JP4016860B2 - Cleaning method for electrophotographic member - Google Patents

Description

【０１４３】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、静電荷現像用トナーが固着する電子写真用部材（例えば、帯電部材）の表面をアルカリ性水溶液を用いて少なくとも１回以上洗浄することにより、電子写真用部材の表面を劣化させることなく電子写真用部材表面の付着物を除去することができ、これにより再利用可能な電子写真用部材の洗浄方法を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の帯電部材の洗浄方法において用いられる、浸漬洗浄装置の一例を示す模式図である。
【図２】 本発明の帯電部材の洗浄方法において用いられる、洗浄液滴下型の洗浄装置の一例を示す模式図である。
【図３】 本発明の帯電部材の洗浄方法において用いられる、乾燥装置の一例を示す模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 帯電部材（帯電ロール）
２ 洗浄液
３ 帯電部材（帯電ロール）保持具
４ 洗浄槽
５ 昇降リフト
６ 洗浄補助部材
７ 浸漬洗浄装置
８ 帯電部材（帯電ロール）
９ 洗浄液供給部
１０ 洗浄補助部材
１１ 帯電部材（帯電ロール）保持台
１２ 洗浄液滴下型の洗浄装置
１３ 帯電部材（帯電ロール）
１４ 圧縮空気排出ノズル
１５ 帯電部材（帯電ロール）保持台
１６ 乾燥装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for cleaning an electrophotographic member that cleans deposits adhering to the surface of the electrophotographic member used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer using an electrophotographic method, the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter simply referred to as “photosensitive member”) is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive member while being rotated. A charging member (hereinafter also referred to as a “charging device”) for applying a charge to the photosensitive member, a developing member (hereinafter also referred to as a “developing device”) for attaching toner to the surface of the photosensitive member, and the developing device. A toner cartridge containing toner, a transfer member (hereinafter also referred to as “transfer device”) for transferring a toner image from the photoreceptor, and a cleaning member (hereinafter also referred to as “cleaning device”) for collecting residual toner after transfer is completed. ), A process cartridge member (hereinafter referred to as “process cartridge”) in which at least one process component such as a charger that charges the image bearing surface of the photoreceptor to a predetermined potential is integrally supported with the photoreceptor. Also called Seth cartridge ".) Are provided with a like.
These members (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “electrophotographic members”) are charged with toner or paper dust when forming an image as the image forming apparatus for electrophotography is used. It's easy to do.
Therefore, as these deposits adhere to the surface of an electrophotographic member, for example, the charging member, the charging ability of the charging member is reduced, and image quality is liable to occur.
[0003]
Since such deposits are firmly adhered to the surface of an electrophotographic member, for example, a charging member, it cannot be removed only by wiping with a waste cloth. As one of the methods for regenerating the charging member, although a method of peeling the surface layer to which the adhered matter is adhered and re-forming the surface layer is performed, there is a disadvantage that the processing cost is expensive. Therefore, a cleaning method is disclosed in which an organic solvent is used as the cleaning liquid, and the charging member is scrubbed with a brush or the like in the organic solvent, or ultrasonically cleaned in the organic solvent (for example, Patent Document 1, 2).
[0004]
However, if the charging member is washed with an organic solvent, the surface film may be dissolved, and even if the surface film is not dissolved, the surface characteristics may be seriously damaged. Therefore, a method of cleaning the charging member using water has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). However, in this method, since the cleaning power is weak, deposits cannot be removed, and dirt may remain on the entire surface or a part of the charging member. In such a case, the charging member cannot be reused.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-289755
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-89627
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-51481 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a reusable cleaning method for an electrophotographic member by removing deposits on the surface of the electrophotographic member used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The above-mentioned subject is achieved by the following present invention. That is, the present invention
<1> A method for cleaning an electrophotographic member,At least agglomeration step for aggregating the particles to obtain agglomerated particles in a dispersion in which particles containing fine particles of a binder resin are dispersed, and a fusion step for fusing the agglomerated particles for heating are produced. BecomeThe surface of the electrophotographic member to which the electrostatic charge developing toner is fixed is at least once,CarbonatedA method for cleaning an electrophotographic member comprising a step of cleaning with an alkaline aqueous solution.
<2> The electrophotographic member is a conductive member, and the above <1>2. A method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to 1.
[0008]
<3> The above-mentioned feature, wherein the conductive member is a charging member2The cleaning method according to>.
<4> The surface of the charging member is coated with a polyamide-based resin.3The method for cleaning a charging member according to <1>.
[0009]
<5> The cleaning method according to <1>, wherein the electrophotographic member is a cartridge.
[0010]
<6> The pH of the alkaline aqueous solution of the carbonate is in the range of 8 to 12, The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1> above.
[0011]
<7> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein the aqueous carbonate solution is an aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution.
<8> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein the aqueous carbonate solution is an aqueous sodium carbonate solution.
[0012]
<9> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein the aqueous carbonate solution is an aqueous potassium carbonate solution.
<10> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and sodium carbonate.
[0013]
<11> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium carbonate.
<12> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate.
[0014]
<13> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate.
<14> <1>, <2>, <5 above, comprising a step of scrubbing the surface of the electrophotographic member> NoTo <13The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to any one of the above.
[0015]
<15<1>, <2> The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member including at least two or more cleaning steps, wherein the final cleaning step is performed using a neutral aqueous solvent. >, <5> NoTo <14The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to any one of the above.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in the order of a method for cleaning an electrophotographic member, a cleaning apparatus, an electrophotographic member, and an electrostatic charge image developing toner.
[0018]
<Cleaning method for electrophotographic member>
The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member of the present invention includes a step of cleaning the surface of the electrophotographic member at least once with an alkaline aqueous solution.
[0019]
Furthermore, the electrophotographic member cleaning method of the present invention includes a step of cleaning the surface of the electrophotographic member to which the electrostatic charge developing toner is fixed with an alkaline aqueous solution at least once. By using the electrophotographic member cleaning method according to the present invention, a reusable electrophotographic member can be obtained.
[0020]
Hereinafter, the method for cleaning an electrophotographic member will be described as a method for cleaning a charging member for convenience of explanation, but the aspect of the present invention is not limited to this.
The surface of the charging member in the present invention is preferably coated with a polyamide resin. When the surface of the charging member is coated with a polyamide-based resin, the surface of the charging member is eroded when washed with an organic solvent, so that the organic solvent cannot be used for washing. There is a case. Further, when cleaning is performed using a neutral aqueous solution other than the alkaline aqueous solution as described above, the surface of the charging member may not be sufficiently removed. However, when the alkaline aqueous solution is used, the surface of the charging member can be reliably removed. In addition, the surface state of the charging member after the cleaning is good with no generation of scratches, dirt, wrinkles and the like.
[0021]
The polyamide-based resin is not particularly limited as long as it contains at least a known polyamide resin, but it is preferably contained in an amount of 50% by mass or more. Examples of the polyamide resin include nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 12, methoxymethylated nylon, and the like.
[0022]
Moreover, it is preferable that the thickness of the polyamide-type resin which covers the surface of a charging member is 2 micrometers or more. If the thickness is less than 2 μm, the polyamide resin layer covering the surface of the charging member may be peeled off when washed.
[0023]
In addition, in this invention, it is preferable that pH of alkaline aqueous solution exists in the range of 8-12. In the present invention, the alkaline aqueous solution means an aqueous solution having a pH of 8 or more. If the pH is lower than 8, sufficient cleaning effect may not be obtained, and the charged member after cleaning may not be reused. The upper limit of the pH value of the alkaline aqueous solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably 12 or less in consideration of work safety. In addition, in this invention, pH means the value in 25 degreeC.
