JP2007226146A - Cutting method of supporter for cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cylinder having a high uniformity of outer diameter at a low cost by solving a difference flaw occurring in a cutting method of cutting the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder by using a lathe. <P>SOLUTION: In a manufacturing method of a supporter for a cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, by using the lathe device having a conical holding means, cutting working is performed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder (material to be worked) having the whole length L<SB>1</SB>mm over the length L<SB>2</SB>mm that satisfies L<SB>1</SB>/4≥L<SB>2</SB>≥1 mm from one end of the cylinder, then the cutting working is started from the other end part without removing the cylinder from the holding means and the cutting is performed onto the outer circumference of the cylinder over another side end part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for cutting a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cutting method for cutting an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical body, an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a cylindrical body whose outer peripheral surface is cut as a support, a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and an electrophotographic apparatus.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a so-called electrophotographic apparatus, forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member by a charging unit and an exposure unit, and visualizes the electrostatic latent image by a developing unit (electronic A photo process is generally adopted.

  In order to obtain a high-quality image by the electrophotographic process, it is necessary that the distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing member (developing sleeve or developing roller) be kept constant. The photoconductor and developing member must be highly accurate.

  In particular, in an electrophotographic apparatus that performs color image output, it is necessary to superimpose images of each color, and in order to prevent color misregistration, color unevenness, and moire, a highly accurate electrophotographic photosensitive member or developing member is required. . Furthermore, there are many halftone image outputs, and it is severe also about the image defect resulting from the defect on a support body.

  The electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing member are generally produced by subjecting the surface of a high-precision cylindrical support to surface treatment or coating formation as necessary. Generally, a cylindrical body (element tube) obtained by cutting a tubular material manufactured by extrusion processing or drawing processing into a predetermined length is used for the cylindrical support. Further, if necessary, the end of the cylindrical body (element tube) is processed into a predetermined shape (end processing). After that, the cylindrical body (work piece: end pipe processed end piece) is held by holding means (chuck), and the cylindrical body (work piece) outer peripheral surface is finished to a predetermined accuracy and surface roughness. (Peripheral surface processing).

  As an outer peripheral surface processing for obtaining a high-precision cylindrical support, lathe processing is often used. That is, while rotating the cylindrical body (workpiece) after end machining, the cutting tool abuts on the cylindrical tool (workpiece) and moves the cutting tool parallel to the rotation axis of the cylindrical body (workpiece). This is a method of cutting the outer peripheral surface of (workpiece).

  A lathe machining example will be described with reference to FIG.

  A cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 is prepared in which both end surfaces of a cylindrical body (element tube) obtained by extrusion processing, drawing processing, or the like are adjusted to a predetermined shape.

  With respect to the cylindrical body 101, a holding means 103 holds a side 102 (hereinafter referred to as a cutting start side) with which the cutting bit 109 abuts at the start of cutting, and a holding means holds a side 104 (hereinafter referred to as a cutting end side) with which the cutting bit 109 abuts at the end of cutting. Hold by 105.

  Next, the cylindrical body 101 is rotated by the rotating means 106 via the holding means 103. A cutting bit 109 is fixed on a cutting bit fixing base 108 installed on the guide rail 107, and the cutting bit 109 is moved from the cutting start side 102 to the cutting end side 104 while abutting the cutting bit 109 on the cylindrical body 101. The outer peripheral surface of is cut. Examples of the holding means 103 and 105 include a method using a collet chuck (opening yatoy) as the holding means (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). However, in the holding method using the collet chuck, since the claw is opened from the inside of the cylindrical body and the cylindrical body 101 is held, the portion of the cylindrical body 101 in contact with the claw tends to be locally deformed outward. Even if the outer peripheral surface is processed into a perfect circle in this state, the deformation is restored when the holding means is removed, and the held portion is not processed into a perfect circle, and the roundness of the support body is lowered, resulting in a highly accurate cylinder. A support was not obtained. In order to obtain a highly accurate cylindrical support in lathe processing, a holding means that does not deform the cylinder (workpiece) is necessary. As an example of the holding means with little deformation, there is known a method (see Patent Document 3) in which ridge lines inside both ends of a cylindrical body (workpiece) are fixed with a conical (tapered) holding means. With the method of fixing the ridgeline inside the cylinder (workpiece) both ends with the conical holding means, it is possible to obtain a highly accurate cylinder by simply chamfering the end regardless of the straightness and uneven thickness of the raw tube. There is. However, there has been a problem that a step difference 111 is generated in the vicinity 104 of the end of cutting on the cylindrical body 101 side. In particular, in an electrophotographic apparatus that performs high-quality color image output, image defects such as streak-like unevenness occur on the image due to this step scratch, and a problem that a good image cannot be obtained occurs.

  The generation mechanism of the step scratch 111 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. In FIG. 1, the cylindrical body 101 holds the cutting start side 102 by the holding means 103 and the cutting end side 104 by the holding means 105. At that time, the holding means 105 receives pressure in the direction of the bus bar by the pressurizing means 112, and holds the cylindrical body 101 by the frictional force caused thereby. When trying to obtain a highly accurate cylindrical support body by lathe processing, if the cylindrical body 101 is held firmly, the cylindrical body 101 is deformed by the holding force, and the holding means is removed after processing even if the processing accuracy is high. And the deformation of the cylindrical body 101 returns, and the accuracy of the cylindrical support body decreases. Therefore, in order to avoid deformation of the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101, it is necessary to hold the cylindrical body with an appropriate pressure. That is, the condition that the deformation is small during cutting and the cylindrical body 101 and the holding means 103 do not slip must be satisfied.

