JP2012068466A - Lubricant supply device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lubricant supply device capable of improving cleanability of an image holder and transferability of toner in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The lubricant supply device comprises: a storage part for storing a powdery lubricant; and lubricant supply means for supplying the powdery lubricant stored in the storage part on a surface of the image holder of an image forming apparatus having the image holder and a plate-like cleaning member to clean a residue on the surface of the image holder. The powdery lubricant contains: a surface energy reducing agent for reducing a surface energy on the image holder; and a cleaning assistant for suppressing passing through of the residue between the surface of the image holder and the plate-like cleaning member.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lubricant supply device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

  A method of visualizing image information through an electrostatic charge image such as electrophotography is currently used in various fields. In electrophotography, an electrostatic latent image is formed on an image carrier by a charging step and an exposure step (latent image forming step), and the toner for developing an electrostatic image (hereinafter simply referred to as “toner”) may be used. The electrostatic latent image is developed (development process) with a developer for developing an electrostatic charge image (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as “developer”), and visualized through a transfer process and a fixing process. The surface of the image carrier after the transfer is cleaned (cleaned) by a cleaning member such as a cleaning blade.

  In order to improve the cleaning performance of an image carrier and the like in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a technique of applying a higher fatty acid metal salt as a lubricant to the image carrier has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a lubricant molded product composed of at least two higher fatty acid metal salts having different carbon numbers and the lubricant molded product in contact with both the lubricant molded product and the image carrier. There is described a lubricant application device comprising a brush roller which supplies a lubricant to the surface of a photosensitive layer of an image carrier while scraping off an object to form a lubricant film.

JP 2007-145993 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a lubricant supply device that improves the cleaning performance of an image carrier and the transferability of toner in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus including the lubricant supply device. There is.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an image having an accommodating portion for accommodating a powdery lubricant, an image holding member, and a plate-like cleaning member for cleaning residue on the surface of the image holding member. Lubricant supply means for supplying the powdery lubricant contained in the housing part to the surface of the image carrier in the forming apparatus, wherein the powdery lubricant is the image carrier. A lubricant supply device including a surface energy reducing agent for reducing the surface energy of the toner and a cleaning aid for suppressing slipping of a residue between the surface of the image carrier and the plate-like cleaning member.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the lubricant supply device according to claim 1, wherein the surface energy reducing agent is a fluororesin, and the cleaning aid is at least one of a fatty acid metal salt and a higher alcohol. is there.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the lubricant supply device according to claim 2, wherein the surface energy reducing agent is polytetrafluoroethylene, and the cleaning aid is zinc stearate.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the lubricant supply means is a brush-like member having a shaft and fibers formed radially from the shaft, and the brush-like member is located at an upper portion of the housing portion. Lubricant supply according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a load applying member that is disposed above and applies a load so as to be a constant load between the brush-like member and the housing portion. Device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the scraping means for scraping off deposits adhering to the brush part of the brush-like member, and the deposits scraped off by the scraping means are mixed inside from the opening of the housing portion. It is a lubricant supply apparatus of Claim 4 provided with the mixing prevention means for preventing doing.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a plate-like member in which the mixing preventing means is inclined with respect to the opening of the housing portion, and at least a part of one side thereof has a comb-tooth shape, and the brush shape 6. The lubricant supply device according to claim 5, wherein a brush portion of the member is configured to pass through the comb-shaped comb-tooth portion.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the lubricant supply means is a brush-like member having a shaft and fibers formed radially from the shaft, and the brush-like member is a side of the housing portion on the image carrier side. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising conveying means disposed on a side of the opening located in the portion, provided inside the housing portion, for conveying the powdery lubricant to the brush-like member side. The lubricant supply device according to any one of the above.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the lubricant supply means is a brush-shaped member having a shaft and fibers formed radially from the shaft, and the brush-shaped member is on the image holding body side of the housing portion. A partition member that is disposed on the side of the opening located in the portion, provided in the housing portion in a direction substantially parallel to the opening, and provided in the housing portion and partitioned by the partition member The lubricant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising transport means for transporting the powdery lubricant to the brush-shaped member side from a partition portion on the back side with respect to the opening. It is a supply device.

  The invention according to claim 9 is an image carrier, the lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a plate-like cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the image carrier, Is a process cartridge.

  The invention according to claim 10 is an image carrier, the lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a plate-like cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the image carrier, An image forming apparatus.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the cleaning performance of the image carrier and the transferability of the toner in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are improved as compared with the case without this configuration.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the surface energy reducing agent is other than the fluororesin and the cleaning aid is other than at least one of the fatty acid metal salt and the higher alcohol, the electrophotographic image formation is performed. The image carrier cleaning property and toner transfer property in the apparatus are further improved.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image carrier is cleaned in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus as compared with the case where the surface energy reducing agent is other than polytetrafluoroethylene and the cleaning aid is other than zinc stearate. Properties and toner transfer properties are further improved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the image carrier cleaning property and the toner transfer property with time in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are stabilized.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the cleaning property of the image carrier and the transfer property of the toner over time in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are stabilized.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the image carrier cleaning property and the toner transfer property with time in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are stabilized.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the image carrier cleaning property and toner transfer property with time in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are stabilized.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the image carrier cleaning property and toner transfer property with time in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are stabilized.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the cleaning property of the image carrier and the transfer property of the toner are improved as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the cleaning property of the image carrier and the transfer property of the toner are improved as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic structure figure showing an example of a lubricant supply device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the lubricant supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the lubricant supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the lubricant supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the plate-shaped member as a mixing prevention means in the lubricant supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the lubricant supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic top view of the accommodating part of the lubricant supply apparatus in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other example of the lubricant supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic top view of the accommodating part of the lubricant supply apparatus in FIG. It is a schematic structure figure showing an example of a process cartridge concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the lubricant supply apparatus used by the comparative example.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment is an example for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

<Image forming apparatus and lubricant supply apparatus>
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image carrier, a charging unit that charges the surface of the image carrier, a latent image forming unit that forms a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, and a surface of the image carrier. Developing means for developing the formed latent image with toner to form a toner image, transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to the transfer target, and a lubricant on the surface of the image carrier And a cleaning unit (image holding member cleaning unit) for cleaning the surface of the image holding member after transfer. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may use a process cartridge described later.

  A schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 and the configuration will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a photoconductor (electrophotographic photoconductor) 14 as an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charging device 10 as a charging unit that charges the surface of the photoconductor 14, and laser light or An exposure device 12 as a latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 14 by reflected light of an original or the like, and a toner attached to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 14 A developing device 16 as a developing means for forming an image, a transfer roll 18 as a transfer means for transferring a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 14 to a transfer target 30 such as a recording paper, and powder on the surface of the photoconductor 14 As a cleaning means for cleaning a residue of toner, external additives, etc. remaining on the surface of the photosensitive member 14 after transfer. Cleaning is a plate-shaped cleaning member And a blade 24.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a lubricant supply device 3 on the downstream side of the transfer roll 18 and on the upstream side of the cleaning blade 24. The lubricant supply device 3 includes a storage unit 20 for storing the powdery lubricant 28 and a lubricant for supplying the powdery lubricant 28 stored in the storage unit 20 to the surface of the photoreceptor 14. And a lubricant supply brush 22 as supply means. The powdery lubricant 28 includes a surface energy reducing agent that reduces the surface energy of the photoconductor 14, and a cleaning aid that suppresses slipping of residues between the surface of the photoconductor 14 and the cleaning blade 24. .

