Transfer apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a conductive member that, when mounted in an image forming apparatus, has excellent cleanability and prevents a stripe-like image defect caused by the generation of cracks.SOLUTION: A conductive member comprises a conductive substrate, and a silica glass layer that is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate that is the outermost surface.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductive member, a transfer apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses "an intermediate transfer material having a substrate layer in which a conductive agent is dispersed and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer contains a silicon oxide film containing carbon, the silicon oxide film has a bending vibration peak of Si-CH3 in its infrared absorption spectrum, the ratio of the number of carbon atoms bonded to silicon atoms to the total number of carbon atoms, silicon atoms, and oxygen atoms in the silicon oxide film is 40 atomic% or more and 72 atomic% or less, and the ratio of the number of oxygen atoms bonded to silicon atoms to the number of silicon atoms is 0.85 or more and 1.2 or less."

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses "an image forming apparatus that transfers an image formed on a first image carrier onto an intermediate transfer body, and then further transfers it onto a second image carrier, characterized in that the intermediate transfer body has a silica coating layer." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6033059 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-221799 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventionally, when a conductive member having a resin layer containing fluorine-containing resin particles (e.g., perfluoroalkyl resin particles) as the outermost layer was used in an image forming apparatus, for example as a transfer member, cracks sometimes formed in the outermost layer. As a result, for example, toner would remain in the cracks, becoming crushed and stretched, which tended to cause streaky image defects on the back side when printing on one side. The object of the present invention is to provide a conductive member that, when mounted on an image forming apparatus, exhibits superior cleanability and suppresses streaky image defects caused by crack formation, compared to a conductive member having a resin layer containing fluorine-containing resin particles (e.g., perfluoroalkyl resin particles, etc.) as its outermost layer, or a conductive member having an inorganic layer as its outermost layer whose diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, has a full width at half maximum of less than 5°. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The following embodiments are included as specific means for solving the aforementioned problems.

[0007] <1> A conductive substrate and A silica glass layer is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and on the outermost surface, A conductive member comprising: <2> A conductive substrate and An inorganic layer located on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and on the outermost surface, Equipped with, The inorganic layer is a conductive member in which the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, is 5° or more. <3> The silica glass layer or the inorganic layer has a full width at half maximum of 5° or more and 15° or less of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction. <1> or <2> The conductive member described above. <4> The silica glass layer or the inorganic layer has a full width at half maximum of 5° or more and 10° or less of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction. <3> The conductive member described above. <5> The conductive member according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the silica glass layer or the inorganic layer is a layer of a reaction product of tetraalkoxysilane. <6> The conductive member according to <5>, wherein the tetraalkoxysilane includes tetraalkoxysilane having an alkoxy group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. <7> A transfer device comprising the conductive member according to any one of <1> to <6> as a transfer member that contacts a transfer target and transfers a transfer product to the transfer target. <8> Comprising the transfer device according to <7>, A process cartridge that is detachable from an image forming apparatus. <9> An image carrier, A charging device that charges the surface of the image carrier, An electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier, A developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with a developer containing toner to form a toner image, The transfer device according to <7> that transfers the toner image to the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising the same.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the invention according to <1>, compared with the case of a conductive member having a resin layer containing fluorine-containing resin particles as the outermost layer, when mounted on an image forming apparatus, a conductive member having excellent cleaning properties and suppressing streak-like image defects caused by the occurrence of cracks is provided.

[0009] According to the invention according to <2>, compared with the case of a conductive member having an inorganic layer with a half-value width of a diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide determined by powder X-ray diffraction of less than 5° as the outermost layer, when mounted on an image forming apparatus, a conductive member having excellent cleaning properties and suppressing streak-like image defects caused by the occurrence of cracks is provided.

[0010] According to the invention according to <3>, Compared to cases where the silica glass layer or inorganic layer has a full width at half maximum of less than 5° or more than 15° of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, a conductive member is provided that exhibits superior cleanability and suppresses streaky image defects caused by crack formation when mounted on an image forming apparatus.

[0011] <4> According to the invention relating to this invention, Compared to cases where the silica glass layer or inorganic layer has a full width at half maximum of less than 5° or greater than 10° of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, a conductive member is provided that exhibits superior cleanability and suppresses streaky image defects caused by crack formation when mounted on an image forming apparatus.

[0012] <5> According to the invention relating to this invention, Compared to a case where the silica glass layer or inorganic layer is a layer of silazane reaction products, a conductive member is provided that exhibits superior cleanability when mounted on an image forming apparatus and suppresses streaky image defects caused by crack formation.

[0013] <6> According to the invention, compared to the case where the tetraalkoxysilane is a tetraalkoxysilane having alkoxy groups with 7 or more carbon atoms, a charging device is provided that, when mounted on an image forming apparatus, exhibits superior cleaning performance and suppresses streaky image defects caused by crack formation.

[0014] <7> , <8> or <9> According to the present invention, compared to a conductive member having a resin layer containing fluorine-containing resin particles as its outermost layer, or a conductive member having an inorganic layer as its outermost layer in which the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, is less than 5°, a transfer apparatus, process cartridge, or image forming apparatus is provided that offers superior cleaning performance and suppresses streaky image defects caused by crack formation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a conductive member according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a conductive member according to this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the area around the secondary transfer section in another example of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] An example embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this specification, if there are multiple substances that constitute an ingredient, the amount of the ingredient refers to the total amount of all of those substances unless otherwise specified.

