JP5549870B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is an electrophotographic photocopier, printer, facsimile, or a composite machine equipped with a latent image carrier that has a lubricant application mechanism and realizes high wear resistance and stable electrical characteristics over a long period of time. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using the method.

In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process, an image is formed by subjecting a photoreceptor used as a latent image carrier to a charging step, an exposure step, a development step, and a transfer step.
In the photoconductor, there may be discharge products generated in the charging process and untransferred residual toner that has not been transferred. For this reason, the photoconductor is subjected to a cleaning process after the transfer process to remove a residue made up of discharge products and residual toner.
As a cleaning method used in the cleaning process, a method using a rubber blade that is inexpensive, has a simple mechanism, and has excellent cleaning properties is generally well known. However, since the rubber blade is pressed against the photoconductor to remove the residue on the surface of the photoconductor, stress due to friction between the photoconductor surface and the cleaning blade is large. Wear, shortening the life of rubber blades and organophotoreceptors.

In recent years, toners used for image formation in response to the demand for higher image quality have been increasing in size.
In an image forming apparatus using a toner having a small particle diameter, the proportion of untransferred residual toner slips through the cleaning blade increases. In particular, the dimensional accuracy and assembly accuracy of the cleaning blade are insufficient, In the case of shaking, the toner slipped out and prevented high-quality image formation. Therefore, in order to extend the life of the organic photoreceptor and maintain high image quality over a long period of time, it is necessary to reduce the deterioration of the member due to friction and improve the cleaning property.

As a general method for reducing friction, there is a method in which a lubricant is supplied to the surface of the organic photoreceptor, and the supplied lubricant is uniformly applied with a cleaning blade or a brush to form a lubricant film. There is (for example, Patent Document 1).
When using a lubricant, if the amount of lubricant applied is too small, sufficient effects cannot be exerted on the abrasion, scratches and blade deterioration of the organic photoconductor. Since there are problems such as image flow that accumulates on the body and excessive lubricant mixes with the developer, resulting in poor developer performance. It was necessary to keep.

  On the other hand, as a method for improving the cleaning property, a method in which a lubricant is externally added to a toner used as a developer, and the lubricant is supplied to a latent image carrier when developing with toner during image formation is adopted. Has been. There is a method in which the supply of the lubricant reduces the friction between the latent image carrier and the cleaning blade and ensures the cleaning performance of the residual toner (for example, Patent Document 2).

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, when the lubricant is externally added to the toner, the lubricant is applied to the latent image carrier only at the portion where the toner image is formed. For this reason, for example, when there are parts of images such as quotations and proposals that are not clearly present in a single image, or a large amount of images with a large difference in image density are output. In some cases, the lubricant is not supplied in the portion where the toner image is not formed, and the portion where the lubricant is applied on the latent image carrier may be biased. As a result, if the latent image carrier wears unevenly, or if the part where the lubricant is applied and the part where the lubricant is not applied are in contact with each other with a boundary, the cleaning blade is likely to vibrate at that boundary, There arises a problem that cleaning defects and harsh frictional noises are likely to occur.

  In addition, when the image density is low, the amount of lubricant externally added to the toner used for the developer is reduced on the latent image carrier, so the amount of lubricant applied is too small, and the latent image carrier is worn, scratched, If the effect of the blade deterioration cannot be exerted and the image density is too high or the concentration of the externally added lubricant is too high, the externally added lubricant is placed on the latent image carrier. As the amount increases, the lubricant is excessively applied and the excess lubricant is accumulated on the latent image carrier. Depending on the image forming conditions, blurring may occur due to image flow at the edge of the image area, or the lubricant may be charged. Since the transfer to the roller causes variations in the resistance of the charging roller and causes problems such as poor charging, it is necessary to keep the amount of lubricant applied at an optimum amount.

As a method using a toner added with a lubricant as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a solid image that can be developed with toner is formed on the entire surface of the latent image carrier before the start of image formation. There has also been proposed a method in which a lubricant is supplied to the entire surface of the image carrier (for example, Patent Document 3).
However, using the method disclosed in Patent Document 3, it is possible to supply the lubricant to the entire surface of the latent image carrier. However, since a large amount of developer is used, a large amount of waste toner is produced, resulting in an environmental load. It becomes very big. Further, the output of a solid image is not limited to before the start of image formation, but may be performed periodically over time to prevent uneven wear. As described above, conventionally, a large amount of waste toner is discharged in order to prevent uneven wear.

  By the way, a lubricant such as metal soap also has a function of protecting the surface of the latent image carrier from discharge energy by the charging means by covering the surface of the latent image carrier. However, protecting the surface of the latent image carrier means that the lubricant absorbs the discharge energy, and the lubricant film deteriorates. In view of this, there has been proposed a method for achieving lubricant application as a protective film while prescribing the amount of lubricant applied and suppressing side effects (for example, Patent Document 4).

  However, if the deteriorated lubricant is present on the surface of the latent image carrier and left in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, significant image blur may occur particularly directly under the charger. In particular, it has been found that it easily occurs in a latent image carrier having a crosslinked surface layer having a structure in which a radical polymerizable compound is crosslinked. The reason for this is not clearly understood, but it is thought that the surface of the lubricant becomes low due to the combination of deteriorated lubricant, moisture in the air, and discharge products generated from the charger, and the electrostatic latent image flows. It is done. The reason why the radically polymerizable compound is remarkably generated in the crosslinked surface layer is thought to be that the deteriorated lubricant is difficult to remove from the surface and is difficult to replace with a new lubricant. In other words, even if the amount of lubricant applied is increased, the lubricant is applied further on the deteriorated lubricant adhering to the surface of the latent image carrier, so that the replacement of the deteriorated lubricant is not effective. Image blur is hardly improved. On the contrary, although it becomes easier to remove by reducing the coating amount of the lubricant, the wear on the surface of the latent image carrier is also increased.

Here, as a means for preventing deterioration of the lubricant, a method in which an antioxidant such as hindered phenol or hindered amine is included in the lubricant has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 5). Although the effect of suppressing deterioration is exhibited, it is not very effective for image blurring in a high temperature and high humidity environment. This is because the antioxidant easily reacts with the discharge energy, and the antioxidant itself deteriorates (oxidizes and decomposes), so that it easily binds to the discharge product and induces image blur. There is a possibility that. In addition, these antioxidants are gradually oxidized over time, and even when such antioxidants are applied to the surface of the photoreceptor, the effect of suppressing deterioration due to discharge can hardly be exhibited. it is conceivable that. Furthermore, in such a state, both the lubricant that has deteriorated due to the discharge and the antioxidant that has deteriorated with time may cause image blurring.
In the first place, antioxidants such as hindered phenols and hindered amines that have been used as aging (deterioration) inhibitors for rubber and plastic materials prevent the aging (deterioration) of rubber and plastic materials by their own oxidation. However, if it has a strong ability to prevent aging (deterioration), that is, self-oxidation is often fast (the effect of preventing the deterioration of rubber and plastic materials is difficult to continue for a long time), and therefore aging of rubber and plastic materials ( When used as a (deterioration) inhibitor, it is often necessary to use a combination of a plurality of types, such as a combination of a strong one (with limited continuity of effect) and a slow-acting one.

  As described above, in an image forming apparatus having a lubricant application unit, when image formation is repeatedly performed, a phenomenon in which image blur occurs in a high temperature and high humidity environment has been desired, and improvement has been desired. In particular, when a highly durable latent image carrier having a cross-linked surface layer having a structure in which a radical polymerizable compound is cross-linked is used, it is more likely to occur and improvement has been demanded.

  An object of the present invention is to solve various problems in the prior art and achieve the following objects. That is, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a lubricant application unit, it is possible to output an image stably for a long period of time without causing image blurring in a high temperature and high humidity environment with excellent durability and high quality. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a lubricant used therefor, and a process cartridge for the image forming apparatus.

  The inventors of the present invention have a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier. An image forming apparatus comprising: a latent image forming unit; a transfer unit that transfers an image formed on the carrier to a transfer member; and a developing unit that is disposed upstream of the transfer unit and forms a toner image. The lubricant used in an image forming apparatus having a lubricant applying means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier, wherein at least the lubricating material and the following general formula (1) or (2) It has been found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by using a lubricant containing an amine compound represented, and the present invention has been completed.

（式中、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は、芳香族炭化水素基置換もしくは無置換の炭素数１〜４のアルキル基を表わし、同一でも異なっていてもよい。また、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は互いに結合し窒素原子を含む複素環基を形成してもよい。Ａｒ^１、Ａｒ^２は置換若しくは無置換の芳香環基を表わす。ｌ，ｍはそれぞれ０〜３の整数を表わす。ただし、ｌ，ｍが同時に０となることはない。ｎは１または２の整数を表わす。）

(In the formula, R ¹ and R ^{2 each} represent an aromatic hydrocarbon group-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different. R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other. And a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom, Ar ¹ and Ar ² each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring group, and l and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3, provided that l, m Are not simultaneously 0. n represents an integer of 1 or 2.)

（式中、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は、芳香族炭化水素基置換もしくは無置換の炭素数１〜４のアルキル基を表わし、同一でも異なっていてもよい。また、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は互いに結合し窒素原子を含む複素環基を形成してもよい。Ａｒ^１、Ａｒ^２は置換若しくは無置換の芳香環基を表わす。ｌ，ｍはそれぞれ０〜３の整数を表わす。ただし、ｌ，ｍが同時に０となることはない。ｎは１または２の整数を表わす。）

(In the formula, R ¹ and R ^{2 each} represent an aromatic hydrocarbon group-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different. R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other. And a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom, Ar ¹ and Ar ² each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring group, and l and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3, provided that l, m Are not simultaneously 0. n represents an integer of 1 or 2.)

That is, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus as described in (1) to ( 21 ) below.
(1) “Latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier” A latent image forming means; a transfer means for transferring an image formed on the carrier to a transfer body; and a developing means disposed on the upstream side of the transfer means for forming a toner image. A lubricant used in an image forming apparatus having a lubricant applying means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier, wherein at least a lubricating material and an amine compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (2) A lubricant comprising at least one of the following.

（式中、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は、フェニル基置換もしくは無置換の炭素数１〜４のアルキル基を表わし、同一でも異なっていてもよい。また、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は互いに結合し窒素原子を含む複素環基を形成してもよい。Ａｒ^１、Ａｒ^２はアルキル基置換若しくは無置換のフェニレン基を表わす。ｌ，ｍはそれぞれ１又は２の整数を表わす。ｎは１または２の整数を表わす。）」、
（２）「前記潤滑性物質が少なくとも脂肪酸金属塩を含有するものであることを特徴とする前記第（１）項に記載の潤滑剤」、
（３）「前記潤滑剤中の前記アミン化合物の含有量が０．１ｗｔ％以上、４０ｗｔ％以下であることを特徴とする前記第（１）項又は（２）項に記載の潤滑剤」、
（４）「静電潜像を担持するための潜像担持体と、前記潜像担持体表面を帯電させるための帯電手段と、前記潜像担持体上に静電潜像を形成するための潜像形成手段と、前記静電潜像を現像してトナー画像を形成するための現像手段と、前記潜像担持体上に形成されたトナー画像を転写体に転写させる転写手段と、前記潜像担持体の表面に潤滑剤を付与する潤滑剤付与手段とを有する画像形成装置において、前記潤滑剤付与手段が前記第（１）項乃至第（３）項のいずれかに記載の潤滑剤を搭載し、該潤滑剤を潜像担持体の表面に付与する構成としたことを特徴とする画像形成装置により解決される」、
（５）「前記潤滑剤付与手段に搭載される前記潤滑剤が、固形状態であることを特徴とする前記第（４）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（６）「前記潜像担持体の表面層が、電荷輸送性構造を有しない３官能以上のラジカル重合性モノマーと電荷輸送性構造を有する１官能のラジカル重合性化合物を硬化した架橋表面層であることを特徴とする前記第（４）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（７）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に用いられる前記電荷輸送性構造を有しない３官能以上のラジカル重合性モノマーの重合性官能基が、アクリロイルオキシ基及び／又はメタクリロイルオキシ基であることを特徴とする前記第（６）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（８）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に用いられる前記電荷輸送性構造を有しない３官能以上のラジカル重合性モノマーにおける重合性官能基数に対する分子量の割合（分子量／官能基数）が、２５０以下であることを特徴とする前記第（６）又は第（７）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（９）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に用いられる前記電荷輸送性構造を有する１官能のラジカル重合性化合物の重合性官能基が、アクリロイルオキシ基又はメタクリロイルオキシ基であることを特徴とする前記第（６）項乃至第（８）項のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置。
（１０）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に用いられる前記電荷輸送性構造を有する１官能の電荷輸送性構造を有するラジカル重合性化合物の電荷輸送構造が、トリアリールアミン構造であることを特徴とする前記第（６）項乃至第（９）項のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置」、
（１１）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に用いられる電荷輸送性構造を有する１官能のラジカル重合性化合物の少なくとも１種類が、下記一般式（Ｉ）又は（II）のものであることを特徴とする前記第（６）項乃至第（１０）項のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置。

(In the formula, R ¹ and R ² represent a phenyl group-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different. R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other to form a nitrogen atom. ^.Ar 1 may also form a heterocyclic group containing, Ar ² is an alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group .l, m Table I to .n the integer of 1 or 2 is 1 or 2 Represents an integer of
(2) "Lubricant according to (1) above, wherein the lubricating substance contains at least a fatty acid metal salt",
( 3 ) "Lubricant according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the content of the amine compound in the lubricant is 0.1 wt% or more and 40 wt% or less",
( 4 ) “ Latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier” A latent image forming means; a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image; a transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a transfer body; In the image forming apparatus having a lubricant applying unit that applies a lubricant to the surface of the image carrier, the lubricant applying unit applies the lubricant according to any one of the items (1) to ( 3 ). This is solved by an image forming apparatus that is mounted and configured to apply the lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier. ''
( 5 ) "Image forming apparatus according to item ( 4 ), wherein the lubricant mounted on the lubricant applying means is in a solid state",
( 6 ) “The surface layer of the latent image carrier is a crosslinked surface layer obtained by curing a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure and a monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure. The image forming apparatus according to item ( 4 ), wherein:
( 7 ) “The polymerizable functional group of the tri- or higher functional polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is an acryloyloxy group and / or a methacryloyloxy group. The image forming apparatus according to item ( 6 ), wherein:
( 8 ) "The ratio of molecular weight to the number of polymerizable functional groups (molecular weight / number of functional groups) in the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is 250 or less The image forming apparatus according to item ( 6 ) or ( 7 ), characterized in that:
( 9 ) "The polymerizable functional group of the monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having the charge transporting structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group. The image forming apparatus according to any one of ( 6 ) to ( 8 ).
( 10 ) "Character transport structure of the radical polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transport structure having the charge transport structure used in the surface layer of the latent image carrier is a triarylamine structure. The image forming apparatus according to any one of ( 6 ) to ( 9 ),
( 11 ) “At least one monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is of the following general formula (I) or (II): The image forming apparatus according to any one of ( 6 ) to ( 10 ), which is characterized.

（式中、Ｒ_１０は水素原子、ハロゲン原子、置換基を有してもよいアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアラルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアリール基、シアノ基、ニトロ基、アルコキシ基、−ＣＯＯＲ_１１（Ｒ_１１は水素原子、置換基を有してもよいアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアラルキル基又は置換基を有してもよいアリール基）、ハロゲン化カルボニル基若しくはＣＯＮＲ_１２Ｒ_１３（Ｒ_１２及びＲ_１３は水素原子、ハロゲン原子、置換基を有してもよいアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアラルキル基又は置換基を有してもよいアリール基を示し、互いに同一であっても異なっていてもよい）を表わし、Ａｒ_１、Ａｒ_２は置換基を有してもよいアリーレン基を表わし、同一であっても異なってもよい。Ａｒ_３、Ａｒ_４は置換基を有してもよいアリール基を表わし、同一であっても異なってもよい。Ｘ_１０は単結合、置換基を有してもよいアルキレン基、置換基を有してもよいシクロアルキレン基、置換基を有してもよいアルキレンエーテル基、酸素原子、硫黄原子、ビニレン基を表わす。Ｚは置換基を有してもよいアルキレン基、置換基を有してもよいアルキレンエーテル基、アルキレンオキシカルボニル基を表わす。ｍ、ｎは０〜３の整数を表わす。）」、
（１２）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に用いられる電荷輸送性構造を有する１官能のラジカル重合性化合物の少なくとも一種類が、下記一般式（III）で表されるものであることを特徴とする前記第（６）項乃至第（１１）項のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置。

(Wherein R ₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, a cyano group, a nitro group, Group, alkoxy group, —COOR ₁₁ (R ₁₁ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent or an aryl group which may have a substituent), halogen Carbonyl group or CONR ₁₂ R ₁₃ (R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ may have a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ each represent an arylene group which may have a substituent, and may be the same or different. Ar ₃ , Ar ₄ represents an aryl group which may have a substituent, and may be the same or different, and X ₁₀ may have a single bond, an alkylene group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. A cycloalkylene group, an alkylene ether group that may have a substituent, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a vinylene group, where Z is an alkylene group that may have a substituent, or an alkylene ether that may have a substituent; Group represents an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group, m and n represent an integer of 0 to 3) ",
( 12 ) “At least one monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is represented by the following general formula (III): The image forming apparatus according to any one of ( 6 ) to ( 11 ).

