JP4907013B2

JP4907013B2 - Electrophotographic photoreceptor test equipment

Info

Publication number: JP4907013B2
Application number: JP2001176271A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 紀保齋藤
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-11
Filing date: 2001-06-11
Publication date: 2012-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-11
Also published as: JP2002365972A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、検査測定装置に関し、更に詳しくは、レーザープリンタ、複写機等の画像形成装置に使用される電子写真感光体の特性値検査測定装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の技術として、特開平４−２６８５２号公報が存在する。該公報には、感光体ドラムの感光特性値測定装置として、着脱可能な感光体ドラムを回転可能に保持するとともに、保持された感光体ドラム表面を軸心方向のほぼ全域にわたって帯電させる帯電装置、及び該帯電装置による帯電位置から感光体ドラムの回転方向下流側位置にて、該感光体ドラムの表面を軸心方向のほぼ全域にわたって露光する光源を有する帯電露光ユニットと、該帯電露光ユニットに保持された感光体ドラムを所定方向に回転させる感光体ドラム回転手段と、該感光体ドラムの軸心方向に移動可能に配線されており、前記光源による露光位置よりも感光体ドラムの回転方向下流側にて該感光体ドラムの表面の電位を測定する電位センサと、該電位センサを感光体ドラムの軸方向へ移動させるセンサ移動手段と、該電位センサによる測定位置よりも感光体ドラムの回転方向下流側位置にて該感光体ドラムの表面を軸方向のほぼ全域にわたって除電する除電装置とを具備する感光体ドラムの感光体特性測定装置が開示されている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来、感光体の特性値の測定を行うにあたり、Ａｌなどで形成された剛性のある円筒状基体の場合であれば、測定の際に回転させても変形・破壊する可能性は低く、円筒状基体のまま特性値を測定することが可能であった。
これに対し、Ｎｉなど薄膜のベルト状の感光体に関しては、非常に慎重な取り扱いが要求される。即ち、測定の際にはベルト状の感光体を回転する必要があるが、ベルト状であるが故に、回転させることにより感光体に変形、破壊などが生じることに加えて、感光体周辺の帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、除電用光源などに接触し、感光体に傷や損傷がつくため、ベルト状の感光体の特性値を測定することは非常に困難であった。
そこで、斯かる状況に対応するために、ベルト状の感光体の特性値測定を行う際は所定の大きさに切断し、その試料片で測定できる専用の測定装置を用意して特性値測定を行うのが一般的である。
しかし、斯かる方法ではベルト状の感光体を破壊した上で測定を行うため、実機での劣化度合の確認のための測定評価を途中で行うことができない。加えて、感光体を切断するため、測定に費やす時間も多くかかり効率が悪いという問題が生じていた。そこで、ベルト状の感光体に関しても、Ａｌを媒体とする剛性の有る円筒状基体と同様に破壊せずに特性値を測定できる感光体用試験装置が要望されていた。
前出の特開平４−２６８５２号公報に記載されている感光体特性値測定装置には、基体がＡｌなどで形成された剛性の有る厚みを持った円筒状の基体の場合の技術開示はあるが、感光体がベルト状の基体である場合の記載は一切なく、斯かる技術をそのままＮｉなど薄膜のベルト状の基体に適用することは困難である。
そこで、本発明では上記問題を解決する為の電子写真用感光体特性値測定装置を提供することを目的とし、より具体的には第１に測定する際に生じる感光体の変形、破壊を防ぐことを目的とする。又、第２に支持部材を容易に着脱可能とすることによって様々な径に対応が可能となることを目的とする。更に、第３に感光体内側とのアースを、弾性体を保持している軸と接触している導電性ブラシからとることによって、感光体に傷をつけず、確実にアース接続を行うことを目的とする。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の上記課題は、下記の手段により達成される。即ち、請求項１によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体の端部を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体端部以外を保持する保持部材を備えた電子写真用感光体試験装置を最も主要な特徴とする。
請求項２によれば、請求項１記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記保持部材は、支持部材の間であってベルト状の感光体を内面から保持する電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項３によれば、請求項２記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記保持部材を複数個備えた電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項４によれば、請求項２又は請求項３記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記保持部材は、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体である電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項５によれば、請求項２記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、感光体両端を支持する支持部材の間に、両端支持部材が支持していないベルト状の感光体の内側全面を覆う保持部材を備えた電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
【０００５】
請求項６によれば、請求項５記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体の内側全面を覆う保持部材が、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体である電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項７によれば、請求項２乃至６のいずれか１項記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記支持部材は着脱できる支持部材である電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項８によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体両端を両端支持部材のみで支持し、該支持部材の感光体内面と接触する長さが、
ｌ ≦ Ｌ／２
ｌ１ ≦ Ｌ／２
（ｌ：受け側保持部材の感光体内面との接触長さ、ｌ１：差込側保持部材の同接触長さ、Ｌ：感光体幅方向全長）である電子写真用感光体試験装置を最も主要な特徴とする。
請求項９によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体片側を支持部材で支持し、支持していない部分を伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体によりベルト状の感光体内面から保持する電子写真用感光体試験装置を最も主要な特徴とする。
請求項１０によれば、請求項９記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体を複数個備える電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項１１によれば、請求項９記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体で感光体内面全面を保持する電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
【０００６】
請求項１２によれば、請求項９乃至１１のいずれか１項記載の電子写真感光体試験装置において、感光体片側を支持する支持部材が、着脱自在である電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項１３によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体の両端を支持部材で支持せずに、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体によって感光体を感光体内面から保持させる電子写真用感光体試験装置を最も主要な特徴とする。
請求項１４によれば、請求項１３記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体を複数備える電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項１５によれば、請求項１３記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体によって感光体内面全面を保持させる電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
請求項１６によれば、請求項１３、１４、又は１５記載の電子写真感光体試験装置において、感光体内側とのアースを、弾性体を保持している軸と接触している導電性ブラシでとる電子写真用感光体試験装置を主要な特徴とする。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明の実施の態様を、図面に基づきより詳細に説明する。先ず本発明の実施の態様の理解を深めるために、本発明が適用される従来の感光体検査装置の概略構成を図１１に従い説明する。０は感光体である。電圧電源１からコロナ帯電器２に高電圧が出力され、矢印Ａの方向に回転する感光体０は、コロナ帯電器２により帯電される。その後、感光体０中の通過電流は、信号処理回路３に送られる。信号処理回路３の内部には図示しない平滑化回路が組み込まれており、該平滑化回路によって通過電流の平滑化が行われる。その後、平滑処理がされた通過電流はＡ／Ｄ変換器４によってデジタル信号に変換されコントローラ５に送られ、デジタル信号が演算処理されることになる。また、感光体０の表面電位は、表面電位プローブ６からモニター部である表面電位計７に送られモニターされ、信号処理回路８に送られる。その後Ａ／Ｄ変換器４によって変換され、ついでコントローラ５に送られ演算処理される。また、感光体の露光後電位は、露光装置９を使用することによって測定が出来、感光体の表面電位を取り除く場合は、除電用光源１０を使用して取り除くものとする。
図１２は前述の測定装置に感光体０をセットする際の概略図である。感光体の両端を支持する両端支持部材１１は、図１２中に示す感光体０を最初にセットする受け側支持部材１１ａと、感光体０を他端で支持する図２の右に示す差込側支持部材１１ｂからなっている。先ず感光体０を受け側支持部材１１ａにセットし、差込側保持部材１１ｂによって固定させる。その後、モータ１２によって回転させる。シャフト１３は両端支持部材１０を支持するものである。
ところで既述の通り、Ｎｉなど薄膜のベルト状の感光体の測定の際にも、通常の感光体０と同様に回転する必要があるが、ベルト状であるが故に、支持部材１１により支持しただけで回転させると感光体に変形、破壊などが生じてしまう。更に、感光体周辺の帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、除電用光源などに接触したような場合には、ベルト状感光体に傷や損傷がつくため、感光体の特性値を測定することは非常に困難であった。
【０００８】
図１に本発明の実施の態様を説明する。尚、図１と図１１とは構成の大半が同じであるため、原則同一部材には同一の符号を使用して説明するものとする。図１に示した感光体０に代えて、図２に示した両端支持部材２１の間にはベルト状感光体２０が装着されている。ベルト状感光体２０は両端支持部材２１によって支持され矢印Ａ方向に回転し、ベルト状感光体２０の特性値が測定される。ところで、ベルト状感光体２０を両端支持部材２１によってのみ支持するのでは、前述のような問題が発生する。そこで、本発明においては、図２に示すようにシャフト２３外周とベルト状感光体２０内周との間に伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体２４を配置することとした。図３に伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体２４の構造を示す。図中の伸縮・膨張可能な弾性体２４は、シャフト２３に矢印で示すように空気を通して弾性体の中に空気を注入し弾性体を膨らませ、電子写真感光体の内面に密着させる構造になっている。図４は、前述の測定装置にベルト状感光体２０をセットする際の概略図である。感光体の両端を支持する両端支持部材２１は、図４の左に示すベルト状感光体２０を最初にセットする受け側支持部材２１ａと、ベルト状感光体２０を他端で支持する図４の右に示す差込側支持部材２１ｂからなっている。先ずベルト状感光体２０を受け側支持部材２１ａにセットし、差込側保持部材２１ｂによって固定させる。その後、図３に示すようにシャフト２３の中空部２３ａより矢印で示すように空気を流し弾性体の中に空気を注入することで弾性体２４を膨らませ、電子写真感光体の内面に密着させシャフト２３に保持させる。次いでモータ２２を回転させることで、ベルト状感光体２０を回転せしめて特性値の測定を行う。シャフト２３は両端支持部材２１を支持するものである。ここにおいて、感光体とのアースは両端保持部材２１ａ、２１ｂからとることにしているが、この構成については後述するものとする。
以下に、斯かる構成による本発明の感光体測定装置を用いた実施例をより更に具体的に説明するが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。
【０００９】
（実施例１）
図１に示した構成よりなるリコー社内製作装置を用いて、感光体の特性値を測定した。感光体としては、リコーＩＰＳＩＯＣＯＬＯＲ５０００用感光体（周長：９２．３９×３．１４≒２９０．１ｍｍ、全長：３６７ｍｍ、肉厚：３０μｍ、基体：Ｎｉシームレスベルト）を用いた。
図４は実施例１の測定時のベルト状感光体セットの概略説明図である。ベルト状感光体２０の両端支持部材２１ａ、２１ｂは、感光体を支持する部分の長さ４０ｍｍ、直径９２．３２ｍｍ、材質はＡｌである。両端支持部材２１ａ、２１ｂが保持していない感光体２０の中央内面全面を伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体２４であるウレタンゴムで覆い保持した。実施例１としては、斯かる状態で測定した時の感光体破損本数を、両端保持部材のみを利用して測定した場合の破損本数を比較例１ａ、両端保持部材の間に感光体長手方向の中心位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体（ウレタンゴム）を利用して測定した時の破損本数を比較例１ｂ、両端保持部材の間に感光体長手方向の中心位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時の破損本数を比較例１ｃ、両端保持部材の間に感光体長手方向の長さ１／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮・膨張可能な弾性体（材質：ウレタンゴム）と感光体長手方向の長さ２／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮・膨張可能な弾性体（材質：ウレタンゴム）を利用して測定した時を比較例１ｄ、両端保持部材の間に感光体長手方向の長さ１／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）と感光体長手方向の長さ２／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時を比較例１ｅ、両端保持部材の間に、両端保持部材が保持していない感光体内面全面を保持することが可能な保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時を比較例１ｆとして、その時に破損した測定本数の結果を表１に示す。（各々１００本測定を行った。）
【００１０】
【表１】

