Process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus

Abstract

To suppress occurrence of a banding image caused by increase in a coefficient of dynamic friction between a developing roller and a photoreceptor.SOLUTION: A developing roller and a toner supplying roller are configured to rotate so that R indicated by the following formula (E1) satisfies 1.2≤R≤1.5 and a surface moving direction of the developing roller is opposite to a surface moving direction of the toner supplying roller at a contact position between the developing roller and the toner supplying roller: R=VRS / VD, the formula (E1). (In the formula (E1), VRS represents an absolute value of a peripheral speed [m / s] of the toner supplying roller, and VD represents an absolute value of a peripheral speed [m / s] of the developing roller. The electrophotographic photoreceptor has a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (A1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention also relates to a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the electrophotographic photosensitive member. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, measures to extend the life of electrophotographic devices have been strengthened. However, in the electrophotographic process, extending the life of devices is likely to cause various problems, and various efforts have been made to address these problems. Among the above-mentioned problems is the problem that the surface conditions of the toner supply roller, developing roller, and electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter simply referred to as "photosensitive member") mounted in the electrophotographic device change with repeated use, causing the contact state between the toner supply roller and developing roller, or between the developing roller and photosensitive member, to become unstable. When the contact state becomes unstable, an image defect known as "banding image" occurs. In order to solve these problems, various efforts have been made to improve the configuration of the developing roller and the toner supply roller that supplies toner to the developing roller.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a developing device in which the toner supply roller has a hollow core along all or part of its central axis. The hollow core of the toner supply roller makes it easier for the roller to deform in response to stress applied to its circumferential surface. This increases the contact pressure between the developing roller and the developer supply roller, suppressing banding caused by increased driving torque of the developing roller.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, the amount of inorganic silicon fine particles transferred by washing on the surface of toner particles is 0.20% by mass or less, the range of the peripheral speed ratio, which is the ratio of the peripheral speed of the developer carrier to the peripheral speed of the image carrier, is 120% to 300%, and an image forming apparatus is described in which the dark potential Vd of the image carrier and the bias Vb applied to the regulating member that regulates the developer satisfy the relationship Vd < Vb. By controlling the release of the external additive with the above configuration, image flow is suppressed. The adhesion of discharge products caused by image flow and moisture in the atmosphere to the photoreceptor, which is the image carrier, increases the tackiness of the photoreceptor surface and changes the surface state of the photoreceptor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the studies of the present inventors, in the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in both cases, the countermeasures against the increase in the dynamic friction coefficient between the developing roller and the photoreceptor due to the surface change of the developing roller were insufficient. In particular, the rotational directions of the developing roller and the toner supply roller are opposite in the rubbing portion (hereinafter referred to as the "counter configuration"), and as will be described in detail below, when the ratio (R) of the absolute value of the peripheral speed of the toner supply roller to the absolute value of the peripheral speed of the developing roller is greater than 1, the influence of the friction received by the developing roller from the toner supply roller is large. When the surface state of the developing roller becomes unstable, such as a decrease in viscoelasticity, due to the friction between the developing roller and the toner supply roller, when that portion comes into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor, the dynamic friction coefficient between the developing roller and the photoreceptor increases. The problem has been that image defects such as streak-like unevenness occur due to this increase in the dynamic friction coefficient. Hereinafter, an electrophotographic image in which streak-like unevenness occurs may be referred to as a "banding image".

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic device that can suppress the occurrence of banding images caused by an increase in the coefficient of dynamic friction between the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photosensitive member, and can form high-quality electrophotographic images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object can be achieved by the present invention as follows: That is, the process cartridge according to the present invention is a process cartridge that is detachably mountable to the main body of an electrophotographic apparatus, and the process cartridge comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a toner supply roller that is disposed in contact with the developing roller and supplies toner to the developing roller, The developing roller and the toner supply roller are configured such that the direction of movement of the surface of the developing roller and the direction of movement of the surface of the toner supply roller are opposite to each other at the contact position between the developing roller and the toner supply roller during operation, and The rotation occurs when R in the following formula (E1) satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.5. It is structured as follows: R=V RS / V D (E1) (In formula (E1), V RS represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the toner supply roller, and V D represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the developing roller.) the surface of the developing roller is the surface of an elastic layer, the toner supply roller has a shaft and a resin layer provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, The electrophotographic photoreceptor 、 a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin; The polyarylate resin is a copolymer having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A1) and a structural unit represented by the following formula (A2): R A process cartridge characterized by: [ka] [ka] [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus that can suppress the occurrence of banding images caused by an increase in the coefficient of dynamic friction between the developing roller and the photosensitive member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a structural unit of the polyarylate resin of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic diagram of a configuration in which a driving force is input to an end of a shaft of a toner supply roller to rotate the toner supply roller, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to a developing roller, according to an embodiment to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a configuration in which a driving force is input to the shaft end of a toner supply roller, the driving force is transmitted to a developing roller to rotate the developing roller, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the toner supply roller, in an embodiment to which the present invention can be applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments. The present invention provides a process cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic apparatus, the process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developing roller that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a toner supply roller that is disposed in contact with the developing roller and supplies toner to the developing roller; The developing roller and the toner supply roller are configured such that the direction of movement of the surface of the developing roller and the direction of movement of the surface of the toner supply roller are opposite to each other at the contact position between the developing roller and the toner supply roller during operation, and The rotation occurs when R in the following formula (E1) satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.5. It is structured as follows: R=V RS / V D (E1) (In formula (E1), V RS represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the toner supply roller, and V D represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the developing roller.) the surface of the developing roller is the surface of an elastic layer, the toner supply roller has a shaft and a resin layer provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, The electrophotographic photoreceptor has a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A1): The process cartridge is characterized by: [ka]

[0012] The inventors have studied the matter and found that the prior art has not provided sufficient countermeasures against the increase in the coefficient of dynamic friction between the developing roller and the photosensitive member that accompanies changes in the surface of the developing roller. Therefore, the inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by optimizing the combination of the configurations of the developing roller and toner supply roller and the surface material of the photosensitive member, and configuring the developing roller and toner supply roller so that they rotate so that R, as shown in the following formula (E1), satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.5, and so that the direction of movement of the surface of the developing roller is opposite to the direction of movement of the surface of the toner supply roller at the position of contact with the toner supply roller, and having the surface of the developing roller have an elastic layer, the toner supply roller have a core and a resin layer around the core, and the photosensitive member have a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A1). R=V RS / V D (E1) (In formula (E1), V RS represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the toner supply roller, and V Drepresents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the developing roller.) [ka]

[0013] The present inventors believe that the mechanism by which the above-mentioned problems can be solved with such a configuration is as follows. By configuring the toner supply roller in a counter configuration relative to the developing roller and configuring it so that R is greater than 1, the amount of toner supplied from the toner supply roller to the developing roller is stable. However, under the above configuration, the developing roller is subject to a large frictional effect from the toner supply roller, and the surface of the developing roller is likely to heat up due to friction with the toner supply roller. In particular, if the surface of the developing roller has an elastic layer, the surface of the developing roller is pulled by contact with the toner supply roller, causing the surface of the developing roller to temporarily stretch. After passing the point of contact with the toner supply roller, the developing roller itself has risen in temperature, so the surface of the developing roller tends to contract due to entropy elasticity. At the same time, the frictional heat from the toner supply roller causes some areas of the developing roller surface to lose viscoelasticity. When the portion of the developing roller surface that has become unstable due to the temperature rise comes into contact with the photosensitive member, the frictional state between the developing roller and the photosensitive member fluctuates, the coefficient of dynamic friction between the developing roller and the photosensitive member increases, and as a result, image defects such as banding occur.

[0014] Therefore, the inventors have considered combining a photoreceptor having a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A1). [ka]

[0015] The polyarylate resin is polarized due to the ester moiety containing the highly electronegative oxygen atom in formula (A1), resulting in a δ- charge. Meanwhile, the two methyl groups on the benzene ring are electron-donating, resulting in a δ+ charge. The polyarylate resin contains ether bonds, allowing it to rotate around the ether bonds. Therefore, in addition to the effect of electrostatic attraction, rotation around the ether bonds allows the areas where electrostatic attraction is exerted to move freely and attract each other, resulting in strong bonds between polymer chains. Therefore, the polyarylate resin is resistant to external forces such as heat. By combining the developing roller with a photoreceptor having a surface layer containing the above-mentioned polyarylate resin, even if a part of the developing roller with an unstable surface condition comes into contact with the photoreceptor, the effect is less than that of the surface layer of a conventional photoreceptor, and as a result, an increase in the coefficient of dynamic friction between the developing roller and the photoreceptor can be suppressed.