  On the other hand, when the cylindrical body 101 is a cylindrical body manufactured by extrusion or drawing, the inner diameter cross section of the cylindrical body 101 is not a perfect circle, and distortion always remains. On the other hand, the cross sections of the conical holding means 103 and 105 are configured by a continuous high-precision circle. In that case, when the cylindrical body 101 is held by the holding means 103 and 105, a gap 201 is formed between the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 101 and the outer periphery of the holding means 103 and 105, as shown in FIG. 2A. At this time, the center 203 of the conical holding means and the inner diameter center 202 of the cylindrical body 101 are held while being shifted. The inner diameter center 202 of the cylindrical body 101 is cut in the direction of the arrow 110 from the cutting start side 102 by the cutting tool 109 in a shifted holding state. When the cutting tool 109 approaches the cutting end side end vicinity 104, a force is applied from the outside of the cylindrical body 101 toward the center by the cutting resistance of the cutting tool 109. Due to the force from the outside of the cylindrical body 101 and the force that the holding means 105 receives in the generatrix direction by the pressurizing means 112, the cylindrical body 101 fits into the holding means 105 without a gap as shown in FIG. 2B. As a result, the center 203 of the holding means that has been shifted coincides with the center 202 of the cylindrical body 101. However, at this time, since the center 202 of the cylindrical body 101 on the cutting end side 104 moves in the direction of the center of the holding means, the cutting surface of the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 is displaced and a step scratch is generated. A step flaw occurs in the vicinity of the cutting end side 104, and the step of the flaw is about 0.1 to 2.0 μm and the width is about 0.1 to 1.5 mm. When the level difference is larger than 0.2 μm, an image defect occurs, and it becomes unsuitable as a support for a high-quality electrophotographic photosensitive member. On the cutting start side 102, the cylindrical body 101 fits into the holding means without any gap immediately after the cutting tool 109 comes into contact, so that no step is generated. When the cylindrical body 101 is pressed and held in the direction of the generatrix with a strong force that does not create a gap when held by the holding means 103 and 105, deformation occurs at the end of the cylindrical body 101, and an electrophotographic image with good accuracy. A support for a photoreceptor cannot be obtained (see Patent Document 3). The following examples are given as conventional techniques for solving the above problems.

  As the prior art (1), there is a method in which an inner diameter holding portion at the end of the cylindrical body 101 is processed into a perfect circle before cutting (hereinafter referred to as inlay processing) (see Patent Document 4). In the cylindrical body 101 subjected to inlay processing, even if it is a cylindrical body (element tube) manufactured by extrusion processing or drawing processing, the inner diameter of the end portion can be made close to a perfect circle. Therefore, if inlay processing is performed, it is possible to reduce the gap 201 between the cylindrical body 101 and the holding means 103 and 105 when holding, and step scratches are less likely to occur.

Further, as the prior art (2) (see Patent Document 5), there is also known a method of cutting the entire cylindrical body by both rough cutting and finishing cutting without removing the cutting from the holding means in two steps. The purpose of rough cutting and finishing cutting without removing from the holding means in two steps is to relieve residual stress, reduce scratches by cutting chips and reduce the load on the cutting tool.
JP-A-2-110570 JP 2001-121327 A JP 9-066401 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-160901 JP 2004-70242 A

  However, for the following reasons, even if the inlay process of the prior art (1) is performed, it is not possible to completely eliminate the step scratch.

  In order to perform the inlay process on the end portion, it is necessary to hold the cylindrical body 101. At that time, there is a method of holding a weak force so as not to deform the end portion of the cylindrical body 101 or a place away from the end portion so as not to be deformed. However, if a place away from the end portion is held by a weak force, a sufficient holding force cannot be obtained at the end portion, causing problems such as chattering on the processed surface. Therefore, when performing inlay processing, the cylindrical body 101 must be held to a certain extent, but if held firmly, the cylindrical body 101 is deformed, and even if the processing accuracy is high, the deformation returns when the holding means is removed, The inner diameter of the end is not processed into a perfect circle. That is, at present, there is no method for carrying out an inlay process while holding the cylindrical body 101 without being completely deformed, and therefore, it is not possible to obtain a complete perfect circular inlay process surface. Therefore, even if the inlay processed surface is held, the step scratch cannot be completely eliminated. Inlay processing also increases the number of manufacturing steps and increases costs. Further, when the photosensitive layer is formed by dip coating, the paint is likely to enter and remain in the step between the inlay processed surface and the non-processed surface, which also causes a problem in the flange joining.

  Even if the prior art (2) is used, since the entire cylindrical body is cut twice, the temperature change of the cylindrical body 101 during cutting is large and the outer diameter is not stable. Further, there is a problem that the cutting tact is long and the productivity is low. Further, there is a method of performing finish cutting after releasing the accumulated heat while holding the cylindrical body after rough cutting, but there is a problem that productivity is extremely lowered.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems that occur in a cutting method of cutting an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical body using a lathe having a cutting tool, and to provide a cylindrical body that is low in cost and has no step scratches and high outer peripheral surface uniformity. It is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a low-cost, step-shaped scratch and having a cylindrical body with high uniformity on the outer peripheral surface as a support, in which the occurrence of streaky color unevenness is suppressed, An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

In a method of manufacturing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, the method includes a step of cutting the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body by a lathe device having a holding unit that abuts the conical clamping surface on the cylindrical body (workpiece). 1) Step of fixing the cylindrical body having a length of L ₁ mm to a lathe device by a holding means, (2) From one end of the cylindrical body, the outer peripheral surface is cut over a length L ₂ mm satisfying the following formula 1. a step of performing _{(L 1/4 ≧ L 2} ≧ 1mm ··· formula 1), (3) (2) after the step, to begin cutting from the other end without removing the holding means said cylindrical body, A step of cutting the entire outer periphery of the cylindrical body over the other end, and the step is manufactured by a method performed in the order of 1), 2), and 3). A method for producing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member is provided.

  According to the present invention, it occurs in a method for manufacturing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, which includes a step of cutting the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece by a lathe device having a holding means for contacting a conical clamping surface. Solve the above problems. In addition, it is possible to provide a cylindrical body that is low in cost, has no step scratches, and has high outer peripheral surface uniformity.

  Further, according to the present invention, an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a cylindrical body having no step difference and high outer peripheral surface uniformity as a support, and suppressing occurrence of stripe-like color unevenness and the like, the electrophotography A process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having a photoreceptor can be provided.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member support with high accuracy can be manufactured at a low cost without requiring an inlay process. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to cut the entire outer periphery of the cylinder (workpiece) with a two-turn lathe, the cost is low, the temperature change of the cylinder 101 during cutting is small, and the outer diameter of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is uniform. A support is obtained. Furthermore, an electrophotographic photosensitive member using the support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention has high image uniformity and no image defects due to a step scratch.

