JP2012091328A - Method of manufacturing tubular material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of manufacturing a tubular material while preventing both end parts from being broken, cracked, damaged or the like, at a low cost, even when it is wound on a plurality of rollers including a driving roller and turned and conveyed for a long period of time.SOLUTION: In the method of manufacturing a tubular material, a resin layer forming coating liquid is discharged from a relatively moving nozzle and applied to the peripheral surface of a rotating columnar core metal to form a resin layer forming coating film, and after curing the resin layer forming coating film to form a resin layer, the core metal is drawn out to manufacture the tubular material. A reinforced part is formed using the resin layer forming coating liquid on both end parts of the resin layer in the width direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to an intermediate transfer belt for transferring a toner image formed on a photoreceptor onto a transfer material such as transfer paper, and a transfer material such as transfer paper in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tubular object such as a fixing belt used in a fixing unit that fixes a toner image transferred thereon by heating.

  In recent years, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers have been strongly demanded for high image quality full color and high quality. As conventionally known, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a charging member that uniformly charges a photosensitive member, an exposure member that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member, and an electrostatic latent image that is converted into a toner image. A developing member for developing the toner, a transferring member for transferring to the transfer member, a fixing member for fixing the toner image on the transferring member, a cleaning member for cleaning the residual toner on the photosensitive member, and a static elimination for removing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member. It has structural members such as members.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus supplies charged toner to an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor in contact or non-contact manner, and transfers a toner image formed through a developing process to make the electrostatic latent image a visible image Then, after primary transfer to an intermediate transfer member, which is a transfer member, secondary transfer is performed on a transfer material (for example, paper), and further fixed by a fixing member to form a final image.

  In the image forming apparatus, an endless tubular substrate is used as an intermediate transfer member as a transfer member, an intermediate transfer belt is formed as a tubular product having various functional layers on the tubular substrate, and a tubular member is formed as a fixing member. There is a type using a fixing belt as a tubular product having various functional layers.

  In such an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate transfer belt is wound around a driving roller, a plurality of transport rollers, a guide member, and the like and is rotatably supported. For example, the intermediate transfer belt is 40N to 60N. It is stretched with a moderate tension and is driven at a peripheral speed of 80 mm / sec to 150 mm / sec. At that time, the intermediate transfer belt that is wound and rotated around the roller group including the driving roller is likely to generate stress intensively at both end portions in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt. Cracks, cracks, breakage, etc. may occur at both ends of the side, and eventually the belt may be damaged, failing to meet the mechanical setting life at the time of design.

  In an image forming apparatus using a fixing belt, the fixing belt is driven to rotate by being wound around a group of rollers including a heating roller and a heating roller, and a pressing roller is provided facing the heating roller. The fixing belt is driven by the driving roller, and the transfer body onto which the toner image has been transferred is fed between the fixing belt and the pressing roller to melt and fix the toner image on the transfer body.

  In these roller groups including the drive roller, a regulating member is usually provided to prevent meandering of the fixing belt and shifting toward one side that occur during rotational driving.

  The fixing belt has been made thinner to shorten the fixing time, and when it is rotationally driven, both end portions of the fixing belt are regulating members (members that regulate the meandering of the belt) formed on rollers. The contact or rubbing is frequently repeated, and it is a very heavy load part. If heat is applied to this portion, the fixing belt material softens to some extent and the buckling strength decreases. As a result, the fixing belt member becomes easy to meander, and as a result, the fixing belt member rides on the regulating member. In the worst case, the belt end portion is damaged.

  Such a problem occurs not only in the intermediate transfer belt and the fixing belt in the image forming apparatus, but generally in a tubular product that is wound around a group of rollers including a driving roller and rotated.

