Electrophotographic component, transfer apparatus, image forming apparatus, and method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component.

Abstract

To provide an electrophotographic component that can suppress contamination of recording media. [Solution] An electrophotographic component having a surface layer that does not contain fluorine material, wherein polyester resin particles with a volume average particle size of 4.7 μm are attached to the surface of the surface layer, and then air is blown onto the surface of the surface layer from above while increasing the blowing pressure, such that when the blowing pressure is 6 kPa or less, all the polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer separate from the surface of the surface layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic member, a transfer device, an image forming apparatus, and a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus (such as a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, etc.) using an electrophotographic method, a toner image formed on the surface of an image carrier is transferred to a transfer member and fixed to a recording medium to form an image.

[0003]

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "an electrophotographic toner in which the ratio (F / D) of the average value F of the centrifugal force at the rotational speeds before and after toner detachment to the volume average particle diameter D (μm) of the detached toner is 4.5 nN / μm or less." For example, Patent Document 2 discloses "an intermediate transfer member in which a toner adhesion reducing layer for reducing the adhesion force of toner is uniformly formed on the surface."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [[ID=二十九]]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic member having a surface layer containing no fluorine material, which can suppress recording medium contamination as compared with the case where all the adhered polyester resin particles are separated when the spraying pressure exceeds <6 kPa> as described later.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The means for solving the above problems include the following embodiments. <1> It has a surface layer that does not contain fluorine material, An electrophotographic component in which, after attaching polyester resin particles with a volume-average particle size of 4.7 μm to the surface of the surface layer, air is blown onto the surface of the surface layer from above while increasing the blowing pressure, and when the blowing pressure is 6 kPa or less, all the polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer separate from the surface of the surface layer. <2> It has a surface layer containing a binder and polysiloxane compound particles, The polysiloxane compound particles are of formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 R represents an organic group, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 The polysiloxane compound particles have a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. <1> Electrophotographic components as described above. <3> The group comprising at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group is a group comprising an alkyl group. <2> Electrophotographic components as described above. <4> The surface layer has at least one of a resin layer and an elastic layer below it. <1> ~ <3> An electrophotographic component as described in any one of the items. <5> The volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is 3.0 μm or less. <2> Electrophotographic components as described above. <6> The volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is 1.0 μm or less. <5> Electrophotographic components as described above. <7> The content of the polysiloxane compound particles is 3% by volume or more and 50% by volume or less relative to the surface layer. <2> , <3> , <5> , or <6> Electrophotographic components as described above. <8> The content of the polysiloxane compound particles is 6% by volume or more and 40% by volume or less relative to the surface layer. <7> Electrophotographic components as described above. <9> The thickness of the surface layer is 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. <1> ~ <8> An electrophotographic component as described in any one of the items. <10> <1> ~ <9> A transfer apparatus comprising a transfer member composed of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of the items. <11> Image holder and, A charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing toner, and uses the developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder to form a toner image, The toner image is transferred to the surface of the recording medium. <10> The transfer apparatus described above, A fixing device for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising: <12> <1> ~ <9> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a blade coating method. <13> <1> ~ <9> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming the surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by an immersion coating method. <14> <1> ~ <9> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a spray coating method. <15> <1> ~ <9> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a ring coating method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] <1> , or <2> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component having a surface layer that does not contain a fluorine material is provided, which can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the above-mentioned case where the spraying pressure exceeds 6 kPa and all attached polyester resin particles are separated.

[0009] <3> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of recording media compared to a case where the group containing at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group contains a phenyl group. <4> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component having a surface layer that does not contain fluorine material is provided, which has at least one of a resin layer and an elastic layer below the surface layer, compared to the above-mentioned case where the spraying pressure exceeds 6 kPa and all attached polyester resin particles are separated, thereby suppressing contamination of the recording medium. <5> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of recording media compared to the case where the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles exceeds 3.0 μm. <6> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case where the volume average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles exceeds 1.0 μm. <7> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case where the content of polysiloxane compound particles is less than 3% by volume relative to the surface layer. <8> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to a case where the content of polysiloxane compound particles is less than 6% by volume relative to the surface layer. <9> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case where the thickness of the surface layer is less than 5 μm.

[0010] <10> , or <11> According to the invention, a transfer apparatus or image forming apparatus is provided that includes an electrophotographic component having a surface layer that does not contain a fluorine material, which can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case in which the above-mentioned electrophotographic component is used, in which the spraying pressure exceeds 6 kPa and all attached polyester resin particles are separated. <12> According to the invention, compared to a blade coating method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin, a blade coating method is provided that suppresses contamination of the recording medium and reduces coating defects. <13> According to the invention, compared to a blade coating method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin, a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component using an immersion coating method is provided, which suppresses contamination of the recording medium and reduces coating defects. <14> According to the invention, compared to a blade coating method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin, a spray coating method is provided that suppresses contamination of recording media and reduces coating defects. <15> According to the invention, compared to a blade coating method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin, a ring coating method is provided that suppresses contamination of recording media and reduces coating defects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the area around the secondary transfer section in another example of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following describes an example embodiment of the present invention. The description and examples are illustrative and do not limit the present invention.

[0013] In numerical ranges described stepwise within this specification, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described stepwise. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described within this specification, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples. In this specification, the term "process" includes not only independent processes but also processes that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, provided that their intended purpose is achieved. In this specification, when embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, the configuration of the embodiments is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of the components in each figure are conceptual, and the relative relationships between the sizes of the components are not limited thereto. In this specification, each component may contain multiple of the relevant substances. When the amount of each component in a composition is referred to in this specification, it means the total amount of the substance present in the composition.

[0014] <Electrophotographic components> The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment has a surface layer that does not contain fluorine material. Furthermore, the surface layer has the characteristic that when polyester resin particles with a volume-average particle size of 4.7 μm are attached to the surface of the surface layer, and then air is blown onto the surface of the surface layer from above while increasing the blowing pressure, all polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer separate from the surface of the surface layer when the blowing pressure is 6 kPa or less. Hereinafter, the characteristic that "all polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer separate from the surface of the surface layer when the spraying pressure is 6 kPa or less" will also be referred to as "adhesion characteristic." Furthermore, "fluorine material" means "a material that contains fluorine atoms."

[0015] The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment can suppress contamination of the recording medium due to the above configuration. The reason for this is as follows.

[0016] In recent years, with the growing awareness of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the burden on the environment has increased. Development of materials that reduce this issue is underway. One such approach involves considering technologies that do not use fluorine-based materials, which have high release properties.