The cutting method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As in FIG. 1, the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 is held by the holding means 103 on the cutting start side 102 and the holding means 105 on the cutting end side 104 by the holding means 105. The holding means 105 holds the cylindrical body 101 by receiving pressure in the bus line direction by the pressurizing means 112. Similar to the contents described in the prior art, a gap 201 is formed between the cylindrical body 101 manufactured by the extrusion drawing process and the conical holding means 103 and 105. At this time, the center 203 of the conical holding means and the center 202 of the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 101 are held while being shifted. The rotating means 106 rotates the cylindrical body 101 via the holding means 103 to move the cutting tool 109 to the cutting end side 104 of the cylindrical body 101, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 101 is L ₂ from the end of the cutting end side 104. A cutting process (hereinafter referred to as preliminary cutting) is performed in a range of mm. The cylindrical body 101 receives a force due to cutting resistance from the outer peripheral side toward the center. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the cylindrical body 101 fits into the holding unit 105 without a gap as a result of the force received by the holding unit 105 from the pressurizing unit 112. Therefore, the center 203 of the holding means that has been shifted coincides with the center 202 of the cylindrical body 101. While maintaining such a holding state, as shown in FIG. 4, the tool fixing base 108 is moved to the cutting start side. When cutting the entire cylindrical outer periphery (hereinafter referred to as main cutting) from the cutting start side 102 toward the cutting end side 104, the center 202 of the cylindrical body 101 has already coincided with the center 201 of the holding means, so Does not occur.

In the present invention, the length L ₂ mm for performing the pre-cutting is a length satisfying the following formula 1 with respect to the total length L ₁ mm of the cylindrical body (workpiece). Then, cutting is performed on the outer peripheral surface over L ₂ mm.

_{L 1/4 ≧ L 2 ≧} 1mm ··· Formula 1

That is, it is preferable that the preliminary cutting is performed from the position of L ₂ mm from the end portion to the end portion. The effect is enhanced by including the outer peripheral surface of the portion held by the holding member of the cylindrical body (workpiece). As shown in FIG. 5, the length of the preliminary cutting process is preferably 1 mm or more and preferably ¼ or less of the entire length of the cylindrical body 101. Particularly preferably, it is 10 to 30 mm from the end portion, and the range is effective, and the preliminary cutting distance is short and the heat generation is small. If the length L ₂ mm for performing the pre-cutting is long, the heat generated by the pre-cutting is large, and the main cutting is performed while heat is accumulated in the cylindrical body (workpiece). Therefore, the temperature difference between the cutting start side 102 and the cutting end side 104 of the cylindrical body 101 during the main cutting increases. Then, even if cutting is performed by moving the tip of the cutting tool completely parallel to the rotation axis of the cylindrical body, when the cylindrical body cools and returns to room temperature, the shrinkage of the high temperature part (cutting end side) increases, and the cutting start side The difference between the outer diameter and the outer diameter on the cutting end side is also increased. Also, pre-cut length _{L 2} is effective at 1mm or more. This is because when the length L ₂ mm is 1 mm or less, the force from cutting from the outside of the cylindrical body 101 is small at the time of preliminary cutting, and it is not sufficient for the cylindrical body 101 to fit into the holding means 105 without a gap, This is because the effect of eliminating the step scratch is weak.

In the present invention, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body (workpiece) before processing is D ₁ mm, the outer diameter after preliminary cutting of the preliminary cutting portion is D ₂ mm, and the outer diameter of the central portion after main cutting is D _3. When it becomes mm, it is preferable to satisfy the following formula 2 (see FIG. 5).

D ₁ −0.03 ≧ D ₂ > D ₃ ... Formula 2

  That is, if the allowance for pre-cutting is small, the effect of pre-cutting is not sufficient, and it is preferably 0.03 mm or more. If it is less than 0.03 mm, the force due to the cutting resistance from the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 101 toward the center during the preliminary cutting process is small, and it is not sufficient for the cylindrical body 101 to fit into the holding means 105 without a gap. Therefore, the effect of eliminating the stepped scratches is weak and scratches may remain.

The outer diameter D ₂ after preliminary cutting is greater than is necessary outer diameter D ₃ mm after the outer peripheral entire cutting. This is because if the outer diameter D ₂ after the pre-cutting is smaller than the outer diameter D ₃ mm after the entire outer periphery cutting, the pre-cut cutting part is not completely removed by the main cutting, and the pre-cutting is performed near the end on the cutting end side. This is because the cutting part remains.

As shown in FIG. 7, a cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 used in the cutting method of the present invention is prepared by cutting the outer diameter of the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical body (element tube) in advance, and a rough cutting portion 701 having an outer diameter D ₄ is formed. Provided. The purpose of providing the rough cutting portion 701 will be described. In lathe processing, a chip discharging means is required to discharge a member (chip) cut from the cylindrical body in the cutting process. As the chip discharging means, there is used a method in which a discharge pipe (air duct) is installed in the vicinity of the cutting bit, connected to a suction device, and chips are continuously sucked and discharged during cutting. By this method, a support having a good outer peripheral surface can be obtained with less entrainment of chips during cutting. However, it has the disadvantage that when thick chips are discharged, clogging occurs in the discharge pipe, causing defects. If the outer diameter difference (cutting allowance) before and after cutting is large, thick chips are discharged. Further, when the thick chips are discharged, the chips come into contact with the cut surface or are caught in the cut portion, and scratches are generated. In order to prevent the problems caused by the thick chips as described above, an object is to reduce the cutting allowance so that the thin chips are discharged.
The rough cutting is distinguished from the prior art (2) (see Patent Document 5) because the cylindrical body is once removed from the holding means after the rough cutting in the preliminary cutting of the present invention. After rough cutting, sufficient time is taken until preliminary cutting, and heat accumulated in the cylindrical body is released to adjust the cylindrical body temperature to room temperature, and then preliminary cutting and main cutting are performed. Rough cutting is preferably performed in a series of both-end processing steps. That is, since rough cutting requires less precision than main cutting, it can be sufficiently processed with a double-sided machine. Further, if the entire outer periphery is machined twice with a lathe, the machining time is doubled, but both-end machining takes a short time. Further, if rough cutting is performed with a both-end processing machine, rough cutting can be performed without lowering productivity than when the entire outer periphery is turned twice with a lathe.

