JP2001276700A - Coating device, coating method using the same, manufacturing method of electrophotographic photoreceptor and manufacturing method of seamless belt - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coating device capable of forming a uniform film even with a highly viscous coating material, a coating method using the same, a manufacturing method of an electrophotographic photoreceptor and a manufacturing method of a seamless belt. SOLUTION: The coating device is provided with a sticking quantity control member 12 provided with an opening part 18 capable of adjusting the sticking quantity of a coating material 16 by passing a material 10 to be coated, on which the coating material 16 having >=200 mPa.s viscosity is excessively stuck, and the opening part 18 has a projecting parts 20 formed at a prescribed interval to have the same shape and to enable to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the material 10 to be coated on the wall surface of the opening part 18 in the peripheral direction. The coating method, the manufacturing method of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and the manufacturing method of the seamless belt using the same are provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coating apparatus capable of adjusting a coating amount of a coating and forming a uniform film, a coating method using the same, a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a seam. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a belt without a belt.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic apparatus, a rotating body made of metal, plastic, or rubber is used for a photoconductor, a transfer body, a fixing body, and the like. The photoreceptor has a charge generation layer (C
An organic electrophotographic photoreceptor (OPC) in which a charge transport layer (CTL) is formed on a GL) is mainly used. Usually, the charge generation layer (CGL) has a very small thickness of 0.1 to 2 μm, and the charge transport layer (CTL) has a thickness of 10 to 40 μm.
L) Thicker.

In general, an organic electrophotographic photosensitive member (OPC) is manufactured by a dip coating method. In the dip coating method shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical substrate 60 is
A film is formed on the surface of the base 60 by being attached to the chucking device 64 supported by 2 and dipped in the paint 66 and then pulled up at a predetermined speed. In the figure, paint 6
6 is supplied from the lower part of the coating tank 68 by a pump 70,
The paint overflowing from the upper part is collected by the receiver 72, returned to the tank 74, and circulated. This method has advantages such as good surface smoothness of the coating and easy control of the film thickness.

However, when a thick layer such as a charge transport layer (CTL) is applied by a dip coating method, for example, JP-A-4-198938 and JP-A-5-111656.
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 7-76, dripping tends to occur at the upper end of the coating. Therefore, select a quick-drying coating solvent,
At the time of application, the drying of the solvent is promoted by blowing air to the coating or sucking the evaporated solvent vapor. However, the sagging increases as the film thickness increases,
When the film thickness is 30 μm or more, dripping of the upper end of the coating is 10 m
m or less.

On the other hand, in order to reduce the size or improve the performance of the electrophotographic apparatus, it is sometimes preferable that the rotating body is deformable. For this purpose, a belt made of a thin plastic film is used. In this case, if there is a seam in the belt, a defect due to the seam occurs in the output image. Therefore, it is preferable that there is no seam.

In order to produce a seamless belt, for example, as already filed by the present inventor in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 10-100171 and 10-296676, a resin solution is uniformly applied to the inner surface of a cylindrical body. Then, there is a method in which the solvent is dried while rotating, and the film is thermally cured after the drying (centrifugal molding method).

However, the centrifugal molding method requires a special device for rotating the cylindrical body at a high speed, and has a problem that the production cost is high because the drying of the solvent takes a very long time.

[0008] As another method for producing a seamless belt,
There is also a method in which a core having a desired outer diameter is prepared, a film is formed on the surface of the core by a dip coating method, and then the film is peeled off.
However, when the material of the seamless belt is a polyimide resin, the solution of the precursor of the polyimide resin generally has a viscosity as high as 200 mPas or more, so the film thickness is too thick by the dip coating method, and the adjustment is difficult. is there.

Therefore, as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-6-23770 and JP-A-7-24859, after a resin solution is made to adhere to the surface of a core body thickly, an inner diameter of a predetermined gap (opening) is determined. There is also a method in which an excess resin solution is scraped off by passing through an outer mold having a part). However, the actual object to be coated has a limit in manufacturing accuracy, and the roundness and the straightness vary. Further, even in an actual apparatus for lifting an object to be coated, the object to be coated may not be completely vertical but may be lifted with a certain inclination due to mechanical accuracy. In the case where the object to be coated has a run-out or inclination, if the inner wall of the opening in the outer mold is smooth, the interval between the wall surface of the opening and the object to be coated will change somewhere,
There is a problem that a uniform film thickness cannot be obtained.

