ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTORECEPTOR, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Abstract

An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes an outermost layer that contains a charge transport material and a binder resin, in which the binder resin includes a polyester resin P.sub.A having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater and a polycarbonate resin P.sub.B having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.B that is less than the elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of the polyester resin P.sub.A by a range of 5% or greater and 12% or less.

Claims

1. An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising: an outermost layer that contains a charge transport material and a binder resin, wherein the binder resin includes a polyester resin P.sub.A having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater and a polycarbonate resin P.sub.B having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.B that is less than the elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of the polyester resin P.sub.A by a range of 5% or greater and 12% or less.

2. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein a content ratio (polyester resin P.sub.A:Polycarbonate resin P.sub.B) of the polyester resin P.sub.A to the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B is in a range of 7:3 to 3:7 in terms of a mass.

3. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 2, wherein the content ratio (polyester resin P.sub.A:Polycarbonate resin P.sub.B) of the polyester resin P.sub.A to the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B is in a range of 7:3 to 5:5 in terms of the mass.

4. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the polyester resin P.sub.A includes a polyester resin having a dicarboxylic acid unit (A) represented by Formula (A) and a diol unit (B) represented by Formula (B), ##STR00038## in Formula (A), Ar.sup.A1 and Ar.sup.A2 each independently represent an aromatic ring that may have a substituent, LA represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, and n.sup.A1 represents 0, 1, or 2, in Formula (B), Ar.sup.B1 and Ar.sup.B2 each independently represent an aromatic ring that may have a substituent, L.sup.B represents a single bond, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or C(Rb.sup.1) (Rb.sup.2), n.sup.B1 represents 0, 1, or 2, Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 may be bonded to each other to form a cyclic alkyl group.

5. The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B includes a polycarbonate resin having a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCA) and a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCB), ##STR00039## in Formula (PCA), R.sup.P1 and R.sup.P2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 or more and 7 or less carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, in Formula (PCB), R.sup.P3 and R.sup.P4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 or more and 7 or less carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, and X.sup.P1 represents a phenylene group, a biphenylene group, a naphthylene group, a linear or branched alkylene group, or a cycloalkylene group.

6. A process cartridge comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1, wherein the process cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus.

7. A process cartridge comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 2, wherein the process cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus.

8. A process cartridge comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 3, wherein the process cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus.

9. A process cartridge comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 4, wherein the process cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus.

10. A process cartridge comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 5, wherein the process cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 1; a charging device that comes into direct contact with a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and applies only a DC voltage to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium.

12. An image forming apparatus comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 2; a charging device that comes into direct contact with a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and applies only a DC voltage to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium.

13. An image forming apparatus comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 3; a charging device that comes into direct contact with a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and applies only a DC voltage to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium.

14. An image forming apparatus comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 4; a charging device that comes into direct contact with a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and applies only a DC voltage to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium.

15. An image forming apparatus comprising: the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to claim 5; a charging device that comes into direct contact with a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and applies only a DC voltage to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the charging device includes a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and a DC voltage application unit that applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and a voltage applied to the charging member from the DC voltage application unit is 700 V or greater and 300 V or less.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the charging device includes a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and a DC voltage application unit that applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and a voltage applied to the charging member from the DC voltage application unit is 700 V or greater and 300 V or less.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the charging device includes a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and a DC voltage application unit that applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and a voltage applied to the charging member from the DC voltage application unit is 700 V or greater and 300 V or less.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the charging device includes a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and a DC voltage application unit that applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and a voltage applied to the charging member from the DC voltage application unit is 700 V or greater and 300 V or less.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the charging device includes a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and a DC voltage application unit that applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and a voltage applied to the charging member from the DC voltage application unit is 700 V or greater and 300 V or less.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a layer configuration of an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a layer configuration of an electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment; and

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration view showing another example of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The following descriptions and examples merely illustrate the exemplary embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0016] In the present disclosure, a numerical range shown using to indicates a range including numerical values described before and after to as a minimum value and a maximum value.

[0017] In a numerical range described in a stepwise manner in the present disclosure, an upper limit value or a lower limit value described in a certain numerical range may be replaced with an upper limit value or a lower limit value in another numerical range described in a stepwise manner. Further, in a numerical range described in the present disclosure, an upper limit value or a lower limit value described in the numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in examples.

[0018] In the present disclosure, in a case where an exemplary embodiment is described with reference to drawings, the configuration of the exemplary embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. In addition, the sizes of members in each drawing are conceptual and the relative relation in the sizes between the members is not limited thereto.

[0019] In the present disclosure, each component may include a plurality of kinds of substances corresponding to each component. In the present disclosure, in a case where a plurality of kinds of substances corresponding to each component in a composition are present, the amount of each component in the composition indicates the total amount of the plurality of kinds of substances present in the composition unless otherwise specified.

[0020] In the present disclosure, each component may include a plurality of kinds of particles corresponding to each component. In a case where a plurality of kinds of particles corresponding to each component are present in a composition, the particle diameter of each component indicates the value of a mixture of the plurality of kinds of particles present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0021] In the present disclosure, the term (meth)acryl may denote any of acryl or methacryl.

[0022] In the present disclosure, an alkyl group is any of linear, branched, or cyclic unless otherwise specified.

Electrophotographic Photoreceptor

[0023] An electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present disclosure includes an outermost layer that contains a charge transport material and a binder resin, and the binder resin includes a polyester resin P.sub.A having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater and a polycarbonate resin P.sub.B having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.B that is less than the elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of the polyester resin P.sub.A by a range of 5% or greater and 12% or less.

[0024] Hereinafter, electrophotographic photoreceptor will also be simply referred to as photoreceptor.

[0025] In order to improve the abrasion resistance of the photoreceptor, the development of a technique of using a resin with high durability to the outermost layer of the photoreceptor, for example, a resin with an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater is progressing.

[0026] Meanwhile, since the resin with an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater has high durability, the surface of the photoreceptor having an outermost layer that contains the resin is difficult to scrape, and discharge products are likely to be accumulated on the surface of the photoreceptor. In particular, in a case of the photoreceptor in which the outermost layer includes a photosensitive layer containing a charge transport material, a local abnormal discharge phenomenon occurs in a case where the photoreceptor is charged by a DC charging method using only a DC voltage, and thus the image quality of the output image may be degraded.

[0027] As a result of examination on a technique of suppressing abnormal discharge even in a case where a photoreceptor is charged with only a DC voltage while maintaining the abrasion resistance, the present inventors have found the configuration of the photoreceptor according to the present disclosure.

[0028] That is, the present inventors have found that the abnormal discharge can be suppressed even in a case where the photoreceptor is charged with only a DC voltage while maintaining the abrasion resistance, by using a polyester resin P.sub.A and a polycarbonate resin P.sub.B as the binder resin contained in the outermost layer together with the charge transport material and by setting a difference (elastic deformation rate X.sub.A-elastic deformation rate X.sub.B) in elastic deformation rate between the polyester resin P.sub.A and the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B, which has high durability, to be in a range of 5% or greater and 12% or less.

[0029] Hereinafter, abnormal discharge in a case where the photoreceptor is charged with only a DC voltage will also be simply referred to as abnormal discharge.

[0030] Further, in a case where the photoreceptor according to the present disclosure undergoes actual machine traveling, an uneven shape is formed on the outermost layer due to a difference in the elastic deformation rate between the two kinds of resins. In a case where the developer contains a silicone component, the silicone component in the developer is appropriately accumulated on recesses of the outermost layer so that the apparent friction coefficient is decreased, and thus the cleaning performance in the surface of the photoreceptor is improved in some cases.

Layer Configuration

[0031] Hereinafter, the layer configurations of the photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a layer configuration of a photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment. A photoreceptor 10A shown in FIG. 1 includes a lamination type photosensitive layer. The photoreceptor 10A has a structure in which an undercoat layer 2, a charge generation layer 3, and a charge transport layer 4 are laminated in this order on a conductive substrate 1, and the charge generation layer 3 and the charge transport layer 4 constitute a photosensitive layer 5 (so-called function separation type photosensitive layer). The photoreceptor 10A may include an interlayer (not shown) between the undercoat layer 2 and the charge generation layer 3.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a layer configuration of a photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment. A photoreceptor 10B shown in FIG. 2 includes a single layer type photosensitive layer. The photoreceptor 10B has a structure in which the undercoat layer 2 and the photosensitive layer 5 are laminated in this order on the conductive substrate 1. The photoreceptor 10B may include an interlayer (not shown) between the undercoat layer 2 and the photosensitive layer 5.

Outermost Layer

[0034] Since the outermost layer contains a charge transport material and a binder resin, the outermost layer corresponds to a charge transport layer in the lamination type photosensitive layer or a single layer type photosensitive layer in the single layer type photosensitive layer described above.

Binder Resin

[0035] In the outermost layer, the binder resin includes a polyester resin P.sub.A having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater and a polycarbonate resin P.sub.B having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.B that is less than the elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of the polyester resin P.sub.A by a range of 5% or greater and 12% or less.

[0036] Here, a difference (elastic deformation rate X.sub.A-elastic deformation rate X.sub.B) in elastic deformation rate between the polyester resin P.sub.A and the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B is 5% or greater and 12% or less and, for example, more preferably 7% or greater and 10% or less.

[0037] The elastic deformation rates of the polyester resin P.sub.A and the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B are determined in the following manner.

[0038] Here, the elastic deformation rate is defined as elastic deformation rate=elastic deformation amount/total deformation amount by dividing the total deformation amount in a case where a load is applied to a measuring object into an elastic deformation amount and a plastic deformation amount. Specifically, first, a resin layer having a thickness of 5 m which is formed of only a resin is obtained as a measuring object. Further, the elastic deformation rate is calculated by measuring the indentation depth and indentation depth-stress curve of the resin layer using Nanoindenter SA2 (manufactured by MTS), a DCM head, and an equilateral triangular pyramid indenter made of diamond. More specifically, an elastic deformation rate R of the resin layer is calculated by using the following equation under a measurement condition that the indentation depth set to 500 nm in an environment of a temperature of 24 C. and a humidity of 50% is defined as Dmax (nm) and the indentation depth in a case where the load is completely removed is defined as D1 (nm). The calculated elastic deformation rate R is defined as the elastic deformation rate of the resin constituting the resin layer.

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Elastic}\mathrm{deformation}\mathrm{rate}R=\left(D\max -D1\right)/D\max & \left[\mathrm{Equation}\right]\end{array}$

Polyester Resin P.SUB.A

[0039] Hereinafter, the polyester resin P.sub.A having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater will be described.

[0040] The polyester resin P.sub.A is not particularly limited as long as the elastic deformation rate X.sub.A is 53.0% or greater.

[0041] The elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of the polyester resin P.sub.A is 53.0% or greater and, for example, more preferably 58.0% or greater.

[0042] Further, the upper limit value of the elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of the polyester resin P.sub.A is, for example, 60.0%.

[0043] It is preferable that the polyester resin P.sub.A includes, for example, a polyester resin having a dicarboxylic acid unit (A) represented by Formula (A) and a diol unit (B) represented by Formula (B).

[0044] Hereinafter, the polyester resin having a dicarboxylic acid unit (A) represented by Formula (A) and a diol unit (B) represented by Formula (B) will be referred to as polyester resin (1).

##STR00001##

[0045] In Formula (A), Ar.sup.A1 and Ar.sup.A2 each independently represent an aromatic ring that may have a substituent, LA represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, and n.sup.A1 represents 0, 1, or 2.