（式中、ｏ、ｐ、ｑはそれぞれ０又は１の整数、Ｒａは水素原子又はメチル基を表わし、Ｒｂ、Ｒｃは水素原子以外の置換基で炭素数１〜６のアルキル基を表わし、同一又は異なってもよい。ｓ、ｔは０〜３の整数を表わす。Ｚａは単結合、メチレン基、エチレン基、

(In the formula, o, p and q are each an integer of 0 or 1, Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Rb and Rc represent substituents other than a hydrogen atom and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and are the same. S and t each represents an integer of 0 to 3. Za is a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group,

を表わす。）」、
（１３）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に少なくともフィラー微粒子が分散されていることを特徴とする前記第（１）項乃至第（１２）項のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置」、
（１４）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に分散されているフィラー微粒子が無機フィラーであることを特徴とする前記第（１３）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（１５）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に分散されているフィラー微粒子が金属酸化物であることを特徴とする前記第（１３）項又は第（１４）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（１６）「前記潜像担持体の表面層に分散されているフィラー微粒子が、少なくとも酸化ケイ素、酸化チタン、酸化アルミニウムから選ばれた一つを含有することを特徴とする前記第（１５）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（１７）「前記帯電手段がコロナ帯電器であることを特徴とする前記第（１）項乃至第（１６）のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置」、
（１８）「前記画像形成装置が、複数色のトナー画像を順次重ね合わせてカラー画像を形成するものであることを特徴とする前記第（１）項乃至第（１７）項のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置」、
（１９）「前記画像形成装置が、少なくとも潜像担持体、帯電手段、現像手段及び転写手段を有する画像形成要素を複数備えたタンデム型である前記第（１８）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（２０）「画像形成装置が、潜像担持体上に形成されたトナー画像が一次転写される中間転写体と、該中間転写体上に担持されたトナー画像を記録媒体に二次転写する転写手段とを備えてなり、複数色のトナー画像を中間転写体上に順次重ね合わせてカラー画像を形成し、該カラー画像を記録媒体上に一括で二次転写する前記第（１８）項又は第（１９）項に記載の画像形成装置」、
（２１）「潜像担持体、帯電手段、及び現像手段の少なくとも１つと、前記第（１）項乃至第（３）項のいずれかにに記載の潤滑剤を潜像担持体の表面に付与する潤滑剤供給手段とを組み合わせて一体に支持し、前記第（４）項乃至第（２０）項のいずれかに記載の画像形成装置本体に着脱可能に設置されていることを特徴とするプロセスカートリッジ」。

Represents. ) ",
( 13 ) "Image forming apparatus according to any one of items (1) to ( 12 ), wherein at least filler fine particles are dispersed in a surface layer of the latent image carrier",
( 14 ) "Image forming apparatus according to item ( 13 ), wherein the filler fine particles dispersed in the surface layer of the latent image carrier are inorganic fillers",
( 15 ) "The image forming apparatus according to ( 13 ) or ( 14 ), wherein the filler fine particles dispersed in the surface layer of the latent image carrier are metal oxides",
( 16 ) "Item ( 15 ) above, wherein the filler fine particles dispersed in the surface layer of the latent image carrier contain at least one selected from silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide." The image forming apparatus described in "
( 17 ) "The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 16 ), wherein the charging unit is a corona charger",
( 18 ) “The image forming apparatus forms a color image by sequentially superimposing toner images of a plurality of colors,” (1) to ( 17 ), Image forming apparatus ",
(19) "the image forming apparatus, at least the latent image bearing member, a charging means, an image forming apparatus according to the first (18) section is a tandem type including a plurality of imaging elements having a developing means and a transfer means" ,
( 20 ) “Image transfer apparatus that performs primary transfer of a toner image formed on a latent image carrier, and a secondary transfer of the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium” becomes and means, and the toner images of a plurality of colors are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer body to form a color image, said first (18) secondarily transferred collectively onto a recording medium the color image section or the The image forming apparatus according to item ( 19 ) ",
( 21 ) “At least one of the latent image carrier, the charging unit, and the developing unit, and the lubricant according to any one of the items (1) to ( 3 ) are applied to the surface of the latent image carrier. And a lubricant supply means that is integrally supported and is detachably installed in the image forming apparatus main body according to any one of ( 4 ) to (20). cartridge".

By using the image forming apparatus in which the lubricant of the present invention is mounted on the lubricant applying means, the durability of the latent image carrier can be significantly improved without causing image blur even in a high temperature and high humidity environment. It is possible to output a stable and high-quality image over a long period of time. In addition, if the lubricant applying unit loaded with the lubricant of the present invention and at least one of the latent image carrier, the charging unit, and the developing unit are integrally supported to be a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, While maintaining the above-mentioned various characteristics, it is possible to facilitate storage, transportation, etc., and to improve handling such as enabling a short-time replacement.

It is a schematic cross section showing an example of the layer structure of the latent image carrier of the present invention. It is a schematic cross section which shows another example of the layer structure of the latent image carrier of this invention. It is a schematic cross section which shows another example of the layer structure of the latent image carrier of this invention. It is a schematic cross section which shows another example of the layer structure of the latent image carrier of this invention. It is IR measurement data of a charge transporting polyol (CTP-2). 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the lubrication agent application mechanism used for the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows another example of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows another example of the image forming apparatus of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the image forming method of the present invention is carried out by the image forming apparatus (tandem color image forming apparatus) of the present invention. It is a partially expanded schematic explanatory drawing in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows an example of the process cartridge of this invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
The lubricant for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by containing at least one of a lubricating substance and an amine compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (2).
Further, the lubricant supplying means has a lubricant containing at least one of the amine compounds represented by the following general formula (1) or (2), and other appropriate ones selected as necessary. Means, for example, static elimination means, cleaning means, recycling means, control means and the like.

（式中、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は、芳香族炭化水素基置換もしくは無置換の炭素数１〜４のアルキル基を表わし、同一でも異なっていてもよい。また、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は互いに結合し窒素原子を含む複素環基を形成してもよい。Ａｒ^１、Ａｒ^２は置換若しくは無置換の芳香環基を表わす。ｌ，ｍはそれぞれ０〜３の整数を表わす。ただし、ｌ，ｍが同時に０となることはない。ｎは１または２の整数を表わす。）

(In the formula, R ¹ and R ^{2 each} represent an aromatic hydrocarbon group-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different. R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other. And a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom, Ar ¹ and Ar ² each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring group, and l and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3, provided that l, m Are not simultaneously 0. n represents an integer of 1 or 2.)

The lubricant does not need to be solid, and can be applied to the surface of the latent image carrier in liquid, powder, or semi-kneaded form, and is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies electrophotographic characteristics. Can be selected as appropriate. As the lubricating material, for example, a fatty acid metal salt, a natural wax such as carnauba wax, a fluorine-based resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, melamine cyanurate, boron nitride, or the like can be used. However, it is preferable to be solid in terms of supply stability and ease of handling.
Among fatty acid metal salts, at least one fatty acid selected from the group of stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid and oleic acid, and at least one selected from the group of zinc, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron and lithium Since the fatty acid metal salt composed of the above metals has a linear hydrocarbon structure, slippage between layers is likely to occur, and good lubricity is exhibited.
Moreover, in the case of such a linear fatty acid metal salt, it can have favorable weather resistance by selecting the above-mentioned metal.
These fatty acid metal salts are usually melted at a high temperature of 70 to 150 ° C., poured into an arbitrary mold, cooled, and solidified to obtain a solid lubricant. Therefore, as in the present invention, in order to contain the amine compound, it can be easily mixed by raising the temperature in advance in a state mixed with a fatty acid metal salt, dissolving or dispersing it, and then cooling and solidifying. . Thus, the fatty acid metal salt is preferably used as the lubricating material of the present invention because of its high lubricity, excellent weather resistance, and easy handling of the mixture with the amine.

  Next, the amine compounds represented by the following general formulas (1) and (2) will be described.

これら一般式の説明にある、アルキル基の具体例としては、メチル基、エチル基、プロピル基、ブチル基、ヘキシル基、及びウンデカニル基などを挙げることができる。また、芳香環基としてはベンゼン、ナフタレン、アントラセン、及びピレンなど芳香族炭化水素環の１価〜６価の芳香族炭化水素基、並びにピリジン、キノリン、チオフェン、フラン、オキサゾール、オキサジアゾール、カルバゾールなど芳香族複素環の１価〜６価の芳香族複素環基が挙げられる。また、これらの置換基としては、上記アルキル基の具体例で挙げたもの、メトキシ基、エトキシ基、プロポキシ基、ブトキシ基などのアルコキシ基、またはフッ素原子、塩素原子、臭素原子、ヨウ素原子のハロゲン原子、及び芳香環基などが挙げられる。更に、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２が互いに結合し窒素原子を含む複素環基の具体例としてはピロリジニル基、ピペリジニル基、ピロリニル基等が挙げられる。その他、共同で窒素原子を含む複素環基としては、Ｎ−メチルカルバゾール、Ｎ−エチルカルバゾール、Ｎ−フェニルカルバゾール、インドール、キノリンの芳香族複素環基などを挙げることができる。

Specific examples of the alkyl group in the description of these general formulas include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a hexyl group, and an undecanyl group. In addition, examples of aromatic ring groups include monovalent to hexavalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups such as benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, and pyridine, quinoline, thiophene, furan, oxazole, oxadiazole, and carbazole. And monovalent to hexavalent aromatic heterocyclic groups of an aromatic heterocyclic ring. These substituents include those exemplified in the above specific examples of alkyl groups, alkoxy groups such as methoxy group, ethoxy group, propoxy group and butoxy group, or halogen atoms of fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom and iodine atom. An atom, an aromatic ring group, etc. are mentioned. Furthermore, specific examples of the heterocyclic group containing nitrogen atoms in which R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other include a pyrrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group, and a pyrrolinyl group. In addition, examples of the heterocyclic group jointly containing a nitrogen atom include aromatic heterocyclic groups such as N-methylcarbazole, N-ethylcarbazole, N-phenylcarbazole, indole, and quinoline.

  Preferred examples of Chemical Formulas 1 and 2 are given below. However, the present invention is not limited to these compounds.

The content of the amine compound is preferably 0.1 to 40% by mass, and more preferably 1 to 30% by mass.
When the content of the amine compound is less than 0.1% by mass, the effect of suppressing the decomposition of the fatty acid metal salt is small, and the occurrence of image blur may not be suppressed. On the other hand, if the amount is larger than 40% by mass, the component of the lubricant is insufficient, and the surface of the latent image carrier is insufficiently lubricated. May occur. In addition, the mixed solids become brittle and the consumption may increase.

(Latent image carrier)
Hereinafter, the latent image carrier will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a known latent image carrier is used. (1) Optical characteristics such as light absorption wavelength range and absorption amount, and (2) high sensitivity and stable charging. From the viewpoints of electrical characteristics such as characteristics, (3) wide range of material selection, (4) ease of manufacture, (5) low cost, (6) non-toxicity, etc., an organic photoreceptor (OPC) is used. Among them, the latent image carrier surface layer is preferably composed of a radically polymerizable monomer having at least a charge transporting structure and a crosslinked surface layer obtained by curing a radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure. It is preferably used because it has good electrical characteristics.
In the first embodiment, the latent image carrier is provided with a single-layer type photosensitive layer on a support, and further includes a protective layer, an intermediate layer, and other layers as necessary.
Further, in the second embodiment, the latent image carrier is provided with a support, and a laminated photosensitive layer having a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer at least in this order on the support, and further if necessary. A protective layer, an intermediate layer, and other layers. In the second embodiment, the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer may be laminated in reverse.
In the single-layer type photosensitive layer, the surface layer corresponds to a photosensitive layer or a protective layer formed on the photosensitive layer. In the laminated photosensitive layer, the surface layer corresponds to a charge transport layer or a protective layer formed on the charge transport layer.

  Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention, in which a photosensitive layer (202) is provided on a support (201). 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 each show a layer configuration example of another latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention. FIG. 2 shows that the photosensitive layer is a charge generation layer (CGL) ( 203) and a charge transport layer (CTL) (204). In FIG. 3, an undercoat layer (205) is placed between a support (201) and a charge generation layer (CGL) (203), and a functional separation type photosensitive layer is laminated on the undercoat layer (205). Of the type. FIG. 4 shows a type in which a protective layer (206) is laminated on the charge transport layer (204). Note that the latent image carrier preferably used in the present invention has at least a photosensitive layer on the support (201), and the other layers and the types of the photosensitive layers may be arbitrarily combined. However, it is preferable that the surface layer of the latent image carrier is made of a crosslinked resin.

[Protective layer]
Hereinafter, the protective layer will be described in more detail.
In the latent image bearing member, for the purpose of protecting the surface, it is preferable to use a crosslinkable resin or to provide a protective layer containing inorganic fine particles or lubricating fine particles because high wear resistance is achieved. . Examples of the crosslinkable resin include a urethane resin, a silicone resin, a phenol resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and the like. In particular, a crosslinked surface layer formed of a composition containing a monomer having a charge transporting structure is high. Abrasion resistance and good electrostatic properties are easily obtained, and it is preferably used. For example, when a urethane resin is used, a suitable cross-linked surface layer is formed by heat curing a monomer having an active hydrogen-containing group such as a hydroxyl group or an amino group and having a charge transporting structure portion and an isocyanate compound. The
Specific examples of the hydroxyl group-containing charge transport material that can be cured by heating with a urethane resin or a silicone resin to form a crosslinked surface layer are shown below, but are not limited to compounds having these structures.

In addition, as a protective layer made of a crosslinkable resin, a three-dimensional network structure formed using a radical polymerizable monomer and a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure has a very high degree of crosslinking and high hardness. A surface layer is obtained and higher wear resistance is achieved. Further, when the cross-linked surface layer contains at least a monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure and a cross-linked product derived from a trifunctional or higher radical polymerizable monomer, the monofunctional radical polymerization having a charge transporting structure is performed. The functional compound is incorporated into the cross-linking during the curing of the above-mentioned trifunctional or higher functional polymerizable monomer.
On the other hand, when a low molecular charge transport material having no functional group is contained in the cross-linked surface layer, precipitation of the low molecular charge transport material and white turbidity occur due to its low compatibility, and the cross-linked surface layer The mechanical strength may also decrease. In addition, when a bifunctional or higher functional charge transporting compound is used as a main component, it is fixed in the crosslinked structure with a plurality of bonds. However, the charge transporting structure is very bulky, so that distortion occurs in the cured resin and crosslinking occurs. The internal stress of the surface layer becomes high, and cracks and scratches may frequently occur due to carrier adhesion or the like.

  Furthermore, a latent image carrier using a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure has good electrical characteristics, and thus high image quality can be realized over a long period of time. This is due to the use of a monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure and immobilization in a pendant manner between crosslinks. On the other hand, since the charge transport materials having no functional groups described above are likely to precipitate and become cloudy, deterioration due to repeated use such as a decrease in sensitivity and an increase in residual potential is often significant. When a compound is used as the main component, it is fixed in the cross-linked structure with multiple bonds, so the intermediate structure (cation radical) during charge transport cannot be kept stable, resulting in a decrease in sensitivity due to charge trapping. Potential rise is likely to occur. Such deterioration of the electrical characteristics often appears as an image such as a decrease in image density or thinning of characters, which is not preferable.

Next, a constituent material of the crosslinked surface layer using a radical polymerizable monomer and a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure will be described.
The trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer preferably used for the latent image carrier cross-linked surface layer is a hole transporting structural site such as triarylamine, hydrazone, pyrazoline, carbazole, etc. It refers to a monomer that does not have an electron transport structure such as a ring quinone, diphenoquinone, an electron-withdrawing aromatic ring having a cyano group or a nitro group, and has three or more radical polymerizable functional groups. The radical polymerizable functional group may be any group as long as it has a carbon-carbon double bond and is capable of radical polymerization.
Examples of these radical polymerizable functional groups include 1-substituted ethylene functional groups and 1,1-substituted ethylene functional groups shown below.
(1) Examples of the 1-substituted ethylene functional group include functional groups represented by the following formulas.