Further, the precursor solution of the polyimide resin can be diluted and applied so as to have a viscosity of less than 200 mPa · s. In this case, the charge transport layer (CTL)
As in the case of (1), there was a problem that dripping at the upper end of the coating became large, and the uniformity of the film thickness was greatly impaired.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and achieve the following objects. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a coating apparatus capable of forming a uniform film even when using a high-viscosity paint, and
An object of the present invention is to provide a coating method, a method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a method for producing a seamless belt using the same.

[0012]

The above object is achieved by the following means. That is, the present invention provides: <1> a coating having an adhesion adjusting member having an opening capable of adjusting the adhesion of the coating by passing the coating to which the coating having a viscosity of 200 mPa · s or more is excessively applied; The device, wherein the opening is a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the wall of the opening,
In addition, the present invention provides a coating apparatus having the same shape and a convex portion which comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated.

In the coating apparatus of the present invention described in the above <1>, an object to which a high-viscosity paint is excessively adhered is passed through the opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member. When the object to be coated passes through the opening, the respective protrusions in the opening are in contact with the object to be coated. Therefore, the paint is applied to each space (the opening in the opening) formed by each of the protrusions and the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated. Only the recess)
The excess is killed off by each protrusion. At this time, the convex portion in the opening has a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the opening,
In addition, the projections are provided in the same shape, and are formed by the respective projections and the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated, irrespective of the run-out or tilt that occurs when the object is passed by the respective projections contacting the object to be coated. Each space (each recess in the opening) is kept constant.
As a result, by passing through the opening, the amount of the paint adhered to the object to be coated can be adjusted to a constant amount, and a uniform film can be formed even when a high-viscosity paint is used.

<2> A predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the opening wall surface,
In addition, using a coating apparatus having the same shape and an adhesion amount adjusting member provided with an opening having a convex portion capable of contacting the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated, the coating material having a viscosity of 200 mPa · s or more is excessively applied with the coating material. The coating method is characterized in that the coating material is passed through an opening of the coating amount adjusting member to adjust the coating amount of the coating material.

In the coating method according to the present invention described in <2>, the coating device is passed through the opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member by using the coating device described in <1>. A uniform film can be formed even when the amount of paint to be adhered is adjusted to a constant amount and a high-viscosity paint is used.

<3> A predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the opening wall surface,
And in the same shape, using a coating device provided with an adhesion amount adjustment member provided with an opening having a convex portion that can be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate, the viscosity of the photosensitive layer forming paint 200mPa · s or more excessively A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising: passing an adhered conductive substrate through an opening of an adhesion amount adjusting member to adjust the adhesion amount of the coating material for forming a photosensitive layer.

In the coating method of the present invention described in the above <3>, the conductive substrate is passed through the opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member using the coating device of the above <1>, so that the conductive substrate is A uniform film can be formed even when the amount of the photosensitive layer forming paint to be adhered is adjusted to a constant amount and a high-viscosity paint is used.

<4> A predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the opening wall surface,
And a coating material having a viscosity of 200 mPa · s or more using a coating device having the same shape and having an adhesion control member provided with an opening having a convex portion capable of contacting the outer peripheral surface of a pillar or a cylindrical core body. A method for producing a seamless belt, comprising: passing a column or a tubular core having excessively adhered thereto through an opening in an adhesion amount adjusting member to adjust the adhesion amount of the coating material for forming a film.

According to the coating method of the present invention described in the above <4>, by using the coating device of the above <1>, a column or a cylindrical core is passed through an opening in the adhesion amount adjusting member, A uniform film can be formed even if the amount of the coating film-forming paint adhered to the pillar or the cylindrical core is adjusted to a fixed amount and a high-viscosity paint is used.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Coating Apparatus and Coating Method Using It) The coating apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail. The coating method of the present invention will be described together. In addition, “forming a film on an object to be coated” means “on the outer peripheral surface (surface) of the object to be coated, and, when a film (layer) is provided on the outer peripheral surface (surface)”, on the surface of the layer. Means to form. Also,
The “shape of the convex portion” refers to a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction (the direction in which the article passes).

Hereinafter, the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a coating device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a film is formed on the surface of an object to be coated using the coating apparatus of the present invention. However,
Only the main part of the coating device is shown, and other devices are omitted. In the present invention, “up” indicates a direction in which an object to be coated is pulled up from the application tank, and “down” indicates a direction in which the object to be coated is immersed in the application tank.

