JP2003241465A - Electrophotographic member - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophotographic member realizing low hardness without decreasing the compressive permanent strain characteristics. <P>SOLUTION: The functional member of the electrophotographic member is made of an organic gel prepared by swelling at least one kind of polymer selected from the following with a plasticizer. The polymer is selected from a group comprising polyisoprene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyether, polyester, ethylene alkylene copolymer, acryl copolymer, isoprene- butadiene copolymer and polyether copolymer containing polyethylene glycol. <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 developing section, a charging section,
Rolls used in the transfer unit, charge eliminating unit, paper feeding unit, cleaning unit,
The present invention relates to electrophotographic members such as blades and belts.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in electrophotographic devices such as copying machines, printers, and facsimiles, the melting point of toner used in the electrophotographic devices tends to be lowered in order to achieve higher speed and higher image quality. Such a low-melting toner is vulnerable to stress, and therefore, an electrophotographic member (for example, a conductive roll such as a developing roll or a charging roll) of a type that comes into contact with the toner has at least an Asker C hardness of about 30 °. Flexibility is required.

As such a low hardness electrophotographic member, for example, a conductive roll having a base rubber layer formed on the outer periphery of a shaft and an intermediate layer or a surface layer formed on the outer periphery thereof, As a material for forming the base rubber layer, the present applicant has already proposed a material having a low hardness by using a polyolefin-based liquid polymer as a base material (JP-A-7-329214).

[0004]

However, when further lowering of hardness is required, the above liquid polymer is
It is necessary to reduce the cross-linking points (increase the molecular weight between cross-linking points), and if so, there is a possibility that the compression set is deteriorated or the moldability is deteriorated due to the high molecular weight. On the contrary, in order to maintain a good compression set, it is necessary to increase the number of crosslinking points, so that there is a limit to lowering the hardness. Further, in the liquid polymer as described above, since it is necessary to strictly control the reaction points, it is difficult to reduce the cost in the manufacturing process.

On the other hand, there has been proposed a technique capable of achieving the above-mentioned low hardness by forming a hollow body in which a gas or a liquid is enclosed as an elastic layer of a roll (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 20-200200).
01-212226). However, the encapsulation of gas or liquid is difficult to determine the shape and is not suitable for a member that requires high accuracy. On the other hand, there has been proposed a technique capable of achieving the above-mentioned low hardness by using a silicone gel as a roll layer forming material (Japanese Patent No. 3153454). However, since the material cost of the silicone gel is high, cost reduction is achieved. Unable to meet the demand,
Moreover, since the silicone gel has adhesiveness, it has a drawback that it is easily restricted by the manufacturing method.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electrophotographic member having a low hardness without impairing compression set characteristics.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, in the electrophotographic member of the present invention, the functional member is a polyisoprene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyether, polyester, ethylene alkylene copolymer. , An acrylic copolymer, an isoprene-butadiene copolymer, a polyethylene copolymer containing a polyether copolymer containing at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of an organic gel formed by swelling a plasticizer. Take composition.

That is, the inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive studies to solve the above problems. As a result, when an organic gel obtained by swelling the above-mentioned specific polymer with a plasticizer is used as a material for forming a functional member (portion where flexibility should be exhibited) in the electrophotographic member, the compression set characteristics are not impaired. The present invention has been achieved by finding that the hardness can be reduced to a desired level.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

In the electrophotographic member of the present invention, the functional member is formed of an organic gel obtained by swelling a specific polymer in a plasticizer. Above "Functional member"
As described above, the term refers to a portion of the electrophotographic member that should exhibit flexibility, and is usually used for electrophotography such as a base rubber layer of a developing roll or a charging roll. By using it at a predetermined position of the member, the hardness of the electrophotographic member itself can be reduced. However, the hardness of the electrophotographic member may be reduced by forming the entire member for electrophotography from only the functional member.

As an example of the electrophotographic member of the present invention, a developing roll will be described with reference to FIG. In this developing roll, the organic gel layer 2 is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 1,
A surface layer 4 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a base roll formed with a cover layer 3 so as to cover the entire surface of the organic gel layer 2. In the developing roll, the organic gel layer 2 is a functional member.