[0016] As shown by the above mechanism, in the process cartridge of the present invention, the configurations of the developing roller and toner supply roller and the photosensitive body surface material have a synergistic effect, making it possible to achieve the effects of the present invention. The configuration of the photoreceptor according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0017] [Electrophotographic photoreceptor] The photoreceptor of the present invention is characterized by having a surface layer. The photoreceptor of the present invention can be produced by preparing a coating solution for each layer described below, coating the layers in the desired order, and drying the coating solution. Examples of methods for applying the coating solution include dip coating, spray coating, inkjet coating, roll coating, die coating, blade coating, curtain coating, wire bar coating, and ring coating. Among these, dip coating is preferred from the viewpoints of efficiency and productivity. Each layer will be described below.

[0018] <Support> In the present invention, the photoreceptor has a support. In the present invention, the support is preferably a conductive support having electrical conductivity. The shape of the support may be cylindrical, belt-like, sheet-like, or the like. Of these, a cylindrical support is preferred. The surface of the support may be subjected to electrochemical treatment such as anodization, blasting, cutting, or the like. The support is preferably made of a metal, a resin, or a glass. Examples of metals include aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, gold, stainless steel, and alloys thereof, among which an aluminum support using aluminum is preferred. Furthermore, the resin or glass may be made conductive by mixing or coating it with a conductive material.

[0019] <Conductive layer> In the photoreceptor of the present invention, a conductive layer may be provided on the support. By providing the conductive layer, scratches and irregularities on the support surface can be concealed and light reflection on the support surface can be controlled. The conductive layer preferably contains conductive particles and a resin. Examples of materials for the conductive particles include metal oxides, metals, and carbon black. Examples of metal oxides include zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, indium oxide, silicon oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, antimony oxide, bismuth oxide, etc. Examples of metals include aluminum, nickel, iron, nichrome, copper, zinc, silver, etc. Among these, it is preferable to use metal oxides as the conductive particles, and it is particularly preferable to use titanium oxide, tin oxide, or zinc oxide. When metal oxides are used as the conductive particles, the surface of the metal oxides may be treated with a silane coupling agent or the like, or the metal oxides may be doped with elements such as phosphorus or aluminum or oxides thereof.

[0020] The conductive particles may have a laminated structure including a core particle and a coating layer covering the core particle. Examples of the core particle include titanium oxide, barium sulfate, and zinc oxide. Examples of the coating layer include a metal oxide such as tin oxide. When metal oxide particles are used as the conductive particles, the volume average particle size is preferably 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less, and more preferably 3 nm or more and 400 nm or less. Examples of the resin include polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl acetal resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, polyurethane resin, phenol resin, and alkyd resin. The conductive layer may further contain silicone oil, resin particles, a masking agent such as titanium oxide, and the like. The average thickness of the conductive layer is preferably 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and particularly preferably 3 μm or more and 40 μm or less. The conductive layer can be formed by preparing a coating solution for the conductive layer containing the above-mentioned materials and solvent, forming a coating film from this, and drying it. Examples of solvents used in the coating solution include alcohol-based solvents, sulfoxide-based solvents, ketone-based solvents, ether-based solvents, ester-based solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents. Examples of dispersion methods for dispersing the conductive particles in the coating solution for the conductive layer include methods using a paint shaker, sand mill, ball mill, or liquid collision-type high-speed disperser.

[0021] <Undercoat layer> In the photoreceptor of the present invention, an undercoat layer may be provided on the support or the conductive layer. By providing the undercoat layer, the adhesion between layers can be improved and a charge injection blocking function can be imparted. The undercoat layer preferably contains a resin. Alternatively, the undercoat layer may be formed as a cured film by polymerizing a composition containing a monomer having a polymerizable functional group. Examples of the resin include polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl acetal resin, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, polyurethane resin, phenol resin, polyvinylphenol resin, alkyd resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyethylene oxide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, polyamide resin, polyamic acid resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, and cellulose resin. Examples of the polymerizable functional group possessed by the monomer having a polymerizable functional group include an isocyanate group, a blocked isocyanate group, a methylol group, an alkylated methylol group, an epoxy group, a metal alkoxide group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxylic anhydride group, and a carbon-carbon double bond group.

[0022] Furthermore, for the purpose of improving electrical properties, the undercoat layer may further contain an electron transporting substance, a metal oxide, a metal, a conductive polymer, etc. Among these, it is preferable to use an electron transporting substance or a metal oxide. Examples of the electron transport substance include a quinone compound, an imide compound, a benzimidazole compound, a cyclopentadienylidene compound, a fluorenone compound, a xanthone compound, a benzophenone compound, a cyanovinyl compound, an aryl halide compound, a silole compound, a boron-containing compound, etc. An electron transport substance having a polymerizable functional group may be used as the electron transport substance, and the undercoat layer may be formed as a cured film by copolymerizing the electron transport substance with the above-mentioned monomer having the polymerizable functional group. Examples of metal oxides include indium tin oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, etc. Examples of metals include gold, silver, aluminum, etc. The undercoat layer may further contain an additive. The average thickness of the undercoat layer is preferably from 0.1 μm to 50 μm, more preferably from 0.2 μm to 40 μm, and particularly preferably from 0.3 μm to 30 μm. The undercoat layer can be formed by preparing a coating solution for the undercoat layer containing the above-mentioned materials and solvent, forming a coating film from the coating solution, and drying and / or curing the coating film. Examples of the solvent used in the coating solution include alcohol-based solvents, ketone-based solvents, ether-based solvents, ester-based solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents.

[0023] <Photosensitive layer> The photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor of the present invention is mainly classified into (1) a multi-layer type photosensitive layer and (2) a single-layer type photosensitive layer. (1) The multi-layer type photosensitive layer has a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material. (2) The single-layer type photosensitive layer has a photosensitive layer containing both a charge generation material and a charge transport material.

[0024] (1) Laminated photosensitive layer The laminated photosensitive layer has a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer.

[0025] (1-1) Charge generation layer The charge generating layer preferably contains a charge generating material and a resin. Examples of charge-generating materials include azo pigments, perylene pigments, polycyclic quinone pigments, indigo pigments, and phthalocyanine pigments. Among these, azo pigments and phthalocyanine pigments are preferred. Among phthalocyanine pigments, oxytitanium phthalocyanine pigments, chlorogallium phthalocyanine pigments, and hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigments are preferred. The content of the charge generating material in the charge generating layer is preferably 40% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less, and more preferably 60% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the charge generating layer. Examples of the resin include polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl acetal resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, polyurethane resin, phenol resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, cellulose resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, etc. Among these, polyvinyl butyral resin is more preferred. The charge generating layer may further contain additives such as antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers, etc. Specific examples include hindered phenol compounds, hindered amine compounds, sulfur compounds, phosphorus compounds, and benzophenone compounds. The average thickness of the charge generating layer is preferably from 0.1 μm to 1 μm, and more preferably from 0.15 μm to 0.4 μm. The charge generating layer can be formed by preparing a coating solution for the charge generating layer containing the above-mentioned materials and solvent, forming a coating film from the coating solution, and drying the coating film. Examples of the solvent used in the coating solution include alcohol-based solvents, sulfoxide-based solvents, ketone-based solvents, ether-based solvents, ester-based solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents.

[0026] (1-2) Charge transport layer The charge transport layer preferably contains a charge transport material and a resin. Examples of the charge transport material include polycyclic aromatic compounds, heterocyclic compounds, hydrazone compounds, styryl compounds, enamine compounds, benzidine compounds, triarylamine compounds, and resins having groups derived from these materials. Among these, triarylamine compounds and benzidine compounds are preferred. The content of the charge transport material in the charge transport layer is preferably 25% by mass to 70% by mass, and more preferably 30% by mass to 55% by mass, based on the total mass of the charge transport layer. Examples of the resin include polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, polystyrene resin, etc. Among these, polycarbonate resin and polyester resin are preferred. As the polyester resin, polyarylate resin is particularly preferred. The content ratio (mass ratio) of the charge transport material to the resin is preferably 4:10 to 20:10, and more preferably 5:10 to 12:10.

[0027] The charge transport layer may also contain additives such as antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, plasticizers, leveling agents, slipping agents, and abrasion resistance improvers. Specific examples of such additives include hindered phenol compounds, hindered amine compounds, sulfur compounds, phosphorus compounds, benzophenone compounds, siloxane-modified resins, silicone oils, fluororesin particles, polystyrene resin particles, polyethylene resin particles, silica particles, alumina particles, and boron nitride particles. The average thickness of the charge transport layer is preferably from 5 μm to 50 μm, more preferably from 8 μm to 40 μm, and particularly preferably from 10 μm to 30 μm. The charge transport layer can be formed by preparing a coating solution for the charge transport layer containing the above-mentioned materials and solvent, forming a coating film from the coating solution, and drying the coating film. Examples of the solvent used in the coating solution include alcohol-based solvents, ketone-based solvents, ether-based solvents, ester-based solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents. Among these solvents, ether-based solvents and aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents are preferred.

[0028] (2) Single-layer photosensitive layer The single-layer photosensitive layer can be formed by preparing a coating solution for the photosensitive layer containing a charge generating material, a charge transport material, a resin, and a solvent, forming a coating film from the coating solution, and drying the coating film. The charge generating material, charge transport material, and resin are the same as those exemplified in "(1) Multilayer Photosensitive Layer" above.

