CLEANING BLADE, LUBRICANT LEVER, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Abstract

To provide a cleaning blade that, even immediately after the start of usage of an image forming apparatus, can prevent an increase in torque and obtain satisfactory cleaning performance.SOLUTION: A cleaning blade cleans a rotating body and has an edge layer and a coating layer. The coating layer provided at a leading end of the edge layer in contact with the rotating body includes first fluororesin and second fluororesin non-compatible with the first fluororesin. The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from a leading end ridge of the edge layer is 0.5 N / mm2 or more and 3 N / mm2 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning blade, a lubricant leveling blade, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In the image forming process of the electrophotographic method, a cleaning blade consisting of an elastic member made of polyurethane rubber or the like and a support member is widely used as a cleaning means for removing residual toner adhering to the surface of an image carrier. In addition, a lubricant leveling blade consisting of an elastic member made of polyurethane rubber or the like and a support member is widely used as a lubricant supplying means for supplying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier after the cleaning process performed by the cleaning blade. It is known that a lubricant such as metal soap is applied to the tip edge portion of the elastic member in the cleaning blade and the lubricant leveling blade.

[0003] The cleaning blade and the lubricant-leveling blade are required to have lubricity from the viewpoints of preventing an increase in torque, which is the force required to rotate the image carrier, reducing frictional force with the image carrier, etc. Furthermore, the lubricant applied to the cleaning blade and the lubricant-leveling blade is required to have adhesion to the substrate from the viewpoint of preventing detachment.

[0004] For example, in recent years, in the case of the cleaning blade, a cleaning blade coated with a lubricant containing a fluorine-based compound has been used for the purpose of reducing the frictional force with the image carrier, and a cleaning blade in which the fluorine-based compound contained in the lubricant is vinylidene fluoride has been proposed (see Patent Documents 1-5). Also, in order to impart appropriate flexibility and hardness to the elastic member in the cleaning blade and to prevent the edge of the cleaning blade from curling or being worn down, the Martens hardness of the surface at a distance of 20 [μm] from the edge of the elastic member is set to 1.0 [N / mm 2 ]~15.0[N / mm 2(See Patent Document 6.) Furthermore, in order to improve the sliding properties of the cleaning blade, a cleaning blade coated with a dispersion liquid in which PMMA (polymethacrylic acid) particles are dispersed in a fluorine-based solvent has been proposed (See Patent Document 7.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning blade that can suppress an increase in torque and provide good cleaning performance even immediately after the start of use of an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cleaning blade of the present invention as a means for solving the above problems is as follows: A cleaning blade for cleaning a rotating body, An edge layer and a coating layer are included, the coating layer provided on a tip portion of the edge layer that comes into contact with the rotor contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from the tip edge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 ] or less. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaning blade that can suppress an increase in torque even immediately after the start of use of an image forming apparatus and can provide good cleaning performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example showing a state in which a cleaning blade is in contact with the surface of a rotating body. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the cleaning blade of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the cleaning blade of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the lubricant-leveling blade of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example showing a state in which the lubricant-leveling blade of the present invention is disposed in contact with the surface of a rotating body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the angle of the tip edge of the lubricant-leveling blade of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an image forming unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for forming a coating layer in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Cleaning blade] The cleaning blade of the present invention is a cleaning blade for cleaning a rotating body, the cleaning blade having an edge layer and a coating layer, the coating layer provided on a tip portion of the edge layer that comes into contact with the rotating body contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, and the Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from a tip ridge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 ] or less, and may further include other components as necessary. The cleaning blade of the present invention is a cleaning blade that removes residues adhering to a rotating body by contacting the surface of the rotating body.

[0010] The residue is not particularly limited as long as it is attached to the surface of the rotating body and is a target for removal by the cleaning blade, and examples thereof include toner, lubricant, inorganic fine particles, organic fine particles, dirt, dust, and mixtures thereof.

[0011] Conventional cleaning means using a cleaning blade have a problem that the torque, which is the force required to rotate the rotating body, increases due to friction generated by contact between the cleaning blade and the rotating body (image carrier, etc.), causing the rotating body to stop rotating. In addition, the friction causes wear at the contact portion of the cleaning blade with the rotating body, causing the cleaning blade to turn over and toner to slip through, resulting in poor cleaning.

[0012] In order to improve the sliding property of the cleaning blade and prevent the cleaning blade from turning over or increasing in torque, a process (touch-up) of coating the tip of the cleaning blade with a metal soap such as zinc stearate or PMMA (polymethacrylic acid) particles as a lubricant is widely used. Usually, as the image forming apparatus operates, toner gradually remains between the cleaning blade and the image carrier, and the toner functions as a lubricant. Therefore, the lubricant only needs to exhibit lubricating properties during the short period from when the image forming apparatus operates until the behavior of the cleaning blade becomes stable. However, the fine particles contained in the conventional lubricant have a weak adhesion to the substrate, and there is a problem that they are detached from the cleaning blade before the behavior of the cleaning blade becomes stable.

[0013] It is known that "preventing an increase in torque" and "improving cleaning performance" are in a trade-off relationship. If the contact portion of the cleaning blade with the rotating body is smoothed by applying a lubricant or the like in order to prevent an increase in torque, toner will slip through, resulting in poor cleaning performance. For the purpose of improving cleaning performance, when the frictional force is increased by forming projections and recesses on the contact portion of the cleaning blade with the rotating body, the torque increases. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the cleaning performance while preventing an increase in torque.

[0014] As a result of intensive research, the present inventors have found that, instead of dispersing the particles only in a solvent, the particles are dispersed in a mixture of a solvent and a binder component, and the dispersion is applied to a cleaning blade to form a coating layer, thereby preventing the particles from falling off. Furthermore, they have found that the use of a slidable fluorine-based material for the particles and the binder component can prevent the cleaning blade from curling up and the torque increase of the image carrier. The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from the tip edge of the edge layer is 0.5 N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 It was found that by doing so, the cleaning function was not hindered and a sliding effect could be obtained.

[0015] Therefore, in the present invention, there is provided a cleaning blade for cleaning a rotating body, the cleaning blade having an edge layer and a coating layer, the coating layer provided on a tip portion of the edge layer that comes into contact with the rotating body contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, and the Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from a tip ridge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 ] or less, an increase in torque can be suppressed even immediately after the image forming apparatus has started to be used, and a cleaning blade that exhibits good cleaning performance can be obtained.

[0016] <Coating layer> The coating layer contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, and further contains other components as necessary. The coating layer refers to a layer provided on one end portion of the peripheral side surface of a blade base, which will be described later, that serves as the tip of the cleaning blade. The coating layer may be formed on at least a portion of the blade base including the contact edge where the cleaning blade and the rotating body contact, may be formed on the entire contact edge, or may be formed on the entire surface of the blade base. Among these, it is preferable that the coating layer is formed on the entire contact edge. The surface area of ​​the blade base where the coating layer is not provided may be referred to as a non-coated area.

[0017] In the present invention, "incompatible" refers to the property that an interface exists between multiple mixed substances and they do not mix completely, and "compatible" refers to the property that no interface exists between multiple mixed substances and they mix well. In the present invention, the term "incompatible state" refers to a state in which an interface exists between the first fluororesin and the second fluororesin, and may also refer to a state in which they are partially compatible with each other. As one embodiment of the incompatible state, the coating layer preferably has a sea-island structure. The sea-island structure means a structure in which, when the continuous phase of one component contained in the coating layer formed on the cleaning blade is expressed as a "sea (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a matrix)", the other component is in the form of "islands (hereinafter sometimes referred to as domains)" in the "sea". The sea-island structure in the present invention refers to a state in which the first fluororesin as a domain and the second fluororesin as a matrix are incompatible with each other and have no compatible portions. When the coating layer has an island-in-a-sea structure, the domains in the island-in-a-sea structure are preferably particles.

[0018] The average thickness of the coating layer of the cleaning blade is preferably 2 μm or more and 10 μm or less. When the average thickness of the coating layer is 2 μm or more, a sufficient sliding effect can be obtained, and when the average thickness of the coating layer is 10 μm or less, the coating layer can be prevented from falling off. The average thickness of the coating layer can be an average value of thicknesses [μm] measured at three or more points on the coating layer. The location for measuring the average thickness of the coating layer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a distance of 20 μm from both ends of the coating layer and the center of the coating layer.

[0019] The average thickness of the coating layer can be measured by scraping off a portion of the coating layer with a spatula or cotton swab, and measuring the shape using a three-dimensional measuring device such as a contact surface roughness meter (Surftest SJ-500, manufactured by Mitutoyo) or a laser microscope (LEXT OLS4100, manufactured by Olympus).