[0024]
The components of the alkaline aqueous solution are composed of at least water as a solvent and an alkaline component, but other water-soluble additives such as a surfactant may be added as necessary. As the solvent, besides water, an aqueous solvent obtained by adding a water-soluble solvent to water can also be used. As the water-soluble solvent, known solvents can be used, and for example, alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol may be used. In this case, it is preferable that the alkali component does not precipitate in the aqueous solvent.
[0025]
As the alkali component, any known alkali component may be used. These alkali components may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The alkaline component and other additive components and their concentrations are such that the charged member after cleaning can be reused, that is, the erosion to the surface of the charged member is so small that it can be ignored in practice, and a sufficient cleaning effect is obtained. Selected to be.
[0026]
As the water as the solvent, purified water such as ion-exchanged water can be used, but the manufacturing process and various physical properties may not be strictly controlled and managed as in this purified water. For example, water such as general household or industrial tap water or well water may be used. The content of impurities contained in such water is not particularly limited as long as it does not generate water marks or the like due to precipitation of impurities when washed with water and dried. Is preferably 1 g / l or less, more preferably 0.1 g / l or less.
[0027]
In order to obtain the effects as described above, the alkaline aqueous solution is preferably an aqueous carbonate solution, and more preferably an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, or potassium carbonate. May be used.
The concentration of the alkali component in the alkaline aqueous solution is not particularly limited, but can vary depending on the amount of deposits and the like that adhere to the charging member, and examples include 0.1 mass% to 10.0 mass%. In this case, it is preferable that the alkali component does not precipitate in the aqueous solvent.
[0028]
The method of cleaning the charging member according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it includes a step of cleaning with an alkaline aqueous solution at least once or more. It may be washed with an aqueous solvent or an aqueous solution smaller than 8. An additive such as a surfactant may be added to the cleaning liquid other than the alkaline aqueous solution as necessary, and the physical properties and composition of the pH, solvent, additive, etc. erode the surface of the charging member. It is preferable that the charging member is adjusted so as not to be damaged due to, for example, damage.
[0029]
The cleaning auxiliary means for improving the cleaning effect by the cleaning liquid is not particularly limited, and any known method may be used. However, it is preferable to use a step of scrubbing the surface of the charging member, particularly with an alkaline aqueous solution. It is more preferable to use a rubbing step in the washing step. By using such a scrubbing step in combination, it is possible to improve the cleaning effect, shorten the cleaning time, and simplify the cleaning step.
[0030]
In the cleaning, any method may be used for supplying the cleaning liquid to the surface of the charging member as long as at least the surface of the charging member can be wet with a cleaning liquid such as an alkaline aqueous solution. . Specifically, the charging member can be scrubbed while being immersed in a cleaning liquid filled in a cleaning tank, or can be scrubbed while the cleaning liquid is dripped and sprayed onto the charging member from a nozzle or the like.
[0031]
In the scrubbing, a cleaning auxiliary member for scrubbing while abutting or pressing on the surface of the charging member can be used. Such a cleaning auxiliary member is not particularly limited, but for example, a foam made of a synthetic resin. A body, a brush, a felt, etc. can be used, and a foam is preferable at the point of a cleaning effect. Examples of the synthetic resin include polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene, and the like, and a material that does not damage the surface of the charging member is preferable. As the cleaning auxiliary member, a material harder than the surface of the charging member may be used. In such a case, the surface shape of the cleaning auxiliary member or the surface of the charging auxiliary member should be fixed so as not to damage the surface of the charging member. It is preferable to consider so that it can be scrubbed while abutting or pressing.
[0032]
When the charging member has a roll shape (hereinafter also referred to as “charging roll”), the cleaning auxiliary member is brought into contact with the surface of the charging member while the charging member is rotated. You may scrub by pressing.
[0033]
When the cleaning process is repeated a plurality of times, the composition and concentration of the cleaning liquid used in each cleaning process and the cleaning auxiliary means can be arbitrarily combined, and the cleaning process using the same cleaning liquid or the same cleaning auxiliary means The washing process using may be repeated a plurality of times.
[0034]
The charging member cleaning method preferably includes at least two or more cleaning steps, and the final cleaning step is preferably a step of cleaning the surface of the charging member using a neutral aqueous solvent. By washing with a neutral aqueous solvent in the final cleaning step, components of the cleaning liquid such as an alkaline aqueous solution used in the previous cleaning step remaining on the surface of the charging member can be removed. .
[0035]
However, in the present invention, the neutral aqueous solvent means a solvent having a pH greater than 6 and less than 8, or a solvent that is not suitable for expression at pH, a weak base to a weak acid, and water, water and hydrophilicity. It means a cleaning liquid consisting only of a solvent or a hydrophilic solvent. The water used for the neutral aqueous solvent has the same meaning as the water used for preparing the alkaline aqueous solution.
[0036]
As the hydrophilic solvent, known solvents can be used. For example, alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol may be used, but it is preferable that the surface of the charging member is not substantially eroded. It is also possible to select a solvent having a small surface tension that facilitates drying compared to water. When the hydrophilic solvent is used in combination or alone, it is preferable to select a solvent having a composition that can be dissolved so that the carbonate to be used does not precipitate.
[0037]
Further, when the cleaning process is performed a plurality of times, it is preferable that the surface of the charging member is kept wet between the cleaning process and the next cleaning process. In such a case, for example, in the case of cleaning while moving a plurality of cleaning tanks, the cleaning liquid adhering to the surface of the charging member is dried while moving from the cleaning tank to the cleaning tank. It is possible to prevent the components from sticking.
[0038]
The method for drying the charging member after the final washing step is not particularly limited, and known drying methods such as natural drying, hot air drying, and wind pressure drying by blowing compressed air can be used. Can be used alone or in combination. Further, when the charging member is in a roll shape, it may be dried while being rotated.
[0039]
By repeatedly applying the charging member cleaning method according to the present invention as described above, the charging member can be reused twice or more. When such re-use is performed repeatedly, it cannot be used in terms of electrical characteristics due to a decrease in the conductive agent concentration in the charging member over time, or the surface of the charging member is deteriorated or scratched by repeated cleaning. It is possible to use until you do.
[0040]
Electrophotographic members such as developing members, which are other members, can be cleaned by the same method and the same operation as the above-described charging member cleaning method.
In addition, the electrophotographic member such as a developing member, which is another member, can be reused twice or more by the same method and the same operation as the charging member cleaning method. When such re-use is repeatedly performed, it cannot be used in terms of electrical characteristics due to a decrease in the conductive agent concentration in the electrophotographic member over time, or the surface of the electrophotographic member is deteriorated by repeated cleaning. It is possible to use it until a scratch occurs.
[0041]
<Washing device>
Hereinafter, the cleaning apparatus will be described for the sake of convenience of explanation using the charging member as an example, but other electrophotographic members can also be cleaned by the same method and the same operation.
[0042]
The cleaning device used in the method for cleaning a charging member of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may have any form and configuration as long as it has a function capable of performing the above-described cleaning method. May be.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of an immersion cleaning apparatus used in the charging member cleaning method of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a charging roll, 2 is a cleaning liquid, 3 is a charging roll holder, 4 is a cleaning tank, 5 is a lifting lift, 6 is a cleaning auxiliary member, and 7 is an immersion cleaning apparatus. In FIG. 1, both ends of the charging roll 1 are supported by a charging roll holder 3 fixed so as to be movable in the vertical direction of the cleaning tank 4 (arrow AA ′ direction in FIG. 1) by a lifting lift 5. ing. Further, the charging roll 1 is rotatable on the charging roll holder 3 in the circumferential direction. The cleaning liquid 2 can be stored in the cleaning tank 4 so that the whole or a part of the charging roll 2 can be immersed when the lift 5 is moved to the lower limit. Moreover, the washing | cleaning liquid 2 can select various things, such as alkaline aqueous solution and a neutral aqueous solvent, as needed. Reference numeral 6 denotes a cleaning auxiliary member made of a synthetic resin foam or the like, which is in contact with or pressed against the surface of the charging roll 1 in the axial direction of the charging roll 1 (in the direction of arrow BB ′ in FIG. 1). It is arranged so that it can be translated.