（ただし、式中、Ｘ_１は、置換基を有してもよいフェニレン基、ナフチレン基等のアリーレン基、置換基を有してもよいアルケニレン基、−ＣＯ−基、−ＣＯＯ−基、−ＣＯＮ（Ｒ_１）−基（Ｒ_１は、水素、メチル基、エチル基等のアルキル基、ベンジル基、ナフチルメチル基、フェネチル基等のアラルキル基、フェニル基、ナフチル基等のアリール基を表わす。）、または−Ｓ−基を表わす。）
これらの置換基を具体的に例示すると、ビニル基、スチリル基、２−メチル−１，３−ブタジエニル基、ビニルカルボニル基、アクリロイルオキシ基、アクリロイルアミド基、ビニルチオエーテル基等が挙げられる。
（２）１，１−置換エチレン官能基としては、例えば以下の式２で表わされる官能基が挙げられる。

(In the formula, X ₁ represents an arylene group such as a phenylene group or a naphthylene group which may have a substituent, an alkenylene group which may have a substituent, a —CO— group, a —COO— group, — CON (R ₁ ) — group (R ₁ represents an alkyl group such as hydrogen, methyl group or ethyl group, an aralkyl group such as benzyl group, naphthylmethyl group or phenethyl group, or an aryl group such as phenyl group or naphthyl group. Or -S- group.)
Specific examples of these substituents include a vinyl group, a styryl group, a 2-methyl-1,3-butadienyl group, a vinylcarbonyl group, an acryloyloxy group, an acryloylamide group, and a vinyl thioether group.
(2) Examples of the 1,1-substituted ethylene functional group include functional groups represented by the following formula 2.

（ただし、式中、Ｙは、置換基を有してもよいアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアラルキル基、置換基を有してもよいフェニル基、ナフチル基等のアリール基、ハロゲン原子、シアノ基、ニトロ基、メトキシ基あるいはエトキシ基等のアルコキシ基、−ＣＯＯＲ_２基（Ｒ_２は、水素原子、置換基を有してもよいメチル基、エチル基等のアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいベンジル、フェネチル基等のアラルキル基、置換基を有してもよいフェニル基、ナフチル基等のアリール基、または−ＣＯＮＲ_３Ｒ_４（Ｒ_３およびＲ_４は、水素原子、置換基を有してもよいメチル基、エチル基等のアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいベンジル基、ナフチルメチル基、あるいはフェネチル基等のアラルキル基、または置換基を有してもよいフェニル基、ナフチル基等のアリール基を表わし、互いに同一または異なっていてもよい。）、また、Ｘ_２は上記式１のＸ_１と同一の置換基及び単結合、アルキレン基を表わす。ただし、Ｙ、Ｘ_２の少なくとも何れか一方がオキシカルボニル基、シアノ基、アルケニレン基、及び芳香族環である。）
これらの置換基を具体的に例示すると、α−塩化アクリロイルオキシ基、メタクリロイルオキシ基、α−シアノエチレン基、α−シアノアクリロイルオキシ基、α−シアノフェニレン基、メタクリロイルアミノ基等が挙げられる。

(Wherein, Y represents an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group such as a phenyl group which may have a substituent, a naphthyl group, a halogen, etc. An atom, an cyano group, an alkoxy group such as a nitro group, a methoxy group or an ethoxy group, a -COOR ₂ group (R ₂ is a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted methyl group, an ethyl group or other alkyl group, a substituent An aralkyl group such as benzyl or phenethyl group, an aryl group such as a phenyl group or naphthyl group which may have a substituent, or -CONR ₃ R ₄ (R ₃ and R ₄ are a hydrogen atom, It may have an alkyl group such as a methyl group or an ethyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group such as a benzyl group, a naphthylmethyl group or a phenethyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. Phenyl , An aryl group such as a naphthyl group, which may be the same or different from each other.) Further, X ₂ is identical substituents and a single bond and X ₁ in the formula 1 represents an alkylene group. However, Y, At least one of X ₂ is an oxycarbonyl group, a cyano group, an alkenylene group, or an aromatic ring.
Specific examples of these substituents include an α-acryloyloxy chloride group, a methacryloyloxy group, an α-cyanoethylene group, an α-cyanoacryloyloxy group, an α-cyanophenylene group, and a methacryloylamino group.

In addition, examples of the substituent further substituted with the substituent for X ₁ , X ₂ , and Y include, for example, halogen groups, nitro groups, cyano groups, methyl groups, ethyl groups and other alkyl groups, methoxy groups, ethoxy groups, and the like And an aryloxy group such as a phenoxy group, an aryl group such as a phenyl group and a naphthyl group, and an aralkyl group such as a benzyl group and a phenethyl group.
Among these radical polymerizable functional groups, acryloyloxy group and methacryloyloxy group are particularly useful, and a compound having three or more acryloyloxy groups is, for example, a compound having three or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule and an acrylic group. It can be obtained by using an acid (salt), an acrylic acid halide, or an acrylic ester to cause an ester reaction or a transesterification reaction. A compound having three or more methacryloyloxy groups can be obtained in the same manner. Further, the radical polymerizable functional groups in the monomer having three or more radical polymerizable functional groups may be the same or different.

Specific examples of the trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure include the following, but are not limited to these compounds.
That is, as the radical polymerizable monomer suitably used in the present invention, for example, trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, HPA-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, EO-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, PO modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, caprolactone modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, HPA modified trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETTA), glycerol triacrylate, ECH modified glycerol triacrylate, EO modified glycerol Triacrylate, PO-modified glycerol triacryl , Tris (acryloxyethyl) isocyanurate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPHA), caprolactone-modified dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, dipentaerythritol hydroxypentaacrylate, alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol tetra Acrylate, alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol triacrylate, dimethylolpropane tetraacrylate (DTMPTA), pentaerythritol ethoxytetraacrylate, EO-modified phosphate triacrylate, 2,2,5,5, -tetrahydroxymethylcyclopentanone tetraacrylate, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Further, the trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer suitably used in the present invention having no charge transport structure has a molecular weight relative to the number of functional groups in the monomer in order to form a dense crosslink in the cross-linked surface layer. The ratio (molecular weight / functional group number) is preferably 250 or less. Further, when this ratio is larger than 250, the crosslinked surface layer is soft and wear resistance is somewhat lowered. Therefore, among the monomers exemplified above, monomers having a modifying group such as HPA, EO, and PO are extremely long. It is not preferable to use one having a modifying group alone. Moreover, the component ratio of the trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure used for the crosslinked surface layer is 20 to 80% by weight, preferably 35 to 65% by weight based on the total amount of the crosslinked surface layer. When the monomer component is less than 20% by weight, the three-dimensional cross-linking density of the cross-linked surface layer is small, and a drastic improvement in wear resistance is not achieved as compared with the case of using a conventional thermoplastic binder resin. On the other hand, if it is 80% by weight or more, the content of the charge transporting compound is lowered, and the electrical characteristics are deteriorated. Since the required wear resistance and electrical characteristics differ depending on the process used, it cannot be generally stated, but the range of 35 to 65% by weight is most preferable in consideration of the balance of both characteristics.

  The radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure suitably used in the present invention is a hole transporting structure such as triarylamine, hydrazone, pyrazoline, carbazole, such as condensed polycyclic quinone, diphenoquinone, cyano group or nitro group. A compound having an electron transport structure such as an electron-withdrawing aromatic ring having a group and having a radical polymerizable functional group. Examples of the radical polymerizable functional group include those shown in the above radical polymerizable monomer, and acryloyloxy group and methacryloyloxy group are particularly useful. As the charge transporting structure, a triarylamine structure is highly effective. Furthermore, when a monofunctional compound represented by the following general formula (I) or (II) is used, electrical characteristics such as sensitivity and residual potential are favorably maintained.

ル基、アルキレンオキシカルボニル基を表わす。ｍ、ｎは０〜３（式中、Ｒ_１０は水素原子、ハロゲン原子、置換基を有してもよいアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアラルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアリール基、シアノ基、ニトロ基、アルコキシ基、−ＣＯＯＲ_１１（Ｒ_１１は水素原子、置換基を有してもよいアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアラルキル基又は置換基を有してもよいアリール基）、ハロゲン化カルボニル基若しくはＣＯＮＲ_１２Ｒ_１３（Ｒ_１２及びＲ_１３は水素原子、ハロゲン原子、置換基を有してもよいアルキル基、置換基を有してもよいアラルキル基又は置換基を有してもよいアリール基を示し、互いに同一であっても異なっていてもよい）を表わし、Ａｒ_１、Ａｒ_２は置換基を有してもよいアリーレン基を表わし、同一であっても異なってもよい。Ａｒ_３、Ａｒ_４は置換基を有してもよいアリール基を表わし、同一であっても異なってもよい。Ｘ_１０は単結合、置換基を有してもよいアルキレン基、置換基を有してもよいシクロアルキレン基、置換基を有してもよいアルキレンエーテル基、酸素原子、硫黄原子、ビニレン基を表わす。Ｚは置換基を有してもよいアルキレン基、置換基を有してもよいアルキレンエーテの整数を表わす。）

Represents an alkylene group or an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group. m and n are 0 to 3 (wherein R ₁₀ may have a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. Aryl group, cyano group, nitro group, alkoxy group, —COOR ₁₁ (R ₁₁ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. An aryl group), a carbonyl halide group or CONR ₁₂ R ₁₃ (R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or Represents an aryl group which may have a substituent and may be the same or different from each other, and Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ represent an arylene group which may have a substituent and are the same. Or different. Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ each represents an aryl group which may have a substituent, and may be the same or different, and X ₁₀ has a single bond, an alkylene group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. Represents an optionally substituted cycloalkylene group, an optionally substituted alkylene ether group, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a vinylene group, and Z represents an optionally substituted alkylene group or a substituent. Represents an integer of good alkylene ether.)

Specific examples of substituents in the general formulas (I) and (II) are shown below.
In the general formulas (I) and (II), in the substituent of R ₁₀ , examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, and a butyl group, and examples of the aryl group include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group. The aralkyl group includes a benzyl group, a phenethyl group, and a naphthylmethyl group, and the alkoxy group includes a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, and the like. These include a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, and a methyl group. Substituted with an alkyl group such as an ethyl group, an alkoxy group such as a methoxy group or an ethoxy group, an aryloxy group such as a phenoxy group, an aryl group such as a phenyl group or a naphthyl group, an aralkyl group such as a benzyl group or a phenethyl group, etc. May be.
Among the substituents for R ₁₀ , particularly preferred are a hydrogen atom and a methyl group.
Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ are aryl groups which may have a substituent, and examples of the aryl group include a condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon group, a non-condensed cyclic hydrocarbon group, and a heterocyclic group.
The condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon group preferably has 18 or less carbon atoms forming a ring, for example, a pentanyl group, an indenyl group, a naphthyl group, an azulenyl group, a heptaenyl group, a biphenylenyl group, an as-indacenyl group. , S-indacenyl group, fluorenyl group, acenaphthylenyl group, preadenyl group, acenaphthenyl group, phenalenyl group, phenanthryl group, anthryl group, fluoranthenyl group, acephenanthrenyl group, aceanthrylenyl group, triphenylyl group, pyrenyl group , A chrycenyl group, a naphthacenyl group, and the like.
Examples of the non-fused cyclic hydrocarbon group include monovalent groups of monocyclic hydrocarbon compounds such as benzene, diphenyl ether, polyethylene diphenyl ether, diphenyl thioether and diphenyl sulfone, or biphenyl, polyphenyl, diphenylalkane, diphenylalkene, diphenylalkyne, Monovalent groups of non-condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds such as triphenylmethane, distyrylbenzene, 1,1-diphenylcycloalkane, polyphenylalkane, and polyphenylalkene, or ring assemblies such as 9,9-diphenylfluorene And monovalent groups of hydrocarbon compounds.
Examples of the heterocyclic group include monovalent groups such as carbazole, dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, oxadiazole, and thiadiazole.

The aryl group represented by Ar ₃ or Ar ₄ may have a substituent as shown below, for example.
(1) Halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group and the like.
(2) An alkyl group. Preferably, it is a C1-C12, particularly C1-C8, more preferably a C1-C4 linear or branched alkyl group, and these alkyl groups further include a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, and a C1-C4 alkoxy group. , A phenyl group or a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkoxy group substituted with a phenyl group. Specifically, methyl group, ethyl group, n-butyl group, i-propyl group, t-butyl group, s-butyl group, n-propyl group, trifluoromethyl group, 2-hydroxyethyl group, 2-ethoxyethyl Group, 2-cyanoethyl group, 2-methoxyethyl group, benzyl group, 4-chlorobenzyl group, 4-methylbenzyl group, 4-phenylbenzyl group and the like.
(3) an alkoxy group (—OR ₁₄ ). R ₁₄ is the same as the alkyl group shown in (2). Specifically, methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, i-propoxy group, t-butoxy group, n-butoxy group, s-butoxy group, i-butoxy group, 2-hydroxyethoxy group, benzyloxy group And a trifluoromethoxy group.
(4) Aryloxy group. Examples of the aryl group of the aryloxy group include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group. This may contain a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a C1-C4 alkyl group or a halogen atom as a substituent. Specific examples include a phenoxy group, a 1-naphthyloxy group, a 2-naphthyloxy group, a 4-methoxyphenoxy group, and a 4-methylphenoxy group.
(5) Alkyl mercapto group or aryl mercapto group, and specific examples include methylthio group, ethylthio group, phenylthio group, p-methylphenylthio group and the like.
(6)

（式中、Ｒ_１５及びＲ_１６は各々独立に水素原子、前記（２）で示したアルキル基、またはアリール基を表わす。アリール基としては、例えばフェニル基、ビフェニル基又はナフチル基が挙げられ、これらはＣ１〜Ｃ４のアルコキシ基、Ｃ１〜Ｃ４のアルキル基またはハロゲン原子を置換基として含有してもよい。Ｒ_１５及びＲ_１６は共同で環を形成してもよい）
具体的には、アミノ基、ジエチルアミノ基、Ｎ−メチル−Ｎ−フェニルアミノ基、Ｎ，Ｎ−ジフェニルアミノ基、Ｎ，Ｎ−ジ（トリール）アミノ基、ジベンジルアミノ基、ピペリジノ基、モルホリノ基、ピロリジノ基等が挙げられる。
（７）メチレンジオキシ基、又はメチレンジチオ基等のアルキレンジオキシ基又はアルキレンジチオ基等。
（８）置換基を有してもよいスチリル基、置換基を有してもよいβ−フェニルスチリル基、ジフェニルアミノフェニル基、ジトリルアミノフェニル基等。

(In the formula, R ₁₅ and R ₁₆ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, the alkyl group shown in the above (2), or an aryl group. Examples of the aryl group include a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, and a naphthyl group. These may contain a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a C1-C4 alkyl group, or a halogen atom as a substituent. R ₁₅ and R ₁₆ may form a ring together.)
Specifically, amino group, diethylamino group, N-methyl-N-phenylamino group, N, N-diphenylamino group, N, N-di (tolyl) amino group, dibenzylamino group, piperidino group, morpholino group And pyrrolidino group.
(7) An alkylenedioxy group or an alkylenedithio group such as a methylenedioxy group or a methylenedithio group.
(8) A styryl group which may have a substituent, a β-phenylstyryl group which may have a substituent, a diphenylaminophenyl group, a ditolylaminophenyl group, and the like.

Examples of the arylene group represented by Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ include a divalent group derived from the aryl group represented by Ar ₃ and Ar ₄ .
X ₁₀ represents a single bond, an alkylene group which may have a substituent, a cycloalkylene group which may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group which may have a substituent, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or a vinylene group. Represents.
Examples of the alkylene group which may have a substituent include C1-C12, preferably C1-C8, more preferably C1-C4 linear or branched alkylene groups, and these alkylene groups further include fluorine. It may have a phenyl group substituted with an atom, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a phenyl group or a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group or a C1-C4 alkoxy group. Specifically, methylene group, ethylene group, n-butylene group, i-propylene group, t-butylene group, s-butylene group, n-propylene group, trifluoromethylene group, 2-hydroxyethylene group, 2-ethoxyethylene Group, 2-cyanoethylene group, 2-methoxyethylene group, benzylidene group, phenylethylene group, 4-chlorophenylethylene group, 4-methylphenylethylene group, 4-biphenylethylene group and the like.
Examples of the cycloalkylene group which may have a substituent include C5-C7 cyclic alkylene groups. These cyclic alkylene groups include a fluorine atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1-C4 alkyl group, C1-C4 as a substituent. It may have a C4 alkoxy group. Specific examples include a cyclohexylidene group, a cyclohexylene group, and a 3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene group.
As the alkylene ether group which may have a substituent, a —CH ₂ CH ₂ O— group, a —CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ O— group, a — (OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) h—O— group, or — ( _{OCH 2 CH 2 CH 2) i} -O- group, and the like.
However, h and i in the above formula each represent an integer of 1 to 4.