[0029] <Protective layer> In the present invention, a protective layer may be provided on the photosensitive layer, which can improve durability. The protective layer preferably contains conductive particles and / or a charge transport material, and a resin. Examples of conductive particles include particles of metal oxides such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, and indium oxide. Examples of the charge transport material include polycyclic aromatic compounds, heterocyclic compounds, hydrazone compounds, styryl compounds, enamine compounds, benzidine compounds, triarylamine compounds, and resins having groups derived from these materials. Among these, triarylamine compounds and benzidine compounds are preferred. Examples of the resin include polyester resin, acrylic resin, phenoxy resin, polycarbonate resin, polystyrene resin, phenol resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, etc. Among these, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, and acrylic resin are preferred. The protective layer may also be formed as a cured film by polymerizing a composition containing a monomer having a polymerizable functional group. Examples of the reaction include thermal polymerization, photopolymerization, and radiation-induced polymerization. Examples of the polymerizable functional group possessed by the monomer having a polymerizable functional group include an acrylic group and a methacrylic group. A material having charge transport capability may also be used as the monomer having a polymerizable functional group.

[0030] The protective layer may contain additives such as antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, plasticizers, leveling agents, slipping agents, and abrasion resistance improvers. Specific examples of such additives include hindered phenol compounds, hindered amine compounds, sulfur compounds, phosphorus compounds, benzophenone compounds, siloxane-modified resins, silicone oils, fluororesin particles, polystyrene resin particles, polyethylene resin particles, silica particles, alumina particles, and boron nitride particles. The average thickness of the protective layer is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 7 μm or less. The protective layer can be formed by preparing a coating solution for the protective layer containing the above-mentioned materials and solvent, forming a coating film from the coating solution, and drying and / or curing the coating film. Examples of the solvent used in the coating solution include alcohol-based solvents, ketone-based solvents, ether-based solvents, sulfoxide-based solvents, ester-based solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents.

[0031] <Surface layer> In the photoreceptor according to the present invention, the surface layer must contain a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A1). [ka] The surface layer referred to here is the portion of the photosensitive member that comes into contact with toner and various members during the electrophotographic process. The surface layer can be a protective layer, a charge transport layer, a single-layer photosensitive layer, or a charge generation layer, but from the viewpoint of achieving both cost and basic electrical properties in the electrophotographic process, the surface layer is preferably a charge transport layer. The polymer component recovered from the surface layer of the photoreceptor was analyzed by H-NMR analysis in deuterated chloroform, and the obtained H-NMR spectrum had peaks at 2.21±0.02, 7.07±0.02, 7.11±0.02, and 7.13±0.02 ppm. 2.21±0.02 ppm corresponds to A in Figure 1, 7.07±0.02 ppm corresponds to E in Figure 1, 7.11±0.02 ppm corresponds to G in Figure 1, and 7.13±0.02 ppm corresponds to I in Figure 1. The positional relationship of the above spectra indicates that the sample contains a compound having the structure of formula (A1).

[0032] A specific method will be described below. ■Reprecipitation of resin in the surface layer of the photoreceptor Turn off the photosensitive element (hereinafter simply referred to as the "drum"). Cut the drum using a jigsaw at a position 10 cm from the end of the drum in the generatrix direction. Wash the inside of the 10cm cut out drum. Wipe the inside of the cylinder with Silbon paper soaked in chloroform. -Dissolves the surface layer. Immerse 3 cm of the cut end of the drum in chloroform. (Pour approximately 60cc of chloroform into a 100mL beaker and soak for 5 minutes at room temperature.) ·Concentrate (concentrate liquefaction). Concentrate using a rotary evaporator until the volume reaches 2 mL and stop. ·Resedimentation. Prepare 50 mL of a methanol / acetone mixture (volume ratio 1:1), and add the entire amount of the above concentrated solution dropwise while stirring. Filter. Perform suction filtration using a Kiriyama funnel. (Funnel: SU-40, filter paper: No. 5C-40, both manufactured by Kiriyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) Drying The residue on the filter paper is collected with a spatula and dried in vacuo (70°C for 1 hour).

[0033] NMR measurements Measurement sample preparation 20 mg of sample is dissolved in 1 g of deuterated chloroform containing tetramethylsilane as a reference substance, and the entire amount is transferred to an NMR tube. (Deuterated chloroform: Sigma-Aldrich Japan Co., Ltd., chloroform-d, model number 612200) (NMR tube: Norell ST500-7, model number S3010) ·NMR measurement Equipment: Bruker AVANCE500 Conditions: Proton NMR, automated measurement by ICON-NMR Accumulation count: 32 times Reference peak: The methyl group peak of tetramethylsilane is set at 0 ppm

[0034] From the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the coefficient of dynamic friction between the developing roller and the photosensitive member, the content of the polyarylate resin having the structural unit represented by formula (A1) is preferably 45% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more, of the total mass of the surface layer. From the viewpoint of solubility in a solvent, it is desirable to have a structural unit that forms a copolymer of formula (A1) and formula (A2), and the content by mol of the structural unit represented by formula (A2) relative to the structural unit represented by formula (A1) is preferably 30 mol % or more and 70 mol % or less, and more preferably 50 mol % or more and 70 mol % or less. [ka]

[0035] [Process cartridges, electrophotographic devices] The process cartridge according to the present invention is a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an electrophotographic apparatus, and is characterized by comprising the electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing roller, and toner supply roller described above, wherein the developing roller is configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member, and the toner supply roller is disposed in contact with the developing roller and configured to supply toner to the developing roller. An electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by having the above process cartridge.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows an example of a main cross section of a process cartridge 70 equipped with a photosensitive member, a developing roller, and a toner supply roller. The process cartridge 70 includes a photosensitive unit 26 and a developing unit 4. The photosensitive unit 26 includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 2, and a cleaning member 6. The developing unit 4 includes a developing roller 25 and a toner supply roller 34. The aforementioned charging roller 2 and cleaning member 6 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1. The cleaning member 6 is composed of an elastic member 7 formed of a rubber blade and a cleaning support member 8. The tip of the elastic member 7 is arranged to abut against the photosensitive drum 1 in the counter direction to the rotation direction. The toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning member 6 falls into a removed toner chamber 27. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in accordance with the image forming operation by transmitting the driving force of a main body driving motor (not shown) serving as a driving source to the photosensitive unit . The charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the photosensitive unit 26 via a charging roller bearing, and is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 1 by a charging roller pressure member and comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1, thereby rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0037] The developing unit 4 is composed of a developing roller 25 that rotates in contact with the photosensitive drum 1, and a developing frame 31 that supports the developing roller 25. On the periphery of the developing roller 25, a toner supply roller 34 that rotates in the direction of arrow C in contact with the developing roller 25, and a developing blade 35 that regulates the toner layer on the developing roller 25 are arranged. The developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 rotate so that their surfaces move in the same direction at the opposing portion (contact portion). A predetermined DC bias is applied to the developing roller 25, and the toner is negatively charged by frictional charging. At the developing portion where the toner contacts the photosensitive drum 1, the toner transfers only to the bright potential portion due to the potential difference, thereby visualizing the electrostatic latent image. The developing blade 35 is disposed below the developing roller 25 and abuts against the developing roller 25 in a counter direction, regulating the coating amount of the toner supplied by the toner supply roller 34 and imparting a charge. In the embodiment described below, the developing blade is composed of a flexible plate-like member and a developing blade support that fixes the plate-like member. The developing blade 35 is also composed of an elastic plate made of stainless steel (SUS). The toner is frictionally charged by the friction between the developing blade 35 and the developing roller 25, imparting a charge and simultaneously regulating the layer thickness. A predetermined voltage is applied to the developing blade 35 from a blade bias power supply (not shown) to stabilize the toner coating.

[0038] The toner supply roller 34 contacts the developing roller 25 at the nip N. In the present invention, the toner supply roller 34 must rotate so that the movement direction of the toner supply roller 34 at the nip N is opposite to the movement direction of the developing roller 25 at the nip N (counter configuration). That is, the movement direction of the surface of the developing roller 25 is configured to be opposite to the movement direction of the surface of the toner supply roller 34 at the contact position with the toner supply roller 34. The toner supply roller 34 and the developing roller 25 are in contact with each other with a predetermined intrusion amount, i.e., the recess amount ΔE of the toner supply roller 34 made recessed by the developing roller 25. The toner supply roller 34 and the developing roller 25 must rotate in opposite directions at the nip N with the following peripheral speed difference: That is, the developing roller 25 and the toner supply roller 34 are configured to rotate so that R, as shown in the following formula (E1), satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.5. R=V RS / V D Formula (E1) (In formula (E1), V RS represents the absolute value [m / s] of the peripheral speed of the toner supply roller 34, V D represents the absolute value [m / s] of the peripheral speed of the developing roller 25.) This operation recovers the remaining toner on the developing roller 25 while supplying the toner to the developing roller 25. At this time, by adjusting the potential difference between the toner supply roller 34 and the developing roller 25, the amount of remaining toner recovered on the developing roller 25 and the amount of toner supplied to the developing roller 25 can be adjusted.