[0017] However, electrophotographic components with a surface layer that does not contain fluorine as a release agent do not have sufficient release properties. As a result, when toner is scattered during the transfer of the toner image (so-called toner cloud), it adheres to the surface layer and becomes difficult to clean. This toner adhesion then causes contamination of the recording medium.

[0018] In contrast, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment satisfies the above adhesion characteristics even if the surface layer does not contain a fluorine material. In other words, it reduces the non-electrostatic adhesion of the surface layer itself and has high release properties. As a result, even if toner adheres to the surface layer, it becomes easier to clean. Consequently, contamination of the recording medium is suppressed.

[0019] Based on the above, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment suppresses contamination of the recording medium.

[0020] Details of the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0021] The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment has a surface layer that does not contain fluorine material. Examples of electrophotographic components include those having at least one of a resin layer and an elastic layer in the layer below the surface layer. Specifically, examples of electrophotographic components include those shown in (1) to (4) below. (1) A component having a resin layer and a surface layer in this order. (2) A member having an elastic layer and a surface layer in this order. (3) A component having a resin layer, an elastic layer, and a surface layer in this order. (4) A member having an elastic layer, a resin layer, and a surface layer in this order.

[0022] (Surface layer) ((Adhesion characteristics)) The surface layer has the characteristic that when polyester resin particles with a volume-average particle size of 4.7 μm are attached to the surface of the surface layer, and then air is blown onto the surface of the surface layer from above while increasing the blowing pressure, all polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer separate from the surface layer when the blowing pressure is 6 kPa or less.

[0023] By satisfying the above adhesion characteristics, the surface layer becomes easier to clean even if toner adheres to it. As a result, contamination of the recording medium is suppressed. From the viewpoint of improving the suppression of contamination on recording media, the surface layer preferably has the characteristic that all attached polyester resin particles separate when the spraying pressure is 4 kPa or less, and more preferably has the characteristic that all attached polyester resin particles separate when the spraying pressure is 2 kPa or less.

[0024] Here, the determination of whether or not the surface layer satisfies the adhesion characteristics is made as follows. First, a sample piece measuring 3 cm x 4 cm, including the surface layer, is taken from the target electrophotographic component. Next, in an environment of 22°C and 15% humidity, polyester resin particles were scattered onto the measurement surface corresponding to the surface layer of the sample piece, with a voltage of 10kV applied horizontally from a height of 15cm above, at a density of 3g / cm³. 2 The amount applied will cause it to adhere. Here, the polyester resin particles used are resin particles that are a polycondensate of dimethyl fumarate, a dicarboxylic acid, and propylene glycol, a dialcohol. The weight-average molecular weight of the resin particles is 25,000. The volume-average particle size of the resin particles is 4.7 μm. Furthermore, uncharged polyester resin particles are used. Uncharged resin particles refer to particles with an absolute charge of 5 μC / g or less.

[0025] Next, air is blown onto the center of the polyester resin particle-adhered surface of the sample piece from an air nozzle with a diameter of 0.7 mm located 3 cm above, at a blowing pressure of 0.1 kPa, and the blowing pressure is increased at 0.5 kPa / second. Then, when the spraying pressure reaches 6 kPa, if all the polyester resin particles have separated from the sample piece, it is determined that the adhesion characteristics are satisfied. On the other hand, if polyester resin particles remain on the sample even when the spraying pressure exceeds 6 kPa, it is determined that the adhesion characteristics are not satisfied.

[0026] Here, the weight-average molecular weight of polyester resin particles is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For molecular weight measurement using GPC, a Tosoh GPC-HLC-8120GPC is used as the measuring instrument. A Tosoh TSKgel SuperHM-M (15cm) column is used for molecular weight measurement. Molecular weight measurement is performed using THF solvent. The weight-average molecular weight is calculated from the measurement results using a molecular weight calibration curve prepared with monodisperse polystyrene standard samples.

[0027] Furthermore, the volume-average particle size of the polyester resin particles is measured as follows. A Coulter Multisizer II (manufactured by Beckman Coulter) is used for the measurement. ISOTON-II (manufactured by Beckman Coulter) is used as the electrolyte. For measurement, add 0.5 mg to 50 mg of the sample to be measured in 2 ml of a 5% aqueous solution of a surfactant (preferably sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate) as a dispersant. Add this to 100 ml to 150 ml of electrolyte. The electrolyte containing the suspended sample is dispersed in an ultrasonic disperser for 1 minute. Then, using a Coulter Multisizer II with a 100 μm aperture, the particle size distribution of particles between 2 μm and 60 μm is measured. The number of particles sampled is 50,000. For the particle size ranges (channels) divided based on the measured particle size distribution, cumulative distributions are plotted from the smaller diameter side for each volume. In the cumulative distribution, the particle diameter at which the cumulative value reaches 50% is defined as the volume average particle diameter D50v.

[0028] Also, the charge amount of the polyester resin particles is measured using a blow-off powder charge amount measuring device (TB-200) manufactured by Toshiba Chemical Corporation under the environment of 22°C and 15%.

[0029] ((Composition)) The surface layer preferably contains a binder and polysiloxane compound particles. The surface layer may also contain a conductive agent, other additives, etc.

[0030] - Polysiloxane compound particles - The polysiloxane compound particles are of the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m represented by the T unit (wherein, in the formula, R 1 is an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and among the plurality of R<000001​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Of these, at least one R 2 and R 3 Preferably, the group is one that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.

[0032] In units T and D, R in the formula 1 , R 2 and R 3 The organic groups include, for example, hydroxyl groups, siloxy groups, hydrocarbon groups, hydrocarbon groups in which one or more methylene groups are replaced by carbonyl groups, and heteroatoms (oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atoms) in which one or more carbon atoms. This indicates a hydrocarbon group that has been replaced by another hydrocarbon group, or a group that is a combination of these.

[0033] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Examples of siloxy groups represented by the organic group described include monoalkylsiloxy groups, dialkylsiloxy groups, and trialkylsiloxy groups, with dialkylsiloxy groups and trialkylsiloxy groups being preferred, and trialkylsiloxy groups being more preferred.

[0034] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Examples of hydrocarbon groups described using the organic group represented by include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0035] 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, and a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is more preferred. Aliphatic hydrocarbon groups may be substituted with substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, or aryl groups.

[0036] 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.

[0037] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 The organic group represented by 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 polysiloxane compound particles may be cured particles formed by the reaction of the above reactive groups. From the perspective of the flexibility of polysiloxane compound particles, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 It is preferable that the organic group represented by does not contain a reactive group.