[0017] In this specification, "conductivity" means that the volume resistivity in a normal temperature and humidity environment (22°C, 55% RH environment) is 10 14 This means it is less than or equal to Ω·cm.

[0018] <Conductive material> The conductive member according to the first embodiment comprises a conductive substrate and a silica glass layer that is located on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and is positioned on the outermost surface. The conductive member according to the second embodiment comprises a conductive substrate and an inorganic layer located on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and positioned on the outermost surface, wherein the inorganic layer has a full width at half maximum of 5° or more of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction. The conductive members according to the first and second embodiments, having the above configuration, exhibit excellent cleanability and suppress streaky image defects caused by crack formation when mounted on an image forming apparatus.

[0019] Conventionally, the development of conductive members having a resin layer containing fluorine-containing resin particles (e.g., perfluoroalkyl resin particles) as the outermost layer has been underway. However, because the resin layer provided as the outermost layer of the conductive member is made of resin, it deteriorates over time due to the application of electric fields, and because its hardness is set high, it tends to become brittle. As a result, cracks may occur in the outermost layer due to pressure applied when cleaning toner residue remaining on the outermost layer with a cleaning blade, or due to nip loads on the transfer part. This can result in toner remaining in the cracks, causing them to collapse and stretch (hereinafter also referred to as "filming"). When a conductive member exhibiting this filming is used in an image forming apparatus, for example as a transfer member, it tends to produce streaky image defects (in particular, streaky image defects tend to occur on the back surface of a single-sided printed recording medium).

[0020] On the other hand, the conductive members according to the first and second embodiments, having the above configurations, exhibit excellent cleanability and suppress streaky image defects caused by crack formation when mounted on an image forming apparatus. The reason for this is not entirely clear, but it can be inferred as follows.

[0021] In the conductive member according to the first embodiment, the outermost layer is a silica glass layer. In the conductive member according to the second embodiment, the half-width of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction of the inorganic layer on the outermost surface, is 5° or more. In other words, the inorganic layer is amorphous rather than crystalline. Therefore, compared to the case where the surface layer is made of resin, it has higher hardness and toughness, and cracks are less likely to occur in the outermost layer due to the pressure of the cleaning blade when cleaning residual toner or the nip load of the transfer part. As a result, since filming caused by the aforementioned cracks is suppressed, it is thought that when mounted on an image forming apparatus, streaky image defects on the back surface are suppressed when single-sided printing is performed.

[0022] The conductive member according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a conductive member according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 1, which is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the conductive member shown in Figure 1 in the radial direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the conductive member 100 is a roll member comprising a cylindrical conductive substrate 110 and a layered material 120 arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the conductive substrate 110, which includes an elastic layer 122, an intermediate layer 124, and an inorganic layer 126. Note that the conductive member according to this embodiment may also be a belt member.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the inorganic layer 126 is an inorganic layer in which the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, is 5° or more. In the second embodiment, the inorganic layer 126 is a silica glass layer.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the layer structure of the conductive member 100 includes an elastic layer 122 disposed on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate 110, an intermediate layer 124 disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the elastic layer 122, and an inorganic layer 126 disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate layer 124.

[0026] The conductive member according to this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, adhesive layers may be appropriately provided between the conductive substrate 110 and the elastic layer 122, between the elastic layer 122 and the intermediate layer 124, and between the intermediate layer 124 and the inorganic layer 126.

[0027] The details of the conductive member 100 according to this embodiment will be described below. Reference numerals will be omitted in the description.

[0028] (Inorganic layer) The inorganic layer is located on the outer circumferential surface of the conductive substrate and is positioned on the outermost surface. The inorganic layer may be a single layer or may consist of two or more layers. In the case where the conductive member is provided with multiple inorganic layers, in the second embodiment, the inorganic layer located on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and positioned on the outermost surface has a full width at half maximum of 5° or more of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction. In the case where the conductive member is provided with multiple inorganic layers, in the first embodiment, the inorganic layer located on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and positioned on the outermost surface is a silica glass layer.

[0029] In the first embodiment, a silica glass layer is applied to the inorganic layer. The silica glass layer preferably has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, of 5° or more, more preferably 5° to 15°, and even more preferably 5° to 10°.

[0030] In the second embodiment, the inorganic layer has a diffraction peak width at half maximum (FMAX) of silicon dioxide, determined by powder X-ray diffraction, of 5° or more, preferably 5° to 15°, and more preferably 5° to 10°.

[0031] If the inorganic layer, including the silica glass layer, has a diffraction peak width at half maximum of 5° or more, it is more likely to take on an amorphous form, resulting in higher hardness and toughness. On the other hand, if the diffraction peak width at half maximum is 15° or less (more preferably 10° or less), excessive toughness is suppressed.

[0032] The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, obtained by the powder X-ray diffraction method described above, is determined as follows. Using an X-ray diffractometer ("D8 DISCOVER," manufactured by Bruker AXS Co., Ltd.), thin-film X-ray diffraction was measured by irradiating a Cu target with X-rays at λ = 1.5405 Å, and a thin-film X-ray diffraction spectrum was obtained. In the obtained thin-film X-ray diffraction spectrum, diffraction peaks observed in the Bragg angle range of 10° to 35° were assigned as diffraction peaks originating from silicon dioxide. Maximum peak value P of diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide MAX From point C where baseline B intersects perpendicularly, the maximum peak value P MAX The straight-line distance to the point is defined as the "height of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide." The peak width at half the obtained height (full width at half maximum) is defined as the full width at half maximum.

