To obtain a lubrication property imparting member capable of efficiently decreasing the coefficient of the friction of a photoreceptor by forming a face, which is abutted on the surface of the photoreceptor, of a flexible lubricating material and allowing it to have a length at least equal to that of an image forming part in the lengthwise direction of the photoreceptor.
By being abutted on the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor, the lubrication property imparting member imparts lubrication property thereto, and at least a face that is abutted on the surface of the photoreceptor is formed of a flexible lubrication material, and it is allowed to have a length at least equal to that of an image forming part in the lengthwise direction of the photoreceptor. For example, the flexible lubricating material 201b imparts lubrication with a lengthwise portion X of its bottom 201b-1 abutted on the photoreceptor in the lengthwise direction of the photoreceptor. As the flexible lubricating material for use thereon, a material which itself is a lubricant is preferable, and fluorocarbon resin, in particular, is preferable. Also, it is preferable to use, as the flexible lubricating material, one in the form of a film or sheet because, for instance, contact with the photoreceptor is satisfactory and it is not scratched easily.
KOJIMA SHIGETO
SAKON HIROTA
TAKECHI RYUTA
NAKAJIMA AKIYO
Next Patent: IMAGE CARRIER DRIVING DEVICE