※感光体に傷や損傷が無く、正しく測定が行えたもののみをカウントする。
参考値としてリコーＩＭＡＧＩＯＭＦ２５０用感光体（直径：３０ｍｍ、全長：３４０ｍｍ、肉厚：０．７５ｍｍ、基体の材質：Ａｌ）を測定した時の破損本数は１００本中４本であった。
表１から分かるように、両端支持部材２１の間に何も入れない場合は、ベルト感光体２０は、周辺の帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、除電用光源に接触し、ベルト感光体２０に傷や損傷が発生してしまう。これに対し、両端支持部材２１の間に感光体２０基体を内面から保持する弾性体２４を入れることによって感光体が弾性的且つ強固に保持され、Ｎｉなどのシームレスベルト状の感光体でも、Ａｌなどの剛性の有る感光体基体と同様、試料片にしなくても測定することが可能になることが分かる。また、内面から保持する部材を伸縮・膨張する弾性体によって密着させた方が、破損本数も少なく効率がよいことも分かる。また、両端保持部材の間に感光体内面から保持する部材を複数個入れる（面積を大きくする）ことによって効果が大きくなり、感光体内面全面を密着させることによって、Ａｌなどの剛性の有る感光体基体と同じような測定結果になっており、Ｎｉなどのシームレスベルト状の感光体でも破損・測定結果を気にせず測定することが可能となることが分かる。
【００１１】
（実施例２）
実施例１と同様、図１のような装置構成より成るリコー社内製作装置を用いて、感光体の特性値を測定した。使用した感光体は、リコーＩＰＳＩＯＣＯＬＯＲ５０００用感光体（周長：９２．３９×３．１４≒２９０．１ｍｍ、全長：３６７ｍｍ、肉厚：３０μｍ、基体：Ｎｉシームレスベルト）を用いた。
実施例２として、感光体を測定する際に受け側保持部材２１ａ（感光体の保持部の長さ：４０ｍｍ、感光体保持部の直径：９２．３２ｍｍ、材質：Ａｌ）だけを使用し、受け側保持部材が保持していない感光体内面全面を覆うことが可能である伸縮・膨張可能な弾性体２４（材質：ウレタンゴム）を利用して測定した場合で、受け側保持部材のみを使用して測定した場合を比較例２ａ、受け側保持部材で片側を保持させ感光体長手方向の中心位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体（ウレタンゴム）を利用して測定した時を比較例２ｂ、受け側保持部材で片側を保持させ感光体長手方向の中心位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時を比較例２ｃ、受け側保持部材で片側を保持させ感光体長手方向の長さ１／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮・膨張可能な弾性体（材質：ウレタンゴム）と感光体長手方向の長さ２／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体（材質：ウレタンゴム）を利用して測定した時を比較例２ｄ、受け側保持部材で片側を保持させ感光体長手方向の長さ１／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）と感光体長手方向の長さ２／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時を比較例２ｅ、受け側保持部材で片側を保持させ受け側保持部材が保持していない感光体内面全面を保持することが可能な、保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時を比較例２ｆとする。その時に破損した測定本数の結果を表２に示す。（各々１００本測定を行った。）実施例２を行った時の概略図を図５に、比較例２ｂを行った時の概略図を図６に示す。感光体とのアースは受け側保持部材からとった。
【００１２】
【表２】