The coating apparatus shown in FIG.
2 and a coating tank 14. The coating tank 14 has a viscosity of 2
The adhesion amount adjusting member 12 is filled with a coating material 16 of 00 mPa · s or more, and is fixed to a peripheral edge of an upper end portion. The coating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus applied to a so-called dip coating method, in which a cylindrical object 10 is immersed in a coating tank 14 and then pulled up, so that a coating material excessively adheres to the outer peripheral surface. It is.

The adhesion amount adjusting member 12 is a flat plate, and has an opening 18 through which the object 10 is passed when dipped or pulled up in an application tank 14 filled with a coating material 16. The adhesion amount adjusting member 12 has flexibility (flexibility),
It is made of a material that is not affected by the solvent of the paint 16.

The opening 18 has a triangular, so-called sawtooth-shaped projection 20 continuously in the circumferential direction of the wall surface. Opening 18
Is such that all the projections 20 have the same shape, the minimum inner diameter of the opening 18 (the inner diameter at the tip of the projection) is slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the object 10, and when the object 10 passes through, Thing 10
It is provided so as to be able to contact the outer peripheral surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the coating is performed, the cylindrical object 10 is immersed in the coating material through the opening 18 in the adhesion amount adjusting member 12, and then the object 1 is coated.
When 0 is pulled upward, paint 16 has a viscosity of 200 mP.
Since it has a high viscosity of not less than a · s, it is pulled up while being thickly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated 10.
2 through the opening 18. At this time, the opening 18
Is set slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the object 10 to be coated, and
Is formed of a material having flexibility (flexibility), so that the attachment amount adjusting member 12 is directed upward (in the pulling-up direction) along the outer peripheral surface of the object 10 at the tip of each convex portion 20. , And comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated 10.

By raising the object 10 to be coated, the paint 1
6 passes only through each space (each concave portion in the opening) formed by each serrated convex portion 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated, and the excess portion is killed off by each serrated convex portion 20. At this time, the saw-tooth-shaped convex portion 20 in the opening 18 is
8 Since it is provided in the circumferential direction of the wall surface and is provided in the same shape, and since each convex portion 20 is in contact with the object to be coated 10, regardless of the deflection or inclination that occurs when the object to be coated 10 is pulled up, Each space (each concave portion in the opening) formed by each convex portion and the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated is kept constant. In particular, the tip of the convex portion 20 is directed upward (in the pulling direction) with the attached amount adjusting member 12 along the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 10, and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 10, so that the workpiece 10 is pulled up. Occasional run-out can be further prevented.

The paint that has passed through the spaces (recesses at the openings) formed by the raised projections 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 10 remains constant on the object 10 pulled up. The amount of paint applied is kept constant, and a uniform wet film 22 is formed.

By drying the wet film 22 and performing other operations (for example, heating and curing) as necessary, a uniform dry film can be formed. The dry film thickness is proportional to the product of the wet film thickness and the non-volatile concentration of the paint, but may actually be small. After passing through the opening 18, the wet film 22
Streaks are formed on the surface due to the projections 20 in the openings. However, since the paint 16 has a high viscosity, the streaks are naturally smoothed by the surface tension. In addition, sagging at the upper end of the object 10 is prevented.

As described above, the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment can form a uniform film.

In the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment, the adhesion amount adjusting member 12 is made of a material that has flexibility (flexibility) and is not affected by the solvent of the paint 16. However, specific examples of such a material include plastic (eg, polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon (registered trademark), etc.), rubber, and the like.
Further, the projections 2 may be made of a hard material.
0 indicates that the minimum inner diameter of the opening 18 (the inner diameter at the tip of the convex portion) is the same as the maximum outer diameter of the coating object 10, and when the coating object 10 passes, the coating amount adjusting member 12 does Thing 1
It is preferably provided so as to be able to contact the outer peripheral surface. In this case, of course, it may be made of a flexible (flexible) material.

In the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment, the amount-of-adhesion adjusting member 12 has a flat plate shape, but is not limited thereto. Any shape may be used as long as the shape can be made. For example, when the adhesion amount adjusting member has a cylindrical shape, each convex portion of the opening may extend in the axial direction (the direction in which the object to be coated passes) or may partially exist. However, when it is present in a part, the other part needs to have a minimum inner diameter larger than the maximum outer diameter (including the thickness of the wet film to be formed) of the object to be coated. Further, the adhesion amount adjusting member 12 is fixed to the application tank 14, but is not limited thereto, and may be separately provided.