[0038] Multiple R units exist within the T and D units. 1 , R 2 and R 3 These may be the same organic group or different organic groups. However, each of the multiple R units within the T unit 1 Of these, at least one R 1 This group is a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Furthermore, each of the multiple R units present within the D unit 2 and R 3 Of these, at least one R 2 and R 3 Preferably, each of these groups contains at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. In other words, there are multiple R units within a T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 This group is a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Multiple R units exist within the D unit. 2Of these, at least one R 2 Preferably, the group is one that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Multiple R units exist within the D unit. 3 Of these, at least one R 3 Preferably, the group is one that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Here, from the viewpoint of improving adhesion properties, the alkyl group is preferably the alkyl group itself or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. In other words, multiple R groups present in the T unit. 1 , as well as R, which has multiple units in the D unit 2 and R 3 At least one of these is preferably an alkyl group or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. From the viewpoint of improving adhesion characteristics, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkyl group having 1 carbon atom (i.e., a methyl group).

[0039] The preferred group containing the aryl group is either the aryl group itself or an aralkyl group. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl groups and naphthyl groups. The alkyl group in the aralkyl group can be, for example, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The aryl group in the aralkyl group can be a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, etc. Examples of aralkyl groups include a benzyl group, a 1-phenylethyl group, a 2-phenylethyl group, and a 2-methyl-2-phenylethyl group. From the viewpoint of improving adhesion properties, a phenyl group is preferred as the group containing the aryl group.

[0040] From the viewpoint of improving adhesion properties, it is preferable that the proportion of groups containing at least one alkyl group and an aryl group is high relative to the polysiloxane compound particles.

[0041] In the T and D units, m and n in the formula represent integers of 2 or more, but from the viewpoint of improving adhesion characteristics, it is preferable that they represent integers of 8 or more, and more preferably that they represent integers between 8 and 10,000.

[0042] In T and D units, the upper limit of the ratio of m to n in the formula, m / n, is preferably 100 / 0 or less, and more preferably 100 / 1 or less. The lower limit of m / n is preferably 10 / 90 or more, more preferably 20 / 80 or more, and even more preferably 25 / 75 or more. The ratio m / n, that is, the ratio of units in T and D, is measured as follows: Solid 29 The result is calculated using Si NMR, based on the peak ratio between D units (high ppm side) and T units (low ppm side).

[0043] The content of polysiloxane compound particles is preferably 3% to 50% by volume relative to the surface layer, more preferably 6% to 40% by volume, and even more preferably 10% to 37% by volume. The adhesion properties are improved when the polysiloxane compound particle content is 3% by volume or more. By keeping the polysiloxane compound particle content at 50% by volume or less, the reduction in the flexibility of the surface layer is suppressed.

[0044] The volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less. In particular, the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is preferably 3.0 μm or less, and more preferably 1.0 μm or less. When the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is within the above range (especially 3.0 μm or less), they tend to disperse more uniformly on the surface layer. As a result, adhesion characteristics improve, and contamination of recording media is more easily suppressed.

[0045] The volume-average particle size of polysiloxane compound particles is measured as follows: A sample is taken from the surface layer. The sample should have a cross-section aligned with the thickness direction of the surface layer as the observation surface. The observation surface of the sample is observed using a scanning electron microscope, and an image is captured. In the image, the area of ​​each primary polysiloxane compound particle 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 polysiloxane compound particles. The 50% diameter (D50v) at the volume-based cumulative frequency of the obtained equivalent diameters is then defined as the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles.

[0046] Polysiloxane compound particles can be exemplified by polymeric compound particles called silsesquioxanes (SQ), which can take on various skeletal structures. Polysiloxane compound particles have a cage-like structure (complete cage-like structure or cage-like structure), ladder Either a typed structure or a random structure can be used as the skeletal structure.

[0047] -Binding material- Examples of binders include polyamide resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, polyimide resin, silicone resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, cellulose resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin. In particular, urethane resin is preferred as the binder. The urethane resin may be acrylic urethane resin, polyester polyurethane resin, polyether polyurethane resin, etc. Among these, silicone-modified urethane resin is preferred, and silicone-modified acrylic urethane resin is preferred.

[0048] The binder content shall be the amount that constitutes the main component of the surface layer. Here, the amount that constitutes the main component of the surface layer refers to the amount of the most abundant component among the components contained in the surface layer, excluding the polysiloxane compound particles.

[0049] -Conductive agent- Examples of conductive agents include carbon black, metals (e.g., aluminum and nickel), metal oxides (e.g., yttrium oxide, tin oxide), carbon nanotubes, and ionic conductive materials (e.g., potassium titanate, LiCl), with carbon black being the preferred choice among these. These conductive agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0050] Examples of carbon black include Ketjen black, oil furnace black, channel black (i.e., gas black), and acetylene black. Surface-treated carbon black (hereinafter also referred to as "surface-treated carbon black") may also be used. Surface-treated carbon black is obtained by imparting, for example, carboxyl groups, quinone groups, lactone groups, hydroxyl groups, etc., to its surface. Examples of surface treatment methods include air oxidation, in which carbon black is reacted with air in a high-temperature atmosphere; a method of reacting carbon black with nitrogen oxides or ozone at room temperature (e.g., 22°C); and a method of air oxidation in a high-temperature atmosphere followed by oxidation with ozone at a low temperature.

[0051] Among these, channel black is a good conductive agent, and acidic carbon black with a pH of 5.0 or lower is particularly good. Examples of acidic carbon black include carbon black whose surface has been oxidized, such as carbon black obtained by imparting carboxyl groups, quinone groups, lactone groups, hydroxyl groups, etc., to the surface. As for the acidic carbon black, from the viewpoint of improving transferability to uneven paper, a carbon black with a pH of 4.5 or lower is preferred, more preferably an acidic carbon black with a pH of 4.0 or lower, even more preferably an acidic carbon black with a pH of 3.0 or lower, particularly preferably an acidic carbon black with a pH of 2.0 to 3.0, and most preferably an acidic carbon black with a pH of 2.0 to 2.8. The pH of acidic carbon black is measured according to the pH measurement method specified in JIS Z8802 (2011).

[0052] The content of the conductive agent in the surface layer is preferably 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less.

[0053] -Other additives- Other additives can be appropriately selected from well-known additives such as reinforcing agents, antioxidants, surfactants, and heat-resistant anti-aging agents, depending on the various applications of the electrophotographic components.

[0054] The content of other additives in the surface layer is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0055] -Thickness of the surface layer- The thickness of the surface layer is preferably 5 μm to 30 μm, more preferably 8 μm to 25 μm, and even more preferably 10 μm to 20 μm. When the surface layer thickness is 5 μm or more, it is less affected by the roughness of the underlying layer, and the decrease in adhesion properties is suppressed. As a result, adhesion properties tend to improve. When the thickness of the surface layer is 30 μm or less, the decrease in the flexibility resistance of the surface layer is suppressed.