  Measures have been examined for cracks, cracks, breakage, etc. at both side ends that occur in these rotationally driven tubular objects. For example, an endless belt whose end is covered with a rubber layer is known in order to prevent stress concentration due to the end of the endless belt used as a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

However, it has been found that the endless belt described in Patent Document 1 has the following drawbacks.
1. Due to the thickness and rubbing by the cleaning member, the rubber layer at the end may be peeled off or cracked when used for a long time.
2. The peeled rubber layer enters the fixing portion and causes fixing failure.

  To prevent stress concentration due to the end of the endless belt used as the intermediate transfer belt of the image forming apparatus, to prevent damage such as cracking of the belt ears over a long period of time, and to withstand long-term use Further, an endless belt is known in which a reinforcing tape is attached along the belt outer surface end (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  However, the endless belt described in Patent Document 2 has a disadvantage that the cost increases due to an increase in the arrangement of the step of attaching the reinforcing tape, management of the material of the reinforcing tape to be used, confirmation of the tension position of the reinforcing tape, and the like. It turns out that it has.

  In order to prevent damage due to the end of the fixing belt of the image forming apparatus, a fixing belt having reinforcing layers at both ends that are stronger than the elastic layer is known (for example, see Patent Document 3).

  However, it has been found that the endless belt described in Patent Document 3 has the following drawbacks.

  1. Since an adhesive coating step for providing the reinforcing layer and a step of sticking a material different from the elastic layer onto the adhesive layer are required, capital investment is required and the cost is increased.

  2. It is necessary to manage the adhesive, the material for forming the reinforcing layer, and the adhesiveness, which increases the cost.

  In this situation, it is not necessary to add a process, and it is cheap to wrap around a plurality of rollers including the drive roller, and the tube that does not crack, crack, break, etc. Development of a manufacturing method of a tubular product manufactured by the method is desired.

JP 2005-055569 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-316028 JP 2005-266519 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and the object thereof is not to add an additional process, and is wound around a plurality of rollers including a driving roller, and is cracked at both end portions even if it is rotated and transported for a long time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a tubular product, which can produce a tubular product that does not crack, break, etc. at low cost.

The above object of the present invention has been achieved by the following constitution. Using a relatively moving nozzle, a resin layer forming coating solution is applied to the peripheral surface of a rotating cylindrical cored bar to form a resin layer forming coating, and the resin layer forming coating is cured. After forming the resin layer by performing the treatment, in the method for producing a tubular article, the core metal is extracted to produce a tubular article.
A method for producing a tubular article, wherein reinforcing portions are formed with the resin layer forming coating liquid at both ends in the width direction of the resin layer.

  2. 2. The method for producing a tubular article according to 1 above, wherein at least one functional layer is laminated on the resin layer.

  3. 3. The method for manufacturing a tubular product according to 1 or 2 above, wherein the width of the reinforcing portion is 5% to 30% with respect to the entire width of the tubular product.

  4). 4. The method for manufacturing a tubular article according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the reinforcing portion is 105% to 150% with respect to the thickness of the resin layer.

  5. The reinforcing portion is formed by applying the resin layer forming coating liquid onto the core metal, at the start and end of the coating, with the relative movement speed of the nozzle being slower than that during steady coating. 5. The method for producing a tubular product according to any one of 1 to 4, which is characterized in that

  6). The reinforcing portion applies the flow amount of the resin layer forming coating solution from the nozzle at the time of starting and finishing the coating when the resin layer forming coating solution is applied onto the core metal, compared with that during steady application. 5. The method for producing a tubular article according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the tubular article is formed by increasing.

  7). 5. The tubular article according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing portion is formed by applying the resin layer forming coating solution to both ends of the resin layer after the resin layer is formed. Production method.

  8). 8. The method for manufacturing a tubular product according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the tubular product is an intermediate transfer belt of an image forming apparatus.

  9. 8. The method for manufacturing a tubular product according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the tubular product is a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus.

  A tubular product that does not require additional processes, is wound around a plurality of rollers including a drive roller, and does not generate cracks, cracks, breakage, etc. at both ends even if it is rotated and transported for a long time. We were able to provide a manufacturing method.