  In the image forming apparatus 1, a charging device 10, an exposure device 12, a developing device 16, a transfer roll 18, a lubricant supply device 3, and a cleaning blade 24 are arranged around the photoreceptor 14 in this order. In FIG. 1, the description of other functional units normally required in the electrophotographic process is omitted.

  An operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the surface of the photoreceptor 14 is charged by the charging device 10 (charging process). Next, light is applied to the surface of the photoconductor 14 by the exposure device 12, and the charged charges in the exposed portion are removed, and an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic charge image) is formed according to the image information ( Latent image forming step). Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 16, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 14 (developing step). For example, in the case of a digital electrophotographic copying machine using an organic photosensitive member as the photosensitive member 14 and using a laser beam as the exposure device 12, the surface of the photosensitive member 14 is given a negative charge by the charging device 10, and the laser beam A digital latent image is formed in the form of dots by light, and toner is applied to the portion irradiated with the laser beam by the developing device 16 to be visualized. In this case, a negative bias is applied to the developing device 16. Next, a transfer roll 18 superimposes a transfer material 30 such as a recording paper on the toner image, and a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied from the back side of the transfer material 30 to the transfer image 30 by electrostatic force. The image is transferred to the transfer target 30 (transfer process). The transferred toner image is subjected to heat and pressure in a fixing device having a fixing roll 26 as a fixing means, and is fused and fixed to the transfer target 30 (fixing step). On the other hand, the powdery lubricant 28 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20 of the lubricant supply device 3 is supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor 14 by the lubricant supply brush 22. Residue such as toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 14 without being transferred is removed by the cleaning blade 24 (cleaning step). One cycle is completed in a series of processes from the charging process to the cleaning process. In FIG. 1, the toner image is directly transferred to the transfer target 30 such as a recording sheet by the transfer roll 18, but may be transferred via an intermediate transfer member such as an intermediate transfer belt.

  In the present embodiment, the powdery lubricant 28 containing the surface energy reducing agent and the cleaning aid is supplied to the surface of the photoconductor 14, thereby improving the cleaning performance of the photoconductor 14 and the toner transferability. To do. This is because when a powdery lubricant 28 is supplied to the surface of the photoconductor 14, a film of a surface energy reducing agent contained in the powdery lubricant 28 is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 14. Since the surface energy of the photoconductor 14 is lowered, it is considered that the transferability of toner from the photoconductor 14 to the intermediate transfer belt, the transfer target 30 and the like is improved. In particular, when a small particle diameter toner having a volume average particle diameter of about 5 μm or less is used, the adhesion of the toner tends to be high and the transferability tends to decrease. In this embodiment, a surface energy reducing agent is applied to the surface of the photoreceptor 14. It is considered that the transferability of the toner is improved by forming a film by supplying the toner even when a small particle size toner is used. As described above, the surface energy of the photoconductor 14 is reduced by the action of the surface energy reducing agent. However, the surface friction coefficient of the surface of the photoconductor 14 is lowered only with the surface energy reducing agent, so that the cleaning by the cleaning blade 24 is performed in the cleaning process. Therefore, there is a tendency that a residue such as toner slips through and the like, and a filming phenomenon that the toner residue adheres to the surface of the photosensitive member in a streak shape along the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the action of the cleaning aid contained in the powdery lubricant 28 improves the adhesion between the surface of the photoconductor 14 and the cleaning blade 24, and the space between the surface of the photoconductor 14 and the cleaning blade 24 is improved. It is considered that deposits such as toner and external additives are easily formed on the surface, and the cleaning property is improved.

  The surface energy reducing agent is not particularly limited as long as it lowers the surface energy of the photoconductor 14, and for example, a resin material typified by polytetrafluoroethylene or an inorganic material typified by molybdenum disulfide. Etc. As the resin material, a fluorine resin having a particularly high effect of low surface energy is preferable. Examples of the fluorine resin include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene copolymer (ETFE), and tetrafluoroethylene. / Perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and the like. Examples of the inorganic material include metal powders such as copper, nickel, and tin, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, silica, alumina, and graphite. Of these, fluororesins are preferred from the standpoint of poor development, transfer failure, fixing failure, and chemical stability when mixed in the developing unit, transfer roll, and fixing roll. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is more preferable from the standpoint of effects and filming hardly. The surface energy of the photoconductor 14 is measured with the contact angle of pure water.

  The cleaning aid is not particularly limited as long as it suppresses slipping of residues between the surface of the photoreceptor 14 and the cleaning blade 24, and is selected from, for example, fatty acid metal salts and higher alcohols. At least one of them. Examples of the fatty acid metal salt include a metal salt of a fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms such as a metal stearate such as zinc stearate, sodium stearate, calcium stearate and magnesium stearate. Examples of the higher alcohol include long chain alcohols having 30 to 60 carbon atoms. Of these, fatty acid metal salts are preferable from the viewpoint of uniformity of coating and the influence on the charging characteristics of the developer, and zinc stearate is more preferable from the viewpoint of cleaning maintenance and chemical stability.

  In the present embodiment, the surface energy reducing agent and the cleaning aid are mixed as powders to form a powdery lubricant 28. In the case where the lubricant is configured as a solid lubricant molded product as in the prior art, and the lubricant is supplied to the surface of the photoconductor while scraping the lubricant molded product, the lubricant is applied to the surface of the photoconductor. The supply amount may be uneven. In addition, when the lubricant molded product is produced, the proportion of the constituent materials of the multiple components is different in the axial direction of the molded product, etc., and there may be variations in the supply amount of each constituent material to the surface of the photoreceptor, As a result, a cleaning defect on the surface of the photoreceptor may occur. In the present embodiment, the surface energy reducing agent and the cleaning aid are substantially uniformly mixed as powders and supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor as powders. It is considered that the supply amount to the surface is less likely to vary, the cleaning failure of the surface of the photoreceptor is less likely to occur, and the cleaning property is improved.

  The volume average particle size of the surface energy reducing agent in the powdery lubricant 28 is preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 20 μm. If the volume average particle size of the surface energy reducing agent is less than 0.1 μm, the surface energy may not be sufficiently reduced, and if it exceeds 20 μm, a cleaning failure may occur and image quality may be poor due to uneven application. . The volume average particle size of the cleaning aid in the powdery lubricant 28 is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm. When the volume average particle size of the cleaning aid is less than 1 μm, the cleaning property may be insufficient, and when it exceeds 20 μm, image quality defects due to coating unevenness may occur.

  The volume average particle size of the surface energy reducing agent and the cleaning aid in the powdery lubricant 28 is measured with a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device (manufactured by Horiba Seisakusho).