[0039] The toner supply roller 34 comprises a conductive support and a foam layer supported by the conductive support. Specifically, the conductive support is a core metal electrode with an outer diameter of 5 mm, and a foamed urethane layer is provided around the core metal electrode as a foam layer composed of open-cell foam (open cells) in which the cells are connected to each other. The toner supply roller 34 rotates in the direction of C in the figure. By making the urethane surface layer open-cell foam, a large amount of toner can penetrate into the toner supply roller 34. In the example described below, the resistance of the toner supply roller 34 is 1×10Ω.

[0040] In the examples described below, the amount of penetration of the toner supply roller 34 into the developing roller 25, i.e., the amount of depression ΔE of the toner supply roller 34 caused by the developing roller 25, was set to 1.0 mm. Here, a method for measuring the resistance of the toner supply roller 34 will be described. The toner supply roller 34 was brought into contact with an aluminum sleeve having a diameter of 30 mm so that the amount of penetration, described below, was 1.5 mm. By rotating this aluminum sleeve, the toner supply roller 34 was rotated relative to the aluminum sleeve at 30 rpm.

[0041] Next, a DC voltage of -50 V is applied to the developing roller 25. At this time, a 10 kΩ resistor is provided on the ground side, and the current is calculated by measuring the voltage across the resistor, and the resistance of the toner supply roller 34 is calculated. In the examples described below, the surface cell diameter of the toner supply roller 34 is set to 50 μm to 1000 μm. Here, cell diameter refers to the average diameter of foam cells in an arbitrary cross section. First, the area of ​​the largest foam cell is measured from an enlarged image of the arbitrary cross section, and the maximum cell diameter is obtained by converting this area into a diameter equivalent to a perfect circle. Then, foam cells that are half or less of this maximum cell diameter are eliminated as noise, and the remaining individual cell areas are similarly converted to obtain the average cell diameter. The toner supplied from the toner supply roller 34 to the surface of the developing roller 25 is frictionally charged by the friction between the developing blade 35 and the developing roller 25, and the layer thickness is regulated while the toner is given an electric charge. The toner is then transported to the contact area (developing section) between the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 25, and transferred only to the light potential area. The remaining toner remaining on the surface of the developing roller 25 returns to the developer container, is collected from the surface of the developing roller 25 by the toner supply roller 34, and is stored inside the toner supply roller 34.

[0042] The configuration for driving the developing roller 25 and the toner supply roller 34 preferably includes a driving force receiving portion, a first driving force transmitting portion, and a second driving force transmitting portion. Here, the driving force receiving portion is configured to receive the driving force for driving the toner supply roller 34. The first driving force transmitting portion is configured to transmit the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion to the toner supply roller 34. The second driving force transmitting portion is configured to transmit the driving force generated by driving the toner supply roller 34 to the developing roller 25. Since the developing roller 25 is rotationally driven indirectly via the second driving force transmitting portion in response to an input of driving force from an external source, the second driving force transmitting portion absorbs sudden fluctuations in frictional force, and destabilization of the toner coating amount on the developing roller 25 is suppressed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-134787). Specifically, because the developing roller 25 contacts both the toner supply roller 34 and the photosensitive drum 1, sudden fluctuations in friction between the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 affect the rotation of the toner supply roller 34, which contacts the developing roller 25. This can lead to instability in the toner coating amount supplied to the developing roller 25 by the toner supply roller 34. In the preferred configuration described above, the toner supply roller 34 is first driven by an external driving force, and then the developing roller 25 is driven via the second driving force transmission unit. Therefore, even if sudden fluctuations in friction occur between the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1, the toner supply roller 34 is driven by an external driving force that is not affected by the frictional force fluctuations, and the second driving force transmission unit absorbs the frictional force fluctuations. This allows the toner supply roller 34 to stably supply toner to the developing roller 25. The above configuration, which prevents sudden fluctuations in frictional force from causing instability in the toner coating amount, is suitable for suppressing banding during repeated use in the present invention. The second driving force transmission unit may include a third driving force transmission unit, a fourth driving force transmission unit, and a fifth driving force transmission unit. Here, the third driving force transmission unit is provided at an end of the shaft of the toner supply roller 34 and is configured to transmit the driving force generated by driving the toner supply roller 34 to the fourth driving force transmission unit.The fourth drive force transmission unit is configured to be driven by the drive force received from the third drive force transmission unit, thereby transmitting the drive force to the fifth drive force transmission unit. The fifth drive force transmission unit is provided at an end of the shaft body of the developing roller 25, and is configured to receive the drive force from the fourth drive force transmission unit to drive the developing roller 25.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a preferred configuration for driving the developing roller and toner supply roller described above. The driving force input to coupling (driving force receiving portion) 101 is transmitted to driving force transmission member 103 through intermediate body 102, thereby rotating toner supply roller 134. Here, the combination of intermediate body 102 and driving force transmission member 103 corresponds to the first driving force transmission portion described above. The rotational driving force transmitted to toner supply roller 134 is transmitted to gear (third driving force transmission portion) 104a, gear (fourth driving force transmission portion) 104b, and gear (fifth driving force transmission portion) 104c in this order, thereby rotating developing roller 125. Here, the configuration consisting of the combination of gears 104a, 104b, and 104c corresponds to the second driving force transmission portion described above. That is, gear 104a is provided at the end of shaft body 105 of toner supply roller 134 and transmits the driving force generated by the driving of toner supply roller 134 to gear 104b. Next, gear 104b is driven by the driving force received from gear 104a and transmits the driving force to gear 104c. Gear 104c is located at the end of the shaft member 106 of the developing roller 125 and receives the driving force from gear 104b to drive the developing roller 125. This allows the driving force generated by the driving of the toner supply roller 134 to be transmitted to the developing roller 125. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , there is play in the meshing portions between gears 104a, 104b, and 104c, so that sudden fluctuations in frictional force occurring between the developing roller 125 and the photosensitive drum can be absorbed. Furthermore, the driving force transmitted from the outside to the toner supply roller 134 via the coupling 101, the intermediate member 102, and the driving force transmission member 103 is not affected by the frictional force fluctuations, so the toner supply roller 134 is driven stably. This suppresses fluctuations in the amount of toner supplied from the toner supply roller 134 to the developing roller 125. The specific configuration of the second driving force transmission unit is not limited to the configuration consisting of the combination of gears 104a, 104b, and 104c illustrated in Fig. 3. The specific configuration of the second driving force transmission unit may be configured using any mechanism as long as it is capable of transmitting the driving force generated by driving toner supply roller 134 to developing roller 125.

[0044] In the preferred configuration for driving the developing roller 125 and the toner supply roller 134 described above, the above R must satisfy 1.2≦R≦1.5. To achieve this, the toner supply roller 134, the second driving force transmission unit, and the developing roller 125 must be drivingly connected. In other words, if the radius of the developing roller 125 is r D [mm], and the radius of the toner supply roller 134 is r RS When the thickness is expressed in mm, the above-mentioned configurations are such that λ, as expressed by the following formula (E2), is 1.2≦λ×r RS / r D ≦1.5. D and the radius r of the toner supply roller 134 RS In contrast, λ shown in the above equation (E2) represents the ratio of rotational angular velocities. λ=ω RS / ω D (E2) (In formula (E2), ω RS represents the rotational angular velocity [rad / s] of the toner supply roller 134, and ω D represents the rotational angular velocity [rad / s] of the developing roller 125. As an example, in the specific means shown in FIG. 2, λ is 1.2≦λ×r RS / r D The gear ratios of the gear 104a, the gear 104b, and the gear 104c may be set to satisfy the condition ≦1.5.

[0045] As an example, in the specific means of FIG. 3, λ is 1.2≦λ×r RS / r D The gear ratios of the gear 104a, the gear 104b, and the gear 104c may be set to satisfy the condition ≦1.5.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows another example of the configuration for driving the developing roller and the toner supply roller. The driving force input to coupling 201 is transmitted to gear 204a through intermediate member 202, and then to gears 204b and 204c in this order, thereby rotating and driving developing roller 225. The rotational driving force is then transmitted to gears 204d, 204e, and 204f in this order, thereby rotating and driving toner supply roller 234. In the present invention, from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the coefficient of dynamic friction between the developing roller and the photosensitive member due to changes in the surface of the developing roller, it is preferable that R satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.3. The process cartridge according to the present invention can be used in laser beam printers, LED printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multifunction machines thereof.

[0047] [Developing roller] The developing roller used in the present invention must have an elastic layer on its surface, which is an elastic roller configured to have a conductive base, such as a metal core, and a conductive elastic rubber layer having a predetermined volume resistivity provided around the periphery of the conductive base. The configuration of the developing roller according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0048] <Conductive substrate> The conductive substrate may be a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical conductive mandrel. The mandrel may be cylindrical or hollow cylindrical, and may be made of the following conductive materials. That is, examples of the conductive material include metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper alloys, and stainless steel; iron plated with chromium or nickel; and conductive synthetic resins. A known adhesive may be applied to the surface of the conductive substrate, as appropriate, in order to improve adhesion to an elastic layer or the like provided on its outer periphery.