The shaft 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, and a cored bar made of a solid metal body or a metal cylindrical body hollowed out inside is used. To be Examples of the material of the shaft body 1 include aluminum and stainless steel. In addition, an adhesive, a primer or the like can be applied on the shaft body 1 if necessary. In addition, the adhesive, the primer, and the like may be made conductive if necessary.

As a material for forming the organic gel layer 2 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 1, as described above, polyisoprene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyether, polyester, ethylene alkylene copolymer, acrylic is used. Copolymer, isoprene-butadiene copolymer, polyether copolymer containing polyethylene glycol [eg, polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol-allyl glycidyl ether (P
Specific polymers such as EG-PPG-AGE) copolymer] are used alone or in combination of two or more. The organic gel is a swollen body having a crosslinked structure, and is composed of two components, a polymer network using the specific polymer and a plasticizer, and the polymer network is plastic. It is in a state in which the agent is wrapped. The polymer network is obtained by crosslinking the specific polymer to form a network structure. It is preferable that the polymer network of the organic gel is based on a hydrosilyl reaction because the reaction rate is fast and the curing time is extremely short (about 2 to 3 minutes). The above hydrosilylation reaction is, for example, SiH capable of addition reaction with an alkenyl group.
A hydrosilyl cross-linking agent having a group is used, and a hydrosilyl cross-linking agent having a substituent such as a phenyl group which has good compatibility with a resin is preferable from the viewpoint of reactivity, strength and compression set. In addition, it is preferable that the polymer network is composed of a polymer having a vinyl group, because a hydrosilyl reaction with a crosslinking agent can be utilized and crosslinking can be performed for an extremely short time.

The plasticizer is not particularly limited, and an organic substance capable of swelling the polymer used in the organic gel and having fluidity is used. For example, toluene, xylene, MEK, MIBK,
Organic solvents such as alcohol, acetate, cyclohexanone, petroleum softeners such as naphthene-based process oil, paraffin-based process oil and aroma-based process oil, phthalic acid derivatives such as dioctyl phthalate having a boiling point of 200 ° C or higher, adipic acid derivatives , Sebacic acid derivative,
Polymeric plasticizers such as phosphoric acid derivatives, epoxy oils and fats, epoxidized soybean oil and chlorinated paraffin, and vegetable oils such as castor oil, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and soybean oil can be given. In addition, these are used individually or in combination of 2 or more types.

The solution for forming the organic gel layer 2 is
For example, it can be prepared as follows. That is, first, a specific polymer such as polyisoprene as described above is prepared, then this is swollen (or dissolved) in the above-mentioned plasticizer, and stirring is carried out while heating or pressurizing as necessary. It is obtained by

The material for forming the organic gel layer 2 contains an electrolyte or a conductive agent when conductivity is imparted. By imparting conductivity in this way, it can be preferably used as a material for forming an electrophotographic member such as the developing roll which requires conductivity. Specific examples of the electrolyte include metal salts such as lithium perchlorate salt, and surfactants such as quaternary ammonium salt and sulfonate. Further, examples of the conductive agent include carbon black, graphite, potassium titanate, iron _{oxide, c-TiO 2, c-} ZnO, c-SnO 2 and the like. The above "c-" means that it has conductivity. And these are used individually or in combination of 2 or more types.

In addition to the above organic gel, the organic gel layer 2 forming material includes a crosslinking agent, a crosslinking accelerator, a processing aid,
Antiaging agents, softening agents, reinforcing agents, etc. may be added as necessary.

The material for forming the cover layer 3 formed so as to cover the organic gel layer 2 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyamide, polyester, polyolefin, fluororesin, vinylidene chloride and the like. It is preferable to use a polymer material because volatilization and leakage of a plasticizer such as an organic solvent in the organic gel layer 2 is further suppressed.

Further, by adding a conductive agent such as carbon black to the material for forming the cover layer 3, conductivity is imparted to the cover layer 3 for electrophotography which requires conductivity like the developing roll. It can be preferably used in members.