  The mixing ratio of the surface energy reducing agent and the cleaning aid in the powdery lubricant 28 is preferably in the range of 1:99 or more and 15:85 or less in terms of mass ratio. If the mixing ratio of the surface energy reducing agent and the cleaning aid is less than 1:99, the image quality may be deteriorated due to transfer failure, and if it exceeds 15:95, the toner may slip through the cleaning blade 24.

The bulk density of the powdery lubricant 28 as a whole is preferably in the range of 0.1 g / cm ³ or more and 0.4 g / cm ³ or less. If the bulk density of the entire powdery lubricant 28 is less than 0.1 g / cm ³ , there may be a case where the effect of assisting cleaning and transfer due to insufficient coating amount may not be obtained. If it exceeds 5 g / cm ³ , brush rotation failure due to excessive packing and rotation failure of the auger and paddle may occur. The bulk density of the powdery lubricant 28 as a whole is calculated from the measurement results of volume and mass when the powder is sealed in the container without applying pressure to the powder.

  The storage unit 20 in the lubricant supply device 3 is not particularly limited as long as the storage unit 20 can store the powdery lubricant 28. As shown in FIG. 2, a powdery lubricant 28 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 20, and an opening located at the upper portion of the accommodating portion 20 prevents mixing of a resin film or a resin cover as mixing preventing means. Sealing with the member 32 prevents the powdery lubricant 28 from being spilled and scattered into the housing portion 20.

The lubricant supply means in the lubricant supply device 3 is not particularly limited as long as it supplies the powdery lubricant 28 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20 to the surface of the photosensitive member 14. As shown in FIG. 2, there are a lubricant supply brush 22 that is a brush-like member having a shaft 34 and fibers 36 that are formed radially from the shaft 34, a foamed elastic roll that is a roll-like member, a non-work cloth roll, and the like. For example, a brush-like member is preferable from the viewpoint that the supply amount of the powdery lubricant 28 to the surface of the photoreceptor 14 is less likely to vary. As the material of the fiber 36, for example, a nylon resin, a polyester resin (polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, etc.), an acrylic resin, a polypropylene resin, or the like in which carbon for imparting conductivity is used is used. Is preferred. For example, the electric resistivity is preferably in the range of 10 ¹ Ω · cm to 10 ⁹ Ω · cm. Regarding the thickness density of the brush, it is preferable to use fibers in the range of 1 dtex to 25 dtex. As the density of the brush, those planted in the range of 20,000 to 100,000 per square inch are preferable. Further, in order to assist the cleaning performance of the toner and the external additive with the blade, a bias may be applied to the brush to reduce the adhesion force between the toner, the external additive and the photosensitive member. For example, as an example of the bias, a rectangular wave, a triangular wave, a sine wave, or the like having an AC voltage with an amplitude of 500 V to 3,000 V and a frequency of 500 Hz to 15,000 Hz in a range of DC voltage −1,000 V to 1,000 V, etc. A bias superimposed with may be applied. In this embodiment, for example, an outer diameter of 19 mm, a shaft diameter of 6 mm, a pile height of 6.5 mm, and a length of 350 mm are used as the shape of the brush. The material of the brush is, for example, a synthetic fiber in which carbon is dispersed in nylon, and a 10 dtex fiber brush is used. As a flocking density, for example, 50,000 brushes per square inch are used. The amount of biting into the photoconductor is, for example, 1 mm, and the speed ratio with respect to the photoconductor is, for example, 0.9. For example, the flickering member is bitten by 1 mm to collect the brush-like toner to the conveyance path. The lubricant supply brush 22 is disposed above the opening located at the upper part of the housing portion 20, and at least the tip of the fiber 36 of the lubricant supply brush 22 is placed on the powdery lubricant 28 in the housing portion 20 from above. Is touching. The lubricant supply brush 22 is rotated around a shaft 34 by driving means such as a motor (not shown), and the powdery lubricant 28 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20 is supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor 14.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another example of the lubricant supply device according to the present embodiment. In addition to the configuration of FIG. 2, the lubricant supply device 3 shown in FIG. 3 is a spring-like member 38 as a load applying member that applies a constant load between the lubricant supply brush 22 and the accommodating portion 20. Is provided. The spring-like member 38 connects the shaft 34 of the lubricant supply brush 22 and the fixed portion 40 of the housing portion 20 at both ends of the shaft 34. When a load is applied between the lubricant supply brush 22 and the accommodating portion 20 so that a constant load is applied, the lubricant supply is reduced when the powdery lubricant 28 in the accommodating portion 20 decreases with time. The contact between the brush 22 and the powdery lubricant 28 becomes insufficient, and the supply amount of the powdery lubricant 28 to the surface of the photoreceptor 14 is suppressed, and the powdery lubricant over time is suppressed. Supply of the lubricant 28 to the surface of the photoreceptor 14 is stabilized. As a result, the cleaning property of the photosensitive member 14 and the toner transfer property with time are stabilized.

  The load applying member is not particularly limited as long as it applies a load so as to be a constant load between the lubricant supply brush 22 and the housing portion 20. For example, a method of applying a constant load with an elastic member such as a spring-like member, or a brush and a housing portion may be brought into contact with or separated from each other in a surface energy state of a photoconductor or a consumption state of a lubricant by an electromagnetic clutch or the like. . Among these, an elastic member such as a spring-like member is preferable from the viewpoint that the configuration is simple.

  The load applied between the lubricant supply brush 22 and the accommodating portion 20 is appropriately set so that the contact between at least the front end portion of the fiber 36 of the lubricant supply brush 22 and the powdery lubricant 28 is secured over time. do it.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another example of the lubricant supply device according to the present embodiment. In addition to the configuration of FIG. 2, the lubricant supply device 3 shown in FIG. 4 flickers as a scraping means for scraping off deposits such as lubricant and toner adhering to the brush portion (fiber 36) of the lubricant supply brush 22. A member 42 is provided. Adhering substances such as toner and external additives attached to the brush portion of the lubricant supply brush 22 are scraped off by the flicking member 42, and the opening portion of the housing portion 20 is sealed by the mixing prevention member 32, thereby flicking. The adhering matter scraped off by the member 42 is prevented from entering the inside of the opening of the housing portion 20, and the cleaning property and the toner transfer property of the photosensitive member 14 with time are stabilized.

  The scraping means is not particularly limited as long as it scrapes off deposits adhering to the brush portion of the lubricant supply brush 22. For example, a plate-like member, a metal or resin shaft, and the like can be given.