[0049] <Elastic layer> The elastic layer may include multiple layers with different properties depending on the required function. The elastic layer is preferably formed by molding a rubber material. Examples of rubber materials include ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), fluororubber, silicone rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, NBR hydride, and urethane rubber. These materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Depending on the required properties, the surface of the elastic layer may be subjected to commonly known surface treatments such as ultraviolet rays, electron beams, or impregnation treatment. From the viewpoint of suppressing changes in the dynamic friction coefficient between the developing roller and the photosensitive member, the MD-1 hardness of the outer surface of the developing member measured at a temperature of 23°C is preferably 20° or more and 55° or less, and more preferably 37° or more and 55° or less.

[0050] The elastic layer can be made conductive by blending a conductivity-imparting agent such as an electronically conductive substance or an ionic conductive substance into the elastic layer. Examples of electronically conductive materials include conductive carbon, such as carbon blacks such as Ketjenblack EC and acetylene black; rubber carbons such as SAF (Super Abrasion Furnace), ISAF (Intermediate SAF), HAF (High Abrasion Furnace), FEF (Fast Extruding Furnace), GPF (General Purpose Furnace), SRF (Semi-Reinforcing Furnace), FT (Fine Thermal), and MT (Medium Thermal); oxidation-treated carbons for color (ink); and metals such as copper, silver, and germanium and their metal oxides. Among these, conductive carbons are preferred because they allow easy control of conductivity with a small amount. Examples of the ionically conductive substance include inorganic ionically conductive substances such as sodium perchlorate, lithium perchlorate, calcium perchlorate, and lithium chloride; and organic ionically conductive substances such as modified aliphatic dimethylammonium ethosulfate and stearylammonium acetate. These conductivity-imparting agents are blended in an appropriate amount according to the conductivity required for the elastic layer.

[0051] The elastic layer may further contain various additives, as needed, such as particles, conductive agents, plasticizers, fillers, extenders, crosslinking agents, crosslinking accelerators, vulcanization aids, crosslinking aids, acid acceptors, cure inhibitors, antioxidants, and antioxidants. These optional components may be blended in amounts that do not impair the features of the present disclosure. Examples of crosslinking agents include sulfur-based crosslinking agents such as powdered sulfur, oil-treated powdered sulfur, precipitated sulfur, colloidal sulfur, and dispersible sulfur, as well as organic sulfur-containing compounds such as tetramethylthiuram disulfide and N,N-dithiobismorpholine. Considering the need to impart good rubber properties, the blending ratio of sulfur is preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more and 2.0 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the total rubber material. Furthermore, when using an organic sulfur-containing compound as a crosslinking agent, it is preferable to adjust the amount of sulfur in the molecule to fall within the above range. Examples of fillers that can be used include zinc oxide, silica, carbon black, talc, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and aluminum hydroxide. By incorporating these fillers, the mechanical strength of the binder resin can be expected to be improved. Furthermore, by using conductive carbon black, which functions as an electronic conductive agent, as the filler, electronic conductivity can be imparted to the electrophotographic member, as described above. The filler is incorporated in an appropriate amount depending on the properties required for the molded product.

[0052] [Toner supply roller] The toner supply roller according to the present invention must have a conductive shaft and a foam layer on the shaft. The configuration of the toner supply roller according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0053] <Shaft> The shaft functions as a support member for the toner supply roller and as an electrode. The shaft is made of a conductive material such as a metal or alloy such as aluminum, copper alloy, or stainless steel; iron plated with chromium or nickel; or conductive synthetic resin. The shaft is either solid or hollow cylindrical.

[0054] <Resin layer> From the viewpoint of strength, the foam layer preferably contains a polyurethane resin (crosslinked urethane resin) as a binder resin, as described below. The foam layer preferably has voids capable of storing toner particles within the layer so that it can uniformly supply toner particles to the surface of the toner carrier roller as a toner supply roller. Examples of voids include numerous through-holes and non-through-holes. Another example of voids is a porous structure with interconnected bubbles (open cells). A conductive layer containing a crosslinked urethane resin preferably has large open-cell voids. Important characteristics of a foam layer having such voids include the average cell size, number of cells, air permeability, and overall layer density. While the physical properties of the foam layer are not particularly limited, it is preferable that the foam layer have values ​​within the following ranges: Average surface cell diameter: 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less; Number of cells: 50 to 300 cells / inch; Ventilation rate: 0.5L / min or more and 3.0L / min or less; Density: 0.05g / cm 3 More than 0.20g / cm 3 below.

[0055] <Polyurethane resin> The polyurethane resin is a reaction product of a polyol and a compound having an isocyanate group. Examples of polyols that form the crosslinked urethane resin of the toner supply roller of the present invention include polyester polyols, polyether polyols, acrylic polyols, polycarbonate polyols, and polycaprolactone polyols. Among these, polyether polyols are preferred because the crosslinked urethane resin has flexibility.

[0056] Examples of polyether polyols include polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly-1,4-butanediol, poly-1,5-pentanediol, polyneopentyl glycol, poly-3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, poly-1,6-hexanediol, poly-1,8-octanediol, and poly-1,9-nonanediol. Among these, polypropylene glycol, poly-1,4-butanediol, poly-1,5-pentanediol, polyneopentyl glycol, poly-3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, and poly-1,6-hexanediol are preferred from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in hardness. Examples of polyester polyols include the following: Polyester polyols obtained by the condensation reaction of a diol component such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, or 1,9-nonanediol, or a triol component such as trimethylolpropane, with a dicarboxylic acid such as adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, phthalic anhydride, terephthalic acid, or hexahydroxyphthalic acid. Among these, polyester polyols obtained by the condensation reaction of a diol component such as propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, or 1,6-hexanediol with a dicarboxylic acid such as adipic acid, suberic acid, or sebacic acid are preferred from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in hardness.

[0057] Examples of polycaprolactone polyols include poly-ε-caprolactone and poly-γ-caprolactone.

[0058] Examples of polycarbonate polyols include polycarbonate polyols obtained by condensation reaction of a diol component such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, or 1,9-nonanediol with a dialkyl carbonate such as phosgene or dimethyl carbonate, or a cyclic carbonate such as ethylene carbonate. Among these, polycarbonate polyols obtained by condensation reaction of a diol component such as neopentyl glycol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or 1,8-octanediol with a dialkyl carbonate such as dimethyl carbonate are preferred from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in hardness. If necessary, these polyol components may be chain-extended in advance with an isocyanate compound such as 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), or isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) to form a prepolymer.

[0059] <Isocyanate compounds> The isocyanate compound is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include aliphatic polyisocyanates such as ethylene diisocyanate and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI); alicyclic polyisocyanates such as isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate, and cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate; aromatic isocyanates such as 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, and naphthalene diisocyanate; and copolymers thereof, isocyanurates, TMP adducts, biurets, and block products thereof. Among these, aromatic isocyanates such as tolylene diisocyanate and diphenylmethane diisocyanate are preferred. The polyol component and the isocyanate compound are preferably mixed so that the ratio (molar ratio) of isocyanate groups in the isocyanate compound to hydroxyl groups in the polyol component is 1.0 to 2.0. If the mixing ratio is within the above range, it is possible to suppress the remaining unreacted components.

[0060] <Crosslinking agent> A crosslinking agent is preferably included as a component constituting the polyurethane resin of the present disclosure. The crosslinked structure can be formed by using a tri- or higher functional isocyanate or a tri- or higher functional polyol, which functions as a crosslinking agent. Alternatively, a known crosslinking agent that is optimal for urethane resins may be used. Examples of such crosslinking agents include amine-based crosslinking agents such as ethylenediamine and imide-based crosslinking agents such as carbodiimide.

[0061] <Other components in the resin layer> The resin layer may contain a conductive filler as needed, provided that the effect of the present invention is not impaired. The resin layer preferably contains an electronically conductive filler. As the conductive filler, carbon black, aluminum, copper, and other conductive metals can be used. Among these, carbon black is particularly preferred because it is relatively easy to obtain and has high conductivity and reinforcing properties. The foam layer can contain catalysts, foaming agents, foam stabilizers, and other auxiliary agents as needed.

[0062] The catalyst is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from various conventionally known catalysts. Examples include amine catalysts (triethylenediamine, bis(dimethylaminoethyl)ether, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylhexanediamine, 1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undecene-7, 1,5-diazabicyclo(4.3.0)nonene-5, 1,2-dimethylimidazole, N-ethylmorpholine, N-methylmorpholine, etc.), organometallic catalysts (tin octoate, tin oleate, dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin diacetate, tetra-i-propoxytitanium, tetra-n-butoxytitanium, tetrakis(2-ethylhexyloxy)titanium, etc.), and acid salt catalysts (carboxylates, formates, octoates, borates, etc.) that reduce the initial activity of the amine catalysts and organometallic catalysts. The catalysts may be used alone or in combination.