[0046] In Formula (B), Ar.sup.B1 and Ar.sup.B2 each independently represent an aromatic ring that may have a substituent, L.sup.B represents a single bond, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or C(Rb.sup.1) (Rb.sup.2), n.sup.B1 represents 0, 1, or 2. Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 may be bonded to each other to form a cyclic alkyl group.

[0047] The polyester resin (1) may have other dicarboxylic acid units in addition to the dicarboxylic acid unit (A). The polyester resin (1) may have other diol units in addition to the diol unit (B).

[0048] The dicarboxylic acid unit (A) is a constitutional unit represented by Formula (A).

##STR00002##

[0049] In Formula (A), Ar.sup.A1 and Ar.sup.A2 each independently represent an aromatic ring that may have a substituent, LA represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, and n.sup.A1 represents 0, 1, or 2.

[0050] The aromatic ring as Ar.sup.A1 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. Examples of the aromatic ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthrene ring. Among these, for example, a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring are preferable.

[0051] The hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.A1 may be substituted with an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a halogen atom, or the like. As the substituent in a case where the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.A1 is substituted, for example, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, and an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms are preferable.

[0052] The aromatic ring of Ar.sup.A2 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. Examples of the aromatic ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthrene ring. Among these, for example, a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring are preferable.

[0053] The hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.A2 may be substituted with an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a halogen atom, or the like. As the substituent in a case where the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.A2 is substituted, for example, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, and an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms are preferable.

[0054] In a case where LA represents a divalent linking group, examples of the divalent linking group include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and C(Ra.sup.1) (Ra.sup.2). Here, Ra.sup.1 and Ra.sup.2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and Ra.sup.1 and Ra.sup.2 may be bonded to each other to form a cyclic alkyl group.

[0055] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms as Ra.sup.1 and Ra.sup.2 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 6 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0056] The aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms as Ra.sup.1 and Ra.sup.2 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is, for example, preferably 6 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 6.

[0057] The alkyl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Ra.sup.1 and Ra.sup.2 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0058] The aryl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Ra.sup.1 and Ra.sup.2 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is, for example, preferably 6 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 6.

[0059] It is preferable that the dicarboxylic acid unit (A) includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a dicarboxylic acid unit (A1) represented by Formula (A1), a dicarboxylic acid unit (A2) represented by Formula (A2), a dicarboxylic acid unit (A3) represented by Formula (A3), and a dicarboxylic acid unit (A4) represented by Formula (A4). The dicarboxylic acid unit (A) includes, for example, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a dicarboxylic acid unit (A2), a dicarboxylic acid unit (A3), and a dicarboxylic acid unit (A4) and still more preferably a dicarboxylic acid unit (A2).

##STR00003##

[0060] In Formula (A1), n.sup.101 represents an integer of 0 or greater and 4 or less, and n.sup.101 pieces of Ra.sup.101's each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms.

[0061] n.sup.101 represents, for example, preferably 0, 1, or 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and still more preferably 0.

##STR00004##

[0062] In Formula (A2), n.sup.201 and n.sup.202 each independently represent an integer of 0 or greater and 4 or less, and n.sup.201 pieces of Ra.sup.201's and n.sup.202 pieces of Ra.sup.202's each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms.

[0063] n.sup.201 represents, for example, preferably 0, 1, or 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and still more preferably 0.

[0064] n.sup.202 represents, for example, preferably 0, 1, or 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and still more preferably 0.

##STR00005##

[0065] In Formula (A3), n.sup.301 and n.sup.302 each independently represent an integer of 0 or greater and 4 or less, and n.sup.301 pieces of Ra.sup.301's and n.sup.302 pieces of Ra.sup.302's each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms.

[0066] n.sup.301 represents, for example, preferably 0, 1, or 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and still more preferably 0.

[0067] n.sup.302 represents, for example, preferably 0, 1, or 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and still more preferably 0.

##STR00006##

[0068] In Formula (A4), n.sup.401 represents an integer of 0 or greater and 6 or less, and n.sup.401 pieces of Ra.sup.401's each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms.

[0069] n.sup.401 represents, for example, preferably an integer of 0 or greater and 4 or less, more preferably 0, 1, or 2, and still more preferably 0.

[0070] The specific forms and the desired forms of Ra.sup.101 in Formula (A1), Ra.sup.201 and Ra.sup.202 in Formula (A2), Ra.sup.301 and Ra.sup.302 in Formula (A3), and Ra.sup.401 in Formula (A4) are the same as each other, and hereinafter, Ra.sup.101, Ra.sup.201, Ra.sup.202, Ra.sup.301, Ra.sup.302, and Ra.sup.401 will be collectively referred to as Ra.

[0071] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms as Ra may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 6 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0072] Examples of the linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, an n-nonyl group, and an n-decyl group.

[0073] Examples of the branched alkyl group having 3 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an isopentyl group, a neopentyl group, a tert-pentyl group, an isohexyl group, a sec-hexyl group, a tert-hexyl group, an isoheptyl group, a sec-heptyl group, a tert-heptyl group, an isooctyl group, a sec-octyl group, a tert-octyl group, an isononyl group, a sec-nonyl group, a tert-nonyl group, an isodecyl group, a sec-decyl group, and a tert-decyl group.

[0074] Examples of the cyclic alkyl group having 3 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms include a cyclopropyl group, a cyclobutyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cycloheptyl group, a cyclooctyl group, a cyclononyl group, a cyclodecyl group, and polycyclic (for example, bicyclic, tricyclic, or spirocyclic) alkyl groups to which these monocyclic alkyl groups are linked.

[0075] The aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms as Ra may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is, for example, preferably 6 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 6.

[0076] Examples of the aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms include a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, a 1-naphthyl group, and a 2-naphthyl group.

[0077] The alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms as Ra may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0078] Examples of the linear alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, an n-pentyloxy group, and an n-hexyloxy group.

[0079] Examples of the branched alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include an isopropoxy group, an isobutoxy group, a sec-butoxy group, a tert-butoxy group, an isopentyloxy group, a neopentyloxy group, a tert-pentyloxy group, an isohexyloxy group, a sec-hexyloxy group, and a tert-hexyloxy group.

[0080] Examples of the cyclic alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a cyclopropoxy group, a cyclobutoxy group, a cyclopentyloxy group, and a cyclohexyloxy group.

[0081] Hereinafter, dicarboxylic acid units (A1-1) to (A1-9) are shown as specific examples of the dicarboxylic acid unit (A1). The dicarboxylic acid unit (A1) is not limited thereto.

##STR00007## ##STR00008##

[0082] Hereinafter, dicarboxylic acid units (A2-1) to (A2-3) are shown as specific examples of the dicarboxylic acid unit (A2). The dicarboxylic acid unit (A2) is not limited thereto.

##STR00009##

[0083] Hereinafter, dicarboxylic acid units (A3-1) and (A3-2) are shown as specific examples of the dicarboxylic acid unit (A3). The dicarboxylic acid unit (A3) is not limited thereto.

##STR00010##

[0084] Hereinafter, dicarboxylic acid units (A4-1) to (A4-3) are shown as specific examples of the dicarboxylic acid unit (A4). The dicarboxylic acid unit (A4) is not limited thereto.

##STR00011##

[0085] The polyester resin has, for example, preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of (A1-1), (A1-7), (A2-3), (A3-2), and (A4-3), more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of (A2-3), (A3-2), and (A4-3), and still more preferably at least (A2-3) as the dicarboxylic acid unit (A).

[0086] The total mass proportion of the dicarboxylic acid units (A1) to (A4) in the polyester resin (1) is, for example, preferably 15% by mass or greater and 60% by mass or less.

[0087] In a case where the total mass proportion of the dicarboxylic acid units (A1) to (A4) is 15% by mass or greater, the abrasion resistance of the photosensitive layer is enhanced. From this viewpoint, the total mass proportion of the dicarboxylic acid units (A1) to (A4) is, for example, more preferably 20% by mass or greater and still more preferably 25% by mass or greater.

[0088] In a case where the total mass proportion of the dicarboxylic acid units (A1) to (A4) is 60% by mass or less, peeling of the photosensitive layer can be suppressed. From this viewpoint, the total mass proportion of the dicarboxylic acid units (A1) to (A4) is, for example, more preferably 55% by mass or less and still more preferably 50% by mass or less.

[0089] The dicarboxylic acid units (A1) to (A4) contained in the polyester resin (1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0090] Examples of other dicarboxylic acid units (A) in addition to the dicarboxylic acid units (A1) to (A4) include aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid, glutaconic acid, succinic acid, alkenyl succinic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid) units, alicyclic dicarboxylic acid (such as cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid) units, and lower (for example, having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms) alkyl ester units thereof. These dicarboxylic acid units contained in the polyester resin (1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0091] The dicarboxylic acid unit (A) contained in the polyester resin (1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0092] The diol unit (B) is a constitutional unit represented by Formula (B).

##STR00012##

[0093] In Formula (B), Ar.sup.B1 and Ar.sup.B2 each independently represent an aromatic ring that may have a substituent, L.sup.B represents a single bond, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or C(Rb.sup.1) (Rb.sup.2), n.sup.B1 represents 0, 1, or 2. Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 may be bonded to each other to form a cyclic alkyl group.

[0094] The aromatic ring as Ar.sup.B1 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. Examples of the aromatic ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthrene ring. Among these, for example, a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring are preferable.

[0095] The hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.B1 may be substituted with an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a halogen atom, or the like. As the substituent in a case where the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.B1 is substituted, for example, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, and an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms are preferable.

[0096] The aromatic ring as Ar.sup.B2 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. Examples of the aromatic ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthrene ring. Among these, for example, a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring are preferable.

[0097] The hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.B2 may be substituted with an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a halogen atom, or the like. As the substituent in a case where the aromatic ring as Ar.sup.B2 is substituted, for example, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms, and an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms are preferable.

[0098] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 may be linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 18 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 14 or less, and still more preferably 1 or more and 10 or less.

[0099] The aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is, for example, preferably 6 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 6.

[0100] The alkyl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0101] The aryl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.1 and Rb.sup.2 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is, for example, preferably 6 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 6.

[0102] It is preferable that the diol unit (B) includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a diol unit (B1) represented by Formula (B1), a diol unit (B2) represented by Formula (B2), a diol unit (B3) represented by Formula (B3), a diol unit (B4) represented by Formula (B4), a diol unit (B5) represented by Formula (B5), a diol unit (B6) represented by Formula (B6), a diol unit (B7) represented by Formula (B7), and a diol unit (B8) represented by Formula (B8).

[0103] The diol unit (B) includes, for example, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a diol unit (B1) represented by Formula (B1), a diol unit (B2) represented by Formula (B2), a diol unit (B4) represented by Formula (B4), a diol unit (B5) represented by Formula (B5), and a diol unit (B6) represented by Formula (B6), still more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a diol unit (B1) represented by Formula (B1), a diol unit (B2) represented by Formula (B2), a diol unit (B5) represented by Formula (B5), and a diol unit (B6) represented by Formula (B6), even still more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a diol unit (B1) represented by Formula (B1), a diol unit (B2) represented by Formula (B2), and a diol unit (B6) represented by Formula (B6), and most preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a diol unit (B1) represented by Formula (B1) and a diol unit (B2) represented by Formula (B2).