  The position where the flicking member 42 is installed is not particularly limited as long as the adhering matter attached to the brush portion of the lubricant supply brush 22 is scraped off. For example, a flicking member 42 is provided at a substantially horizontal position on the opposite side of the photoconductor 14 with the lubricant supply brush 22 interposed therebetween, and a collection (not shown) provided on the opposite side of the photoconductor 14 with the lubricant supply brush 22 interposed therebetween. By adhering the adhering substance to the transport mechanism, the adhering substance adhering to the brush portion of the lubricant supply brush 22 may be scraped off.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another example of the lubricant supply device according to the present embodiment. The lubricant supply device 3 shown in FIG. 5 includes a plate-like member 44 that is inclined with respect to the opening of the housing portion 20 as a mixing prevention means. As shown in FIG. 6, at least a part of one side of the plate-shaped member 44 has a comb-tooth shape, and the brush portion of the lubricant supply brush 22 passes through the comb-shaped comb-tooth portion 46 of the plate-shaped member 44. It is configured as follows. In the configuration of FIG. 4, there is a possibility that deposits and the like scraped off by the flicking member 42 may accumulate on the mixing prevention member 32. However, in the configuration of FIG. 5, the photosensitive member 14 is sandwiched between the lubricant supply brush 22. A plate-like member 44 is provided in place of the opposite mixing prevention member 32, and the plate-like member 44 is inclined in an oblique direction with respect to the opening of the accommodating portion 20, and the deposits scraped off by the flicking member 42. Is configured to slide down to a collecting and transporting mechanism (not shown). By configuring the tip portion of the plate-like member 44 in a comb-teeth shape, the plate-like member 44 and the brush portion of the lubricant supply brush 22 come into contact with each other and are flicked, so that toner or the like is mixed into the accommodating portion 20. Is prevented. As a result, the cleaning property of the photosensitive member 14 and the toner transfer property with time are stabilized.

  As the plate-like member 44, resin plates such as polyacetal resin, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer resin), modified polyphenyl ether resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polycarbonate resin, etc. Use it. What is necessary is just to design the comb-tooth shape of the plate-shaped member 44 according to the brush part etc. of the lubricant supply brush 22. FIG.

  The inclination angle of the plate-like member 44 with respect to the opening of the accommodating portion 20 may be set to such an extent that the deposits scraped off by the flicking member 42 are slid down to the collecting and conveying mechanism. It is about 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another example of the lubricant supply device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the accommodating portion 20 portion of the lubricant supply device in FIG. In the lubricant supply device 3 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lubricant supply brush 22 is disposed on the side of the opening 50 located on the side of the accommodating portion 20 on the photoconductor 14 side, and the inside of the accommodating portion 20. In addition, at least one transport paddle 48 is provided as transport means for transporting the powdery lubricant 28 to the lubricant supply brush 22 side. By the transport paddle 48, the powdery lubricant 28 is efficiently transported from the back side to the lubricant supply brush 22 side with respect to the opening 50 of the housing unit 20. When the body-like lubricant 28 decreases, the contact between the lubricant supply brush 22 and the powder-like lubricant 28 becomes insufficient, and the amount of the powder-like lubricant 28 supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor 14 is reduced. Is suppressed, and the supply of the powdery lubricant 28 to the surface of the photoconductor 14 over time is stabilized. As a result, the cleaning property of the photosensitive member 14 and the toner transfer property with time are stabilized.

  The conveying means is not particularly limited as long as it conveys the powdery lubricant 28 from the back side to the lubricant supply brush 22 side with respect to the opening 50 of the housing portion 20. For example, the rotation direction Examples thereof include a transport paddle for transporting powder. The transport paddle has, for example, four paddle members extending in the rotation axis direction, and a plurality of disk-shaped partition members through which each paddle member passes, and each paddle member extends from the outer periphery of the disk-shaped partition member. It extends toward the inner side (rotating shaft side) and the inner end is not connected, is not arranged radially with respect to the center of rotation, and is arranged at a position displaced in parallel from the radiation. The transport paddle is rotated by a driving means such as a motor (not shown) around the rotation axis.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the collection conveyance mechanism may be configured such that a collection conveyance member such as a collection auger 52 is provided in the housing 54 to collect the deposits scraped off by the flicking member 42. The collection auger 52 is rotated by a driving means such as a motor (not shown) around the rotation axis.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another example of the lubricant supply device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the accommodating portion 20 portion of the lubricant supply device in FIG. In the lubricant supply device 3 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lubricant supply brush 22 is disposed on the side of the opening 50 located on the side of the housing portion 20 on the photoconductor 14 side, and the inside of the housing portion 20. A partition member 58 provided in a direction substantially parallel to the opening 50, and a lubricant supply brush for supplying the powdery lubricant 28 from the rear partition to the opening 50, which is partitioned by the partition member 58. At least one transport auger 56 is provided in each partition as transport means for transporting to the 22 side. By the transport auger 56, the powdery lubricant 28 is efficiently transported from the rear partition to the lubricant supply brush 22 side with respect to the opening 50 of the storage unit 20, so that the storage unit 20 over time. When the powdery lubricant 28 is reduced, the contact between the lubricant supply brush 22 and the powdery lubricant 28 becomes insufficient, and the powdery lubricant 28 is moved to the surface of the photoreceptor 14. Insufficient supply amount is suppressed, and the supply of the powdery lubricant 28 to the surface of the photoreceptor 14 over time is stabilized. As a result, the cleaning property of the photosensitive member 14 and the toner transfer property with time are stabilized.

  The conveying means may be any means as long as it conveys the powdery lubricant 28 from the inner partition to the lubricant supply brush 22 side with respect to the opening 50 of the accommodating portion 20, and is not particularly limited. And a transport auger for transporting powder in the direction of the rotation axis. A conveyance auger equips the outer peripheral surface of a shaft with the helical protrusion part which protruded helically in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of a shaft, for example. The transport auger is rotated by a driving means such as a motor (not shown) around the rotation axis.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the collection conveyance mechanism may be configured such that a collection conveyance member such as a collection auger 52 is provided in the housing 54 to collect the deposits scraped off by the flicking member 42. The collection auger 52 is rotated by a driving means such as a motor (not shown) around the rotation axis.

  With the lubricant supply device 3 according to the present embodiment as described above, the cleaning property of the photosensitive member and the transfer property of the toner in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus are improved. Note that the lubricant supply device 3 according to the present embodiment may be configured by combining some of the configurations of FIGS. 2 to 5, 7, and 9.

(Charging means)
As the charging device 10 that is a charging means, for example, a charger such as a corotron as shown in FIG. 1 is used, but a conductive or semiconductive charging roll may be used. A contact charger using a conductive or semiconductive charging roll may apply a direct current to the photoreceptor 14 or may apply an alternating current superimposed thereon. For example, the charging device 10 charges the surface of the photoconductor 14 by generating a discharge in a minute space near the contact portion with the photoconductor 14. Normally, it is charged to −300V or more and −1000V or less. The conductive or semiconductive charging roll may have a single layer structure or a multiple structure. Further, a mechanism for cleaning the surface of the charging roll may be provided.

(Image carrier)
The image carrier has a function of forming at least an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic charge image). As the image carrier, an electrophotographic photosensitive member is preferably exemplified. The photoreceptor 14 has a coating film containing an organic photoreceptor or the like on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate. The coating film is a substrate in which a subbing layer and a photosensitive layer including a charge generating layer containing a charge generating material and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting material are formed in this order, if necessary. is there. The order of stacking the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer may be reversed. These are laminated photoconductors in which a charge generation material and a charge transport material are contained in separate layers (charge generation layer, charge transport layer), but both the charge generation material and the charge transport material are the same. A single-layer type photoreceptor included in the above layer may be used, and a laminated photoreceptor is preferable. Further, an intermediate layer may be provided between the undercoat layer and the photosensitive layer. In addition, other types of photosensitive layers such as an amorphous silicon photosensitive film may be used in addition to the organic photoreceptor.