※感光体に傷や損傷が無く、正しく測定が行えたもののみをカウントした。
表２から分かるように、ベルト状感光体２０がしっかりと支持されない比較例２ａ・２ｃ・２ｅ・２ｆは、測定できない。また、受け側保持部材２１ａによって片側を保持させ、感光体基体を内面から保持する伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体２４を入れてベルト状感光体２０を保持すれば、感光体周辺の帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、除電用光源に接触して感光体に傷や損傷を与えることなく、Ｎｉなどのシームレスベルト状の感光体でも、Ａｌなどの剛性の有る感光体基体と同様、試料片にしなくても測定することが可能になることが分かる。（ただ単に、保持部材を入れただけでは感光体が保持されないため、測定できない。）
また、感光体内面から保持する部材を複数個入れる（面積を大きくする）ことによって効果が大きくなり、更に伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体を感光体内面全面に密着させることによって、実施例１と同様Ａｌなどの剛性の有る感光体基体と同様な測定結果になっており、Ｎｉなどのシームレスベルト状の感光体でも破損を気にせず測定することが可能となることが分かる。
【００１３】
（実施例３）
実施例１、２と同様、図１のような装置構成より成るリコー社内製作装置を用いて、感光体の特性値を測定した。使用した感光体は、リコーＩＰＳＩＯＣＯＬＯＲ５０００用感光体（周長：９２．３９×３．１４≒２９０．１ｍｍ、全長：３６７ｍｍ、肉厚：３０μｍ、基体：Ｎｉシームレスベルト）を用いた。
ベルト状感光体２０を測定する際に、感光体内面全面を覆うことが可能な、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体２４（材質：ウレタンゴム）のみを利用して感光体を保持して測定した時を実施例３とし、感光体長手方向の中心位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮・膨張可能な弾性体２４（ウレタンゴム）のみを利用して測定した時を比較例３ａ、感光体長手方向の中心を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）のみを利用して測定した時を比較例３ｂ、感光体長手方向の長さ１／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体（材質：ウレタンゴム）と感光体長手方向の長さ２／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体（材質：ウレタンゴム）を利用して測定した時を比較例３ｃ、感光体長手方向の長さ１／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）と感光体長手方向の長さ２／３の位置を保持する幅１００ｍｍの保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時を比較例３ｄ、感光体内面全面を保持することが可能な保持部材（材質：アルミ、直径：９２．３２ｍｍ）を利用して測定した時を比較例３ｅとする。その時に問題なく行うことが出来た測定本数の結果を表３に示す（各々１００本測定を行った。）。図７に実施例３を行った時の流れの概略図を示し、図８に比較例３ａを行った時の流れの概略図を示す。感光体とのアースは、弾性体または保持部材を保持している軸と接触しているシャフトから導電性のブラシを取り付け感光体に接触させアースでとるようにした。
【００１４】
【表３】

※感光体に傷や損傷が無く、正しく測定が行えたもののみをカウントした。
表３から分かるように、感光体基体を内面から保持する伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体を入れることによって感光体が保持され、感光体周辺の帯電装置・露光用光源・表面電位計・除電用光源に接触して感光体に傷や損傷を与えることなく、Ｎｉなどのシームレスベルト状の感光体でも、Ａｌなどの剛性の有る感光体基体と同様、試料片にしなくても測定することが可能になることが分かる。しかし、保持部材を入れただけでは感光体が保持できず測定できない。また、感光体内面から保持する部材を面積を大きくするために複数個入れることによって効果が大きくなり、更に感光体内面全面を密着させることによって、実施例１、２と同様Ａｌなどの厚みのある感光体基体と同じような測定結果になっており、Ｎｉなどのシームレスベルト状の感光体でも破損を気にせず測定することが可能となることが分かる。
【００１５】
（実施例４）
実施例１、２、３と同様に、図１のような構成よりなるリコー社内製作装置を用いて、感光体の特性値を測定した。使用した感光体は、リコーＩＰＳＩＯＣＯＬＯＲ５０００用感光体（周長：９２．３９×３．１４≒２９０．１ｍｍ、全長：３６７ｍｍ、肉厚：３０μｍ、基体：Ｎｉシームレスベルト）を用いた。
感光体を測定する際に、感光体を両端から支持する材質がＡｌよりなる支持部材の長さを変化させて測定した時に、問題なく測定が行うことが出来た測定本数の結果を表４に示す。感光体とのアースは両端支持部材からとった。
【表４】