The alkylene group of the alkylene ether group may have a substituent such as a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, or an ethyl group.
The vinylene group is

で表わされ、
Ｒ_１７は水素、アルキル基（前記（２）で示されるアルキル基と同じ）、アリール基（前記Ａｒ_３、Ａｒ_４で表わされるアリール基と同じ）、ａは１または２、ｂは１〜３を表わす。
前記Ｚは置換基を有してもよいアルキレン基、置換基を有してもよいアルキレンエーテル基、アルキレンオキシカルボニル基を表わす。
置換基を有してもよいアルキレン基としは、前記Ｘのアルキレン基と同様なものが挙げられる。
置換基を有してもよいアルキレンエーテル基としては、前記Ｘのアルキレンエーテル基が挙げられる。
アルキレンオキシカルボニル基としては、カプロラクトン変性基が挙げられる。
また、本発明の１官能の電荷輸送構造を有するラジカル重合性化合物として更に好ましくは、下記一般式（III）の構造の化合物が挙げられる。

Represented by
R ₁₇ is hydrogen, an alkyl group (same as the alkyl group represented by (2) above), an aryl group (same as the aryl group represented by Ar ₃ or Ar ₄ above), a is 1 or 2, and b is 1 to 3 Represents.
Z represents an alkylene group which may have a substituent, an alkylene ether group which may have a substituent, or an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group.
Examples of the alkylene group which may have a substituent include the same alkylene groups as those described above for X.
Examples of the alkylene ether group which may have a substituent include the alkylene ether group of X.
Examples of the alkyleneoxycarbonyl group include a caprolactone-modified group.
Further, the radically polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transport structure of the present invention is more preferably a compound having the structure of the following general formula (III).

（式中、ｏ、ｐ、ｑはそれぞれ０又は１の整数、Ｒａは水素原子又はメチル基を表わし、Ｒｂ、Ｒｃは水素原子以外の置換基で炭素数１〜６のアルキル基を表わし、同一又は異なってもよい。ｓ、ｔは０〜３の整数を表わす。Ｚａは単結合、メチレン基、エチレン基、

(In the formula, o, p and q are each an integer of 0 or 1, Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Rb and Rc represent substituents other than a hydrogen atom and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and are the same. S and t each represents an integer of 0 to 3. Za is a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group,

を表わす。）
上記一般式（III）で表わされる化合物としては、Ｒｂ、Ｒｃの置換基として、特にメチル基、エチル基である化合物が好ましい。

Represents. )
As the compound represented by the general formula (III), a compound having a methyl group or an ethyl group as a substituent for Rb and Rc is particularly preferable.

The crosslinked surface layer suitably used in the present invention is free from cracks and has excellent electrical characteristics. The reason is that when a radically polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transport structure of the above general formulas (I) and (II), particularly (III), used in the present invention is used, the carbon-carbon double bond is reduced. Since the polymer is released on both sides, it does not become a terminal structure, but is incorporated in a chain polymer and crosslinked by polymerization with a tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer. Is present in the cross-linked chain between the main chain and the main chain (this cross-linked chain is intermolecular cross-linked chain between one polymer and the other polymer and folded within one polymer. There is an intramolecular cross-linked chain that crosslinks a part of the main chain of the state and another part derived from the polymerized monomer at a position away from this in the main chain), but it exists in the main chain. Or a triaryl suspended from a chain moiety, even if present in a bridging chain The min structure has at least three aryl groups arranged in a radial direction from the nitrogen atom and is bulky, but is not directly bonded to the chain part, but is suspended from the chain part via a carbonyl group or the like. Since these triarylamine structures can be arranged adjacent to each other in the polymer, the structural distortion in the molecule is small because they are fixed in a state of flexibility in steric positioning. When the surface layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor is used, it is presumed that an intramolecular structure that is relatively free from interruption of the charge transport path can be adopted.
Specific examples of the radically polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transporting structure of the present invention are shown below, but are not limited to the compounds having these structures.

  The radical polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure suitably used in the present invention is important for imparting the charge transport performance of the crosslinked surface layer, and this component is 20 to 80% by weight based on the total amount of the crosslinked surface layer. , Preferably 35 to 65% by weight. When this component is less than 20% by weight, the charge transport performance of the crosslinked surface layer cannot be maintained sufficiently, and deterioration of electrical characteristics such as a decrease in sensitivity and an increase in residual potential appears with repeated use. On the other hand, if it exceeds 80% by weight, the content of the trifunctional monomer having no charge transport structure is lowered, and the crosslink density is lowered, so that high wear resistance is not exhibited. Although the electrical characteristics and abrasion resistance required differ depending on the process used, it cannot be said unconditionally, but considering the balance of both characteristics, the range of 35 to 65% by weight is most preferable.

  In the present invention, a tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure and a crosslinked surface layer obtained by curing a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure are preferably used. Monofunctional and bifunctional radically polymerizable monomers and radically polymerizable oligomers can be used in combination for the purpose of imparting functions such as viscosity adjustment at the time, stress relaxation of the cross-linked surface layer, lower surface energy and reduced friction coefficient. Known radical polymerizable monomers and oligomers can be used.

Examples of the monofunctional radical monomer include 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl carbitol acrylate, 3-methoxybutyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, and cyclohexyl acrylate. , Isoamyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, methoxytriethylene glycol acrylate, phenoxytetraethylene glycol acrylate, cetyl acrylate, isostearyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, styrene monomer, and the like.
Examples of the bifunctional radical polymerizable monomer include 1,3-butanediol diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1, Examples include 6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, EO-modified bisphenol A diacrylate, EO-modified bisphenol F diacrylate, and neopentyl glycol diacrylate.

  Examples of the functional monomer include those substituted with a fluorine atom such as octafluoropentyl acrylate, 2-perfluorooctylethyl acrylate, 2-perfluorooctylethyl methacrylate, 2-perfluoroisononylethyl acrylate, No. 60503, JP-B-6-45770, siloxane repeating units: 20-70 acryloyl polydimethylsiloxane ethyl, methacryloyl polydimethylsiloxane ethyl, acryloyl polydimethylsiloxane propyl, acryloyl polydimethylsiloxane butyl, diacryloyl polydimethylsiloxane Examples include vinyl monomers having a polysiloxane group such as diethyl, acrylates and methacrylates.

  Examples of the radical polymerizable oligomer include epoxy acrylate, urethane acrylate, and polyester acrylate oligomers. However, when a large amount of monofunctional and bifunctional radically polymerizable monomers and radically polymerizable oligomers are contained, the three-dimensional cross-linking density of the cross-linked surface layer is substantially reduced, resulting in a decrease in wear resistance. For this reason, the content of these monomers and oligomers is limited to 50 parts by weight or less, preferably 30 parts by weight or less, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer.

  In the present invention, a crosslinked surface layer is preferably used by curing at least a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure and a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure. Accordingly, a polymerization initiator may be used in the cross-linked surface layer in order to allow the cross-linking reaction to proceed efficiently.

  Examples of the thermal polymerization initiator include 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide, dicumyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, t-butylcumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di ( Peroxybenzoyl) hexyne-3, di-t-butyl peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, peroxide initiators such as lauroyl peroxide, azobisisobutylnitrile, azobiscyclohexanecarbonitrile Azo initiators such as methyl azobisisobutyrate, azobisisobutylamidine hydrochloride, 4,4′-azobis-4-cyanovaleric acid.

  Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include diethoxyacetophenone, 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethane-1-one, 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone, 4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl- (2 -Hydroxy-2-propyl) ketone, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1- (4-morpholinophenyl) butanone-1, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, 2- Acetophenone-based or ketal-based photopolymerization initiators such as methyl-2-morpholino (4-methylthiophenyl) propan-1-one, 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione-2- (o-ethoxycarbonyl) oxime, Benzoin, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isobutyl ether Benzoin ether photopolymerization initiators such as benzoin isopropyl ether, benzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone, methyl o-benzoylbenzoate, 2-benzoylnaphthalene, 4-benzoylbiphenyl, 4-benzoylphenyl ether, acrylated benzophenone, Benzophenone photopolymerization initiators such as 1,4-benzoylbenzene, thioxanthones such as 2-isopropylthioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2,4-dimethylthioxanthone, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, 2,4-dichlorothioxanthone Examples of photopolymerization initiators and other photopolymerization initiators include ethyl anthraquinone, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid. Phenylethoxyphosphine oxide, bis (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphine oxide, bis (2,4-dimethoxybenzoyl) -2,4,4-trimethylpentylphosphine oxide, methylphenylglyoxyester, 9,10 -Phenanthrene, an acridine type compound, a triazine type compound, an imidazole type compound is mentioned. Moreover, what has a photopolymerization acceleration effect can also be used individually or in combination with the said photoinitiator. Examples include triethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate, isoamyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate, (2-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate, 4,4'-dimethylaminobenzophenone, and the like.

  These polymerization initiators may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the polymerization initiator is 0.5 to 40 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 20 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total content having radical polymerizability.

  Furthermore, the coating liquid of the present invention can contain additives such as various plasticizers (for the purpose of stress relaxation and adhesion improvement), leveling agents, and low molecular charge transport materials having no radical reactivity as required. As these additives, known additives can be used, and as plasticizers, those used in general resins such as dibutyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate can be used, and the amount used is the total solid content of the coating liquid. To 20% by weight or less, preferably 10% or less. As leveling agents, silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil and methylphenyl silicone oil, polymers or oligomers having a perfluoroalkyl group in the side chain can be used, and the amount used is based on the total solid content of the coating liquid. 3% by weight or less is appropriate.

  The crosslinked surface layer suitably used in the present invention is obtained by applying and curing a coating solution containing a tri- or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure and a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure. What is formed is preferably used. When the radically polymerizable monomer is a liquid, such a coating liquid can be applied by dissolving other components in the liquid, but if necessary, it is diluted with a solvent and applied. Solvents used at this time include alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and cyclohexanone, esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and propyl ether. Known as ethers such as dichloromethane, halogens such as dichloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, chlorobenzene, aromatics such as benzene, toluene, xylene, etc. Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, known under the registered trademark cellosolve acetate Door and the like cellosolve-based, such as. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The dilution ratio with the solvent varies depending on the solubility of the composition, the coating method, and the target film thickness, and is arbitrary. The coating can be performed using a dip coating method, spray coating, bead coating, ring coating method or the like.

  In this invention, after apply | coating such a coating liquid, what is hardened by giving optical energy from the outside and forming a crosslinked surface layer is used suitably. As the energy of light, UV irradiation light sources such as high-pressure mercury lamps and metal halide lamps that mainly emit light in the ultraviolet light can be used. Is possible. In addition, the reactivity of the crosslinking reaction by radical polymerization is greatly affected by the temperature, and the surface temperature of the coating during light irradiation is preferably maintained at 20 ° C. or higher and 170 ° C. or lower. The surface temperature control means of the coating film may be any method as long as the above temperature range can be maintained, but a method of controlling the temperature using a heat medium is preferable.

In the case of using the crosslinked surface layer forming material, the coating method is exemplified. For example, as the coating liquid, an acrylate monomer having three acryloyloxy groups and a triarylamine compound having one acryloyloxy group are used. In this case, the ratio of use is 7: 3 to 3: 7, and a polymerization initiator is added in an amount of 3 to 20% by weight based on the total amount of these acrylate compounds, and a solvent is further added to prepare a coating solution. For example, in the case where the charge transport layer which is the lower layer of the cross-linked surface layer uses a triarylamine donor as the charge transport material and polycarbonate as the binder resin, and the cross-linked surface layer is formed by spray coating, the above coating solution As the solvent, tetrahydrofuran, 2-butanone, ethyl acetate and the like are preferable, and the use ratio thereof is 3 to 10 times the total amount of the acrylate compound.
The cured surface crosslinked layer is preferably insoluble in an organic solvent. A film that is not sufficiently cured is soluble in an organic solvent and has a low crosslink density, so that the mechanical durability is also low.
Next, for example, the prepared coating solution is applied by spraying etc. on a photoreceptor in which an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and the above charge transport layer are sequentially laminated on a support such as an aluminum cylinder, and dry to the touch. Then, it is cured by light irradiation.
For UV irradiation, uses a metal halide lamp, illuminance 50 mW / cm ² or more, preferably 1000 mW / cm ² or less, for example, the case of irradiation with UV light of 700 mW / cm ^2, for example upon curing, by rotating the drum Irradiate all surfaces uniformly for about 2 minutes. At this time, control is performed using a heat medium or the like so that the surface temperature does not become too high.
After the completion of curing, the latent image carrier of the present invention is obtained by heating at 100 to 150 ° C. for 10 to 30 minutes to reduce the residual solvent.

In order to accelerate the curing reaction, it is preferable to significantly reduce the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere during heating or UV irradiation. Further, at this time, during UV irradiation, the UV irradiation is performed while rotating, but it is more preferable to lower the oxygen concentration of the surrounding atmosphere including not only the portion irradiated with UV light but also the portion not exposed to UV light. Thereby, since oxygen inhibition at the time of radical polymerization reaction can be remarkably reduced, a surface layer having a higher crosslinking density can be obtained.
In addition, when forming by spray coating, it is also effective to perform coating in an atmosphere in which the inside of the coating facility is filled with nitrogen to reduce the oxygen concentration, or to dry the touch.
The thickness of the crosslinked surface layer of the present invention is preferably 1 to 30 μm, more preferably 2 to 20 μm, and further preferably 4 to 15 μm.
If the thickness is less than 1 μm, sufficient durability cannot be ensured because the cross-linked surface layer film thickness is too small for the amount of retraction on the surface of the latent image carrier when carrier adhesion occurs.
On the other hand, if it is thicker than 30 μm, it may cause problems such as an increase in residual potential. Therefore, it is necessary to form a cross-linked surface layer with a suitable thickness so as to ensure a margin for wear and scratches and to reduce the occurrence of residual potential.

Further, the protective layer in which filler fine particles are dispersed in the surface layer also remarkably improves the wear resistance and achieves a long life of the latent image carrier. Furthermore, fine irregularities are formed on the surface by the filler fine particles, and the coating property of a lubricant composed of a fatty acid metal salt such as zinc stearate or calcium stearate is improved, and the cleaning property and transfer property are improved.
The following can be used as the filler fine particles. Examples of the organic filler material include fluororesin powder such as polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone resin powder, a-carbon powder, and the like, and inorganic filler materials include copper, tin, aluminum, indium, and the like. Metal powders, metal oxides such as silicon oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, indium oxide, antimony oxide, and bismuth oxide, and inorganic materials such as potassium titanate. In particular, it is advantageous to use an inorganic material among them from the viewpoint of the hardness of the filler.
In particular, metal oxides are used favorably with little side effect on the electrostatic characteristics of the latent image carrier, and silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, and titanium oxide can be used effectively. Also, fine particles such as colloidal silica and colloidal alumina can be used effectively.
The average primary particle size of the filler is preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm from the viewpoint of light transmittance and wear resistance of the surface layer. When the average primary particle size of the filler is less than 0.01 μm, it causes a decrease in wear resistance, a decrease in dispersibility, etc., and when it exceeds 0.5 μm, the sedimentation of the filler in the dispersion is promoted. There is a possibility that toner filming on the surface of the latent image carrier in the image forming apparatus may occur.
The higher the filler material concentration in the surface layer is, the higher the wear resistance is, and the better. However, if the concentration is too high, the residual potential increases and the write light transmittance of the protective layer decreases, which may cause side effects.
Therefore, it is about 5 wt% or more and 50 wt% or less, preferably about 30 wt% or less with respect to the total solid content.

Furthermore, these fillers can be surface-treated with at least one kind of surface treatment agent, and it is preferable from the viewpoint of dispersibility of the fillers. Lowering the dispersibility of the filler not only adversely affects the electrostatic properties such as increased residual potential, but also lowers the transparency of the coating, causes defects in the coating, and decreases the wear resistance. There is a possibility that it will develop into a big problem that hinders high durability or high image quality. As the surface treatment agent, a conventionally used surface treatment agent can be used, but a surface treatment agent capable of maintaining the insulating properties of the filler is preferable. For example, a titanate coupling agent, an aluminum coupling agent, a zircoaluminate coupling agent, a higher fatty acid, etc., or a mixing treatment of these with a silane coupling agent, Al ₂ O ₃ , TiO ₂ , ZrO ₂ , Silicone, aluminum stearate, or the like, or a mixture thereof is more preferable from the viewpoint of filler dispersibility and image blur. The treatment with the silane coupling agent is strongly influenced by image blur, but the influence may be suppressed by performing a mixing treatment of the surface treatment agent and the silane coupling agent. The surface treatment amount varies depending on the average primary particle size of the filler used, but is preferably 3 to 30 wt%, more preferably 5 to 20 wt%. If the surface treatment amount is less than this, the filler dispersion effect cannot be obtained, and if it is too much, the residual potential is significantly increased.
These filler materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Examples of the binder resin used for the protective layer in which filler fine particles are dispersed include polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polystyrene resin, phenol resin, and epoxy. Resins, polyurethane resins, polyvinylidene chloride resins, alkyd resins, silicone resins, polyvinyl carbazole resins, polyvinyl butyral resins, polyvinyl formal resins, polyacrylate resins, polyacrylamide resins, phenoxy resins, and the like are used. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
In particular, a protective layer in which metal oxide inorganic filler fine particles are dispersed in a crosslinkable surface layer in which a three-dimensional network structure is formed using the above-described radical polymerizable monomer and a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure. In particular, the wear resistance is remarkably improved, which is particularly preferable.