[0063] The foaming agent is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from various conventionally known foaming agents. In particular, water is preferably used as a foaming agent because it reacts with polyisocyanate to generate carbon dioxide gas. Furthermore, the use of other foaming agents in combination with water does not detract from the gist of the present invention. The foam stabilizer is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from various conventionally known foam stabilizers. Other additives, such as crosslinking aids, flame retardants, colorants, ultraviolet absorbers, and antioxidants, may be used as needed within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. The toner supply roller has a conductive shaft body and a foamed resin layer on the shaft body. [Example]

[0064] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples and comparative examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following description of the examples, "parts" are by mass unless otherwise specified. Moreover, Examples 1 to 15, 25, and 26 are reference examples.

[0065] <Production of electrophotographic photoreceptors> <Preparation of Photoreceptor 1> (Support) A machined aluminum alloy cylinder having an outer diameter of 24 mm, a length of 257 mm and a wall thickness of 0.75 mm was used as the support.

[0066] (Formation of undercoat layer) One hundred parts of rutile-type titanium dioxide particles (product name: MT-600B, average primary particle size: 50 nm, manufactured by Teika) were mixed with 500 parts of toluene and stirred, and 5.0 parts of vinyltrimethoxysilane (product name: KBM-1003, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical) were added and stirred for 8 hours. The toluene was then removed by distillation under reduced pressure, and the mixture was dried at 120°C for 3 hours to obtain rutile-type titanium dioxide particles that had been surface-treated with vinyltrimethoxysilane. Next, the following materials were prepared: 18 parts of rutile titanium dioxide particles surface-treated with vinyltrimethoxysilane N-methoxymethylated nylon (product name: Torezin EF-30T, manufactured by Nagase ChemteX): 4.5 parts Copolymer nylon resin (product name: Amilan (trademark) CM8000, manufactured by Toray Industries): 1.5 parts These were added to a mixed solvent of 90 parts of methanol and 60 parts of 1-butanol to prepare a dispersion, which was then dispersed in a vertical sand mill using glass beads with a diameter of 1.0 mm for 5 hours to prepare a coating solution for the undercoat layer. This coating solution for the undercoat layer was dip-coated onto the support to form a coating film, and the coating film was dried at 100° C. for 10 minutes to form an undercoat layer with a thickness of 2.00 μm.

[0067] (Formation of Charge Generation Layer) As a charge-generating substance, 10 parts of Y-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine crystals, which have a strong peak at a Bragg angle (2θ±0.2°) of 27.3° in CuKα characteristic X-ray diffraction, were prepared. 10 parts of these Y-type oxytitanium phthalocyanine crystals and 150 parts of 4-methoxy-4-methylpentanone-2 were placed in a sand mill using glass beads with a diameter of 1 mm, and were ground and dispersed for 1.5 hours using the sand grinding mill. Next, 105 parts of a solution in which 5 parts of polyacetal resin (trade name: S-LEC BX-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) had been dissolved in 100 parts of 4-methoxy-4-methylpentanone-2 was added, and the mixture was dispersed for 0.5 hours. Then, 250 parts of 1,2-dimethoxyethane was added to prepare a coating solution for the charge generation layer. The coating solution for the charge generation layer was dip-coated onto the resulting undercoat layer to form a coating film, and the coating film was dried at 100°C for 10 minutes to form a charge generation layer with a thickness of 0.15 μm.

[0068] The X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out under the following conditions. [Powder X-ray diffraction measurement] Measuring equipment used: Rigaku Electric Co., Ltd., X-ray diffraction equipment RINT-TTRII X-ray tube:Cu Tube voltage: 50KV Tube current: 300mA Scanning method: 2θ / θ scan Scan speed: 4.0° / min Sampling interval: 0.02° Starting angle (2θ): 5.0° Stop angle (2θ): 40.0° Attachment: Standard sample holder Filter: Not used Incident Monochromator: Used Counter monochromator: Not used Divergence slit: open Divergence vertical limit slit: 10.00 mm Scattering slit: open Receiving slit: open Flat plate monochromator: used Counter: Scintillation counter

[0069] (Formation of surface layer (charge transport layer)) Next, the following materials were prepared: 69 parts of a charge transport material represented by the following formula (CTM1): Antioxidants designated P1: 7 parts 100 parts of a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the above formula (A1) These were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 23 parts orthoxylene, 23 parts methyl benzoate, and 23 parts dimethoxymethane to prepare a surface layer coating solution. The charge generating layer was dip-coated with this surface layer coating solution to form a coating film, which was then dried at 125°C for 30 minutes to form a surface layer with a thickness of 15 μm. [ka] [ka]

[0070] (Analysis of the surface layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor) The polymer component recovered from the surface layer of the resulting photoreceptor was subjected to H-NMR analysis in deuterated chloroform to obtain a H-NMR spectrum. The obtained H-NMR spectrum had peaks at 2.21±0.02, 7.07±0.02, 7.11±0.02, and 7.13±0.02 ppm. This confirmed that the surface layer of the photoreceptor contained a structural unit represented by formula (A1). From the 1H-NMR spectrum, the mass % content of the produced photoreceptor 1 was 100%. The mol % content of the structural unit represented by formula (A2) relative to the structural unit represented by formula (A1) was 0%.

[0071] <Preparation of Photoreceptor 2> In forming the surface layer of the photoreceptor 2, 55 parts of charge transport material represented by formula (CTM1) 62 parts of a charge transport material represented by the following formula (CTM2): Antioxidant represented by the formula (P1): 4 parts 1 part of a colorant represented by the following formula (P2): 100 parts of a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the above formula (A1) These were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 23 parts of orthoxylene / 23 parts of methyl benzoate / 23 parts of dimethoxymethane to prepare a surface layer coating solution, and the other components were prepared in the same manner as in the photoreceptor 1. [ka] [ka]

[0072] <Preparation of Photoreceptor 3> In forming the surface layer of the photoreceptor 3, 58 parts of a charge transport material represented by the following formula (CTM3): 23 parts of a charge transport material represented by the following formula (CTM4): Antioxidant represented by the formula (P1): 8 parts 2 parts of a colorant represented by formula (P2) Polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the above formula (A1): 72 parts Polycarbonate resin copolymerized with the following formula (A3) and the following formula (A4): 27 parts These were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 23 parts of orthoxylene / 23 parts of methyl benzoate / 23 parts of dimethoxymethane to prepare a surface layer coating solution, and the other components were prepared in the same manner as in the photoreceptor 1. [ka] [ka] [ka] [ka]

[0073] <Preparation of photoreceptors 4 to 6 and 15> The surface layers of photoreceptors 4 to 6 and 15 were prepared in the same manner as for photoreceptor 3, except that the mixing ratio and other factors were appropriately adjusted and changed as shown in Table 1 below.

[0074] <Preparation of photoreceptors 7 to 13> Photoreceptors 7 to 13 were prepared in the same manner as for photoreceptor 1, except that the mixing ratio and other factors were appropriately adjusted and changed as shown in Table 1 below in the preparation of the surface layers.

[0075] <Preparation of Photoreceptor 14> The surface layer of the photoreceptor 14 was prepared in the same manner as the photoreceptor 2, except that the mixing ratio and other factors were appropriately adjusted and changed as shown in Table 1 below.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] <Preparation of Photoreceptor 16> In forming the surface layer of the photoreceptor 16, 69 parts of a charge transport material represented by formula (CTM1) Antioxidant represented by formula (P1): 7 parts 100 parts of polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A5): These were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 23 parts of orthoxylene / 23 parts of methyl benzoate / 23 parts of dimethoxymethane to prepare a coating solution for the charge transport layer, and the same preparation was carried out as in the photoreceptor 1. [ka]

[0078] <Preparation of developing roller 1> (Preparing the base) A stainless steel (SUS304) mandrel with an outer diameter of 6 mm and a length of 270 mm was prepared, and a conductive vulcanizing adhesive (product name: Metalock U-20, manufactured by Toyo Kagaku Kenkyusho) was applied to the circumferential surface of the mandrel and baked to prepare the mandrel as the base.

[0079] (Formation of the first elastic layer) The materials for the elastic layer shown in Table 2 were mixed for 16 minutes using a 6-liter pressure kneader (trade name: TD6-15M DX, manufactured by Toshin Co., Ltd.) at a filling rate of 70% by volume and a blade rotation speed of 30 rpm to obtain mixture A.

[0080] [Table 2]

[0081] Next, the materials shown in Table 3 were mixed with open rolls having a roll diameter of 12 inches (0.30 m) at a front roll rotation speed of 10 rpm, a rear roll rotation speed of 8 rpm, and a roll gap of 2 mm, with a total of 20 left and right reversals. After that, the roll gap was set to 0.5 mm and thin-threading was performed 10 times to obtain mixture B.