※感光体全長をＬとする。
表４の結果から、感光体基体を両端から保持する保持部材の感光体を保持する部分の長さを長くし、感光体内面と接する面積を増やすことによって、感光体周辺の帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、除電用光源に接触して感光体に傷や損傷を与えることなく、Ｎｉなどのシームレスベルト状の感光体でも、Ａｌなどの剛性の有る感光体基体と同様、試料片にしなくても測定することが可能になることが分かる。また保持部材の長さをＬ／２に近づけるほど、破損本数も減少することが分かる。
【００１６】
（実施例５）
実施例１、２、３、４と同様、図１のような装置構成より成るリコー社内製作装置を用いて、感光体の特性値を測定した。使用した感光体は、リコーＩＰＳＩＯＣＯＬＯＲ５０００用感光体（周長：９２．３９×３．１４≒２９０．１ｍｍ、全長：３６７ｍｍ、肉厚：３０μｍ、基体：Ｎｉシームレスベルト）を用いた。
感光体を測定する際に、感光体内面全面を覆うことが可能な、材質がウレタンゴムよりなる伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体２４のみを利用して測定した時を実施例５とし、感光体長手方向の中心を保持する幅１００ｍｍのウレタンゴムよりなる伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体のみを利用して測定した時を実施例５ａとした。
その際に感光体とのアースを図９、図１０に示す様に、弾性体２４を保持している軸と接触するシャフトに導電性ブラシ２５を接触させアースをとるようにした。図９は感光体２０をセットする前の、弾性体２４の端部の拡大概略図である。図１０は感光体２０をセットし、弾性体２４を膨張させた時の弾性体２４端部の拡大図で、図に示した導電性ブラシ２５からアースをとる。
以上の条件で２つの実施例とも１００本測定を行った。その結果、アース不良に関しては１００本中０本、感光体への破損・異常発生も１００本中０本という結果であり、弾性体を保持しているシャフトへ導電性ブラシを接続させ、アースを取れば、感光体に悪影響を及ぼさず正確に測定することができることが分かる。
【００１７】
【発明の効果】
請求項１によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体の端部を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体端部以外を保持する保持部材を備えたことにより、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形、破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項２によれば、請求項１記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記保持部材は、支持部材の間であってベルト状の感光体を内面から保持することとしたので、感光体を保持する面積を大きくなり、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形、破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項３によれば、請求項２記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記保持部材を複数個備えることとしたので、感光体を保持する面積が大きくなり、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項４によれば、請求項２又は請求項３記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記保持部材は、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体であるので特性測定時における感光体保持力を向上させ、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項５によれば、請求項２記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、感光体両端を支持する支持部材の間に、両端支持部材が支持していないベルト状の感光体の内側全面を覆う保持部材を備えたことによって、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項６によれば、請求項５記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体の内側全面を覆う保持部材が、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体であることとしたので、特性測定時における感光体保持力の向上、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項７によれば、請求項２乃至６のいずれか１項記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、前記支持部材は着脱できる支持部材であり、容易に着脱可能である為、様々な径に対応することができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
【００１８】
請求項８によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体両端を両端支持部材のみで支持し、該支持部材の感光体内面と接触する長さが、
ｌ ≦ Ｌ／２
ｌ１ ≦ Ｌ／２
（ｌ：受け側保持部材の感光体内面との接触長さ、ｌ１：差込側保持部材の同接触長さ、Ｌ：感光体幅方向全長）であるため、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項９によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体片側を支持部材で支持し、支持していない部分を伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体によりベルト状の感光体内面から保持することによって装置を簡略化出来、また感光体保持力が向上し、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項１０によれば、請求項９記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体を複数個備えることによって、感光体を保持する面積を大きくし、更に感光体保持力を向上させ、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項１１によれば、請求項９記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体で感光体内面全面を保持することによって、感光体を保持する面積を大きくし、更に感光体保持力を向上させ、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
【００１９】
請求項１２によれば、請求項９乃至１１のいずれか１項記載の電子写真感光体試験装置において、感光体片側を支持する支持部材が、着脱自在であるため、様々な径に対応することが可能な電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項１３によれば、被試験体である電子写真用感光体を支持部材により支持するとともに、周囲に配置される帯電装置、露光用光源、表面電位計、試料通過電流検出器、除電用光源と、被試験体の感光体を回転駆動させる回転制御装置とを備え、感光体の回転に応じて、帯電、露光、表面電位測定、試料通過電流測定、除電のプロセスにしたがって感光体の電気特性を検査する電子写真用感光体試験装置において、ベルト状の感光体を測定する際、感光体の両端を支持部材で支持せずに、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体によって感光体を感光体内面から保持させることとするため、装置を簡略化出来、感光体保持力を向上させ、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項１４によれば、請求項１３記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体を複数備えることによって、感光体を保持する面積を大きくし、更に感光体保持力を向上させ、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項１５によれば、請求項１３記載の電子写真用感光体試験装置において、伸縮、膨張可能な弾性体によって感光体内面全面を保持させることによって、感光体を保持する面積を大きくし、感光体保持力を向上させ、測定する際に生じる感光体の変形・破壊を防ぐことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
請求項１６によれば、請求項１３、１４、又は１５記載の電子写真感光体試験装置において、感光体内側とのアースを、弾性体を保持している軸と接触している導電性ブラシでとることとしたので、感光体に傷をつけず、確実にアース接続を行うことができる電子写真用感光体試験装置を提供することができた。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のベルト状感光体特性測定装置の構成説明図である。
【図２】本発明のベルト感光体等の特性測定のための感光体セットの概略説明図である。
【図３】本発明の感光体保持用伸縮・膨張可能な弾性体の構造を示す説明図である。
【図４】本発明の感光体の特性測定のための他の感光体セットの概略説明図である。
【図５】本発明の特性測定時の感光体支持体が片方のみの感光体セットの説明図である。
【図６】本発明の感光体支持体が片方のみで膨張可能弾性体が中央部のみの説明図である。
【図７】本発明の感光体を感光体幅の膨張可能弾性体のみで保持した説明図である。
【図８】本発明の感光体を感光体より狭幅の膨張弾性体のみで保持した説明図である。
【図９】本発明の感光体セットする前の回転軸へアースする弾性体端部の概略図である。
【図１０】本発明の感光体セット時、弾性体膨張端部からアースをとる説明図である。
【図１１】本発明が適用される従来の感光体特性測定装置の説明図である。
【図１２】本発明が適用される従来の感光体セットの概略説明図である。
【符号の説明】
０感光体、１電圧電源、２コロナ帯電器、３信号処理回路、４Ａ／Ｄ変換器、５コントローラ、６表面電位プローブ、７表面電位計、８信号処理回路、９露光装置、１０除電用光源、１１感光体支持部材、１１ａ受け側支持部材、１１ｂ差込側支持部材、１２モータ、１３シャフト、２０ベルト状感光体、２１ベルト状感光体保持部材、２１ａ受け側保持部材、２１ｂ差込側保持部材、２２モータ、２３シャフト、２３ａ中空部、２４弾性体、２５導電性ブラシ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inspection / measurement apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for inspecting and measuring characteristic values of an electrophotographic photosensitive member used in an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or a copying machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional technique, there is JP-A-4-26852. In this publication, as a photosensitive characteristic value measuring device for a photosensitive drum, a detachable photosensitive drum is rotatably held, and the charged photosensitive drum surface is charged over almost the entire region in the axial direction. And a charging exposure unit having a light source that exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum over substantially the entire region in the axial direction from a charging position downstream of the charging position by the charging device, and held by the charging exposure unit A photosensitive drum rotating means for rotating the photosensitive drum in a predetermined direction, and wired so as to be movable in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and downstream of the exposure position by the light source in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum. A potential sensor for measuring the potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum, sensor moving means for moving the potential sensor in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and the potential sensor There is disclosed a photoconductor characteristic measuring device for a photoconductor drum, comprising a static eliminator that neutralizes the surface of the photoconductor drum over substantially the entire region in the axial direction at a position downstream of the photoconductor drum in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum. Yes.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, when measuring the characteristic value of a photoconductor, in the case of a rigid cylindrical substrate formed of Al or the like, it is unlikely to be deformed or broken even if it is rotated during measurement. It was possible to measure the characteristic value of the substrate.
On the other hand, a very thin belt-like photoconductor such as Ni requires very careful handling. In other words, it is necessary to rotate the belt-shaped photoconductor for the measurement. However, since the belt-shaped photoconductor is rotated, the photoconductor is deformed or broken, and charging around the photoconductor is also performed. It is very difficult to measure the characteristic value of the belt-shaped photoconductor because the photoconductor is scratched or damaged by contact with an apparatus, an exposure light source, a surface electrometer, a static elimination light source, and the like.
Therefore, in order to cope with such a situation, when measuring the characteristic value of the belt-shaped photoconductor, it is cut into a predetermined size, and a dedicated measuring device capable of measuring with the sample piece is prepared to measure the characteristic value. It is common to do it.
However, in such a method, since the measurement is performed after the belt-shaped photosensitive member is broken, measurement evaluation for confirming the degree of deterioration in an actual machine cannot be performed on the way. In addition, since the photoconductor is cut, a lot of time is required for measurement, and the efficiency is poor. Thus, there has been a demand for a photoconductor testing apparatus that can measure characteristic values of a belt-like photoconductor without breaking, as in the case of a rigid cylindrical substrate using Al as a medium.
The photoreceptor characteristic value measuring apparatus described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-26852 has a technical disclosure in the case where the substrate is a cylindrical substrate having rigidity and formed of Al or the like. However, there is no description of the case where the photosensitive member is a belt-like substrate, and it is difficult to apply such a technique as it is to a belt-like substrate of a thin film such as Ni.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoconductor characteristic value measuring apparatus for solving the above-described problems, and more specifically, to prevent deformation and destruction of the photoconductor that occurs during the first measurement. For the purpose. Another object of the present invention is to support various diameters by making the support member easily detachable. Thirdly, by grounding the inner side of the photoconductor from a conductive brush that is in contact with the shaft holding the elastic body, it is possible to securely connect the ground without damaging the photoconductor. Objective.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. That is, according to the first aspect, the end portion of the electrophotographic photoreceptor as a test object is supported by the support member, and the charging device, the exposure light source, the surface potential meter, and the sample passing current detection which are arranged around the support member. , A light source for static elimination, and a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photoconductor of the device under test, according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and static elimination according to the rotation of the photoconductor In the electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus for inspecting the electrical characteristics of the photoconductor, the electrophotographic photoconductor test apparatus having a holding member for holding the portions other than the ends of the photoconductor when measuring a belt-shaped photoconductor is the most important. Features.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the first aspect, the holding member is between the supporting members and holds the belt-shaped photosensitive member from the inner surface. Is the main feature.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the second aspect, an electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus including a plurality of the holding members is a main feature.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the holding member is an elastic member that can expand and contract and expand. And