After the rough cutting is uniformly performed on the entire surface of the cylindrical body, the preliminary cutting and the main cutting of the present invention may be performed. Further, in the rough cutting process, in order to enhance the effect of the preliminary cutting according to the present invention, it is preferable to provide the preliminary cutting part 301 with a part 702 to be left without rough cutting as shown in FIG. In the rough cutting method in which the portion 702 to be left without rough cutting is provided, the cutting allowance in the preliminary cutting can be increased, and the cutting resistance received toward the center from the outer periphery when the cylindrical body 101 is preliminarily cut is increased. There is an effect of enhancing the cutting effect. Further, by providing the portion 702 to be left without rough cutting, the effect of preliminary cutting can be enhanced even when the outer diameter D ₃ mm after the main cutting and the outer diameter D ₄ of the rough cutting portion 701 are small.

At this time, D ₁ , D ₃ , and D ₄ must satisfy the following expression 4 (see FIG. 7).

D ₁ > D ₄ > D ₃ ... Formula 4

The outer diameter D ₄ after rough cutting needs to be larger than the outer diameter D ₃ mm after the main cutting. If the difference between the outer diameter D ₄ after the rough cutting and the outer diameter D ₃ mm after the main cutting is small, the rough cutting portion remains after the main cutting, and a defect may occur on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical support. is there. Outer diameter D ₂ of the outer diameter D ₄ and the spare cutting portion after cut after rough cutting is may be either greater, when the cutting when the same outer diameter, uniform cutting surface cutting resistance becomes constant This is preferable because of increased properties.

Alternatively, there is an example in which the preliminary cutting portion is not left without rough cutting during rough cutting, but the rough cutting is also performed on the preliminary cutting portion, but the outer diameter after rough cutting is increased. When the outer diameter of the portion to be left as preliminary cutting portion when the rough cut was _{D 5, D 3, D 4} , D 5 preferably satisfies the equation 5 below (see FIG. 7).

D ₅ −0.03 ≧ D ₄ > D ₃ ... Formula 5

Outer diameter D ₅ of the portion to be left as preliminary cutting portion when the coarse cutting is preferably greater than 0.03mm than the outer diameter D ₄ after the rough machining of the usual rough cutting portion.

In order to enhance the effect of the preliminary cutting according to the present invention, the length of the portion 702 to be left without rough cutting or the length L _{3 for} making the outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the normal rough cutting portion is as follows. It is preferable to satisfy the formula.
L ₂ ≧ L ₃ ≧ 1 mm ... Equation 3

If a portion that has not been roughly cut remains after the preliminary cutting, the effect of the rough cutting does not act on the portion, so that clogging of chips and cutting scratches due to the chips are likely to occur. Further, L ₂ and L ₃ are preferably the same or within 10 mm.

  A cutting method in which preliminary cutting and main cutting are performed after rough cutting prevents clogging of an air duct that is a chip discharging means. Therefore, stable production is possible, and scratches caused by chips can be prevented. At the same time, the effect of the preliminary cutting according to the present invention is enhanced, and a support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member with no defects in steps and high accuracy is obtained. Can be obtained. In addition, the rough cutting is performed in a series of both-end processing steps, thereby reducing the decrease in productivity.

  The cutting tool used in the present invention is made of metal such as super steel, ceramic, diamond (sintered diamond, single crystal diamond) or the like. The cutting tool tip shape can be a corner (sword tool), an arc (R tool), a straight (flat tool), or a combination of a flat and a corner (miracle tool). Furthermore, for the purpose of reducing scratches caused by cutting chips and reducing the load caused by the cutting tool, the rough tool and the finishing tool are fixed to the tool base at a predetermined interval. There is also a method of cutting by one scan and two bytes in which the finishing bit follows.

  In the lathe apparatus of the present invention, by using a so-called double-axis drive lathe having rotating means as holding means on both sides, the cylindrical body (workpiece) can be held at a low pressure without being deformed, and sufficiently It is possible to rotate and cut the cylindrical body (workpiece) by transmitting the rotational force. It is suitable for obtaining a higher precision cylinder.

  The cylindrical material of the present invention may be any material having conductivity when used as a support for an electrophotographic member. For example, a metal such as aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, and titanium and alloys thereof, or plastic, ceramic, glass, or the like subjected to conductive treatment can be used. Among these, aluminum or an aluminum alloy of 3000 (Al—Mn), 5000 (Al—Mg), or 6000 (Al—Mg—Si) is particularly preferable.

  As a manufacturing method of the tube material from which the cylindrical body is based, for example, there is a method (DI method) of processing into a cup shape by deep drawing and then extending the wall of the cup by ironing to manufacture a tube material with a bottom. is there. There is also a method (II method) in which a cup-like material is manufactured by processing into a cup shape by impact extrusion and then stretching the wall of the cup by ironing. Furthermore, there is also a method (EI method) in which a tube material obtained by extrusion is stretched by ironing to produce a thin-walled tube material. Furthermore, the method (ED method) etc. which manufacture a thin pipe | tube material by drawing the hollow pipe extruded by the mandrel system or the porthole system etc. by one stage | paragraph or one stage or more are also mentioned. The tube material thus manufactured is cut into a predetermined length to obtain a cylindrical body (element tube).

  In order to hold the cylindrical body (element tube) with a holding means when performing lathe processing, to join a flange to the end, and to adjust the overall length, both ends of the cylindrical body have a predetermined accuracy (squareness, Parallelism) end face processing is performed.