##STR00013##

[0104] In Formula (B1), Rb.sup.101 represents a branched alkyl group having 4 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, Rb.sup.201 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms, and Rb.sup.401, Rb.sup.501, Rb.sup.801, and Rb.sup.901 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

[0105] The number of carbon atoms of the branched alkyl group having 4 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.101 is, for example, preferably 4 or more and 16 or less, more preferably 4 or more and 12 or less, and still more preferably 4 or more and 8 or less. Specific examples of Rb.sup.101 include an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an isopentyl group, a neopentyl group, a tert-pentyl group, an isohexyl group, a sec-hexyl group, a tert-hexyl group, an isoheptyl group, a sec-heptyl group, a tert-heptyl group, an isooctyl group, a sec-octyl group, a tert-octyl group, an isononyl group, a sec-nonyl group, a tert-nonyl group, an isodecyl group, a sec-decyl group, a tert-decyl group, an isododecyl group, a sec-dodecyl group, a tert-dodecyl group, a tert-tetradecyl group, and a tert-pentadecyl group.

##STR00014##

[0106] In Formula (B2), Rb.sup.102 represents a linear alkyl group having 4 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, Rb.sup.202 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms, and Rb.sup.402, Rb.sup.502, Rb.sup.802, and Rb.sup.902 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

[0107] The number of carbon atoms of the linear alkyl group having 4 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.102 is, for example, preferably 4 or more and 16 or less, more preferably 4 or more and 12 or less, and still more preferably 4 or more and 8 or less. Specific examples of Rb.sup.102 include an n-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, an n-nonyl group, an n-decyl group, an n-undecyl group, an n-dodecyl group, a tridecyl group, an n-tetradecyl group, an n-pentadecyl group, an n-heptadecyl group, an n-octadecyl group, an n-nonadecyl group, and an n-icosyl group.

##STR00015##

[0108] In Formula (B3), Rb.sup.113 and Rb.sup.213 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, d represents an integer of 7 or greater and 15 or less, and Rb.sup.403, Rb.sup.503, Rb.sup.803, and Rb.sup.903 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

[0109] The number of carbon atoms of the linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.113 and Rb.sup.213 is, for example, preferably 1 or 2 and more preferably 1. Specific examples of such a group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and an n-propyl group.

[0110] The alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.113 and Rb.sup.213 may be linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and still more preferably 1. Specific examples of such a group include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, an isopropoxy group, an isobutoxy group, a sec-butoxy group, a tert-butoxy group, a cyclopropoxy group, and a cyclobutoxy group.

[0111] Examples of the halogen atom as Rb.sup.113 and Rb.sup.213 include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

##STR00016##

[0112] In Formula (B4), Rb.sup.104 and Rb.sup.204 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms, and Rb.sup.404, Rb.sup.504, Rb.sup.804, and Rb.sup.904 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

[0113] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.104 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or 2 and more preferably 1. Specific examples of Rb.sup.104 include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, and a cyclopropyl group.

##STR00017##

[0114] In Formula (B5), Ar.sup.105 represents an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms or an aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, Rb.sup.205 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms, and Rb.sup.405, Rb.sup.505, Rb.sup.805, and Rb.sup.905 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

[0115] The aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms as Ar.sup.105 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is, for example, preferably 6 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 6.

[0116] The alkyl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Ar.sup.105 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2. The aryl group in the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms as Ar.sup.105 may be any of a monocycle or a polycycle. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is, for example, preferably 6 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 6. Examples of the aralkyl group having 7 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms include a benzyl group, a phenylethyl group, a phenylpropyl group, a 4-phenylbutyl group, a phenylpentyl group, a phenylhexyl group, a phenylheptyl group, a phenyloctyl group, a phenylnonyl group, a naphthylmethyl group, a naphthylethyl group, an anthracenylmethyl group, and a phenyl-cyclopentylmethyl group.

##STR00018##

[0117] In Formula (B6), Rb.sup.116 and Rb.sup.216 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, e represents an integer of 4 or greater and 6 or less, and Rb.sup.406, Rb.sup.506, Rb.sup.806, and Rb.sup.906 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

[0118] The number of carbon atoms of the linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.116 and Rb.sup.216 is, for example, preferably 1 or 2 and more preferably 1. Specific examples of such a group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and an n-propyl group.

[0119] The alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.116 and Rb.sup.216 may be linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and still more preferably 1. Specific examples of such a group include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, an isopropoxy group, an isobutoxy group, a sec-butoxy group, a tert-butoxy group, a cyclopropoxy group, and a cyclobutoxy group.

[0120] Examples of the halogen atom as Rb.sup.116 and Rb.sup.216 include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

##STR00019##

[0121] In Formula (B7), Rb.sup.407, Rb.sup.507, Rb.sup.807, and Rb.sup.907 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

##STR00020##

[0122] In Formula (B8), Rb.sup.408, Rb.sup.508, Rb.sup.808, and Rb.sup.908 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.

[0123] The specific forms and the desired forms of Rb.sup.201 in Formula (B1), Rb.sup.202 in Formula (B2), Rb.sup.204 in Formula (B4), and Rb.sup.205 in Formula (B5) are the same as each other, and hereinafter, Rb.sup.201, Rb.sup.202, Rb.sup.204, and Rb.sup.205 will be collectively referred to as Rb.sup.200.

[0124] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.200 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or 2 and more preferably 1.

[0125] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms includes a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, and a cyclopropyl group.

[0126] The specific forms and the desired forms of Rb.sup.401 in Formula (B1), Rb.sup.402 in Formula (B2), Rb.sup.403 in Formula (B3), Rb.sup.404 in Formula (B4), Rb.sup.405 in Formula (B5), Rb.sup.406 in Formula (B6), Rb.sup.407 in Formula (B7), and Rb.sup.408 in Formula (B8) are the same as each other, and hereinafter, Rb.sup.401, Rb.sup.402, Rb.sup.403, Rb.sup.404, Rb.sup.405, Rb.sup.406, Rb.sup.407, and Rb.sup.408 will be collectively referred to as Rb.sup.400.

[0127] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.400 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and still more preferably 1.

[0128] Examples of the linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, and an n-butyl group.

[0129] Examples of the branched alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, and a tert-butyl group.

[0130] Examples of the cyclic alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include a cyclopropyl group and a cyclobutyl group.

[0131] The alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.400 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0132] Examples of the linear alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, an n-pentyloxy group, and an n-hexyloxy group.

[0133] Examples of the branched alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include an isopropoxy group, an isobutoxy group, a sec-butoxy group, a tert-butoxy group, an isopentyloxy group, a neopentyloxy group, a tert-pentyloxy group, an isohexyloxy group, a sec-hexyloxy group, and a tert-hexyloxy group.

[0134] Examples of the cyclic alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a cyclopropoxy group, a cyclobutoxy group, a cyclopentyloxy group, and a cyclohexyloxy group.

[0135] Examples of the halogen atom as Rb.sup.400 include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0136] The specific forms and the desired forms of Rb.sup.501 in Formula (B1), Rb.sup.502 in Formula (B2), Rb.sup.503 in Formula (B3), Rb.sup.504 in Formula (B4), Rb.sup.505 in Formula (B5), Rb.sup.506 in Formula (B6), Rb.sup.507 in Formula (B7), and Rb.sup.508 in Formula (B8) are the same as each other, and hereinafter, Rb.sup.501, Rb.sup.502, Rb.sup.503, Rb.sup.504, Rb.sup.505, Rb.sup.506, Rb.sup.507, and Rb.sup.508 will be collectively referred to as Rb.sup.500.

[0137] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.500 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and still more preferably 1.

[0138] Examples of the linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, and an n-butyl group.

[0139] Examples of the branched alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, and a tert-butyl group.

[0140] Examples of the cyclic alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include a cyclopropyl group and a cyclobutyl group.

[0141] The alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.500 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0142] Examples of the linear alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, an n-pentyloxy group, and an n-hexyloxy group.

[0143] Examples of the branched alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include an isopropoxy group, an isobutoxy group, a sec-butoxy group, a tert-butoxy group, an isopentyloxy group, a neopentyloxy group, a tert-pentyloxy group, an isohexyloxy group, a sec-hexyloxy group, and a tert-hexyloxy group.

[0144] Examples of the cyclic alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a cyclopropoxy group, a cyclobutoxy group, a cyclopentyloxy group, and a cyclohexyloxy group.

[0145] Examples of the halogen atom as Rb.sup.500 include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0146] The specific forms and the desired forms of Rb.sup.801 in Formula (B1), Rb.sup.802 in Formula (B2), Rb.sup.803 in Formula (B3), Rb.sup.804 in Formula (B4), Rb.sup.805 in Formula (B5), Rb.sup.806 in Formula (B6), Rb.sup.807 in Formula (B7), and Rb.sup.808 in Formula (B8) are the same as each other, and hereinafter, Rb.sup.801, Rb.sup.802, Rb.sup.803, Rb.sup.804, Rb.sup.805, Rb.sup.806, Rb.sup.807, and Rb.sup.808 will be collectively referred to as Rb.sup.800.

[0147] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.800 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and still more preferably 1.

[0148] Examples of the linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, and an n-butyl group.

[0149] Examples of the branched alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, and a tert-butyl group.

[0150] Examples of the cyclic alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include a cyclopropyl group and a cyclobutyl group.

[0151] The alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.800 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0152] Examples of the linear alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, an n-pentyloxy group, and an n-hexyloxy group.

[0153] Examples of the branched alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include an isopropoxy group, an isobutoxy group, a sec-butoxy group, a tert-butoxy group, an isopentyloxy group, a neopentyloxy group, a tert-pentyloxy group, an isohexyloxy group, a sec-hexyloxy group, and a tert-hexyloxy group.

[0154] Examples of the cyclic alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a cyclopropoxy group, a cyclobutoxy group, a cyclopentyloxy group, and a cyclohexyloxy group.

[0155] Examples of the halogen atom as Rb.sup.800 include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0156] The specific forms and the desired forms of Rb.sup.901 in Formula (B1), Rb.sup.902 in Formula (B2), Rb.sup.903 in Formula (B3), Rb.sup.904 in Formula (B4), Rb.sup.905 in Formula (B5), Rb.sup.906 in Formula (B6), Rb.sup.907 in Formula (B7), and Rb.sup.908 in Formula (B8) are the same as each other, and hereinafter, Rb.sup.901, Rb.sup.902, Rb.sup.903, Rb.sup.904, Rb.sup.905, Rb.sup.906, Rb.sup.907, and Rb.sup.908 will be collectively referred to as Rb.sup.900.

[0157] The alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.900 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and still more preferably 1.

[0158] Examples of the linear alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, and an n-butyl group.

[0159] Examples of the branched alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, and a tert-butyl group.

[0160] Examples of the cyclic alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms include a cyclopropyl group and a cyclobutyl group.

[0161] The alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms as Rb.sup.900 may be any of linear, branched, or cyclic. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group in the alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms is, for example, preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0162] Examples of the linear alkoxy group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an n-butoxy group, an n-pentyloxy group, and an n-hexyloxy group.

[0163] Examples of the branched alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include an isopropoxy group, an isobutoxy group, a sec-butoxy group, a tert-butoxy group, an isopentyloxy group, a neopentyloxy group, a tert-pentyloxy group, an isohexyloxy group, a sec-hexyloxy group, and a tert-hexyloxy group.

[0164] Examples of the cyclic alkoxy group having 3 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms include a cyclopropoxy group, a cyclobutoxy group, a cyclopentyloxy group, and a cyclohexyloxy group.