According to claim 5, in the electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus according to claim 2, the entire inner surface of the belt-like photoreceptor that is not supported by the both end support members is interposed between the support members that support both ends of the photoreceptor. An electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus having a holding member for covering is a main feature.
[0005]
According to claim 6, in the electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus according to claim 5, the electrophotographic photoreceptor test is such that the holding member covering the entire inner surface of the belt-shaped photoreceptor is an elastic body that can expand and contract. Features the device.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus is a detachable supporting member. To do.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the test object is supported by the support member, and the charging device, the exposure light source, the surface potential meter, the sample passing current detector, and the static elimination light source arranged around the support member. And a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photoconductor of the device under test, and according to the rotation of the photoconductor, the electrical characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and charge removal In the electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus for inspecting, when measuring a belt-shaped photoconductor, both ends of the photoconductor are supported only by both end support members, and the length of the support member in contact with the photoconductor inner surface is:
l ≦ L / 2
l1 ≦ L / 2
(1: contact length of the receiving side holding member with the inner surface of the photoconductor, l1: same contact length of the insertion side holding member, L: total length in the photoconductor width direction) Features.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the electrophotographic photoreceptor as a test object is supported by the support member, and the charging device, the exposure light source, the surface potential meter, the sample passing current detector, and the charge removal light source arranged around the support member. And a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photoconductor of the device under test, and according to the rotation of the photoconductor, the electrical characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and charge removal In an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus for inspecting a belt-like photoreceptor, when measuring a belt-like photoreceptor, a belt-like photoreceptor is supported by an elastic body that supports one side of the photoreceptor with a support member and expands and contracts the unsupported portion. The most important feature is an electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus which is held from the inner surface of the body.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, an electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus including a plurality of elastic bodies that can be expanded and contracted is a main feature.
According to the eleventh aspect, the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the ninth aspect mainly includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus that holds the entire inner surface of the photosensitive member with an elastic body that can expand and contract.
[0006]
According to a twelfth aspect, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, an electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus in which a supporting member that supports one side of the photosensitive member is detachable is mainly used. Features.
According to the thirteenth aspect, the electrophotographic photosensitive member as a test object is supported by the support member, and the charging device, the exposure light source, the surface potential meter, the sample passing current detector, and the static elimination light source disposed around the periphery. And a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photoconductor of the device under test, and according to the rotation of the photoconductor, the electrical characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and charge removal In an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus for inspecting a photoconductor, when measuring a belt-like photoreceptor, the photoreceptor is supported from the inner surface of the photoreceptor by an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted without supporting both ends of the photoreceptor with support members. The most important feature is an electrophotographic photoreceptor test apparatus to be held.
According to a fourteenth aspect, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, an electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus including a plurality of elastic bodies that can expand and contract is provided.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, an electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus that holds the entire inner surface of the photosensitive member with an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted is a main feature.
According to claim 16, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing device according to claim 13, 14, or 15, the ground with the inner side of the photosensitive member is grounded with a conductive brush that is in contact with the shaft holding the elastic member. The main feature is an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. First, in order to deepen the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, a schematic configuration of a conventional photoconductor inspection apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 0 is a photoreceptor. A high voltage is output from the voltage power source 1 to the corona charger 2, and the photoconductor 0 rotating in the direction of arrow A is charged by the corona charger 2. Thereafter, the passing current in the photoreceptor 0 is sent to the signal processing circuit 3. A smoothing circuit (not shown) is incorporated in the signal processing circuit 3, and the passing current is smoothed by the smoothing circuit. Thereafter, the smoothed passing current is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 4 and sent to the controller 5, where the digital signal is processed. Further, the surface potential of the photoconductor 0 is sent from the surface potential probe 6 to the surface potential meter 7 which is a monitor unit, monitored, and sent to the signal processing circuit 8. Thereafter, the data is converted by the A / D converter 4 and then sent to the controller 5 for arithmetic processing. Further, the post-exposure potential of the photoconductor can be measured by using the exposure device 9, and when removing the surface potential of the photoconductor, it is removed using the light source 10 for static elimination.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view when the photoconductor 0 is set in the above-described measuring apparatus. Both end support members 11 that support both ends of the photoconductor include a receiving side support member 11a that initially sets the photoconductor 0 shown in FIG. 12, and an insertion shown on the right in FIG. 2 that supports the photoconductor 0 at the other end. It consists of a side support member 11b. First, the photoreceptor 0 is set on the receiving side support member 11a and fixed by the insertion side holding member 11b. Thereafter, the motor 12 is rotated. The shaft 13 supports the both-end support member 10.
By the way, as described above, when measuring a thin belt-shaped photoconductor such as Ni, it is necessary to rotate in the same manner as the normal photoconductor 0. However, since it is belt-shaped, it is supported by the support member 11. If it is rotated only, deformation or destruction of the photoconductor occurs. In addition, when contacting the charging device, exposure light source, surface potential meter, static elimination light source, etc. around the photoconductor, the belt-like photoconductor is scratched or damaged, so the characteristic value of the photoconductor is measured. It was very difficult.
[0008]
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 11 are the same in configuration, and in principle, the same members will be described using the same reference numerals. Instead of the photoconductor 0 shown in FIG. 1, a belt-like photoconductor 20 is mounted between the both end support members 21 shown in FIG. The belt-like photoconductor 20 is supported by both end support members 21 and rotates in the direction of arrow A, and the characteristic value of the belt-like photoconductor 20 is measured. By the way, if the belt-like photoconductor 20 is supported only by the both-end support members 21, the above-described problems occur. Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, an elastic body 24 that can be expanded and contracted is arranged between the outer periphery of the shaft 23 and the inner periphery of the belt-like photoconductor 20. FIG. 3 shows the structure of the elastic body 24 that can be expanded and contracted. The elastic body 24 that can be expanded and contracted in the drawing has a structure in which air is injected into the elastic body through the air as shown by an arrow on the shaft 23 to inflate the elastic body and adhere to the inner surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Yes. FIG. 4 is a schematic view when the belt-shaped photoconductor 20 is set in the above-described measuring apparatus. Both end support members 21 that support both ends of the photoconductor include a receiving side support member 21a that first sets the belt-like photoconductor 20 shown on the left in FIG. 4, and a belt-type photoconductor 20 that is supported by the other end of FIG. It consists of the insertion side support member 21b shown to the right. First, the belt-like photoreceptor 20 is set on the receiving side support member 21a and fixed by the insertion side holding member 21b. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3, the elastic body 24 is inflated by flowing air from the hollow portion 23 a of the shaft 23 as shown by an arrow and injecting the air into the elastic body so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 23. Next, by rotating the motor 22, the belt-shaped photoconductor 20 is rotated and the characteristic value is measured. The shaft 23 supports the both-end support member 21. Here, the ground to the photoconductor is taken from both