[0033] The method for setting the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide, determined by powder X-ray diffraction of the inorganic layer, within the above range is not particularly limited. Examples include using a silica glass layer as described later, or adjusting the heating time, heating temperature, etc., during the formation of the silica glass layer or the inorganic layer.

[0034] The inorganic layer is not particularly limited as long as the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, is within the above range. For example, in addition to the silica glass layer described later, layers of reaction products such as water glass (including aqueous solutions of sodium metasilicic acid, sodium silicate, etc.) can be used.

[0035] (Silica glass layer) The silica glass layer is located on the outer circumferential surface and on the outermost surface of the conductive substrate. The silica glass layer may be a single layer or may consist of two or more layers. The conductive member according to the first embodiment comprises a silica glass layer. In the conductive member according to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the inorganic layer comprises a silica glass layer. When the conductive member according to the second embodiment comprises a silica glass layer as the inorganic layer, the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction of the inorganic layer, is easily adjusted to 5° or more. In other words, it is easier to form an amorphous shape, and therefore, compared to the case where a resin surface layer is present, it is easier to achieve higher hardness and toughness. As a result, it is thought that cracks are less likely to occur in the outermost layer due to the pressure of the cleaning blade when cleaning residual toner or the nip load of the transfer part.

[0036] The silica glass layer refers to a layer of silicon dioxide that does not have a clear crystalline state (that is, it is in an amorphous state) in the diffraction spectrum obtained by the aforementioned powder X-ray diffraction method.

[0037] The silica glass layer is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably a layer of a reaction product of tetraalkoxysilane. When the silica glass layer is a layer of a reaction product of tetraalkoxysilane, the half-value width of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide obtained by the above powder X-ray diffraction method is easily adjusted to 5° or more, and it is more likely to form an amorphous shape.

[0038] · Tetraalkoxysilane Tetraalkoxysilane is a compound in which four alkoxy groups are bonded to a Si atom, and is represented by the following general formula (2).

[0039]

Chemical formula

[0040] In general formula (2), R <00000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​24 Examples of substituents on the alkyl group shown include linear or branched alkoxy groups, specifically methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, and isobutoxy groups.

[0044] In general formula (2), R 21 ~R 24 From the viewpoint of superior cleaning properties and further suppression of crack formation, unsubstituted alkyl groups are preferred, alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms are more preferred, alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are even more preferred, and alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms are even more preferred.

[0045] The tetraalkoxylan preferably contains a tetraalkoxysilane having an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably contains a tetraalkoxysilane having an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably contains a tetraalkoxysilane having an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. When the number of carbon atoms in the tetraalkoxysilane is between 1 and 6, the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide, as determined by the powder X-ray diffraction method described above, is easily adjusted to 5° or more, making it more likely to form an amorphous shape.

[0046] The method for forming the inorganic layer and the silica glass layer is not particularly limited, but for example, they can be formed by applying a layer-forming composition onto a conductive substrate by spray coating or the like, and then heat-treating the coating film.

[0047] The average thickness of the inorganic layer and the silica glass layer is preferably, for example, 10 nm to 100 μm, more preferably 10 nm to 50 μm, and even more preferably 50 nm to 10 μm.

[0048] The inorganic layer and the silica glass layer may contain other additives as needed, to the extent that the effects of this embodiment are not hindered. Examples of additives include those similar to the other additives used in the elastic layer, which will be described later.

[0049] (Conductive base material) The conductive member according to this embodiment comprises a conductive substrate. Examples of conductive substrates include metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper alloys, and stainless steel; iron plated with chromium, nickel, etc.; and conductive resins (for example, resin substrates containing conductive materials, rubber substrates containing conductive materials, etc.).

[0050] The conductive substrate functions as an electrode and a support member, and examples of its material include metals such as iron (free-cutting steel, etc.), copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and nickel. Examples of conductive substrates include members with a plated outer surface (resin members, ceramic members, etc.) and members in which a conductive agent is dispersed (rubber members, resin members, ceramic members, etc.). The conductive substrate may be a hollow member (cylindrical member) or a non-hollow member.

[0051] There are no particular restrictions on the outer diameter of the conductive substrate; it can be appropriately selected depending on the application. For example, a range of 3 mm to 10 mm is possible. There are no particular restrictions on the axial length of the conductive substrate; it can be appropriately selected depending on the application, for example, within the range of 220 mm to 380 mm.

[0052] (Elastic layer) The conductive member of this embodiment may further include an elastic layer between the conductive substrate and the inorganic layer or silica glass layer. The elastic layer may be a single layer or consist of two or more layers.

[0053] The elastic layer contains an elastic material. Examples of elastic materials include rubber materials and resin materials. Examples of rubber materials include isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and rubbers made by mixing these materials.

[0054] Examples of resin materials include polyurethane resin, polyimide resin (PI resin), polyamide-imide resin (PAI resin), aromatic polyether ketone resin (e.g., aromatic polyether ether ketone resin), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin), polyetherimide resin (PEI resin), polyester resin, polyamide resin, and polycarbonate resin.

[0055] The elastic layer may contain conductive agents such as electronic conductive agents and ionic conductive agents, from the viewpoint of controlling conductivity.