In the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The opening 18 is continuous in the circumferential direction of the wall surface,
It has a triangular, so-called saw-tooth-shaped convex portion 20, but is not limited to this.
Any shape may be used as long as it has the same shape and a convex portion that can come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated. For example, at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the wall surface as shown in FIG. 4, an opening 24 having a triangular, so-called saw-tooth-shaped convex portion 26, and continuously in the circumferential direction of the wall surface as shown in FIG. 28 having opening-shaped recesses (projections 30 formed by adjacent recesses) and openings 32 having square-shaped projections 34 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the wall surface as shown in FIG. And the like. The number of convex portions in the opening is not particularly limited, but the space (each concave portion in the opening) formed between each convex portion and the outer peripheral surface of the coating object is kept constant, and the adhesion of the coating object is From the viewpoint that the amount can be adjusted, it is preferable to provide at least three or more at predetermined intervals. The film thickness can be arbitrarily adjusted by appropriately selecting the shape, interval, number, and the like of the protrusions in the opening. 3 to 6 are plan views illustrating an example of the opening in the adhesion amount adjusting member.

In the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment, the opening 18 has a minimum inner diameter (an inner diameter at the tip of each projection) slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the article 10 to be coated. However, as described above, it may be provided so as to have the same size as the maximum outer diameter of the object to be coated 10, and all the protrusions 20 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated 10. There is no particular limitation as long as it is provided to obtain.

In the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment, the shape of the object to be coated 10 is cylindrical, but is not limited thereto, and may be a polygonal cylinder, a column, or a polygon. It can be shaped according to the purpose, such as a pillar.

In the coating apparatus (coating method) according to the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to a so-called dip coating method, but is not limited thereto. Any coating method can be applied as long as a mechanism is provided for adjusting the amount of paint applied by allowing the object to be applied to pass through the opening of the applied amount adjustment member. Specifically, for example, the present invention is also applicable to a ring coating method (coating apparatus) described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 63-16870.

The case of applying this ring coating method (coating apparatus) will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The coating apparatus shown in FIG. 7 includes an adhesion amount adjusting member 42, a ring-shaped coating tank 44, and a packing 46. Ring-shaped coating tank 44
Is filled with a paint 48, the adhesion amount adjusting member 42 is fixed to one end peripheral edge, and the packing 46 is fixed to the other end peripheral edge. The packing 46 seals the paint 48, and is provided with an opening 50 that is coaxial with the opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member 42 and that is the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical object 40. The adhesion amount adjusting member 42, the object 40, and the paint 48 have the same configuration as the application device (application method) according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the coating is performed, the cylindrical object 40 is passed through the opening 50 in the packing 46, and the ring-shaped coating tank is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the object 40. By applying the coating material 48 in the coating material 44 and then passing the coating material 48 through the opening 52 in the adhesion amount adjusting member 42, the coating device (coating method) according to the first embodiment can be obtained.
A uniform film can be formed.

It is needless to say that the coating apparatus (coating method) according to any of the above embodiments is not to be construed as being limited and can be realized within a range satisfying the requirements of the present invention. No.

(Method of Manufacturing Electrophotographic Photoreceptor) The method of manufacturing the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention is based on the coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention. This is a method using a forming paint. The method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention can be applied to the formation of any layer in an electrophotographic photoreceptor, but is preferably applied to the formation of a relatively thick charge transport layer. For example, the thickness of the charge transport layer is generally about 15 to 40 μm, and is particularly preferable when a thickness of 25 μm or more is to be applied.

The conductive substrate is preferably cylindrical, and its material may be a conventionally known material such as a metal (for example, aluminum or stainless steel) or a plastic having conductivity.

As the coating material for forming a photosensitive layer, in the case of forming a charge transporting layer, a charge transporting agent (for example, a hydrazone compound, a stilbene compound, a benzidine compound, a butadiene compound, a triphenylamine compound, etc.) is used, and a binder resin (polycarbonate, polyether) is used. Allylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyester, etc.) to form a coating.

The larger the molecular weight of the binder resin is, the more difficult it is to wear. However, if the molecular weight is large, the viscosity of the binder resin becomes high, so that it is difficult to apply the resin by the conventional dip coating method. Further, if the amount of the solvent to be diluted is increased in order to lower the viscosity, there is a problem that the film thickness becomes uneven due to dripping. For this reason, in the method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention to which the coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention is applied, the film thickness can be controlled even when the viscosity of the paint is high. A binder resin having a larger molecular weight can be employed.