As a material for forming the surface layer 4 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base roll, which comprises the shaft 1, the organic gel layer 2 formed on the outer periphery thereof, and the cover layer 3 covering the organic gel layer 2. Is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyurethane-based, polyamide-based, silicone-based, acrylic-based, and urea-based rubber materials and resin materials. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The surface layer 4 forming material may be mixed with a conductive agent, a curing agent, etc., if necessary.

The developing roll can be manufactured, for example, as follows.

That is, first, as shown in FIG. 2, a substantially cylindrical resin film 13 made of polyamide such as methoxymethylated nylon is prepared as a cover layer, and a core metal 11 serving as a shaft body is provided in the cylinder. Is coaxially inserted, and the above-mentioned core metal 1
One end opening of the above-mentioned substantially cylindrical resin film 13 is fused by heat to the vicinity of the end portion of one end of 1 to form a fused portion 13a. If necessary, an adhesive, a primer or the like is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the core metal 11 in advance. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the cored bar 11 is erected so that the fusion-bonded portion 13a faces downward to form a bottomed cylindrical shape, and in this state, the lower lid 15 is set in the externally fitted cylindrical mold 16. Then, a gel solution A formed by mixing the respective components of the organic gel layer forming material with a kneader such as a kneader or a mixer is cast into the cylindrical resin film 13 having a bottom. Further, as shown in FIG.
3b is also fused to the core metal 11, and the cylindrical mold 16 is covered with an upper lid 17
To fit. Then, the entire cylindrical mold is heated or the like to solidify the gel solution A to form the organic gel layer 12, and then the mold is removed from the mold to obtain a base roll. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the base roll is coated with a coating liquid made of a surface layer forming material, and then dried and heat-treated to obtain a target developing roll (see FIG. 1). The coating method of the coating liquid is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include conventionally known dipping methods, spray coating methods, roll coating methods and the like.

On the other hand, the base roll can also be manufactured, for example, as follows. That is, first,
As shown in FIG. 5, a substantially cylindrical resin film 23 made of polyamide such as methoxymethylated nylon is used as a cover layer.
, A cored bar 21 serving as a shaft is coaxially inserted in the cylinder, and one end opening of the substantially cylindrical resin film 23 is fused by heat near the end of one end of the cored bar 21. The fused portion 23a is formed. In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the core bar 21,
If necessary, an adhesive agent, a primer or the like is applied in advance. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the cored bar 21 is set up with the fusion-bonded portion 23a facing upward, and the substantially cylindrical resin film 23 is turned upside down.
The other end opening 23b is positioned upward, the substantially cylindrical resin film 23 is formed into a double bag shape as shown in the figure, and the core metal is positioned inside the inner bag body. In this state, the lower lid 25 is fitted on the outside. It is set in the cylindrical mold 26. Then, a gel solution A obtained by mixing the respective components of the organic gel layer forming material with a kneader such as a kneader or a mixer is cast into the double bag-shaped outer bag. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the other end opening 23b is also fused to the cored bar 21 (on the fused portion 23a in the figure), and the upper lid 27 is fitted onto the cylindrical mold 26. Then, the entire cylindrical mold is heated or the like to solidify the gel solution A to form the organic gel layer 22, and then the mold is demolded to obtain a base roll.

The outer peripheral surface of the base roll thus obtained is coated with the coating liquid containing the surface layer forming material by the same method as described above,
A developing roll as shown in FIG. 8 can be obtained. In the figure, 21 is a core metal, 22 is an organic gel layer, 23 is a cover layer, and 24 is a surface layer.

The organic gel layer of the developing roll thus obtained uses a petroleum-based softener as a plasticizer and is set to have a swelling ratio in the range of 3 to 7 times. It is preferable because desired hardness can be achieved without impairing moldability.

The electric resistance of the developing roll is 1 ×.
It preferably has a volume resistivity in the range of 10 ³ to 1 × 10 ¹⁵ Ω · cm, particularly preferably 1 × 10 ⁶ to 1 × 1.
It is 0 ¹² Ω · cm.