[0082] [Table 3]

[0083] Next, the above mixture B was extruded simultaneously with the mandrel by extrusion molding using a crosshead to form a cylindrical shape coaxially with the mandrel as the center, and a layer of mixture B was formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel. An extruder with a cylinder diameter of 45 mm (Φ45) and L / D=20 was used, and the temperatures during extrusion were controlled to a head of 90°C, a cylinder of 90°C, and a screw of 90°C. Both longitudinal ends of the mandrel of the layer of mixture B were cut, and the length of the layer of mixture B in the longitudinal direction of the mandrel was set to 237 mm. Thereafter, the mandrel was heated in an electric furnace at a temperature of 160°C for 40 minutes to vulcanize the layer of mixture B, thereby forming a vulcanized member. Subsequently, the surface of the vulcanized member was polished with a plunge-cut grinding type polishing machine to obtain a roller in which a first elastic layer having a thickness of 3.0 mm was formed on the outer periphery of the core metal.

[0084] (Formation of second elastic layer) To prepare the second elastic layer, the materials listed in Table 4, except for the roughness-forming particles, were mixed and stirred. The materials were then dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) to a solids concentration of 30% by mass, mixed, and uniformly dispersed using a sand mill. Methyl ethyl ketone was added to this mixture to adjust the solids concentration to 25% by mass, and the materials listed in the roughness-forming particles column in Table 4 were added. The mixture was then stirred and dispersed using a ball mill to obtain a coating solution for the second elastic layer. A roller on which the first elastic layer had been formed was immersed in the coating solution and coated to a thickness of approximately 15 μm for the second elastic layer. The coating was then dried and cured by heating at 135°C for 60 minutes, forming a second elastic layer. This resulted in the development roller 1.

[0085] [Table 4]

[0086] (Analysis of developing roller 1) The developing member was left for 24 hours in an environment with a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of 53%. Next, a micro rubber hardness tester (product name: MD-1capa, manufactured by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.) was used with a 0.16 mm diameter indenter to measure the hardness at 12 points at 90° intervals around the circumference of the developing member, at positions 20 mm inward from the center and both ends, and the average of these measurements was taken as the MD-1 hardness. The MD-1 hardness of developing roller 1 was 50°.

[0087] <Production of developing roller 2> The first elastic layer was prepared in the same manner as the developing roller 1, except that the parts by mass of carbon black in the mixture A was changed to 30 parts. The MD-1 hardness of the surface of the image roller 2 is shown in Table 6.

[0088] <Production of developing roller 3> The first elastic layer was produced in the same manner as in developing roller 1, except that the parts by mass of zinc oxide in mixture A was changed to 14. The MD-1 hardness of the surface of the resulting developing roller 3 is shown in Table 6.

[0089] <Production of Developing Roller 4> Developing roller 4 was produced in the same manner as developing roller 1, except that the first elastic layer was changed as follows. The MD-1 hardness of the surface of the resulting developing roller 4 is shown in Table 6.

[0090] (Formation of the first elastic layer) As the material for the first elastic layer, the materials shown in Table 5 were mixed in a kneader (product name: Trimix TX-15, manufactured by Inoue Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) to form an addition-type silicone rubber composition, which was then poured into a mold heated to 115° C. After the material was poured, the mixture was heat-molded at 120° C. for 10 minutes, cooled to room temperature, and then demolded from the mold to obtain a roller having a first elastic layer with a thickness of 3.0 mm formed on the outer periphery of a core metal.

[0091] [Table 5]

[0092] <Production of developing roller 5> The developing roller was produced in the same manner as the developing roller 4, except that the dimethylpolysiloxane in the first elastic layer was changed to HMS-082 (manufactured by Gelest) and the parts by mass was changed to 3 parts. The surface MD-1 hardness of the resulting developing roller 5 is shown in Table 6.

[0093] <Production of Developing Roller 6> Except for changing the dimethylpolysiloxane in the first elastic layer to HMS-082 (manufactured by Gelest) and changing the mass parts to 6 parts, it was produced in the same manner as developing roller 4. The MD-1 hardness of the surface of the obtained developing roller 6 is shown in Table 6.

[0094] [Table 6]

[0095] <Production of Toner Supply Roller 1> A shaft was prepared by coating and baking a primer (product name: DY39-012, manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.) on a stainless steel (SUS304) core bar with a diameter of 5 mm. The following materials (A) to (F) were blended, and the resulting urethane rubber composition was foamed by a mechanical froth method to produce a polyurethane foam. This polyurethane foam was cut into a rectangular parallelepiped shape measuring 19 mm square and 220 mm long, and a shaft insertion hole of 5 mm diameter was provided in the center of each 19 mm square face along the longitudinal direction. The shaft was press-fitted into the shaft insertion hole, and the shaft and polyurethane foam were bonded together by heat welding. Thereafter, the outer periphery of the polyurethane foam was polished using a traverse type processing machine to prepare a conductive roll with an outer diameter of 13 mm. (A): Carbon black (Ketjen Black 600JD): 5.0 parts by mass (B): Polyol A (polyethylene propylene ether triol having a number average molecular weight of 2000, trade name: Actocol EP-550N; manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.): 100.0 parts by mass (C): Polyisocyanate mixture (NCO% = 45, MDI = 20%, trade name: Cosmonate TM20; manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.): 24.4 parts by mass (D): Silicone foam stabilizer (product name: SRX274C, manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicones Co., Ltd.): 1.0 part by mass (E): 0.3 parts by mass of tertiary amine catalyst A (a mixture of bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether and dipropylene glycol, trade name: TOYOCAT-ET, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) (F): Amine catalyst B (trade name: TOYOCAT-L33, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation): 0.2 parts by mass

[0096] <Production of Toner Supply Roller 2> A 5 mm diameter core made of stainless steel (SUS304) was coated with a primer (product name: DY39-012, manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.) and baked to prepare the shaft. The following materials (A) to (D) were blended and thoroughly kneaded with a twin roll mill to obtain a rubber composition. (A): Millable type silicone rubber (KE-3601SB-U, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.): 100 parts by mass (B): White catalyst (C-25A, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.): 1.0 part by mass (C): Crosslinking agent (C-25B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.): 2.5 parts by mass (D): Chemical foaming agent (AIBN, manufactured by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.): 10 parts by mass The shaft and rubber composition were extruded as a single unit using an extruder, and the rubber composition was heated in an infrared heating oven at 230°C for 20 minutes for primary vulcanization, followed by secondary vulcanization in a hot air drying oven at 230°C for 7 hours to produce a roller base with a foam layer. The outer periphery of this roller base was polished using a traverse processing machine to produce a conductive roll with an outer diameter of 13 mm.

[0097] <Production of Toner Supply Roller 3> The toner supply roller was produced in the same manner as the toner supply roller 1, except that the conductive filler was changed from carbon black to an ionic conductive material (lithium N,N-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (product name: EF-N115, manufactured by Mitsubishi Materials Electronic Chemicals Co., Ltd.); 5 parts by mass).

[0098] [evaluation] <Evaluation of dynamic friction coefficient fluctuations (Evaluation (1))> A surface property measuring instrument (product name: Heidon: Type 14, manufactured by Shinto Scientific Co., Ltd.) was used to measure the dynamic friction coefficient between the developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the variation in the dynamic friction coefficient was evaluated. The jig of the measuring instrument was modified so that the developing roller could be brought into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a vertical load of 60 g was applied using a weight. The electrophotographic photosensitive member was rotated at a speed of 310 rpm using a rotational support mechanism prepared separately from the measuring instrument, and the dynamic friction coefficient was measured. The coefficient of dynamic friction measured with a developing roller at room temperature is defined as A, and the coefficient of dynamic friction measured with a developing roller heated to a surface temperature of 40°C, assuming a temperature rise, is defined as B. The change in the coefficient of dynamic friction with and without a temperature rise was calculated as B / A x 100.

[0099] <Evaluation of the occurrence of banding images after repeated use in a room temperature environment (Evaluation (2))> In an environment with a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of 50%, the charging potential was set to -550V, the exposure potential to -100V, and 10,000 sheets of halftone images were continuously printed, depicting horizontal lines with a width of 1 dot and an interval of 2 dots in the direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the photoreceptor. The electrophotographic device used here was a modified Hewlett-Packard laser beam printer. Specific examples include modified models such as Color Laser Jet Enterprise M653dn, Color Laser Jet Enterprise M553dn, and Color Laser Jet CP4525dn. The halftone images were visually inspected for streaky irregularities and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0100] [Table 7]

[0101] <Evaluation of the occurrence of banding images after repeated use in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment (Evaluation (3))> As in evaluation (2), a durability test was conducted in which 10,000 sheets were passed through in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment (temperature 15°C, relative humidity 10%). After passing 10,000 sheets, the image was evaluated in the same manner as in evaluation (2) above and judged according to the above criteria.