[Photosensitive layer]
Next, the multilayer type photosensitive layer and the single layer type photosensitive layer constituting the electrostatic latent image carrier of the present invention will be described.

<Multi-layer type photosensitive layer>
(Charge generation layer)
The charge generation layer contains at least a charge generation material, and includes a binder resin and, if necessary, other components.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a charge generation substance, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, Either an inorganic material and an organic material can be used.
Examples of inorganic materials include, but are not limited to, crystalline selenium, amorphous selenium, selenium-tellurium, selenium-tellurium-halogen, and selenium-arsenic compounds.
Examples of the organic material include, but are not limited to, phthalocyanine pigments such as metal phthalocyanine and metal-free phthalocyanine, azulenium salt pigments, squaric acid methine pigments, azo pigments having a carbazole skeleton, and triphenylamine skeletons. Azo pigments, azo pigments having a diphenylamine skeleton, azo pigments having a dibenzothiophene skeleton, azo pigments having a fluorenone skeleton, azo pigments having an oxadiazole skeleton, azo pigments having a bisstilbene skeleton, having a distyryl oxadiazole skeleton Azo pigments, azo pigments having a distyrylcarbazole skeleton, perylene pigments, anthraquinone or polycyclic quinone pigments, quinoneimine pigments, diphenylmethane or triphenylmethane pigments, benzoquinone or naphthalene Tokinon pigments, cyanine and azomethine pigments, indigoid pigments, bisbenzimidazole pigments, and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
The binder resin for the charge generation layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, polyamide resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, polyketone resin, polycarbonate resin, silicone resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl butyral resin , Polyvinyl formal resin, polyvinyl ketone resin, polystyrene resin, poly-N-vinyl carbazole resin, polyacrylamide resin, and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
In addition, you may add a charge transport material as needed. In addition to the binder resin described above, a polymer charge transport material can be added as the binder resin for the charge generation layer.
As a method for forming the charge generation layer, a vacuum thin film preparation method and a casting method from a solution dispersion system can be mentioned.
Examples of the former method include a glow discharge polymerization method, a vacuum deposition method, a CVD method, a sputtering method, a reactive sputtering method, an ion plating method, and an accelerated ion injection method. This vacuum thin film manufacturing method can satisfactorily form the inorganic material or organic material described above.
In order to provide the charge generation layer by the latter casting method, a charge generation layer forming coating solution is used and a conventional method such as dip coating, spray coating, or bead coating is used. it can.
Examples of the organic solvent used in the charge generation layer forming coating solution include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, cyclohexanone, benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichloropropane, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane, Examples include tetrahydrofuran, dioxolane, dioxane, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl cellosolve (registered trademark), ethyl cellosolve (registered trademark), and propyl cellosolve (registered trademark). These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
Among these, tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, dichloromethane, methanol, and ethanol having a boiling point of 40 ° C. to 80 ° C. are particularly preferable because they can be easily dried after coating.
The coating solution for forming a charge generation layer can be produced by dispersing and dissolving the charge generation material and a binder resin in the organic solvent. Examples of the method for dispersing the organic pigment in the organic solvent include a dispersion method using a dispersion medium such as a ball mill, a bead mill, a sand mill, and a vibration mill, and a high-speed liquid collision dispersion method.
Depending on the thickness of the charge generation layer, the electrophotographic characteristics, particularly the photosensitivity, change. Generally, the thicker the thickness, the higher the photosensitivity. Therefore, the thickness of the charge generation layer is preferably set in a suitable range according to the required specification of the image forming apparatus. In order to obtain the sensitivity required for the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Usually, 0.01 to 5 μm is preferable, and 0.05 to 2 μm is more preferable.

(Charge transport layer)
The charge transport layer of the latent image carrier is required to have a high electric resistance in order to achieve the purpose of holding a charged charge. Further, in order to achieve the purpose of obtaining a high surface potential with the charged charge held, it is required that the dielectric constant is small and the charge mobility is good.
Examples of the hole transport material (electron donating material) include oxazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, triphenylamine derivatives, 9- (p-diethylaminostyrylanthracene), 1,1-bis- (4- Dibenzylaminophenyl) propane, styrylanthracene, styrylpyrazoline, phenylhydrazones, α-phenylstilbene derivatives, thiazole derivatives, triazole derivatives, phenazine derivatives, acridine derivatives, benzofuran derivatives, benzimidazole derivatives, thiophene derivatives, etc. . These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

On the other hand, examples of the polymer charge transport material include those having the following structure.
(A) Polymer having carbazole ring For example, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, JP-A-50-82056, JP-A-54-9632, JP-A-54-11737, JP-A-4-175337 And the compounds described in JP-A-4-183719 and JP-A-6-234841.
(B) Polymer having a hydrazone structure For example, JP-A-57-78402, JP-A-61-20953, JP-A-61-296358, JP-A-1-134456, JP-A-1-134456 179164, JP-A-3-180851, JP-A-3-180852, JP-A-3-50555, JP-A-5-310904, JP-A-6-234840, and the like. Is done.
(C) Polysilylene polymer For example, JP-A-63-285552, JP-A-1-88461, JP-A-4-264130, JP-A-4-264131, JP-A-4-264132, Examples thereof include compounds described in Kaihei 4-264133 and JP-A-4-289867.
(D) Polymer having a triarylamine structure For example, N, N-bis (4-methylphenyl) -4-aminopolystyrene, JP-A-1-134457, JP-A-2-282264, JP-A-2- Examples include compounds described in JP-A-304456, JP-A-4-133605, JP-A-4-133066, JP-A-5-40350, and JP-A-5-202135.
(E) Other polymers For example, formaldehyde condensation polymer of nitropyrene, JP-A-51-73888, JP-A-56-150749, JP-A-6-234836, JP-A-6-234837 The described compounds and the like are exemplified.
In addition to the above, the polymer charge transport material includes, for example, a polycarbonate resin having a triarylamine structure, a polyurethane resin having a triarylamine structure, a polyester resin having a triarylamine structure, and a polyarylamine structure having a polyarylamine structure. And ether resins. Examples of the polymer charge transporting material include JP-A 64-1728, JP-A 64-13061, JP-A 64-19049, JP-A-4-11627, JP-A 4-116627. JP 2225014, JP 4-230767, JP 4-320420, JP 5-232727, JP 7-56374, JP 9-127713, JP 9-222740. And compounds described in JP-A-9-265197, JP-A-9-211877, JP-A-9-30495, and the like.

Examples of the polymer having an electron donating group include not only the above-mentioned polymers but also copolymers with known monomers, block polymers, graft polymers, star polymers, and further, for example, A cross-linked polymer having an electron donating group as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 109406 can also be used.
Examples of the binder resin for the charge transport layer include polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, methacrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polystyrene resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, and polychlorinated resin. Vinylidene resin, alkyd resin, silicone resin, polyvinyl carbazole resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyvinyl formal resin, polyacrylate resin, polyacrylamide resin, phenoxy resin, and the like are used. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
The charge transport layer may also contain a copolymer of a crosslinkable binder resin and a crosslinkable charge transport material.
The charge transport layer can be formed by dissolving or dispersing the charge transport material and the binder resin in an appropriate solvent, and applying and drying the solution on the charge generation layer. If necessary, an appropriate amount of additives such as a plasticizer, an antioxidant, and a leveling agent can be added to the charge transport layer in addition to the charge transport material and the binder resin.
The thickness of the charge transport layer is preferably 5 to 100 μm, and in recent years, the charge transport layer has been made thinner to meet the demand for higher image quality. In order to achieve higher image quality of 1200 dpi or more, 5 More preferably, it is ˜30 μm.

Next, the single layer type photosensitive layer will be described.
<Single layer type photosensitive layer>
The single-layer type photosensitive layer contains a charge generation material, a charge transport material, a binder resin, and other components as necessary.
When a single-layer photosensitive layer is provided by a casting method, the single-layer photosensitive layer is formed by, for example, dissolving or dispersing at least a charge generation material, a binder resin, and a charge transport material in an appropriate solvent, and applying and drying the solution. Can be formed. In addition, a plasticizer can be added to the single-layer photosensitive layer as necessary.
The thickness of the single-layer type photosensitive layer is preferably 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably 5 to 50 μm. When the film thickness is less than 5 μm, the chargeability may decrease, and when it exceeds 100 μm, the sensitivity may decrease.

[Support]
The support in the latent image carrier of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
As the support, a conductor or an insulator subjected to a conductive treatment is suitable. For example, a metal such as Al, Ni, Fe, Cu, or Au, or an alloy thereof; insulating properties such as polyester, polycarbonate, polyimide, and glass A metal such as Al, Ag, Au, or a thin film made of a conductive material such as In ₂ O ₃ or SnO ₂ formed on a substrate; a metal powder such as carbon black, graphite, Al, Cu, or Ni; Examples thereof include a resin substrate in which conductive glass powder and the like are uniformly dispersed to impart conductivity to the resin, and paper subjected to a conductive treatment.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a shape and a magnitude | size of a support body, Any of plate shape, drum shape, or belt shape can be used. When a belt-like support is used, there is an advantage that the apparatus becomes complicated and the size is increased while it is necessary to provide a driving roller and a driven roller inside, but the degree of freedom in layout is increased. However, when the protective layer is formed, the protective layer is not flexible enough to cause a crack called a crack on the surface, which may cause a granular background stain. . For this reason, a drum-like thing with high rigidity is suitable as a support.

[Underlayer]
An undercoat layer may be provided between the support and the photosensitive layer as necessary. The undercoat layer is provided for the purpose of improving adhesiveness, preventing moire, improving the coatability of the upper layer, and reducing the residual potential.
The undercoat layer generally contains a resin as a main component, but these resins are resins having high resistance to dissolution in general organic solvents in consideration of applying a photosensitive layer thereon with a solvent. It is preferable. Examples of such resins include water-soluble resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, casein, and sodium polyacrylate, alcohol-soluble resins such as copolymer nylon and methoxymethylated nylon, polyurethane, melamine resins, alkyd-melamine resins, and epoxy resins. And a curable resin that forms a three-dimensional network structure.
Further, fine powders such as metal oxides exemplified by titanium oxide, silica, alumina, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide and the like, or metal sulfides and metal nitrides may be added. These undercoat layers can be formed by a conventional coating method using an appropriate solvent.
As the undercoat layer, a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, a chromium coupling agent, or the like is used, for example, a metal oxide layer formed by a sol-gel method or the like, Al ₂ O ₃ is anodized. In addition, an organic material such as polyparaxylylene (parylene), an inorganic material such as SnO ₂ , TiO ₂ , ITO, or CeO ₂ provided by a vacuum thin film manufacturing method can be used.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the thickness of an undercoat layer, According to the objective, it can select suitably, 0.1-10 micrometers is preferable and 1-5 micrometers is more preferable.

[Image forming apparatus]
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a latent image carrier, a charging unit, an electrostatic latent image forming unit, a transfer unit, and a developing unit for forming a toner image disposed on the upstream side of the transfer unit. And a lubricant applying means for applying a lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier, wherein the lubricant is at least one of a lubricating substance and an amine compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (2). And other means appropriately selected as necessary, for example, static elimination means, cleaning means, recycling means, control means, and the like.

（式中、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は、芳香族炭化水素基置換もしくは無置換の炭素数１〜４のアルキル基を表わし、同一でも異なっていてもよい。また、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は互いに結合し窒素原子を含む複素環基を形成してもよい。Ａｒ^１、Ａｒ^２は置換若しくは無置換の芳香環基を表わす。ｌ，ｍはそれぞれ０〜３の整数を表わす。ただし、ｌ，ｍが同時に０となることはない。ｎは１または２の整数を表わす。）

(In the formula, R ¹ and R ^{2 each} represent an aromatic hydrocarbon group-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different. R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other. And a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom, Ar ¹ and Ar ² each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring group, and l and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3, provided that l, m Are not simultaneously 0. n represents an integer of 1 or 2.)

<Electrostatic latent image forming step and electrostatic latent image forming means>
The electrostatic latent image forming step is a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier mounted in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
The formation of the electrostatic latent image can be performed, for example, by uniformly charging the surface of the latent image carrier and then exposing it like an image, and can be performed by electrostatic latent image forming means. .
The electrostatic latent image forming unit includes, for example, at least a charger that uniformly charges the surface of the latent image carrier and an exposure device that exposes the surface of the latent image carrier imagewise.
The charging can be performed, for example, by applying a voltage to the surface of the latent image carrier using the charger.
The charger is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. And non-contact chargers using corona discharge such as corotrons and corotrons.
The shape of the charging member may take any form such as a magnetic brush or a fur brush in addition to a roller, and can be selected according to the specifications and form of the image forming apparatus. In the case of using a magnetic brush, the magnetic brush is composed of various ferrite particles such as Zn—Cu ferrite as a charging member, a non-magnetic conductive sleeve for supporting it, and a magnet roll included therein. Or when using a brush, for example, as the material of the fur brush, a fur brush conductively treated with carbon, copper sulfide, metal or metal oxide is used, and this is wound around a metal or other conductive core metal. Make it a charger by sticking.
Of course, the charger is not limited to the contact type charger as described above, but an image forming apparatus in which ozone generated from the charger is reduced can be obtained. Is preferred.
It is preferable that the charger is disposed in contact or non-contact with the latent image carrier and charges the surface of the latent image carrier by applying a direct current and an alternating voltage.
The charger is a charging roller that is disposed in close proximity to the latent image carrier via a gap tape, and charges the surface of the latent image carrier by applying a direct current and an alternating voltage to the charging roller. Those are preferred.
The exposure can be performed, for example, by exposing the surface of the latent image carrier imagewise using the exposure device.
The exposure device is not particularly limited as long as it can expose the surface of the latent image carrier charged by the charger to an image to be formed, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, various exposure devices such as a copying optical system, a rod lens array system, a laser optical system, and a liquid crystal shutter optical system can be used.
In the present invention, a back light system in which imagewise exposure is performed from the back side of the latent image carrier may be employed.

<Development process and development means>
The developing step is a step of developing the electrostatic latent image using a toner or a developer to form a visible image (toner image).
The visible image can be formed, for example, by developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner or the developer, and can be performed by the developing unit.
The developing unit supplies either the carrier or the two-component developer to the inside of the developing unit, and either the carrier or the two-component developer accommodated in the developing unit is provided outside the developing unit. It is preferable to have discharging means for discharging.
The developing unit is not particularly limited as long as it can be developed using, for example, the toner or the developer, and can be appropriately selected from known ones. For example, the toner or developer is accommodated. Preferred examples include those having at least a developing unit capable of bringing the toner or developer into contact or non-contact with the electrostatic latent image.
The developing unit may be a dry developing type, a wet developing type, a single color developing unit, or a multi-color developing unit. For example, a toner having a stirrer for charging the toner or the developer by frictional stirring and a rotatable magnet roller is preferable.
In the developing device, for example, the toner and the carrier are mixed and agitated, and the toner is charged by friction at that time, and held on the surface of the rotating magnet roller in a raised state to form a magnetic brush. . Since the magnet roller is disposed in the vicinity of the latent image carrier, a part of the toner constituting the magnetic brush formed on the surface of the magnet roller is carried by the electric attraction force. Move to the surface of the body. As a result, the electrostatic latent image formed in the exposure step is developed with the toner, and a visible image is formed with the toner on the surface of the latent image carrier.
The developer accommodated in the developing device is a developer containing the toner, and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is preferably used as the developer.

<Toner>
A known toner can be used as the toner. That is, it contains at least a binder resin, a colorant, and an external additive, preferably contains a release agent and a charge control agent, and further contains other components as necessary.

<Transfer process and transfer means>
The transfer step is a step of transferring the visible image onto a recording medium. After the primary transfer of the visible image onto the intermediate transfer member using an intermediate transfer member, the visible image is transferred onto the recording medium. A primary transfer step of forming a composite transfer image by transferring a visible image onto an intermediate transfer body using two or more colors, preferably full color toner as the toner, and a composite transfer image; A mode including a secondary transfer step of transferring the transfer image onto the recording medium is more preferable.
The transfer can be performed, for example, by charging the latent image carrier using a transfer charger, and can be performed by the transfer unit. The transfer means includes a primary transfer means for transferring a visible image onto an intermediate transfer member to form a composite transfer image, and a secondary transfer means for transferring the composite transfer image onto a recording medium. Embodiments are preferred.
The intermediate transfer member is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known transfer members according to the purpose. For example, a transfer belt and the like are preferable.
The transfer means (the primary transfer means and the secondary transfer means) includes at least a transfer unit that peels and charges the visible image formed on the latent image carrier to the recording medium side. preferable. There may be one transfer means or two or more transfer means. Examples of the transfer device include a corona transfer device using corona discharge, a transfer belt, a transfer roller, a pressure transfer roller, and an adhesive transfer device.
The recording medium is typically plain paper, but is not particularly limited as long as it can transfer an unfixed image after development, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. PET for OHP A base or the like can also be used.