The thickness of the organic gel layer in the developing roll is usually set in the range of 0.5 to 10 mm, preferably 3 to 6 mm. The thickness of the cover layer is usually set in the range of 1 to 90 μm, preferably 3 to 30 μm. Furthermore, the thickness of the surface layer is usually set in the range of 3 to 100 μm, preferably 5 to 50 μm.

The overall hardness of the developing roll is Asker C
The hardness is preferably set to 40 ° or less, particularly preferably 5 to 25 °. That is, if it exceeds 40 °, the stress of the toner cannot be reduced, and the requirement for low hardness cannot be met.

The member for electrophotography of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the functional member is formed by using an organic gel, and the shape and size thereof are appropriately set so that Other than the developing roll described above, for example, it can be preferably used as a charging roll, a transfer roll, a charge eliminating roll, a paper feed roll, a layer forming blade, and the like.

Next, examples will be described together with comparative examples.

[0031]

[Example 1] [Preparation of innermost layer forming material] 100 parts by weight of liquid isoprene (Klaprene LIR-30, manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.) (hereinafter abbreviated as "part") and paraffin-based process oil (Diana Process PW380, Idemitsu Kosan) 80)
Part, 0.05 part of chloroplatinic acid (5% alcohol solution), 4 parts of a hydrosilyl cross-linking agent represented by the following structural formula (1), and acetylene alcohol [3,5-dimethyl-1
-Hexyn-3-ol (DMHO)] 0.05 part was mixed and stirred to prepare an organic gel composition, which was used as the innermost layer forming material.

[0032]

[Chemical 1]

[Cover Layer] Denka black is dispersed in a polyamide resin (methoxymethylated nylon) with a biaxial kneader, and this is extruded into a tube shape to give 5 ×.
A tube-shaped polyamide film (thickness: 20 μm) having a conductivity of 10 ⁴ Ω · cm was prepared.

[Preparation of Surface Layer Forming Material] 100 parts of a polyurethane elastomer (Elastollan 1040, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and 8 parts of carbon black (HS100, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.) were kneaded, and then this was organically mixed. A surface layer forming material (coating liquid) was prepared by dispersing in a solvent.

[Preparation of Developing Roll] A core metal (diameter 10 mm, made of SUS304) as a shaft and a polyethylene film as a cover layer were set in an injection molding die (see FIG. 3), and further, After filling the innermost layer forming material (liquid organic gel composition) therein, the injection molding die was sealed (see FIG. 4), and heat crosslinking (150 ° C. × 5 minutes) was performed. After that, the base roll was released from the mold, and the innermost layer was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body, and the cover layer was formed so as to cover the innermost layer. Then, the outer surface of the base roll was coated with the surface layer forming material (coating liquid) to form a surface layer, and a desired developing roll was produced. In the developing roll, the innermost layer had a thickness of 5 mm, the cover layer had a thickness of 20 μm, and the surface layer had a thickness of 30 μm.

[0036]

Example 2 Liquid isoprene (Klaprene LIR-3
0) 100 parts, paraffinic process oil (Diana Process PW380) 550 parts, chloroplatinic acid (5%
(Alcohol solution) 0.05 part, hydrosilyl crosslinking agent represented by the structural formula (1) 5 parts, and acetylene alcohol (DMHO) 0.05 part are mixed and stirred to prepare an organic gel composition, This was used instead of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (150 ° C. × 5 minutes) to form the innermost layer. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0037]

Example 3 100 parts of isopylene-butadiene copolymer (Klaprene LIR390, manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.), 250 parts of naphthenic process oil (Diana Process NM300, manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.), and chloroplatinic acid (5% alcohol solution). 0.05 part, 5 parts of the hydrosilyl cross-linking agent represented by the above structural formula (1), acetylene alcohol (DMH
O) 0.05 part was mixed and stirred to prepare an organic gel composition, which was used in place of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, the organic gel composition is heat-crosslinked (150 ° C).
X 5 minutes) to form the innermost layer. And
A developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except for the above.