(Exposure means)
There are no particular restrictions on the exposure apparatus 12 that is the exposure means, and examples include optical equipment that exposes a light source such as a semiconductor laser beam, LED light, and liquid crystal shutter light on the surface of the image carrier in a desired image-like manner. Can be mentioned.

(Development means)
The developing device 16 serving as a developing unit has a function of developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image holding member with a developer containing toner to form a toner image. Such a developing device is not particularly limited as long as it has the above-described function, and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, toner for developing an electrostatic image is exposed using a brush, a roller, or the like. A known developing device having a function of adhering to the body 14 can be used. A DC voltage is normally used for the photoconductor 14, but an AC voltage may be further superimposed and used.

(Transfer means)
As a transfer device that is a transfer means, for example, a device that applies a charge having a polarity opposite to that of toner from the back side of the transfer target 30 to the transfer target 30 and transfers the toner image to the transfer target 30 by electrostatic force, or FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a transfer roll and a transfer roll pressing device using a conductive or semiconductive roll or the like that directly contacts and transfers to the surface of the transfer target 30 via the transfer target 30 may be used. A direct current may be applied to the transfer roll as a transfer current applied to the image carrier, or an alternating current may be applied in a superimposed manner. The transfer roll may be arbitrarily set according to the width of the image area to be charged, the shape of the transfer charger, the opening width, the process speed (circumferential speed), and the like. Further, a single layer foam roll or the like is suitably used as a transfer roll for cost reduction. The transfer method may be a method of transferring directly to the transfer target 30 such as paper or a method of transferring to the transfer target 30 via an intermediate transfer member.

  A known intermediate transfer member may be used as the intermediate transfer member. Materials used for the intermediate transfer member include polycarbonate resin (PC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyalkylene phthalate, PC / polyalkylene terephthalate (PAT) blend material, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE) / PC, ETFE / PAT, PC / PAT blend materials, and the like can be mentioned. From the viewpoint of mechanical strength, an intermediate transfer belt using a thermosetting polyimide resin is preferable.

(Cleaning means (image carrier cleaning means))
As a cleaning device that is a cleaning means, a blade cleaning system for cleaning foreign matter such as residual toner on the image carrier is employed. When the cleaning blade is used, the effect of the lubricant supply device is exhibited. Examples of the material for the cleaning blade include urethane rubber, neoprene rubber, and silicone rubber. Among them, it is particularly preferable to use a polyurethane elastic body because of its excellent wear resistance.

(Fixing means)
The fixing device, which is a fixing means (image fixing device), fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer medium 30 by heating, pressing, or heating and pressing, and includes a fixing member.

(Transfer material)
Examples of the transfer target (paper) 30 to which the toner image is transferred include plain paper, OHP sheet, and the like used in electrophotographic copying machines, printers, and the like. In order to further improve the smoothness of the image surface after fixing, it is preferable that the surface of the transfer target is as smooth as possible. For example, coated paper in which the surface of plain paper is coated with resin, art paper for printing, etc. May be used.

  The configurations other than the lubricant supply device of the image forming apparatus using the lubricant supply device according to the present embodiment are not limited thereto, and conventionally known configurations are applied as the respective configurations of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Also good. That is, the configuration other than the lubricant supply device, for example, a charging unit, a latent image forming unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, a charge eliminating unit, a sheet feeding unit, a conveying unit, an image control unit, etc. What is necessary is just to employ | adopt a conventionally well-known thing suitably. These configurations are not particularly limited in the present embodiment.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, image formation is performed as follows.

  An image forming operation is performed at 200 to 450 mm per second on the image carrier (photosensitive member 14). For example, the photoreceptor 14 is composed of an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer, and a surface protective layer in this order on a base material such as aluminum having an outer diameter of 84 mm and a thickness of 1 mm to 2 mm. For example, they are 10 μm or more and 40 μm or less, 0.2 μm or more and 1 μm or less, 15 μm or more and 30 μm or less, 5 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The surface protective layer is composed of a crosslinkable charge transport resin material or the like, and plays a role of reducing surface film loss.

  In the charging device 10, a constant current control is performed from a wire, for example, at −500 μA or more and −1,000 μA or less, and discharge is performed, and a DC voltage of −600 V or more and −850 V or less is applied on a screen-like grid, for example. The surface potential of the photoconductor 14 is charged to, for example, −600 V or more and −800 V or less. The distance between the screen portion of the charging device 10 and the grid is set to, for example, 1 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

  The surface potential of the electrostatic latent image portion irradiated from the exposure device 12 is adjusted to, for example, −50V to −500V. On the surface of the photoreceptor 14 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed by the exposure device 12, toner is developed on the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 14 from the developer held on the developing roll of the developing device 16. The developing roll has a diameter of, for example, 19 mm, and is developed in the same rotational direction as that of the photosensitive member 14 with a rotation speed ratio with respect to the photosensitive member 14 of, for example, 1.2 to 2.0. The surface of the developing roll is subjected to a surface treatment such as a groove shape or a blast shape on a developing sleeve made of SUS or aluminum in order to capture the developer. The distance between the developing roll and the photoconductor 14 is set to, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and a magnetic brush made of a developer contacts the photoconductor 14. The bias applied to the developing roll is obtained by superimposing an AC bias on a DC bias. The DC voltage is, for example, −300 V to −700 V, the AC voltage is, for example, a frequency of 1,000 Hz to 15,000 Hz, and an amplitude of 500 V to 1,500 V. is there.

  As the transfer roll 18, for example, a roll having an outer diameter of 18 mm in which a conductive material is dispersed in elastic rubber is used, and the photoreceptor 14 has a biting amount of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm with respect to the photoreceptor 14. As a transfer bias, the toner image is transferred to the transfer target 30 with a DC bias of −500 V to −4,000 V, for example.

  The cleaning blade 24 is composed of, for example, an L-shaped sheet metal having a thickness of 2 mm and a plate-shaped rubber member attached by heating and melting. The total length of the rubber member is, for example, 350 mm, the thickness is, for example, 2 mm, and the width is, for example, 15 mm. The free length from is, for example, 8 mm. For the cleaning blade 24 and the photosensitive member 14, the contact angle of the cleaning blade 24 is set to 24 degrees, for example, and the biting amount is set to 1.0 mm, for example. The rubber material is made of polyurethane rubber or the like, and has a hardness of, for example, 70 ° to 85 °, a rebound resilience of 25 ° C. of, for example, 10% to 55%, and a glass transition temperature of, for example, −20 ° C. to 10 ° C. is there.

<Process cartridge>
The process cartridge according to the present embodiment includes an image carrier, a lubricant supply device that supplies a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, and a cleaning unit that cleans the surface of the image carrier after transfer. The process cartridge according to the present embodiment is formed on a surface of the image carrier, as necessary, a charging unit that charges the surface of the image carrier, a latent image forming unit that forms a latent image on the surface of the image carrier. At least one selected from the group consisting of developing means for developing the latent image formed with toner to form a toner image and transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member to the transfer target. You may have.

  FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration of an example of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration will be described. The process cartridge 5 includes a photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) 14 as an image holding member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charging device 10 as a charging unit that charges the surface of the photosensitive member 14, and a photosensitive member 14. A developing device 16 as developing means for forming a toner image by attaching toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface, and the lubricant supplying device for supplying a powdery lubricant 28 to the surface of the photoreceptor 14 3 and a cleaning blade 24, which is a plate-like cleaning member as a cleaning means that contacts the surface of the photoconductor 14 and cleans residues such as toner and external additives remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 14 after transfer. Are integrally supported and are detachable from the image forming apparatus. When mounted on the image forming apparatus, an exposure device 12 serving as a latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member 14 around the photosensitive member 14 by the charging device 10, laser light, or reflected light of the document. The transfer roller 18 serving as transfer means for transferring the toner image on the surface of the developing device 16 and the photoreceptor 14 onto the transfer target 30 such as recording paper, the lubricant supply device 3, and the cleaning blade 24 are arranged in this order. It is like that. In FIG. 11, functional units normally required in other electrophotographic processes are omitted. Each configuration of the process cartridge 5 and operations during image formation are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG.

<Toner for electrostatic image development>
The toner used in the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus including the lubricant supply device according to the present embodiment includes at least a binder resin and may include a colorant, other components, and the like.

  The binder resin is not particularly limited. For example, styrenes such as styrene and chlorostyrene, monoolefins such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, and isoprene, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl butyrate, and the like. Α-methylene fats such as methyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate Homopolymers such as aromatic monocarboxylic acid esters, vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether and vinyl butyl ether, vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl hexyl ketone and vinyl isopropenyl ketone, and Examples of typical binder resins include polystyrene resins, polyester resins, styrene-alkyl acrylate copolymers, styrene-alkyl methacrylate copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene- Examples thereof include a butadiene copolymer, a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, a polyethylene resin, and a polypropylene resin. Further examples include polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, polyamide resins, and modified rosins.

  Dyes and pigments may be used as the colorant, but pigments are preferred from the viewpoints of light resistance and water resistance. Preferred pigments include carbon black, aniline black, aniline blue, calcoil blue, chrome yellow, ultramarine blue, dupont oil red, quinoline yellow, methylene blue chloride, phthalocyanine blue, malachite green oxalate, lamp black, rose bengal, Quinacridone, benzidine yellow, C.I. I. Pigment red 48: 1, C.I. I. Pigment red 57: 1, C.I. I. Pigment red 122, C.I. I. Pigment red 185, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 12, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 17, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 180, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 97, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 74, C.I. I. Pigment blue 15: 1, C.I. I. A known pigment such as CI Pigment Blue 15: 3 may be used. Moreover, you may use magnetic powder as a coloring agent. As the magnetic powder, a known magnetic material such as a ferromagnetic metal such as cobalt, iron or nickel, an alloy of metal such as cobalt, iron, nickel, aluminum, lead, magnesium, zinc or manganese, or an oxide may be used. . Each color toner such as yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner can be obtained by appropriately selecting the type of the colorant. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as another component, What is necessary is just to select suitably according to the objective, For example, well-known various additives, such as an inorganic particle, a charge control agent, a mold release agent, etc. are mentioned.

  If necessary, inorganic particles may be added to the toner of this embodiment. As the inorganic particles, known inorganic particles such as silica particles, titanium oxide particles, alumina particles, cerium oxide particles, or those obtained by hydrophobizing the surfaces thereof may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The inorganic particles may be subjected to various surface treatments, and for example, those treated with a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, silicone oil or the like are preferable.

  A charge control agent may be added to the toner of the exemplary embodiment as necessary. As the charge control agent, a chromium-based azo dye, an iron-based azo dye, an aluminum azo dye, a salicylic acid metal complex, or the like may be used.

  The toner of this embodiment may contain a release agent. By containing a release agent, the releasability in the fixing step is improved.

  Specific examples of the release agent include low molecular weight polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutene; silicones having a softening point by heating; fatty acid amides such as oleic acid amide, erucic acid amide, ricinoleic acid amide and stearic acid amide Plant waxes such as carnauba wax, rice wax, candelilla wax, tree wax, jojoba oil; animal waxes such as beeswax; minerals such as montan wax, ozokerite, ceresin wax, microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax・ Petroleum-based wax. Moreover, these mold release agents may be used individually by 1 type, and may be used in combination of 2 or more type.

  The toner is not particularly limited by the production method, and may be obtained by a known method. Specifically, for example, particles obtained by a kneading and pulverizing method in which a binder resin and a colorant and, if necessary, a release agent and a charge control agent are kneaded, pulverized and classified, and the kneading and pulverizing method are mechanically used. A dry process such as a method of changing the shape by impact force or thermal energy, or emulsion polymerization of a polymerizable monomer of a binder resin, a formed dispersion, a colorant, and if necessary, a release agent and Emulsion polymerization agglomeration method to obtain toner mother particles by mixing with a dispersion liquid such as a charge control agent, and heat-fusion, a polymerizable monomer to obtain a binder resin, a colorant, and if necessary Suspension polymerization method in which a solution of release agent, charge control agent, etc. is suspended in an aqueous solvent for polymerization, a binder resin and a colorant, and if necessary, a solution of release agent, charge control agent, etc., in an aqueous solvent Examples include a wet manufacturing method such as a dissolution suspension method in which the slurry is suspended and granulated. Further, a manufacturing method may be performed in which the toner base particles obtained by the above method are used as a core, and further, aggregated particles are attached and heat-fused to have a core-shell structure. When an external additive is added, the toner base particles and the external additive may be mixed by a Henschel mixer or a V blender. Further, when the toner base particles are produced by a wet production method, they may be externally added by a wet method. Among these production methods, it is preferable to use a toner produced by a wet production method such as an emulsion polymerization aggregation method in which a small particle size toner having a volume average particle size of about 5 μm or less is obtained.

  The volume average particle diameter D50v of the electrostatic charge image developing toner used in this embodiment is preferably in the range of 2 μm to 10 μm, and more preferably in the range of 2 μm to 5 μm.

  The volume average particle diameter is measured by measuring with an aperture diameter of 50 μm using a Coulter Multisizer II type (manufactured by Beckman-Coulter). At this time, the measurement is performed after the toner is dispersed in an electrolyte aqueous solution (isoton aqueous solution) and dispersed by ultrasonic waves for 30 seconds.

  The volume average particle diameter D50v is obtained as follows. Cumulative distribution is drawn by drawing the cumulative distribution from the small diameter side to the particle size range (channel) divided based on the particle size distribution of the toner measured by the above-mentioned Coulter Multisizer type II (manufactured by Beckman-Coulter). The particle diameter at 50% is defined as volume D50v.

In addition, the electrostatic charge image developing toner used in this embodiment preferably has a shape factor SF1 represented by the following formula in a range of 110 to 140, and more preferably in a range of 115 to 130.
SF1 = (ML ² / A) × (π / 4) × 100
[In the above formula, ML represents the maximum toner length (μm), and A represents the projected area (μm ² ) of the toner. ]

  When the toner shape factor SF1 is smaller than 110 or exceeds 140, excellent chargeability, cleaning properties, and transferability may not be obtained over a long period of time.