<Fixing process and fixing means>
The fixing step is a step of fixing the visible image transferred to the recording medium using a fixing device, and may be performed each time the toner of each color is transferred to the recording medium, or for the toner of each color. You may perform this simultaneously in the state which laminated | stacked this.
The fixing unit is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. A fixing unit and a heat source for heating the fixing member are used.
Examples of the fixing member include a combination of an endless belt and a roller, a combination of a roller and a roller, etc., but the warm-up time can be shortened, and in terms of realizing energy saving, A combination of an endless belt and a roller having a small heat capacity is preferable in terms of expansion of the fixable width.

<Lubricant supply step and lubricant supply means>
The lubricant supplying step mainly reduces the friction coefficient of the surface of the latent image carrier with respect to the cleaning blade over a long period of time by supplying and applying the lubricant onto the latent image carrier by the lubricant supply means. Installed as a purpose. Lubricant is applied to the surface of the latent image carrier, facilitating cleaning of spherical toner that is difficult to clean, and blade squeal and blade edge that tend to occur when the cleaning blade and the latent image carrier are rubbed. Problems such as wear can be eliminated. Further, the toner releasability is improved, and the occurrence of abnormal images such as voids can be suppressed.

  As described in detail above, the lubricant for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by containing a lubricating substance and a diamine compound represented by the general formulas (1) to (2).

<Static elimination process and static elimination means>
The neutralization step is a step of performing neutralization by applying a neutralization bias to the latent image carrier or irradiating neutralization light, and can be suitably performed by a neutralization unit.
The neutralization means is not particularly limited, and may be any suitable one as long as it can neutralize the surface charge of the latent image carrier, and can be appropriately selected from known neutralizers. For example, a charger or a neutralization lamp that applies a neutralization bias. Etc. are preferable.

<Cleaning process and cleaning means>
The cleaning step is a step of removing the electrophotographic toner remaining on the latent image carrier, and can be suitably performed by a cleaning unit.
The cleaning means is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected from known cleaners as long as the electrophotographic toner remaining on the latent image carrier can be removed. For example, a magnetic brush cleaner Suitable examples include electrostatic brush cleaners, magnetic roller cleaners, blade cleaners, brush cleaners, web cleaners, and the like.

<Recycling process and recycling means>
The recycling step is a step of recycling the toner removed by the cleaning step to the developing unit, and can be suitably performed by the recycling unit. There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said recycling means, A well-known conveyance means etc. are mentioned.

<Control process and control means>
The control step is a step for controlling each of the steps, and can be suitably performed by a control means.
The control means is not particularly limited as long as the movement of each means can be controlled, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof include devices such as a sequencer and a computer.

[Process cartridge]
The process cartridge of the present invention has at least one of a latent image carrier, a charging unit, and a developing unit, and a lubricant supply unit using the lubricant of the present invention, and is further appropriately selected as necessary. It has other means.
Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the process cartridge includes a latent image carrier (electrophotographic photosensitive member) (101), a charger (102), a developing means (104), and a cleaning means (109). ) And other means as necessary. (105) is a recording medium, and (108) is a conveyance roller.
In FIG. 12, the cleaning unit is provided with a lubricant supply means. The lubricant (106) is pressed against the cleaning brush (108) of the cleaning means (109), and the lubricant is supplied by the cleaning brush. The cleaning blade (107) also serves as a lubricant leveling blade.

Here, the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The image forming apparatus of FIG. 6 includes a drum-shaped latent image carrier (1), a charger (3), a pre-transfer charger (7), a transfer charger (110), a separation charger (111), And a pre-cleaning charger (113).
The shape of the latent image carrier (1) is not limited to a drum shape, and may be, for example, a sheet shape or an endless belt shape. In addition, various chargers have a gap between the latent image carrier and the corotron, scorotron, solid state charger, contact arrangement, or gap tape or a step at the end. Well-known means such as charging rollers arranged in close proximity can be used.
As the transfer means, the above charger can be generally used, but a combination of a transfer charger and a separation charger as shown in the figure is effective.
Further, light sources such as an image exposure unit (5) and a charge removal lamp (2) include fluorescent lamps, tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, mercury lamps, sodium lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), semiconductor lasers (LD), electroluminescence (EL). ) And other luminescent materials can be used. Various types of filters such as a sharp cut filter, a band pass filter, a near infrared cut filter, a dichroic filter, an interference filter, and a color temperature conversion filter can be used to irradiate only light in a desired wavelength range.
Such a light source or the like irradiates the latent image carrier with light by providing a transfer step, a static elimination step, a cleaning step, or a pre-exposure step in combination with light irradiation in addition to the steps shown in FIG. Can do.
The toner image developed on the latent image carrier (1) by the developing unit (6) is transferred to the recording medium (9), but not all is transferred, but on the latent image carrier (1). The toner remains on the surface. If such a residual toner is not cleaned and the next copying process is carried out, a defective charging or a problem in forming an electrostatic latent image due to exposure will occur. Therefore, it is generally necessary to remove untransferred residual toner using a cleaning unit. As the cleaning means, the cleaning brush (114) or the blade (115) may be used alone or in combination, and a well-known cleaning brush such as a fur brush or a mag fur brush is used.
Examples of the elastic body having a low friction coefficient for the cleaning blade (115) include urethane resin, silicone resin, fluororesin, urethane elastomer, silicone elastomer, and fluoroelastomer. As the cleaning blade (115), a thermosetting urethane resin is preferable, and a urethane elastomer is particularly preferable from the viewpoints of wear resistance, ozone resistance, and contamination resistance. Elastomer includes rubber. The cleaning blade (115) preferably has a hardness (JIS-A) in the range of 65 to 85 degrees. The cleaning blade (115) preferably has a thickness of 0.8 to 3.0 mm and a protrusion amount of 3 to 15 mm. Furthermore, as other conditions, the contact pressure, the contact angle, the amount of biting, and the like can be determined as appropriate.
Such a cleaning means that comes into contact with the latent image carrier has a high toner removing performance, but naturally, a mechanical hazard is given to the latent image carrier and the surface layer of the latent image carrier is worn. Since the latent image carrier having a protective layer suitably used in the present invention has extremely high wear resistance of the crosslinked surface layer, a stable and good image can be obtained even in an image forming apparatus having a cleaning means in contact with the surface. Can be output.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a lubricant application unit (116) for supplying and applying a lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier. In particular, in recent years, spherical toners, which are advantageous for improving the image quality of electrophotography, have been put into practical use. However, spherical toners are difficult to blade-clean as compared with conventional pulverized toners. Are known. Therefore, measures such as increasing the contact pressure of the cleaning blade and using a urethane rubber blade having high hardness are taken.
These methods tend to increase the hazard to the surface of the latent image carrier on which the blade abuts. In fact, it has been found that the surface wear amount of the latent image carrier tends to increase when spherical toner is used. . The latent image carrier having a crosslinked surface layer suitably used in the present invention has very high wear resistance, and therefore the crosslinked surface layer is hardly worn even under conditions where the hazard is large as described above. In some cases, problems such as blade squeal and blade edge wear, which are considered to be due to the high friction coefficient of the cleaning blade, may occur.
Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the friction coefficient of the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member with respect to the cleaning blade is reduced over a long period of time by providing a lubricant supply means for supplying and applying a lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier. And the above problems can be solved.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the lubricant supply means. When the solid material (116) in which the lubricant is formed into a rod shape is pressed against the cleaning brush (114), the cleaning brush (114) is rotated. The lubricant is scraped off and the lubricant adhering to the brush is applied to the surface of the latent image carrier. The lubricant described above is used as the lubricant.
By providing the cleaning unit (117) with the lubricant supply means shown in FIG. 7, the layout design around the drum can be facilitated and the apparatus can be simplified. In some cases, a large amount of lubricant is mixed, which makes it difficult to recycle the toner, and causes a reduction in brush cleaning efficiency. Although not shown in the drawings, the above problem can be solved by providing an application unit having a lubricant supply means independently of the cleaning unit. In that case, the coating unit is preferably provided downstream of the cleaning unit. Furthermore, by providing the application units at a plurality of locations and operating them simultaneously or sequentially, it is possible to increase the efficiency of applying the lubricant and control the consumption.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another example of the process using the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 8, a latent image carrier (122) is driven by a driving roller (123), charged by a charging charger (129), image exposure by an image exposure light source (121), development (not shown), transfer charger. Transfer using the charger (125), application of lubricant by the lubricant application unit (130), equalization of the amount of lubricant applied by the leveling blade (131), cleaning by the cleaning brush (126), static elimination by the static elimination light source (128) Is repeated.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the full-color image forming apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the latent image carrier (156) is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing, and its surface is uniformly charged by a charging charger (153) using a corotron, a scorotron or the like, and then a laser (not shown). The electrostatic latent image is carried by scanning with laser light (L) emitted from the optical device.
Since this scanning is performed based on single-color image information obtained by separating a full-color image into yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color information, a single color such as yellow, magenta, cyan, or black is formed on the latent image carrier drum (156). An electrostatic latent image is formed.
A revolver developing unit (250) is disposed on the left side of the latent image carrier drum (156) in FIG. This has a yellow developing unit, a magenta developing unit, a cyan developing unit, and a black developing unit in a rotating drum-shaped casing, and each developing unit is opposed to the latent image carrier drum (156) by rotation. Move sequentially to development position. The yellow developer, magenta developer, cyan developer, and black developer are for developing an electrostatic latent image by attaching yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively. On the latent image carrier drum (156), electrostatic latent images for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially formed, which are sequentially developed by the developing units of the revolver developing unit (250) to be yellow toner. An image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image.
An intermediate transfer unit is disposed downstream of the developing position with respect to the rotation of the latent image carrier drum (156). This includes an intermediate transfer belt (158) stretched by a tension roller (159a), an intermediate transfer bias roller (157) as a transfer means, a secondary transfer backup roller (159b), and a belt drive roller (159c). The belt drive roller (159c) is driven to rotate endlessly in the clockwise direction in the drawing. A yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image developed on the latent image carrier drum (156) are transferred to the latent image carrier drum (156) and the intermediate transfer belt (158). Enter the intermediate transfer nip that comes into contact. Then, while being influenced by the bias from the intermediate transfer bias roller (157), the toner image is superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt (158) and is primarily transferred to form a four-color superimposed toner image. In such an intermediate transfer method in which toner images are superimposed using an intermediate transfer belt, the relative positioning of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member can be performed relatively easily and accurately. Since it is advantageous, it can be said that it is an effective means for obtaining a high-quality full-color image.
The surface of the latent image carrier drum (156) that has passed through the intermediate transfer nip with rotation is cleaned of untransferred residual toner by the drum cleaning unit (155).
This cleaning unit (155) is for cleaning untransferred residual toner with a cleaning brush made of a fur brush, a mag fur brush, or the like. A cleaning roller to which a cleaning bias is applied, a cleaning blade, or the like is used alone or in combination. It may be used. In FIG. 9, the cleaning unit (155) is also used as a lubricant application member.
The surface of the latent image carrier drum (156), from which the untransferred residual toner has been cleaned, is discharged by the discharging lamp (154). As the static elimination lamp (154), a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a sodium lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a semiconductor laser (LD), an electroluminescence (EL), or the like is used. A semiconductor laser is used as the light source of the laser optical device. About these emitted lights, you may make it use only a desired wavelength range by various filters, such as a sharp cut filter, a band pass filter, a near-infrared cut filter, a dichroic filter, an interference filter, and a color temperature conversion filter.
A transfer unit composed of various rollers such as a transfer conveyance belt (162), a transfer bias roller (163), and a driving roller is disposed below the intermediate transfer unit in FIG. 9, and on the left side in FIG. A paper transport belt (164) and a fixing unit (165) are disposed. In the transfer unit, the endlessly moving transfer belt may be moved in the vertical direction in FIG. 9 by a moving means (not shown), and at least one color toner image (yellow toner) on the intermediate transfer belt (158). When the two-color or three-color superimposed toner image passes through the position facing the secondary transfer bias roller (163), the toner image moves to a position where it does not contact the intermediate transfer belt (158). Then, before the leading edge of the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt (158) enters the position facing the secondary transfer bias roller (163), the contact position with the intermediate transfer belt (158) is reached. Move to form a secondary transfer nip.
On the other hand, the registration roller pair (161) sandwiching the recording medium (160) sent from a paper feeding cassette (not shown) between the two rollers has four colors on the intermediate transfer belt (158). The toner is fed toward the secondary transfer nip at a timing at which the toner image can be superimposed. The four-color superimposed toner images on the intermediate transfer belt (158) are collectively applied to the recording medium (160) under the influence of the secondary transfer bias from the paper transfer bias roller (163) in the secondary transfer nip. Secondary transferred. By this secondary transfer, a full color image is formed on the recording medium (160).
Then, the recording medium (160) on which the full-color image is formed is sent to the paper conveyance belt (164) by the transfer conveyance belt (162).
The conveyance belt (164) feeds the recording medium (160) received from the transfer unit into the fixing device (165).
The fixing device (165) conveys the fed recording medium (160) while being sandwiched between fixing nips formed by contact between the heating roller and the backup roller.
The full-color image on the recording medium (160) is fixed on the recording medium (160) under the influence of heating from the heating roller and pressure applied in the fixing nip.
Although not shown, a bias for attracting the recording medium (160) may be applied to the transfer conveyance belt (162) and the paper conveyance belt (164). In addition, a paper recording medium neutralization charger that neutralizes the recording medium (160) and three belt neutralization chargers that neutralize each belt (intermediate transfer belt (158), transfer conveyance belt (162), conveyance belt (164)) are arranged. It may be provided. Further, the intermediate transfer unit may include a belt cleaning unit having the same configuration as that of the drum cleaning unit (155), thereby cleaning untransferred residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt (158).

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is a tandem type color image forming apparatus. The illustrated tandem image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus main body (150), a paper feed table (200), a scanner (300), and an automatic document feeder (ADF) (400).
The image forming apparatus main body (150) is provided with an endless belt-like intermediate transfer member (50) at the center. The intermediate transfer member (50) is stretched around the support rollers (14), (15) and (16), and can be rotated clockwise in FIG. An intermediate transfer body cleaning device (17) for removing untransferred residual toner on the intermediate transfer body (50) is disposed in the vicinity of the support roller (15). The intermediate transfer member (50) stretched between the support roller (14) and the support roller (15) has four image forming units (18) of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black along the conveyance direction. A tandem developing device (120) arranged opposite to each other is arranged. An exposure device (21) is disposed in the vicinity of the tandem developing device (120). A secondary transfer device (22) is disposed on the side of the intermediate transfer member (50) opposite to the side on which the tandem developing device (120) is disposed. In the secondary transfer device (22), a secondary transfer belt (24), which is an endless belt, is stretched between a pair of rollers (23), and a recording medium conveyed on the secondary transfer belt (24); The intermediate transfer member (50) can contact each other. A fixing device (25) is disposed in the vicinity of the secondary transfer device (22).