It is a schematic sectional drawing of a tubular thing. It is the schematic of the manufacturing apparatus which forms a resin layer with the coating method which uses a nozzle on the surrounding surface of a cylindrical core metal, and manufactures a tubular thing.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a tubular object. FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view when cutting in the width direction of a tubular object. FIG.1 (b) is a schematic sectional drawing when cut in the width direction of the tubular thing which has another structure.

  Description will be given with reference to a schematic cross-sectional view of the tubular body shown in FIG.

  In the figure, 1 indicates a tubular object. 1a shows the resin layer used as a base material. Reference numeral 1b denotes a functional layer formed on the resin layer 1a. The functional layer 1b has an elastic layer 1b1 and a surface layer 1b2 formed on the elastic layer 1b. 1a1 shows the reinforcement part formed in the edge part of the resin layer 1a. 1a2 shows the reinforcement part formed in the other edge part of the resin layer 1a. It should be noted that the layer structure of the tubular material shown in the figure can be changed as necessary.

  A indicates the width of the tubular object 1. The width A can be appropriately changed according to the use of the tubular article 1 (intermediate transfer belt, fixing belt). The width A can be measured with a stainless steel straight ruler C-type JIS Class 1 30 cm TZ-1343.

  B shows the width | variety of the reinforcement part 1a1. The width B is preferably 5% to 30% of the width A in consideration of the effective width, cracks, cracks, breakage, and the like. The width of the reinforcing portion 1a2 is preferably the same as the width B of the reinforcing portion 1a1.

  C indicates the effective width of the tubular object 1. In addition, the effective width C shows the width | variety which pulled the width | variety of the reinforcement part 1a1 and the reinforcement part 1a2 of the edge part from the width A. FIG.

  D indicates the thickness of the resin layer 1a. The thickness D can be appropriately changed according to the use of the tubular article 1 (intermediate transfer belt, fixing belt).

  E shows the thickness of the reinforcement part 1a1. The thickness E is preferably 105% to 150% with respect to the thickness D of the resin layer 1a in consideration of deterioration, cracks, cracks, breakage, and the like due to repeated use. The thickness of the reinforcing portion 1a2 is preferably the same as the thickness E of the reinforcing portion 1a1.

  The tubular article 1 shown in this figure can be used as an intermediate transfer belt and a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus.

  When used as an intermediate transfer belt, the width A of the tubular material cannot be uniquely determined because it is appropriately changed depending on the type of the image forming apparatus.

  The thickness of the resin layer 1a is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm in consideration of resistance, cracks, cracks, breakage, and the like.

  The thickness of the elastic layer 1b1 is preferably 50 μm to 1000 μm in consideration of transferability. The thickness of the surface layer 1b1 is preferably 0.5 μm to 10 μm in consideration of releasability and durability. Moreover, the thickness of the reinforcement part 1a1 and the width | variety of the reinforcement part 1a1 are the same as the tubular thing shown to this figure.

  The thicknesses of the resin layer 1a, the elastic layer 1b1, and the surface layer 1b1 are values measured with a Fisherscope MMS manufactured by Fisher Instruments Co., Ltd.

  When used as a fixing belt, the width A of the tubular object 1 can not be uniquely determined because it is appropriately changed depending on the type of the image forming apparatus. The thickness of the resin layer 1a is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm in consideration of durability, heat generation, and the like. The thickness of the elastic layer 1b1 is preferably 50 μm to 1000 μm in consideration of transferability, heat transmission, and the like. The thickness of the surface layer 1b1 is preferably 0.5 μm to 10 μm in consideration of releasability and durability. Moreover, the thickness of the reinforcement part 1a1 and the width | variety of the reinforcement part 1a1 are the same as the tubular thing shown to this figure.