[0043]
In immersion cleaning, the charging roll 1 is fixed to the charging roll holder 3 with the lifting lift 5 moved to the upper limit, and then the charging roll 1 is immersed in the cleaning tank 4 filled with the cleaning liquid 2 in advance. The surface of the charging roll 1 can be scrubbed by bringing the auxiliary cleaning member 6 into contact with or pressing against the surface of the charging roll 1 while rotating 1 in the circumferential direction.
[0044]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cleaning apparatus of a type having a cleaning droplet used in the method for cleaning a charging member of the present invention. In FIG. 2, 8 is a charging roll, 9 is a cleaning liquid supply unit, 10 is a cleaning auxiliary member, 11 is a charging roll holding table, and 12 is a cleaning device with a cleaning liquid drop type.
In FIG. 2, both ends of the charging roll 8 are held by a charging roll holding table 11 so as to be rotatable. Further, a cleaning liquid supply unit 9 is disposed directly above the charging roll 8 so as to be able to translate in the axial direction of the charging roll 8 (the direction of the arrow C-C ′ in FIG. 2). The cleaning liquid supply unit 9 is connected to a cleaning liquid supply source such as an alkaline aqueous solution or a neutral aqueous solvent by a tube or a pipe (not shown). When cleaning, the cleaning liquid is charged as indicated by an arrow L in FIG. Supply by dropping on the roll surface. It is also possible to supply the cleaning liquid by discharging or ejecting it by applying pressure. At this time, it is preferable to move the cleaning liquid supply unit 9 in the axial direction of the charging roll 8 while rotating the charging roll 8. Reference numeral 10 denotes a cleaning auxiliary member made of a synthetic resin foam or the like, which can scrub the surface of the charging roll 8 while being in contact with or pressed against the surface of the charging roll 8. It arrange | positions so that it can translate in a direction (arrow DD 'direction in FIG. 2).
[0045]
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a drying apparatus used in the charging member cleaning method of the present invention. In FIG. 3, 13 is a charging roll, 14 is a compressed air discharge nozzle, 15 is a charging roll holder, and 16 is a drying device. The compressed air discharge nozzle 14 is movable in the axial direction of the charging roll 13 (the direction of the arrow E-E ′ in FIG. 3).
[0046]
The drying device 16 can jet compressed air from the compressed air discharge nozzle 14 to the charging roll 13 as indicated by the arrow L ′ while rotating the charging roll 13. Further, when the compressed air discharge nozzle 14 is translated in the axial direction of the charging roll 13 (arrow E-E 'direction in FIG. 3) while jetting the compressed air to the charging roll 13, the drying can be efficiently performed.
[0047]
<Electrophotographic materials>
The electrophotographic member in the present invention refers to an electrophotographic process and a member directly related to the electrophotographic process.
[0048]
The electrophotographic process is to transfer a toner image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member to a recording material after charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, forming an electrostatic latent image by laser exposure, and developing the electrostatic latent image with toner. This is a series of processes for recording an image on a recording material by heat-fixing this. In particular, a conductive member (charging member, transfer member, primary transfer member in intermediate transfer system, secondary transfer member, and intermediate transfer member) , A cleaning member), a conveyance member, and a member including a member directly related thereto, and is a member used in an electrophotographic process, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a cleanable member. Further, the cleaning method of the present invention can be effectively used for the member and the portion to which the toner used in the present invention adheres.
[0049]
-Charging member-
Hereinafter, as a charging member (hereinafter, also referred to as “charging roll”) as an electrophotographic member in the present invention, any member that can be pressed against the surface of a charged body to charge the charged body is used. There is no particular limitation, and any known charging member may be used. For example, when the charging member is a charging roll, for example, on a hollow cylindrical conductive support, a conductive elastic layer and a surface layer are sequentially formed, or on a conductive support, A conductive elastic layer, a resistance layer, and a surface layer formed in sequence can be used.
[0050]
The conductive support functions as an electrode and a support member of the charging member. For example, a metal or alloy such as aluminum, copper alloy, or stainless steel; iron plated with chromium, nickel, etc .; conductive resin It is composed of a conductive material such as;
[0051]
The conductive elastic layer forms a nip with the charged body so that the charging member is pressed against the surface of the charged body with an appropriate nip pressure and can uniformly charge the charged body surface. It is provided to obtain a predetermined resistance value.
[0052]
This conductive elastic layer is formed, for example, by dispersing a conductive agent in a rubber material. Rubber materials include isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene. -Diene copolymer rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, natural rubber, etc., and blended rubbers thereof. Among these, isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and ethylene propylene rubber are preferably used. These rubber materials may be foamed or non-foamed.
[0053]
As the conductive agent, an electronic conductive agent or an ionic conductive agent is used. Examples of electronic conductive agents include carbon blacks such as ketjen black and acetylene black; pyrolytic carbon, graphite; various conductive metals or alloys such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and stainless steel; tin oxide, indium oxide, titanium oxide Examples thereof include fine powders such as various conductive metal oxides such as tin oxide-antimony oxide solid solution and tin oxide-indium oxide solid solution; Examples of ionic conductive agents include perchlorates and chlorates such as tetraethylammonium and lauryltrimethylammonium; alkali metals such as lithium and magnesium; perchlorates and chlorates of alkaline earth metals Can be mentioned.
[0054]
These conductive agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Moreover, the addition amount is not particularly limited, but in the case of the electronic conductive agent, it is preferably in the range of 1 to 50 parts by mass, and in the range of 5 to 35 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the rubber material. More preferably. On the other hand, in the case of the ionic conductive agent, the range is preferably 0.01 to 5 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 4 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the rubber material. As a result, the volume resistance value of the conductive elastic layer is reduced to 2 × 10.²~ 5x10⁹It is preferable to adjust to the range of cm. The conductive elastic layer preferably has an Asker C hardness of 80 ° or less.
[0055]
The resistance layer is provided for adjusting the resistance of the charging roll, but may not be formed as necessary. Moreover, you may provide an electrode layer between a conductive elastic layer and a resistance layer as needed. The electrode layer is provided in order to disperse the concentration of current due to non-uniform dispersion of conductive particles in the conductive elastic layer, and is composed only of a conductive inorganic substance.
[0056]
The resistance layer is provided to adjust the charging member to a predetermined resistance value, and is composed of a thin film in which the conductive particles described above are dispersed in a resin. The resin to be used is not particularly limited, but a resin belonging to a somewhat soft category such as epichlorohydrin rubber, polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, acrylic resin or the like is preferable. Further, as the conductive agent, those used for the conductive elastic layer are preferably used.
[0057]
Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the addition amount of the said electrically conductive agent, For example, in the case of an electronic electrically conductive agent, it is preferable that it is the range of 1-50 mass parts with respect to 100 mass parts of resin used, and the range of 5-35 mass parts is used. It is more preferable that Thus, the volume resistance value of the resistance layer is 3 × 10.^Three~ 5x10^TenIt is preferable to adjust to the range of cm. The film thickness of the resistance layer is preferably in the range of 1 to 500 μm, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 400 μm. When the film thickness is less than 1 μm, not only the function as a resistance adjusting layer cannot be sufficiently exhibited, but also leakage tends to occur and the surface of the member to be charged may be damaged. On the other hand, if the film thickness is greater than 500 μm, the resistance value and hardness of the charging member may increase more than necessary.
[0058]
The surface layer functions as a layer for preventing the charging member from sticking to the surface of the member to be charged. Furthermore, the charging member is prevented from being contaminated by the toner remaining on the surface of the body to be charged and its external additives, and the paper powder adheres to and adheres to the surface of the body to be charged. It is provided to prevent the occurrence of
[0059]
In the present invention, the material constituting the surface layer is preferably made of a polyamide-based resin as described above. However, the material is not limited to this, and the material to be charged is less contaminated and relatively flexible. A certain resin, rubber, or the like can be used.