[0165] Examples of the halogen atom as Rb.sup.900 include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0166] Hereinafter, diol units (B1-1) to (B1-6) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B1). The diol unit (B1) is not limited thereto.

##STR00021##

[0167] Hereinafter, diol units (B2-1) to (B2-11) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B2). The diol unit (B2) is not limited thereto.

##STR00022## ##STR00023##

[0168] Hereinafter, diol units (B3-1) to (B3-4) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B3). The diol unit (B3) is not limited thereto.

##STR00024##

[0169] Hereinafter, diol units (B4-1) to (B4-7) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B4). The diol unit (B4) is not limited thereto.

##STR00025##

[0170] Hereinafter, diol units (B5-1) to (B5-6) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B5). The diol unit (B5) is not limited thereto.

##STR00026##

[0171] Hereinafter, diol units (B6-1) to (B6-4) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B6). The diol unit (B6) is not limited thereto.

##STR00027##

[0172] Hereinafter, diol units (B7-1) to (B7-3) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B7). The diol unit (B7) is not limited thereto.

##STR00028##

[0173] Hereinafter, diol units (B8-1) to (B8-3) are shown as specific examples of the diol unit (B8). The diol unit (B8) is not limited thereto.

##STR00029##

[0174] The diol unit (B) contained in the polyester resin (1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0175] The mass proportion of the diol unit (B) in the polyester resin (1) is, for example, preferably 25% by mass or greater and 80% by mass or less.

[0176] In a case where the mass proportion of the diol unit (B) is 25% by mass or greater, peeling of the photosensitive layer can be further suppressed. From this viewpoint, the mass proportion of the diol unit (B) is, for example, more preferably 30% by mass or greater and still more preferably 35% by mass or greater.

[0177] In a case where the mass proportion of the diol unit (B) is 80% by mass or less, the solubility in a coating solution for forming the photosensitive layer is maintained, and thus the abrasion resistance can be improved. From this viewpoint, the mass proportion of the diol unit (B) is, for example, more preferably 75% by mass or less and still more preferably 70% by mass or less.

[0178] Examples of other diol units in addition to the diol unit (B) include aliphatic diol (such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol, hexanediol, and neopentyl glycol) units and alicyclic diol (such as cyclohexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, and hydrogenated bisphenol A) units. These diol units contained in the polyester resin (1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0179] A terminal of the polyester resin (1) may be sealed or modified with a terminal-sealing agent, a molecular weight modifier, or the like used in a case of the production. Examples of the terminal-sealing agent or the molecular weight modifier include monohydric phenol, monovalent acid chloride, monohydric alcohol, and monovalent carboxylic acid.

[0180] Examples of the monohydric phenol include phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, o-ethylphenol, m-ethylphenol, p-ethylphenol, o-propylphenol, m-propylphenol, p-propylphenol, o-tert-butylphenol, m-tert-butylphenol, p-tert-butylphenol, pentylphenol, hexylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol, a 2,6-dimethylphenol derivative, a 2-methylphenol derivative, o-phenylphenol, m-phenylphenol, p-phenylphenol, o-methoxyphenol, m-methoxyphenol, p-methoxyphenol, 2,3,5-trimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 2,3-xylenol, 2,4-xylenol, 2,5-xylenol, 2,6-xylenol, 3,4-xylenol, 3,5-xylenol, 2-phenyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 2-phenyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) propane, and 2-phenyl-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl) propane.

[0181] Examples of the monovalent acid chloride include monofunctional acid halides such as benzoyl chloride, benzoic acid chloride, methanesulfonyl chloride, phenylchloroformate, acetic acid chloride, butyric acid chloride, octyl acid chloride, benzenesulfonyl chloride, benzenesulfinyl chloride, sulfinyl chloride, benzene phosphonyl chloride, and substituents thereof.

[0182] Examples of the monohydric alcohol include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, 2-butanol, pentanol, hexanol, dodecyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and phenethyl alcohol.

[0183] Examples of the monovalent carboxylic acid include acetic acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, benzoic acid, toluic acid, phenylacetic acid, p-tert-butylbenzoic acid, and p-methoxyphenylacetic acid.

[0184] The weight-average molecular weight of the polyester resin (1) is, for example, preferably 30,000 or greater and 300,000 or less, more preferably 40,000 or greater and 250,000 or less, and still more preferably 50,000 or greater and 200,000 or less.

[0185] The molecular weight of the polyester resin (1) is a molecular weight measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) in terms of polystyrene. The GPC is carried out by using tetrahydrofuran as an eluent.

[0186] The polyester resin (1) can be obtained by polycondensing a monomer providing a dicarboxylic acid unit (A), a monomer providing a diol unit (B), and other monomers as necessary using a method of the related art. Examples of the method of polycondensing monomers include an interfacial polymerization method, a solution polymerization method, and a melt polymerization method. The interfacial polymerization method is a polymerization method of mixing a divalent carboxylic acid halide dissolved in an organic solvent that is incompatible with water and dihydric alcohol dissolved in an alkali aqueous solution to obtain polyester. Examples of documents related to the interfacial polymerization method include W. M. EARECKSON, J. Poly. Sci., XL399, 1959, and JP1965-1959B. Since the interfacial polymerization method enables the reaction to proceed faster than the reaction carried out by the solution polymerization method and also enables suppression of hydrolysis of the divalent carboxylic acid halide, as a result, a high-molecular-weight polyester resin can be obtained.

Polycarbonate Resin P.SUB.B

[0187] Hereinafter, the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B will be described.

[0188] The polycarbonate resin P.sub.B is not particularly limited as long as the difference in elastic deformation rate (elastic deformation rate X.sub.A-elastic deformation rate X.sub.B) between the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B and the polyester resin P.sub.A used in combination is in a range of 5% or greater and 12% or less.

[0189] It is preferable that the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B includes, for example, a polycarbonate resin having a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCA) and a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCB).

[0190] The polycarbonate resin having a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCA) and a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCB) will be simply referred to as a polycarbonate resin (2).

##STR00030##

[0191] In Formula (PCA), R.sup.P1 and R.sup.P2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 or more and 7 or less carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms.

[0192] In Formula (PCB), R.sup.P3 and R.sup.P4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 or more and 7 or less carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms. X.sup.P1 represents a phenylene group, a biphenylene group, a naphthylene group, a linear or branched alkylene group, or a cycloalkylene group.

[0193] Examples of the alkyl group represented by R.sup.P1, R.sup.P2, R.sup.P3, and R.sup.P4 in Formulae (PCA) and (PCB) include a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms (for example, preferably 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms).

[0194] Specific examples of the linear alkyl group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group.

[0195] Specific examples of the branched alkyl group include an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an isopentyl group, a neopentyl group, a tert-pentyl group, an isohexyl group, a sec-hexyl group, and a tert-hexyl group.

[0196] Among these, for example, a lower alkyl group such as a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable as the alkyl group.

[0197] Examples of the cycloalkyl group represented by R.sup.P1, R.sup.P2, R.sup.P3, and R.sup.P4 in Formulae (PCA) and (PCB) include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl.

[0198] Examples of the aryl group represented by R.sup.P1, R.sup.P2, R.sup.P3, and R.sup.P4 in Formulae (PCA) and (PCB) include a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, and a biphenylyl group.

[0199] Examples of the alkylene group represented by X.sup.P1 in Formulae (PCA) and (PCB) include a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms (for example, preferably 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms and more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms).

[0200] Specific examples of the linear alkylene group include a methylene group, an ethylene group, an n-propylene group, an n-butylene group, an n-pentylene group, an n-hexylene group, an n-heptylene group, an n-octylene group, an n-nonylene group, an n-decylene group, an n-undecylene group, and an n-dodecylene group.

[0201] Specific examples of the branched alkylene group include an isopropylene group, an isobutylene group, a sec-butylene group, a tert-butylene group, an isopentylene group, a neopentylene group, a tert-pentylene group, an isohexylene group, a sec-hexylene group, a tert-hexylene group, an isoheptylene group, a sec-heptylene group, a tert-heptylene group, an isooctylene group, a sec-octylene group, a tert-octylene group, an isononylene group, a sec-nonylene group, a tert-nonylene group, an isodecylene group, a sec-decylene group, a tert-decylene group, an isoundecylene group, a sec-undecylene group, a tert-undecylene group, a neoundecylene group, an isododecylene group, a sec-dodecylene group, a tert-dodecylene group, and a neododecylene group.

[0202] Among these, preferred examples of the alkylene group include a lower alkyl group such as a methylene group, an ethylene group, or a butylene group.

[0203] Examples of the cycloalkylene group represented by X.sup.P1 in Formulae (PCA) and (PCB) include a cycloalkylene group having 3 or more and 12 or less carbon atoms (for example, preferably 3 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms and more preferably 5 or more and 8 or less carbon atoms).

[0204] Specific examples of the cycloalkyl group include a cyclopropyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cyclooctyl group, and a cyclododecanyl group.

[0205] Among these, for example, a cyclohexyl group is preferable as the cycloalkyl group.

[0206] Further, each substituent represented by R.sup.P1, R.sup.P2, R.sup.P3, R.sup.P4, or X.sup.P1 in Formulae (PCA) and (PCB) includes a group further having a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom (such as a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom), an alkyl group (such as an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms), a cycloalkyl group (such as a cycloalkyl group having 5 or more and 7 or less carbon atoms), an alkoxy group (such as an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms), and an aryl group (such as a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, or a biphenylyl group).

[0207] In Formula (PCA), R.sup.P1 and R.sup.P2 each independently represent, for example, preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms and more preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0208] In Formula (PCB), it is preferable that R.sup.P3 and R.sup.P4 each independently represent, for example, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms and that X.sup.P1 represents an alkylene group or a cycloalkylene group.

[0209] Specific examples of the polycarbonate resin (2) include the followings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Further, in the exemplary compounds, pm and pn denote a copolymerization ratio.

##STR00031##

[0210] Here, the content ratio (copolymerization ratio) of the structural unit represented by Formula (PCA) in the polycarbonate resin (2) may be, for example, in a range of 5% by mole or greater and 95% by mole or less with respect to all the structural units constituting the polycarbonate resin, and for example, preferably in a range of 5% by mole or greater and 50% by mole or less and more preferably in a range of 15% by mole or greater and 30% by mole or less from the viewpoint of suppressing the density unevenness of an image with graininess.

[0211] Specifically, pm and pn in the above-described exemplary compounds of the polycarbonate resin (2) denote a copolymerization ratio (molar ratio), and the copolymerization ratio between pm and pn (pm:pn) is, for example, preferably in a range of 95:5 to 5:95, more preferably in a range of 50:50 to 5:95, and still more preferably in a range of 15:85 to 30:70.

[0212] From the viewpoint of further suppressing abnormal discharge while maintaining the abrasion resistance, the content ratio of the polyester resin P.sub.A to the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B (polyester resin P.sub.A: polycarbonate resin P.sub.B) in the outermost layer is, for example, preferably in a range of 7:3 to 3:7 and more preferably in a range of 7:3 to 5:5 in terms of the mass.

Charge Transport Material

[0213] Examples of the charge transport material include the same materials as the materials for the charge transport material in the charge transport layer described below.

[0214] Hereinafter, each member and each layer other than the outermost layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described in detail. Further, the reference numerals will not be provided.