[0056] The thickness of the surface layer is measured by cross-sectional observation of the surface layer using an optical microscope. Specifically, the cross-section of the surface layer is observed after cutting along the thickness direction of the surface layer. The thickness of the surface layer is measured at three points during the cross-sectional observation and the arithmetic mean is calculated.

[0057] (Method for forming the surface layer) Methods for forming the surface layer include coating methods such as blade coating, immersion coating, spray coating, ring coating, and brush coating. The surface layer is formed by applying a coating solution containing the above components and, if necessary, a solvent, onto the substrate using the above coating method, and then drying or drying and curing the solution. Here, the base material includes, for example, a single layer of resin, a single layer of elastic, or a laminate containing a resin layer and an elastic layer.

[0058] In the method for forming the surface layer, the preferred coating method is the blade coating method, the immersion coating method, the spray coating method, or the ring coating method. In the blade coating method, the coating liquid is spread by a metal plate (i.e., a blade), resulting in spiral streaks (also called "spiral marks"). In the immersion coating or ring coating method, axial film thickness differences occur due to liquid dripping. In the spray coating method, uneven coating results in a textured surface. Thus, surface coating defects are prone to occur. However, by using a coating solution containing the above components and, if necessary, a solvent, and by applying these coating methods, a surface layer with reduced coating defects can be formed.

[0059] When applying the blade coating method, for example, the surface layer is formed as follows: (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned horizontally, the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, and the applicator that dispenses the coating liquid is moved relative to the mold along the mold axis at the desired coating speed to continuously apply the coating liquid onto the substrate. (3) A metal plate (i.e., a blade) with a width shorter than the width of the substrate is moved along the axial direction at the same speed as the coating speed of the applicator, while in contact with the coating liquid applied to the substrate, to spread the coating liquid. (4) The coating film of the spread coating liquid is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0060] When applying the immersion coating method, the surface layer is formed as follows, for example. (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) A cylindrical container with a bottom is filled with the coating solution, and the substrate fixed in a cylindrical mold is immersed in the coating solution. (3) Remove the immersed substrate and apply the coating solution onto the substrate. (4) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0061] When applying a spray coating method, for example, the surface layer is formed as follows: (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned horizontally, the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, and the applicator that sprays the coating liquid is moved relative to the mold along the mold axis at the desired coating speed to apply the coating liquid to the substrate. (3) While spraying the coating liquid from the applicator, the applicator is moved back and forth in the direction of the mold axis repeatedly to apply multiple coats of the coating liquid and obtain a coating film. (4) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0062] When applying the ring coating method, for example, the surface layer is formed as follows: (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned vertically, the substrate fixed to the cylindrical mold is inserted into the substrate insertion section of the ring-shaped applicator coaxially with the substrate insertion section until its head protrudes from the substrate insertion section. Then, while discharging the coating liquid from the side of the substrate insertion section of the ring-shaped applicator, the ring-shaped applicator and the substrate are moved relative to each other in the substrate axis direction to apply the coating liquid onto the substrate. Here, the ring-shaped applicator is applied to the bottom surface of a cylindrical metal container, for example, a cylindrical metal container with a hole in its bottom surface, on which a resin sheet having a hole coaxial with the hole is fixed with a gap. The bottom surface of the cylindrical metal container and the hole in the resin sheet become the substrate insertion section. Then, by flowing the coating liquid between the bottom surface of the ring-shaped applicator and the resin sheet, the coating liquid is discharged from the side of the substrate insertion section. (3) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0063] When applying the brush coating method, the surface layer is formed as follows, for example. (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned horizontally, the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, and a brush that is wider than the substrate and impregnated with the coating liquid is brought into contact with the substrate. The brush is then moved relative to the mold along the mold axis at the desired coating speed to apply the coating liquid onto the substrate. (3) The brush is moved back and forth in the direction of the mold axis to apply multiple coats of the coating liquid and obtain a coating film. (4) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0064] ((Elastic layer)) The elastic layer contains an elastic material. The elastic layer may also contain a conductive agent, other additives, etc. The elastic layer may function as an intermediate layer of the electrophotographic component, or it may function as a base layer. The elastic layer refers to a layer that returns to its original shape even after being deformed by an external force of 100 Pa.

[0065] -Elastic materials- Examples of elastic materials include isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and blends thereof. Among these, polyurethane, silicone rubber, EPDM, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, NBR, and blends thereof are preferred. These elastic materials may be foamed or non-foamed.

[0066] The amount of elastic material shall be the amount that constitutes the main component of the elastic layer. Here, the amount that constitutes the main component of the elastic layer refers to the amount of the most abundant component among the components contained in the elastic layer.

[0067] -Conductive agent- Examples of conductive agents to be included in the elastic layer are the same as those exemplified in the surface layer.

[0068] The content of the conductive agent in the elastic layer is preferably in the range of 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less relative to the elastic material, and more preferably in the range of 10% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less.

[0069] -Other additives- Other additives to be included in the elastic layer can be appropriately selected from well-known additives such as reinforcing agents, antioxidants, surfactants, and heat-resistant anti-aging agents, depending on the various applications of the electrophotographic component. Cut.

[0070] The content of other additives in the elastic layer is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0071] ((Resin layer)) The resin layer contains resin material. The resin layer may also contain conductive agents, other additives, etc. The resin layer may function as an intermediate layer of an electrophotographic component, or it may function as a base layer.

[0072] - Resin materials - Examples of resin materials include polyimide resin (PI resin), polyamide-imide resin (PAI resin), aromatic polyether ketone resin (e.g., aromatic polyether ether ketone resin), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin), and polyetherimide resin (PEI resin). Examples include resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, and polycarbonate resins.

[0073] -Conductive agent- Examples of conductive agents to be included in the resin layer are the same as those exemplified in the surface layer.

[0074] The content of the conductive agent in the resin layer is preferably in the range of 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less relative to the elastic material, and more preferably in the range of 10% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less.

[0075] -Other additives- Other additives to be included in the resin layer can be appropriately selected from well-known additives such as reinforcing agents, antioxidants, surfactants, and heat-resistant anti-aging agents, depending on the various applications of the electrophotographic components.

[0076] The content of other additives in the resin layer is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0077] ((Other layers)) In addition to the surface layer, elastic layer, and resin layer, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment may also have a metal heating layer that is heated by electromagnetic induction and a metal substrate that functions as a base material.

[0078] <Transfer device> The transfer apparatus according to this embodiment includes the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment as a transfer member.

[0079] The transfer apparatus according to this embodiment includes, for example, an intermediate transfer body on which a toner image is transferred; a primary transfer apparatus having a primary transfer member that primary transfers the toner image to the surface of the intermediate transfer body; and a secondary transfer apparatus having a secondary transfer member that secondary transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium. Furthermore, in the transfer apparatus according to this embodiment, the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment is applied to either the intermediate transfer body, the primary transfer member, or the secondary transfer member.