[0060]
―Transfer material―
The transfer member as the electrophotographic member in the present invention is not particularly limited to the configuration as long as it can contact the photoreceptor via a transfer material and transfer the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor to the transfer material. And a contact type transfer member such as a transfer roll that is pressed against the back surface of the semiconductive belt on which the transfer material is placed and transfers the toner image to the transfer material.
By cleaning the member by the cleaning method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a reusable member that exhibits an electrical resistance value close to an unused state.
[0061]
―Intermediate transfer member―
The intermediate transfer body in the intermediate transfer system as the electrophotographic member in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive body is transferred to the photosensitive body, for example. An intermediate transfer member having a belt-like shape, a drum-like shape, or the like can be used.
By cleaning the member by the cleaning method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a reusable member that exhibits an electrical resistance value close to an unused state.
[0062]
―Primary transfer member―
The primary transfer member in the intermediate transfer system as the electrophotographic member in the present invention is a member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer member and can transfer the toner image on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer member. If there is, the configuration is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a contact-type transfer member using a belt, a roll, a film, a rubber blade, and the like.
By cleaning the member by the cleaning method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a reusable member that exhibits an electrical resistance value close to an unused state.
[0063]
―Secondary transfer material―
As the secondary transfer member in the intermediate transfer system as the electrophotographic member in the present invention, the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer member can be transferred to the transfer material by contacting the intermediate transfer member through the transfer material. If it is a thing, the structure will not be limited, Contact-type transfer members, such as a transfer roll illustrated as said transfer member, etc. are mentioned, If it is a member which can be wash | cleaned, it will not specifically limit.
By cleaning the member by the cleaning method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a reusable member that exhibits an electrical resistance value close to an unused state.
[0064]
-Conveying member-
The transport member as the electrophotographic member in the present invention is not limited as long as it can transfer and transport the transfer material, and examples thereof include a conductive or semiconductive belt. If it is a member which can be washed, it will not be limited in particular.
By cleaning the member by the cleaning method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a reusable member that exhibits an electrical resistance value close to an unused state.
[0065]
―Cleaning material―
The cleaning member as the electrophotographic member in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can contact the photoreceptor and remove the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor. In the cleaning member, the fluororesin-containing layer as the outermost layer preferably has a dynamic friction coefficient of 1.0 or less, preferably 0.8 or less, from the viewpoint of exhibiting excellent slipperiness. Is more preferred and used. For example, contact-type cleaning members such as blades, rolls, and brushes can be used, and any member that can be cleaned is not particularly limited.
[0066]
The image forming apparatus used in the present invention has a photoreceptor, a charging member (charging roll), an image exposure, a developing member (developing roll), a transfer member (transfer roll), and a cleaning member.
[0067]
The charging member (charging roll) is disposed so as to be close to or in contact with the surface of a cylindrical or belt-shaped image bearing member (photosensitive member). The developing member (developing roll) and the transfer member (transfer roll) are also arranged in the same manner as the charging member (charging roll). The developing member may have a toner cartridge that supplies toner used during development. Further, the transfer member is meant to include an intermediate transfer member, a primary transfer member, and a secondary transfer member, which will be described later. The cleaning member 25 includes the photosensitive member and a cleaning member, and includes a process cartridge that is detachable from the photosensitive member.
[0068]
The process cartridge is one in which some of the components of the electrophotographic apparatus are incorporated into the cartridge for easy replacement of the consumable parts of the electrophotographic apparatus so that it can be easily attached and detached.
The process cartridge is traded in a state of being mounted in an electrophotographic apparatus, and is also traded alone as a replacement part or a repair part.
In the present invention, the cartridge is one or more members selected from the members used for the electrophotography, and can be easily attached and detached. The process cartridge, the toner cartridge, etc. It is an example.
[0069]
By cleaning each of the members by the cleaning method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a reusable member that exhibits an electrical resistance value close to an unused state.
[0070]
<Toner for electrostatic image development>
The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member of the present invention includes a step of cleaning the surface of the charging member to which an electrostatic charge developing toner (hereinafter also referred to as “toner”) is fixed with an alkaline aqueous solution at least once. It is characterized by that.
[0071]
  The toner in the present invention isSmallAn agglomeration step of aggregating the particles in a dispersion in which particles containing binder resin fine particles (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “binder resin fine particles”) are dispersed to obtain aggregated particles; And at least a fusion process for heating and fusing.is there.
  The toner preferably contains a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent.
[0072]
The electrostatic charge developing toner produced through the aggregating step and the fusing step is based on a delicate balance of fusing the agglomerated particles while preventing fusion between the agglomerated particles. As a means to achieve this delicate balance, focusing on the carboxyl groups present on the resin surface, the particles are fused while controlling the dissociation of the carboxylic acid to maintain the particle size of the aggregated particles (and the shape of the particles from the potato). Freely control to a spherical shape).
[0073]
That is, although the mechanism of the cleaning method of the present invention is not clear, by immersing in alkaline water, the carboxylic acid on the toner surface is dissociated and more hydrophilic, that is, wettability and solubility in water are improved. As a result, it is considered that the toner stuck to the charging roll can be dissolved and washed with an alkaline aqueous solution. On the other hand, in the case of an acidic aqueous solution, it is considered that the carboxylate anion dissociated on the toner surface becomes a carboxyl group again and becomes insoluble at the time of cleaning, making cleaning difficult.
[0074]
According to the charging member cleaning method of the present invention, the electrostatic charge developing toner adhered to the surface of the charging member can be easily cleaned. In addition, the surface state of the cleaned charging member is free from scratches and dirt, and the charged member after cleaning exhibits an electric resistance value indicating electrical characteristics that is almost the same as that in an unused state, and is repeatedly used. Can do.
[0075]
(Toner constituent materials)
The binder resin, the colorant, and the release agent as the constituent material of the toner used in the present invention will be described. In addition to the toner constituent material, various materials may be added to the toner as necessary. it can.
[0076]
-Binder resin-
The binder resin used in the toner of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a known resin. For example, styrenes such as styrene and parachlorostyrene, vinyl naphthalene, vinyl chloride, vinyl bromide, vinyl fluoride, Vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl butyrate, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, acrylic acid Methylene aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as 2-chloroethyl, phenyl acrylate, methyl α-chloroacrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide, vinyl methyl ether, vinyl Ethyl ether, vinyl ethers such as vinyl isobutyl ether.
[0077]
Further, monomers having an N-containing polar group such as N-vinyl compounds such as N-vinylpyrrole, N-vinylcarbazole, N-vinylindole, N-vinylpyrrolidone, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, cinnamic acid, Examples thereof include homopolymers and copolymers polymerized using one or more vinyl monomers such as vinyl carboxylic acids such as carboxyethyl acrylate, and various polyesters.
Only one type of binder resin listed above may be used, but two or more types may be used. In addition, various waxes may be used in combination.
[0078]
However, when the binder resin used for the toner in the present invention contains a polymer polymerized using at least one monomer, the polymer has sufficiently progressed the polymerization reaction. Preferably there is.
When the polymerization of the polymer is insufficient, a large number of unreacted functional groups remain in the polymer, and thus problems such as those described in the related art (Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-28941) occur. There is.
[0079]
In the case of producing the toner of the present invention by the toner manufacturing method of the present invention, a dispersion containing binder resin fine particles (binder resin fine particle dispersion) is used. For example, it is produced as follows.