[0102] [Example 1] The electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 and developing roller 1 manufactured above were mounted on the modified Heidon: Type 14, and evaluation (1) was carried out. In the process cartridge, a counter configuration is used, and a coupling, an intermediate body, and a gear are arranged as shown in Figure 3, so that a driving force is input to the end of the shaft of the toner supply roller (hereinafter referred to as "RS input configuration"). Also, the arrangement of the coupling intermediate body and gears, the gear ratio of each gear, and the radius r of the developing roller are set so that R = 1.25. D and the radius r of the toner supply roller RS The rotational angular velocity ω of the developing roller used was adjusted. Dand the rotational angular velocity ω of the toner supply roller RS However, various gear ratios were configured so that λ shown in the following formula (E2) was λ=1.12. λ=ω RS / ω D (E2) In addition, the radius r of the developing roller used in this case D is r D = 12.00 [mm], and the radius r of the toner supply roller RS is r RS = 13.35 [mm]. Using these values, λ × r RS / r D = 1.25, and 1.2 ≤ λ × r RS / r D Meets the condition of ≦1.5. This process cartridge is The electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, the developing roller 1 and the toner supply roller 1 were attached, and evaluations (2) and (3) were carried out. The results are shown in Table 8.

[0103] [Examples 2 to 14, 16 to 26] Evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the combination of electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing member, and R was changed as shown in Table 8. The evaluation results are shown in Table 8.

[0104] [Example 15] As shown in Figure 4, the coupling, intermediate body, and gear were arranged so that an external driving force was input to the end of the mandrel of the developing roller (hereinafter referred to as "D input configuration"). Except for this, evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results are shown in Table 8.

[0105] [Comparative Examples 1 to 3] Evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the combination of electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing roller, toner supply roller and R was changed as shown in Table 9. The evaluation results are shown in Table 9. In all of the comparative examples, the dynamic friction coefficient changed with temperature rise, and streaky defective images were noticeable.

[0106] [Table 8]

[0107] [Table 9]

[0108] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. [Configuration 1] A process cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic apparatus, The process cartridge is electrophotographic photoreceptors, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a toner supply roller arranged in contact with the developing roller for supplying toner to the developing roller; The developing roller and the toner supply roller are configured such that the direction of movement of the surface of the developing roller and the direction of movement of the surface of the toner supply roller are opposite to each other at the contact position between the developing roller and the toner supply roller during operation, and The rotation occurs when R in the following formula (E1) satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.5. It is structured as follows: R=V RS / V D (E1) (In formula (E1), V RS represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the toner supply roller, and V D represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the developing roller.) the surface of the developing roller is the surface of an elastic layer, the toner supply roller has a shaft and a resin layer provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, The electrophotographic photoreceptor has a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A1): A process cartridge characterized by: [ka] [Configuration 2] The process cartridge according to Configuration 1, wherein the high molecular weight component recovered from the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is subjected to H-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis in deuterated chloroform, and the obtained H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum has peaks at 2.21±0.02, 7.07±0.02, 7.11±0.02, and 7.13±0.02 ppm. [Configuration 3] 3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the content of the polyarylate resin having the structural unit represented by formula (A1) in the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is 45% by mass or more relative to the total mass of the surface layer. [Configuration 4] a driving force receiving portion that receives a driving force for driving the toner supply roller; a first driving force transmitting portion for transmitting the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion to the toner supply roller; 4. The process cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising: a second driving force transmission section for transmitting a driving force generated by driving the toner supply roller to the developing roller. [Configuration 5] the second driving force transmission unit includes a third driving force transmission unit, a fourth driving force transmission unit, and a fifth driving force transmission unit, the third driving force transmission unit is provided at an end of the shaft of the toner supply roller and transmits a driving force generated by driving the toner supply roller to the fourth driving force transmission unit; the fourth driving force transmission unit is driven by the driving force received from the third driving force transmission unit to transmit the driving force to the fifth driving force transmission unit, the fifth driving force transmission unit is provided at an end of a shaft body of the developing roller, and receives a driving force from the fourth driving force transmission unit to drive the developing roller. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 4. [Configuration 6] The radius of the developing roller is r D [mm], and the radius of the toner supply roller is r RS [mm], the toner supply roller, the second driving force transmission unit, and the developing roller have a width λ, which is expressed by the following formula (E2), of 1.2≦λ×rRS / r D 6. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the drive coupling satisfies the relationship ≦1.5. λ = ω RS / ω D (E2) (In formula (E2), ω RS represents the rotational angular velocity of the toner supply roller [rad / s], and ω D represents the rotational angular velocity [rad / s] of the developing roller. [Configuration 7] 7. The process cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein R satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.3. [Configuration 8] 8. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the MD-1 hardness of the surface of the developing roller is 20° or more and 55° or less. [Configuration 9] 9. The process cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, wherein the resin layer is a foam layer. [Configuration 10] 10. The process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the resin layer contains a polyurethane resin as a binder resin. [Configuration 11] 11. The process cartridge according to any one of Configurations 9 and 10, wherein the resin layer contains an electronically conductive filler. [Configuration 12] 12. The process cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the polyarylate resin is a copolymer of a structural unit of the formula (A1) and a structural unit of the following formula (A2): [ka] [Configuration 13] 13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the content of the structural unit represented by formula (A2) in the polyarylate resin relative to the structural unit represented by formula (A1) is 30 mol % or more and 70 mol % or less. [Configuration 14] 14. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Photosensitive drum 2 Charging roller 4 Development unit 6 Cleaning material 7 Rubber Blade 8 Cleaning support member 25 Developing roller 26 Photoconductor unit 27 Toner removal chamber 31 Developing frame 34 Toner supply roller 35 Developing blade 70 Process cartridge 101 Coupling 102 Intermediates 103 Driving force transmission member 104a gear 104b gear 104c gear 105 shaft 106 Core body 125 Developing roller 135 Toner supply roller 201 Coupling 202 Intermediates 204a Gear 204b Gear 204c gear 204d Gear 204e Gear 204f gear 225 Developing roller 234 Toner supply roller

Claims

1. A process cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic apparatus, The process cartridge is electrophotographic photoreceptors, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a toner supply roller that is disposed in contact with the developing roller and supplies toner to the developing roller; and The developing roller and the toner supply roller are The direction of movement of the surface of the developing roller and the direction of movement of the surface of the toner supply roller are opposite to each other at the contact position between the developing roller and the toner supply roller during operation, and The rotation occurs when R represented by the following formula (E1) satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.

5. It is structured as follows: R=V ＲＳ / V Ｄ (E1) (In formula (E1), V ＲＳ represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the toner supply roller, and V Ｄ represents the absolute value of the peripheral speed [m / s] of the developing roller.) the surface of the developing roller is the surface of an elastic layer, the toner supply roller has a shaft and a resin layer provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, the electrophotographic photoreceptor has a surface layer containing a polyarylate resin, The polyarylate resin is a copolymer having a structural unit represented by the following formula (A1) and a structural unit represented by the following formula (A2): A process cartridge characterized by: 【Chemistry 1】 【Chemistry 2】

2. The polymer component recovered from the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is dissolved in deuterated chloroform. １ Obtained by subjecting to H-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis １ 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum has peaks at 2.21±0.02, 7.07±0.02, 7.11±0.02, and 7.13±0.02 ppm.

3. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the content of the polyarylate resin having the structural unit represented by formula (A1) in the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is 45% by mass or more with respect to the total mass of the surface layer.

4. The process cartridge a driving force receiving portion that receives a driving force for driving the toner supply roller; a first driving force transmitting portion for transmitting the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion to the toner supply roller; a second driving force transmission unit for transmitting a driving force generated by driving the toner supply roller to the developing roller; 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. the second driving force transmission unit includes a third driving force transmission unit, a fourth driving force transmission unit, and a fifth driving force transmission unit, the third driving force transmission unit is provided at an end of the shaft of the toner supply roller and transmits a driving force generated by driving the toner supply roller to the fourth driving force transmission unit; the fourth driving force transmission unit is driven by the driving force received from the third driving force transmission unit to transmit the driving force to the fifth driving force transmission unit, the fifth driving force transmission unit is provided at an end of a shaft body of the developing roller, and receives a driving force from the fourth driving force transmission unit to drive the developing roller. The process cartridge according to claim 4 .

6. The radius of the developing roller is r Ｄ [mm], and the radius of the toner supply roller is r ＲＳ [mm], the toner supply roller, the second driving force transmission portion, and the developing roller have a width λ, which is expressed by the following formula (E2), of 1.2≦λ×r ＲＳ / r Ｄ 5. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the drive coupling satisfies the relationship ≦1.

5. λ = ω ＲＳ / oh Ｄ (E2) (In formula (E2), ω ＲＳ represents the rotational angular velocity [rad / s] of the toner supply roller, and ω Ｄ represents the rotational angular velocity of the developing roller [rad / s].

7. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said R satisfies 1.2≦R≦1.

3.

8. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the MD-1 hardness of the surface of said developing roller is 20° or more and 55° or less.

9. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer is a foam layer.

10. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer contains a polyurethane resin as a binder resin.

11. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer contains an electronically conductive filler.

12. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the polyarylate resin contains the structural unit represented by formula (A2) in an amount of 30 mol % to 70 mol % based on the structural unit represented by formula (A1).

13. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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