Conductive Substrate

[0215] Examples of the conductive substrate include metal plates containing metals (such as aluminum, copper, zinc, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, indium, gold, and platinum) or alloys (such as stainless steel), metal drums, metal belts, and the like. Further, examples of the conductive substrate include paper, a resin film, a belt, and the like obtained by being coated, vapor-deposited or laminated with a conductive compound (such as a conductive polymer or indium oxide), a metal (such as aluminum, palladium, or gold) or an alloy. Here, the term conductive denotes that the volume resistivity is less than 10.sup.13 .Math.cm.

[0216] In a case where the electrophotographic photoreceptor is used in a laser printer, for example, it is preferable that the surface of the conductive substrate is roughened such that a centerline average roughness Ra thereof is 0.04 m or greater and 0.5 m or less for the purpose of suppressing interference fringes from occurring in a case of irradiation with laser beams. Further, in a case where incoherent light is used as a light source, roughening of the surface to prevent interference fringes is not particularly necessary, and it is appropriate for longer life because occurrence of defects due to the roughness of the surface of the conductive substrate is suppressed.

[0217] Examples of the roughening method include wet honing performed by suspending an abrasive in water and spraying the suspension to the conductive substrate, centerless grinding performed by pressure-welding the conductive substrate against a rotating grindstone and continuously grinding the conductive substrate, and an anodizing treatment.

[0218] Examples of the roughening method also include a method of dispersing conductive or semi-conductive powder in a resin without roughening the surface of the conductive substrate to form a layer on the surface of the conductive substrate, and performing roughening using the particles dispersed in the layer.

[0219] The roughening treatment performed by anodization is a treatment of forming an oxide film on the surface of the conductive substrate by carrying out anodization in an electrolytic solution using a conductive substrate made of a metal (for example, aluminum) as an anode. Examples of the electrolytic solution include a sulfuric acid solution and an oxalic acid solution. However, a porous anodized film formed by anodization is chemically active in a natural state, is easily contaminated, and has a large resistance fluctuation depending on the environment. Therefore, for example, it is preferable that a sealing treatment is performed on the porous anodized film so that the micropores of the oxide film are closed by volume expansion due to a hydration reaction in pressurized steam or boiling water (a metal salt such as nickel may be added thereto) for a change into a more stable a hydrous oxide.

[0220] The film thickness of the anodized film is, for example, preferably 0.3 m or greater and 15 m or less. In a case where the film thickness is in the above-described range, the barrier properties against injection tend to be exhibited, and an increase in the residual potential due to repeated use tends to be suppressed.

[0221] The conductive substrate may be subjected to a treatment with an acidic treatment liquid or a boehmite treatment.

[0222] The treatment with an acidic treatment liquid is carried out, for example, as follows. First, an acidic treatment liquid containing phosphoric acid, chromic acid, and hydrofluoric acid is prepared. In the blending ratio of phosphoric acid, chromic acid, and hydrofluoric acid to the acidic treatment liquid, for example, the concentration of the phosphoric acid is 10% by mass or greater and 11% by mass or less, the concentration of the chromic acid is 3% by mass or greater and 5% by mass or less, and the concentration of the hydrofluoric acid is 0.5% by mass or greater and 2% by mass or less, and the concentration of all these acids may be 13.5% by mass or greater and 18% by mass or less. The treatment temperature is, for example, preferably 42 C. or higher and 48 C. or lower. The film thickness of the coating film is, for example, preferably 0.3 m or greater and 15 m or less.

[0223] The boehmite treatment is carried out, for example, by dipping the conductive substrate in pure water at 90 C. or higher and 100 C. or lower for 5 minutes to 60 minutes or by bringing the conductive substrate into contact with heated steam at 90 C. or higher and 120 C. or lower for 5 minutes to 60 minutes. The film thickness of the coating film is, for example, preferably 0.1 m or greater and 5 m or less. This coating film may be further subjected to the anodizing treatment using an electrolytic solution having low film solubility, such as adipic acid, boric acid, a borate, a phosphate, a phthalate, a maleate, a benzoate, a tartrate, or a citrate.

Undercoat Layer

[0224] The undercoat layer is, for example, a layer containing inorganic particles and a binder resin.

[0225] Examples of the inorganic particles include inorganic particles having a powder resistance (volume resistivity) of 10.sup.2 .Math.cm or greater and 10.sup.11 .Math.cm or less.

[0226] Among these, as the inorganic particles having the above-described resistance value, for example, metal oxide particles such as tin oxide particles, titanium oxide particles, zinc oxide particles, and zirconium oxide particles may be used, and zinc oxide particles are particularly preferable.

[0227] The specific surface area of the inorganic particles measured by the BET method may be, for example, 10 m.sup.2/g or greater.

[0228] The volume average particle diameter of the inorganic particles may be, for example, 50 nm or greater and 2,000 nm or less (for example, preferably 60 nm or greater and 1,000 nm or less).

[0229] The content of the inorganic particles is, for example, preferably 10% by mass or greater and 80% by mass or less and more preferably 40% by mass or greater and 80% by mass or less with respect to the amount of the binder resin.

[0230] The inorganic particles may be subjected to a surface treatment. As the inorganic particles, inorganic particles subjected to different surface treatments or inorganic particles having different particle diameters may be used in the form of a mixture of two or more kinds thereof.

[0231] Examples of the surface treatment agent include a silane coupling agent, a titanate-based coupling agent, an aluminum-based coupling agent, and a surfactant. In particular, for example, a silane coupling agent is preferable, and a silane coupling agent containing an amino group is more preferable.

[0232] Examples of the silane coupling agent containing an amino group include 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, and N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, but are not limited thereto.

[0233] The silane coupling agent may be used in the form of a mixture of two or more kinds thereof. For example, a silane coupling agent containing an amino group and another silane coupling agent may be used in combination. Examples of other silane coupling agents include vinyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyl-tris(2-methoxyethoxy) silane, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, but are not limited thereto.

[0234] The surface treatment method using a surface treatment agent may be any method as long as the method is a known method, and any of a dry method or a wet method may be used.

[0235] The treatment amount of the surface treatment agent is, for example, preferably 0.5% by mass or greater and 10% by mass or less with respect to the amount of the inorganic particles.

[0236] Here, the undercoat layer may contain an electron-accepting compound (acceptor compound) together with the inorganic particles, for example, from the viewpoint of enhancing the long-term stability of the electrical properties and the carrier blocking properties.

[0237] Examples of the electron-accepting compound include electron-transporting substances, for example, a quinone-based compound such as chloranil or bromanil; a tetracyanoquinodimethane-based compound; a fluorenone compound such as 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone or 2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-fluorenone; an oxadiazole-based compound such as 2-(4-biphenyl)-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, 2,5-bis(4-naphthyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, or 2,5-bis(4-diethylaminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole; a xanthone-based compound; a thiophene compound; a diphenoquinone compound such as 3,3,5,5-tetra-t-butyldiphenoquinone; and a benzophenone compound.

[0238] In particular, as the electron-accepting compound, for example, a compound having an anthraquinone structure is preferable. As the compound having an anthraquinone structure, for example, a hydroxyanthraquinone compound, an aminoanthraquinone compound, or an aminohydroxyanthraquinone compound is preferable, and specifically, for example, anthraquinone, alizarin, quinizarin, anthrarufin, or purpurin is preferable.

[0239] The electron-accepting compound may be contained in the undercoat layer in a state of being dispersed with inorganic particles or in a state of being attached to the surface of each inorganic particle.

[0240] Examples of the method of attaching the electron-accepting compound to the surface of the inorganic particle include a dry method and a wet method.

[0241] The dry method is, for example, a method of attaching the electron-accepting compound to the surface of each inorganic particle by adding the electron-accepting compound dropwise to inorganic particles directly or by dissolving the electron-accepting compound in an organic solvent while stirring the inorganic particles with a mixer having a large shearing force and spraying the mixture together with dry air or nitrogen gas. The electron-accepting compound may be added dropwise or sprayed, for example, at a temperature lower than or equal to the boiling point of the solvent. After the dropwise addition or the spraying of the electron-accepting compound, the compound may be further baked at 100 C. or higher. The baking is not particularly limited as long as the temperature and the time are adjusted such that the electrophotographic characteristics can be obtained.

[0242] The wet method is, for example, a method of attaching the electron-accepting compound to the surface of each inorganic particle by adding the electron-accepting compound to inorganic particles while dispersing the inorganic particles in a solvent by performing stirring or using ultrasonic waves, a sand mill, an attritor, or a ball mill, stirring or dispersing the mixture, and removing the solvent. The solvent removing method is carried out by, for example, filtration or distillation so that the solvent is distilled off. After removal of the solvent, the mixture may be further baked at 100 C. or higher. The baking is not particularly limited as long as the temperature and the time are adjusted such that the electrophotographic characteristics can be obtained. In the wet method, the moisture contained in the inorganic particles may be removed before the electron-accepting compound is added, and examples thereof include a method of removing the moisture while stirring and heating the moisture in a solvent and a method of removing the moisture by azeotropically boiling the moisture with a solvent.

[0243] Further, the electron-accepting compound may be attached to the surface before or after the inorganic particles are subjected to a surface treatment with a surface treatment agent or simultaneously with the surface treatment performed on the inorganic particles with a surface treatment agent.

[0244] The content of the electron-accepting compound may be, for example, 0.01% by mass or greater and 20% by mass or less and preferably 0.01% by mass or greater and 10% by mass or less with respect to the amount of the inorganic particles.

[0245] Examples of the binder resin used for the undercoat layer include known polymer compounds such as an acetal resin (such as polyvinyl butyral), a polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl acetal resin, a casein resin, a polyamide resin, a cellulose resin, gelatin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a methacrylic resin, an acrylic resin, a polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyvinyl acetate resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride resin, a silicone resin, a silicone-alkyd resin, a urea resin, a phenol resin, a phenol-formaldehyde resin, a melamine resin, a urethane resin, an alkyd resin, and an epoxy resin; a zirconium chelate compound; a titanium chelate compound; an aluminum chelate compound; a titanium alkoxide compound; an organic titanium compound; and known materials such as a silane coupling agent.

[0246] Examples of the binder resin used for the undercoat layer include a charge-transporting resin containing a charge-transporting group, and a conductive resin (such as polyaniline).

[0247] Among these, as the binder resin used for the undercoat layer, for example, a resin insoluble in a coating solvent of the upper layer is preferable, and a resin obtained by reaction between a curing agent and at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a thermosetting resin such as a urea resin, a phenol resin, a phenol-formaldehyde resin, a melamine resin, a urethane resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, an alkyd resin, or an epoxy resin; a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, a polyether resin, a methacrylic resin, an acrylic resin, a polyvinyl alcohol resin, and a polyvinyl acetal resin is particularly preferable.

[0248] In a case where these binder resins are used in combination of two or more kinds thereof, the mixing ratio thereof is set as necessary.

[0249] The undercoat layer may contain various additives for improving the electrical properties, the environmental stability, and the image quality.

[0250] Examples of the additives include known materials, for example, an electron-transporting pigment such as a polycyclic condensed pigment or an azo-based pigment, a zirconium chelate compound, a titanium chelate compound, an aluminum chelate compound, a titanium alkoxide compound, an organic titanium compound, and a silane coupling agent. The silane coupling agent is used for a surface treatment of the inorganic particles as described above, but may be further added to the undercoat layer as an additive.

[0251] Examples of the silane coupling agent serving as an additive include vinyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyl-tris(2-methoxyethoxy) silane, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane.