[0056] Examples of electronically conductive agents include powders such as carbon black (e.g., Ketjenblack, acetylene black); pyrolytic carbon, graphite; metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and stainless steel; conductive metal oxides such as tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide-antimony oxide solid solution, and tin oxide-indium oxide solid solution; and materials obtained by treating the surface of an insulating material to make it conductive. The electronically conductive agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0057] Examples of ionic conductive agents include quaternary ammonium salts (e.g., alkyltrimethylammonium perchlorate, lauryltrimethylammonium, stearyltrimethylammonium, octadodecyltrimethylammonium, dodecyltrimethylammonium, hexadecyltrimethylammonium, or perchlorates, chlorates, hydrofluoric acid salts, sulfates, ethosulfate salts, benzyl bromide salts or benzyl chloride salts of modified fatty acid dimethylethylammonium), aliphatic sulfonates, higher alcohol sulfate esters, higher alcohol ethylene oxide-added sulfate esters, higher alcohol phosphate esters, higher alcohol ethylene oxide-added phosphate esters, betaine, higher alcohol ethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, and the like. The ion conductive agent may be a polymer material having ion conductivity, such as epichlorohydrin rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, or epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allylglycidyl ether ternary copolymer rubber. The ionic conductive agent may be a compound in which an ionic conductive agent is bonded to the ends of a polymer material such as a resin. The ionic conductive agent may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0058] Other additives include, for example, known materials that can be added to elastic materials, such as softeners, plasticizers, hardeners, vulcanizing agents, vulcanization accelerators, antioxidants, surfactants, coupling agents, and fillers (silica, calcium carbonate, etc.).

[0059] The elastic layer may be a foam containing an elastic material (hereinafter also referred to as "elastic foam"). To obtain the elastic foam, a blowing agent, a foam stabilizer, a catalyst, etc. may be used as needed. Examples of blowing agents include water; azo compounds such as azodicarbonamide, azobisisobutyronitrile, and diazoaminobenzene; benzenesulfonyl hydrazides such as benzenesulfonyl hydrazide, 4,4'-oxybisbenzenesulfonyl hydrazide, and toluenesulfonyl hydrazide; bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate that generate carbon dioxide gas by thermal decomposition; a mixture of NaNO2 and NH4Cl that generates nitrogen gas; and peroxides that generate oxygen.

[0060] -Formation of the elastic layer- There are no particular restrictions on the method for forming the elastic layer; known methods can be used. For example, in the case of elastic foam, one method is to prepare a composition containing an elastic material, a foaming agent, and other components (e.g., a vulcanizing agent), extrude this composition into a cylindrical shape, and then heat the molded product to vulcanize and foam it; or to cut a cylindrical shape from a large foam. Alternatively, a cylindrical elastic foam may be formed, and then a central hole for inserting a support member may be formed to obtain a cylindrical elastic foam. After obtaining the cylindrical elastic foam, the shape may be further refined or post-processing such as polishing the surface may be performed as needed.

[0061] -Volume resistivity of the elastic layer- The elastic layer has a volume resistance of 10V when a voltage of 10V is applied. 5 Preferably it is less than or equal to Ω, 10 1 Ω or more 10 5 It is more preferable that it be less than or equal to Ω, 10 2 Ω or more 10 4 It is even more preferable that it be less than or equal to Ω.

[0062] The volume resistivity of the elastic layer is measured as follows: The conductive component is placed on a metal plate such as a copper plate, with a load of 500g applied to each end of the conductive component. A voltage of 10V (in the case of an elastic layer) is applied between the conductive support member of the conductive component and the metal plate using a microcurrent measuring instrument (Advantest R8320). The current value I(A) after 5 seconds is read and calculated using the following formula. The measurement is performed in an environment with a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 55%RH. Formula: Volume resistivity Rv(Ω) = V / I

[0063] -Thickness of the elastic layer- There are no particular restrictions on the thickness of the elastic layer, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the application. For example, when using the conductive member according to this embodiment as the transfer member, the thickness of the elastic layer is preferably 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or more and 15 mm or less. There are no particular restrictions on the outer diameter of the elastic layer; it can be appropriately selected depending on the application. For example, a range of 6 mm to 30 mm is possible. There are no particular restrictions on the axial length of the elastic layer; it can be appropriately selected depending on the application. For example, a range of 220 mm to 380 mm is possible.

[0064] (Conductive coating layer) The elastic layer may include a conductive coating layer that covers the exposed surface of the elastic layer. The exposed surface of the elastic layer refers to the region of the elastic layer that is not in contact with the conductive substrate or other layers, and is exposed when viewed from the entire conductive member. The exposed surface of the elastic layer may be entirely covered with the conductive coating layer, or only partially covered.

[0065] The method for forming the conductive coating layer is not particularly limited, but one example is a method in which a conductive coating layer is formed by applying a treatment solution containing a conductive agent, resin, water, etc., to an elastic foam, and then heating and drying the conductive member to which the treatment solution has adhered. Methods for applying the above-mentioned treatment solution include, for example, applying the treatment solution to the elastic foam by spray coating, or immersing the elastic foam in the treatment solution. Through these methods, the treatment solution penetrates to the surface of the elastic layer and into the interior of the bubbles.

[0066] Examples of conductive agents include electronic conductive agents and ionic conductive agents, with electronic conductive agents being preferred. The conductive agent may be one type or two or more types. Examples of electronically conductive agents include those similar to the electronically conductive agent contained in the elastic layer described above, and preferred embodiments are also similar.