end holding members

21a and 21b, and this configuration will be described later.
Hereinafter, examples using the photoconductor measuring device of the present invention having such a configuration will be described in more detail, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0009]
Example 1
Using the Ricoh in-house manufacturing apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the characteristic value of the photoreceptor was measured. As the photoreceptor, a photoreceptor for Ricoh IPSIO COLOR5000 (perimeter: 92.39 × 3.14≈290.1 mm, overall length: 367 mm, wall thickness: 30 μm, substrate: Ni seamless belt) was used.
FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a belt-like photoreceptor set at the time of measurement in Example 1. The

support members

21a and 21b at both ends of the belt-like photoconductor 20 have a length of 40 mm, a diameter of 92.32 mm, and a material of Al, which support the photoconductor. The entire inner surface of the center of the photoconductor 20 that is not held by the both

end support members

21a and 21b is covered and held with urethane rubber, which is an elastic body 24 that can expand and contract. In Example 1, the number of damaged photoreceptors measured in such a state was measured using only the both-end holding members, and the number of breaks in Comparative Example 1a was measured between the both-end holding members in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor. The number of breakage when measured by using an elastic body (urethane rubber) having a width of 100 mm that holds the center position and that can be expanded is compared with Comparative Example 1b, and the center position in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor is held between both end holding members. The number of breakage when measured using a holding member having a width of 100 mm (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) is Comparative Example 1c, and the position of the length of 1/3 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member is placed between the holding members on both ends. Elastic body (material: urethane rubber) with a width of 100 mm to hold and elastic body (material: urethane rubber) with a width of 100 mm to hold the position 2/3 in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor When measuring using Comparative Example 1d, a holding member having a width of 100 mm (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) and a length 2 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member that holds the position of the longitudinal length 1/3 between the holding members at both ends. When the measurement is performed using a holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) having a width of 100 mm that holds the position of / 3, the both-end holding member is not held between the both-end holding members. Table 1 shows the results of the number of measurements that were damaged at that time when the measurement was made using a holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) that can hold the entire inner surface of the photoreceptor. . (100 pieces were measured each)
[0010]
[Table 1]

* Only those that have been measured correctly without any damage or damage to the photoconductor are counted.
As a reference value, the number of breakage when measuring a Ricoh IMAGEIO MF250 photoreceptor (diameter: 30 mm, total length: 340 mm, wall thickness: 0.75 mm, substrate material: Al) was 4 out of 100.
As can be seen from Table 1, when nothing is put between the both-end support members 21, the belt photoreceptor 20 comes into contact with a peripheral charging device, an exposure light source, a surface potential meter, and a static elimination light source, and the belt photoreceptor. 20 will be scratched or damaged. On the other hand, the photosensitive member 20 is elastically and firmly held by inserting an elastic member 24 that holds the base of the photosensitive member 20 from the inner surface between the support members 21 at both ends. Even if a seamless belt-like photosensitive member such as Ni is used, Al It can be seen that measurement can be performed without using a sample piece, as in the case of a rigid photoconductor substrate. It can also be seen that it is more efficient to reduce the number of breaks when the members held from the inner surface are brought into close contact with an elastic body that expands and contracts. In addition, by placing a plurality of members to be held from the inner surface of the photoconductor between the both-end holding members (increasing the area), the effect is enhanced, and by adhering the entire inner surface of the photoconductor, a photoconductor having rigidity such as Al The measurement results are the same as those of the substrate, and it can be seen that even a seamless belt-shaped photoconductor such as Ni can be measured without worrying about damage and measurement results.
[0011]
(Example 2)
As in Example 1, the characteristic values of the photoreceptor were measured using a Ricoh in-house manufacturing apparatus having the apparatus configuration shown in FIG. The photoreceptor used was a Ricoh IPSIO COLOR 5000 photoreceptor (peripheral length: 92.39 × 3.14≈290.1 mm, total length: 367 mm, wall thickness: 30 μm, substrate: Ni seamless belt).
As Example 2, only the receiving side holding member 21a (the length of the holding portion of the photosensitive member: 40 mm, the diameter of the photosensitive member holding portion: 92.32 mm, the material: Al) is used when measuring the photosensitive member. When measuring using an elastic body 24 (material: urethane rubber) that can cover the entire inner surface of the photoconductor that is not held by the side holding member, only the receiving side holding member is used. Comparative Example 2a, measured using a stretchable and expandable elastic body (urethane rubber) with a width of 100 mm that holds one side by the receiving side holding member and holds the center position in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor. Comparative Example 2b, Comparative Example 2c when measured using a holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) having a width of 100 mm that holds one side by the receiving side holding member and holds the center position in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor. , Receiving side holding part The elastic body (material: urethane rubber) with a width of 100 mm that holds one side and holds the position of the length １／ in the longitudinal direction of the photoconductor and the position of the length 2/3 in the photoconductor longitudinal direction Comparative Example 2d shows a measurement using an elastic body (material: urethane rubber) that can be expanded and contracted with a width of 100 mm, and one side is held by a receiving side holding member. A holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) that holds the position and a holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) that holds the position 2/3 in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member. 32 mm) is measured using Comparative Example 2e, a holding member (material: aluminum) that can hold one side with the receiving side holding member and hold the entire inner surface of the photoreceptor not held by the receiving side holding member Diameter: 92.32mm And Comparative Example 2f the time was measured using. Table 2 shows the results of the number of measurement broken at that time. (Each 100 measurements were made.) FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram when Example 2 is performed, and FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram when Comparative Example 2b is performed. The ground to the photoreceptor was taken from the receiving side holding member.
[0012]
[Table 2]