When a cylindrical body whose outer peripheral surface has been cut by the cutting method of the present invention is used as a support for an electrophotographic photoreceptor, the photosensitive layer provided on the support is an inorganic photosensitive layer using an inorganic photoconductive substance. Alternatively, an organic photosensitive layer using an organic photoconductive substance may be used. Further, it may be a laminated photosensitive layer separated into a charge generation layer containing a charge generation material and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material. In addition, a conductive layer for the purpose of preventing interference fringes due to scattering of laser light, coating of scratches on the support, and an intermediate layer having a barrier function and an adhesive function are provided between the support and the photosensitive layer. Also good. Further, a protective layer may be provided on the photosensitive layer for the purpose of protecting the photosensitive layer.
Examples of the protective layer include a resin curable by electron beam, ultraviolet light, and heat, and further a lubricant dispersed in the resin. As described above, according to the cutting method of the present invention, the support for the electrophotographic member is used. A cylindrical body suitably used as a body can be obtained. The cylindrical body whose outer peripheral surface is cut by the cutting method of the present invention has no step scratches and good outer peripheral surface uniformity. A cylindrical body whose outer peripheral surface is cut by the cutting method of the present invention can be used as a support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member or a developing member (developing sleeve or developing roller). When they are mounted on an electrophotographic apparatus, it is possible to output a high-quality image without image defects. In particular, if an electrophotographic photosensitive member or developing member using a cylindrical body whose outer peripheral surface is cut by the cutting method of the present invention as a support is attached to an electrophotographic apparatus for color image output, a high-quality image is obtained. I can do it.

  The cylindrical body whose outer peripheral surface is cut by the cutting method of the present invention is not only used as a support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing member, but also for other electrophotographic members such as a charging roller, a feed roller, and a fixing roller. Also, it can be suitably used.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic apparatus provided with a process cartridge having the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1 denotes a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed in the direction of the arrow about the shaft 2.

  The surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 to be rotationally driven is uniformly charged to a predetermined positive or negative potential by a charging unit 3 (primary charging unit: charging roller or the like). Next, exposure light 4 (image exposure light) output from exposure means (not shown) such as slit exposure or laser beam scanning exposure is received. In this way, electrostatic latent images corresponding to the target image are sequentially formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 is developed with toner contained in the developer of the developing means 5 having a developing member (developing sleeve, developing roller, etc.) to become a toner image. Next, a toner image formed and supported on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 is formed by a transfer bias from the transfer means 6 (transfer roller or the like). Then, the transfer material P taken out from the transfer material supply means (not shown) between the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 and the transfer means 6 (contact portion) in synchronization with the rotation of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 and fed. (Such as paper) is transferred sequentially.

  The transfer material P that has received the transfer of the toner image is separated from the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 and introduced into the fixing means 8, and is printed out of the apparatus as an image formed product (print, copy) by undergoing image fixing. Be out.

  The surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 after the transfer of the toner image is cleaned by receiving a developer (toner) remaining after the transfer by a cleaning means 7 (cleaning blade or the like). Further, after being subjected to charge removal processing by pre-exposure light (not shown) from a pre-exposure means (not shown), it is repeatedly used for image formation. As shown in FIG. 9, when the charging unit 3 is a contact charging unit using a charging roller or the like, pre-exposure is not necessarily required.

  Among the above-described components such as the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, the charging unit 3, the developing unit 5, the transfer unit 6 and the cleaning unit 7, a plurality of components may be housed in a container and integrally combined as a process cartridge. I can do it. The process cartridge may be configured to be detachable from an electrophotographic apparatus main body such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer. In FIG. 9, the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, the charging unit 3, the developing unit 5, and the cleaning unit 7 are integrally supported to form a cartridge. The process cartridge 9 is detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus using guide means 10 such as a rail of the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these. In the examples, “part” means “part by mass”. The definition of the geometric deviation in the examples is based on JIS-B0021 and JIS-B0621.

Example 1
A hollow pipe (aluminum alloy JIS-A3003) manufactured by extrusion and drawing was cut to obtain a cylindrical body (element tube) having an outer diameter D ₁ = 60.3 mm, an inner diameter 56.6 mm, and a length 364 mm. .

Next, the inner diameter portion (position of 30 mm from the end portion) of the cylindrical body (element tube) was held by the collet chuck using a both-end processing machine (SD-500 manufactured by Egro Co., Ltd.). Next, both ends were cut and finished to have a total length L ₁ = 360 mm and an end face perpendicularity of 10 μm or less. Further, 0.4 C chamfering was performed on the entire outer periphery and inner end of the cylindrical body (element tube).

  Next, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 is cut by a lathe machining apparatus (trade name: RL-700, manufactured by Egro Co., Ltd., configured as shown in FIG. 3) driven by both axes. processed. The room temperature was 23 ° C., and the temperature of the cylindrical body (workpiece) before cutting was also 23 ° C. In FIG. 3, the lathe apparatus has a cylindrical body 101, a cylindrical body cutting start side 102, holding means 103 and 105, a cylindrical body cutting end side 104, a rotating means 106, a guide rail 107, a cutting tool fixing base 108, A cutting tool 109 and a pressurizing means 112 are provided. As the holding means, a holding means having a conical shape as shown in FIG. 3 (the cone angle is 3 ° with respect to the center line of the holding means and the center of the cone coincides with the rotation center of the holding means) is used.

  As a preliminary cutting process, first, the cutting start side 102 of the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 is held by the holding means 103, and the cutting end side 104 is set by the holding means 105 to the inner diameter chamfered portion of the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101. Abutted. Further, the cylinder (workpiece) 101 was pressed and held in the direction of the bus bar via the holding means 105 by applying an air pressure of 8 kgf using an air cylinder as the pressurizing means 112.

The cylindrical body 101 was rotated at 4000 rpm through the holding means 103 by the rotating means 106. Further, the cutting tool 109 fixed to the tool fixing base 108 on the guide rail 107 was moved to the cutting end side 104 of the cylindrical body 101. Next, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 101, the pre-cut portion 301, was cut from the end portion to the end portion in the direction of the arrow 302 by the cutting tool 109 at L ₂ = 15 mm. The outer diameter after preliminary cutting was D ₂ = 60.14 (cutting allowance at radius 0.08 mm). The cutting condition was a cylindrical body (workpiece) with a feed pitch per rotation of 0.12 mm / rev, and a natural diamond miracle bite (manufactured by Tokyo Diamond Tool Mfg. Co., Ltd.) was used. 5).