[0038]

Example 4 100 parts of butadiene rubber (BR02LL, manufactured by JSR), 250 parts of naphthenic process oil (Diana Process NM300), 0.05 part of chloroplatinic acid (5% alcohol solution), and the above structural formula ( 5 parts of the hydrosilyl cross-linking agent represented by 1), 0.05 part of acetylene alcohol (DMHO), and 5 parts of carbon black (Denka Black HS100, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.) are mixed and stirred to form an organic gel composition. Was prepared, and this was prepared as in Example 1.
It was used instead of the innermost layer forming material. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (150 ° C. × 5 minutes) to form the innermost layer. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0039]

Example 5 100 parts of isobutylene (Epion 600, manufactured by Kanegafuchi Chemical Co., Ltd.), 250 parts of paraffinic process oil (Diana Process PW380), and 5 parts of hydrosilyl cross-linking agent represented by the following structural formula (2). , Acetylene alcohol (DMHO) 0.05 part and carbon black (Denka Black HS100) 5 parts were mixed and stirred to prepare an organic gel composition, which was replaced with the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Using. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (150 ° C. × 5 minutes) to form the innermost layer. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0040]

[Chemical 2]

[0041]

Example 6 Polyether (Cyryl ACX004C,
Kanebuchi Chemical Co., Ltd.) 100 parts, adipic acid plasticizer (Adeka Sizer RS107, Asahi Denka Co., Ltd.) 205 parts, hydrosilyl cross-linking agent 5 parts represented by the above structural formula (2), and acetylene alcohol (DMHO). ) 0.05 parts and 5 parts of carbon black (Denka Black HS100) are mixed and stirred to prepare an organic gel composition, which is used in Example 1
It was used instead of the innermost layer forming material. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (150 ° C. × 5 minutes) to form the innermost layer. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0042]

Example 7 100 parts of isopylene-butadiene copolymer (Klaprene LIR390) and 50 parts of toluene,
Chloroplatinic acid (5% alcohol solution) 0.05 part, hydrosilyl cross-linking agent 5 parts represented by the above structural formula (1), acetylene alcohol (DMHO) 0.05 part, and carbon black (Denka Black HS100) 5 parts and 5 parts were mixed and stirred to prepare an organic gel composition, which was used in Example 1.
It was used instead of the innermost layer forming material. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (100 ° C. × 30 minutes) to form the innermost layer. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0043]

Example 8 100 parts of polyester [Nipporan 5196 (solid content 30%), manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.], 10 parts of an isocyanate crosslinking agent [Coronate L (solid content 75%), manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.], and Denka Black 3 Were mixed and stirred to prepare an organic gel composition, which was used in place of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (70 ° C. × 8 hours) to form the innermost layer. And other than that,
A developing roll was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0044]

Example 9 Ethylene alkylene copolymer (EPDM)
(Esplen 601, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.) 100 parts, Denka black 10 parts, zinc white (ZnO) 5 parts, stearic acid 1 part, sulfur 1.5 parts, calcium carbonate 50 parts, and vulcanization acceleration After kneading with 1 part of the agent (DM), it was dissolved in 80 parts of xylene to prepare an organic gel composition.
It was used in place of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (70 ° C. × 12 hours) to form the innermost layer. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0045]

Example 10 100 parts of acrylic copolymer (VAMAC G, manufactured by DuPont), 1 part of stearic acid, 2 parts of vulcanizing agent (MDA), 5 parts of vulcanization accelerator (D), and Splendor R After kneading 1 part of -300 and 10 parts of Denka Black, it was dissolved in 50 parts of methyl ethyl ketone to prepare an organic gel composition, which was used in place of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, the organic gel composition was heat-crosslinked (55 ° C. × 25 hours) to form the innermost layer. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0046]

Example 11 100 parts of a polyether copolymer (Epichromer CG, manufactured by Daiso), 1 part of tetrabutylammonium sulfate (TBAHS), 5 parts of zinc white, 5 parts of sulfur, and a vulcanization accelerator ( 1 part of Sanserra 22C) was kneaded and then dissolved in 80 parts of cyclohexanone to prepare an organic gel composition, which was used in place of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, the organic gel composition is heat-crosslinked (1
Then, the innermost layer was formed. Then, except for that, a developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0047]

Comparative Example 1 100 parts of liquid polyisoprene (Poly ip, manufactured by Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.), 150 parts of paraffinic oil (Sumper 110, manufactured by Nippon San Oil Co., Ltd.), 15 parts of Ketjen Black, and IPDI (index: 1.0
5) 9.7 parts was stirred, and this was used instead of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, heat-crosslink this (15
A developing roll was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the innermost layer was formed by heating at 0 ° C. for 30 minutes.

[0048]

[Comparative Example 2] 100 parts of SBR, 70 parts of process oil (Sansen 410), and sub (made by Black Sub, Tenma Sub)
20 copies, Ketjen Black 10 copies, Nox Cellar D
2 parts of M, 0.5 part of PZ, and 0.5 part of sulfur were stirred, and this was used in place of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, a developing roll was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that this was heat-crosslinked (150 ° C. × 30 minutes) to form the innermost layer.

[0049]

[Comparative Example 3] 100 parts of SBR, 120 parts of process oil (Sunsen 410), 20 parts of sub (black sub, manufactured by Tenma Sub Co., Ltd.), 10 parts of Ketjen Black, 2 parts of NOXCELLER DM, and 0 of PZ. 0.5 part and 0.5 part of sulfur were stirred, and this was used instead of the innermost layer forming material of Example 1. Then, heat-crosslink this (150 ° C. × 30
A developing roll was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the innermost layer was formed by the above process.

Using the developing rolls thus obtained, the respective characteristics were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are also shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[Base Roll Hardness] The Asker C hardness of the above base roll was measured.

[Electrical Resistance] In accordance with JIS K 6911, the electric resistance of the base roll was measured at 10 points using a 1 mm ² electrode, and the center point (fifth from the smallest) was displayed.

[Compression Set] The compression set of the above base roll was measured according to JIS K 6262 at a temperature of 70.
The measurement was carried out under conditions of a temperature of 22 ° C., a test time of 22 hours, and a compression rate of 25%.

[Surface Hardness] Asker C on the surface of the developing roll
Hardness was measured.

[Image Evaluation] The obtained developing roll was incorporated into an electrophotographic printer (MICROLINE 400, manufactured by OKI), and actual printing was performed. The toner used at that time was CANON Laser Shot LBP2.
It was a magenta toner used in 160 cartridges. Then, the image quality of the printed image was visually evaluated after printing 10,000 sheets. That is, a character was printed, and there was no problem in the printed image, and it was printed clearly even up to thin lines.

[0056]

[Table 1]

[0057]

[Table 2]

From the results shown in Tables 1 and 2 above, all of the products of Examples have low hardness, small compression set, and even when a toner having a low melting point is used, no problem occurs and good images are obtained. You can see that you can get it. On the other hand, all the comparative example products are inferior in image evaluation as compared with the example products because both low hardness and maintaining compression set characteristics are not achieved and dimensional accuracy is poor.

Further, in all the example products (developing rolls), the layer constitution other than the base roll and the thickness and size of each layer are appropriately changed, and the charging roll, the transfer roll, the charge eliminating roll,
When used as a paper feed roll (the cover layer is not formed in the above-mentioned paper feed roll), any of them could be preferably used. Furthermore, a layer-forming blade made of the same material as the innermost layer of the developing rolls of all the example products was produced (the outer peripheral surface of which was covered with the same cover layer as the developing roll), and this was used. However, all of them could be used favorably. On the other hand, similarly in all the comparative example products, a charging roll, a transfer roll, a charge eliminating roll, a paper feed roll, and a layer forming blade were produced, and when they were used, the dimensional accuracy was poor and compared to the example products. The desired result was not obtained.