* Only the photoconductors that were not damaged or damaged and were measured correctly were counted.
As can be seen from Table 2, Comparative Examples 2a, 2c, 2e, and 2f in which the belt-like photoconductor 20 is not firmly supported cannot be measured. Further, if the belt-shaped photoconductor 20 is held by holding the belt-shaped photoconductor 20 by holding one side by the receiving-side holding member 21a and holding the elastic body 24 that can expand and contract to hold the photoconductor substrate from the inner surface, the charging device and the exposure around the photoconductor A sample piece of a seamless belt-like photoconductor such as Ni can be used in the same manner as a rigid photoconductor substrate such as Al without causing damage or damage to the photoconductor by contacting a light source, surface potential meter, or static elimination light source. It can be seen that the measurement can be performed even if it is not performed. (It is impossible to measure simply by inserting a holding member, because the photosensitive member is not held.)
Further, the effect is increased by inserting a plurality of members to be held from the inner surface of the photosensitive member (increasing the area), and further, an elastic body capable of expanding and contracting and expanding is brought into close contact with the entire inner surface of the photosensitive member. The measurement results are the same as those of a rigid photoconductor substrate such as Al, and it can be seen that even a seamless belt-like photoconductor such as Ni can be measured without worrying about breakage.
[0013]
Example 3
Similar to Examples 1 and 2, the characteristic values of the photoreceptors were measured using a Ricoh in-house manufacturing apparatus having the apparatus configuration shown in FIG. The photoreceptor used was a Ricoh IPSIO COLOR 5000 photoreceptor (peripheral length: 92.39 × 3.14≈290.1 mm, total length: 367 mm, wall thickness: 30 μm, substrate: Ni seamless belt).
When measuring the belt-shaped photoconductor 20, when the photoconductor is held and measured using only the elastic body 24 (material: urethane rubber) that can cover the entire inner surface of the photoconductor and can be expanded and contracted. Was measured using only the elastic body 24 (urethane rubber) having a width of 100 mm that can be expanded and contracted to hold the center position in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member, and Comparative Example 3a. Comparative Example 3b, measured using only a holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) having a width of 100 mm for holding the photosensitive member. Measured using an elastic body (material: urethane rubber) that can be expanded and contracted, and an elastic body (material: urethane rubber) that can extend and expand 100 mm in width to hold a position 2/3 in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor. Comparative Example 3c, feeling Holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) having a width of 1/3 in the longitudinal direction of the body, and holding of 100 mm in width to hold a position having a length of 2/3 in the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor When measured using a member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm), Comparative Example 3d is used, and a holding member (material: aluminum, diameter: 92.32 mm) capable of holding the entire inner surface of the photoreceptor is used. The time when measured was set as Comparative Example 3e. The results of the number of measurements that could be performed without any problem at that time are shown in Table 3 (100 measurements were made for each). FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the flow when Example 3 is performed, and FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the flow when Comparative Example 3a is performed. The grounding with respect to the photoconductor is performed by attaching a conductive brush from the shaft in contact with the shaft holding the elastic body or the holding member to the photoconductor.
[0014]
[Table 3]

* Only the photoconductors that were not damaged or damaged and were measured correctly were counted.
As can be seen from Table 3, the photosensitive member is held by inserting a stretchable and expandable elastic body that holds the photosensitive substrate from the inner surface, and a charging device, an exposure light source, a surface potential meter, and a static elimination light source around the photosensitive member. It is possible to measure even with a seamless belt-like photoreceptor such as Ni, without using a sample piece, as with a rigid photoreceptor substrate such as Al, without causing scratches or damage to the photoreceptor upon contact with I understand that However, the photoconductor cannot be held and cannot be measured simply by inserting the holding member. In addition, the effect is increased by inserting a plurality of members to be held from the inner surface of the photosensitive member in order to increase the area. Further, when the entire inner surface of the photosensitive member is brought into close contact, the thickness of Al or the like is increased as in the first and second embodiments. The measurement results are the same as those of the photoconductor substrate, and it can be seen that measurement can be performed without worrying about breakage even with a seamless belt-like photoconductor such as Ni.
[0015]
Example 4
Similar to Examples 1, 2, and 3, the characteristic values of the photoconductors were measured using a Ricoh in-house manufacturing apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. The photoreceptor used was a Ricoh IPSIO COLOR 5000 photoreceptor (peripheral length: 92.39 × 3.14≈290.1 mm, total length: 367 mm, wall thickness: 30 μm, substrate: Ni seamless belt).
Table 4 shows the results of the number of measurements that could be performed without problems when measuring the photoconductor while changing the length of the support member made of Al, the material that supports the photoconductor from both ends. Show. Grounding to the photoconductor was taken from both end support members.
[Table 4]