[0020] Here, one embodiment and another embodiment of the cleaning blade of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, however, the use of the cleaning blade of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, in each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the following components are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any number, position, shape, etc. that is preferable for implementing the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the cleaning blade of the present invention, showing a state in which the cleaning blade is in contact with the surface of a rotating body. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaning blade shown in FIG. 1 and an enlarged view of the vicinity of the contact portion. The cleaning blade 62 is composed of a flat cleaning blade support member 621 made of a rigid material such as metal or hard plastic, and a flat cleaning blade base 622 having one end connected to the cleaning blade support member 621 and a free end of a predetermined length at the other end. The cleaning blade base 622 is fixed to one end side of the cleaning blade support member 621 by an adhesive or the like, and the other end side of the cleaning blade support member 621 is supported in a cantilever manner by the case of the cleaning device. The cleaning blade substrate 622 has a cleaning blade tip surface 62a, a cleaning blade undersurface 62b, a cleaning blade abutment portion 62c which is one end of the free end side of the cleaning blade substrate 622, and a cleaning blade side surface 62d, and has a coating layer 623 on at least a portion including the abutment edge of the cleaning blade abutment portion 62c. The cleaning blade 62 is disposed so that the cleaning blade contact portion 62c contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 3 along the longitudinal direction.

[0022] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the cleaning blade of the present invention. The cleaning blade 62 is composed of a cleaning blade support member 621 and a cleaning blade substrate 622. The cleaning blade substrate 622 has an elastic edge layer 622a and a base layer 622b, an abutting portion 62c, and a covering layer 623 on at least a portion including the abutting side of the abutting portion 62c. Note that the cleaning blade tip surface 62a, the cleaning blade lower surface 62b, and the cleaning blade side surface 62d are omitted.

[0023] (First Fluorine-Based Resin) The fluororesin in the present invention refers to a resin containing fluorine in the molecule. The fluororesin is preferably an olefin polymer containing fluorine, and more preferably the olefin polymer in which hydrogen atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms. In one aspect of the present invention, the first fluororesin is preferably a domain in a sea-island structure of the coating layer. It is preferable to select the type and amount of the first fluororesin added between the first fluororesin and the second fluororesin so as to form a domain.

[0024] The shape of the domain is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and may be either a fixed shape or an irregular shape. Among these, a fixed shape is preferable. When the domain has a fixed shape, it is preferably spherical. When the domains are spherical in shape, they are preferably particles. Such a shape is preferable because it is possible to prevent problems such as the fluororesin detached from the coating layer damaging the rotating body or the blade base of the cleaning blade.

[0025] The volume average particle diameter (50% volume diameter, median diameter) of the first fluororesin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but is preferably 0.1 [μm] or more and 1 [μm] or less, more preferably 0.5 [μm] or less, and even more preferably 0.3 [μm] or less. If the volume average particle diameter of the first fluororesin is 1 [μm] or less, it is easy to settle in the solvent, and it is difficult to disperse stably, which can be prevented. In addition, if the volume average particle diameter of the first fluororesin is 0.5 [μm] or less, it can be dispersed more stably in a non-aqueous solvent.

[0026] The method for measuring the volume average particle diameter (50% volume diameter, median diameter) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the volume average particle diameter can be measured by a laser diffraction / scattering method, a dynamic light scattering method, an image imaging method, or the like. Specific examples of the method for measuring the volume average particle diameter include a method in which particles collected from the coating layer of the cleaning blade are measured using a Microtrac (manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) by a laser diffraction / scattering method, and a method in which fine particles on the cleaning blade are directly observed and measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The volume average particle size of the particles when added to the dispersion liquid to be applied to the cleaning blade is almost the same as that when present in the coating layer.

[0027] The content of the first fluororesin in the coating layer is not particularly limited and can be selected according to the purpose, but from the viewpoint of obtaining a sliding effect, it is preferably 4% by mass or more and 8% by mass or less, more preferably 4.5% by mass or more and 5.5% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the coating layer. The sliding effect obtained by containing the first fluororesin is maximized when the content of the first fluororesin is 8% by mass based on the total mass of the coating layer. When the content of the first fluororesin in the coating layer is 4% by mass or more based on the total mass of the coating layer, a sufficient sliding effect can be obtained.

[0028] The first fluorine-based resin is not particularly limited and can be selected according to the purpose, and examples thereof include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA), chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (CTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (TFE / CTFE), ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), etc. Among these, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is preferred in terms of further improving the sliding properties of the cleaning blade.

[0029] The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) may be suitably synthesized or may be a commercially available product. Commercially available examples of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) include Dyneon TF Micropowder TF-9201Z, Dyneon TF Micropowder TF-9207Z (both manufactured by 3M), Nano FLON119N, FLUORO E (both manufactured by Shamrock), TLP10F-1 (manufactured by Mitsui-DuPont Fluorochemicals), KTL-500F (manufactured by Kitamura Co., Ltd.), and Algoflon L203F (manufactured by SOLVAY).

[0030] (Second Fluorine-Based Resin) In the present invention, the coating layer contains the second fluororesin, which improves the adhesion of the first fluororesin to the cleaning blade substrate and prevents the coating layer from being detached, thereby preventing the cleaning blade from curling up and increasing the torque. In one aspect of the present invention, the second fluororesin is preferably a matrix in the sea-island structure of the coating layer. It is preferable that the type and amount of the second fluororesin added be selected between the first fluororesin and the second fluororesin so as to form a matrix.

[0031] The second fluororesin is not particularly limited as long as it can disperse the first fluororesin uniformly and stably, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include vinylidene fluoride (VdF), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), etc. Among these, from the viewpoints of lubricity and adhesion to the blade substrate, copolymers of combinations thereof are preferred, and a ternary copolymer of VdF-HFP-TFE is more preferred.

[0032] The composition of VdF / HFP / TFE in the terpolymer is preferably 30 mol% to 80 mol% / 10 mol% to 35 mol% / 5 mol% to 35 mol% in terms of imparting flexibility and solubility in a solvent to the blade, respectively.

[0033] A fluorine-based oil may be added to the second fluorine-based resin. By adding the fluorine-based oil, not only the function as a binder but also the sliding function can be further improved. Examples of the fluorine-based oil include those having a tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) oligomer or perfluoroether as the main skeleton.

[0034] When a mixture of the second fluororesin and the fluorooil is used, the content of the second fluororesin is preferably 90% by mass or more and 99% by mass or less, and more preferably 95% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the mixture, in order to prevent contamination of a photoconductor or the like due to bleed-out of the fluorooil.

[0035] The fluorine-based oil having a perfluoroether in the main skeleton is not particularly limited as long as it has sliding properties and does not inhibit the dispersion of the fluorine-based resin, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. From the viewpoint of kinetic viscosity, however, it is preferable that the average molecular weight is 2,000 to 3,500.

[0036] The first fluororesin and the second fluororesin in the present invention may be the same material or different materials. When the same material is used, the coating layer can be produced by devising a manufacturing method so that the first fluororesin and the second fluororesin are in an incompatible state. For example, by adding the second fluororesin to the first fluororesin that has been cured in advance and curing it, an interface is formed between the first fluororesin and the second fluororesin, and the coating layer that is partially incompatible can be produced. The coating layer can also be produced by adding a hydrophilic substituent to the first fluororesin and mixing the second fluororesin to which a hydrophobic substituent has been added.

[0037] (Other Ingredients) The other components are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, particles other than the fluorine-based resin can be used. The particles other than the fluorine-based resin are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples thereof include fine particles of inorganic compounds, acrylic resins, styrene resins, vinyl resins, and the like. Examples of the inorganic compound fine particles include silica, alumina, and zirconia. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] The shape of the particles other than the fluororesin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably spherical, which is preferable because such a shape can prevent problems such as damage to the blade base of the rotating body or cleaning blade caused by the particles other than the fluororesin detached from the coating layer.

[0039] The volume average particle diameter (50% volume diameter, median diameter) of the particles other than the fluororesin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but is preferably 0.1 [μm] or more and 1 [μm] or less, more preferably 0.5 [μm] or less, and even more preferably 0.3 [μm] or less. If the volume average particle diameter of the first fluororesin is 1 [μm] or less, it is easy to settle in the solvent, and it is difficult to disperse stably, which can be prevented. In addition, if the volume average particle diameter of the first fluororesin is 0.5 [μm] or less, it can be dispersed more stably in a non-aqueous solvent.

[0040] The method for measuring the volume average particle diameter (50% volume diameter, median diameter) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the volume average particle diameter can be measured by a laser diffraction / scattering method, a dynamic light scattering method, an image imaging method, or the like. Specific examples of the method for measuring the volume average particle diameter include a method in which particles collected from the coating layer of the cleaning blade are measured using a Microtrac (manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) by a laser diffraction / scattering method, and a method in which fine particles on the cleaning blade are directly observed and measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0041] The method for producing the coating layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the coating layer may be obtained by adding the first fluororesin to a mixture (second fluororesin dispersion) of a solvent and a second fluororesin, and then applying the resulting particle dispersion to the blade substrate of the cleaning blade.