[0252] Examples of the zirconium chelate compound include zirconium butoxide, ethyl zirconium acetoacetate, zirconium triethanolamine, acetylacetonate zirconium butoxide, ethyl zirconium butoxide acetoacetate, zirconium acetate, zirconium oxalate, zirconium lactate, zirconium phosphonate, zirconium octanoate, zirconium naphthenate, zirconium laurate, zirconium stearate, zirconium isostearate, zirconium butoxide methacrylate, stearate zirconium butoxide, and isostearate zirconium butoxide.

[0253] Examples of the titanium chelate compound include tetraisopropyl titanate, tetranormal butyl titanate, a butyl titanate dimer, tetra(2-ethylhexyl) titanate, titanium acetylacetonate, polytitanium acetylacetonate, titanium octylene glycolate, titanium lactate ammonium salt, titanium lactate, titanium lactate ethyl ester, titanium triethanol aminate, and polyhydroxy titanium stearate.

[0254] Examples of the aluminum chelate compound include aluminum isopropylate, monobutoxyaluminum diisopropylate, aluminum butyrate, diethylacetoacetate aluminum diisopropylate, and aluminum tris(ethylacetoacetate).

[0255] These additives may be used alone or in the form of a mixture or a polycondensate of a plurality of compounds.

[0256] The undercoat layer may have, for example, a Vickers hardness of 35 or greater.

[0257] The surface roughness (ten-point average roughness) of the undercoat layer may be adjusted, for example, to from 1/(4n) (n represents a refractive index of an upper layer) of a laser wavelength for exposure to be used to suppress moire fringes.

[0258] Resin particles or the like may be added to the undercoat layer to adjust the surface roughness. Examples of the resin particles include silicone resin particles and crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate resin particles. Further, the surface of the undercoat layer may be polished to adjust the surface roughness. Examples of the polishing method include buff polishing, a sandblast treatment, wet honing, and a grinding treatment.

[0259] The formation of the undercoat layer is not particularly limited, and a known forming method is used. For example, a coating film of a coating solution for forming an undercoat layer in which the above-described components are added to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried and, as necessary, heated.

[0260] Examples of the solvent for preparing the coating solution for forming an undercoat layer include known organic solvents such as an alcohol-based solvent, an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent, a ketone-based solvent, a ketone alcohol-based solvent, an ether-based solvent, and an ester-based solvent.

[0261] Specific examples of these solvents include typical organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, benzyl alcohol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride, chloroform, chlorobenzene, and toluene.

[0262] Examples of the method of dispersing the inorganic particles in a case of preparing the coating solution for forming an undercoat layer include known methods such as a roll mill, a ball mill, a vibration ball mill, an attritor, a sand mill, a colloid mill, and a paint shaker.

[0263] Examples of the method of coating the conductive substrate with the coating solution for forming an undercoat layer include typical coating methods such as a blade coating method, a wire bar coating method, a spray coating method, a dip coating method, a bead coating method, an air knife coating method, and a curtain coating method.

[0264] The film thickness of the undercoat layer is set to be, for example, preferably in a range of 15 m or greater and more preferably in a range of 20 m or greater and 50 m or less.

Interlayer

[0265] Although not shown in the figures, an interlayer may be further provided between the undercoat layer and the photosensitive layer.

[0266] The interlayer is, for example, a layer containing a resin. Examples of the resin used for the interlayer include a polymer compound, for example, an acetal resin (such as polyvinyl butyral), a polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl acetal resin, a casein resin, a polyamide resin, a cellulose resin, gelatin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, a methacrylic resin, an acrylic resin, a polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyvinyl acetate resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride resin, a silicone resin, a silicone-alkyd resin, a phenol-formaldehyde resin, or a melamine resin.

[0267] The interlayer may be a layer containing an organometallic compound. Examples of the organometallic compound used for the interlayer include an organometallic compound containing metal atoms such as zirconium, titanium, aluminum, manganese, and silicon.

[0268] The compounds used for the interlayer may be used alone or in the form of a mixture or a polycondensate of a plurality of compounds.

[0269] Among these, it is preferable that the interlayer is, for example, a layer containing an organometallic compound having a zirconium atom or a silicon atom.

[0270] The formation of the interlayer is not particularly limited, and a known forming method is used. For example, a coating film of a coating solution for forming an interlayer in which the above-described components are added to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried and, as necessary, heated.

[0271] Examples of the coating method of forming the interlayer include typical methods such as a dip coating method, a push-up coating method, a wire bar coating method, a spray coating method, a blade coating method, an air knife coating method, and a curtain coating method.

[0272] The film thickness of the interlayer is set to be, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1 m or greater and 3 m or less. Further, the interlayer may be used as the undercoat layer.

Charge Generation Layer

[0273] The charge generation layer is, for example, a layer containing a charge generation material and a binder resin. Further, the charge generation layer may be a deposition layer of the charge generation material. The deposition layer of the charge generation material is, for example, preferable in a case where an incoherent light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) or an organic electro-luminescence (EL) image array is used.

[0274] Examples of the charge generation material include an azo pigment such as bisazo or trisazo; a fused ring aromatic pigment such as dibromoanthanthrone; a perylene pigment; a pyrrolopyrrole pigment; a phthalocyanine pigment; zinc oxide; and trigonal selenium.

[0275] Among these, for example, a metal phthalocyanine pigment or a metal-free phthalocyanine pigment is preferably used as the charge generation material in order to deal with laser exposure in a near infrared region. Specifically, for example, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine; chlorogallium phthalocyanine; dichlorotin phthalocyanine; and titanyl phthalocyanine are more preferable.

[0276] On the other hand, for example, a fused ring aromatic pigment such as dibromoanthanthrone; a thioindigo-based pigment; a porphyrazine compound; zinc oxide; trigonal selenium; or a bisazo pigment is preferable as the charge generation material in order to deal with laser exposure in a near ultraviolet region.

[0277] The above-described charge generation material may also be used even in a case where an incoherent light source such as an LED or an organic EL image array having a center wavelength of light emission at 450 nm or greater and 780 nm or less is used.

[0278] Meanwhile, in a case where an n-type semiconductor such as a fused ring aromatic pigment, a perylene pigment, or an azo pigment is used as the charge generation material, a dark current is unlikely to be generated, and image defects referred to as black spots can be suppressed even in a case where a thin film is used as the photosensitive layer.

[0279] Further, the n-type is determined by the polarity of the flowing photocurrent using a typically used time-of-flight method, and a material in which electrons more easily flow as carriers than positive holes is determined as the n-type.

[0280] The binder resin used for the charge generation layer is selected from a wide range of insulating resins, and the binder resin may be selected from organic photoconductive polymers such as poly-N-vinylcarbazole, polyvinylanthracene, polyvinylpyrene, and polysilane.

[0281] Examples of the binder resin include a polyvinyl butyral resin, a polyarylate resin (a polycondensate of bisphenols and aromatic divalent carboxylic acid), a polycarbonate resin, a polyester resin, a phenoxy resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyamide resin, an acrylic resin, a polyacrylamide resin, a polyvinylpyridine resin, a cellulose resin, a urethane resin, an epoxy resin, casein, a polyvinyl alcohol resin, and a polyvinylpyrrolidone resin. Here, the term insulating denotes that the volume resistivity is 10.sup.13 .Math.cm or greater. These binder resins may be used alone or in the form of a mixture of two or more kinds thereof.

[0282] Further, the blending ratio between the charge generation material and the binder resin is, for example, preferably in a range of 10:1 to 1:10 in terms of the mass ratio.

[0283] The charge generation layer may also contain other known additives.

[0284] The formation of the charge generation layer is not particularly limited, and a known forming method is used. For example, a coating film of a coating solution for forming a charge generation layer in which the above-described components are added to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried and, as necessary, heated. Further, the charge generation layer may be formed by vapor deposition of the charge generation material. The formation of the charge generation layer by vapor deposition is, for example, particularly appropriate in a case where a fused ring aromatic pigment or a perylene pigment is used as the charge generation material.

[0285] Examples of the solvent for preparing the coating solution for forming a charge generation layer include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, benzyl alcohol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride, chloroform, chlorobenzene, and toluene. These solvents are used alone or in the form of a mixture of two or more kinds thereof.

[0286] As a method of dispersing particles (for example, the charge generation material) in the coating solution for forming a charge generation layer, for example, a media disperser such as a ball mill, a vibration ball mill, an attritor, a sand mill, or a horizontal sand mill, or a medialess disperser such as a stirrer, an ultrasonic disperser, a roll mill, or a high-pressure homogenizer is used. Examples of the high-pressure homogenizer include a collision type high-pressure homogenizer in which a dispersion liquid is dispersed by a liquid-liquid collision or a liquid-wall collision in a high-pressure state, and a penetration type high-pressure homogenizer in which a dispersion liquid is dispersed by causing the liquid to penetrate through a micro-flow path in a high-pressure state.

[0287] During the dispersion, it is effective to set the average particle diameter of the charge generation material in the coating solution for forming a charge generation layer to 0.5 m or less, for example, preferably 0.3 m or less, and more preferably 0.15 m or less.

[0288] Examples of the method of coating the undercoat layer (or the interlayer) with the coating solution for forming a charge generation layer include typical methods such as a blade coating method, a wire bar coating method, a spray coating method, a dip coating method, a bead coating method, an air knife coating method, and a curtain coating method.

[0289] The film thickness of the charge generation layer is set to be, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1 m or greater and 5.0 m or less and more preferably in a range of 0.2 m or greater and 2.0 m or less.

Charge Transport Layer

[0290] The charge transport layer is a layer containing a charge transport material and a binder resin. The charge transport layer may be a layer containing a polymer charge transport material.

[0291] Examples of the charge transport material include a quinone-based compound such as p-benzoquinone, chloranil, bromanil, or anthraquinone; a tetracyanoquinodimethane-based compound; a fluorenone compound such as 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone; a xanthone-based compound; a benzophenone-based compound; a cyanovinyl-based compound; and an electron-transporting compound such as an ethylene-based compound. Examples of the charge transport material include a positive hole-transporting compound such as a triarylamine-based compound, a benzidine-based compound, an arylalkane-based compound, an aryl-substituted ethylene-based compound, a stilbene-based compound, an anthracene-based compound, or a hydrazone-based compound. These charge transport materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0292] From the viewpoint of the charge mobility, for example, a triarylamine derivative represented by Structural Formula (a-1) or a benzidine derivative represented by Structural Formula (a-2) is preferable as the charge transport material.

##STR00032##

[0293] In Structural Formula (a-1), Ar.sup.T1, Ar.sup.T2, and Ar.sup.T3 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, C.sub.6H.sub.4C(R.sup.T4)C(R.sup.T5) (R.sup.T6), or C.sub.6H.sub.4CHCHCHC(R.sup.T7)(R.sup.T8). R.sup.T4, R.sup.T5, R.sup.T6, R.sup.T7, and R.sup.T8 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group.

[0294] Examples of the substituent of each group described above include a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms, and an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms. Further, examples of the substituent of each group described above include a substituted amino group substituted with an alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms.

##STR00033##

[0295] In Structural Formula (a-2), R.sup.T91 and R.sup.T92 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms. R.sup.T101, R.sup.T102, R.sup.T111, and R.sup.T112 each independently represent a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms, a substituted amino group substituted with an alkyl group having 1 or more and 2 or less carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, C(R.sup.T12)C(R.sup.T13) (R.sup.T14), or CHCHCHC(R.sup.T15) (R.sup.T16), and R.sup.T12, R.sup.T13, R.sup.T14, R.sup.T15, and R.sup.T16 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group. Tm1, Tm2, Tn1, and Tn2 each independently represent an integer of 0 or greater and 2 or less.

