Image forming method, image forming apparatus, and processing cartridge

#The present invention relates to an image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a processing cartridge which are employed in copiers, laser beam printers, and facsimile machines, and to an electrophotographic photoreceptor (hereinafter occasionally referred simply as a photoreceptor).

#When a cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor (hereinafter occasionally referred to as a photoreceptor drum) is produced, a coating layer is generally formed by immersing a conductive cylindrical substrate into into a photosensitive layer composition or coating compositions for an interlayer and a surface protective layer.

#In such a case, since the conductive cylindrical substrate is immersed into a coating composition, a coating layer is formed on the entire surface of the conductive cylindrical body. When a photoreceptor drum, which is subjected to formation of the coating layer on the entire surface, is mounted on an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, occasionally, it becomes impossible to accurately carry out hitting due to peeling of the coating layer through contact with rollers which hits development units. Further, occasionally, it becomes impossible to use the photoreceptor drum as a contact point for grounding. As a result, it is preferable to remove the coating layer adhered on both edges of the photoreceptor drum.

#FIG. 1 is a view showing an electrophotographic photoreceptor drum and a view describing the specified values employed in the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the edge of a photosensitive layer.

#FIG. 3 is a microscopic cross-sectional view showing a structure of the portion in which a photosensitive layer is peeled off by rubbing.

#Requisites and terms in the present invention will now be described. First, the coating layer, as described herein, refers all layers coated onto a cylindrical conductive substrate, as required, such as a photosensitive layer comprising a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer as a function separation type photoreceptor, an interlayer, and a surface protective layer.

#An electrophotographic photoreceptor will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c).

#The photoreceptor drum employed in the present invention is shaped as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1(a). A photosensitive layer and if desired, coating layers such as an interlayer and a surface protective layer are provided on the surface of drum shaped conductive substrate 1. It is necessary that both edges of the layer on the photoreceptor drum are completely peeled off and the edge shape is also critical.