The shape factor SF1 is measured as follows using a Luzex image analyzer (FT manufactured by Nireco Corporation). First, an optical microscopic image of toner spread on a slide glass is taken into a Luzex image analyzer through a video camera, and the maximum length (ML) and projection area (A) of 50 toners are measured. ML ² / A) × (π / 4) × 100 is calculated, and a value obtained by averaging is calculated as the shape factor SF1.

<Developer for developing electrostatic image>
In the present embodiment, the developer for developing an electrostatic charge image is not particularly limited except that it contains the toner for developing an electrostatic charge image, and may have an appropriate component composition depending on the purpose. The electrostatic charge image developing developer in the present embodiment is a one-component electrostatic charge image developing developer when the electrostatic charge image developing toner is used alone, or a two-component developer when used in combination with a carrier. It becomes a developer for developing an electrostatic image.

  For example, in the case of using a carrier, the carrier is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include known carriers. For example, resins described in JP-A Nos. 62-39879 and 56-11461 are disclosed. Known carriers such as a coated carrier can be used.

  Specific examples of the carrier include the following resin-coated carriers. Examples of the core particles of the carrier include normal iron powder, ferrite, and magnetite molding, and the volume average particle size is in the range of about 30 μm to 200 μm.

  Examples of the coating resin for the resin-coated carrier include styrenes such as styrene, parachlorostyrene, and α-methylstyrene; methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, acrylic acid 2 -Α-methylene fatty acid monocarboxylic acids such as ethylhexyl, methyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate; nitrogen-containing acrylics such as dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, etc. Vinyl nitriles; vinyl pyridines such as 2-vinyl pyridine and 4-vinyl pyridine; vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether and vinyl isobutyl ether; vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl ethyl ketone, vinyl isopropenyl Homopolymers such as vinyl ketones such as ketones; olefins such as ethylene and propylene; vinyl-based fluorine-containing monomers such as vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoroethylene; and copolymers composed of two or more types of monomers Furthermore, silicone resins containing methyl silicone, methyl phenyl silicone, etc., polyesters containing bisphenol, glycol, etc., epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, polyamide resins, cellulose resins, polyether resins, polycarbonate resins and the like can be mentioned. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  For the production of the carrier, a heating type kneader, a heating type Henschel mixer, a UM mixer or the like may be used. Depending on the amount of the coating resin, a heating type fluidized rolling bed, a heating type kiln or the like may be used.

  The mixing ratio of the electrostatic image developing toner of the present embodiment and the carrier in the developer for developing an electrostatic image is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

  Hereinafter, although an example and a comparative example are given and the present invention is explained more concretely in detail, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

<Example 1>
As the lubricant supply device shown in FIG. 4, the accommodating portion (material: ABS resin) has an axial length of 340 mm, a width of 15 mm, and a height of 20 mm, and a surface energy reducing agent (polytetrafluoroethylene, volume average particle) is contained in the accommodating portion. 15 parts by weight of a powdery lubricant containing 3 μm in diameter) and a cleaning aid (zinc stearate, volume average particle size 6 μm) in a weight ratio of 5:95, and lubricated in the powdery lubricant in the container The tip of the agent supply brush was contacted from above, and the lubricant supply brush and the lubricant were in contact at a constant displacement. The opening at the top of the housing was sealed with a resin (material: polyurethane) film seal. The bulk density of the whole powdery lubricant was 0.2 g / cm ³ . A flicking member (material: polyacetal, size: thickness 1 mm, width: 6 mm, length: 350 mm) is provided at the horizontal position of the lubricant supply brush on the side opposite to the photoconductor, and is provided on the left side of the housing portion. By flicking the deposit on the transport mechanism, the deposit such as toner adhered to the lubricant supply brush was collected. An experiment for evaluating cleaning maintenance, transfer maintenance, and image quality maintenance was performed by the image forming apparatus including the lubricant supply device as follows.

(Evaluation)
A durability test was performed using DocuCenterColor500 manufactured by Fuji Xerox as an image forming apparatus. Under a process speed of 220 mm / sec, a chart with an area coverage of 5% was flowed, and 200,000 durability tests were conducted for evaluating the cleaning property, the transfer property, and the maintainability of the image quality every predetermined number of images. For evaluation of developer stress, evaluation was performed under the condition that the toner to be replenished had no refreshing trickle carrier. The evaluation timing was 1, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000. Evaluation items were cleaning property, transfer property and image quality (density unevenness (halftone unevenness)) evaluation. The contact angles of pure water on the photoreceptor before and after supplying the lubricant were 80 degrees and 95 degrees, respectively.

<Cleanability>
The cleaning performance evaluation index is a cleaning grade, and paper (Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., J paper) A3 size is used under the condition that the transfer bias and the photoconductive drum are kept in contact with toner with 100% area coverage. One sheet was plunged, and the toner slipping state on the photoreceptor and paper after rushing was transferred onto the photoreceptor after passing through the cleaning blade, and the toner image on the tape was observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. G0 or higher is a level that causes no problem in practical use. The results are shown in Table 1.
G0: No toner slippage G1: Area coverage 100% image enters A1 size sheet, and there is toner slipping on the photoconductor (level not visible on paper)
G2: A 100% area coverage image enters one A3 size sheet and there is toner that slips through the paper. G3: Even if no cleaning test is performed, toner slippage occurs during normal image forming operations.

<Transferability>
For evaluation of transferability, 100% patch was obtained from the ratio of the transfer residual toner on the photoreceptor after transfer and the transfer toner on the intermediate belt. Evaluation was made according to the following criteria. 90% or more is at a level where there is no practical problem. The results are shown in Table 2.
◎: 95% or more ○: 90% or more ×: Less than 90%

<Uneven density>
For density unevenness evaluation, an image with a halftone of 30% was output and visually evaluated according to the following criteria. G1 or higher is a level that causes no problem in practical use. The results are shown in Table 3.
G0: Level that cannot be visually recognized G1: Slight vertical band-like unevenness or streaks can be seen, but acceptable level G2: Vertical band-like unevenness or streak is within 5 lines, and can be recognized visually G3: Visually visible streaks There are 5 levels in each, and there are more than 5 levels. Or, the level of vertical stripe unevenness or sharp streaks with a large density difference is 5 or 5 or less, respectively. G4: Vertical stripe unevenness or sharp streaks with a large density difference exists on the entire halftone image.