In the tandem image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 10, sheet reversal is performed in the vicinity of the secondary transfer device (22) and the fixing device (25) for reversing the recording medium in order to form an image on both sides of the recording medium. A device (28) is arranged.
Next, full color image formation (color copying) using the tandem developing device (120) will be described. That is, first, a document is set on the document table (130) of the automatic document feeder (ADF) (400) or the automatic document feeder (400) is opened and the contact glass (32) of the scanner (300) is opened. A document is set on the document and the automatic document feeder (400) is closed.
When a start switch (not shown) is pressed, when a document is set on the automatic document feeder (400), the document is transported and moved onto the contact glass (32). ) Immediately after the document is set on the scanner (300), the first traveling body (33) and the second traveling body (34) travel. At this time, light from the light source is irradiated by the first traveling body (33) and reflected light from the document surface is reflected by the mirror in the second traveling body (34), and is read through the imaging lens (35). The color original (color image) is read at (36), and is read as black, yellow, magenta and cyan image information.
Each image information of black, yellow, magenta and cyan is stored in each image forming means (18) (black image forming means, yellow image forming means, magenta image forming means and cyan in the tandem developing device (120). Image forming means), and each toner image of black, yellow, magenta and cyan is formed in each image forming means. That is, each image forming means (18) (black image forming means, yellow image forming means, magenta image forming means and cyan image forming means) in the tandem developing device (120) is as shown in FIG. Latent image carrier (10) (black latent image carrier (10K), yellow latent image carrier (10Y), magenta latent image carrier (10M) and cyan latent image carrier (10C), respectively. ), A charger (60) for uniformly charging the latent image carrier, and exposing the latent image carrier to each color image corresponding image based on each color image information ((L) in FIG. 11). And an exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to each color image on the latent image carrier, and each color toner (black toner, yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner) is applied to the electrostatic latent image. Use and develop each A developer (61) for forming a toner image with toner, a transfer charger (62) for transferring the toner image onto the intermediate transfer member (50), a latent image carrier cleaning device (63), And a single-color image (a black image, a yellow image, a magenta image, and a cyan image) can be formed based on image information of each color.
The black image, the yellow image, the magenta image, and the cyan image formed in this way are respectively transferred onto the intermediate transfer member (50) that is rotationally moved by the support rollers (14), (15), and (16). A black image formed on the latent image carrier (10K), a yellow image formed on the yellow latent image carrier (10Y), a magenta image formed on the magenta latent image carrier (10M), and The cyan image formed on the cyan latent image carrier (10C) is sequentially transferred (primary transfer).
Then, the black image, the yellow image, the magenta image, and the cyan image are superimposed on the intermediate transfer member (50) to form a composite color image (composite transfer image).
On the other hand, in the paper feed table (200), one of the paper feed rollers (142) is selectively rotated, and the recording medium (recording) is started from one of the paper feed cassettes (144) provided in the paper bank (143). Paper) is fed out, separated one by one by the separation roller (145), sent to the paper feed path (146), conveyed by the transport roller (147), and fed by the paper feed path (148) in the copier body (150). And stop against the registration roller (49). Alternatively, by rotating the paper feed roller, the recording medium (recording paper) on the manual feed tray (51) is fed, separated one by one by the separation roller (52), and put into the manual paper feed path (53). Stop at (49). The registration roller (49) is generally used while being grounded, but may be used in a state where a bias is applied to remove paper dust from the recording medium.
Then, the registration roller (49) is rotated in time with the synthesized color image (composite transfer image) synthesized on the intermediate transfer member (50), and the intermediate transfer member (50), the secondary transfer device (22), The recording medium (recording paper) is sent between the two, and the composite color image (composite transfer image) is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the recording medium (recording paper) by the secondary transfer device (22). A color image is transferred and formed on a recording medium (recording paper). The residual toner on the intermediate transfer member (50) after the image transfer is cleaned by the intermediate transfer member cleaning device (17).
The recording medium (recording paper) on which the color image has been transferred is transported by the secondary transfer device (22) and sent to the fixing device (25). In the fixing device (25), heat and pressure are transferred. As a result, the composite color image (composite transfer image) is fixed on the recording medium (recording paper). Thereafter, the recording medium (recording paper) is switched by the switching claw (55) and discharged by the discharge roller (56) and stacked on the paper discharge tray (57) or switched by the switching claw (55). The image is reversed by the reversing device (28) and guided again to the transfer position, and an image is recorded on the back surface. The image is then ejected by the ejection roller (56) and stacked on the paper ejection tray (57).
In the tandem method, latent image formation and development of each color can be performed in parallel, so that the image formation speed can be much higher than in the revolver method. Furthermore, the printer of FIG. 10 also employs an intermediate transfer method, and by mounting the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the present invention, a high-quality full-color image with little color misregistration can be repeated at a very high speed for a long period of time. Can be output.

<Synthesis Example of Polymerizable Compound Having Charge Transporting Structure>
Examples of the polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure suitably used in the present invention include a charge transporting substance having a hydroxyl group, and can be obtained by a synthesis method disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3540056. it can.
A synthesis example of a specific charge transporting substance having a hydroxyl group is shown below.

[Synthesis Example of Charge Transporting Polyol (CTP-2)]
[Synthesis of diethyl 4-methoxybenzylphosphonate]
4-Methoxybenzyl chloride and triethyl phosphite were reacted at 150 ° C. for 5 hours.
Thereafter, excess triethyl phosphite and by-product ethyl chloride were removed by distillation under reduced pressure to obtain diethyl 4-methoxybenzylphosphonate.

[Synthesis of 4-methoxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene]
Equimolar diethyl 4-methoxybenzylphosphonate and 4- (di-p-tolylamino) benzaldehyde were dissolved in N, N-dimethylformamide, and tert-butoxypotassium was added little by little with stirring under water cooling. After stirring at room temperature for 5 hours, water was added to make it acidic, and a crude product of the desired product was obtained. Further, the product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to obtain 4-methoxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene as a target product.

[Synthesis of 4-hydroxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene]
The obtained 4-methoxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene and double equivalent of sodium ethanethiolate were dissolved in N, N-dimethylformamide and reacted at 130 ° C. for 5 hours. Then, it was cooled and opened in water, neutralized with hydrochloric acid, and the target product was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated to give a crude product. Furthermore, it refine | purified by the column chromatography with a silica gel, and obtained 4-hydroxy-4 '-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene (CTP-1) of the target object.

[Synthesis of 1,2-dihydroxy-3- [4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilben-4-yloxy] propane]
A reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, thermometer, condenser, and dropping funnel was charged with 11.75 g of 4-hydroxy-4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene, 4.35 g of glycidyl methacrylate, and 8 ml of toluene at 90 ° C. Then, 0.16 g of triethylamine was added, and the mixture was heated and stirred at 95 ° C. for 8 hours. Thereafter, 16 ml of toluene and 20 ml of a 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were added, and the mixture was further stirred with heating at 95 ° C. for 8 hours.
After completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with acid and washed with water, and then the solvent was distilled off to obtain 19 g of a crude product. Furthermore, the target product 1,2-dihydroxy-3- [4 ′-(di-p-tolylamino) stilbene-4- (1) having the following structural formula (CTP-2) was analyzed by column chromatography using silica gel (solvent: ethyl acetate). Yloxy] propane (OH equivalent: 232.80) was obtained (yield 9.85 g, yellow crystals, mp 127-128.7 ° C.).
The IR measurement data is shown in Fig. 5 (IR data No. 1).

[Synthesis Example of Charge Transporting Polyol (CTP-4)]
A derivative necessary for the structure of the target compound is used, and a reaction route similar to that in the above synthesis example is used to produce a hydroxy α-phenyl stilbene derivative ({4- [2,2-bis- (4- Hydroxyphenyl) -vinyl] -phenyl} -di-p-toluyl-amine).

  33.9 g of the amine and 35 g of potassium carbonate were placed in a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, and 120 ml of DMAc and 3 ml of nitrobenzene were added and dissolved. Subsequently, 70.5 g of 2-bromoethanol was dropped and reacted at 100 ° C. for 18 hours. Then, it cooled to room temperature, the insoluble matter was removed, and it diluted with toluene. Thereafter, the toluene solution was washed with brine and water, and magnesium sulfate was added for dehydration. Thereafter, filtration was performed and toluene was distilled off to obtain 39.6 g of a crude product as a target product. Then, it is purified by column chromatography using a column filled with silica gel with a mixed solvent of dichloromethane / ethyl acetate (20/1 to 3/1) as a developing solvent, and further with a mixed solvent of toluene / cyclohexane (2/1). The product was recrystallized and purified twice, and the target product of the following structural formula (CTP-4) (2- (4- {2- [4- (di-p-toluyl-amino) phenyl-]-1- [4- (2 -Hydroxy-ethoxy) -phenyl] -vinyl} -phenoxy) -ethanol) (OH equivalent: 285.86). (Yield 22.3 g, yellow crystals, melting point 178.5-179.0 ° C.)

  For example, such a charge transporting substance can be crosslinked with an isocyanate compound to form a crosslinked layer having a urethane bond, or can be crosslinked with a silanol compound to form a crosslinked layer having a siloxane bond.

<Synthesis Example of Radical Polymerizable Compound Having Charge Transporting Structure>
The radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure suitably used in the present invention is synthesized by, for example, a method described in Japanese Patent No. 3164426. An example of this is shown below.
(1) Synthesis of hydroxy group-substituted triarylamine compound (the following structural formula B) 113.85 g (0.3 mol) of a methoxy group-substituted triarylamine compound (the following structural formula A) and 138 g (0.92 mol) of sodium iodide To this, 240 ml of sulfolane was added and heated to 60 ° C. in a nitrogen stream. In this solution, 99 g (0.91 mol) of trimethylchlorosilane was added dropwise over 1 hour and stirred at a temperature of about 60 ° C. for 4 and a half hours to complete the reaction. About 1.5 L of toluene was added to the reaction solution, cooled to room temperature, and washed repeatedly with water and an aqueous sodium carbonate solution. Thereafter, the solvent was removed from the toluene solution, and purification was performed by column chromatography (adsorption medium: silica gel, developing solvent: toluene: ethyl acetate = 20: 1). Cyclohexane was added to the obtained pale yellow oil to precipitate crystals. In this way, 88.1 g (yield = 80.4%) of white crystals of the following structural formula B was obtained.
Melting point: 64.0-66.0 ° C

（２）トリアリールアミノ基置換アクリレート化合物（［化８−８］中の例示化合物Ｎｏ．５４）
上記（１）で得られたヒドロキシ基置換トリアリールアミン化合物（構造式Ｂ）８２．９ｇ（０．２２７ｍｏｌ）をテトラヒドロフラン４００ｍｌに溶解し、窒素気流中で水酸化ナトリウム水溶液（ＮａＯＨ：１２．４ｇ，水：１００ｍｌ）を滴下した。この溶液を５℃に冷却し、アクリル酸クロライド２５．２ｇ（０．２７２ｍｏｌ）を４０分かけて滴下した。その後、５℃で３時間撹拌し反応を終了させた。この反応液を水に注ぎ、トルエンにて抽出した。この抽出液を炭酸水素ナトリウム水溶液と水で繰り返し洗浄した。その後、このトルエン溶液から溶媒を除去し、カラムクロマト処理（吸着媒体：シリカゲル、展開溶媒：トルエン）にて精製した。得られた無色のオイルにｎ−ヘキサンを加え、結晶を析出させた。このようにして例示化合物Ｎｏ．５４の白色結晶８０．７３ｇ（収率＝８４．８％）を得た。
融点：１１７．５〜１１９．０℃

(2) Triarylamino group-substituted acrylate compound (Exemplary Compound No. 54 in [Chem. 8-8])
82.9 g (0.227 mol) of the hydroxy group-substituted triarylamine compound (Structural Formula B) obtained in (1) above was dissolved in 400 ml of tetrahydrofuran, and an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH: 12.4 g, Water: 100 ml) was added dropwise. The solution was cooled to 5 ° C., and 25.2 g (0.272 mol) of acrylic acid chloride was added dropwise over 40 minutes. Then, it stirred at 5 degreeC for 3 hours, and reaction was complete | finished. The reaction solution was poured into water and extracted with toluene. This extract was repeatedly washed with an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and water. Thereafter, the solvent was removed from the toluene solution and purified by column chromatography (adsorption medium: silica gel, developing solvent: toluene). N-Hexane was added to the obtained colorless oil to precipitate crystals. Thus, Exemplified Compound No. As a result, 80.73 g (yield = 84.8%) of 54 white crystals were obtained.
Melting point: 117.5-119.0 ° C

<Production example of lubricant application member containing amine compound>
First, 10 parts by weight of the amine compound white powder of Exemplary Compound 1-1 is blended with 90 parts by weight of zinc stearate, and these are melted at 140 ° C. with stirring. Separately, the melt was poured into a cavity of an aluminum mold having a cavity of width 8 × depth 8 × length 500 mm preheated at 140 ° C.
After injection, a preheated insulating lid was placed on the top of the mold. The mold was then placed under room temperature conditions and allowed to cool until the mold temperature reached 50 ° C. After 2 hours, the solidified molded product was taken out from the mold.
The molded product is processed into a shape of width 8 x thickness 11 x length 380 mm, and the sheet metal (metal support) mounted on the RICOH Pro C900 is coated with double-sided tape instead of the existing lubricant. Glued. Thus, the lubricant application member containing the exemplary compound 1-1 that can be mounted on RICOH Pro C900 was obtained.
In addition, the temperature heated in order to melt a fatty acid metal salt was made into about 15-30 degreeC temperature higher than melting | fusing point of each fatty acid metal salt.

  EXAMPLES Next, although an Example demonstrates this invention further in detail, this invention is not limited to a following example. Note that “parts” used in the examples all represent parts by mass.

An undercoat layer was formed on an Al support (outer diameter: 100 mmφ) by dipping so that the film thickness after drying at 130 ° C. for 20 minutes was 3.5 μm.
・ Coating liquid alkyd resin for undercoat layer 6 parts (Beckolite M6401-50, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.)
Melamine resin 4 parts (Super Becamine G-821-60, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.)
Titanium oxide (CR-EL: manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.) 40 parts Methyl ethyl ketone 50 parts On this subbing layer, dip coating is performed using the following charge generation layer coating solution, followed by heating and drying at 90 ° C. for 20 minutes. A 0.2 μm charge generation layer was formed.
-Coating solution for charge generation layer Y-type titanyl phthalocyanine 6 parts Butyral resin 4 parts (BX-1: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
200 parts of 2-butanone On this charge generation layer, dip coating was performed using a charge transport layer coating solution containing a charge transport material having the following structure, followed by heating and drying at 135 ° C. for 20 minutes to obtain a film thickness of 22 μm. A charge transport layer was formed.
・ Coating liquid for charge transport layer 10 parts of bisphenol Z type polycarbonate 10 parts of low molecular charge transport material with the following structure

テトラヒドロフラン ８０部
この電荷輸送層上に下記組成の架橋表面層用塗工液を窒素気流中でスプレー塗工後、１０分間窒素気流中に放置して指触乾燥を実施した。その後、酸素濃度が２％以下となるようにブース内を窒素ガスで置換したＵＶ照射ブースにて、メタルハライドランプ：１６０Ｗ／ｃｍ、照射距離：１２０ｍｍ、照射強度：７００ｍＷ／ｃｍ^２、照射時間：６０秒の条件で光照射を行ない、更に１３０℃で２０分乾燥を加え８μｍの表面架橋層を設け、潜像担持体１を作製した。
・架橋表面層塗工液
電荷輸送性構造を有さない３官能以上のラジカル重合性モノマー １０部
トリメチロールプロパントリアクリレート
（ＫＡＹＡＲＡＤ ＴＭＰＴＡ、日本化薬社製）
分子量：２９６、官能基数：３官能、分子量／官能基数＝９９
１官能の電荷輸送性構造を有するラジカル重合性化合物 １０部
（例示化合物Ｎｏ．５４）

Tetrahydrofuran 80 parts On this charge transport layer, a coating solution for a cross-linked surface layer having the following composition was spray-coated in a nitrogen stream, and then left in a nitrogen stream for 10 minutes to dry the touch. Thereafter, in a UV irradiation booth in which the inside of the booth is replaced with nitrogen gas so that the oxygen concentration becomes 2% or less, metal halide lamp: 160 W / cm, irradiation distance: 120 mm, irradiation intensity: 700 mW / cm ² , irradiation time: 60 Light irradiation was performed under the conditions of seconds, and drying was further performed at 130 ° C. for 20 minutes to provide a surface cross-linked layer of 8 μm.
-Crosslinked surface layer coating solution Trifunctional or higher radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure 10 parts trimethylolpropane triacrylate (KAYARAD TMPTA, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
Molecular weight: 296, number of functional groups: trifunctional, molecular weight / number of functional groups = 99
10 parts of a radical polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transporting structure (Exemplary Compound No. 54)

光重合開始剤 １部
１−ヒドロキシ−シクロヘキシル−フェニル−ケトン
（イルガキュア１８４、チバ・スペシャルティ・ケミカルズ社製）
１％ＵＶ硬化型レベリング剤のテトラヒドロフラン溶液 ５部
（アクリル基含有ポリエステル変性ポリジメチルシロキサンとプロポキシ変性−２
−ネオペンチルグリコールジアクリレート混合物；商品名：ＢＹＫ−ＵＶ ３５７０；ビックケミー社製）
テトラヒドロフラン １００部
以上のようにして作製した潜像担持体を、下記評価が可能となるように改造した、リコー製 フルカラープリンタ ＲＩＣＯＨ Ｐｒｏ Ｃ９００ 改造機のブラックステーションに搭載し、以下の条件で画像ボケ評価、耐摩耗性評価、耐キズ性評価を実施した。結果を表８に示す。

Photoinitiator 1 part 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone (Irgacure 184, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals)
5 parts tetrahydrofuran solution of 1% UV curable leveling agent (acrylic group-containing polyester-modified polydimethylsiloxane and propoxy-modified-2
-Neopentyl glycol diacrylate mixture; trade name: BYK-UV 3570; manufactured by Big Chemie)
Tetrahydrofuran 100 parts The latent image carrier produced as described above is mounted on the black station of the Ricoh full color printer RICOH Pro C900 remodeled machine that has been modified so that the following evaluation is possible. Abrasion resistance evaluation and scratch resistance evaluation were carried out. The results are shown in Table 8.

<Image blur evaluation>
Under an environment of 27 ° C. and 85% RH, 1000 black A4 color test charts having an image area ratio of 5% are continuously output in the horizontal direction, and then the image forming apparatus main body is turned off. After the elapse of 24 hours, the image forming apparatus main body was turned on, and a 1200 dpi 2by2 black monochrome half-tone image was output, and the presence or absence of blur due to image blur was evaluated.
The evaluation criteria were as follows.
A: No image blur occurs.
○: Image blurring slightly occurred just below the charger. There is almost no problem in practical use.
Δ: Slight image blur occurred just under and around the charger, but at a practically acceptable level.
×: Image blur occurs not only directly under the charger but also on the entire surface in the circumferential direction on the back side of the image forming apparatus.
Unacceptable level.