When a vinyl monomer is used as the raw material for the binder resin fine particles, the binder resin fine particle dispersion can be prepared by carrying out emulsion polymerization using an ionic surfactant or the like. Further, when preparing a binder resin fine particle dispersion containing binder resin fine particles other than vinyl resin, if the resin is oily and dissolves in a solvent having a relatively low solubility in water, the resin is added to those resins. Dissolve in a solvent, disperse in fine particles in water with a disperser such as a homogenizer together with an ionic surfactant and polymer electrolyte, and then heat or reduce pressure to evaporate the solvent to obtain a binder resin particle dispersion be able to.
[0080]
The center diameter (median diameter) of the binder resin fine particles in the binder resin fine particle dispersion thus obtained is preferably 1 μm or less, more preferably in the range of 50 to 400 nm, particularly preferably in the range of 70 to 350 nm. preferable.
The center diameter of the binder resin fine particles was measured, for example, with a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring apparatus (LA-700, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).
[0081]
An internal additive may be added to the toner in the present invention. As an internal additive of the toner in the present invention, a magnetic material such as a metal such as ferrite, magnetite, reduced iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, an alloy, or a compound containing these metals, a quaternary ammonium salt compound, Various commonly used charge control agents such as dyes composed of complexes of nigrosine compounds, aluminum, iron, chromium, and triphenylmethane pigments can be used.
In the case of producing a toner using the toner production method of the present invention, these internal additives are used for controlling the ionic strength, which influences the stability in the liquid phase, and for waste water in the aggregation process and the fusion process. From the viewpoint of reducing contamination, it is preferable to use a material that is difficult to dissolve in water.
[0082]
(Release agent)
The release agent used for the toner in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a known release agent. For example, low molecular weight polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutene, silicones which show a softening point by heating, olein Fatty acid amides such as acid amides, erucic acid amides, ricinoleic acid amides, stearic acid amides, plant waxes such as carnauba wax, rice wax, candelilla wax, tree wax, jojoba oil, beeswax, etc. And mineral-based and petroleum-based waxes such as animal wax, montan wax, ozokerite, ceresin, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, and modified products thereof.
These mold release agents are hardly dissolved in a solvent such as toluene at room temperature or very little even if dissolved.
[0083]
When the toner according to the present invention is produced using the toner production method according to the present invention, these release agents are polymer electrolytes such as ionic surfactants, polymer acids and polymer bases in water. Disperse together and heat to the melting point or higher, and disperse into fine particles with a homogenizer or pressure discharge type disperser (Gorin homogenizer, manufactured by Gorin Co., Ltd.) having a strong shearing ability, and release agent particles having a particle size of 1 μm or less. It can be used as a dispersion liquid (release agent dispersion liquid).
If necessary, a polymerizable UV-stable monomer or the like may be used as a raw material for preparing the release agent dispersion to improve the weather resistance of the image.
[0084]
Examples of such polymerizable UV-stable monomers include 4- (meth) acryloyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4- (meth) acryloylamino-2,2,6,6- Tetrapiperidine, 4- (meth) acryloyloxy-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine, 4- (meth) acryloylamino-1,2,2,6,6 pentamethylpiperidine, 4-cyano-4- Piperidine compounds such as (meth) acryloylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine and 1- (meth) acryloylru 4- (meth) acryloylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine are effective. Is. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0085]
When the release agent as listed above is added within a range of 5 to 25% by weight based on the total weight of solids constituting the toner, an image when the image is fixed using an oilless fixing system is used. It is desirable for securing the peelability between the toner and the fixing roll.
The particle size of the obtained release agent particle dispersion can be measured, for example, with a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer (LA-700, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).
[0086]
In the case where a toner containing a release agent is produced by the toner production method of the present invention, the aggregation step is preferably carried out according to the following procedure.
First, the binder resin fine particle dispersion, the colorant particle dispersion, and the release agent particle dispersion are mixed, and the binder resin fine particles, the colorant particles, and the release agent particles are aggregated in the mixed solution. Aggregates are obtained. Next, a binder resin fine particle dispersion is further added to the mixed solution to adhere the binder resin fine particles to the surface of the aggregated particles. By performing the aggregation step in this manner, it becomes easy to ensure the chargeability and durability of the toner obtained by the toner production method of the present invention.
[0087]
In the production of the toner in the present invention, examples of surfactants used for emulsion polymerization, seed polymerization, pigment dispersion, binder resin fine particles, release agent dispersion, aggregation, or stabilization thereof include sulfate ester salts. Type, sulfonate type, phosphate ester type, soap type anionic surfactant, amine salt type, quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactant, etc., polyethylene glycol type, alkylphenol ethylene oxide It is also effective to use a nonionic surfactant such as an adduct or a polyhydric alcohol.
Further, in the production of the toner in the present invention, as a means for dispersing various materials in the liquid phase, general ones such as a rotary shear type homogenizer, a ball mill having a media, a sand mill, and a dyno mill can be used.
[0088]
In addition, the toner surface in the present invention is dried in the same manner as a normal toner for the purpose of imparting fluidity and improving cleaning properties, and then, as an external additive, inorganic fine particles such as silica, alumina, titania, calcium carbonate, and vinyl-based ones. Binder resin fine particles such as resin, polyester, and silicone can be added while being sheared in a dry state.
[0089]
On the other hand, an external additive can be attached to the surface of the toner in water. In such a case, when the external additive is an inorganic fine particle, it can be used as an external additive added to a normal toner surface such as silica, alumina, titania, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, and the like. An inorganic additive can be dispersed in water together with an ionic surfactant, a polymer acid, and a polymer base, and an external additive can be attached to the surface of the toner.
[0090]
Further, when the toner is produced by the toner production method of the present invention, the fusing step is preferably carried out by the following procedure.
That is, the agglomerated particles obtained in the aggregating step are heated in a solution to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the binder resin fine particles, and are fused and united to obtain a toner.
More specifically, an alkaline aqueous solution such as sodium hydroxide is added to the dispersion of the aggregate in which the binding fine particles are adhered to the surface of the aggregate such as the binding resin particles obtained in the aggregation step, thereby weakly acidic ( For example, the pH is adjusted to 6.0 and then heated (for example, 95 ° C.) and stored at the temperature for a certain period of time (for example, 4 hours). The toner and the like in the present invention can be obtained by performing the fusion / unification process in this manner.
[0091]
In the toner manufacturing method of the present invention, the toner of the present invention can be obtained by completing an arbitrary washing step, solid-liquid separation step, and drying step after the fusion step. At this time, it is desirable that the washing process is sufficiently replaced and washed with ion-exchanged water in consideration of the chargeability. Moreover, although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in a solid-liquid separation process, From the point of productivity, suction filtration, pressure filtration, etc. are suitable. Further, the drying process is not particularly limited, but freeze drying, flash jet drying, fluidized drying, vibration fluidized drying and the like are preferably used from the viewpoint of productivity.
[0092]
(Coloring agent)
The toner in the present invention may contain a colorant. The colorant used in the toner of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a known colorant, and for example, those listed below can be used.
Examples of the black pigment include carbon black, copper oxide, manganese dioxide, aniline black, activated carbon, nonmagnetic ferrite, and magnetite.
[0093]
Examples of yellow pigments include yellow lead, zinc yellow, yellow iron oxide, cadmium yellow, chrome yellow, hansa yellow, hansa yellow 10G, benzidine yellow G, benzidine yellow GR, selenium yellow, quinoline yellow, permanent yellow NCG, and the like. be able to.
[0094]
Examples of the orange pigment include red yellow lead, molybdenum orange, permanent orange GTR, pyrazolone orange, vulcan orange, benzidine orange G, indanthrene brilliant orange RK, and indanthrene brilliant orange GK.
[0095]
Examples of red pigments include bengara, cadmium red, red lead, mercury sulfide, watch young red, permanent red 4R, risor red, brilliantamine 3B, brilliantamine 6B, dapon oil red, pyrazolone red, rhodamine rake, lake red C, Examples thereof include naphthol red such as rose bengal, oxin red, alizarin lake, pigment red 146, 147, 184, 185, 155, 238, and 269.