<Example 2>
In order to prevent deposits such as toner from accumulating on the film seal on the container of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 5, a plate-like member is used instead of the film seal on the upstream side of the lubricant supply brush. A resin plate (material: polyacetal resin, size: thickness 1 mm, width: 5 mm) was provided. The resin plate is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the opening, and the accumulated toner or the like is slid down to the collecting and conveying mechanism. The resin plate has a comb-teeth tip, and the brush portion of the lubricant supply brush passes through the comb-teeth portion of the resin plate, and the resin plate and the lubricant supply brush are contacted and flicked. The toner is prevented from being mixed into the storage portion. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

<Example 3>
As shown in FIG. 3, the amount of application over time was stabilized by bringing the lubricant supply brush and the lubricant into contact with each other with a constant load. By fixing the shaft of the lubricant supply brush to the housing of the process cartridge that performs image formation, the process cartridge is provided with a protrusion on the housing portion side so that the housing portion can be freely moved in the substantially vertical direction to the process cartridge housing. A groove is provided in the housing so that the projection of the housing portion can freely move between the grooves in a substantially vertical direction. In addition, the spring was tensioned as a spring-shaped member between the accommodating part and the housing, and a load on one side 15 g was applied. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

<Example 4>
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lubricant supply brush was disposed between the housing portion and the photoreceptor. The accommodating part had a width of 24 mm and a height of 15 mm, and in addition to the powdered lubricant, two conveying paddles with an outer diameter of 10 mm were arranged inside the accommodating part. The transport paddles arranged at two locations receive rotational power from the motor and transport the lubricant to the lubricant supply brush side. In this embodiment, the conveyance paddle is controlled to rotate once for 10 image forming sheets, and the rotation speed of the conveyance paddle is set to 20 rpm. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

<Example 5>
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lubricant supply brush was disposed between the housing portion and the photoreceptor. The accommodating portion has a width of 24 mm and a height of 15 mm, and the inside of the accommodating portion is filled with a powdery lubricant, the inside of the accommodating portion is divided into approximately half by a partition portion, and each partition portion has a conveyance auger having an outer diameter of 10 mm. Respectively. The transport augers arranged at two locations receive rotational power from the motor and transport the lubricant to the lubricant supply brush side. In this embodiment, the conveyance auger is controlled to rotate once per 10 image forming sheets, and the rotation speed of the conveyance auger is set to 20 rpm. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

<Example 6>
A lubricant supply device was configured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that polyvinylidene fluoride was used instead of polytetrafluoroethylene as the surface energy reducing agent. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3. The contact angle of pure water on the photoreceptor after supplying the lubricant was 85 degrees.

<Example 7>
A lubricant supply device was configured in the same manner as in Example 1 except that higher alcohol (uniline, 38 carbon atoms) was used as a cleaning aid instead of zinc stearate. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

<Comparative Example 1>
Zinc stearate was used as a cleaning aid, and a 15 g lubricant molded into a bar shape was used. As shown in FIG. 12, the lubricant molded product 60 is held by an aluminum holder 62, the shaft of the holder 62 is used as a rotating shaft, and the lubricant is supplied by contacting the lubricant supply brush 64 using its own weight. Configured the device. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

<Comparative example 2>
As a lubricant material, a 15 g bar-shaped lubricant in which 5% by mass of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was mixed with zinc stearate as a base was used. A lubricant supply device was configured in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

  In the example, the cleaning property of the photosensitive member and the transfer property of the toner in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus were improved as compared with the comparative example. In Examples 1 and 2, deterioration of cleaning performance, transfer performance, and image quality (density unevenness) began from 100,000 sheets. This is thought to be because the lubricant in the housing part started to decrease and the contact with the application brush was insufficient. Regarding Examples 3, 4, and 5, good transferability, cleaning property, and image quality maintenance were obtained even over time. In Example 6, transferability and image quality (density unevenness) began to deteriorate from 10,000 sheets, and cleaning performance began to deteriorate from the 100,000th sheet. In Example 7, the deterioration of the cleaning property started from 10,000 sheets, and the transferability and the image quality (density unevenness) started from 100,000 sheets. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, although the cleaning property was good due to the effect of zinc stearate, the transferability and image quality were deteriorated because the surface energy reducing agent was not included. In Comparative Example 2, the PTFE dispersion state in the prototype zinc stearate lubricant molding was poor, and PTFE was excessively applied at the portion where PTFE aggregated in the lubricant molding, and cleaning at that portion was performed. Defective and uneven density occurred.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus, 3 Lubricant supply apparatus, 5 Process cartridge, 10 Charging apparatus, 12 Exposure apparatus, 14 Photoconductor (electrophotographic photoreceptor), 16 Developing apparatus, 18 Transfer roll, 20 Storage part, 22,64 Lubricant Supply brush, 24 Cleaning blade, 26 Fixing roll, 28 Powdered lubricant, 30 Transfer object, 32 Mixing prevention member, 34 Shaft, 36 Fiber, 38 Spring-like member, 40 Fixing part, 42 Flicking member, 44 Plate 46, comb-tooth portion, 48 transport paddle, 50 opening, 52 recovery auger, 54 housing, 56 transport auger, 58 partition member, 60 lubricant molded product, 62 holder.

Claims (10)

An accommodating portion for accommodating a powdery lubricant;
On the surface of the image carrier in the image forming apparatus having an image carrier and a plate-like cleaning member for cleaning the residue on the surface of the image carrier, the powdery powder housed in the housing part Lubricant supply means for supplying the lubricant;
With
The powdery lubricant is a surface energy reducing agent that reduces the surface energy of the image carrier, and cleaning that suppresses slipping of residues between the surface of the image carrier and the plate-like cleaning member. A lubricant supply device comprising an auxiliary agent.   The lubricant supply device according to claim 1, wherein the surface energy reducing agent is a fluororesin, and the cleaning aid is at least one of a fatty acid metal salt and a higher alcohol.   The lubricant supply device according to claim 2, wherein the surface energy reducing agent is polytetrafluoroethylene, and the cleaning aid is zinc stearate. The lubricant supply means is a brush-like member having a shaft and fibers formed radially from the shaft;
The brush-like member is disposed above an opening located at an upper portion of the accommodating portion;
The lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a load applying member that applies a load so as to be a constant load between the brush-like member and the housing portion. . Scraping means for scraping off deposits adhering to the brush part of the brush-like member;
Mixing prevention means for preventing adhering matter scraped off by the scraping means from being mixed into the inside from the opening of the housing part;
The lubricant supply device according to claim 4, comprising:   The mixing preventing means is a plate-like member inclined with respect to the opening of the housing portion, and at least a part of one side thereof has a comb-tooth shape, and the brush portion of the brush-like member has the comb tooth The lubricant supply device according to claim 5, wherein the lubricant supply device is configured to pass through a comb-shaped portion having a shape. The lubricant supply means is a brush-like member having a shaft and fibers formed radially from the shaft;
The brush-like member is disposed on the side of the opening located on the side of the housing portion on the image carrier side,
The inside of the said accommodating part is provided with the conveyance means for conveying the said powdery lubricant to the said brush-like member side, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Lubricant supply device. The lubricant supply means is a brush-like member having a shaft and fibers formed radially from the shaft;
The brush-like member is disposed on the side of the opening located on the side of the housing portion on the image carrier side,
A partition member provided in the housing part in a direction substantially parallel to the opening;
Conveying means is provided inside the accommodating portion and for conveying the powdery lubricant from the inner partition to the brush-like member side with respect to the opening partitioned by the partition member. The lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein An image carrier,
The lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A plate-like cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the image carrier;
A process cartridge comprising: An image carrier,
The lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A plate-like cleaning member for cleaning the surface of the image carrier;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

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