[0067] The resin is not particularly limited as long as it can form a coating layer on the exposed surface of the elastic layer. Examples include acrylic resin, urethane resin, fluororesin, and silicone resin. The resin may be one type or two or more types. The resin may be used as latex. Examples of latex include, in addition to the resin latex mentioned above, natural rubber latex, butadiene rubber latex, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex, acrylic rubber latex, polyurethane rubber latex, fluororubber latex, and silicone rubber latex.

[0068] The concentrations of the conductive agent and resin in the processing solution can be appropriately designed according to the ease of formation of the conductive coating layer, the required resistance value of the elastic layer, and other factors.

[0069] (Middle class) The conductive member of this embodiment may further include an intermediate layer between the conductive substrate and the inorganic layer or silica glass layer.

[0070] The intermediate layer preferably contains a conductive agent, from the viewpoint of adjusting the resistance of the conductive member. Both electronic and ionic conductive agents can be used as conductive agents, but it is preferable to use ionic conductive agents from the viewpoint of improving charge retention. Examples of ionic conductive agents include those that are the same as those contained in elastic foam, and the preferred embodiments are also the same. Ionic conductive agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0071] The intermediate layer may contain a binder material in addition to an ionic conductive agent. There are no particular restrictions on the binding material, and examples include resins and elastic materials that can form an intermediate layer. Examples of resins used in the intermediate layer include urethane resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins, and silicone resins. The elastic material included in the intermediate layer is the same as the elastic material used in the elastic layer.

[0072] When the intermediate layer contains a binder material, the content of the ion conductive agent is preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5.0 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more and 3.0 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the binder material.

[0073] The intermediate layer may contain other additives depending on the required physical properties of the intermediate layer.

[0074] The volume resistance of the intermediate layer when a voltage of 100V is applied is 10 4 Ω or more 10 9 Ω or less (more preferably 10) 6 Ω or more 10 9 It is preferable that the value is less than or equal to Ω.

[0075] The method for forming the intermediate layer is not particularly limited, and known methods can be applied. For example, one method for forming the intermediate layer is to apply an intermediate layer forming coating solution onto the elastic layer and then dry the coating film.

[0076] The thickness of the intermediate layer can be determined according to the application of the conductive member, but it is preferable that it be thinner than the elastic layer, for example. When the conductive member according to this embodiment is a secondary transfer roll, an example of the thickness of the intermediate layer is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0077] (Application) The conductive member according to this embodiment is used in components for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses (transfer members that transfer toner images to a recording medium or intermediate transfer body, recording medium transport members, intermediate transfer bodies, etc.). The conductive member according to this embodiment may also be used in components other than those for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses (charging members that charge an object to be charged, transfer members that transfer a transfer object to an object to be transferred, etc.).

[0078] <Image forming equipment / Charging equipment / Transfer equipment / Process cartridges> The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment comprises an image holder, a charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holder, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with a developer containing toner to form a toner image, and a transfer device for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium.

[0079] As the transfer apparatus, a transfer apparatus (transfer apparatus according to this embodiment) is applied, which is equipped with a conductive member according to this embodiment as a transfer member that brings the conductive member according to this embodiment into contact with a recording medium (an example of a transfer object) to transfer a toner image (an example of a transfer object) onto the recording medium.

[0080] The process cartridge according to this embodiment includes, for example, a transfer device that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus with the above configuration and transfers a toner image to the surface of a recording medium. The transfer device according to this embodiment is used as the transfer device. The process cartridge according to this embodiment may optionally include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of an image holder, an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, a developing device that develops the latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with toner to form a toner image, a transfer device that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holder to a recording medium, and a cleaning device that cleans the surface of the image holder.

[0081] Next, the image forming apparatus and process cartridge according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0082] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a direct transfer type image forming apparatus, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0083] The image forming apparatus 200 shown in Figure 3 comprises a photoreceptor 207 (an example of an image holder), a charging roll 208 (an example of a charging means) for charging the surface of the photoreceptor 207, an exposure apparatus 206 (an example of a static charge image forming means) for forming a static charge image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor 207, a developing apparatus 211 (an example of a developing means) for developing the static charge image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 207 as a toner image using a developer containing toner, and a transfer roll 212 (an example of a transfer means, an example of a transfer apparatus according to this embodiment) for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 207 to the surface of a recording medium. Here, the conductive member according to this embodiment is applied to the transfer roll 212, which presses its outer surface against the photoreceptor 207, which corresponds to the opposing roll, and forms an insertion portion through which the recording paper 500 is inserted.

[0084] The image forming apparatus 200 shown in Figure 3 further includes a cleaning device 213 for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 207, a static elimination device 214 for removing static electricity from the surface of the photoreceptor 207, and a fixing device 215 (an example of a fixing means) for fixing the toner image onto a recording medium.

[0085] The charging roll 208 may be charged using a contact charging method or a non-contact charging method. Voltage is applied to the charging roll 208 from the power supply 209.

[0086] Examples of exposure apparatus 206 include optical devices equipped with light sources such as semiconductor lasers and LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

[0087] The developing device 211 is a device that supplies toner to the photoreceptor 207. The developing device 211, for example, brings a roll-shaped developer holder into contact with or close to the photoreceptor 207, thereby depositing toner onto the electrostatic image on the photoreceptor 207 and forming a toner image.