Examples of the solvent include aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, toluene, xylene, monochlorobenzene, etc.), chlorinated hydrocarbons (eg, methylene chloride, chloroform, chlorocene, etc.), ketones (eg, acetone, butanone, cyclohexanone, etc.), esters (Eg, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.), ethers (eg, tetrahydrofuran,
Dioxane, etc.), or a mixture of two or more.

In the case of forming a charge transport layer, the coating material for forming a photosensitive layer has a solid content concentration of about 20 to 50% and a viscosity of preferably about 200 to 2000 mPa · s when formed into a coating. Higher concentration and higher viscosity can be achieved than the charge transport layer forming coating applied in the method. When applying the application apparatus (application method) according to the first embodiment, the pulling speed is 100 to 50.
It is preferably about 0 mm / min.

(Production method of seamless belt) The production method of the seamless belt of the present invention is based on the coating apparatus (application method) of the present invention. This is a method using a paint for forming a film.

The pillar or cylindrical core may have any shape such as a cylinder or a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder or an elliptic cylinder, and a plate. The material may be a metal (eg, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.). And the like, but the metal surface is coated with a fluororesin, a silicone resin, or a resin mixture of these, or plated with nickel or chromium, or coated with a release agent. This is effective from the viewpoint of facilitating peeling.

Examples of the paint for forming a film include paints formed of a resin for forming a film (eg, polyimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, phthalic polyester, polyurethane, etc.). Among them, polyimide is particularly preferable in view of strength and dimensional stability. The solid concentration of the coating material for forming a film is preferably about 15 to 50%, and the viscosity is preferably about 1,000 to 10,000 mPa · s. When applying the application apparatus (application method) according to the first embodiment, the application speed is preferably about 50 to 500 mm / min.

In the method for producing a seamless belt of the present invention, in order to form a film, it is preferable that after drying, the film is heated together with the core at a predetermined temperature to cure the resin.
If the resin material inevitably drips downward when the coating film is dried, there is also a method of drying while rotating the core body sideways. Thereafter, by peeling the formed film from the core, a seamless belt can be obtained. The seamless belt is further subjected to slit processing, punching hole punching, tape winding processing, and the like, as necessary.

In the method for producing a seamless belt of the present invention, when the obtained seamless belt is used as a charged body such as a transfer belt or a contact charging film, a conductive material may be contained in the resin material if necessary. Disperse. Examples of the conductive particles include, for example, carbon black, carbon beads obtained by granulating carbon black, carbon fiber, a carbon-based substance such as graphite, a metal or alloy such as copper, silver, and aluminum, tin oxide, indium oxide, and antimony oxide. Examples include conductive metal oxides such as SnO ₂ —In ₂ O ₃ composite oxide, and conductive whiskers such as potassium titanate.

In the method for producing a seamless belt according to the present invention, when the obtained seamless belt is used as a fixing member, a releasable resin is applied to the belt surface in order to improve the releasability of toner adhering to the surface. It is effective to form a coating. Examples of the material for the releasable resin film include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinyl ether copolymer (PFA), and tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP). Fluororesins are preferred. Further, carbon powder may be dispersed in the releasable resin film in order to improve durability and electrostatic offset.

In order to form these fluororesin films, it is preferable to dip and apply the aqueous dispersion to the surface of the seamless belt and bake it. If the adhesion of the fluororesin film is insufficient, there is a method in which a primer layer is applied in advance to the belt surface as necessary. Examples of the material of the primer layer include polyphenylene sulfide, polyether sulfone, polysulfone, polyamide imide, polyimide and derivatives thereof, and it is preferable that the primer layer further contains at least one compound selected from fluororesins.

As described above, in order to form the primer layer and the fluororesin film on the belt, a polyimide resin film (belt) is formed on the surface of the core by heating and curing.
These may be formed by coating, but after applying the polyimide precursor solution and contacting with the second solvent, after drying the solvent, or without drying the solvent, the primer layer, and the fluororesin dispersion The solution may be applied, and then heated to simultaneously perform the imide conversion completion reaction and the baking treatment of the fluororesin film. In this case, even without the primer layer, the adhesion of the fluororesin coating may become strong.