[0080] (Primary transfer device) In the primary transfer device, the primary transfer member is positioned opposite the image holder, with the intermediate transfer belt in between. In the primary transfer device, the primary transfer member applies a voltage to the intermediate transfer belt that is opposite to the charge polarity of the toner, thereby transferring the toner image to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer body.

[0081] (Secondary transfer device) In a secondary transfer apparatus, the secondary transfer member is positioned on the toner image holding side of the intermediate transfer body. The secondary transfer apparatus also includes, for example, a back member positioned on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer body from the toner image holding side, together with the secondary transfer member. In the secondary transfer apparatus, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body is secondary transferred to the recording medium by sandwiching the intermediate transfer body and the recording medium between the secondary transfer member and the back member to form a transfer field. The secondary transfer member may be a secondary transfer roll or a secondary transfer belt. For example, a backing roll may be used as the backing member.

[0082] Furthermore, the transfer apparatus according to this embodiment may be a transfer apparatus that transfers a toner image to the surface of a recording medium via a plurality of intermediate transfer bodies. In other words, the transfer apparatus may be, for example, a transfer apparatus that first transfers the toner image from an image holder to a first intermediate transfer body, then secondarily transfers the toner image from the first intermediate transfer body to a second intermediate transfer body, and finally tertiarily transfers the toner image from the second intermediate transfer body to the recording medium.

[0083] <Image forming apparatus> The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment comprises an image holder, a charging device 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 that contains a developer containing toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with the developer to form a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium, and a fixing device for fixing the toner image to the surface of a recording medium. Furthermore, the transfer apparatus to be used is the transfer apparatus according to the present embodiment described above.

[0084] In this embodiment, the transfer devices in the image forming apparatus may be configured as cartridges that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. In other words, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment may include the transfer devices according to this embodiment as components of the process cartridge.

[0085] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus generally known as a tandem type. The image forming apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, an intermediate transfer belt 15, a primary transfer section 10, a secondary transfer section 20, and a fixing device 60. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (or section). Here, image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are image forming units that form toner images of each color component using an electrophotographic method. The primary transfer unit 10 is a transfer unit that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color component formed by the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to the intermediate transfer belt 15. The secondary transfer unit 20 is a transfer unit that transfers the superimposed toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 to the recording medium, paper K, in one go (secondary transfer). The fixing device 60 is a device that fixes the secondary transferred image onto the paper K.

[0087] Each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K of the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a photoreceptor 11 that rotates in the direction of arrow A, as an example of an image holder that holds the toner image formed on its surface. Yes, they are.

[0088] Around the photoreceptor 11, a charger 12 is provided as an example of a charging device to charge the photoreceptor 11. Around the photoreceptor 11, a laser exposure unit 13 (indicated by the symbol Bm in the figure) is provided as an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device to write an electrostatic latent image onto the photoreceptor 11.

[0089] Surrounding the photoreceptor 11, a developer unit 14 is provided, as an example of a developing device. This unit contains toners for each color component and visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 using the toners. A primary transfer roll 16 is provided around the photoreceptor 11, which transfers the toner images of each color component formed on the photoreceptor 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 via the primary transfer unit 10.

[0090] A photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove any residual toner on the photoreceptor 11. Around the photoreceptor 11, electrophotographic devices such as a charger 12, a laser exposure unit 13, a developer unit 14, a primary transfer roll 16, and a photoreceptor cleaner 17 are sequentially arranged along the rotational direction of the photoreceptor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a nearly linear fashion from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15, in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0091] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven (rotated) by various rolls in the direction of arrow B shown in Figure 1 at a speed appropriate for the purpose. The various rolls include a drive roll 31, a support roll 32, a tensioning roll 33, a back roll 25, and a cleaning back roll 34. The drive roll 31 is a roll that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15, driven by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant-speed performance. The support roll 32 is a roll that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15 which extends substantially linearly along the alignment direction of each photoreceptor 11. The tension-applying roll 33 is a roll provided in the secondary transfer section 20 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a corrective roll to prevent the intermediate transfer belt 15 from meandering. The cleaning back roll 34 is a roll provided in the cleaning section that scrapes off residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0092] The primary transfer section 10 consists of a primary transfer roll 16 positioned opposite the photoreceptor 11, with an intermediate transfer belt 15 in between.

[0093] The primary transfer roll 16 is then pressed against the photoreceptor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 in between, and a voltage (primary transfer bias) with the opposite polarity to the charge polarity of the toner (negative polarity; the same applies hereafter) is applied to the primary transfer roll 16. As a result, the toner images on each photoreceptor 11 are sequentially electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0094] The secondary transfer section 20 comprises a back roll 25 and a secondary transfer roll 22 positioned on the toner image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0095] The secondary transfer roll 22 is then pressed against the back roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 in between, and the secondary transfer roll 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between itself and the back roll 25, thereby secondary transferring the toner image onto the paper K that is transported to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0096] Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15 so as to be able to move toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt 15. The intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is a cleaner that removes residual toner and paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after secondary transfer, and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0097] The intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer section 10 (primary transfer roll 16), and the secondary transfer section 20 (secondary transfer roll 22) are examples of a transfer apparatus. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to include a secondary transfer belt instead of the secondary transfer roll 22. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 100 may include a secondary transfer device comprising a secondary transfer belt 23, a drive roll 23A, and an idler roll 23B. The drive roll 23A is a roll positioned opposite the back roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer belt 23. The idler roll 23B is a roll that, together with the drive roll 23A, tensions the secondary transfer belt 23.

[0098] On the other hand, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 is installed upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y. The reference sensor 42 is a sensor that generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for determining the image formation timing in each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The reference sensor 42 recognizes a mark provided on the back of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. Based on the recognition of this reference signal, the control unit 40 issues instructions, and each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is configured to start image formation. A black image forming unit 1K is located downstream of an image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality.

[0099] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper storage section 50, a paper feed roll 51, a transport roll 52, a transport guide 53, a transport belt 55, and a fuser entrance guide 56. The paper storage section 50 is a storage section for storing paper K, which is a transport device for transporting paper K. The paper feed roll 51 is a roll that takes out and transports the paper K accumulated in the paper storage section 50 at predetermined timings. The transport roll 52 is a roll that transports the paper K that has been fed out by the paper feed roll 51. The transport guide 53 is a guide that feeds the paper K, which has been transported by the transport roll 52, to the secondary transfer section 20. The conveyor belt 55 is a belt that conveys the paper K, which has been secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roll 22, to the fixing device 60. The fuser entrance guide 56 is a guide that leads the paper K to the fuser unit 60.