  Next, as the main cutting process, the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 is held without being detached, as shown in FIG. 4, from the cutting start side 102 to the end of the cutting end 104 in the direction of the arrow 401 to the end of the cutting end 104. Cutting 402 was performed. Cutting conditions were a spindle rotation speed of 4000 rpm and a cutting bite feed pitch per rotation of the cylinder (workpiece) of 0.12 mm / rev. As the cutting tool, an R0.2 sintered diamond R tool (manufactured by Tokyo Diamond Tool Mfg. Co., Ltd.) and a natural diamond miracle tool (manufactured by Tokyo Diamond Tool Mfg. Co., Ltd.) were used on one cutting tool holder 108. They were fixed at intervals of 10 mm, and were cut by a method in which the R bite preceded and the miracle bite followed. The cutting depth was set (the cutting allowance at the radius was 0.05 mm for the R bit, 0.05 mm for the miracle, and a total of 0.10 mm) (see FIG. 5 for the dimensions of the workpiece during the main cutting).

  As a result of visual inspection of the outer appearance of the outer peripheral surface 601 of the cylindrical body 101, no step scratch was observed (see FIG. 6 for the dimensions and shape of the cylindrical body after cutting).

  Further, 10,000 pieces were continuously cut in the same manner as in Example 1, but 0.3% of the cylindrical body (support) became defective due to clogging of chips.

The cylindrical body (support) whose outer peripheral surface was cut in this way was rotated by 45 degrees with an outer diameter D ₃ = 59.940 mm (laser length measuring machine (manufactured by Shinko Co., Ltd.)) at the center portion. The average value obtained by point measurement) was 360.0 mm in length. The outer diameters of the 20 mm portion from the cutting start side end and the 20 mm portion from the cutting end side end were measured in the same manner. Further, the difference in outer diameter between the 20 mm portion from the end portion on the cutting start side and the 20 mm portion from the end portion on the cutting end side was determined, and the results are shown in Table 1 described later.

  Next, the lathe-finished cylindrical body was immersed in a 10% aqueous solution of a surfactant (trade name: Van Rise 20S, manufactured by Tokiwa Chemical Co., Ltd.) and degreased and washed for 2 minutes while applying ultrasonic waves. Further, after rinsing with a shower of deionized water, the film was immersed and heated in deionized water at 80 ° C., and then dried by lifting at 30 mm / s (hot water pulling method).

  The cylindrical body after drying was used as a support.

Next, a mixed solvent of SnO ₂ coated treated barium sulfate (conductive particles) 9 parts, titanium oxide (for resistance adjustment) 5 parts, phenol resin 6 parts, and methanol 3 parts / methoxypropanol 23 parts, A coating solution for a conductive layer was prepared.

  This conductive layer coating solution was applied by dip coating on a support and thermally cured at 150 ° C. for 20 minutes to form a conductive layer having a thickness of 11 μm.

  Next, 8 parts of polyamide resin (trade name: Amilan CM8000, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) and 12 parts of methoxymethylated 6 nylon resin (trade name: Toresin EF-30T, manufactured by Teikoku Chemical Co., Ltd.) were prepared. . These were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 300 parts of methanol / 200 parts of n-butanol to prepare an intermediate layer coating solution.

  This intermediate layer coating solution was dip-coated on the conductive layer and dried in hot air at 100 ° C. for 10 minutes to form an intermediate layer having a thickness of 0.8 μm.

  Next, 6 parts of an azo pigment (charge generating substance) having a structure represented by the following formula, 5 parts of polyvinyl butyral resin (trade name: BX-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 70 parts of cyclohexanone are prepared. did. These were dispersed in a sand mill apparatus using glass beads for 8 hours, and 100 parts of ethyl acetate was added to prepare a coating solution for charge generation layer.

  This charge generation layer coating solution was dip-coated on the intermediate layer and dried by heating at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.23 μm.

  Next, 8 parts of an amine compound having a structure represented by the following formula:

4 parts of an amine compound having a structure represented by the following formula:

And 10 parts of bisphenol Z type polycarbonate resin (trade name: Iupilon Z-200, manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd.) was prepared. They were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 80 parts of monochlorobenzene / 20 parts of dimethoxymethane to prepare a coating solution for charge transport layer.

  This charge transport layer coating solution was dip coated on the charge generation layer and dried at 130 ° C. for 40 minutes to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 18 μm.

  In this manner, an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a charge transport layer as a surface layer was produced. The obtained electrophotographic photosensitive member had an outer diameter of 60.0 mm and a length of 360.0 mm.

  Next, an end engaging member made of polycarbonate (trade name: Iupilon, manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd.) was attached to the end of the produced electrophotographic photosensitive member. This was fixed with a cyanoacrylate adhesive (trade name: Aron Alpha: manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.) to obtain an electrophotographic photoreceptor unit.

  The electrophotographic photosensitive member unit thus produced is mounted on a four-color tandem color copier (product name: Color Laser Copier 5000, a modified machine manufactured by Canon Inc.), and a halftone image is output and evaluated. Went. The results are shown in Table 1. The halftone image evaluation method outputs an image in which one effective line and two white lines are alternately scanned in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the image density difference ΔE ≦ 2 is used as a reference for image unevenness. .

(Examples 2 to 7)
In Example 1, except that the outer diameter D ₂ after preliminary cutting of the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101, the length L _{2 of} preliminary cutting, and the outer diameter D ₃ after main cutting are as shown in Table 1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

  In Example 6, there was little cutting allowance for pre-cutting, and a level difference scratch of 0.2 μm or less occurred about 10%. However, it was confirmed that all the output images of the electrophotographic apparatus were at a non-defective level.

(Example 8)
A hollow pipe (aluminum alloy JIS-A5005) manufactured by extrusion processing and drawing processing by a port hole method is cut, and a cylindrical body having an outer diameter D ₁ = 84.3 mm, an inner diameter 78.0 mm, and a length 402 mm (Element tube) was obtained.

Next, the inner diameter part (position 41 mm from the end part) of the cylindrical body 101 (element tube) is held by the collet chuck with a both-end processing machine (SD-500 manufactured by Egro Co., Ltd.), and both end parts are cut. The total length L ₁ = 400 mm and the end face perpendicularity of 15 μm or less. Furthermore, 0.4C chamfering was performed on both the outer and inner ends. Further, the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical body 101 (element tube) is subjected to rough cutting 701 (processing in which the outer peripheral portion is cut in advance before cutting) over a length L ₁ −L ₃ = 380 mm from one end portion. The outer diameter was 84.15 mm (cutting allowance at radius 0.075 mm). As shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical body (workpiece) has a rough cutting portion 701 of 380 mm and a portion 702 that remains without rough cutting L ₃ = 20 mm.