In the method for producing a seamless belt according to the present invention, when the obtained seamless belt is used as a charging member or a fixing member, its thickness is 25 to 500 μm.
It is preferably in the range of m. The thickness of the primer layer provided as needed is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 μm. Further, the thickness of the fluororesin coating is preferably in the range of 2 to 30 μm.

[0054]

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention. In addition, "part" in the sentence means
It means "parts by weight".

(Example 1)-Manufacturing method of electrophotographic photoreceptor-A cylindrical body made of aluminum having a size of 30 mmφ × 334 mm was prepared, and the surface thereof was Ra =
The surface was roughened to 0.18 μm.

First, 5 parts of 8 nylon (lactamide, manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.) are dissolved in a mixed solvent of 40 parts of methanol and 60 parts of 1-butanol, and the obtained coating liquid for forming an undercoat layer is immersed on a substrate. It was applied and dried at 135 ° C. for 10 minutes to form an undercoat layer having a thickness of 1 μm.

Next, a polyvinyl butyral resin (BM-
1, 1 part of Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in 19 parts of cyclohexanone, and 3 parts of chlorogallium phthalocyanine was added thereto and dispersed by a sand mill. Add 2-butanone 2 to the dispersion.
0 parts were added, and the obtained coating solution was dip-coated on the undercoat layer to form a charge generation layer having a thickness of 0.12 μm.

Subsequently, 40 parts of N, N'-diphenyl-N, N '-(m-tolyl) benzidine as a charge transporting agent and a polycarbonate Z resin having a weight average molecular weight of 60,000 (Iupilon Z600, manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.) Was dissolved in a mixed solvent consisting of 60 parts of monochlorobenzene and 175 parts of tetrahydrofuran. The solid concentration was 30%, and the viscosity was 550 mPa · s.

Using this as a coating material, the dip coating device shown in FIG.
m. As the adhesion amount adjusting member 12, a plate made of Teflon resin having a thickness of 0.5 mm was used. The attachment amount adjusting member 12 has an inner diameter of the crest of the serrated convex portion 20 (an inner diameter of the tip of the convex portion) of 30 mm and a serrated convex portion 20.
An opening 18 having an inner diameter of the valley portion (the inner diameter of the tip of the concave portion) of 32 mm is provided.

The substrate on which the charge generating layer was formed was immersed in the coating material through the opening. Next, it is pulled up at a speed of 200 mm / min, and then 13
After drying at 5 ° C for 40 minutes, a charge transport layer was formed. When the film thickness was measured, it was 35 μm, and 10 μm from the upper end.
Although there was a portion having a thin film thickness by mm, the film thickness was almost uniform. No streaks were seen.

-Evaluation of Image- The obtained electrophotographic photosensitive member was incorporated in a digital copying machine (Able 1405 manufactured by Fuji Xerox), developed with a magnetic one-component developer having a 50% volume diameter (d50) of 7 μm, and a print output was taken out. When the image was evaluated, the image quality was good. In addition, when a durability test was performed on 50,000 sheets, good image quality was maintained. When the film thickness of the charge transport layer was measured, it was worn to 16 μm.

Comparative Example 1 An electrophotographic photosensitive member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a charge transport layer was formed using the conventional coating apparatus shown in FIG. , The film thickness is 50-80 μm and the unevenness in the vertical direction is remarkable,
It was unsuitable as an electrophotographic photosensitive member. Thus, it can be seen that the high viscosity paint has a problem that the film thickness becomes too thick.

(Comparative Example 2) In forming the charge transport layer in Example 1, the amount of tetrahydrofuran used as a coating material was increased from 175 parts to 260 parts, and the viscosity was set to 180 mP.
a · s. An electrophotographic photoreceptor was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that this was used as a paint and a charge transport layer was formed using a conventional coating apparatus shown in FIG. Although the thickness was 35 μm, an insufficient portion (drip) of the film thickness occurred from the upper end to 40 mm. Using this electrophotographic photosensitive member, an image was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, a decrease in image density was observed corresponding to a portion where the thickness of the charge transport layer was insufficient.

(Example 2) -Preparation of seamless belt- A N-methylpyrrolidone solution of polyamic acid as a polyimide precursor (trade name: U varnish, manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.) was used as a paint. The solid concentration is about 18% and the viscosity is 5 Pa · s.

This paint is applied to the dip coating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a coating tank 14 (a cylindrical container having an inner diameter of 60 mm and a height of 500 mm).
Was filled to be 10 mm below the adhesion amount adjusting member 12. As the amount-of-adhesion adjusting member 12, the same member as in Example 1 was used except that the saw-tooth-shaped protrusions had openings (openings shown in FIG. 4) provided at predetermined intervals.