[0096]
Blue pigments include bitumen, cobalt blue, alkali blue rake, Victoria blue rake, fast sky blue, induslen blue BC, aniline blue, ultramarine blue, calco oil blue, methylene blue chloride, phthalocyanine blue, phthalocyanine green, malachite green oxare. Rate.
[0097]
Examples of purple pigments include manganese purple, fast violet B, and methyl violet lake.
Examples of the green pigment include chromium oxide, chromium green, pigment green, malachite green lake, final yellow green G, and the like.
Examples of white pigments include zinc white, titanium oxide, antimony white, and zinc sulfide.
[0098]
Examples of extender pigments include barite powder, barium carbonate, clay, silica, white carbon, talc, and alumina white.
Examples of the dye include various dyes such as basic, acidic, dispersed, and direct dyes, such as nigrosine, methylene blue, rose bengal, quinoline yellow, and ultramarine blue.
[0099]
These colorants are selected from the viewpoints of hue angle, saturation, lightness, weather resistance, OHP permeability, and dispersibility in the toner, and may be included alone in the toner, or two or more types are included. It may be.
When the toner in the present invention is produced using the toner production method in the present invention, these colorants are used in the production of the toner in the present invention, for example, a rotary shear type homogenizer, a ball mill, a sand mill, an attritor. It can be used as a dispersion liquid of colorant particles using a media type dispersing machine such as a high pressure counter collision type dispersing machine. Further, these colorants can be dispersed in an aqueous system by a homogenizer using a polar surfactant.
[0100]
The colorant added to the toner in the present invention is preferably added in the range of 4 to 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of solids constituting the toner.
In addition, when using a magnetic body as a black coloring agent, unlike other coloring agents, it can add within the range of 12 to 240 weight%.
When the addition amount of the colorant is out of the above range, the color forming property of the image formed using the toner in the present invention may not be sufficiently obtained. The center diameter (median diameter) of the colorant particles contained in the toner is preferably in the range of 100 to 330 nm. If the center diameter is out of the above range, transparency when an image is formed on the OHP and color developability of the image may not be sufficiently obtained.
The center diameter of the colorant particles can be obtained, for example, by measuring with a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer (LA-700, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).
[0101]
When the toner of the present invention is used as a magnetic toner, magnetic powder may be contained in the toner. Specifically, a substance that is magnetized in a magnetic field is used as the magnetic powder, but a ferromagnetic powder such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, or a powder of a compound such as ferrite or magnetite can be used.
When the toner of the present invention can be produced in the aqueous phase, the magnetic powder contained in the toner may flow out to the aqueous phase. It is preferable to modify the surface (eg, hydrophobizing treatment).
[0102]
-Developer for developing electrostatic image-
The toner in the present invention as described above can be further used as a developer for developing an electrostatic image (hereinafter abbreviated as “developer”) in combination with a carrier. That is, the developer in the present invention preferably comprises the toner in the present invention and a carrier.
The carrier is not particularly limited as long as it is a known carrier, and iron powder carriers, ferrite carriers, surface-coated ferrite carriers, and the like can be used.
The carrier can be either spherical or irregular in shape. The volume average particle diameter of the carrier is preferably in the range of 20 μm to 150 μm, and more preferably in the range of 25 μm to 80 μm.
[0103]
As specific examples of the toner used in the present invention, JP-A 63-282275, page 1, lower right column, line 20 to page 3, lower left column, line 11; JP-A-6-250439, paragraph number 0011- Examples thereof include toners described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-276098, paragraph numbers 0025 to 0085, Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-273383, paragraph numbers 0025 to 0092, and the like.
[0104]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
[0105]
<Preparation of toner (developer)>
The toners (developers) shown in Examples and Comparative Examples were prepared by the following procedure, but can be prepared by other suspension polymerization methods and conventional dry methods.
First, a binder resin fine particle dispersion, a colorant particle dispersion, and a release agent particle dispersion were prepared, and a metal salt polymer was added while mixing and stirring the mixture at a predetermined ratio. Neutralize to form aggregated particles.
Next, an inorganic hydroxide is added to the solution containing the aggregated particles, the pH in the solution is adjusted from weakly acidic to neutral, and then heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition point of the binder resin fine particles. Fuse and unite. Furthermore, a desired toner is obtained through sufficient washing, solid-liquid separation, and drying processes. Details of the procedure described above will be described below.
[0106]
(Preparation of binder resin fine particle dispersion (1))
・ Styrene: 460 parts by mass
N butyl acrylate: 140 parts by mass
-Acrylic acid: 12 parts by mass
・ Glycidyl methacrylate: 6 parts by mass
・ Dodecanethiol: 12 parts by mass
First, a monomer solution A in which the above components were mixed and dissolved was prepared. On the other hand, 12 parts by mass of an anionic surfactant (manufactured by Dow Chemical Co., Ltd., Dowfax) is dissolved in 250 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water, and the monomer solution A is added to this and dispersed and emulsified in a flask. A mass emulsion A) was obtained.
[0107]
Next, 1 part by weight of an anionic surfactant (manufactured by Dow Chemical Co., Ltd., Dowfax) is dissolved in 555 parts by weight of ion-exchanged water and charged into a polymerization flask. Thereafter, the polymerization flask is sealed, a reflux tube is installed, and the polymerization flask is heated to 75 ° C. with a water bath while being slowly stirred while nitrogen is being injected, and held.
[0108]
In this state, a solution obtained by dissolving 9 parts by mass of ammonium persulfate in 43 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was dropped into the polymerization flask through a metering pump over 20 minutes, and then the monomer emulsion A was further quantified. It was dripped through a pump over 200 minutes. After completion of the dropping, the polymerization flask was kept at 75 ° C. for 3 hours while continuing the stirring slowly to complete the polymerization, and an anionic binder resin fine particle dispersion (1) having a solid content of 42% was obtained.
The center diameter of the binder resin fine particles contained in the anionic binder resin fine particle dispersion (1) is 220 nm, the glass transition point is 51.5 ° C., and the weight average molecular weight is 24,000.
[0109]
(Preparation of colorant particle dispersion (1))
Cyan pigment (Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Pigment Blue 15: 3): 50 parts by mass
Anionic surfactant (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku, Neogen R): 5 parts by mass
・ Ion exchange water: 200 parts by mass
The above components are mixed and dissolved, pre-dispersed for 10 minutes with a homogenizer (manufactured by IKA, Ultra Tarrax), and further dispersed for 2 hours with a sand mill, whereby a dispersion of Cyan colorant particles having a center diameter of 140 nm and a solid content of 21.5% (1) was obtained.
[0110]
(Preparation of release agent particle dispersion (1))
Paraffin wax (Nippon Seiwa Co., Ltd., HNPO190; melting point 85 ° C.): 50 parts by mass
・ Anionic surfactant (Dow Fax manufactured by Dow Chemical): 5 parts by mass
・ Ion exchange water: 200 parts by mass
The above components were heated to 95 ° C. and sufficiently dispersed with a homogenizer (IKA, Ultra Tarrax T50), and then dispersed with a pressure discharge type homogenizer (Gorin homogenizer, Gorin), with a center diameter of 180 nm, solid A release agent particle dispersion having an amount of 21.5% was obtained.
[0111]
(Preparation of toner particles and developer)
-Aggregation process-
-Binder resin fine particle dispersion (1): 200 parts by mass (84 parts by mass of resin)
Colorant particle dispersion (1): 40 parts by mass (8.6 parts by mass of pigment)
-Release agent particle dispersion: 40 parts by mass (8.6 parts by mass of release agent)
・ Polyaluminum chloride: 0.15 parts by mass
After thoroughly mixing and dispersing the above components in a round stainless steel flask with a homogenizer (IKA, Ultra Turrax T50), the flask was heated to 48 ° C. with stirring in an oil bath for heating, and then heated to 48 ° C. at 60 ° C. After maintaining for a minute, 68 parts by mass (28.56 parts by mass of the resin) of the binder resin fine particle dispersion (1) was added and gently stirred.