The cylindrical body 101 (workpiece) was held with the portion 702 where the cylindrical body 101 (workpiece) was left without rough cutting on the same lathe as in Example 1 being the end of the cutting end. As a preliminary cutting process, first, preliminary cutting was performed so that the outer diameter D ₂ = 84.15 of the portion 702, L ₂ = 20 mm left without rough cutting on the cutting end side. Further, as the main cutting process, the main body 402 of the entire cylindrical body was performed from the cutting start side 102 to the end of the cutting end 104 as shown in FIG. 8 while holding the cylindrical body (workpiece) 101 without detaching. Cutting conditions were a spindle rotation speed of 3000 rpm and a cutting bite feed pitch per rotation of the cylinder (workpiece) of 0.10 mm / rev. The cutting tool was the same as in Example 1. As for the cutting depth, the cutting allowance at the radius is set to 0.05 mm for the R bit and 0.025 mm for the miracle bit, and the total is 0.075 mm (see FIG. 5 for the workpiece size during the main cutting). As a result, no scratches on the step were found.

  As a result of visual inspection of the outer appearance of the outer peripheral surface 601 of the cylindrical body 101, no step scratch was observed (see FIG. 6 for the dimensions and shape of the cylindrical body after cutting).

  Further, 10,000 pieces were cut continuously by the same method as in Example 8, but no clogging occurred.

The cylindrical body (support) whose outer peripheral surface was cut in this way was rotated by 45 degrees with an outer diameter D ₃ = 84.000 mm (laser length measuring machine (manufactured by Shinko Co., Ltd.) at the center portion. Average value measured at four points). In the same manner, the outer diameters of the 20 mm portion from the cutting start side end and the 20 mm portion from the cutting end end are measured, and the outer diameters of the 20 mm portion from the cutting start end and the 20 mm portion from the cutting end end are measured. The difference was determined and the results are shown in Table 1.

  Table 1 shows the results of producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member in the same manner as in Example 1 and evaluating it with an electrophotographic apparatus (prototype having the configuration shown in FIG. 9).

  In Example 13, a level difference scratch of 0.2 μm or less occurred about 5%, but it was confirmed that the output image of the electrophotographic apparatus was a non-defective product level.

(Examples 9 to 14)
In Example 8, was a length L _{3 =} L ₂ of the portion 702 to leave without rough machining, the outer diameter D ₂ after preliminary _cutting, the pre-cut length L _2, the outer diameter D ₃ after the cutting Was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 8 except that the composition was as shown in Table 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

  In Example 13, a level difference scratch of 0.2 μm or less occurred about 5%, but it was confirmed that the output image of the electrophotographic apparatus was a non-defective product level.

(Example 15)
In Example 8, in the rough cutting process by the both-ends machine, in Example 8, rough cutting was performed so that the portion 702 left without rough cutting was further set to have an outer diameter D ₂ = 84.20. Further, in the same manner as in Example 8, the cylindrical body 101 (workpiece) was held on a lathe by rough cutting, with the portion 702 having a large outer diameter facing the end of cutting. Table 1 below shows the results of preliminary cutting and main cutting performed in the same manner as in Example 8, after which an electrophotographic photosensitive member was produced and evaluated with an electrophotographic feeling device (prototype having the configuration shown in FIG. 9).

(Comparative Example 1)
In Example 1, an electrophotographic photosensitive member was produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the entire outer peripheral surface was finished by one cutting without performing preliminary cutting. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 2)
In Example 1, except that the cylindrical body preliminary cutting length L ₂ of the (workpiece) was over a half of the cylinder, as shown in Table 1 (workpiece), the same manner as in Example 1 Thus, an electrophotographic photoreceptor was prepared and evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 3)
In Example 1, after the cylinder the entire area of the (workpiece) was pre-cutting, except that was machined so that the outer diameter D ₃ after cutting, electrophotography in the same manner as in Example 1 photoconductor Was made. Table 1 shows the results of evaluation with an electrophotographic apparatus.

(Comparative Example 4)
In Example 8, a support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member was produced in the same manner as in Example 8, except that the entire outer peripheral surface was finished by one cutting without performing preliminary cutting. Further, an electrophotographic photoreceptor was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and the results of evaluation with an electrophotographic sensation apparatus in the same manner as in Example 8 are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 5)
In Example 8, the length L ₂ = L ₃ of the pre-cutting of the cylindrical body (workpiece) was ½ of that of the cylindrical body (workpiece) as shown in Table 1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor support was prepared in the same manner as described above. Further, an electrophotographic photoreceptor was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and the results of evaluation with an electrophotographic sensation apparatus in the same manner as in Example 8 are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 6)
In Example 8, after pre-cutting the entire region of the cylindrical body (blank tube), except that was machined so that the outer diameter D ₃ after cutting, the electrophotographic photosensitive member in the same manner as in Example 1 Produced. Table 1 shows the results of evaluation with an electrophotographic apparatus.

(Comparative Example 7)
In Example 1, a cylindrical body (workpiece) obtained by performing inlay processing with a cutting allowance of 0.1 mm and a length of 20 mm on the inner surface of the cylindrical body (element tube) in series with both ends processing is performed without performing preliminary cutting. Table 1 shows the results of producing and evaluating an electrophotographic photosensitive member in the same manner as described above.

(Comparative Example 8)
In Example 8, a cylindrical body (workpiece) obtained by performing inlay processing with a cutting allowance of 0.1 mm and a length of 20 mm on the inner surface of the cylindrical body (element tube) in series with both ends processing is performed without performing preliminary cutting. In the same manner, a support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member was produced. Further, an electrophotographic photoreceptor was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and the results of evaluation with an electrophotographic sensation apparatus in the same manner as in Example 8 are shown in Table 1.

Step scratch ◎: Not particularly good at all.