  The thickness of the resin layer, the thickness of the elastic layer, and the thickness of the surface layer are values measured by the same method as when used as an intermediate transfer belt.

  Description will be made with reference to a schematic cross-sectional view of the tubular body shown in FIG.

  In the figure, 2 indicates a tubular object. 2a shows the resin layer used as a base material. Reference numeral 2b denotes a functional layer formed on the resin layer 2a. The functional layer 2b has a heat generating layer 2b1, an elastic layer 2b2 formed on the heat generating layer 2b1, and a surface layer 2b3 formed on the elastic layer 2b2. 2a1 shows the reinforcement part formed in the edge part of the resin layer 1a. 2a2 shows the reinforcement part formed in the other edge part of the resin layer 1a. It should be noted that the layer structure of the tubular material shown in the figure can be changed as necessary.

  A ′ indicates the width of the tubular object 2. The width A ′ can be changed as appropriate. The width A ′ can be measured with a stainless steel straight ruler C-type JIS Class 1 30 cm TZ-1343.

  B ′ indicates the width of the reinforcing portion 2a1. The width B ′ is preferably 5% to 30% of the width A ′ in consideration of the effective width, cracks, cracks, breakage, and the like. The width of the reinforcing portion 2a2 is preferably the same as the width B 'of the reinforcing portion 2a1.

  C ′ indicates the effective width of the tubular object 1. The effective width C ′ indicates a width obtained by subtracting the widths of the reinforcing portion 2a1 and the reinforcing portion 2a2 at the end from the width A ′.

  D ′ indicates the thickness of the resin layer 2a. The thickness D ′ can be changed as appropriate. The thickness D ′ of the resin layer 2a can be measured with a Fisherscope MMS manufactured by Fisher Instruments Co., Ltd.

  E ′ indicates the thickness of the reinforcing portion 2a1. The thickness E ′ is preferably 105% to 150% with respect to the thickness D ′ of the resin layer 2a in consideration of the effective width, cracks, cracks, breakage, and the like. The thickness of the reinforcing portion 2a2 is preferably the same as the thickness E ′ of the reinforcing portion 2a1.

  The tubular product 2 shown in this figure can be used as a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus.

  When used as a fixing belt, the thickness of the resin layer 2a is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm in consideration of cracks, cracks, breakage, and the like. The thickness of the heat generating layer 2b1 is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm in consideration of releasability and durability.

  The thickness of the elastic layer 2b2 is preferably 50 μm to 1000 μm in consideration of transferability, heat transmission, and the like. The thickness of the surface layer 2b3 is preferably 0.5 μm to 10 μm in consideration of releasability and durability.

  The thicknesses of the resin layer 2a, the heat generating layer 2b1, the elastic layer 2b2, and the surface layer 2b3 can be measured with a Fisherscope MMS manufactured by Fisher Instruments Co., Ltd.

  In this figure, the tubular product shown in this figure can also be manufactured by sequentially laminating the heat generating layer, the elastic layer, and the surface layer after forming the resin layer in the same manner as in FIG.

  Details of the method of manufacturing the tubular product shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a production apparatus for producing a tubular product by forming a resin layer on a peripheral surface of a cylindrical cored bar by a coating method using a nozzle. Fig.2 (a) is a schematic perspective view of the manufacturing apparatus which forms a resin layer by the coating method which uses a nozzle on the surrounding surface of a cylindrical core metal, and manufactures a tubular thing. FIG.2 (b) is a schematic front view of the manufacturing apparatus shown by Fig.2 (a).

  In the figure, 3 indicates a manufacturing apparatus. The manufacturing apparatus 3 includes a holding device 3a, a coating device 3b, and a curing device 5. The holding device 3a includes a first holding table 3a1, a second holding table 3a2, and a driving motor 3a3. The driving motor 3a3 is disposed on the first holding base 3a1, and is connected to the rotating shaft of the driving motor 3a3 via the holding member 4a of the columnar core 4 and the connecting member. The second holding base 3a2 is provided with a receiving portion 3a21 for receiving the other holding member 4b of the cylindrical cored bar 4. By this, the cylindrical cored bar 4 is rotated and rotated by the rotation of the driving motor 3a3. It is possible to hold it so that it can be stopped.