[0112]
-Fusion process-
Thereafter, the pH in the flask was adjusted to 6.0 with a 0.5 mol / liter aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and then heated to 95 ° C. while stirring was continued. After the inside of the flask was heated to 95 ° C., this state was maintained for 4 hours. The pH when the temperature was maintained at 95 ° C. was about 5.0.
[0113]
-Filtration, washing and drying processes-
After completion of the reaction, the solution in the flask was cooled and filtered to obtain a solid content.
Next, this solid content was sufficiently washed with ion-exchanged water, and then solid-liquid separated by Nutsche suction filtration to obtain a solid content again.
Next, this solid content was redispersed in 3 liters of ion-exchanged water at 40 ° C., and stirred and washed at 300 rpm for 15 minutes. This washing operation was repeated 5 times, and the solid content obtained by solid-liquid separation by Nutsche suction filtration was vacuum dried for 12 hours to obtain toner particles.
[0114]
-Addition of external additives and adjustment of developer-
Next, 1.2 parts by weight of hydrophobic silica (Cabot, TS720) is added to 50 parts by weight of the above toner particles, mixed by a sample mill, and a toner in which hydrophobic silica is externally added to the toner particle surface. Particles were obtained.
Thereafter, the hydrophobic silica was removed from the ferrite carrier (the blending ratio of polymethyl methacrylate to ferrite particles was 1% by mass) having an average particle diameter of 50 μm coated with polymethyl methacrylate (manufactured by Soken Chemical Co., Ltd.). The added toner particles were mixed so that the concentration was 5% by mass, and stirred and mixed for 5 minutes with a ball mill to obtain a developer used in Example 1.
[0115]
For the cleaning test, a charging member for a developing cartridge used in an image forming apparatus (product name: DocuCenter Color 320 CP) manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. was used. This charging member is a charging roll having a diameter of 14 mm formed of a conductive elastic layer made of styrene-butadiene rubber, a resistance layer made of epichlorohydrin rubber, and a surface layer made of methoxymethylated nylon resin having a film thickness of 14 μm. Further, the toner (developer) having the above-mentioned adjustment was used.
[0116]
Before carrying out the cleaning test, an unused charging member (charging roll) whose electrical resistance value has been confirmed in advance is attached to the image forming apparatus, and after the formation of 36000 sheets of images, the following cleaning is performed. Went. The washed charging member was subjected to measurement of electrical resistance, visual observation of the charging member surface, and an image forming test for reattaching the image forming apparatus to confirm the image quality. The image quality was evaluated according to the image quality evaluation criteria using a charged roll after washing. These results are summarized in Table 1.
[0117]
Example 1
36000 sheets of images were formed using an unused charging roll to obtain a used charging roll. When the surface of the charging member before washing was visually observed, the toner component and paper powder were fixed.
[0118]
As the alkaline aqueous solution, pure water was used as a solvent and the following alkaline components were dissolved therein.
・ Sodium bicarbonate: 0.30% by mass
・ Sodium carbonate: 0.25% by mass
-Potassium carbonate: 0.45 mass%
[0119]
The pH of the alkaline aqueous solution used in Example 1 at 25 ° C. was 10.5. The pH was measured using a pH meter (Horiba Seisakusho, Castany ACT D-215) using a glass electrode method.
[0120]
Next, using a cleaning apparatus having a lower cleaning droplet type as shown in FIG. 2, the above-mentioned alkaline aqueous solution was dropped, and a synthetic resin foam made of polyurethane was used as a cleaning auxiliary member, and was washed.
Next, using a cleaning apparatus having a lower cleaning droplet type as shown in FIG. 2, the tap water was dripped sufficiently, and a synthetic resin foam made of polyurethane was used as a cleaning auxiliary member and was washed. In all steps, scrubbing was performed from the central portion in the axial direction of the charging roll toward the end portion.
The charged roll after washing was sprayed with compressed air by a drying apparatus shown in FIG. 3 to blow off moisture adhering to the surface, and then naturally dried over one day and night. When the surface of the charging roll after drying was visually observed, no adhesion of the toner component and paper powder was observed, and no scratches or the like due to washing were generated.
[0121]
As shown in Table 1, the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after cleaning is almost the same as that of an unused charging member. On the other hand, the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after use (before cleaning) is significantly increased. I understand that. From this, it can be seen that although the electrical resistance value is increased by the toner component and paper powder adhered to the surface, the electrical resistance value is reduced to the same level as that of an unused charging roll by washing.
[0122]
Next, 36000 sheets of images were formed again using the charged charging roll after cleaning, and the presence or absence of image quality defects was confirmed every 1000 sheets. It turns out that it is possible.
On the other hand, for the purpose of comparison, when another 36,000 sheets of image formation were carried out using a separately prepared charging roll that had already been formed for 36,000 sheets, an image quality defect occurred in the middle. .
[0123]
(Example 2)
In Example 2, as the alkaline aqueous solution, pure water was used as a solvent, and 5.00% by mass of sodium hydrogen carbonate as an alkaline component was used. The pH of this alkaline aqueous solution at 25 ° C. was 8.4.
In Example 2, washing and drying were performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the above alkaline aqueous solution was used.
[0124]
As a result, when the surface of the charging roll after drying was visually observed, no adhesion of the toner component and paper powder was observed, and no scratches or the like due to washing were generated.
Moreover, as shown in Table 1, the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after cleaning is almost the same as that of an unused charging member, while the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after use (before cleaning) is significantly increased. You can see that From this, it can be seen that although the electrical resistance value is increased by the toner component and paper powder adhered to the surface, the electrical resistance value is reduced to the same level as that of an unused charging roll by washing.
[0125]
Next, 36000 sheets of images were formed again using the charged charging roll after cleaning, and the presence or absence of image quality defects was confirmed every 1000 sheets. It turns out that it is possible.
On the other hand, for the purpose of comparison, when another 36,000 sheets of image formation were carried out using a separately prepared charging roll that had already been formed for 36,000 sheets, an image quality defect occurred in the middle. .
[0126]
(Example 3)
In Example 3, an alkaline aqueous solution in which pure water was used as a solvent and 1.00% by mass of sodium carbonate as an alkaline component was dissolved therein was used. The pH of this alkaline aqueous solution at 25 ° C. was 11.3.
In Example 3, washing and drying were performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the above alkaline aqueous solution was used.
[0127]
As a result, when the surface of the charging roll after drying was visually observed, no adhesion of the toner component and paper powder was observed, and no scratches or the like due to washing were generated.
Moreover, as shown in Table 1, the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after cleaning is almost the same as that of an unused charging member, while the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after use (before cleaning) is significantly increased. You can see that From this, it can be seen that although the electrical resistance value is increased by the toner component and paper powder adhered to the surface, the electrical resistance value is reduced to the same level as that of an unused charging roll by washing.
[0128]
Next, 36000 sheets of images were formed again using the charged charging roll after cleaning, and the presence or absence of image quality defects was confirmed every 1000 sheets. It turns out that it is possible.
On the other hand, for the purpose of comparison, when another 36,000 sheets of image formation were carried out using a separately prepared charging roll that had already been formed for 36,000 sheets, an image quality defect occurred in the middle. .
[0129]
Example 4
In Example 4, as the alkaline aqueous solution, pure water was used as a solvent, and 1.00% by mass of potassium carbonate as an alkaline component was dissolved therein. The pH of this alkaline aqueous solution at 25 ° C. was 11.0.
In Example 4, it was washed and dried in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the above alkaline aqueous solution was used.