[0100] Next, the basic image formation process of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, image data output from an image reading device (not shown) or a personal computer (PC) (not shown) is processed by an image processing device (not shown), and then image formation is performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0101] The image processing device performs various image editing operations on the input image data, such as shading correction, positional shift correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame removal, color editing, and movement editing. Image processing is performed. The processed image data is converted into color tone data of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and output to the laser exposure unit 13.

[0102] In the laser exposure unit 13, according to the input color tone data, an exposure beam Bm emitted from, for example, a semiconductor laser is irradiated onto each of the photoreceptors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. After the surface of each photoreceptor 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is charged by the charger 12, the surface is scanned and exposed by the laser exposure unit 13, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The formed electrostatic latent image is then developed into toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) by each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0103] The toner images formed on the photoreceptors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10, where each photoreceptor 11 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 15. More specifically, in the primary transfer section 10, a primary transfer roll 16 applies a voltage (primary transfer bias) with the opposite polarity to the toner's charge polarity (negative polarity) to the substrate of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the toner images are sequentially superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform primary transfer.

[0104] After the toner image is sequentially transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves and the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer section 20. When the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer section 20, the transport device rotates the paper feed roll 51 in time with the transport of the toner image to the secondary transfer section 20, and paper K of the desired size is supplied from the paper storage section 50. The paper K supplied by the paper feed roll 51 is transported by the transport roll 52 and reaches the secondary transfer section 20 via the transport guide 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer section 20, the paper K is temporarily stopped. The position of the paper K and the position of the toner image are aligned by rotating the alignment roll (not shown) in time with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 15 holding the toner image.

[0105] In the secondary transfer section 20, the secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the back roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper K, which has been transported in sync with the timing, is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. When a voltage (secondary transfer bias) with the same polarity as the charge polarity (negative polarity) of the toner is applied from the power supply roll 26, a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. Then, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred all at once onto the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20, which is pressed by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25.

[0106] Subsequently, the paper K on which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is peeled off the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22 and transported as is. The paper K is transported to a transport belt 55 located downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the paper transport direction. The transport belt 55 transports the paper K to the fuser 60 at an optimal transport speed for the fuser 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper K transported to the fuser 60 is fixed to the paper K by the fuser 60 through a fixing process using heat and pressure. The paper K with the fixed image formed is then transported to a paper discharge and storage section (not shown) located in the discharge section of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0107] Meanwhile, after the transfer to paper K is complete, any residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported to the cleaning section as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates. The residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the cleaning back roll 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35.

[0108] Although this embodiment has been described above, it is not intended to be interpreted as being limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible. [Examples]

[0109] The embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but this embodiment is not limited to the following examples. In the following, "part" refers to "mass parts" unless otherwise specified.

[0110] <Example 1> - Fabrication of the elastic layer - A rubber composition was prepared by blending the following components in the following proportions. CR (chloroprene rubber) "TSR-61" (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation): 35 units ECO (Epichlorohydrin rubber) "610" (manufactured by Daiso): 15 units EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber) "EP33" (manufactured by JSR): 35 parts NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) "DN211" (manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.): 15 parts Sulfur (manufactured by Tsurumi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): 0.5 parts Zinc oxide (manufactured by Kyodo Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts Vulcanization accelerator "Noxellar M" (manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): 1 part Stearic acid: 0.5 parts Conductivity imparting agent (carbon black) "#3030B" (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation): 23 parts

[0111] Next, the rubber composition was placed in a Banbury mixer and kneaded, and then further kneaded with two rolls. The resulting mixture was formed into an endless belt shape using an extruder equipped with a tube crosshead. Next, the rubber composition, which has been molded into an endless belt shape, is subjected to pressurized steam (temperature 126°C, pressure 1.5 kg / cm²) in a vulcanizing vessel. 2 The material was heated to form an elastic layer. The elastic layer was placed over the outside of a metal tube (conductive substrate), and its surface was polished to form an endless belt-shaped elastic layer (diameter 40 mm, width 340 mm, thickness 492 μm).

[0112] - Fabrication of the surface layer - As a binder, 100 parts by mass of silicone-modified acrylic urethane (manufactured by Henkel Japan) is used, and polysiloxane compound particles SQ1 (PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted, manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich, with R in T units) are used. 1 A coating solution for forming a surface layer was prepared by adding 34 parts by mass (6% by volume relative to the surface layer) of dimethylsilyloxy group (volume average particle size = 5.0 μm) and 15 parts by mass of carbon black "FW200" (manufactured by Degussa) as a conductive agent. Next, a surface layer forming solution was spray-coated onto the surface of the fabricated elastic layer, and the layer was heated and dried at 120°C for 20 minutes to form a surface layer (thickness: 8 μm). An electrophotographic component with a diameter of 40 mm, a width of 340 mm, and a thickness of 500 μm was obtained.

[0113] <Examples 2-15, Comparative Example 1> An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type and amount of polysiloxane compound particles and the thickness of the surface layer were changed.

[0114] <Example 16> —Preparation of the resin layer— A resin coating solution was prepared by mixing the following components in the following proportions. • Polyamic acid NMP solution (solid content concentration: 45% by mass) 100 parts by mass • Acidic carbon black (dry state; conductive carbon particles) [SPECIAL BLACK 4: Manufactured by Orion Engineered Carbons, pH 4.5, Volatile content: 18.0%, gas Subblack (i.e., channel black), number-average primary particle size: 25 nm] 26 parts by mass Next, the coating solution was applied to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold using a rotary coating method to form a coating film. Subsequently, the coating film was dried in a drying oven at 140°C in an air atmosphere for 15 minutes while rotating at 10 rpm. Next, the material was placed in an oven set to a temperature of 320°C for 4 hours to obtain an endless belt-shaped resin layer (φ366 mm, width 369 mm). The thickness of the resin layer was 80 μm.

[0115] Then, a surface layer with a thickness of 5 μm was formed on the surface of the endless belt-shaped resin layer in the same manner as in Example 3, and an electrophotographic component was obtained. However, the amount of polysiloxane compound particles in the surface layer was set to 5% by volume.

[0116] <Example 17> [Formation of an elastic layer] EP70 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) was used as the elastic foam material. This was polished and molded into a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of 28 mm, an inner diameter of 15 mm, and a length of 350 mm to obtain a cylindrical elastic foam material. As a treatment solution, a conductive treatment solution was prepared by mixing an aqueous dispersion containing 36% by mass of carbon black with an acrylic emulsion (manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., product name "Nipol LX852") in a 1:1 ratio by mass, and the material was immersed in this solution at 20°C for 10 minutes. The elastic foam obtained by the above method was then immersed at 20°C for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the elastic foam with the treatment solution adhering to it was heated in a curing furnace set to 100°C for 60 minutes to dry it, removing moisture and crosslinking the acrylic resin. The crosslinked acrylic resin then formed a conductive coating layer containing carbon black on the exposed surface of the elastic foam. As described above, an elastic layer was obtained, comprising an elastic foam and a conductive coating layer covering the exposed surface of the elastic foam. Next, a conductive support member (made of stainless steel, 15 mm in diameter) with adhesive applied to its surface was inserted into the resulting elastic layer to form a roll member. Furthermore, the hysteresis loss of the elastic foam was 27%.

[0117] [Formation of the resin layer] A coating solution for forming an intermediate layer was prepared by mixing 70 parts by mass of urethane oligomer (manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemicals Co., Ltd., urethane acrylate UV3700B), 30 parts of urethane monomer (manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemicals Co., Ltd., isomiristyl acrylate), 0.5 parts by mass of polymerization initiator (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd., 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone Irgacure 184), and 3 parts by mass of alkyltrimethylammonium perchlorate (product name "LXN-30," manufactured by Daiso Co., Ltd.). The prepared coating solution for forming an intermediate layer was applied to the elastic layer of a roll member using a die coater. Then, while rotating the roll member, UV irradiation intensity of 700 mW / cm² was applied. 2 The coating was then irradiated with UV light for 5 seconds. This process formed an intermediate layer consisting of a urethane resin layer with a thickness of 1 mm.

[0118] [Formation of the surface layer] A surface layer was formed on the surface of the intermediate layer in the same manner as in Example 4 to obtain an electrophotographic component. However, the amount of polysiloxane compound particles in the surface layer was set to 5% by volume.

[0119] <Characteristic Evaluation> The following characteristics for electrophotography of each example were measured using the method described above. • Surface layer adhesion characteristics: This refers to the air blowing pressure when all polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer are separated from the surface of the surface layer.

[0120] <Evaluation of paper stains (stains on the back of the paper)> As a secondary transfer belt for the transfer device, the electrophotographic components from each example were mounted on an evaluation image forming apparatus (a modified version of Fujifilm Business Innovation's "DocuColor-7171P"). However, in Example 17, a modified evaluation image forming apparatus equipped with a transfer device having a secondary transfer roll was used. The electrophotographic component from Example 17 was then mounted on the evaluation image forming apparatus as the secondary transfer roll of the transfer device. The following evaluations were performed using an evaluation image forming apparatus.

[0121] 1000 images with 50% magenta halftone were printed on A4 paper using an evaluation image forming apparatus. Paper smudges were then evaluated according to the following criteria. A+: Less than 3% of the paper had stains. A: The percentage of sheets with paper stains is between 3% and 5%. B: The percentage of sheets with paper stains is 5% or more but less than 10%. C: The percentage of sheets of paper with visible stains is between 10% and 15%. D: More than 20% of the sheets of paper showed signs of soiling.

[0122] (Flexibility of the surface layer) The flexibility of the surface layer of the electrophotographic component in each example was evaluated as follows. Test specimens measuring 100 mm in length and 15 mm in width were cut from each roll, and the number of bending cycles was measured using an MIT fatigue resistance tester manufactured by Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd., under the conditions of a bending speed of 175 times / min, a rotation angle of 135 degrees, and a tensile load of 14.7 N (1.5 kgf). The evaluation criteria are as follows: A: No cracks were found in the bent area. B: A crack has formed in part of the bent section. C: A crack has formed on one side of the bent section. D: Cracks have appeared across the entire surface of the bent section.

[0123] <Materials used> The details of the materials used in each example are as follows: • SQ1: PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted compound, manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich, R in T units 1 =Dimethylsilyloxy group, volume-average particle size = 5.0 μm • SQ2:X-52-854, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., volume-average particle size = 0.7 μm • SQ3: KMP-706, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., volume-average particle size = 2.0 μm • SQ4:X-52-1621, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., volume-average particle size = 5.0 μm

[0124] [Table 1]

[0125] From the results above, it can be seen that this embodiment suppresses smudging on the back of the paper compared to the comparative example. Furthermore, this embodiment demonstrates that the surface layer also exhibits high flexibility.

[0126] <Examples 101-125, Comparative Example 101> A coating film was formed using the coating solution for surface layer formation as shown in Table 2. The coating film was then dried and cured to form the surface layer. Otherwise, the electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as the example applied to the composition of the coating solution for surface layer formation. However, in Table 2, under the column for the coating method, the example with a coating speed of 50 mm / min for the blade coating method is labeled "A," and the example with a coating speed of 200 mm / min is labeled "B."

[0127] (Characteristic evaluation, evaluation of paper contamination (contamination on the back of the paper), and evaluation of the bending resistance of the surface layer) When the characteristics, paper contamination (contamination of the back surface of the paper), and bending resistance of the surface layer of each example of electrophotographic component were evaluated, the same evaluation results were obtained as in the example where the composition of the coating liquid for surface layer formation was applied.

[0128] (Coating defects in the surface layer) The following evaluations were conducted on the coating defects of the surface layer of the electrophotographic components in each example. -Spiral marks- The surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. A+: No spiral lines are visible at all. A: You can faintly see spiral-shaped lines. B: Spiral lines are clearly visible in some areas. C: The spiral pattern is clearly visible throughout.

[0129] -Droop- The difference in surface layer thickness △ at a position 40 mm inward from both ends in the axial direction was measured and evaluated according to the following criteria. A+: The film thickness difference △ is between 0 μm and 5 μm. A: The film thickness difference △ is greater than 5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm. B: The film thickness difference △ is greater than 10 μm and 15 μm or less. C: The film thickness difference △ exceeds 15 μm.

[0130] -Surface unevenness- The surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. A+: The unevenness of the surface is completely invisible. A: You can faintly see the unevenness of the pear's surface. B: The unevenness of the pear-skin surface is clearly visible in some areas. C: The uneven surface of the pear tree is clearly visible throughout.

[0131] -Application lines- The surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. A+: No application streaks are visible at all. A: You can faintly see the application lines. B: The application streaks are clearly visible in some areas. C: The application lines are clearly visible throughout.

[0132] [Table 2]

[0133] From the above results, it can be seen that when a surface layer is formed using the coating solution with the surface layer composition of this embodiment by the blade coating method, immersion coating method, spray coating method, or ring coating method, a surface layer with reduced coating defects can be formed compared to the comparative example or when the brush coating method is applied.

[0134] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) It has a surface layer that does not contain fluorine material, An electrophotographic component in which, after attaching polyester resin particles with a volume-average particle size of 4.7 μm to the surface of the surface layer, air is blown onto the surface of the surface layer from above while increasing the blowing pressure, and when the blowing pressure is 6 kPa or less, all the polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer separate from the surface of the surface layer. (((2))) It has a surface layer containing a binder and polysiloxane compound particles, The polysiloxane compound particles are of formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 R represents an organic group, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 The electrophotographic component according to (((1))), wherein the group is a polysiloxane compound particle having a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. (((3))) The electrophotographic member according to (((2))), wherein the group comprising at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group is a group comprising an alkyl group. (((4))) An electrophotographic member according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), having at least one of a resin layer and an elastic layer in a layer below the surface layer. (((5))) The electrophotographic component according to (((2))), wherein the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is 3.0 μm or less. (((6))) The electrophotographic component according to (((5))), wherein the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is 1.0 μm or less. (((7))) The electrophotographic component according to (((2))), (((3))), (((5))), or (((6))), wherein the content of the polysiloxane compound particles is 3% by volume or more and 50% by volume or less relative to the surface layer. (((8))) The electrophotographic member according to (((7))), wherein the content of the polysiloxane compound particles is 6% by volume or more and 40% by volume or less relative to the surface layer. (((9))) The electrophotographic component according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))), wherein the thickness of the surface layer is 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. (((10))) A transfer device comprising a transfer member composed of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((9))). (((11))) Image holder and, A charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing toner, and uses the developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder to form a toner image, A transfer apparatus according to (((10))) that transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, A fixing device for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising: (((12))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((9))), A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a blade coating method. (((13> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((9))), A method for forming the surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by an immersion coating method. (((14))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((9))), A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a spray coating method. (((15))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((9))), A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a ring coating method.

[0135] The effects of the above embodiment are as follows: According to the invention of (((1))) or (((2))), an electrophotographic component having a surface layer that does not contain a fluorine material is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the above-mentioned case where the spraying pressure exceeds 6 kPa and all attached polyester resin particles are separated.

[0136] According to the invention of (((3))), an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case in which the group containing at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group contains a phenyl group. According to the invention of (((4))), an electrophotographic member having a surface layer that does not contain a fluorine material is provided, which has at least one of a resin layer and an elastic layer below the surface layer, compared to the above-mentioned case where the spraying pressure exceeds 6 kPa and all attached polyester resin particles are separated, and which can suppress contamination of the recording medium. According to the invention of (((5))), an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case in which the volume average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles exceeds 3.0 μm. According to the invention of (((6))), an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case in which the volume average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles exceeds 1.0 μm. According to the invention of (((7))), an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case in which the content of polysiloxane compound particles is less than 3% by volume relative to the surface layer. According to the invention of ((8)), an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case in which the content of polysiloxane compound particles is less than 6% by volume relative to the surface layer. According to the invention of (((9))), compared to the case where the thickness of the surface layer is less than 5 μm, the recording medium An electrophotographic component that can suppress contamination is provided.

[0137] According to the inventions of (((10))) or (((11))), a transfer apparatus or image forming apparatus is provided that includes an electrophotographic component having a surface layer that does not contain a fluorine material, which can suppress contamination of the recording medium compared to the case in which the above-mentioned electrophotographic component is used, in which the spraying pressure exceeds 6 kPa and all attached polyester resin particles are separated. According to the invention of (((12))), compared to a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin by a blade coating method, a method for forming a surface layer of a fixing component is provided that suppresses contamination of the recording medium and has excellent surface properties, using a blade coating method. According to the invention of (((13))), compared to a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin by a blade coating method, a method for forming a surface layer of a fixing component is provided that suppresses contamination of the recording medium and has excellent surface properties, using an immersion coating method. According to the invention of (((14))), compared to a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin by a blade coating method, a method for forming a surface layer of a fixing component is provided that suppresses contamination of the recording medium and has excellent surface properties, using a spray coating method. According to the invention of (((15))), compared to a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component containing only urethane resin by a blade coating method, a method for forming a surface layer of a fixing component is provided that suppresses contamination of the recording medium and has excellent surface properties, using a ring coating method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Image Forming Unit 11 Photoreceptor 12 Chargers 13. Laser exposure unit 14. Developer 15 Intermediate transfer belt 16 Primary transfer roll 17 Photoconductor Cleaner 20 Secondary transfer section 22 Secondary transfer roll 23 Secondary transfer belt 23A Drive Roll 23B Idler Roll 25 Back Roll 26 Power supply roll 31 Drive Roll 32 support rolls 33 Tension-applying roll 34 Cleaning back roll 35 Intermediate Transfer Belt Cleaner 40 Control Unit 42 Reference Sensor 43 Image density sensor 50 Paper storage compartments 51 Paper feed roll 52 Conveyor Rolls 53 Conveyor Guide 55 Conveyor belt 56 Fixing entrance guide 60 Fixing device 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. It has a surface layer that does not contain fluorine material, An electrophotographic component in which, after attaching polyester resin particles with a volume-average particle size of 4.7 μm to the surface of the surface layer, air is blown onto the surface of the surface layer from above while increasing the blowing pressure, and when the blowing pressure is 6 kPa or less, all the polyester resin particles attached to the surface of the surface layer separate from the surface of the surface layer.

2. It has a surface layer containing a binder and polysiloxane compound particles, The polysiloxane compound particles are of formula: [R １ SiO ３／２ ] ｍ The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). １ R represents an organic group, m is an integer of 2 or more, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. １ Of these, at least one R １ The electrophotographic component according to claim 1, wherein the polysiloxane compound particles have a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.

3. The electrophotographic member according to claim 2, wherein the group comprising at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group is a group comprising an alkyl group.

4. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, having at least one of a resin layer and an elastic layer in a layer below the surface layer.

5. The electrophotographic member according to claim 2, wherein the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is 3.0 μm or less.

6. The electrophotographic member according to claim 5, wherein the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound particles is 1.0 μm or less.

7. The electrophotographic member according to claim 2, wherein the content of the polysiloxane compound particles is 3% by volume or more and 50% by volume or less relative to the surface layer.

8. The electrophotographic member according to claim 7, wherein the content of the polysiloxane compound particles is 6% by volume or more and 40% by volume or less relative to the surface layer.

9. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the surface layer is 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

10. A transfer apparatus comprising a transfer member composed of an electrophotographic member as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Image holder and, A charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing toner, and uses the developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder to form a toner image, A transfer apparatus according to claim 10, which transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, A fixing device for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising:

12. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a blade coating method.

13. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A method for forming the surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by an immersion coating method.

14. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a spray coating method.

15. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a ring coating method.

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