[0042] The solvent is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a fluorine-containing organic solvent can be used. Examples of the fluorine-containing organic solvent include hydrofluoroether (HFE), perfluorocarbon (PFC), and perfluoroether (PFE). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0043] In the present invention, the average particle size of the particles in the second fluororesin dispersion as measured by dynamic light scattering (average particle size as measured by cumulant method analysis in scattering intensity distribution) is preferably 1 μm or less, more preferably 0.5 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 μm or less, in order to obtain a uniform dispersion. Usually, even when fine particles having a volume average particle diameter of 1 [μm] or less are used, the particles aggregate to form secondary particles, and the volume average particle diameter of the fine particles becomes 1 [μm] or more. By dispersing the fine particles that have aggregated to form secondary particles so that the particle diameter becomes 1 [μm] or less, a stable dispersion can be obtained even when the second fluororesin dispersion is stored for a long period of time at a low viscosity. The dispersion method is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a method using a dispersing machine such as an ultrasonic disperser, a three-roll mill, a ball mill, a bead mill, or a jet mill can be mentioned.

[0044] The method for forming the coating layer is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include dipping, in which the entire blade base of the cleaning blade or a part of the blade base is immersed in a particle dispersion for treatment, etc. In addition to the dipping, coating methods such as spray coating and dispenser may also be used.

[0045] <Blade base> In the present invention, the blade substrate in the cleaning blade may be referred to as the "blade substrate" or the "substrate". The shape of the blade base may be selected appropriately depending on the purpose as long as it is a structure capable of removing the residue on the rotor, but it is preferable that the contact side at the contact portion between the blade base and the rotor is linear. Examples of the shape of the blade base include a plate shape.

[0046] The structure of the blade substrate is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and may be, for example, a single-layer structure, a laminated structure, a laminated structure in which a plurality of members are combined, etc. Among these, from the viewpoint of ease of processing into the cleaning blade, a single-layer structure and a laminated structure in which a plurality of members are laminated are preferred. When the blade substrate has a laminated structure, the layer that contacts the rotor may be referred to as an edge layer, and the layer other than the edge layer may be referred to as a base layer. When the blade substrate is a single layer, the blade substrate has only the edge layer. It is more preferable that the Martens hardness of each of the plurality of members in the laminated structure is different from one another.

[0047] The material of the blade base is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but from the viewpoint of preventing wear of the blade base and from the viewpoint of sufficiently removing the residue on the rotating body, it is preferable that the material has appropriate elasticity and hardness. Examples of the material of the blade include elastic materials. The elastic material is not particularly limited as long as it has high elasticity and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples of the elastic material include polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), etc. Among these, polyurethane rubber is preferable from the viewpoints of durability and non-staining properties. The size of the blade base is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the size of the rotor.

[0048] The Martens hardness of the polyurethane rubber in the cleaning blade of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. 2 ] or more 2[N / mm 2 When the Martens hardness of the polyurethane rubber in the cleaning blade is within the desired range, it is possible to eliminate problems such as poor cleaning caused by the blade line pressure being difficult to obtain and the area of ​​contact with the image carrier being easily enlarged, and chipping caused by the blade base being too hard.

[0049] The method for producing the blade base is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a polyurethane prepolymer is prepared using a polyol compound and a polyisocyanate compound, a curing agent and, if necessary, a curing catalyst are added to the polyurethane prepolymer, the polyurethane prepolymer is centrifugal-molded in a predetermined mold, and the resulting product is left to stand at room temperature for maturation (curing), and then cut into a plate having a predetermined dimension. The polyol compound is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the polyol compound include high molecular weight polyols and low molecular weight polyols.

[0050] Examples of the high molecular weight polyol include polyester polyols which are condensates of alkylene glycols and aliphatic dibasic acids; polyester polyols such as polyester polyols of alkylene glycols and adipic acid, such as ethylene adipate ester polyol, butylene adipate ester polyol, hexylene adipate ester polyol, ethylene propylene adipate ester polyol, ethylene butylene adipate ester polyol, and ethylene neopentylene adipate ester polyol; polycaprolactone polyols such as polycaprolactone ester polyol obtained by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactone; and polyether polyols such as poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol and poly(oxypropylene) glycol. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0051] Examples of the low molecular weight polyols include dihydric alcohols such as 1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, hydroquinone-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ether, 3,3'-dichloro-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane; and trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohols such as 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane, glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, trimethylolethane, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyethoxymethyl)propane, diglycerin, and pentaerythritol. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0052] The polyisocyanate compound is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the polyisocyanate compound include methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), xylylene diisocyanate (XDI), naphthylene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), tetramethyl xylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), hydrogenated xylylene diisocyanate (H6XDI), dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H12MDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), dimer acid diisocyanate (DDI), norbornene diisocyanate (NBDI), and trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMDI). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0053] The curing agent is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the curing agent include amines and alcohols. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The hardener is used, for example, to adjust the hardness of the blade base body.

[0054] The curing catalyst is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the curing catalyst include 2-methylimidazole and 1,2-dimethylimidazole. The content of the curing catalyst is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably from 0.01% by mass to 0.5% by mass, and more preferably from 0.05% by mass to 0.3% by mass, based on the total mass of the prepolymer and the curing agent.

[0055] The impact resilience of the blade substrate in accordance with JIS K6255 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably 10% to 80% at 23°C. By having the coefficient of resilience within the desired range, it is possible to eliminate problems such as poor cleaning caused by the loss of flexibility of the entire blade base and the inability to follow the vibrations and roughness of the image carrier, and excessively strong repulsion causing blade squeal (abnormal noise). The coefficient of resilience of the blade substrate can be measured, for example, in accordance with JIS K6255 standard at 23° C. using a resilience tester No. 221 manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

[0056] <Martens hardness> The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from the tip edge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade of the present invention is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 ] or less, a sufficient sliding effect can be obtained. In the cleaning blade of the present invention, the Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from the tip edge of the edge layer is 0.5 N / mm 2 ] or more 2[N / mm 2 ] or less is preferred. The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from the tip edge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 [N / mm 2

[0033] or more, the first fluororesin particles and the second fluororesin particles are not sufficiently attached to the edge layer, and the problem of not being able to obtain a desired sliding effect is resolved, which is preferable. 2 ] or less, the problem of the first fluororesin particles and the second fluororesin particles excessively adhering to the edge layer and impairing the cleaning function is eliminated, which is preferable. In the present invention, the Martens hardness is measured after processing into a cleaning blade.

[0057] The Martens hardness (HM) was measured, for example, according to ISO 14577, using a nanoindenter (ENT-3100, manufactured by Elionix) by pressing a Berkovich indenter with a load of 1,000 [μN] for 10 seconds, holding the indenter for 5 seconds, and then removing the indenter at the same loading rate for 10 seconds. The Martens hardness of the edge layer was measured at a distance of 20 μm from the tip ridge of the edge layer. The location of the base layer where the Martens hardness is measured is not particularly limited, but for ease of measurement, it is set at a distance of 20 μm from the end of the base layer. The Martens hardness is measured at 4 to 6 points at each measuring location, and the median value of the measured values ​​is shown.

[0058] <Rotating body> The rotating body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the rotating body include an image carrier and a photoreceptor. The structure and size of the rotor are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The material of the rotor is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the material include metal, plastic, and ceramic. The shape of the rotating body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the shape include a drum shape, a belt shape, a flat plate shape, and a sheet shape.

[0059] <Other materials> The other members are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a support member can be mentioned.

[0060] (Support member) The shape of the support member is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the support member may be in a plate shape. The structure of the support member is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The size of the support member is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the size of the rotating body. The material of the support member is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include metal, plastic, ceramic, etc. Among these, metal is preferable from the viewpoint of strength, and steel such as stainless steel, aluminum, and phosphor bronze are more preferable.

[0061] [Lubricant leveling blade] The cleaning blade of the present invention can be used as a lubricant leveling blade for leveling the lubricant applied to the surface of the rotating body after the cleaning step performed by the cleaning blade. The lubricant leveling blade is intended for use with a lubricant applied to a rotating body, and has an edge layer and a coating layer. The coating layer provided on the tip of the edge layer that contacts the rotating body contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin. The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from the tip ridge of the edge layer of the lubricant leveling blade is 0.5 N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 ] or less, and may further include other components as necessary. When the cleaning blade is used as a lubricant leveling blade, the Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from the tip edge of the edge layer is set to 0.5 N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 By adjusting the above ratio, good lubricant applicability can be obtained.

[0062] Here, one embodiment and another embodiment of the lubricant leveling blade of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the lubricant leveling blade of the present invention, and Fig. 5 shows the state in which the lubricant leveling blade is in contact with a rotating body. The lubricant leveling blade 104 is composed of a flat lubricant leveling blade support member 1041 made of a rigid material such as metal or hard plastic, and a flat lubricant leveling blade base 1042 having one end connected to the lubricant leveling blade support member 1041 and a free end of a predetermined length at the other end. The lubricant leveling blade base 1042 is fixed to one end side of the lubricant leveling blade support member 1041 by adhesive or the like, and the other end side of the lubricant leveling blade support member 1041 is supported in a cantilever manner by the case of the cleaning device. The lubricant-leveling blade base 1042 has a lubricant-leveling blade tip surface 104a, a lubricant-leveling blade lower surface 104b, and a lubricant-leveling blade abutment portion 104c which is one end on the free end side of the lubricant-leveling blade base 1042, and at least a portion including the abutment edge of the lubricant-leveling blade abutment portion 104c may have a layer structure (not shown) similar to that of the cleaning blade shown in Figure 3.