○: Although there is a step scratch, it is 0.1 μm or less, and the result of confirmation in the output image is a good product
Δ: There is a level difference, but it is 0.2 μm or less.
×: Almost defective

  In Comparative Examples 1 and 4, a level difference flaw occurred during cutting, and the output image of the electrophotographic apparatus had stripe-like density unevenness in a portion corresponding to the level difference.

Comparative Examples 2 and 5 Since the outer diameter uniformity of the cylindrical body was inferior to that of the example, the outer diameter uniformity of the electrophotographic photosensitive member using it as a support was also inferior to that of the example, and the output image of the electrophotographic apparatus There was uneven density. In order to make the density unevenness within the reference (image density difference ΔE ≦ 2) in the output image, it is necessary to suppress the difference between the maximum and minimum outer diameters within the cylindrical support within 0.020 mm.
In Comparative Examples 7 and 8, although smaller than Comparative Examples 1 and 6, a level difference flaw occurred during cutting, and the output image of the electrophotographic apparatus had streaky density unevenness in a portion corresponding to the level difference.

It is a figure explaining the example of the conventional lathe process and a level | step difference crack. It is a figure explaining the state of a fitting of a holding means and the cylindrical body 101. FIG. A is an initial state and B is a completely fitted state. It is a figure explaining the cutting method (preliminary cutting process) of the cylindrical body of this invention. It is a figure explaining the cutting method (this cutting process) of the cylindrical body of this invention. It is a figure explaining the dimension of the cylindrical body (in the middle of this cutting) of Examples 1-7 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the dimension after completion of this invention cylindrical body cutting (support for electrophotographic photoreceptors). It is a figure explaining the dimension of this invention Examples 8-15 cylindrical body (workpiece before cutting). It is a figure explaining the dimension of this invention Example 8-15 cylindrical body (workpiece during this cutting). 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic apparatus including a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Explanation of symbols

101 Cylindrical body 102 Side on which cutting tool 109 abuts at the start of cutting 103 Holding means (cutting start side)
104 Side on which cutting tool 109 abuts at the end of cutting 105 Holding means (cutting end)
106 Rotating Means 107 Guide Rail 108 Cutting Tool Fixing Base 109 Cutting Tool 110 Moving Direction 111 of Cutting Tool 109 Step Scratch 112 Pressing Means 201 Clearance 202 Center of Cylindrical Body 203 Center of Holding Means 301 Preliminary Cutting Part 302 Cutting in Preliminary Cutting Movement direction 401 of cutting tool 109 Movement direction of cutting tool 109 in main cutting 402 Cutting part 601 in main cutting Outer peripheral surface 701 Rough cutting part 702 Rough cutting remaining part L ₁ Cylindrical body (workpiece) full length L ₂ Preliminary cutting length L ₃ roughing was thicker diameter for preliminary cutting in parts or coarse cutting without leaving portions of the length D ₁ before processing the cylindrical body (blank tube) outer diameter D ₂ preliminary cutting portion spare outer diameter D ₃ periphery entire cutting after cutting the outer diameter of the post (the cutting) (outside diameter of the support)
D ₄ Outer diameter after rough cutting D ₅ Outer diameter of the part thickened for preliminary cutting by rough cutting 1 Electrophotographic photosensitive member 2 Axis 3 Charging means 4 Exposure light 5 Developing means 6 Transfer means 7 Cleaning means 8 Fixing Means 9 Process cartridge 10 Guide means P Transfer material

Claims (8)

In the method of manufacturing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, including a step of cutting the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body by a lathe device having a holding unit that abuts the conical clamping surface on the cylindrical body (workpiece).
1) fixing the cylindrical body having a total length L ₁ mm to a lathe device with a holding means;
2) A step of cutting the outer peripheral surface from one end of the cylindrical body over a length L ₂ mm satisfying the following formula 1;
_{L 1/4 ≧ L 2 ≧} 1mm ··· Formula 1
3) After the step of 2), starting the cutting process from the other end without removing the cylindrical body from the holding means, and cutting the entire outer periphery of the cylindrical body over the other end;
And a process for producing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the process is performed in the order of 1), 2) and 3). 2. The method for manufacturing a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member support according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the cylindrical body before processing is D ₁ mm, and one end portion in step 2) of the cylindrical body according to claim 1. when the outer diameter after the cutting of the length L ₂ mm portion from the outer diameter after the outer peripheral entire cutting process of the D ₂ mm, 3) is D ₃ mm, cylinder and satisfies the following formula 2 For producing a support for a sheet-like electrophotographic photoreceptor.
D ₁ −0.03 ≧ D ₂ > D ₃ ... Formula 2 2. The method for manufacturing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein before the steps 1), 2) and 3) according to claim 1, the cylinder is disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical body. A step of performing rough cutting so that the length from one end of the body leaves a length L ₃ mm satisfying the following formula 3 and has an outer diameter D ₄ satisfying the following formula 4; A method for producing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the cylindrical body is once removed from the holding means and then the steps 1), 2) and 3) according to claim 1 are performed.
L ₂ ≧ L ₃ ≧ 1 mm ... Equation 3
D ₁ > D ₄ > D ₃ ... Formula 4 2. The method of manufacturing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1, wherein before the steps 1), 2) and 3) according to claim 1, the cylindrical body is placed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body. A step of performing rough cutting so that a portion having a length L ₃ mm satisfying the above-described expression 3 is an outer diameter D ₅ and the other portion is an outer diameter D _4. after temporarily removed from the holding means a cylindrical body after the step, step 1) according to claim 1, 2), 3 an outer diameter after the outer peripheral entire cutting) performs cutting as a D ₃ mm, D _3, D _{4. A} method for producing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the relationship between D ₅ and D ₅ satisfies the following formula 5.
D ₅ −0.03 ≧ D ₄ > D ₃ ... Formula 5 A support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member produced by the method for producing a support for a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 1.   An electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer on the surface of the support for an electrophotographic photosensitive member produced using the cylindrical support for the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 5. The electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 6 and at least one means selected from the group consisting of a charging means, a developing means, a transfer means, and a cleaning means are integrally supported and detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic apparatus. A process cartridge characterized by that. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising the electrophotographic photosensitive member according to claim 6, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit.