JP2003205525A - Method for manufacturing toner seal material - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for manufacturing a toner seal material having good sealability and making the adhesion of a substrate material layer and a cushioning material strong to enhance durability. <P>SOLUTION: The seal material 16 has an ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 brought into slide contact with the peripheral surface of each of both ends of a roller member, and a foamed resin sheet 18 applied to the inside surface of a housing member. The intermediate formed article 30 of the seal material 16 is inserted into the gap between a female mold 31 having an inside surface recessed shape showing an arcuate shape and a male mold 32 having a projected shape to be formed into an aeruate shape, by embossing so that at least a part thereof conforms to the arcuate inside surface of the housing member 8. In the process before an embossing process, the foamed resin sheet 18 and the ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 are bonded at one end parts 28a and 29a and, in the embossing process, the ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is pressed to the foamed resin sheet 18 from one bonded ends by the male mold 32 to be bonded thereto while accustomed so as to form an arcuate shape. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner seal material for preventing toner leakage in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic recording apparatus which records by an electrophotographic method such as a printer, a copying machine and a facsimile. Manufacturing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional toner seal structure using this kind of toner seal material, there is known one as shown in FIGS.

With such a toner seal structure, an image forming chamber 2 is provided in a copying apparatus 1 as an image forming apparatus.

A photoconductor 3 and an image forming roller 5 for adhering toner 4 to the photoconductor 3 are provided in the image forming chamber 2. A thinning roller 6 is provided on the surface of the image forming roller 5 for thinning the toner layer thereon, and the flat plate scraper 7 is configured to scrape off the toner 4 attached to the thinning roller 6. ing.

In the copying machine 1, the inner surface 8a of the housing 8 as one member is fixed, and the image forming roller 5 and the thinning roller 6 as the other member are opposed to each other. A sealing material 9 is provided that is in pressure contact with the peripheral surfaces 5a and 6a at both ends.

As shown in FIG. 11, this sealing material 9 is
A foamed resin sheet 11 as an elastically deformable cushion member is attached to the back surface of a base material layer 10 made of a felt-like Teflon (registered trademark) material, and is mainly configured. On the back surface side of the foamed resin sheet 11, a release paper 13 which can be peeled off via an adhesive layer 12 which is applied in advance.
Is provided.

Of these, the thickness a of the base material layer 10 is a
= About 0.5 to 1.0 mm, the thickness b of the foamed resin sheet 11 is b = about 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and the thickness c of the adhesive layer 12 is c = about 50 μm. Therefore, the total thickness d is about 1.5 mm to about 3.0 mm.

Next, a method of manufacturing the conventional toner seal structure will be described with reference to the manufacturing process shown in FIG.

In the conventional toner seal structure constructed as described above, first, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the foamed resin sheet 1 is formed on the back surface side of the base material layer 10 which is expanded in a sheet shape.
1 is affixed, and release paper 13 is affixed with an adhesive layer 12 provided on the back surface side of the foamed resin sheet 11 interposed ((b) in FIG. 13).

In this state, the flat sheet-like sealing material 9 is used.
As shown in FIG. 13 (c), the sealing material 9 is attached to the inner side surface 8a of the housing 8 formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG. The sealing material 9 is interposed between the inner surface 8a of the housing 8 and both ends 5a, 5a of the image forming roller 5 to prevent the toner 4 from leaking.

As other toner seal structures and sealing materials of this type, there are JP-A-5-181354, JP-A-2001-59575, and JP-A-2001-208.
Those described in Japanese Patent No. 206, etc. are known.

[0012]

In such a conventional method for manufacturing a toner seal material, the seal material 9 is the base material layer 1.
0 When the foamed resin sheet 11 is attached to the back surface side, since it has a flat sheet shape, as shown in (c) of FIG.
When this sealing material 9 is attached to a, wrinkles having a plurality of irregularities are formed on the contact surface 10a as shown in FIG. 13 (d).

That is, in the flat sheet state, the outer surface 11a of the foamed resin sheet 11 which is the rear surface side of the sealing material 9 and the contact surface 10a of the base material layer 10 have the same length.

However, in the state of being attached to the inner side surface 8a, the length distance of the contact surface 10a of the base material layer 10 attached along the inner side surface 8a is the sealing material 9
The thickness c of the inner side surface 8a is shorter than the length of the outer side surface 11a by the radial distance from the center of the arc to the side of the inner side surface 8a that is smaller than the outer side surface 11a.

For this reason, when the outer surface 11a is attached so that its length is along the inner surface 8a, the contact surface 10a having the same length as the outer surface 11a is within a short dimensional distance. The portion that cannot be absorbed even by the contraction of the base material layer 10 due to being pushed in generates wrinkles formed by the unevenness.

For example, the length s required for the contact surface 10a to be contracted so that wrinkles do not occur when it is mounted
Represented in.

[0017]

S = 2Aπ (r + d1) −2Aπ (r) = 2Aπd1 where r is the radius of the image forming roller 5, A is the ratio of the arc of the inner surface 8a to the entire circumference, and d1 is the thickness a + b + c. , In the commonly used copying apparatus 1, r = 4
When cm, d1 = 0.3 cm and A = 0.5, the length of the inner side surface 8a = 12.56 cm and s = 0.942 cm.

Therefore, when the contact surface 10a of the base material layer 10 having a length distance of 12.56 cm in a flat sheet shape is attached to the inner surface 8a,
It must be shrunk to about 1 cm, and the part that cannot be completely absorbed due to the shrinkage becomes uneven and becomes wrinkled.

As shown in FIG. 12, such wrinkles on the inner side surface 8a come into contact with the peripheral surfaces of both end portions 5a of the image forming roller 5 at the convex portion to partially seal them. However, in the concave portion between the convex portions, the gaps 14 are formed between the both ends 5a and the peripheral surfaces, and the toner 4 may leak from the gaps 14.

Particularly, in the copying machine 1 etc. requiring maintenance work such as disassembling and assembling, in order to minimize toner leakage at the place where the copying machine 1 is installed, when the worker disassembles and assembles again. In order to fit the peripheral surfaces of both ends 5a of the image forming roller 5 in a well-adapted manner, the operator's fingertips must be pressed to prevent wrinkles.

Since the quality of this work depends on the degree of skill of the worker, there is a problem that variations occur.

When the foamed resin sheet 11 is attached to the back side of the base material layer 10, a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, film or adhesive may be used, and there is a risk of peeling off after long-term use. Yes, it is hard to say that the durability is good.

Therefore, an adhesive sheet made of a heat-fusible synthetic resin is placed under a constant heating and high temperature to melt,
It is known that the structure in which the base material layer 10 and the cushion member are bonded by cooling is excellent in durability.

However, as the cushion material,
When the foamed resin sheet 11 is used, this foamed resin sheet 1
Since No. 1 has a low melting point, if the temperature is raised until the base material layer 10 and this adhesive sheet are satisfactorily adhered, the foamed resin sheet 11 may be altered or melted.

Therefore, the present invention has a good sealing property,
Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a toner seal material that can improve durability by making the adhesion between the base material layer and the cushion material strong.

[0026]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is an interposition between a roller member and an arcuate inner surface of a housing member that houses the roller member. A base layer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene that is inserted and slidably contacts the peripheral surface of the roller member, and a cushion member that is affixed to the back side of the base layer and attached to the inner surface of the housing member. Toner sealant consisting of
By interposing between a concave inner side female die having an arcuate shape and a convex male die, at least a part of which has an arcuate shape along the arcuate inner side surface of the housing member. In a method of manufacturing a toner seal material that is formed by pressing, in a step before forming by stamping the shape of the toner seal material, an adhesive layer is interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer, The cushion member and the base material layer,
After adhering at one end, in the embossing step, the back surface side of the cushion member is attached along the inner side surface of the female mold, and the one end is adhered as a base point to the male mold, The present invention is characterized by a method of manufacturing a toner seal material, in which a material layer is pressed against the cushion member and adhered while being acclimated to form the arc.

According to the present invention having the above-mentioned structure, the cushion member and the base material layer adhered to each other at the one end of the base material layer are formed with the one end of the adhered material as a base point. It is pressed against the cushion member by the male mold so that the arc is formed, and is bonded while being acclimated.

For this reason, the base material layer is adhered to the cushion material while being stretched so as not to be wrinkled, so that no unevenness is generated on the inner surface which is slidably contacted with the peripheral surface of the roller member. , Bonded in an arc shape.

Therefore, the housing member can be mounted on the inner surface of the housing member as it is, in conformity with the arc shape of the inner surface. Therefore, it is possible to always maintain a certain sealing property without being influenced by the skill level of the operator for maintenance and inspection work.

Further, since the base material layer of the toner sealing material is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, it has good lubricity and wear resistance.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a toner sealing material having a good sealing property with respect to the peripheral surface of the roller member.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the cushion member and the base material layer are adhered to each other at the one end portion, and before the embossing step, the toner sealing material is attached to the housing member. The method for producing a toner seal material according to claim 1, wherein the toner seal material is cut into strips or strips having a predetermined width and length so as to have a size in a state of being inserted between the roller member and the roller member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention configured as above, the cushion member and the base material layer have predetermined widths and lengths so that the cushion member and the base material layer have a size in a used state before the embossing step. Since it is cut into a strip shape or a strip shape, it is easy to perform the cutting operation after the arc shape is formed in the embossing step.

Further, according to the third aspect, the adhesive layer is a heat-welding layer made of an adhesive sheet made of a heat-meltable synthetic resin, and the cushion member is made of a foamed resin sheet. Before the adhesive sheet is interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer, the adhesive sheet is heated and pressed at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the foamed resin sheet is altered or melted in the base material layer. In the case of integrally bonding and heat bonding with the adhesive sheet interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer, the foamed resin sheet is not altered and does not melt, and the temperature at which the adhesive sheet melts. The method for producing a toner sealing material according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that the toner sealing material is integrally bonded by means of.

According to the third aspect of the present invention configured as above, the adhesive sheet is integrally bonded to the base material layer by applying heat and pressure at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the foamed resin sheet deteriorates and melts. Since the step of performing is performed before interposing the adhesive sheet between the cushion member and the base material layer, there is no effect even if the cushion member is made of a foamed resin sheet, and at a high temperature, The adhesive sheet can be melted and firmly adhered to the back surface side of the base material layer.

Next, the adhesive sheet is interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer so that the foamed resin sheet will not be altered or melted and will be integrated at a temperature at which the adhesive sheet melts. Heat bonding.

Therefore, the base material layer and the cushion member are integrated by the adhesive sheet, and a durable toner seal material with less risk of peeling even after long-term use is provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the extrusion mold having a passage formed in a substantially conical shape is heated, and an adhesive sheet made of a heat-meltable synthetic resin is formed in the passage. The method of manufacturing a toner seal material is characterized in that the cushion member and the base material layer with the heat-welding layer interposed therebetween are inserted and adhered while being acclimated to form an arc shape.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention having such a structure, the cushion member and the base material layer having the heat-welding layer formed of an adhesive sheet made of a heat-melting synthetic resin interposed therein are inserted into the passage. Then, the adhesive sheet is melted and the cushion member and the base material layer are adhered to each other to form an arc shape.

Since the base material layer is pressed into the cushion member while being acclimated and is inserted through the passage, the base material layer is adhered to the inside surface without causing wrinkles even when positioned inside.

[0041]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same or equivalent members and parts as those of the conventional example will be described with the same reference numerals. 1 to 7 show a method for manufacturing a toner sealing material according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the structure of the sealing material 16 will be described.
In the sealing material 16 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an elastically deformable foamed resin sheet 18 as a cushion member is attached to the back surface side of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 as the base material layer. It is mainly composed.

On the back surface side of the foamed resin sheet 18, a release paper 13 which can be peeled off is provided with an adhesive layer 12 applied beforehand.

In the first embodiment, the heat-welding sheet 22 as an adhesive sheet forming the heat-welding layer is interposed between the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 and the foamed resin sheet 18, and heating is performed. When the heat-welded sheet 22 once melted by the above is solidified by cooling, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 and the foamed resin sheet 18 are formed.
It is configured such that the space between and is bonded.

Among them, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 has a dry lubricity of about 0.07 to 0.22, a water lubricity of about 0.05 to 0.10 and an abrasion index of 1 of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-). Mainly composed of PE) material.

The thickness a of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is a = about 0.5 to 1.0 mm. The thickness b of the foamed resin sheet 18 is b = about 1.0 to 2.0 m.
m. Furthermore, the thickness c of the adhesive layer 12 is c = about 50 μm, and the thickness e of the heat-welding sheet 22 is
Is e = about 0.1-0.5 mm.

The total thickness d2 of the sealing material 16 is
Is d2 = about 1.5 to 3.5 mm.

Next, the copying apparatus 1 as an image forming apparatus
The configuration of 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In the copying apparatus 19 according to the first embodiment, the image forming chamber 2 is provided in the housing 8 as a housing. Inside the image forming chamber 2, a photoconductor 3 and an image forming roller 5 for adhering the toner 4 to the photoconductor 3 are provided.

Both ends of the image forming roller 5 are rotatably supported by bearing members 20, 20.

Further, the thinning roller 6 for thinning the toner layer on the surface of the image forming roller 5 and mounting it on the housing 8 is rotatable at its both ends by the bearing members 21 and 21. The toner 4 adhered to the thinning roller 6 is supported by a plate-shaped scraper 7 that is supported by a shaft.
Is configured to be scraped off.

In the copying apparatus 19, the foamed resin sheet 18 of the sealing material 16 is formed on the arc-shaped inner side surface 8a of the housing 8 as one member with the release paper 13 peeled off. It is attached via the adhesive layer 12, and one end 16a is fastened together with the upper end 7a of the scraper 7 by screws 33, 33.

Therefore, the sealing material 16 is inserted between the housing 8 and the image forming roller 5 and the layer-thinning roller 6 which are the other members, and the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is formed. The inner peripheral surface 17a is in sliding contact with both end peripheral surfaces 5a, 5a of the image forming roller 5 and both end peripheral surfaces 6a, 6a of the thinning roller 6.

Next, the process of forming the seal material 16 shown in FIG. 1 by the method of manufacturing the toner seal material of the first embodiment will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 1A, the sealing material 16 of the first embodiment is made of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene forming the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 wound on the winding roller 23. The sheet 24 is fed between the thermocompression-bonding rollers 25, 25 placed under a predetermined temperature atmosphere, and is heated and pressed by being inserted together with the heat-welding sheet 22 fed from the winding roller 26 separately. Heat welded.

The heating temperature at which the heat welding is carried out at this time is set to a temperature higher than the temperature at which the foamed resin sheet 11 is altered and melted. Regardless of the foamed resin sheet 11, the heat-welded sheet 22 heated and pressed at the high temperature is sufficiently melted and integrated with the back surface side of the base material layer when solidified by cooling. Is firmly adhered to.

The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene sheet 24 and the heat-welded sheet 22 delivered from between the heating and pressure-bonding rollers 25, 25 are cut into a predetermined size by a cutter 27, and are attached to the back side of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17. It becomes the intermediate product 28 to which the heat-welding sheet 22 is attached.

On the other hand, the length L2 of the intermediate product 29 in which the release paper 13 is attached to the back side of the foamed resin sheet 18 is
It is cut so as to be slightly longer than the length L1 of the intermediate product 28.

[0058]

[Mathematical formula-see original document] Here, s = L2-L1 Here, by making the difference between the length s required to be contracted in the above-mentioned numerical formula 1 and the lengths of these intermediate products 28 and 29 to be the same as the above-mentioned numerical formula 2, The positions of both ends when the sealing material 16 is formed in an arc shape can be made to coincide with each other. For example, when the one ends 28a and 29a are bonded to each other, the ends of the one end 16a are aligned so that they are flush with each other. If
The edge of the other end 16b can be made substantially flush.

Next, in FIG. 1B, these intermediate products 28 and 29 are bonded at one end portions 28a and 29a.

The melting temperature at this time is such that the foamed resin sheet 18 is not altered or melted and the heat-welding sheet 22 is used.
The second intermediate product 30 is formed by being heated to a melting temperature and being bonded so as to be integrated.

In the first embodiment, at the stage of the second intermediate product 30, the sealing material 16 formed is inserted between the housing member 8 and the image forming roller 5 and the like. It is cut into a band having a predetermined width and length so as to have a size.

In the embossing step shown in FIG. 1 (c), the concave inner surface 31 of the inner surface 31a is formed so that the bottom portion 31a has a substantially arc shape, and the shape of the bottom portion 31a is adjusted. The second intermediate product 30 holds the release paper 13 and the bottom 31 of the female mold 31 between the tip 32a and a male mold 32 having a convex shape formed to have a substantially semicircular cross section.
On the a side, the inner peripheral surface 1 of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is provided.
The surface corresponding to 7a is inserted so as to face the male die 32 side.

From this state, as shown in FIG. 1 (d), the tip 32a of the male die 32 is inserted into the concave shape of the female die 31, and the inside including the bottom portion 31a. The second intermediate product 30 along the side surface 31b.
, Are embossed in an arc shape.

At this time, these female mold 31 and male mold 3
In No. 2, the foamed resin sheet 18 is not altered or melted, and is heated to a temperature at which the heat-welding sheet 22 is melted, and the one end portions 28a and 29a are set as base points,
The tip 32a of the male die 32 is heat-bonded while pressing the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 against the foamed resin sheet 18 so that the circular arc is formed.

In this way, the bonded one ends 28a, 2a
Since the male mold 32 presses the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 against the foamed resin sheet 18 using 9a as a base point and heat-bonds them while acclimatizing to form the arc, wrinkles do not occur. The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is stretched into the foamed resin sheet 1
8 is adhered via the heat-welding sheet 22 melted.

Next, the male mold 32 is pulled out, and the female mold 3 is removed.
In the first embodiment, the second intermediate product 3 is formed in a substantially J-shape in a side view so that a part of the inside thereof has an arc shape.
0 is cooled.

When the heat-welding sheet 22 is solidified by this cooling, the sealing material 16 is obtained in which not only the one ends 28a, 29a but also the other ends 28b, 29b formed in an arc shape have the end faces aligned.

This sealing material 16 is used for the copying device 19
1 does not generate irregularities on the inner side surface 17a that is slidably contacted with the end peripheral surfaces 5a of the image forming roller 5 and the like.
As shown in the middle (e), they are adhered so as to have an arc shape.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the sealing material 16 is used in the copying device 19, the inner surface 8a of the housing member 8 conforms to the arc shape of the inner surface 8a.
Can be attached to a as it is. Therefore, the inner side surface 17a is brought into sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface 17a of the image forming roller 5 and the like, without being affected by the skill level of the operator for maintenance and inspection, and without generating a gap between the end peripheral surfaces 5a, 5a. , It is possible to always maintain a certain sealing property.

Since the base material layer of the sealing material 16 is composed of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17, the lubricity and wear resistance are excellent.

Thus, the sealing property is good, and
In addition to being excellent in lubricity and wear resistance, in the first embodiment, with respect to the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17,
The step of heating and pressurizing the heat-welding sheet 22 at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the foamed resin sheet 18 deteriorates and melts to bond them together is the foamed resin sheet 18 and the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17. Since it is performed in the step of (a) in FIG. 1 before the heat-welding sheet 22 is interposed between them, even if the cushion material is constituted by the foamed resin sheet 18 which is easily deteriorated and melted by a high temperature, there is an influence. It is possible to melt the heat-welding sheet 22 at a high temperature and firmly adhere to the back surface side of the base material layer integrally.

After the step of welding at this high temperature and once cooling, in the embossing step shown in FIG. 1 (c), the foamed resin sheet 18 is not altered or melted, and the heat-welded sheet 22 is The foamed resin sheet 18 and the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 1 so as to be integrated at a melting temperature.
The heat-sealing sheet 22 is interposed between the heat-sealing sheet 7 and the heat-sealing sheet 7 and heat-bonded.

Therefore, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 and the foamed resin sheet 18 are integrated by the heat-welding sheet 22, and a toner seal material having good durability and less likely to peel off even after long-term use is obtained. Provided.

Further, in the first embodiment, the sealing material 16 formed at the stage of the second intermediate product 30 shown in FIG. 1B is the housing member 8 and the image forming roller 5 and the like. It is cut into a strip shape or a strip shape having a predetermined width and length so as to have a size of a state of being inserted between and.

Therefore, in the embossing step such as that shown in FIG. 1C, it is easy to separate the sealing members 16 and 16 after they are formed into an arc shape. When the one ends 28a and 29a are adhered to each other, the edges of the one end 16a are aligned so that they are flush with each other.
As shown in FIG. 4, the edges of the other end 16b are substantially flush with each other.

Therefore, the post-processing steps such as the trimming of the periphery can be simplified, and moreover, the trimming or the like does not cause a scrap. Therefore, it is possible to provide a low-cost toner seal material by reducing waste materials due to unused portions and giving consideration to the environment, improving the utilization rate of raw materials, and suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0077]

Example 1 Sealing material 1 of Example 1 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
In 16, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 117 as the base material layer is pile-woven. In the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 117 of this Example 1, a polyamide-based nylon thread as another thread-shaped material has a thickness of about 6 denier and a length of about 6 m.
About 9:
It is mixed at a ratio of 1 and woven so that the density is about 20,000 pieces per square centimeter.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, in the sealing material 116 of Example 1 of the present invention, a raised portion composed of a plurality of raised portions is provided on the inner peripheral surface 117a which is the contact surface of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 117. 117b is formed. The raised portion 117b may be formed by a flocking method such as electrostatic flocking or mechanical flocking, or may be configured by pile weaving.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, with one end 28a of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 117 adhered to one end 29a of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene sheet 24,
Each sealing material 11 is left with the one end portions 28a and 29a left.
A space between 6 and 116 is cut into a strip shape so as to have a predetermined width and length.

Next, the function and effect of the first embodiment will be described.

In the structure of Example 1 thus constructed, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 117 is further formed into a thread-like ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thread, It is configured by weaving thread-like nylon threads in a ratio of about 9: 1.

Therefore, the shape adaptability to the peripheral surfaces 5a and 6a of both ends which are slidably contacted with the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 117 is improved, and the sealing property can be improved.

In addition, in the sealing material 116, wrinkles due to unevenness are less likely to occur on the contact surface 117a on which the raised portion 117b is formed, and the raised portion 117b prevents
Further, the small gap 14 is also closed and the sealing property is good.

Since the seal members 116, 116 are cut in a strip shape except for the one ends 28a, 29a, in the state of FIG. 6, (c) and (d) in FIG.
By performing the embossing step, a plurality of sealing materials 116 ... Can be formed in an arc shape at once.

Also, after forming into an arc shape, the one end portion 1
By cutting only between 16a and 116a, the sealing material 116 can be individually cut off, so that an increase in subsequent steps can be suppressed.

Other configurations, functions, and effects are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0087]

Second Embodiment FIGS. 6 to 8 show a method for manufacturing a toner seal material according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The same or equivalent members and parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

First, the configuration will be described. In the second embodiment, the female die 31 and the male die 32 used in the embossing step shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D of the first embodiment are used. Instead, the extrusion mold 34 shown in FIG. 8 is used.

The extrusion molding die 34 penetrates through the inside of the casing main body 35 capable of raising the temperature to a desired temperature required for melting the heat-welded sheet 22, and has a substantially conical outer peripheral surface regulating female member. A mold passage 36 is formed.

The outer peripheral surface restricting female passage 36 has a substantially conical shape in which the diameter of the upstream opening 36a is larger than that of the downstream opening 36b, and the diameter of the downstream opening 36b is smaller than that of the downstream opening 36b. The size of the arc shape is set to be substantially the same as the inner surface 8a of the housing 8 of the copying apparatus 19.

In the outer peripheral surface restricting female passage 36, there is provided a substantially conical inner peripheral surface restricting cone member 38 via a connecting strip 37 extending in the penetrating direction. Between the inner peripheral surface 36c of the outer peripheral surface restricting female passage 36 and the outer peripheral surface 38a of the inner peripheral surface restricting cone member 38,
A passage 39 is formed through which the second intermediate product 30 is inserted.

The width of the passage 39 is the same as that of the sealing material 116.
It is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the thickness of.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

In the second embodiment, the second intermediate product 30 is placed in the passage 39 of the heated extrusion mold 34.
Is inserted from the upstream side opening 36a and pulled out from the downstream side opening 36b.

At this time, in the passage 39, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface 36c and the outer peripheral surface 38a, and the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is interposed between the heat-welding sheet 22 and the foamed resin. The sheet 18 is crimped.

Inside the passage 39, the second intermediate product 30
However, as it progresses toward the downstream side opening 36b, the diameter of the conical shape gradually decreases, so that the one end 28a, 29a that has been adhered is used as a base point to bond the arc while forming the arc. To be done.

In the state where the second intermediate product 30 is delivered from the downstream side opening 36b, the heat-welding sheet 22 is melted, but is gradually cooled and solidified to obtain a desired one. The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 is adhered to the foamed resin sheet 18 in an arc shape.

Therefore, the sealing material 116 is continuously formed.

After the bonding, the sealing materials 116 ... Are cut into strips having a predetermined width and length so as to have a size in a state of being inserted between the housing member 8 and the image forming roller 5. .

Other structures, functions, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Although the first and second embodiments and the first embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the first and second embodiments and the first embodiment, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Even if the design is changed without departing from the scope of the invention, it is included in the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment, the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 was used as the base material layer for explanation, but this ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 was used.
The shape may be any shape such as a felt shape, a pile woven shape, or a non-woven shape.

In the first embodiment, the structure in which the foamed resin sheet 18 serving as a cushion member is attached to the back surface side of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17 and the like has been described, but this is particularly described. Without being limited to this, for example, with or instead of the foamed resin sheet 18, for example, PE
Thermoplastic resins such as T, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, methacrylic resin, petroleum resin, polyamide, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, polyacetal, fluororesin, phenol resin, urea resin, unsaturated polyester It may be a thermosetting resin such as resin, polyurethane, alkyd resin, melanin resin, epoxy resin, silicon resin, etc., and the base material with respect to the peripheral surface of the roller member such as paper, cloth, non-woven fabric, felt, etc. Any material may be used as long as it has elasticity enough to bring the layers into pressure contact.

Further, in the first embodiment, the polyamide-based nylon thread 33 as another thread-shaped material is mixed and woven into the thread-shaped ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thread 32 at a ratio of about 9: 1. However, not limited to this,
For example, by mixing another flexible component such as nylon into the thread-shaped ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thread 32, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene thread 32 is configured to contain the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene as a component, and the lubricity is improved. In addition to being good, it is possible to adjust the flexibility, sealing property, thickness, etc. by including a soft component as another component, and the mixing ratio, the type of other components to be mixed, and the thread shape. Alternatively, the density and the like are not particularly limited, and the nylon yarn 33 may be mixed and woven into the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene yarn 32 containing the soft component at a constant ratio.

In the first embodiment, the sealing material 16 formed at the stage of the second intermediate product 30 shown in FIG. 1B is the housing member 8 and the image forming roller 5 and the like. It is cut into strips or strips of a predetermined width and length so as to have the size of the state of use inserted between and, but it is not particularly limited to this, and for example, the size of the state of use in advance may be used. Alternatively, the intermediate products 28 and 29 may be cut into strips or strips having a predetermined width and length, and the ends 28a and 29b may be bonded.

Further, in the first embodiment, the adhesive layer is formed by using the heat-welding sheet 22, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an adhesive material is used as the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer 17
Alternatively, even when applied and adhered to at least one of the foamed resin sheets 18, the cushion member and the base material layer are interposed at one end by being interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer. Any material may be used as long as it is a step of embossing after the bonding.

Further, in the first embodiment, the shape of the sealing material 16 formed is a substantially J-shape in a side view as shown in FIG. 4, but the shape is not particularly limited to this and, for example, a circle is formed over substantially the entire area. Side view is generally C-shaped, U-shaped, Ω-shaped, etc.
Obviously, b is acceptable if the arcuate shape is formed in at least a part thereof.

[0109]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cushion member and the base material layer which are adhered to each other at one end portion of the arc are the one end portion to which the cushion member is adhered. The base layer is pressed against the cushion member by the male mold using as a base point, and is heat-bonded while being acclimated to form the arc.

Therefore, the base material layer is adhered to the cushion material while being stretched so as not to be wrinkled, so that no irregularity is generated on the inner side surface which is slidably contacted with the peripheral surface of the roller member. , Bonded in an arc shape.

Therefore, the inner surface of the housing member can be fitted to the inner surface as it is in conformity with the circular arc shape. For this reason, it is possible to always maintain a certain sealing property without being influenced by the skill level of the operator for maintenance and inspection work.

Further, since the base material layer of this toner sealing material is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, it has good lubricity and wear resistance.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a toner sealing material having a good sealing property with respect to the peripheral surface of the roller member.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cushion member and the base material layer are formed before the embossing step.
Since it is cut into a strip shape or a strip shape having a predetermined width and length so as to have a size in a used state, the cutting work after the arc shape is formed in the embossing step is easy.

Further, according to the third aspect, the step of adhering the adhesive sheet to the base material layer integrally by heating and pressing at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the foamed resin sheet is denatured and melted Is performed before the adhesive sheet is interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer,
Even if the cushion member is made of a foamed resin sheet, there is no influence, and the adhesive sheet can be melted at a high temperature and firmly bonded to the back surface side of the base material layer.

Next, the adhesive sheet is interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer so that the foamed resin sheet is not altered or melted, and is integrated at a temperature at which the adhesive sheet melts. Heat bonding.

Therefore, the base material layer and the cushion member are integrated by the adhesive sheet, and a durable toner sealing material with less risk of peeling even after long-term use is provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the cushion member and the base material layer in which the heat-welding layer made of the adhesive sheet made of the heat-melting synthetic resin is interposed are inserted into the passage, the bonding is achieved. The sheet is melted and the cushion member and the base material layer are adhered to each other to form an arc shape.

Since the base material layer is pressed by the cushion member while being acclimated and is inserted through the passage, even if it is located on the inner side, it does not cause wrinkles on the inner side surface.
It has the practically beneficial effect of being bonded.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a toner sealing material according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a manufacturing process of an entire toner sealing material according to a process order.

FIG. 2 is an overall cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates the configuration of a copying apparatus that uses a toner seal material formed by the method for manufacturing a toner seal material according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line AA in FIG. 2 of the copying apparatus to which the toner sealing material according to the first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a toner seal material formed by the method for manufacturing a toner seal material according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of a toner seal material formed by the method for manufacturing a toner seal material according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the configuration of a sheet as a strip-shaped second intermediate product in the sealing material of Example 1 of Embodiment 1;

7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the sheet at the position along the line CC in FIG. 6 in the sealing material of Example 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG.

FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view schematically explaining a method of manufacturing a toner seal material according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an overall cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates the configuration of a copying apparatus that uses a toner seal material in a conventional toner seal structure.

FIG. 10 is a toner seal structure of a conventional example, which is DD in FIG.
It is sectional drawing in the position which followed the line.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining the configuration of a conventional toner sealing material.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining a gap formed by wrinkles caused by unevenness in the conventional sealing material.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a conventional toner seal material manufacturing method.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 Toner 5 Image forming roller (roller member) 8 Housing 8a Inner side surface 16,116 Sealing material 17,117 Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer (base material layer) 17a Inner peripheral surface 18 Foamed resin sheet (cushion member) 22 Thermal welding sheet ( Adhesive sheet) 31 Female mold 32 Male mold 34 Extrusion mold 39 Passages 16a, 116a, 28a, 29a One end

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A base material layer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which is interposed between a roller member and an arcuate inner surface of a housing member that houses the roller member and is in sliding contact with the peripheral surface of the roller member. And a cushioning member attached to the back surface side of the base material layer and attached to the inner surface of the housing member. A method for manufacturing a toner seal material, wherein at least a part of the toner seal material is embossed in an arc shape so as to be along an arc-shaped inner surface of the housing member by being inserted between the toner mold and In the step before forming the shape of the sealing material by embossing, an adhesive layer is interposed between the cushion member and the base material layer to bond the cushion member and the base material layer at one end. After that, in the embossing process, The back side of the support member along the inner surface of the female mold, and the male mold with the bonded one end as a base point.
A method for manufacturing a toner seal material, comprising: pressing the base material layer against the cushion member to bond the base material layer while acclimatizing to form the arc. 2. The use in which the toner sealing material is interposed between the housing member and the roller member after the cushion member and the base material layer are adhered at the one end and before the embossing step. The method for producing a toner seal material according to claim 1, wherein the toner seal material is cut into strips or strips having a predetermined width and length so as to have a size of a state. 3. The adhesive layer is a heat-welding layer made of an adhesive sheet made of a heat-meltable synthetic resin, and the cushion member is made of a foamed resin sheet, and the cushion member and the base material layer are formed. Before the adhesive sheet is interposed between the adhesive sheet and the cushion member, the adhesive sheet is bonded to the base material layer by heating and pressurizing the foamed resin sheet at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the foamed resin sheet deteriorates and melts. In the case of adhering with the adhesive sheet interposed between the base material layer,
3. The method for producing a toner sealing material according to claim 1, wherein the foamed resin sheet is not altered or melted and is integrally bonded at a temperature at which the adhesive sheet melts. 4. A cushion member in which an extrusion mold having a passage formed in a substantially conical shape is heated and a heat-welding layer made of an adhesive sheet made of a heat-melting synthetic resin is interposed in the passage. And a method for producing a toner seal material, which comprises inserting the base material layer and adhering the base material layer while acclimatizing so as to form an arc shape.