[0063] [Image forming apparatus and image forming method] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises at least an image carrier, a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, an exposure means for exposing the charged image carrier to light to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a visible image, a transfer means for transferring the visible image to a recording medium, a fixing means for fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium, and a cleaning means for removing toner remaining on the image carrier, and may comprise a lubricant application means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, and further comprises other means appropriately selected as necessary. The charging means and the exposure means may be collectively referred to as an electrostatic latent image forming means. The cleaning means and the lubricant application means each have the cleaning blade and the lubricant leveling blade of the present invention. The image forming method used in the present invention includes at least a charging step, an exposure step, a development step, a transfer step, a fixing step, and a cleaning step, and may include a lubricant application step, and further includes other steps appropriately selected as necessary. The charging step and the exposure step may be collectively referred to as an electrostatic latent image forming step. The image forming method used in the present invention can be suitably carried out by the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and the charging step can be performed by the charging means, the exposure step can be performed by the exposure means, the development step can be performed by the development means, the transfer step can be performed by the transfer means, the fixing step can be performed by the fixing means, the cleaning step can be performed by the cleaning means, and the cleaning means has the cleaning blade of the present invention. Also, the lubricant application step can be performed by the lubricant application means, and the lubricant application means has the lubricant leveling blade of the present invention. The other steps can be performed by the other means.

[0064] <Image carrier> The image bearing member is not particularly limited in structure, size, etc., and can be appropriately selected from known ones. The shape of the image bearing member is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the shape may be a drum or a belt. The material of the image bearing member is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the material include inorganic photoconductors such as amorphous silicon and selenium, and organic photoconductors (OPC) such as polysilane and phthalopolymethine.

[0065] <Charging process and charging means> The charging step is a step of charging the surface of the image bearing member by the charging unit. The charging means is not particularly limited as long as it can charge the surface of the image bearing member, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the charging means include a contact charger known per se having a conductive or semiconductive roller, brush, film, rubber blade, etc., and a non-contact charger that utilizes corona discharge such as a corotron or scorotron. The charging means may have any shape, such as a roller, a magnetic brush, a fur brush, etc., and can be selected according to the specifications and shape of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. When a magnetic brush is used, the magnetic brush uses various ferrite particles, such as Zn-Cu ferrite, as a charging means, and is composed of a non-magnetic conductive sleeve for supporting the charging means, and a magnet roll contained within the conductive sleeve. When using a brush, for example, fur that has been treated to be conductive with carbon, copper sulfide, metal or metal oxide can be used as the material for the fur brush, and the brush can be wound or attached to a metal or other conductive core to form a charger.

[0066] The charger is not limited to the contact type charger described above, but is preferable in that an image forming apparatus in which the amount of ozone generated from the charger is reduced can be obtained. It is preferable that the charger is disposed in contact with or without contact with the image bearing member, and charges the surface of the image bearing member by applying DC and AC voltages in a superimposed manner. It is also preferable that the charger is a charging roller having a gap tape on the image carrier and arranged in close proximity to the image carrier without contacting the image carrier, and that the surface of the image carrier is charged by applying DC and AC voltages in a superimposed manner to the charging roller.

[0067] <Exposure Step and Exposure Means> The exposure step is a step of exposing the charged surface of the image carrier to light, and is performed by the exposure unit. The exposure step can be performed, for example, by exposing the surface of the image carrier to light in an imagewise manner using the exposure unit. The optical systems used in the exposure are roughly divided into analog optical systems and digital optical systems. The analog optical system is an optical system that directly projects an original onto the surface of the image carrier by an optical system. The digital optical system is an optical system that receives image information as an electrical signal, converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and exposes an image carrier to form an image. The exposure means is not particularly limited as long as it can expose the charged image carrier to light to form an electrostatic latent image, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the exposure means include various exposure devices such as a copying optical system, a rod lens array system, a laser optical system, a liquid crystal shutter optical system, and an LED optical system. In the present invention, a backlight system in which exposure is performed imagewise from the back side of the image carrier may be adopted.

[0068] <Developing step and developing means> The developing step is a step of developing the electrostatic latent image into the toner image by the developing unit. The developing means is not particularly limited as long as it can develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the developing means can include a developing unit that contains the toner and can apply the toner to the electrostatic latent image in a contact or non-contact manner. The developing device may be of a dry developing type or a wet developing type, and may be a single-color developing device or a multi-color developing device, and may, for example, be one having an agitator that charges the toner by friction agitation, and a rotatable magnetic roller. In the developing unit, for example, the toner and, if necessary, a carrier are mixed and stirred, and the toner becomes charged by friction during this process and is held in a standing state on the surface of the rotating magnet roller, forming a magnetic brush. Since the magnet roller is disposed in the vicinity of the image carrier, a part of the toner constituting the magnetic brush formed on the surface of the magnet roller moves to the surface of the image carrier by the electrical attraction of the electrostatic latent image, and as a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the toner to form the toner image on the surface of the image carrier. The toner contained in the developing device may be a developer containing the toner, and the developer may be a one-component developer or a two-component developer. The toner can be used as a one-component magnetic toner that does not use a carrier, or as a non-magnetic toner.

[0069] <Transfer process and transfer means> The transfer step is a step of transferring the toner image onto a recording medium by the transfer unit. The transfer step preferably includes, for example, a primary transfer step in which an intermediate transfer body is used and the toner image is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to form a composite transfer image, and a secondary transfer step in which the composite transfer image is transferred to a recording medium. The transfer means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of transferring the toner image onto a recording medium, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. A preferred embodiment has a primary transfer means that transfers the toner image onto the surface of the intermediate transfer body to form a composite transfer image, and a secondary transfer means that transfers the composite transfer image onto a recording medium. The primary transfer means and the secondary transfer means preferably include, for example, at least a transfer device that peels and charges the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier onto a recording medium. The transfer device is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include a corona transfer device using corona discharge, a transfer belt, a transfer roller, a pressure transfer roller, an adhesive transfer device, etc. The number of the transfer devices may be one or more.

[0070] The recording medium is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of transferring the unfixed toner image after development, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. A typical example is plain paper, but for example, a PET base for an OHP can also be used.

[0071] <Fixing process and fixing means> The fixing step is a step of fixing the toner image transferred onto the recording medium by the fixing unit. When toners of two or more colors are used, the toners of each color may be fixed as they are transferred onto the recording medium, or the toners of all colors may be fixed in a laminated state after being transferred onto the recording medium. The fixing means is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the toner image transferred to the recording medium, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. A thermal fixing method using a known heating and pressurizing means can be adopted. The heating and pressurizing means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a combination of a heating roller and a pressure roller, or a combination of a heating roller, a pressure roller and an endless belt can be mentioned. The heating temperature is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably 80° C. to 200° C. If necessary, for example, a known optical fixing device may be used together with the fixing means.

[0072] <Cleaning process and cleaning means> The cleaning step is a step of removing the toner remaining on the surface of the image bearing member by the cleaning means. As the cleaning means, the cleaning blade of the present invention fixed to a supporting member is used.

[0073] The linear pressure applied by the blade substrate to the surface of the image carrier in the cleaning blade of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably 10 [N / m] to 100 [N / m], and more preferably 10 [N / m] to 50 [N / m]. When the linear pressure is 10 [N / m] to 100 [N / m], cleaning failure caused by the toner slipping through between the contact portion and the rotating body is unlikely to occur, and curling of the elastic body can be easily suppressed. The linear pressure can be measured, for example, by using a measuring device incorporating a small compression load cell manufactured by Kyowa Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

[0074] The angle (hereinafter referred to as the "cleaning angle") between the tangent to the image carrier at the position where the contact portion of the blade base of the cleaning blade of the present invention contacts the tip surface of the free end of the blade base is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably 65° or more and 85° or less. When the cleaning angle is 65° or more and 85° or less, the occurrence of curling of the blade base body can be easily suppressed, and the occurrence of cleaning defects can be easily reduced.

[0075] <Lubricant Application Step and Lubricant Application Means> The lubricant application step is a step of applying a lubricant to the surface of the image bearing member, and is performed by a lubricant application unit. The lubricant can be applied by molding the lubricant into a solid form, pressing it against the fur brush using a pressure spring, rotating the fur brush to apply the lubricant to the surface of the image bearing member, and then applying the lubricant uniformly with a lubricant leveling blade. As the lubricant application means, the lubricant leveling blade of the present invention can be used.

[0076] The linear pressure applied by the blade base of the lubricant leveling blade to the surface of the image carrier is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably 5 [N / m] to 15 [N / m], and more preferably 5 [N / m] to 10 [N / m]. When the linear pressure is 5 [N / m] to 15 [N / m], the lubricant application performance to the image carrier is stable and the pulling-in of the edge of the tip is suppressed. The linear pressure can be measured, for example, by using a measuring device incorporating a small compression load cell manufactured by Kyowa Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

[0077] The angle θ of the tip edge of the lubricant leveling blade is preferably 90° or more and 140° or less. By setting the angle θ of the tip edge to an obtuse angle within the above range, it is possible to suppress retraction of the blade tip surface 104a of the lubricant leveling blade, enabling stable application of the lubricant. Furthermore, by setting the angle θ of the tip edge of the lubricant leveling blade to 140° or less, the effect of the edge becomes clear and the lubricant application function is improved. Here, the angle θ of the tip ridge portion refers to the angle of the blade corner portion formed by two surfaces that face the image carrier surface on the upstream and downstream sides of the surface movement direction of the image carrier surface, sandwiching the tip ridge portion 104c of the lubricant leveling blade, as shown in Figure 6.

[0078] <Other steps and other means> Examples of the other steps include a static elimination step, a recycling step, and a control step. Examples of the other means include a static elimination means, a recycling means, and a control means.

[0079] (Static charge removal process and static charge removal means) The charge removing step is a step of removing electricity by applying a charge removing bias voltage to the image bearing member, and is performed by the charge removing unit. The charge removing means is not particularly limited as long as it can apply a charge removing bias voltage to the image bearing member, and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a charge removing lamp may be used.

[0080] (Recycling process and recycling method) The recycling step is a step of recycling the toner removed in the cleaning step to the developing means, and is performed by the recycling means. The recycling means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include known transport means.

[0081] (Control process and control means) The control step is a step of controlling each of the steps, and is carried out by a control means. The control means is not particularly limited as long as it can control the movement of each of the means, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the control means include devices such as a sequencer and a computer.

[0082] Here, an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, however, the use of the cleaning blade according to the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, in each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the following components are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any number, position, shape, etc. that is preferable for implementing the present invention.

[0083] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus 500 of the present invention. This image forming apparatus 500 is equipped with four imaging units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (hereinafter sometimes referred to as Y, M, C, and K). These units use Y, M, C, and K toners of different colors as image forming substances for forming images, but otherwise have the same configuration.

[0084] A transfer unit 60 equipped with an intermediate transfer belt 14 as an intermediate transfer body is disposed above the four image forming units 1. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the surfaces of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K included in the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14 in a superimposed manner. An optical writing unit 40 is disposed below the four imaging units 1. The optical writing unit 40, which is a latent image forming means, irradiates the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K of the imaging units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K with laser light L emitted based on image information. As a result, electrostatic latent images for Y, M, C, and K are formed on the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K. The optical writing unit 40 irradiates the laser light L emitted from a light source onto the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K through a plurality of optical lenses and mirrors while polarizing the laser light L by a polygon mirror 41 that is driven to rotate by a motor. Instead of the above configuration, an optical scanning unit using an LED array may be used.

[0085] Below the optical writing unit 40, a first paper feed cassette 151 and a second paper feed cassette 152 are arranged so as to be stacked vertically. In each of these paper feed cassettes, a plurality of recording media P are stored in a stack of paper, and a first paper feed roller 151a and a second paper feed roller 152a are in contact with the top recording medium P. When the first paper feed roller 151a is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 7 by a driving means (not shown), the top recording medium P in the first paper feed cassette 151 is discharged toward a paper feed path 153 disposed to extend vertically on the right side of the cassette in FIG. 7. When the second paper feed roller 152a is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 7 by a driving means (not shown), the top recording medium P in the second paper feed cassette 152 is discharged toward the paper feed path 153.

[0086] A plurality of conveying roller pairs 154 are disposed in the paper feed path 153. The recording medium P sent into the paper feed path 153 is sandwiched between the rollers of the conveying roller pairs 154 and conveyed in the paper feed path 153 from the lower side to the upper side in FIG.

[0087] A pair of registration rollers 55 is disposed at the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper feed path 153. As soon as the pair of registration rollers 55 sandwiches the recording medium P fed from the pair of transport rollers 154 between the rollers, the pair of registration rollers 55 temporarily stops the rotation of both rollers. Then, the pair of registration rollers 55 sends the recording medium P toward a secondary transfer nip, which will be described later, at an appropriate timing.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of one of the four image forming units 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging unit 1 includes a drum-shaped photoconductor 3 serving as an image carrier. Although the photoconductor 3 is shown in a drum-like shape, it may be in the form of a sheet or an endless belt. Around the photoconductor 3, a charging roller 4, a developing device 5, a cleaning device 6, a primary transfer roller 7, a lubricant application device 10, and a discharging lamp (not shown) are arranged. The charging roller 4 is a charging member provided in the charging device as a charging means, and the developing device 5 is a developing means for converting a latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 3 into a toner image. The cleaning device 6 is a cleaning means for cleaning the toner remaining on the photoconductor 3 after the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 14. The primary transfer roller 7 is a primary transfer member provided in the primary transfer device as a primary transfer means for transferring the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 14. The lubricant application device 10 is a lubricant application means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor 3 after cleaning by the cleaning device 6. The discharging lamp (not shown) is a discharging means for discharging the surface potential of the photoconductor 3 after cleaning.

[0089] The charging roller 4 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the photoconductor 3 in a non-contact manner, and charges the photoconductor 3 to a predetermined polarity and a predetermined potential. The surface of the photoconductor 3 that has been uniformly charged by the charging roller 4 is irradiated with laser light L from an optical writing unit 40, which is a latent image forming means, based on image information, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device 5 has a developing roller 51 as a developer carrier. A developing bias is applied to the developing roller 51 from a power source (not shown). A supply screw 52 and an agitating screw 53 are provided in a casing of the developing device 5 to agitate the developer contained in the casing while transporting the developer in opposite directions. A doctor 54 is also provided to regulate the developer carried by the developing roller 51. The toner in the developer agitated and transported by the two screws, the supply screw 52 and the agitating screw 53, is charged to a predetermined polarity. The developer is then pumped up onto the surface of the developing roller 51, and the pumped up developer is regulated by the doctor 54, and the toner adheres to the latent image on the photoconductor 3 in a development area facing the photoconductor 3.

[0090] The cleaning device 6 includes a fur brush 101 and a cleaning blade 62. The cleaning blade 62 contacts the photoreceptor 3 in a counter direction to the surface movement direction of the photoreceptor 3. The details of the cleaning blade 62 are as described above. The lubricant application device 10 includes a solid lubricant 103, a lubricant pressure spring 103a, and a lubricant leveling blade 104, and uses a fur brush 101 as an application brush for applying the solid lubricant 103 onto the photoreceptor 3. The solid lubricant 103 is held by a bracket 103b, and is pressed toward the fur brush 101 by the lubricant pressure spring 103a. The solid lubricant 103 is scraped off by the fur brush 101, which rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 3, and the lubricant is applied onto the photoreceptor 3, and is leveled by the lubricant leveling blade. The lubricant is applied to the photoreceptor, and the friction coefficient of the surface of the photoreceptor 3 is maintained at 0.2 or less during non-image formation. The details of the lubricant leveling blade are as described above.

[0091] The charging device is a non-contact close-by arrangement type in which the charging roller 4 is placed close to the photoconductor 3, but the charging device may be of any known configuration, including a corotron, scorotron, or solid-state charger. Of these charging methods, the contact charging method or the non-contact close-by arrangement method is more desirable, and has the advantages of high charging efficiency, low ozone generation, and the ability to miniaturize the device.

[0092] The light source for the laser light L of the optical writing unit 40 and the light source for the discharge lamp can be any light-emitting material such as a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a sodium lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), a semiconductor laser (LD), or an electroluminescence (EL). In order to irradiate only light in a desired wavelength range, various filters such as a sharp cut filter, a band pass filter, a near infrared cut filter, a dichroic filter, an interference filter, and a color temperature conversion filter can be used. Of these light sources, light emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers are preferably used because they have high irradiation energy and emit light with a long wavelength of 600 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0093] The transfer unit 60 as a transfer means shown in FIG. 7 includes the intermediate transfer belt 14, a belt cleaning unit 162, a first bracket 63, a second bracket 64, and the like. It also includes four primary transfer rollers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, a secondary transfer backup roller 66, a drive roller 67, an auxiliary roller 68, and a tension roller 69. The intermediate transfer belt 14 is endlessly moved counterclockwise in FIG. 7 by the rotational drive of the drive roller 67 while being stretched around these eight roller members. The four primary transfer rollers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 14 thus endlessly moved between the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K to form primary transfer nips. A transfer bias of the polarity opposite to that of the toner (for example, positive) is applied to the back surface (loop inner peripheral surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 14. As the intermediate transfer belt 14 moves endlessly, it passes through the primary transfer nips for Y, M, C, and K in sequence, and the Y, M, C, and K toner images on the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K are primarily transferred onto the front surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14 in a superimposed manner. As a result, a four-color superimposed toner image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a four-color toner image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 14.

[0094] The secondary transfer backup roller 66 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 14 between itself and a secondary transfer roller 70 disposed outside the loop of the intermediate transfer belt 14 to form a secondary transfer nip. The registration roller pair 55 described above sends the recording medium P sandwiched between the rollers toward the secondary transfer nip at a timing that allows synchronization with the four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 14. The four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 14 is collectively secondarily transferred to the recording medium P in the secondary transfer nip by the influence of the secondary transfer electric field formed between the secondary transfer roller 70 to which a secondary transfer bias is applied and the secondary transfer backup roller 66, and the nip pressure. Then, combined with the white color of the recording medium P, it becomes a full-color toner image.

[0095] After passing through the secondary transfer nip, residual toner that has not been transferred to the recording medium P adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 14. This is cleaned by a belt cleaning unit 162. The belt cleaning unit 162 brings a belt cleaning blade 162a into contact with the front surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14, thereby scraping off and removing the residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 14.

[0096] The first bracket 63 of the transfer unit 60 is adapted to swing at a predetermined rotation angle around the rotation axis of the auxiliary roller 68 as the drive of a solenoid (not shown) is turned on and off. When forming a monochrome image, the image forming apparatus 500 rotates the first bracket 63 slightly counterclockwise in FIG. 7 by driving the above-mentioned solenoid. This rotation causes the primary transfer rollers 7Y, 7M, and 7C for Y, C, and M to revolve around the rotation axis of the auxiliary roller 68 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7, thereby separating the intermediate transfer belt 14 from the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, and 3C for Y, M, and C. Then, of the four imaging units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, only the imaging unit 1K for K is driven to form a monochrome image. This makes it possible to avoid wear and tear of each member constituting the imaging unit 1 due to unnecessary driving of the imaging units 1 for Y, M, and C during monochrome image formation.

[0097] A fixing unit 80 is disposed above the secondary transfer nip in FIG. 7. The fixing unit 80 includes a pressure heating roller 81 containing a heat source such as a halogen lamp, and a fixing belt unit 82. The fixing belt unit 82 includes a fixing member, a heating roller 83 containing a heat source such as a halogen lamp, a tension roller 85, a driving roller 86, a temperature sensor (not shown), and the like. The endless fixing belt 84 is stretched by the heating roller 83, the tension roller 85, and the driving roller 86 and moves endlessly in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7. During this endless movement, the fixing belt 84 is heated from the back side by the heating roller 83. The pressure heating roller 81, which is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. 7, abuts on the front side of the fixing belt 84, which is heated in this way, at the portion where the fixing belt 84 is wrapped around the heating roller 83. As a result, a fixing nip is formed where the pressure heating roller 81 and the fixing belt 84 abut on each other.

[0098] A temperature sensor (not shown) is disposed outside the loop of the fixing belt 84 so as to face the front surface of the fixing belt 84 with a predetermined gap therebetween, and detects the surface temperature of the fixing belt 84 immediately before it enters the fixing nip. The detection result is sent to a fixing power circuit (not shown). The fixing power circuit controls the on / off supply of power to the heat source contained in the heating roller 83 and the heat source contained in the pressure heating roller 81 based on the detection result by the temperature sensor.

[0099] The recording medium P that has passed through the secondary transfer nip described above is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 14 and then sent into the fixing unit 80. Then, in the process of being conveyed from the bottom to the top in FIG. 7 while being sandwiched in the fixing nip inside the fixing unit 80, the recording medium P is heated and pressed by the fixing belt 84, whereby the full-color toner image is fixed onto the recording medium P.

[0100] The recording medium P thus subjected to the fixing process is discharged outside the image forming apparatus after passing between the rollers of the discharge roller pair 87. A stack section 88 is formed on the upper surface of the housing of the main body of the image forming apparatus 500, and the recording medium P discharged outside the image forming apparatus by the discharge roller pair 87 is stacked in this stack section 88 in order.

[0101] Four toner cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K containing Y, M, C, and K toners are disposed above the transfer unit 60. The Y, M, C, and K toners in the toner cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K are appropriately supplied to developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K (not shown) of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. These toner cartridges 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K are detachable from the image forming apparatus main body independently of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0102] Next, the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 500 will be described. First, when a print execution signal is received from an operation unit (not shown) or the like, a predetermined voltage or current is sequentially applied at a predetermined timing to the charging roller 4 and the developing roller 51. Similarly, a predetermined voltage or current is sequentially applied at a predetermined timing to the optical writing unit 40 and light sources such as a static electricity removal lamp. In synchronization with this, the photoconductor 3 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7 by a photoconductor drive motor (not shown) serving as a drive means.

[0103] 7, the surface of the photoreceptor 3 is first uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 4. Then, the optical writing unit 40 irradiates the photoreceptor 3 with laser light L corresponding to image information, and the portion of the surface of the photoreceptor 3 irradiated with the laser light L is discharged, forming an electrostatic latent image. The surface of the photoconductor 3 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed is rubbed by a magnetic brush of developer formed on the developing roller 51 at the portion facing the developing device 5. At this time, the negatively charged toner on the developing roller 51 moves to the electrostatic latent image side by a predetermined developing bias applied to the developing roller 51, and is turned into a toner image (developed). A similar image forming process is performed in each imaging unit 1, and a toner image of each color is formed on the surface of each photoconductor 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K of each imaging unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K. In this manner, in the image forming apparatus 500, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 3 is reverse-developed by the developing device 5 with negatively charged toner. In the present embodiment, an example using an N / P (negative / positive: toner adheres to areas with low potential) non-contact charging roller method has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0104] The toner images of each color formed on the surface of each of the photoconductors 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K are sequentially primarily transferred so as to be superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14. As a result, a four-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 14. The four-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 14 is transferred onto the recording medium P, which is fed from the first paper feed cassette 151 or the second paper feed cassette 152 and passes between the rollers of the registration roller pair 55 and is fed to the secondary transfer nip. At this time, the recording medium P is stopped once while being sandwiched between the registration roller pair 55, and is fed to the secondary transfer nip in synchronization with the leading edge of the image on the intermediate transfer belt 14. The recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 14 and conveyed to the fixing unit 80. Then, the recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred passes through the fixing unit 80, whereby the toner image is fixed onto the recording medium P by the action of heat and pressure, and the recording medium P onto which the toner image has been fixed is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 500 and stacked in the stack section 88.

[0105] On the other hand, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 14 from which the toner image has been transferred to the recording medium P at the secondary transfer nip is cleaned by a belt cleaning unit 162 to remove any residual toner remaining on the surface. In addition, the surface of the photoconductor 3, from which the toner images of each color have been transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 14 at the primary transfer nip, has residual toner removed by a cleaning device 6, has lubricant applied to it by a lubricant application device 10, and is then de-electrified by a de-electrification lamp.

[0106] 8, the imaging unit 1 of the image forming apparatus 500 includes a photoconductor 3, a charging roller 4 as a process means, a developing device 5, a cleaning device 6, a lubricant applicator 10, and the like housed in a frame 2. The imaging unit 1 is detachable as a process cartridge from the main body of the image forming apparatus 500. In the image forming apparatus 500, the imaging unit 1 is configured so that the photoconductor 3 and the process means as a process cartridge are replaced as a whole, but the imaging unit 1 may be configured so that the photoconductor 3, the charging roller 4, the developing device 5, the cleaning device 6, and the lubricant applicator 10 are replaced as a unit with new ones.

[0107] [Process cartridge] The process cartridge of the present invention comprises an image carrier, at least one of a charging means, an exposure means, a developing means, a transfer means, and a discharging means, and a cleaning means that contacts the surface of the image carrier and removes residues on the surface of the image carrier, and may also have a lubricant application means that contacts the surface of the image carrier and applies a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier. As the cleaning means, the cleaning blade of the present invention is used. As the lubricant application means, the lubricant leveling blade of the present invention is used. The process cartridge is a device (component) that is detachably attachable to an image forming apparatus and includes an image carrier, at least one of a charging means, an exposure means, a developing means, a transfer means, and a discharging means, and a cleaning means, and may also include a lubricant application means, if necessary. EXAMPLES

[0108] Examples and Reference Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples and Reference Examples. However, "parts" refers to "parts by mass" unless otherwise specified.

[0109] <Example 1> (Preparation of Blade Base for Cleaning Blade) The edge layer and base layer were made of polyurethane elastomer sheets molded by centrifugal molding, cured, and post-crosslinked. The average thickness and Martens hardness (HM) of the edge layer and base layer were as follows: Average thickness: 2.0 mm Martens hardness (HM) of edge layer: 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] Martens hardness (HM) of base layer: 2.0 [N / mm 2 ] The edge layer and the base layer were bonded together to produce a blade base, which was then bonded to a metal plate.

[0110] (Creation of coating layer) --Preparation of particle dispersion A-- Particle dispersion A was prepared by placing 6 parts of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowder (TF9201Z, manufactured by 3M, volume average particle diameter 200 nm) as a first fluororesin, 2 parts of a VdF-HFP-TFE ternary copolymer consisting of vinylidene fluoride (VdF), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) as a second fluororesin, and 92 parts of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether (HFE-347; manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as a fluororesin dispersion solvent in a screw tube and stirring with a stirrer or the like.

[0111] --Preparation of particle dispersion B-- Particle dispersion B was prepared by placing 6 parts of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowder (TF9201Z, manufactured by 3M, volume average particle diameter 200 nm) as a first fluororesin, 2 parts of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) as a second fluororesin, and 92 parts of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether (HFE-347, manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as a fluororesin dispersion solvent in a screw tube and stirring with a stirrer or the like.

[0112] --Preparation of particle dispersion C-- Particle dispersion C was prepared by placing 6 parts of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowder (TF9201Z, manufactured by 3M, volume average particle diameter 200 nm) as a first fluororesin, 2 parts of a binary copolymer of VdF-HFP consisting of vinylidene fluoride (VdF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) as a second fluororesin, and 92 parts of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether (HFE-347; manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as a fluororesin dispersion solvent in a screw tube and stirring with a stirrer or the like.

[0113] --Preparation of Particle Dispersion D-- Particle dispersion D was prepared by placing 95 parts of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) aqueous dispersion (MX100W, manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., volume average particle diameter 150 nm) and 5 parts of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin (S-LEC KW-M, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., acetalization degree 24±3 mol%) as a second fluororesin in a screw tube and stirring with a stirrer or the like.

[0114] -Dipping- One end surface of the peripheral side surface to be used as the tip of the cleaning blade (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the cleaning blade tip surface) was immersed in the particle dispersion A at a depth of 2 [mm] from the cleaning blade tip surface at a right angle to the horizontal plane, and was pulled up at a pulling speed of 1 [mm / s]. In order to collect PTFE particles necessary for cleaning function in the part of the cleaning blade tip surface including the abutting side, the cleaning blade was tilted at about 45° as shown in Fig. 9 and dried at room temperature (25°C) for 30 minutes to produce the cleaning blade of Example 1.

[0115] <Examples 2 to 9> Cleaning blades of Examples 2 to 9 were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the Martens hardness of the edge layer, the Martens hardness of the base layer, and the average thickness of the coating layer in the cleaning blade were changed as shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0116] <Examples 10 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7> The cleaning blades of Examples 10 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7 were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the first fluororesin, the second fluororesin, the dispersion solvent, the Martens hardness of the edge layer, the Martens hardness of the base layer, and the average thickness of the coating layer in the cleaning blade were changed as shown in Tables 1 to 3. In addition, particle dispersion B was used in Example 10, particle dispersion C was used in Example 11, and particle dispersion D was used in Comparative Example 2. It should be noted that Comparative Example 1 is a cleaning blade having a blade base with no coating layer.

[0117] <Assembly of image forming device> The cleaning blades obtained from Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7 were attached to the process cartridge of a color multifunction printer (imagio MP C4500, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) (the printer unit has a similar configuration to the image forming apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 7) to assemble the image forming apparatus. The cleaning blade was attached to the image forming apparatus so that the linear pressure was 20 g / cm and the cleaning angle was 79°.

[0118] <Measurement of Martens hardness> The Martens hardness of the edge layer and the Martens hardness of the base layer of each of the cleaning blades obtained in Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7 were measured. The Martens hardness (HM) was measured according to ISO 14577 by using a nanoindenter (ENT-3100, Elionix) to press a Berkovich indenter with a load of 1,000 [μN] for 10 seconds, hold it for 5 seconds, and remove it at the same load rate for 10 seconds. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. The Martens hardness of the edge layer was measured at a distance of 20 μm from the tip ridge of the edge layer, and the Martens hardness of the base layer was measured at a distance of 20 μm from the end of the base layer. The Martens hardness is the median value of values ​​measured at 4 to 6 points at each measurement location.

[0119] <Measurement of the average thickness of the coating layer> The average thickness of the coating layer was measured for the cleaning blades obtained in Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. The average thickness was measured by scraping off a part of the coating layer with a spatula or a cotton swab, and measuring the shape with a contact surface roughness meter (Surftest SJ-500, manufactured by Mitutoyo).

[0120] [Table 1]

[0121] [Table 2]

[0122] [Table 3]

[0123] <Evaluation of torque increase rate> Using the image forming apparatus, output was performed under the following conditions, and the rate of change in the increase in driving torque of the photoreceptor was measured. After output, the tip of the cleaning blade was observed with a laser microscope (LEXT OLS4500, manufactured by Olympus Corporation), and the rate of increase in torque was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. Note that "initial stage" in the evaluation criteria refers to the period from the first sheet to the 500th sheet being output. Environment: 23℃ / 45%RH Paper feed conditions: Blank chart Output quantity: 5,000 sheets (A4 size landscape) -Evaluation criteria- ⊚: The rate of change in torque increase was within 50% of the initial value, and the photoconductor did not stop due to the increase in drive torque. Furthermore, when the tip of the cleaning blade was observed after output, there was no sign of curling. ○: The rate of change in torque increase was within 50% of the initial value, and the photoconductor did not stop due to the increase in drive torque. However, when the tip of the cleaning blade was observed after output, there were traces of turning over, but this was not enough to remove toner, so it does not pose a problem in practical use. x: The photoconductor stopped due to an increase in torque, and when the tip of the cleaning blade after output was observed, there was a trace of turning over to the extent that toner had fallen out, which was problematic in practical use.

[0124] <Image quality evaluation (cleaning ability)> Using the image forming apparatus, output was performed under the following conditions. Thereafter, the tip of the cleaning blade and the surface of the photoreceptor were observed with a laser microscope (LEXT OLS4500, manufactured by Olympus Corporation) and evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. Environment: 27℃ / 80%RH Paper feed conditions: 5% image area ratio chart printed 3 times / job Output quantity: 50,000 sheets (A4 size landscape) -Evaluation criteria- ⊚: Toner that has slipped through due to poor cleaning cannot be visually confirmed on either the printed paper or the photoconductor, and no streaks of toner can be confirmed even when the photoconductor is observed longitudinally under a microscope. ◯: Toner that has slipped through due to poor cleaning cannot be visually confirmed on the printed paper or on the photoconductor, but streaks of toner can be confirmed when the photoconductor is observed longitudinally under a microscope. ×: Toner that has slipped through due to poor cleaning can be visually confirmed on the printed paper and on the photoconductor.

[0125] <Reference example 1> (Making a blade for smoothing lubricant) The lubricant leveling blade of Reference Example 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the average thickness was set to 1.4 mm. Lubricant-leveling blades of Reference Examples 2 to 10 were produced in the same manner as Reference Example 1, except that the Martens hardness of the edge layer, the Martens hardness of the base layer, and the average thickness of the coating layer in the lubricant-leveling blade were changed as shown in Tables 4 to 6.

[0126] <Reference Examples 11 to 12 and Reference Comparative Examples 1 to 6> Lubricant-leveling blades of Reference Examples 11 to 12 and Reference Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were produced in the same manner as Reference Example 1, except that the first fluororesin, the second fluororesin, the dispersion solvent, the Martens hardness of the edge layer, the Martens hardness of the base layer, and the average thickness of the coating layer in the lubricant-leveling blade were changed as shown in Tables 4 to 6. In addition, particle dispersion B was used in Reference Example 11, particle dispersion C was used in Reference Example 12, and particle dispersion D was used in Reference Comparative Example 2. It should be noted that Reference Comparative Example 1 is a lubricant-leveling blade having a blade base body on which no coating layer is provided.

[0127] <Assembly of image forming device> The assembly of the image forming apparatus for the lubricant leveling blades of Reference Examples 1 to 12 and Reference Comparative Examples 1 to 6 was carried out in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7, and the blades were attached to the image forming apparatus with a line pressure of 10 g / cm and an angle θ of the tip ridge of 90° to 140°.

[0128] <Measurement of Martens hardness> The Martens hardness of the edge layer and the Martens hardness of the base layer of the lubricant-leveling blades obtained in Reference Examples 1 to 12 and Reference Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were measured in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7. The results are shown in Tables 4 to 6.

[0129] <Measurement of the average thickness of the coating layer> The average thickness of the coating layer in the lubricant-leveling blades obtained in Reference Examples 1 to 12 and Reference Comparative Examples 1 to 6 was measured in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7. The results are shown in Tables 4 to 6.

[0130] [Table 4]

[0131] [Table 5]

[0132] [Table 6]

[0133] <Image quality evaluation (lubricant application)> Using the image forming apparatus having the lubricant leveling blade obtained from Reference Examples 1 to 12 and Reference Comparative Examples 1 to 6, output was performed under the following conditions. After that, a halftone image was output, and the degree of unevenness in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor was evaluated. It is known that the more uniformly the lubricant is applied in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor, the less unevenness there is in the image. Environment: 23℃ / 50%RH Paper feed conditions: Continuously print 0% image area chart (blank paper) Output quantity: 200,000 sheets (A4 size landscape) -Evaluation criteria- .circle.: No or almost no unevenness on the halftone image. ◯: There is some unevenness in the halftone image, but it is not a problem in practical use. ×: There is unevenness over the entire halftone image, to a level that is problematic in practical use.