[0296] Examples of the substituent of each group described above include a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms, and an alkoxy group having 1 or more and 5 or less carbon atoms. Further, examples of the substituent of each group described above include a substituted amino group substituted with an alkyl group having 1 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms.

[0297] Here, among the triarylamine derivative represented by Structural Formula (a-1) and the benzidine derivative represented by Structural Formula (a-2), for example, a triarylamine derivative having C.sub.6H.sub.4CHCHCHC(R.sup.T7) (R.sup.T8) and a benzidine derivative having CHCHCHC(R.sup.T15) (R.sup.T16) are particularly preferable from the viewpoint of the charge mobility.

[0298] As the polymer charge transport material, known materials having charge transport properties, such as poly-N-vinylcarbazole and polysilane, can be used. Particularly, for example, a polyester-based polymer charge transport material is particularly preferable. Further, the polymer charge transport material may be used alone or in combination of binder resins.

[0299] As the binder resin used in the charge transport layer, the charge transport layer may contain other resins in addition to the polyester resin P.sub.A and the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B described above within a range where the effects of the abrasion resistance and the property of suppressing abnormal discharge are not impaired.

[0300] Examples of other resins include a polycarbonate resin other than the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B, a polyester resin other than the polyester resin P.sub.A, a polyarylate resin, a methacrylic resin, an acrylic resin, a polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyvinylidene chloride resin, a polystyrene resin, a polyvinyl acetate resin, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic anhydride copolymer, a silicone resin, a silicone alkyd resin, a phenol-formaldehyde resin, a styrene-alkyd resin, poly-N-vinylcarbazole, and polysilane. Among these, for example, a polycarbonate resin or a polyarylate resin is preferable as the binder resin. Such other resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0301] Further, the blending ratio between the charge transport material and the binder resin is, for example, preferably in a range of 10:1 to 1:5 in terms of the mass ratio.

[0302] The charge transport layer may also contain other known additives.

[0303] The formation of the charge transport layer is not particularly limited, and a known forming method is used. For example, a coating film of a coating solution for forming a charge transport layer in which the above-described components are added to a solvent is formed, and the coating film is dried and, as necessary, heated.

[0304] Examples of the solvent for preparing the coating solution for forming a charge transport layer include typical organic solvents, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and chlorobenzene; ketones such as acetone and 2-butanone; halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, and ethylene chloride; and cyclic or linear ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and ethyl ether. These solvents are used alone or in the form of a mixture of two or more kinds thereof.

[0305] Examples of the coating method of coating the charge generation layer with the coating solution for forming a charge transport layer include typical methods such as a blade coating method, a wire bar coating method, a spray coating method, a dip coating method, a bead coating method, an air knife coating method, and a curtain coating method.

[0306] The film thickness of the charge transport layer is set to be, for example, preferably in a range of 5 m or greater and 50 m or less and more preferably in a range of 10 m or greater and 30 m or less.

Single Layer Type Photosensitive Layer

[0307] The single layer type photosensitive layer (charge generation layer/charge transport layer) is, for example, a layer containing a charge generation material, a charge transport material, a binder resin, and as necessary, other known additives. Further, these materials are the same as the materials described in the sections of the outermost layer, the charge generation layer, and the charge transport layer.

[0308] Further, the content of the charge generation material in the single layer type photosensitive layer may be, for example, 0.1% by mass or greater and 10% by mass or less and preferably 0.8% by mass or greater and 5% by mass or less with respect to the total solid content.

[0309] Further, the content of the charge transport material in the single layer type photosensitive layer may be, for example, 5% by mass or greater and 50% by mass or less with respect to the total solid content.

[0310] The method of forming the single layer type photosensitive layer is the same as the method of forming the charge generation layer or the charge transport layer.

[0311] The film thickness of the single layer type photosensitive layer may be, for example, 5 m or greater and 50 m or less and preferably 10 m or greater and 40 m or less.

Image Forming Apparatus (And Process Cartridge)

[0312] An image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a charging device that charges a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image, and a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium. Further, the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment is employed as the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and the charging device that comes into direct contact with the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and applies only a DC voltage to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor is employed as the charging device.

[0313] Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, an aspect in which the charging device includes a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and a DC voltage application unit that applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and the voltage applied to the charging member from the DC voltage application unit is 700 V or greater and 300 V or less (for example, more preferably 650 V or greater and 450 V or less) is preferable.

[0314] The abnormal discharge can be effectively suppressed even under such charging conditions.

[0315] As the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, known image forming apparatuses such as an apparatus including a fixing device that fixes a toner image transferred to the surface of a recording medium; a direct transfer type apparatus that transfers a toner image formed on the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor directly to a recording medium; an intermediate transfer type apparatus that primarily transfers a toner image formed on the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor to the surface of an intermediate transfer member and secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer member to the surface of a recording medium; an apparatus including a cleaning device that cleans the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor after the transfer of a toner image and before the charging; an apparatus including a charge erasing device that erases the charges on the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor by applying the charge erasing light after the transfer of a toner image and before the charging; and an apparatus including an electrophotographic photoreceptor heating member for increasing the temperature of an electrophotographic photoreceptor and decreasing the relative temperature are employed.

[0316] In a case of the intermediate transfer type apparatus, the transfer device is, for example, configured to include an intermediate transfer member having a surface onto which the toner image is transferred, a primary transfer device primarily transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and a secondary transfer device secondarily transferring the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer member to the surface of the recording medium.

[0317] The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment may be any of a dry development type image forming apparatus or a wet development type (development type using a liquid developer) image forming apparatus.

[0318] Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, the portion including the electrophotographic photoreceptor may have a cartridge structure (process cartridge) that is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus. As the process cartridge, for example, a process cartridge including the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present exemplary embodiment is preferably used. Further, the process cartridge may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a charging device, an electrostatic latent image forming device, a developing device, and a transfer device in addition to the electrophotographic photoreceptor.

[0319] Hereinafter, an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described, but the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Further, main parts shown in the figures will be described, but description of other parts will not be provided.

[0320] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0321] As shown in FIG. 3, an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a process cartridge 300 including an electrophotographic photoreceptor 7, an exposure device 9 (an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device), a transfer device 40 (primary transfer device), and an intermediate transfer member 50. Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, the exposure device 9 is disposed at a position that can be exposed to the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7 from an opening portion of the process cartridge 300, the transfer device 40 is disposed at a position that faces the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7 via the intermediate transfer member 50, and the intermediate transfer member 50 is disposed such that a part of the intermediate transfer member 50 is in contact with the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus also includes a secondary transfer device that transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer member 50 to a recording medium (for example, paper). Further, the intermediate transfer member 50, the transfer device 40 (primary transfer device), and the secondary transfer device (not shown) correspond to an example of the transfer device.

[0322] The process cartridge 300 in FIG. 3 integrally supports the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7, a charging device 8 (an example of the charging device), a developing device 11 (an example of the developing device), and a cleaning device 13 (an example of the cleaning device) in a housing. The cleaning device 13 has a cleaning blade (an example of the cleaning member) 131, and the cleaning blade 131 is disposed to come into contact with the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7. Further, the cleaning member may be a conductive or insulating fibrous member instead of the aspect of the cleaning blade 131, and may be used alone or in combination with the cleaning blade 131.

[0323] Further, FIG. 3 shows an example of an image forming apparatus including a fibrous member 132 (roll shape) that supplies a lubricant 14 to the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7 and a fibrous member 133 (flat brush shape) that assists cleaning, but these are disposed as necessary.

[0324] Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

Charging Device

[0325] It is preferable that the charging device 8 includes, for example, a charging member that is provided in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor and charges the surface of the photoreceptor, and a power source (an example of a voltage application unit) that applies a charging voltage to the charging member. As described above, it is preferable that the power source is, for example, a DC voltage application unit that applies only a DC voltage to the charging member. Further, the voltage to be applied to the charging member from the power source that is the DC voltage application unit is, for example, preferably 700 V or greater and 300 V or less (for example, more preferably 650 V or greater and 450 V or less).

[0326] Examples of the charging member of the charging device 8 include a contact type charger using a conductive charging roller, a charging brush, a charging film, a charging rubber blade, a charging tube, or the like.

Exposure Device

[0327] Examples of the exposure device 9 include an optical system device that exposes the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7 to light such as a semiconductor laser beam, LED light, and liquid crystal shutter light in a predetermined image pattern. The wavelength of the light source is within the spectral sensitivity region of the electrophotographic photoreceptor. As the wavelength of a semiconductor laser, near infrared, which has an oscillation wavelength in the vicinity of 780 nm, is mostly used. However, the wavelength is not limited thereto, and a laser having an oscillation wavelength of an approximately 600 nm level or a laser having an oscillation wavelength of 400 nm or greater and 450 nm or less as a blue laser may also be used.

[0328] Further, a surface emission type laser light source capable of outputting a multi-beam is also effective for forming a color image.

Developing Device

[0329] Examples of the developing device 11 include a typical developing device that performs development in contact or non-contact with the developer. The developing device 11 is not particularly limited as long as the developing device has the above-described functions, and is selected depending on the purpose thereof. Examples of the developing device include known developing machines having a function of attaching a one-component developer or a two-component developer to the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7 using a brush, a roller, or the like. Among these, for example, a developing device formed of a developing roller having a surface on which a developer is held is preferably used.

[0330] The developer used in the developing device 11 may be a one-component developer containing only a toner or a two-component developer containing a toner and a carrier. Further, the developer may be magnetic or non-magnetic. Known developers are employed as these developers.

Cleaning Device

[0331] As the cleaning device 13, a cleaning blade type device including the cleaning blade 131 is used.

[0332] In addition to the cleaning blade type device, a fur brush cleaning type device or a simultaneous development cleaning type device may be employed.

Transfer Device

[0333] Examples of the transfer device 40 include a known transfer charger such as a contact type transfer charger using a belt, a roller, a film, a rubber blade or the like, or a scorotron transfer charger or a corotron transfer charger using corona discharge.

Intermediate Transfer Member

[0334] As the intermediate transfer member 50, a belt-like intermediate transfer member (intermediate transfer belt) containing semi-conductive polyimide, polyamide-imide, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyester, rubber, or the like is used. Further, as the form of the intermediate transfer member, a drum-like intermediate transfer member may be used in addition to the belt-like intermediate transfer member.

[0335] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0336] An image forming apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 4 is a tandem type multicolor image forming apparatus on which four process cartridges 300 are mounted. The image forming apparatus 120 is formed such that four process cartridges 300 are arranged in parallel on the intermediate transfer member 50, and one electrophotographic photoreceptor is used for each color. Further, the image forming apparatus 120 has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 100 except that the image forming apparatus 120 is of a tandem type.

EXAMPLES

[0337] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail based on examples, but the exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to the examples. In the following description, parts and % are on a mass basis unless otherwise specified.

[0338] In the following description, the synthesis, the treatment, the production, and the like are carried out at room temperature (25 C.3 C.) unless otherwise specified.

Preparation of Polyester Resin

[0339] A polyester resin 1 (PE1) having 50% by mole of a dicarboxylic acid unit (A2-3) and 50% by mole of a diol unit (B1-3) is prepared. [0340] A polyester resin 2 (PE2) having 50% by mole of a dicarboxylic acid unit (A2-3) and 50% by mole of a diol unit (B1-4) is prepared. [0341] A polyester resin 3 (PE3) having 25% by mole of a dicarboxylic acid unit (A2-3), 25% by mole of a dicarboxylic acid unit (A4-3), and 50% by mole of a diol unit (B4-4) is prepared. [0342] A polyester resin 4 (PE4) having 50% by mole of a dicarboxylic acid unit (A3-1) and 50% by mole of a diol unit (B4-3) is prepared.