  The coating device 3b includes a coating unit 3b1 and a driving unit 3b2. Reference numeral 3b11 denotes a coating liquid supply pipe for supplying the coating liquid to the coating means 3b1. The application means 3b1 is attached to the guide rail 3b4 by the attachment member 3b12 so as to be movable in parallel along the rotation axis of the cylindrical cored bar 4 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). An example of the application unit 3b1 is a nozzle. In application using a nozzle, when the viscosity of the application liquid to be used is low, it is preferable to apply the application liquid in a spray form. When the viscosity is high, the application liquid can be discharged and applied in a continuous state. preferable. Examples of the coating liquid used in the coating apparatus 3b include the functional layer forming coating liquids shown in FIG. 1 in addition to the resin layer forming coating liquid. When the viscosity of the coating solution for forming the surface layer is as low as 0.001 Pa · s, the coating solution for forming the functional layer is preferably applied in a spray form. The shape of the discharge port of the nozzle coating liquid is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a circle and a rectangle. In the drawing, the cloth liquid supply unit and the control unit for the coating unit 3b1 are omitted.

  The drive unit 3b2 has a motor 3b21 and a guide rail mounting plate 3b3. An attachment member 3b12 is attached to the guide rail attachment plate 3b3, and the application means 3b1 is reciprocated in the direction of the rotation axis in parallel with the rotation axis of the columnar core 4 held by the holding device 3a (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). Two guide rails 3b4 are provided for this purpose.

  The motor 3b21 is screwed with a sliding screw 3b13 mounted on the mounting member 3b12, and has a length that moves the mounting member 3b12 longer than the width of the columnar core 4 held by the holding device 3a. A screw 3b22 is provided.

  By driving the motor 3b21, the application means 3b1 attached to the attachment member 3b12 reciprocates in the direction of the rotation axis in parallel with the rotation axis of the cylindrical cored bar 4 as the slide screw 3b13 rotates (in the drawing, In the direction of the arrow).

  The curing device 5 is disposed under the cylindrical cored bar 4 in order to cure the resin coating film formed on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical cored bar 4. The curing device 5 can be appropriately changed depending on the resin used for the coating solution. For example, in the case of a thermosetting resin, a heat source such as an infrared lamp, a nichrome wire, or hot air can be used. In the case of an active energy ray curable resin, any energy source that activates the formed active energy ray curable resin can be used with ultraviolet rays, electron beams, γ rays, etc., but ultraviolet rays and electron beams are preferred. . In particular, ultraviolet rays are preferable because they are easy to handle and high energy can be easily obtained. As the ultraviolet light source, any light source that generates ultraviolet light can be used. For example, a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, an ultrahigh pressure mercury lamp, a carbon arc lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, or the like can be used. An ArF excimer laser, a KrF excimer laser, an excimer lamp, synchrotron radiation, or the like can also be used. In order to irradiate the spot-like active energy rays, it is preferable to use an ultraviolet laser.

  In the manufacturing apparatus shown in this figure, the case where the curing of the resin coating formed on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical core bar is incorporated in one manufacturing apparatus is shown, but the holding device 3a is movable and cured in a separate process. A method for performing processing may be used.

  Moreover, when the resin to be used is thermosetting, a method of heating a cylindrical cored bar from the inside is also possible.

  This figure shows the case where a cylindrical cored bar is used, but it may be a cylindrical cored bar and can be selected as appropriate.

