Example F2) A foamed elastic layer using an F-based foam stabilizer was formed as follows to obtain a roll member with a foamed elastic layer. The obtained roll member with a foamed elastic layer was used as the cleaning member in the comparative example.

[0141] <Detection Amounts of Si and F> When elemental analysis by energy dispersive fluorescent X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was performed on the surface of the foamed elastic layer in the cleaning member of each example, the detection amounts of Si and F were measured by the method described above.

[0142] <Production of Charging Device> A charging device was assembled by combining a charging roll and a cleaning member of any one of the examples or comparative examples.

[0143] <Performance Evaluation> (Cleaning Durability) The produced charging device was mounted on an evaluation image forming device ("Apeos C7070" manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.). Using an evaluation image forming apparatus, 1,000,000 sheets of HT30% K-color (full color) A3 paper were passed through the apparatus, and the increase in surface resistance at the center of the charged element before and after the test was evaluated according to the following criteria. A+: Surface resistance after testing is less than 105% of that before testing. A: The surface resistance after the test is between 105% and 133% of the surface resistance before the test. B: The surface resistance after testing is between 133% and 150% of the surface resistance before testing. C: The surface resistance after testing is 150% or more but less than 166% of the surface resistance before testing. D: The surface resistance after the test is 166% or more of the surface resistance before the test.

[0144] (Observation of cleaning components) After the evaluation of cleaning performance was completed, the surface of the cleaning material was observed using an optical microscope. The occurrence of aggregates of the external additive was then evaluated according to the following criteria. Specifically, five spaced locations on the surface of the cleaning material were observed within a 3 mm square field of view. The number of external additive aggregates with a maximum diameter of 100 nm or more was counted based on the observation. The average number of external additive aggregates with a maximum diameter of 100 nm or more per 3 mm square field of view was calculated. This was then evaluated according to the following criteria. A+: Average number of aggregates of external additives is 20 or less. A: The average number of aggregates of the external additive is between 20 and 40. B: The average number of aggregates of the external additive is more than 40 but less than or equal to 100. C: The average number of aggregates of the external additive is between 100 and 160. D: The average number of aggregates of the external additive exceeds 160.

[0145] The details of the abbreviations in the table are as follows: ·SQ: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. "KMP-590" ([CH3SiO 1.5 ] n (The three-dimensional network structure of polymethylsilsesquioxane SQ is represented as granular material, with a particle size distribution of n=1~4 and an average particle size of 2μm.) ·SQ2: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. "X-52-854" ([CH3SiO 1.5 ]n (The three-dimensional network structure of polymethylsilsesquioxane SQ is represented as granular material, with a particle size distribution of 0.2-5 μm and an average particle size of 1.3 μm.) • SR1: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. "KMP-600" (silicone rubber composite granules, particle size distribution n=1~15, average particle size=5μm) • SR2: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. "X-52-1133" (Silicone rubber powder emulsion, particle size distribution n=1~10μm, average particle size=5μm) • PTFE1: Techno Chemical Co., Ltd. "Microdispers-200" (granular polytetrafluoroethylene, average particle size = 0.2-0.3 μm) • PTFE2: Daikin Industries, Ltd. "PTFE D-111" (granular polytetrafluoroethylene, average particle size = 0.3 μm)

[0146] [Table 1]

[0147] [Table 2]

[0148] [Table 3]

[0149] From the above results, it can be seen that the cleaning member of this embodiment has superior cleaning and maintenance performance compared to the cleaning member of the comparative example.

[0150] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) It comprises a core material and a foamed elastic layer on the core material, A cleaning member in which at least one of Si and F is detected when elemental analysis of the surface of the foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). (((2))) When the aforementioned Si is detected, the amount of Si detected is between 3% and 70%. The cleaning member described in (((1))), wherein the amount of F detected when F is detected is 3% or more and 70% or less. (((3))) When the aforementioned Si is detected, the amount of Si detected is between 10% and 50%. The cleaning member described in (((1))) wherein the amount of F detected when F is detected is 10% or more and 50% or less. (((4))) A cleaning member according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((3))), wherein at least one of granular material and layered material containing a Si-containing compound, containing an F-containing compound, or containing both a Si-containing compound and an F-containing compound is attached to the surface of the foamed elastic layer. (((5))) The Si-containing compound is silsesquioxane. The cleaning member according to (((4))), wherein the F-containing compound is polytetrafluoroethylene. (((6))) A charging device comprising a cleaning member as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((5))). (((7))) ((6))) equipped with a charging device as described above, A process cartridge that is attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus. (((8))) Image holder and, A charging device described in (((6))) for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image holder using a developer containing toner to form a toner image, The system includes a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium. Image forming apparatus.

[0151] The effects of the above embodiment are as follows: According to the invention of (((1))) or (((4))), a cleaning member is provided that exhibits superior cleaning and maintenance properties compared to cases where Si and F are not detected when elemental analysis of the surface of the foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). According to the invention of (((2))), a cleaning member is provided that has superior cleaning and maintenance properties compared to cases where the detected amount of Si is less than 3% or more than 70%, or where the detected amount of F is less than 3% or more than 70%. According to the invention of (((3))), a cleaning member is provided that has superior cleaning and maintenance properties compared to cases where the detected amount of Si is less than 10% or more than 50%, or where the detected amount of F is less than 10% or more than 50%.

[0152] According to the invention of (((5))), a cleaning member is provided that has superior cleaning and maintenance properties compared to the case in which silicone rubber is used as the compound to be attached to the surface of the foamed elastic layer.

[0153] According to the inventions of (((6))), (((7))), or (((8))), a charging device, a process cartridge, or an image forming apparatus is provided that has a cleaning member that is superior in cleaning maintenance compared to a case in which a cleaning member is applied to which Si and F are not detected when elemental analysis of the surface of a foamed elastic layer is performed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX). [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 100 Cleaning component, 102 Core material, 104 Foamed elastic layer, 106 Adhesive layer, 100A Core material, 100B Foamed elastic layer, 100C Foamed elastic component, 100D Double-sided tape, 10 Image forming apparatus, 10A Apparatus body, 12 Photoreceptor, 14 Charged body, 14A Support, 14B Conductive elastic layer, 16 Exposure apparatus, 19 Developing apparatus, 20 Conveyor belt, 22 Transfer member, 24 recording medium, 64 fixing device, 66 discharge roll, 68 discharge section, 70 Conveyor path, 72 conveyor rolls, 80 cleaning blades

Claims

1. It comprises a core material and a foamed elastic layer on the core material, A cleaning member in which at least one of Si and F is detected when elemental analysis is performed on the surface of the foamed elastic layer by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX).

2. When the aforementioned Si is detected, the amount of Si detected is between 3% and 70%. The cleaning member according to claim 1, wherein the amount of F detected when F is detected is 3% or more and 70% or less.

3. When the aforementioned Si is detected, the amount of Si detected is between 10% and 50%. The cleaning member according to claim 1, wherein the amount of F detected when F is detected is 10% or more and 50% or less.

4. The cleaning member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of granular material and layered material containing a Si-containing compound, containing an F-containing compound, or containing both a Si-containing compound and an F-containing compound is attached to the surface of the foamed elastic layer.

5. The Si-containing compound is silsesquioxane. The cleaning member according to claim 4, wherein the F-containing compound is polytetrafluoroethylene.

6. A charging device comprising a cleaning member according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The charging device is provided as described in claim 6, A process cartridge that is attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus.

8. Image holder and, A charging device according to claim 6, which charges the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image holder using a developer containing toner to form a toner image, The system includes a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium. Image forming apparatus.

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