Preparation of Polycarbonate Resin

[0343] A polycarbonate resin 1 (PC1) having the following structure is prepared. A molar ratio min in PC1 is 25:75, and the weight-average molecular weight of the polycarbonate resin is 50,000.

##STR00034## [0344] A polycarbonate resin 2 (PC2) having the following structure is prepared. The weight-average molecular weight of PC2 is 50,000.

##STR00035## [0345] A polycarbonate resin 3 (PC3) having the following structure is prepared. A molar ratio min in PC3 is 15:85, and the weight-average molecular weight of PC3 is 40,000.

##STR00036##

[0346] The elastic deformation rate of the resin is determined by the method described above.

[0347] The results are listed in Table 1.

Production of Electrophotographic Photoreceptor Including Lamination Type Photosensitive Layer

Electrophotographic Photoreceptor (P1)

Formation of Undercoat Layer

[0348] A cylindrical aluminum tube having an outer diameter of 30 mm, a length of 250 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm is prepared as a conductive substrate.

[0349] 100 parts of zinc oxide (average particle diameter of 70 nm, specific surface area of 15 m.sup.2/g, manufactured by Tayca Corporation) is stirred and mixed with 500 parts of toluene, 1.3 parts of a silane coupling agent (trade name: KBM-603, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) is added thereto, and the mixture is stirred for 2 hours. Thereafter, toluene is distilled off under reduced pressure and baked at 120 C. for 3 hours to obtain zinc oxide subjected to a surface treatment with a silane coupling agent.

[0350] 110 parts of the surface-treated zinc oxide is stirred and mixed with 500 parts of tetrahydrofuran, a solution obtained by dissolving 0.6 parts of alizarin in 50 parts of tetrahydrofuran is added thereto, and the mixture is stirred at 50 C. for 5 hours. Thereafter, the solid content is separated by filtration by carrying out filtration under reduced pressure and dried at 60 C. under reduced pressure, thereby obtaining zinc oxide with alizarin.

[0351] 100 parts of a solution obtained by dissolving 60 parts of the zinc oxide with alizarin, 13.5 parts of a curing agent (blocked isocyanate, trade name: SUMIDUR 3175, manufactured by Sumika Covestro Urethane Company, Ltd.), and 15 parts of a butyral resin (trade name: S-LEC BM-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) in 68 parts of methyl ethyl ketone is mixed with 5 parts of methyl ethyl ketone, and the solution is dispersed in a sand mill for 2 hours using 1 mm glass beads, thereby obtaining a dispersion liquid. 0.005 parts of dioctyltin dilaurate as a catalyst and 4 parts of silicone resin particles (trade name: TOSPEARL 145, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.) are added to the dispersion liquid, thereby obtaining a coating solution for forming an undercoat layer. The outer peripheral surface of the conductive substrate is coated with the coating solution for forming an undercoat layer by a dip coating method, and dried and cured at 170 C. for 40 minutes to form an undercoat layer with an average thickness of 24 m.

Formation of Charge Generation Layer

[0352] A mixture of 15 parts of hydroxygallium phthalocyanine as a charge generation material (having diffraction peaks at positions where Bragg angles (20+) 0.2 in the X-ray diffraction spectrum using Cuka characteristic X-rays are at least of 7.5, 9.9, 12.5, 16.3, 18.6, 25.1, and) 28.3, 10 parts of a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (trade name: VMCH, Nippon Unicar Company Limited) as a binder resin, and 200 parts of n-butyl acetate is dispersed in a sand mill for 4 hours using glass beads having a diameter of 1 mm. 175 parts of n-butyl acetate and 180 parts of methyl ethyl ketone are added to the dispersion liquid, and the mixture is stirred, thereby obtaining a coating solution for forming a charge generation layer. The undercoat layer is dipped in and coated with the coating solution for forming a charge generation layer, and dried at room temperature (25 C.3 C.) to form a charge generation layer having an average thickness of 0.18 m.

Formation of Charge Transport Layer

[0353] 45 parts of a benzidine compound represented by Formula (CTM1) as a charge transport material, 49.5 parts of the resin 1 (polyester resin 1 (PE1)) as a binder resin, 5.5 parts of the resin 2 (polycarbonate resin 1 (PC1)) as a binder resin are dissolved in 350 parts of toluene and 150 parts of tetrahydrofuran and treated with a high-pressure homogenizer 5 times, thereby preparing a coating solution for a charge transport layer.

[0354] The charge generation layer is coated with the obtained coating solution by a dip coating method and heated at 130 C. for 45 minutes, thereby forming a charge transport layer having a film thickness of 31 m.

##STR00037##

Electrophotographic Photoreceptors (P2) to (P15) and (CP1) to (CP4)

[0355] Each electrophotographic photoreceptor is prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of the electrophotographic photoreceptor (P1) except that the kinds of the binder resins and the ratio (mass basis) between the amounts of the binder resins are changed as in Table 1 in the formation of the charge transport layer.

Preparation of Image Forming Apparatus

[0356] Each electrophotographic photoreceptor obtained as described above is attached to Apeos C2060 (manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corporation) to obtain an image forming apparatus of each example.

[0357] Further, in the charging device of the image forming apparatus of each example in the following evaluation, the voltage application unit applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and the voltage (also referred to as applied voltage) applied from the voltage application unit to the charging member is set to 600 V.

Evaluation of Abrasion Resistance

[0358] First, the film thickness of the photosensitive layer is measured, and the measured value is defined as L1.

[0359] The image forming apparatus of each example is used to continuously perform printing on 10,000 sheets using a random text chart with an image density of 5% in an environment of a temperature of 20 C. and a humidity of 40% RH, the photoreceptor is taken out, the film thickness of the photosensitive layer is measured again, and the measured value is defined as L2. Next, an absolute value of a difference L between L1 and L2 is calculated.

[0360] Further, the film thickness is measured using an eddy current film thickness meter. The evaluation standards are as follows. [0361] A: L is 2.0 m or less [0362] B: L is greater than 2.0 m and 5.0 m or less [0363] C: L is greater than 5.0 m

Evaluation of Abnormal Discharge

[0364] The image forming apparatus of each example is used to continuously perform printing on 5,000 sheets of A4 paper using a random text chart with an image density of 5% in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment of 28 C. and 85% RH. Thereafter, a 20% halftone image is output, the number of minute color lines on the image is counted, and abnormal discharge is evaluated according to the following standards. It can be said that the abnormal discharge decreases as the number of minute color lines on the image decreases. [0365] A: Abnormal discharge is not found [0366] B: The number of color lines is 1 or greater and 5 or less [0367] D: The number of color lines is 6 or greater

Evaluation of Cleaning Properties

[0368] 10,000 sheets of random charts with an image density of 1% are output using the image forming apparatus of each example, and one sheet of an A3-sized image with an image density of 100% is output. Immediately after the output of the A3-sized image, streaks due to the residues remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor in the modified machine are observed, the number of streaks is counted, and the cleaning properties are evaluated according to the following standards. [0369] A: Streaks are not found [0370] B: The number of streaks is 5 or less [0371] D: A plurality of (6 or more) streaks occur on the entire surface

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Physical properties Resin 1 Resin 2 Difference Photo- Elastic Elastic in elastic Ratio Evaluation receptor deformation deformation deformation between resins Abnormal Cleaning No. Type rate [%] Type rate [%] rate [%] [resin 1:resin 2] Abrasion discharge properties Example 1 (P1) PE1 58.0 PC1 48.0 10.0 9:1 A B B Example 2 (P2) PE1 58.0 PC1 48.0 10.0 7:3 A A A Example 3 (P3) PE1 58.0 PC1 48.0 10.0 5:5 A A A Example 4 (P4) PE1 58.0 PC1 48.0 10.0 3:7 B A A Example 5 (P5) PE1 58.0 PC1 48.0 10.0 1:9 B B B Example 6 (P6) PE2 53.8 PC1 48.0 5.8 9:1 A B B Example 7 (P7) PE2 53.8 PC1 48.0 5.8 7:3 B B B Example 8 (P8) PE2 53.8 PC1 48.0 5.8 5:5 B A A Example 9 (P9) PE2 53.8 PC1 48.0 5.8 3:7 B B B Example 10 (P10) PE2 53.8 PC1 48.0 5.8 1:9 B B B Example 11 (P11) PE3 59.4 PC1 48.0 11.4 9:1 A A B Example 12 (P12) PE3 59.4 PC1 48.0 11.4 7:3 A A A Example 13 (P13) PE3 59.4 PC1 48.0 11.4 5:5 A A A Example 14 (P14) PE3 59.4 PC1 48.0 11.4 3:7 B A A Example 15 (P15) PE3 59.4 PC1 48.0 11.4 1:9 B A B Comparative (CP1) PE1 58.0 PC2 44.0 14.0 7:3 A C C Example 1 Comparative (CP2) PE1 58.0 PC3 45.2 12.8 7:3 A C C Example 2 Comparative (CP3) PE4 48.5 PC1 48.0 0.5 7:3 C C C Example 3 Comparative (CP4) PE1 58.0 A C C Example 4

[0372] As listed in the table, it has been found that the electrophotographic photoreceptors of the examples are excellent in the abrasion resistance, the property of suppressing a local abnormal discharge phenomenon, and the cleaning properties as compared with the electrophotographic photoreceptors of the comparative examples.

[0373] The present exemplary embodiment includes the following aspects. [0374] (((1))) An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising: [0375] an outermost layer that contains a charge transport material and a binder resin, [0376] wherein the binder resin includes a polyester resin P.sub.A having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of 53.0% or greater and a polycarbonate resin P.sub.B having an elastic deformation rate X.sub.B that is less than the elastic deformation rate X.sub.A of the polyester resin P.sub.A by a range of 5% or greater and 12% or less. [0377] (((2))) The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to (((1))), [0378] wherein a content ratio (polyester resin P.sub.A:Polycarbonate resin P.sub.B) of the polyester resin P.sub.A to the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B is in a range of 7:3 to 3:7 in terms of a mass. [0379] (((3))) The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to (((2))), [0380] wherein the content ratio (polyester resin P.sub.A:Polycarbonate resin P.sub.B) of the polyester resin P.sub.A to the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B is in a range of 7:3 to 5:5 in terms of the mass. [0381] (((4))) The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), [0382] wherein the polyester resin P.sub.A includes a polyester resin having a dicarboxylic acid unit (A) represented by Formula (A) and a diol unit (B) represented by Formula (B). [0383] (((5))) The electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), [0384] wherein the polycarbonate resin P.sub.B includes a polycarbonate resin having a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCA) and a constitutional unit represented by Formula (PCB). [0385] (((6))) A process cartridge comprising: [0386] the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), [0387] wherein the process cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus. [0388] (((7))) An image forming apparatus comprising: [0389] the electrophotographic photoreceptor according to any one of (((1))) to [0390] a charging device that comes into direct contact with a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and applies only a DC voltage to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; [0391] an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; [0392] a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; and [0393] a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium. [0394] (((8))) The image forming apparatus according to (((7))), [0395] wherein the charging device includes a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and a DC voltage application unit that applies only the DC voltage to the charging member, and [0396] a voltage applied to the charging member from the DC voltage application unit is 700 V or greater and 300 V or less.

[0397] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.