[0060]

As described above, in the electrophotographic member of the present invention, the functional member is formed of an organic gel obtained by swelling a specific polymer with a plasticizer.
Therefore, low hardness has been made without impairing the compression set characteristics, and even when this is incorporated into an electrophotographic apparatus and high-speed printing is performed under the use of a low melting point toner, no problem occurs. A clear printed image can be obtained.

In particular, when the polymer network of the organic gel is due to the hydrosilyl reaction, the curing time of the organic gel can be extremely shortened. Further, when the polymer network is composed of a polymer having a vinyl group,
Since a hydrosilyl reaction with a cross-linking agent can be used, cross-linking in an extremely short time becomes possible. Furthermore, when the swelling ratio of the organic gel is within a specific range, it is possible to achieve a desired low hardness. When the organic gel contains an electrolyte or a conductive agent, it can be preferably used as a member for electrophotography such as a developing roll or a charging roll which requires conductivity.

When the organic gel is covered with the cover layer, the organic solvent in the organic gel can be prevented from volatilizing. Further, when the cover layer has conductivity, it can be preferably used as a member for electrophotography which requires conductivity.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a developing roll according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of the developing roll (base roll).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of the base roll.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of a manufacturing process of the base roll.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of another base roll.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of the base roll.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of a manufacturing process of the base roll.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a developing roll formed by using the base roll.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 axis 2 Organic gel layer 3 cover layers 4 surface

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) F16C 13/00 F16C 13/00 A 3J103 G03G 15/02 101 G03G 15/02 101 4J002 15/08 501 501/08 501D 15 / 16 103 15/16 103 21/06 21/00 318 21/10 312 340 (72) Inventor Kunio Ito 1st Higashi 3-chome, Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture Tokai Rubber Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H035 AA14 AA15 AZ09 2H077 AD02 AD06 AD07 EA15 FA13 FA16 FA22 FA27 GA03 2H134 GA01 GB02 HA03 HA04 HA05 HA17 HA18 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD19 HD20 KD04 KD12 KE02 KE04 KH10 KH15 2H171 FA07 FA11 FA13 FA15 FA08 FA09 FA14 FA03 FA08 FA03 FA15 FA14 FA03 FA09 FA14 FA03 FA09 FA14 FA03 FA08 FA03 FA15 FA14 FA03 FA08 QC23 QC25 QC29 QC34 SA31 TA03 TA17 TB13 UA03 UA05 UA06 UA10 UA12 UA13 UA23 UA27 VA02 VA04 VA06 XA02 XA03 XA06 XA12 2H200 FA02 FA13 HA02 HA28 HB12 HB13 HB14 HB22 HB43 HB45 JA02 JA25 LC09 MA02 MA13 MA14 MA17 MA20 MB04 MC02 MC18 3J103 AA02 AA14 AA32 AA41 CA02 F A18 GA02 GA57 GA58 GA60 HA03 HA20 HA41 HA54 4J002 AC03W AC06W AE05Y BB18W BB24Y BC02W BG00W CD16Y CF00W CH00W CP04X DA029 DA039 DE099 DE109 DE119 DE139 DE188 DE189 EA057 EC27 EA057 EC0 EE037 EH077 E13807827 EH097 EH097 EH097 EH097 EH097

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. The functional member comprises polyisoprene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyether, polyester, ethylene alkylene copolymer, acrylic copolymer, isoprene-butadiene copolymer, and polyether glycol containing polyethylene glycol. An electrophotographic member comprising an organic gel obtained by swelling at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers with a plasticizer. 2. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the polymer network of the organic gel is formed by a hydrosilyl reaction. 3. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the polymer network of the organic gel comprises a polymer having a vinyl group. 4. The electrophotographic photograph according to claim 1, wherein the organic gel is obtained by swelling a polymer with a petroleum-based softening agent and a swelling ratio is set to a range of 3 to 7 times. Parts. 5. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the organic gel contains an electrolyte. 6. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the organic gel contains a conductive agent. 7. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the organic gel is covered with a cover layer. 8. The cover layer is electrically conductive.
The electrophotographic member according to any one of items 1 to 7.