* L is the total length of the photoconductor.
From the results shown in Table 4, the length of the portion of the holding member that holds the photoconductor substrate from both ends is increased, and the area in contact with the inner surface of the photoconductor is increased, so that the charging device and exposure device around the photoconductor A seamless belt-like photoconductor such as Ni can be used as a sample piece in the same way as a rigid photoconductor substrate such as Al without touching the light source, surface potential meter, or static elimination light source. It turns out that it becomes possible to measure without it. It can also be seen that the number of breakage decreases as the length of the holding member approaches L / 2.
[0016]
(Example 5)
Similar to Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4, the characteristic values of the photoconductors were measured using a Ricoh in-house manufacturing apparatus having the apparatus configuration shown in FIG. The photoreceptor used was a Ricoh IPSIO COLOR 5000 photoreceptor (peripheral length: 92.39 × 3.14≈290.1 mm, total length: 367 mm, wall thickness: 30 μm, substrate: Ni seamless belt).
When measuring the photoconductor, the measurement was made using only the elastic body 24 which can cover the entire inner surface of the photoconductor, and the material is made of urethane rubber. Example 5a was determined when the measurement was performed using only an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted and made of urethane rubber having a width of 100 mm that holds the center in the direction.
At that time, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the conductive brush 25 is brought into contact with the shaft that is in contact with the shaft holding the elastic body 24 so as to be grounded. FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of the end portion of the elastic body 24 before the photoconductor 20 is set. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the end of the elastic body 24 when the photosensitive body 20 is set and the elastic body 24 is expanded, and the conductive brush 25 shown in the drawing is grounded.
Under the above conditions, 100 measurements were performed in both examples. As a result, there are 0 out of 100 ground faults and 0 out of 100 damages / abnormalities on the photoconductor. Connect a conductive brush to the shaft holding the elastic body to connect the ground. It can be seen that accurate measurement can be performed without adversely affecting the photoreceptor.
[0017]
【Effect of the invention】
According to claim 1, while supporting the end portion of the electrophotographic photoreceptor which is a test object by the support member, a charging device, an exposure light source, a surface potential meter, a sample passing current detector arranged around, Equipped with a static elimination light source and a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photosensitive member of the device under test, the photosensitive member according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and static elimination according to the rotation of the photosensitive member In the electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus for inspecting the electrical characteristics of the electrophotographic photoconductor, when measuring a belt-like photoconductor, a holding member that holds the portions other than the end of the photoconductor is provided. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus capable of preventing destruction.
According to claim 2, in the electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus according to claim 1, the holding member holds the belt-shaped photoreceptor from the inner surface between the support members. Thus, an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus capable of preventing the deformation and destruction of the photoreceptor that occurs during measurement can be provided.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the second aspect, since the plurality of holding members are provided, the area for holding the photosensitive member is increased, and the photosensitive member is generated during measurement. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus that can prevent deformation and destruction of the electrophotographic apparatus.
According to claim 4, in the electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, since the holding member is an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted, the photoreceptor holding force during characteristic measurement is improved. Thus, the electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus capable of preventing deformation and destruction of the photoreceptor that occurs during measurement can be provided.
According to claim 5, in the electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus according to claim 2, the entire inner surface of the belt-like photoreceptor that is not supported by the both end support members is interposed between the support members that support both ends of the photoreceptor. By providing the holding member for covering, it was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus capable of preventing deformation and destruction of the photoreceptor that occurs during measurement.
According to claim 6, in the electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus according to claim 5, since the holding member covering the entire inner surface of the belt-like photoreceptor is an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus capable of improving the photoreceptor holding force during measurement and preventing deformation and destruction of the photoreceptor that occurs during measurement.
According to claim 7, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, the support member is a detachable support member and can be easily attached and detached, so that the diameter varies. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus that can cope with the above.
[0018]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the test object is supported by the support member, and the charging device, the exposure light source, the surface potential meter, the sample passing current detector, and the static elimination light source arranged around the support member. And a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photoconductor of the device under test, and according to the rotation of the photoconductor, the electrical characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and charge removal In the electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus for inspecting, when measuring a belt-shaped photoconductor, both ends of the photoconductor are supported only by both end support members, and the length of the support member in contact with the photoconductor inner surface is:
l ≦ L / 2
l1 ≦ L / 2
(L: contact length of receiving side holding member with inner surface of photoconductor, l1: same contact length of insertion side holding member, L: total length in photoconductor width direction) An electrophotographic photoreceptor test apparatus capable of preventing deformation and destruction can be provided.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the electrophotographic photoreceptor as a test object is supported by the support member, and the charging device, the exposure light source, the surface potential meter, the sample passing current detector, and the charge removal light source arranged around the support member. And a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photoconductor of the device under test, and according to the rotation of the photoconductor, the electrical characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and charge removal In an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus for inspecting a belt-like photoreceptor, when measuring a belt-like photoreceptor, a belt-like photoreceptor is supported by an elastic body that supports one side of the photoreceptor with a support member and expands and contracts the unsupported portion. It is possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus that can simplify the apparatus by holding from the inner surface of the body, improve the photoreceptor holding power, and prevent deformation and destruction of the photoreceptor that occurs during measurement. Can .
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, by providing a plurality of elastic bodies that can be expanded and contracted, the area for holding the photosensitive body is increased, and further the holding power of the photosensitive body is increased. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus that can improve deformation and prevent deformation and destruction of the photoconductor that occurs during measurement.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, by holding the entire inner surface of the photosensitive member with an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted, an area for holding the photosensitive member is increased. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus capable of improving the photoconductor holding force and preventing deformation and destruction of the photoconductor generated during measurement.
[0019]
According to claim 12, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the support member that supports the one side of the photosensitive member is detachable, so that it corresponds to various diameters. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus capable of performing the above-mentioned.
According to the thirteenth aspect, the electrophotographic photosensitive member as a test object is supported by the support member, and the charging device, the exposure light source, the surface potential meter, the sample passing current detector, and the static elimination light source disposed around the periphery. And a rotation control device that rotationally drives the photoconductor of the device under test, and according to the rotation of the photoconductor, the electrical characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and charge removal In an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus for inspecting a photoconductor, when measuring a belt-like photoreceptor, the photoreceptor is supported from the inner surface of the photoreceptor by an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted without supporting both ends of the photoreceptor with support members. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus that can simplify the apparatus, improve the holding power of the photoconductor, and prevent deformation and destruction of the photoconductor that occurs during measurement. It was.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, by providing a plurality of elastic bodies that can be expanded and contracted, the area for holding the photosensitive body is increased, and the holding power of the photosensitive body is further increased. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus that can improve and prevent deformation and destruction of the photoreceptor that occurs during measurement.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the entire area of the inner surface of the photosensitive member is held by an elastic member that can be expanded and contracted, thereby increasing the area for holding the photosensitive member. It was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus capable of improving the body holding force and preventing the deformation and destruction of the photoreceptor that occurs during measurement.
According to claim 16, in the electrophotographic photosensitive member testing device according to claim 13, 14, or 15, the ground with the inner side of the photosensitive member is grounded with a conductive brush that is in contact with the shaft holding the elastic member. Therefore, it was possible to provide an electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus capable of reliably connecting to the earth without damaging the photoconductor.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a belt-like photoreceptor characteristic measuring apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a photoreceptor set for measuring characteristics of the belt photoreceptor of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a stretchable / expandable elastic body for holding a photoconductor of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of another photoconductor set for measuring characteristics of the photoconductor of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a photoreceptor set in which only one photoreceptor support is used when measuring characteristics according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of only one photosensitive member support of the present invention and an expandable elastic body only in the central portion.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view in which the photoconductor of the present invention is held only by an expandable elastic body having a photoconductor width.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram in which the photoconductor of the present invention is held only by an expansion elastic body having a narrower width than the photoconductor.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an end portion of an elastic body that is grounded to a rotating shaft before the photoconductor is set according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of grounding from an elastic body expansion end when the photosensitive member of the present invention is set.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional photoconductor characteristic measuring apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional photoreceptor set to which the present invention is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
0 photoconductor, 1 voltage power supply, 2 corona charger, 3 signal processing circuit, 4 A / D converter, 5 controller, 6 surface potential probe, 7 surface potential meter, 8 signal processing circuit, 9 exposure device, 10 for static elimination Light source, 11 photoreceptor support member, 11a receiving side support member, 11b insertion side support member, 12 motor, 13 shaft, 20 belt-like photoreceptor, 21 belt-like photoreceptor holding member, 21a receiving side holding member, 21b insertion Side holding member, 22 motor, 23 shaft, 23a hollow portion, 24 elastic body, 25 conductive brush

Claims

The end of the belt-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is a test object, is supported by a support member, and a charging device, an exposure light source, a surface potential meter, a sample passing current detector, a static elimination light source arranged around A rotation control device for rotating the photoconductor, and inspecting the electric characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and static elimination according to the rotation of the photoconductor In the electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus, when measuring the photoconductor, both ends of the photoconductor are supported by the support members, and a hollow shaft is provided between the support members that support both ends of the photoconductor. stretch air through the hollow portion of the shaft is provided with is provided on the outer periphery of, composed inflatable elastic bodies, to cover the entire inner surface of the portion where the supporting member of the photosensitive member is not supported Photosensitivity The a holding member for holding the inner surface, wherein the support member electrophotographic photoconductor test apparatus characterized by being removable from the shaft is inserted into the shaft.

The end of the belt-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is a test object, is supported by a support member, and a charging device, an exposure light source, a surface potential meter, a sample passing current detector, a static elimination light source arranged around A rotation control device for rotating the photoconductor, and inspecting the electric characteristics of the photoconductor according to the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and static elimination according to the rotation of the photoconductor In the electrophotographic photoconductor testing apparatus, when measuring the photoconductor, one side of the photoconductor is supported by the support member, and a portion of the photoconductor that is not supported by the support member has a hollow shaft. together provided in the outer peripheral portion through the hollow portion of said shaft stretching air is supplied, consists inflatable elastic body, said lining entire portion where the supporting member of the photosensitive member is not supported Inside the photoconductor A holding member for holding the said support member is an electrophotographic photoreceptor test apparatus characterized by being removable from the shaft is inserted into the shaft.

A charging device, an exposure light source, a surface potentiometer, a sample passing current detector, a charge removal light source disposed around a belt-shaped electrophotographic photoreceptor as a test object, and rotation control for rotationally driving the photoreceptor. An electrophotographic photoreceptor testing apparatus that inspects the electrical characteristics of the photoreceptor in accordance with the process of charging, exposure, surface potential measurement, sample passing current measurement, and charge removal according to the rotation of the photoreceptor. When measuring the photoconductor, both ends of the photoconductor are not supported by support members, but are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the hollow shaft between the both ends of the photoconductor, and air passes through the hollow portion of the shaft. A conductive brush comprising a holding member for holding the photoconductor from the inner surface, and grounding the inner side of the photoconductor with the shaft. Features for electrophotography Optical body test device.