[0088] The transfer roll 212 is a transfer roll that is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium and is positioned opposite the photoreceptor 207. Recording paper 500 (an example of a recording medium) is supplied via a supply mechanism into the gap where the transfer roll 212 and the photoreceptor 207 are in contact. When a transfer bias is applied to the transfer roll 212, an electrostatic force from the photoreceptor 207 toward the recording paper 500 acts on the toner image, and the toner image on the photoreceptor 207 is transferred onto the recording paper 500.

[0089] Examples of fixing devices 215 include a heating fixing device that includes a heating roll and a pressure roll that presses against the heating roll.

[0090] The cleaning device 213 may include a device equipped with cleaning components such as blades, brushes, and rolls.

[0091] The static elimination device 214 is, for example, a device that irradiates light onto the surface of the photoreceptor 207 after transfer to eliminate the residual potential of the photoreceptor 207.

[0092] The photoreceptor 207 and the transfer roll 212 may be integrated into a single housing, for example, in a cartridge structure (process cartridge according to this embodiment) that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus. This cartridge structure (process cartridge according to this embodiment) may further include at least one selected from the group consisting of a charging roll 208, an exposure device 206, a developing device 211, and a cleaning device 213.

[0093] The image forming apparatus may be a tandem-type image forming apparatus in which a photoreceptor 207, a charging roll 208, an exposure device 206, a developing device 211, a transfer roll 212, and a cleaning device 213 are arranged in a single image forming unit, and multiple such image forming units are mounted side by side.

[0094] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus shown in Figure 4 is a tandem type image forming apparatus in which four image forming units are arranged in parallel.

[0095] In the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 4, the transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image holder to the surface of the recording medium is configured as a transfer unit (an example of a transfer apparatus according to this embodiment) comprising an intermediate transfer body, a primary transfer means, and a secondary transfer means. The transfer unit may also be a cartridge structure that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.

[0096] The image forming apparatus shown in Figure 4 comprises a photoreceptor 1 (an example of an image holder), a charging roll 2 (an example of a charging means) for charging the surface of the photoreceptor 1, an exposure apparatus 3 (an example of a static charge image forming means) for forming a static charge image on the charged surface of the photoreceptor 1, a developing apparatus 4 (an example of a developing means) for developing the static charge image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 as a toner image using a developer containing toner, an intermediate transfer belt 20 (an example of an intermediate transfer body), a primary transfer roll 5 (an example of a primary transfer means) for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a secondary transfer roll 26 (an example of a secondary transfer means) for transferring the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the surface of a recording medium. Here, the conductive member according to this embodiment is applied to the secondary transfer roll 26, which presses its outer surface against the support roll 27, which corresponds to the opposing roll, and forms an insertion portion through which the recording paper P is inserted.

[0097] The image forming apparatus shown in Figure 4 further comprises a fixing device 28 (an example of fixing means) for fixing the toner image onto a recording medium, a photoreceptor cleaning device 6 for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 30 for removing toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20.

[0098] The image forming apparatus shown in Figure 4 includes first to fourth electrophotographic image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K that output images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) based on color-separated image data. These image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged side by side, spaced apart horizontally. Each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K may be a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.

[0099] An intermediate transfer belt 20 extends above each image forming unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, passing through each image forming unit. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is wound around a drive roll 22 and a support roll 24, which are in contact with the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and is configured to travel in the direction from the first image forming unit 10Y to the fourth image forming unit 10K. The support roll 24 is subjected to a force moving away from the drive roll 22 by a spring or the like (not shown), and tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 20 wound around both. An intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 30 is provided on the image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 20, facing the drive roll 22.

[0100] Each image forming unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K has a developing unit 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively, which is supplied with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner contained in toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K.

[0101] Since the first to fourth image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K have equivalent configurations and operations, when describing the image forming units below, the first image forming unit 10Y will be described as representative.

[0102] The first image forming unit 10Y includes a photoreceptor 1Y, a charging roll 2Y for charging the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y, a developing device 4Y for developing the electrostatic charge image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y as a toner image using a developer containing toner, a primary transfer roll 5Y for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a photoreceptor cleaning device 6Y for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y after primary transfer.

[0103] The charging roll 2Y charges the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y. The charging roll 2Y may use a contact charging method or a non-contact charging method.

[0104] A laser beam 3Y is shone from the exposure device 3 onto the surface of the charged photoreceptor 1Y. As a result, an electrostatic image of a yellow image pattern is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y.

[0105] The developing device 4Y contains, for example, an electrostatic image developer including at least yellow toner and a carrier. The yellow toner is triboelectrically charged by being agitated inside the developing device 4Y. As the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y passes through the developing device 4Y, the electrostatic image formed on the photoreceptor 1Y is developed as a toner image.

[0106] The primary transfer roll 5Y is positioned inside the intermediate transfer belt 20 and opposite the photoreceptor 1Y. A bias power supply (not shown) for applying the primary transfer bias is connected to the primary transfer roll 5Y. The primary transfer roll 5Y transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor 1Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 by electrostatic force.

[0107] On the intermediate transfer belt 20, toner images of each color are transferred in order from the first to fourth image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. The intermediate transfer belt 20, on which the toner images of the four colors have been transferred through the first to fourth image forming units, proceeds to a secondary transfer means consisting of a support roll 24 and a secondary transfer roll 26.

[0108] The secondary transfer roll 26 is a transfer roll that is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium and is positioned outside the intermediate transfer belt 20, facing the support roll 24. Recording paper P (an example of a recording medium) is supplied via a supply mechanism into the gap where the secondary transfer roll 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 are in contact. When a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roll 26, an electrostatic force from the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the recording paper P acts on the toner image, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred onto the recording paper P.