Using the dip coating apparatus shown in FIG.
A core made of an aluminum cylinder having a length of 400 mm and a length of 400 mm was immersed in the paint from the opening at a speed of 600 mm / min. Next, when the core was pulled up at a speed of 150 mm / min, a wet film of about 120 μm was formed on the outer peripheral surface of the core, and no streaks were seen. Then 120
Dried at 350 ° C. for 60 minutes, then heated at 350 ° C. for 1 hour,
Cured to form a film. After cooling to room temperature, the film was removed, and a seamless belt made of polyimide and having a thickness of 40 μm was obtained. This seamless belt can be used as a base material of a fixing belt.

Comparative Example 3 A seamless belt was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a film was formed using the conventional coating apparatus shown in FIG. 8, and a wet film of about 1 mm was formed. As a result, not only the film thickness was too thick, but also the dripping of the liquid from the lower end did not stop, and it was difficult to dry. Thus, similarly to Comparative Example 1, it can be seen that the film thickness of the high-viscosity paint is too large.

(Comparative Example 4) The paint was further diluted with a 1: 1 mixed solvent of N-methylpyrrolidone and dioxane to obtain a viscosity of 1
A seamless belt was produced in the same manner as in Example 2, except that a coating material adjusted to 80 mPa · s and a solid concentration of about 12% was used. As a result, a wet film of about 120 μm was formed. Because it is low, it can only be 18 μm thick,
Only a thickness smaller than that of Example 2 was obtained.

[0069]

As described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a coating apparatus capable of forming a uniform film even with a high-viscosity coating material, a coating method using the same, a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, A method for manufacturing a seamless belt can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a film is formed on an object to be coated using the coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an opening of an adhesion amount adjusting member in the coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another example of the opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member in the coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing another example of the opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member in the coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing another example of the opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member in the coating apparatus (coating method) of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows another application apparatus (application method) of the present invention,
It is a schematic diagram explaining the case where a film is formed on an object to be coated.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional dip coating method (dip coating device).

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 coating object 12 adhesion amount adjusting member 14 coating tank 16 coating material 18 opening 20 convex portion 22 wet film 40 coating object 42 adhesion amount adjusting member 44 ring-shaped coating tank 46 packing 48 coating material 50 opening in packing 52 adhesion adjustment Opening in member

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 5/05 102 G03G 5/05 102 // B29L 29:00 B29L 29:00 F-term (Reference) 2H068 AA21 EA16 4D075 AB03 AB14 AB36 AB52 CA48 DA10 DA15 DB04 DB07 DB31 DC21 EA07 EA31 EA45 EB22 EB35 EB38 EB39 4F040 AA07 AB06 BA49 CC02 DA12 DB18 4F042 AA03 AA06 AA10 DD02 DD12 DD16 DD22 DD41 4D205

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A coating apparatus comprising an adhesion amount adjusting member provided with an opening through which a coating material having a viscosity of 200 mPa · s or more, onto which an excessive amount of a coating material is adhered, can adjust the amount of the coating material. The coating apparatus, wherein the opening has a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the opening and the same shape, and has a convex portion which can come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated. 2. A coating apparatus having a coating amount adjusting member provided with an opening having a convex portion which can be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the object to be coated at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the opening wall surface and has the same shape. A coating method comprising: passing an object to which a paint having a viscosity of 200 mPa · s or more is excessively adhered to an opening of an adhesion amount adjusting member to adjust the amount of the applied paint. 3. A coating apparatus having an adhesion amount adjusting member provided with an opening having a convex portion which can be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the opening and having the same shape. Adjusting the adhesion amount of the photosensitive layer forming paint by passing a conductive substrate having a viscosity of 200 mPa · s or more of the photosensitive layer forming paint excessively adhered through an opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member. A method for producing an electrophotographic photoreceptor. 4. An adhesion amount adjusting member provided with an opening having a convex portion having a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the opening and having the same shape and capable of contacting the outer peripheral surface of a pillar or cylindrical core body. Using a coating device, a column or a cylindrical core body having a viscosity of 200 mPa · s or more of the coating film-forming paint excessively adhered is passed through an opening of the adhesion amount adjusting member, and the adhesion of the film-forming paint is reduced. A method for producing a seamless belt, comprising adjusting an amount.