<Abrasion resistance evaluation>
In a 25 ° C. and 50% RH environment, a running test is performed in which 100,000 black single color test charts having an image area ratio of 15% are continuously output. The film thickness of the photosensitive layer before and after the running test is measured with an eddy current film thickness meter (Fisherscope MMS; manufactured by Fischer), and the abrasion amount of the photosensitive layer due to continuous output of 100,000 sheets is calculated. Note that the film thickness of the photosensitive layer is an average value measured from the position of the upper end 50 mm to 330 mm at intervals of 10 mm in an arbitrary main scanning direction (drum axis direction) of the carrier drum so that the same portion can be measured before and after running. Mark it.
It is considered that the smaller the amount of wear, the better the coating property of the lubricant and the higher the protection of the surface of the latent image carrier.

<Scratch resistance evaluation>
The surface of the latent image carrier after the evaluation of wear resistance is visually observed for the presence of streak-like scratches in the sub-scanning direction (drum circumferential direction). It is considered that the smaller the scratch, the better the coating property of the lubricant and the higher the protection of the surface of the latent image carrier.

  In Example 2, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the amine exemplified compound, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 3, a lubricant application member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 4, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 5, a lubricant application member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 6, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 7, a lubricant application member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 8, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 9, a lubricant application member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 10, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 11, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 12, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 13, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 14, a lubricant application member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 15, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 16, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 17, a lubricant application member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 18, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 19, a lubricant application member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In Example 20, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the content ratio in the exemplified compound of amine, the lubricating material, and the lubricant was changed as shown in Table 8, respectively. Image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

[Comparative Example 1]
A lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that no amine compound was contained, and image blur evaluation, wear resistance evaluation, and scratch resistance evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

[Comparative Examples 2 to 5]
In Comparative Examples 2 to 5, except that the exemplary compound of diamine was changed to the following antioxidant, a lubricant application member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and image blur evaluation, abrasion resistance evaluation, scratch resistance Sex assessment was performed. The results are shown in Table 8.

  In the image forming apparatuses of Examples 1 to 20 configured as the present invention, image blurring occurs even when the image is formed on 5000 sheets while applying a lubricant and then left in a high temperature and high humidity environment for 24 hours. It turns out that it is hard to generate. Further, when Examples 1 and 9 to 11 are compared, it can be observed that image blur suppression and amine compound content are closely related. Further, the wear resistance and scratch resistance are maintained at a level that does not cause a problem in practical use, and it can be confirmed that the side effect on the lubricity due to the inclusion of the amine compound is small. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatuses of Comparative Example 1 that did not contain an amine compound and Comparative Examples 2 to 5 that contained antioxidants 1 to 4, image blurring occurred in the same evaluation. It was. This may be because the deterioration of the lubrication material due to the discharge products could not be suppressed, or the antioxidant itself could deteriorate, causing image blurring. The image blur suppression effect similar to that of the image forming apparatus of the invention was not exhibited.

Latent image support in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the trifunctional or higher-functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating liquid of Example 1 was replaced with the following monomer. Body 2 was prepared and evaluated in the same manner.
Trifunctional or higher radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure 10 parts dipentaerythritol caprolactone-modified hexaacrylate (KAYARAD DPCA-60, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
Molecular weight: 1263, number of functional groups: 6 functions, molecular weight / number of functional groups = 211

Latent image support in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the trifunctional or higher-functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating liquid of Example 1 was replaced with the following monomer. The body 3 was produced and the same evaluation was performed.
Trifunctional or higher radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure 10 parts dipentaerythritol caprolactone modified hexaacrylate (KAYARAD DPCA-120, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
Molecular weight: 1947, number of functional groups: 6 functions, molecular weight / number of functional groups = 325

  The radical polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transporting structure contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating liquid of Example 1 was exemplified as Compound No. 1. A latent image carrier 4 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount was changed to 1 and 10 parts, and the same evaluation was performed.

  The radical polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transporting structure contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating liquid of Example 1 was exemplified as Compound No. 1. A latent image carrier 5 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount was changed to 53 and 10 parts, and the same evaluation was performed.

  The radical polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transporting structure contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating liquid of Example 1 was exemplified as Compound No. 1. A latent image carrier 6 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount was changed to 127 and 10 parts, and the same evaluation was performed.

First, the charge transport layer of the latent image carrier was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.
Next, the coating solution 2 for the crosslinked surface layer having the following composition was spray-coated, naturally dried for 1 minute, and then using a metal halide lamp, irradiation distance: 120 mm, irradiation intensity: 500 mW / cm ² , irradiation time: 45 seconds The coating film was cured by light irradiation. Furthermore, drying was performed at 130 ° C. for 20 minutes to provide a crosslinked surface layer of 4 μm, and a latent image carrier 7 was produced. The same evaluation as in Example 1 was performed.

[Crosslinking surface layer forming coating solution 2]
Alumina (average primary particle size: 0.3 μm, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.) 3.0 parts Unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer (BYK-P104; manufactured by BYK Chemie) 0.06 parts No charge transport structure 3 Functional polymerizable radical polymerizable monomer 5 parts trimethylolpropane triacrylate (SR-351, manufactured by Sartomer)
Trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure 5 parts dipentaerythritol caprolactone-modified hexaacrylate (KAYARAD DPCA-120, manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
10 parts of a radical polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transporting structure (Exemplary Compound No. 54)
Photoinitiator 1 part 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone (Irgacure 184, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals)
Tetrahydrofuran 100 parts

  A latent image carrier 8 was produced in the same manner as in Example 26 except that the alumina fine particles contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating liquid of Example 26 were changed to silica fine particles (KMPX100: manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Similar evaluations were made.

  A latent image carrier 9 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 26 except that the alumina fine particles contained in the crosslinked surface layer coating liquid of Example 26 were changed to titanium oxide fine particles (CR-97: manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.). A similar evaluation was made.

First, the charge transport layer of the latent image carrier was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.
Then, the following surface layer forming coating solution 3 is applied onto the charge transport layer using a spray coating method and dried at 150 ° C. for 20 minutes to form a surface layer of 5 μm. The same evaluation as in Example 1 was performed.

[Surface layer forming coating solution 3]
Alumina (average primary particle size: 0.3 μm, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.) 3.0 parts unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer (BYK-P104; manufactured by BYK Chemie) 0.06 parts polycarbonate (Z Polyca, manufactured by Teijin Chemicals) ) 10 parts dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT) 0.06 parts antioxidant (Sanol LS-2626, manufactured by Sankyo Corporation) 0.20 parts tetrahydrofuran 230 parts cyclohexanone 70 parts

First, the charge transport layer of the latent image carrier was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.
Next, the coating solution 4 for the crosslinked surface layer having the following composition is spray-coated and then naturally dried for 1 minute, and then heated at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes to provide a 5 μm surface crosslinked layer, thereby producing a latent image carrier 10. Then, the same evaluation as in Example 1 was performed.

[Surface layer forming coating solution 4]
Polyol 20 parts [styrene-acrylic copolymer comprising styrene, methyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate]
(Polyol = LZR-170; (solid content 41% by mass): manufactured by Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.)
Charge transporting substance having hydroxyl group (CTP-4) 20 parts isocyanate [polyol adduct of tolylene diisocyanate] 38 parts (isocyanate = coronate L: solid content 75%; manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.)
5 parts of 1% silicone oil in tetrahydrofuran (silicone oil = KF50-100CS; manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Table 9 shows the evaluation results of Examples 21 to 30.

In the image forming apparatuses of Examples 21 to 20 configured as the present invention, even if the constituent material of the surface layer of the latent image carrier is changed, image blur is less likely to occur. Further, as in Examples 26 to 29, even when the surface layer contains fine particles, the coating property of the lubricant is improved, and the latent image carrier with improved wear resistance is mounted, the side effects of image blur As a result, it was found that it exhibited remarkable wear resistance and scratch resistance.
As described above, the present invention provides a latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and an electrostatic image on the latent image carrier. A latent image forming means for forming a latent image, a transfer means for transferring an image formed on the carrier to a transfer body, and a developing means for forming a toner image disposed on the upstream side of the transfer means The image forming apparatus includes a lubricant applying unit that applies a lubricant to the surface of the latent image carrier, and the lubricant is represented by at least a lubricating substance and the following general formula (1) or (2). By forming an image forming apparatus using a lubricant containing at least one kind of amine compound, an electrostatic latent image carrier without causing image blur even in a high temperature and high humidity environment Can significantly improve the durability of the Te, it is possible to provide a stable, an image forming apparatus capable of outputting high-quality images.

（式中、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は、芳香族炭化水素基置換もしくは無置換の炭素数１〜４のアルキル基を表わし、同一でも異なっていてもよい。また、Ｒ^１，Ｒ^２は互いに結合し窒素原子を含む複素環基を形成してもよい。Ａｒ^１、Ａｒ^２は置換若しくは無置換の芳香環基を表わす。ｌ，ｍはそれぞれ０〜３の整数を表わす。ただし、ｌ，ｍが同時に０となることはない。ｎは１または２の整数を表わす。）

(In the formula, R ¹ and R ^{2 each} represent an aromatic hydrocarbon group-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different. R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other. And a heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom, Ar ¹ and Ar ² each represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring group, and l and m each represent an integer of 0 to 3, provided that l, m Are not simultaneously 0. n represents an integer of 1 or 2.)

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention can remarkably improve the durability of the latent image carrier without generating image blur even in a high temperature and high humidity environment, and can stably output a high quality image over a long period of time. Therefore, it can be suitably used as an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a composite machine having a latent image carrier.

(Figs. 1-4)
201 Support 202 Photosensitive Layer 203 Charge Generation Layer (CGL)
204 Charge transport layer (CTL)
205 Undercoat layer 206 Protective layer (FIG. 6)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Latent image carrier 2 Static elimination lamp 3 Charge charger 5 Image exposure part 6 Developing unit 7 Pre-transfer charger 8 Registration roller 9 Transfer paper 110 Transfer charger 111 Separation charger 112 Separation claw 113 Pre-cleaning charger 114 Cleaning brush 115 Cleaning blade 116 Lubricant Application unit (Fig. 7)
114 Cleaning brush 115 Cleaning blade 116 Lubricant 117 Cleaning unit (FIG. 8)
121 image exposure light source 122 latent image carrier 123 drive roller 124 transfer roller 125 transfer charger 126 cleaning brush 127 driven roller 128 static elimination light source 129 charging charger 130 lubricant application unit 131 lubricant leveling blade (FIG. 9)
153 Charger 154 Static elimination lamp 155 Cleaning unit 156 Latent image carrier 157 Intermediate transfer bias roller 158 Intermediate transfer belt 159a Tension roller 159b Secondary transfer backup roller 159c Belt drive roller 160 Recording medium 161 Registration roller 162 Transfer conveyance belt 163 Transfer bias Roller 164 Paper transport belt 165 Fixing unit 250 Revolver developing unit (FIGS. 10 to 11)
10 latent image carrier 10K black latent image carrier 10Y yellow latent image carrier 10M magenta latent image carrier 10C cyan latent image carrier 14 support roller a
15 Support roller b
16 Support roller c
17 Intermediate transfer member cleaning device 18 Image forming means 21 Exposure device 22 Secondary transfer device 23 Secondary transfer roller 24 Secondary transfer belt 25 Fixing device 26 Fixing belt 27 Pressure roller 28 Sheet reversing device 32 Contact glass 33 First traveling body 34 Second traveling body 35 Imaging lens 36 Reading sensor 49 Registration roller 50 Intermediate transfer body 51 Manual feed tray 52 Separating roller 53 Manual feed path 55 Switching claw 56 Discharge roller 57 Discharge tray 57 Charger 61 Developer 62 Primary transfer charging Device 63 latent image carrier cleaning device 64 static eliminator 65 developing sleeve 66 agitating portion 67 developing portion 68 agitating screw 69 partition plate 70 developing case 71 toner density sensor 72 developing roller 73 doctor blade 74 lubricant 75 cleaning blade 76 cleaning brush 77 electric field Low 78 Scraper 79 Recovery screw 80 Toner recycling device 142 Paper feed roller 143 Paper bank 144 Paper feed cassette 145 Separation roller 146 Paper feed path 147 Transport roller 148 Paper feed path 120 Tandem type developer 130 Document table 150 Image forming apparatus main body 200 Paper feed Table 300 Scanner 400 Automatic document feeder (ADF)

JP 2000-162881 A JP 2002-229241 A JP 2003-241570 A JP 2008-139804 A JP 2004-258177 A

Claims (21)

A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and a latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier And a transfer means for transferring the image formed on the carrier to the transfer body, and a developing means arranged on the upstream side of the transfer means for forming a toner image. A lubricant used in an image forming apparatus having a lubricant applying means for applying to a surface of a carrier, wherein the lubricant is at least one of a lubricating substance and an amine compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (2). The lubricant is selected from the group of at least one fatty acid selected from the group of stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid and zinc, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, lithium Small With lubricant, characterized in that the fatty acid metal salt consisting of one or more metals.

(In the formula, R ¹ and R ² represent a phenyl group-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be the same or different. R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other to form a nitrogen atom. ^.Ar 1 may also form a heterocyclic group containing, Ar ² is an alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group .l, m Table I to .n the integer of 1 or 2 is 1 or 2 Represents an integer.)   The lubricant according to claim 1, wherein the lubricating substance contains at least a fatty acid metal salt. The lubricant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of the amine compound in the lubricant is 0.1 wt% or more and 40 wt% or less. A latent image carrier for carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging means for charging the surface of the latent image carrier, and a latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a transfer body, and the latent image carrier 4. An image forming apparatus having a lubricant applying means for applying a lubricant to a surface, wherein the lubricant applying means carries the lubricant according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , and the lubricant is applied to a latent image carrier. An image forming apparatus characterized by being applied to the surface of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the lubricant mounted on the lubricant applying unit is in a solid state. The surface layer of the latent image carrier is a crosslinked surface layer obtained by curing a trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure and a monofunctional radical polymerizable compound having a charge transport structure. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 . The polymerizable functional group of the trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transporting structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is an acryloyloxy group and / or a methacryloyloxy group. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 . The ratio (molecular weight / number of functional groups) of the molecular weight to the number of polymerizable functional groups in the trifunctional or higher functional radical polymerizable monomer having no charge transport structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is 250 or less. the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized. Polymerizable functional group of the radical polymerizable compound of monofunctional having a charge transport structure for use in the surface layer of the latent image bearing member, 6 through claim, characterized in that an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 . The charge transport structure of the radical polymerizable compound having a monofunctional charge transport structure having the charge transport structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is a triarylamine structure. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 6 to 9 . The at least one monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is of the following general formula (I) or (II): Item 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 6 to 10 .

(Wherein R ₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, a cyano group, a nitro group, Group, alkoxy group, —COOR ₁₁ (R ₁₁ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent or an aryl group which may have a substituent), halogen Carbonyl group or CONR ₁₂ R ₁₃ (R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ may have a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. Ar ₁ and Ar ₂ each represent an arylene group which may have a substituent, and may be the same or different. Ar ₃ , Ar ₄ represents an aryl group which may have a substituent, and may be the same or different, and X ₁₀ may have a single bond, an alkylene group which may have a substituent, or a substituent. A cycloalkylene group, an alkylene ether group that may have a substituent, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a vinylene group, where Z is an alkylene group that may have a substituent, or an alkylene ether that may have a substituent; Group represents an alkyleneoxycarbonyl group, and m and n represent an integer of 0 to 3.) The at least one monofunctional radically polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure used for the surface layer of the latent image carrier is represented by the following general formula (III): The image forming apparatus according to any one of 6 to 11 .

(In the formula, o, p and q are each an integer of 0 or 1, Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Rb and Rc represent substituents other than a hydrogen atom and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and are the same. S and t each represents an integer of 0 to 3. Za is a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group,

Represents. ) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least the filler particles are dispersed in the surface layer of the latent image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the filler fine particles dispersed in the surface layer of the latent image carrier are inorganic fillers. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 or 14 filler particles are dispersed in the surface layer of the latent image bearing member comprises a metal oxide. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the filler fine particles dispersed in the surface layer of the latent image carrier contain at least one selected from silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said charging means is a corona charger. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the image forming apparatus, and wherein the sequentially superposing toner images of plural colors to form a color image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein the image forming apparatus is a tandem type including a plurality of image forming elements each including at least a latent image carrier, a charging unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit. An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer body on which a toner image formed on a latent image carrier is primarily transferred, and transfer means for secondary transfer of the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18 or 19 , wherein a plurality of color toner images are sequentially superimposed on an intermediate transfer member to form a color image, and the color image is secondarily transferred onto a recording medium at once. Supporting integrally by combining at least one of the latent image carrier, the charging unit, and the developing unit and the lubricant supply unit for applying the lubricant according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to the surface of the latent image carrier. 21. A process cartridge, wherein the process cartridge is detachably installed in the image forming apparatus main body according to any one of claims 4 to 20 .

Images