[0109] The recording paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is fed to the contact section (nip section) of a fixing device 28 consisting of a pair of rolls, and the toner image is fixed onto the recording paper P.

[0110] The intermediate transfer belt 20, primary transfer roll 5, and secondary transfer roll 26 are examples of a transfer device. The image forming apparatus 200 may also be configured to include a secondary transfer belt (an example of a secondary transfer member) instead of the secondary transfer roll 26. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the image forming apparatus 200 may include a secondary transfer device comprising a secondary transfer belt 23, a drive roll 23A positioned opposite the back roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer belt 23, and an idler roll 23B that tensions the secondary transfer belt 23 together with the drive roll 23A.

[0111] The toner and developer used in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment are not particularly limited, and any known electrophotographic toner and developer can be used. The recording medium used in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is not particularly limited and includes, for example, paper used in electrophotographic photocopiers and printers; OHP sheets; and the like. [Examples]

[0112] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, these examples are not intended to limit the present invention. In this text, "parts" and "%" refer to mass unless otherwise specified.

[0113] <Example 1> [Formation of an elastic layer] (Formation of elastic foam) EP70 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) was used as the elastic foam, and it was cut into a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of 26 mm and an inner diameter of 14 mm to obtain a cylindrical elastic foam. The resulting elastic foam has an open-cell structure, a cell diameter of 400 μm, and a density of 70 kg / m³. 3 That was the case.

[0114] (Formation of conductive coating layer) An elastic foam obtained by the above method was immersed for 10 minutes at 20°C in a treatment solution prepared by mixing an aqueous dispersion containing 36% by mass of carbon black with an acrylic emulsion (manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., product name "Nipol LX852") in a mass ratio of 1:1. The elastic foam, with the treatment solution adhering to it, was then heated and dried in a curing furnace set to 100°C for 60 minutes to remove moisture and crosslink the acrylic resin. The crosslinked acrylic resin formed a conductive coating layer containing carbon black on the exposed surface of the elastic foam. In this way, an elastic layer was obtained, comprising an elastic foam and a conductive coating layer covering the exposed surface of the elastic foam.

[0115] Next, a conductive support member (made of stainless steel, 14 mm in diameter) with adhesive applied to its surface was inserted into the resulting elastic layer to form a roll member.

[0116] [Formation of the intermediate layer] A coating solution for forming an intermediate layer was prepared by mixing 70 parts of urethane oligomer (manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemicals Co., Ltd., urethane acrylate UV3700B), 30 parts of urethane monomer (manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemicals Co., Ltd., isomiristyl acrylate), 0.5 parts of polymerization initiator (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd., 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone Irgacure 184), and 3 parts of alkyltrimethylammonium perchlorate (product name "LXN-30," manufactured by Daiso Co., Ltd.). The prepared coating solution for forming an intermediate layer was applied to the elastic layer of the roll member described above using a die coater, and while rotating, UV irradiation intensity of 700 mW / cm² was applied. 2 The coating was then irradiated with UV light for 5 seconds. This process formed an intermediate layer with a thickness of 1 mm.

[0117] [Formation of the surface layer] Next, a treatment solution containing tetraethoxysilane (SV2000, manufactured by Nanoglass Coat Japan Co., Ltd.) was spray-coated onto the intermediate layer, and the coating was dried and cured at 80°C for 120 minutes to form a surface layer with a thickness of 0.1 μm.

[0118] As described above, the volume resistivity is 10 6.8 A conductive member was obtained, which is a conductive roll with a conductivity of Ω (measured value when 1000V is applied).

[0119] <Example 2> A conductive member was obtained using the same method as in Example 1, except that the coating film was formed at 80°C for 360 minutes during surface layer formation.

[0120] <Example 3> A conductive member was obtained using the same method as in Example 1, except that the coating film was formed at 120°C for 120 minutes during surface layer formation.

[0121] <Comparative Examples 1-2> A conductive member was obtained using the same method as in Example 1, except that the material for forming the outermost layer was specified in Table 1.

[0122] <Comparative Example 3> A conductive member was obtained by the same method as in Example 1, except that the material for forming the outermost layer was a mixture of 100 parts of a 20% by mass perhydropolysilazane xylene solution and 2.2 parts of n-hexyl alcohol.

[0123] <Example B1> [Formation of conductive substrate] A coating solution for forming a substrate layer (solid content concentration: 18% by mass) containing polyamic acid and carbon black was applied to a cylindrical mold, and the resulting coating film was fired at 380°C to form a cylindrical conductive substrate.

[0124] [Formation of an elastic layer] A dispersion (hereinafter also referred to as "CB20-part dispersion") was prepared by mixing butyl acetate and Denka Black Li (manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.) in an amount of 20 parts by weight. The obtained dispersion was subjected to high-pressure dispersion treatment using a high-pressure homogenizer (HC3 manufactured by Sanmaru Kikai Kogyo Co., Ltd.) (conditions: liquid temperature 45°C, 50 MPa, 3 cycles (i.e., 3 valve passes)). Next, 50 parts by mass of silicone rubber stock (equal amounts of X-34-1053A / B manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., solid content concentration: 100% by mass) were added to 50 parts by mass of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment to prepare a precursor solution. The obtained precursor solution was stirred in a planetary mixer (ACM-5LVT manufactured by Aikousha Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) under the conditions of liquid temperature 30°C and vacuum for 10 minutes to obtain a coating solution for forming an elastic layer. Next, the obtained elastic layer-forming coating solution was applied to the substrate layer to form a coating film, and this coating film was heated at 100°C for 30 minutes to form an elastic layer with a thickness of 450 μm.

[0125] [Formation of the outermost layer] The outermost layer was formed using the same method as in Example 1, except that the material for forming the outermost layer was specified in Table 1.

[0126] As described above, the volume resistivity is 10 8 A conductive material was obtained as a belt with a resistance of Ω (measured value when 1000V is applied).

[0127] <Example B2> A belt was obtained using the same method as in Example 1, except that the coating film was formed at 80°C for 360 minutes during surface layer formation.

[0128] <Example B3> A belt was obtained using the same method as in Example 1, except that the coating film was formed at 120°C for 120 minutes during surface layer formation.

[0129] In Table 1, the entries marked "-" under the column "Number of carbon atoms in tetraalkoxysilane" indicate cases where tetraalkoxysilane is not used in the layer formation. In Table 1, the "-" in the item "Full width at half maximum of diffraction peaks originating from silicon dioxide" indicates a layer that does not have diffraction peaks originating from silicon dioxide. In Table 1, the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peaks originating from polysilazane is shown for reference in Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example B3, and the outermost layer of Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example B3 does not have diffraction peaks originating from silicon dioxide. In addition, since the polysilazane used in Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example B3 is a prepared product, the "Material" item, which would normally be assigned a product number for a commercially available product, is marked with "-".

[0130] <Rating> -Evaluation of the coefficient of friction- For each example of conductive material, a 1 mm thick sheet was cut from the outermost layer in the lamination direction, and this was used as a test specimen. The coefficient of friction of the test specimen against the urethane block was measured using a Heidon friction coefficient measuring instrument (manufactured by Heidon Corporation) in an environment of 22°C and 55% humidity. The obtained coefficient of friction values ​​are shown in Table 1.

[0131] -Evaluation of dirt on the back of the paper- The conductive components for each example were mounted on a Fuji Xerox ApeosPort VII C6688. After feeding 10,000 sheets of A3 plain paper with a 100% black solid image on one side, the back side of the 10,001st output sheet was visually inspected for contamination, and the contamination on the back side of the fed paper was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. G1: No stains on the back. G2: A slight stain is visible on the back, but it is within an acceptable range. G3: A streaky image defect can be observed on the reverse side. G4: A dark, streaky image defect can be observed on the reverse side.

[0132] -Evaluation of cracks after paper is passed through- After feeding the paper through the conductive material, the conductive material was removed from the image forming apparatus, and the crack formation status in the outermost layer was observed with a microscope and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. G1: No cracks have occurred throughout the entire outermost layer. G2: Small cracks have appeared in a portion of the outermost layer, but they are within an acceptable range. G3: A large crack has formed in a part of the outermost layer. G4: Cracks have appeared in multiple areas of the outermost layer.

[0133] [Table 1]

[0134] As shown in the table, the conductive member of the example was found to have superior cleaning properties and to suppress streaky image defects caused by crack formation when mounted on an image forming apparatus, compared to the conductive member of the comparative example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 100 Conductive material, 110 Conductive substrate, 122 Elastic layer, 124 Intermediate layer, 126 Inorganic layer, 120 Layered material, 200 Image forming apparatus, 206 Exposure apparatus, 207 Photoreceptor, 208 Charging roll, 209 Power supply, 211 Developing apparatus, 212 Transfer roll, 213 Cleaning apparatus, 214 Static eliminator, 215 Fixing apparatus, 500 Recording paper 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Photoreceptor, 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K Charging roll, 3 Exposure apparatus, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K Laser beam, 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K Developing apparatus, 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K Primary transfer roll, 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K Photoreceptor cleaning apparatus, 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K Toner cartridge, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Image forming unit, 20 Intermediate transfer belt, 22 Drive roll, 24 Support roll, 26 Secondary transfer roll, 28 Fixing unit, 30 Intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit, P Recording paper, 23 Secondary transfer belt, 15 Intermediate transfer belt, 23 Secondary transfer belt, 25 Rear roll, 23A Drive roll, 23B Idler roll

Claims

1. A conductive substrate and A silica glass layer is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and on the outermost surface, A transfer member for an image forming apparatus having a conductive member equipped with the following features.

2. A conductive substrate and An inorganic layer located on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate and on the outermost surface, Equipped with, The inorganic layer is a transfer member in which the full width at half maximum of the diffraction peak derived from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction, is 5° or more.

3. The transfer member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the silica glass layer or the inorganic layer has a full width at half maximum of 5° or more and 15° or less of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction.

4. The transfer member according to claim 3, wherein the silica glass layer or the inorganic layer has a full width at half maximum of 5° or more and 10° or less of the diffraction peak originating from silicon dioxide, as determined by powder X-ray diffraction.

5. The transfer member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the silica glass layer or the inorganic layer is a layer of reaction products of tetraalkoxysilane.

6. The transfer member according to claim 5, wherein the tetraalkoxysilane includes a tetraalkoxysilane having an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

7. A transfer apparatus for an image forming apparatus, comprising a transfer member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is brought into contact with a transfer object to transfer a transfer object.

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

9. Image holder and, A charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image holder using a developer containing toner to form a toner image, A transfer apparatus according to claim 7, which transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images