[0130]
As a result, when the surface of the charging roll after drying was visually observed, no adhesion of the toner component and paper powder was observed, and no scratches or the like due to washing were generated.
Moreover, as shown in Table 1, the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after cleaning is almost the same as that of an unused charging member, while the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after use (before cleaning) is significantly increased. You can see that From this, it can be seen that although the electrical resistance value is increased by the toner component and paper powder adhered to the surface, the electrical resistance value is reduced to the same level as that of an unused charging roll by washing.
[0131]
Next, 36000 sheets of images were formed again using the charged charging roll after cleaning, and the presence or absence of image quality defects was confirmed every 1000 sheets. It turns out that it is possible.
On the other hand, for the purpose of comparison, when another 36,000 sheets of image formation were carried out using a separately prepared charging roll that had already been formed for 36,000 sheets, an image quality defect occurred in the middle. .
[0132]
(Example 5)
In Example 5, as an aqueous alkaline solution, pure water was used as a solvent, and an alkaline component in which 2.50% by mass of sodium hydrogen carbonate and 2.50% by mass of sodium carbonate were dissolved was used. The pH of this alkaline aqueous solution at 25 ° C. was 10.1.
In Example 5, washing and drying were performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the above alkaline aqueous solution was used.
[0133]
As a result, when the surface of the charging roll after drying was visually observed, no adhesion of the toner component and paper powder was observed, and no scratches or the like due to washing were generated.
Moreover, as shown in Table 1, the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after cleaning is almost the same as that of an unused charging member, while the electrical resistance value of the charging roll after use (before cleaning) is significantly increased. You can see that From this, it can be seen that although the electrical resistance value is increased by the toner component and paper powder adhered to the surface, the electrical resistance value is reduced to the same level as that of an unused charging roll by washing.
[0134]
Next, 36000 sheets of images were formed again using the charged charging roll after cleaning, and the presence or absence of image quality defects was confirmed every 1000 sheets. It turns out that it is possible.
On the other hand, for the purpose of comparison, when another 36,000 sheets of image formation were carried out using a separately prepared charging roll that had already been formed for 36,000 sheets, an image quality defect occurred in the middle. .
[0135]
(Comparative Example 1)
In Comparative Example 1, in place of the alkaline aqueous solution used in Example 1, pure water was used as a solvent, and an organic solution in which 2% by mass of methylene chloride was dissolved was used. Dried.
As a result, wrinkles were generated on the surface of the charged roll after washing, and it was not possible to reuse.
[0136]
(Comparative Example 2)
In Comparative Example 2, Example 1 was used except that instead of the alkaline aqueous solution used in Example 1, an aqueous solution obtained by dissolving an appropriate amount of a neutral detergent (Fine Clean 70, manufactured by Yokohama Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.) in pure water was used. It was washed and dried in the same manner.
As a result, the surface of the charging roll after cleaning had the same amount of deposits as that before cleaning, and a sufficient cleaning effect could not be obtained. Further, 36,000 sheets of images were formed using the washed charging roll in the same manner as in Example 1 and the image quality was confirmed every 1000 sheets. As a result, an image quality defect occurred on the way.
[0137]
(Comparative Example 3)
In Comparative Example 3, washing and drying were performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that pure water was used instead of the alkaline aqueous solution used in Example 1.
As a result, the surface of the charging roll after washing was still covered with lightly adhered dirt on the surface, and adhered matter still remained, and a sufficient cleaning effect could not be obtained.
Further, 36,000 sheets of images were formed using the washed charging roll in the same manner as in Example 1 and the image quality was confirmed every 1000 sheets. As a result, an image quality defect occurred on the way.
[0138]
(Comparative Example 4)
In Comparative Example 4, washing and drying were performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that silicone oil was used instead of the alkaline aqueous solution used in Example 1.
As a result, the surface of the charging roll after washing was still covered with lightly adhered dirt on the surface, and adhered matter still remained, and a sufficient cleaning effect could not be obtained.
Further, 36,000 sheets of images were formed using the washed charging roll in the same manner as in Example 1 and the image quality was confirmed every 1000 sheets. As a result, an image quality defect occurred on the way.
[0139]
(Comparative Example 5)
In Comparative Example 5, in place of the alkaline aqueous solution used in Example 1, pure water was used as a solvent, and malic acid 0.965% by mass, glycolic acid 0.675% by mass, and tartaric acid 0.016% by mass were dissolved. Washing and drying were performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that (acid cleaning solution) was used.
As a result, the surface of the charging roll after washing was still covered with lightly adhered dirt on the surface, and adhered matter still remained, and a sufficient cleaning effect could not be obtained.
Further, 36,000 sheets of images were formed using the washed charging roll in the same manner as in Example 1 and the image quality was confirmed every 1000 sheets. As a result, an image quality defect occurred on the way.
[0140]
(Evaluation of electrical resistance of charging roll)
The electrical resistance values of the three types of samples of the charging member before use shown in Table 1, the charging member after 36000 sheets of image formation (before washing), and the charging member after washing were measured at 23 ° C. and 53% RH. In a measurement environment, an electrode roll having a width of 5 mm is brought into contact with the charging roll with a constant load, and a voltage of DC 100 V is applied to the core metal (conductive support) of the charging roll while rotating the charging member to measure a current value. Was done.
[0141]
(Image quality evaluation criteria using a charged roll after cleaning)
The image quality evaluation criteria in the case where the image forming test of 36,000 sheets is performed using the washed charging roll shown in Table 1 are shown below.
○: No image quality defect was observed in any of the images visually confirmed every 1000 sheets, from the 0th sheet to the 36000th sheet.
X: Image quality defects occurred in at least one of the images visually confirmed every 1000 sheets, from 0 to 36000th sheets.
[0142]
[Table 1]

[0143]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the surface of an electrophotographic member (for example, a charging member) to which the electrostatic charge developing toner adheres is washed at least once with an alkaline aqueous solution, thereby providing an electrophotographic member. The deposits on the surface of the electrophotographic member can be removed without deteriorating the surface of the member, thereby providing a reusable cleaning method for the electrophotographic member.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of an immersion cleaning apparatus used in the method for cleaning a charging member of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a liquid droplet underneath, which is used in the method for cleaning a charging member of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a drying apparatus used in the charging member cleaning method of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Charging member (charging roll)
2 Cleaning fluid
3 Charging member (charging roll) holder
4 Washing tank
5 Lifting lift
6 Cleaning aids
7 Immersion cleaning device
8 Charging member (charging roll)
9 Cleaning liquid supply part
10 Cleaning aid
11 Charging member (charging roll) holder
12 Cleaning device under the cleaning droplet
13 Charging member (charging roll)
14 Compressed air discharge nozzle
15 Charging member (charging roll) holder
16 Drying equipment

Claims (15)

  A method for cleaning an electrophotographic member, the method comprising aggregating the particles in a dispersion in which particles containing at least binder resin particles are dispersed to obtain aggregated particles, and heating the aggregated particles. And a step of washing the surface of the electrophotographic member, to which the electrostatic charge developing toner produced through at least the fusing step is fixed, with an alkaline aqueous solution of carbonate at least once. A method for cleaning an electrophotographic member.   The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic member is a conductive member.   The cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein the conductive member is a charging member.   4. The charging member cleaning method according to claim 3, wherein a surface of the charging member is coated with a polyamide-based resin.   The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic member is a cartridge. 2. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the pH of the alkaline aqueous solution of the carbonate is in the range of 8-12. 2. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous carbonate solution is an aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. 2. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous carbonate solution is an aqueous sodium carbonate solution. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous carbonate solution is an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution of carbonate is an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, further comprising a step of rubbing the surface of the electrophotographic member. A method for cleaning an electrophotographic member comprising at least two cleaning steps, wherein the final cleaning step is performed using a neutral aqueous solvent. The method for cleaning an electrophotographic member according to any one of 14.

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