[0134] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A cleaning blade for cleaning a rotating body, An edge layer and a coating layer are included, the coating layer provided on a tip portion of the edge layer that comes into contact with the rotor contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from the tip edge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2 The cleaning blade is characterized in that: <2> The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from the tip edge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more 2[N / mm 2 ] or less <1> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1 . <3> The average thickness of the coating layer at a distance of 20 [μm] from the tip ridge of the edge layer is 2.0 [μm] or more and 10.0 [μm] or less. <1> From the above <2> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, <4> The first fluororesin contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), The first fluororesin is a spherical fine particle having a volume average particle diameter of 1 μm or less. <1> From the above <3> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, <5> The second fluororesin is a mixture of a fluoro oil and a second fluororesin. <1> From the above <4> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, <6> The average molecular weight of the fluorine-based oil is 2,000 to 3,500. <1> From the above <5> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, <7> The second fluorine-based resin is a polymer of any one of vinylidene fluoride (VdF), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), or a binary or ternary copolymer of any combination thereof. <1> From the above <6> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, <8> The substrate of the cleaning blade has a single layer structure of polyurethane rubber or a laminate structure in which a plurality of polyurethane rubbers having different Martens hardnesses are laminated. <1> From the above <7> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, <9> The Martens hardness of the polyurethane rubber is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more 2[N / mm 2 ] or less, <8> 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1 . <10> A lubricant leveling blade for a lubricant applied to a rotating body, An edge layer and a coating layer are included, the coating layer provided on a tip portion of the edge layer that comes into contact with the rotor contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 [μm] from the tip edge of the edge layer of the lubricant leveling blade is 0.5 [N / mm 2 ] or more than 3[N / mm 2

[0023] A lubricant leveling blade characterized in that <11> The angle θ of the tip ridge is 90° or more and 140° or less. <10> 2. The lubricant leveling blade according to claim 1. <12> an image carrier; at least one of a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, an exposure means for exposing the charged surface of the image carrier to light to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and a transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording medium; and a cleaning means for contacting the surface of the image carrier and removing residues on the surface of the image carrier, The cleaning means <1> From the above <9> 2. A process cartridge comprising the cleaning blade according to claim 1. <13> a lubricant applying unit for applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier; <12> A process cartridge according to the present invention, The lubricant application means <10> From the above <11> 2. A process cartridge comprising the lubricant leveling blade according to claim 1. <14> the image carrier; charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier; exposure means for exposing the charged image carrier to light to form an electrostatic latent image; developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image; transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording medium; fixing means for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium; and cleaning means for contacting the surface of the image carrier to remove residues on the surface of the image carrier; The cleaning means <1> From the above <9> 2. An image forming apparatus comprising the cleaning blade according to claim 1. <15> a lubricant applying unit for applying a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier; <14> The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The lubricant application means <10> From the above <11> 13. An image forming apparatus comprising the lubricant leveling blade according to claim 12.

[0135] The above <1> From the above <9> The cleaning blade according to any one of the preceding claims. <10> From the above <11> The lubricant leveling blade according to any one of the preceding claims. <12> From the above <13> The process cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, <14> From the above <15> According to the image forming apparatus described in any one of the above, the conventional problems can be solved and the object of the present invention can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 Imaging unit 1Y Imaging unit (for yellow) 1C Imaging unit (for cyan) 1M Imaging unit (for magenta) 1K Imaging unit (for black) 10 Lubricant application device 101 Fur Brush 103 Solid lubricants 103a Lubricant pressure spring 103b Bracket 104 Lubricant leveling blade 104a Lubricant leveling blade tip surface 104b Lubricant leveling blade underside 104c Lubricant leveling blade contact part 1041 Lubricant leveling blade support member 1042 Lubricant leveling blade base 14 Intermediate transfer belt 151 First paper feed cassette 152 Second paper feed cassette 151a First feed roller 152a Second feed roller 153 Paper feed path 154 Transport roller pair 162 Belt cleaning unit 162a Belt cleaning blade 2 frame 3 Photoreceptor 3Y Photoconductor (for yellow) 3C Photoconductor (for cyan) 3M Photoconductor (for magenta) 3K photoconductor (for black) 4. Charging roller 40 Optical writing unit 41 Polygon Mirror 5. Developing device 51 Developing roller 52 Supply screw 53 Mixing screw 54 Doctor 55 Registration roller pair 6 Cleaning device 60 Transcription Unit 62 Cleaning blade 62a Cleaning blade tip surface 62b Underside of cleaning blade 62c Cleaning blade contact part 62d Cleaning blade side 621 Cleaning blade support member 622 Cleaning blade base 622a Edge layer 622b Base layer 623 Covering layer 63 First Bracket 64 Second Bracket 66 Secondary transfer backup roller 67 Drive roller 68 Auxiliary roller 69 Tension roller 7 Primary transfer roller 7Y Primary transfer roller (for yellow) 7C Primary transfer roller (for cyan) 7M Primary Transfer Roller (for Magenta) 7K Primary transfer roller (for black) 70 Secondary transfer roller 8. Charge roller cleaner 80 Fuser unit 81 Pressure and heating roller 82 Fixing belt unit 83 Heating Roller 84 Fixing belt 85 Tension roller 86 Drive roller 87 Paper ejection roller pair 88 Stack Section 100Y toner cartridge (for yellow) 100C Toner Cartridge (for Cyan) 100M Toner Cartridge (Magenta) 100K toner cartridge (for black) 500 Image forming device L Laser light P Recording medium θ Blade corner angle [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0137] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-147972 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-101551 A [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 3278733 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-214009 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-348193 [Patent Document 6] JP 2017-16083 A [Patent Document 7] Patent No. 2853598

Claims

1. A cleaning blade for cleaning a rotating body, An edge layer and a coating layer are included, the coating layer provided on a tip portion of the edge layer that comes into contact with the rotor contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from the tip edge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 N / mm ２ ] or more 3 [N / mm ２ ] or less, A cleaning blade, characterized in that the average thickness of the coating layer at a distance of 20 μm from the tip ridge of the edge layer is 2.0 μm or more and 10.0 μm or less.

2. The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from the tip edge of the edge layer of the cleaning blade is 0.5 N / mm ２ ] or more 2 [N / mm ２ 2. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the surface roughness of the cleaning blade is less than or equal to 100 nm.

3. The first fluorine-based resin contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 3. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the first fluorine-based resin is in the form of spherical fine particles having a volume average particle size of 1 [mu]m or less.

4. 4. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the second fluorine-based resin is a mixture of a fluorine-based oil and the second fluorine-based resin.

5. 5. The cleaning blade according to claim 4, wherein the average molecular weight of the fluorine-based oil is from 2,000 to 3,500.

6. 6. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the second fluorine-based resin is a polymer of any one of vinylidene fluoride (VdF), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), or a binary or ternary copolymer of any combination thereof.

7. 7. The cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein a substrate of the cleaning blade has a single layer structure of polyurethane rubber or a laminate structure in which a plurality of polyurethane rubbers having different Martens hardnesses are laminated.

8. The Martens hardness of the polyurethane rubber is 0.5 [N / mm ２ ] or more 2 [N / mm ２ 8. The cleaning blade according to claim 7, wherein the surface roughness of the cleaning blade is equal to or less than 1 mm.

9. A lubricant leveling blade for a lubricant applied to a rotating body, An edge layer and a coating layer are included, the coating layer provided on a tip portion of the edge layer that comes into contact with the rotor contains a first fluororesin and a second fluororesin that is incompatible with the first fluororesin, The Martens hardness at a distance of 20 μm from the tip edge of the edge layer of the lubricant leveling blade is 0.5 N / mm ２ ] or more 3 [N / mm ２ ] or less.

10. 10. The lubricant leveling blade according to claim 9, wherein the angle θ of the tip edge portion is 90° or more and 140° or less.

11. an image carrier; at least one of a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, an exposure means for exposing the charged surface of the image carrier to light to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and a transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording medium; and a cleaning means for contacting the surface of the image carrier and removing residues on the surface of the image carrier, 9. A process cartridge, wherein said cleaning means comprises the cleaning blade according to claim 1.

12. 12. The process cartridge according to claim 11, further comprising a lubricant application unit for applying a lubricant to a surface of the image bearing member, 11. A process cartridge, wherein the lubricant application means has the lubricant leveling blade according to claim 9.

13. the image carrier; charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier; exposure means for exposing the charged image carrier to light to form an electrostatic latent image; developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image; transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording medium; fixing means for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium; and cleaning means for contacting the surface of the image carrier to remove residues on the surface of the image carrier; 9. An image forming apparatus, wherein the cleaning means comprises the cleaning blade according to claim 1.

14. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a lubricant applying unit that applies a lubricant to a surface of the image carrier, 11. An image forming apparatus, wherein the lubricant applying means comprises the lubricant leveling blade according to claim 9.

Images