  This figure shows an apparatus for rotating the cylindrical cored bar 4 in a fixed position and moving the nozzle as the coating unit 3b1 in the direction of the rotation axis of the cylindrical cored bar 4. The coating unit 3b1 A device that moves the cylindrical cored bar 4 in the rotational axis direction while fixing the position of the nozzle and rotating the cylindrical cored bar 4 may be used.

  In addition, the functional layer laminated on the resin layer can be applied by the apparatus shown in the figure, or can be applied by adjusting the viscosity by other application methods such as spray application or dip application. It is.

  The viscosity of the coating solution for forming a resin layer used in the present invention is preferably 10 Pa · s to 500 Pa · s in consideration of leveling properties, liquid sag, and the like.

  The viscosity of each functional layer forming coating solution constituting the functional layer used in the present invention is preferably in the following range in consideration of leveling properties, liquid sag, and the like.

  The viscosity of the coating solution for forming the elastic layer is preferably 5 Pa · s to 500 Pa · s.

  The viscosity of the surface layer forming coating solution is preferably 0.001 Pa · s to 50 Pa · s.

  The viscosity of the heat generating layer forming coating solution is preferably 5 Pa · s to 500 Pa · s.

  The viscosity of the resin layer forming coating solution and the viscosity of each functional layer forming coating solution were measured at a temperature of 23 ° C. using a laboratory digital rotary viscometer “Viscostar + H” manufactured by Viscotec Corporation. Indicates the value.

  The following 3 methods are mentioned as a preferable method of manufacturing the tubular object which has the reinforcement part B in the both ends shown to Fig.1 (a) using the manufacturing apparatus shown to this figure.

Manufacturing method 1
When applying the coating solution for resin layer formation to the entire surface of the core metal, steady application of the relative movement speed of the nozzle at the start of application (when forming the reinforcing part) and at the end of application (when forming the reinforcing part) Apply slowly to the time. As a result, since the discharge amount of the resin layer forming coating solution from the nozzle is constant, the coating amount of the resin layer forming coating solution on both ends of the core metal at the start of coating and at the end of coating is increased and reinforced. Part is formed. In addition, the time of steady application means the time of apply | coating the coating liquid for resin layer formation to the effective width C (refer Fig.1 (a)).

Manufacturing method 2
Resin layer formation from the nozzle when the coating liquid for resin layer formation is applied to the entire peripheral surface of the core metal, at the start of application (when the reinforcing part is formed) and at the end of application (when the reinforcing part is formed) The discharge amount of the application liquid is increased with respect to that during steady application. In addition, the time of application start refers to the time during which the resin layer forming coating solution is applied from the application start position of the end of the metal core to the formation region of the reinforcing portion (width of the reinforcing portion). The time during which the resin layer forming coating solution is applied from the reinforcing portion forming region (width of the reinforcing portion) at the other end of the cored bar to the coating end position.

Manufacturing method 3
A resin layer forming coating solution is applied to the entire peripheral surface of the core metal, and once cured, the resin layer forming coating solution is applied again only to both ends of the formed resin layer.

  A specific manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.

Manufacturing method 1
A case where only the rotation is performed without moving the cored bar in the axial direction and the nozzle is moved in parallel with the rotation axis of the cored bar will be described.

  Step 1. The nozzle as the application means 3b1 is aligned with the application start position of the cylindrical core metal held by the holding device 3a.

  Step 2. While the cylindrical cored bar 4 held by the holding device 3a is rotated, the nozzle is moved in parallel to the rotation axis of the cored bar and relatively moved in the direction of the rotation axis while the resin layer is formed in the coating area of the cored bar. The coating liquid is discharged from a nozzle and applied to the peripheral surface of the cored bar to form a resin layer forming coating film. Note that at the start of application (when the reinforcing portion is formed), the relative movement speed of the nozzle is slowed at least while the coating liquid for forming the resin layer is applied to the peripheral surface of one rotation of the core metal. By slowing down the relative movement speed of the nozzle, the coating film for forming the resin layer at the start of application (when forming the reinforcing portion) becomes thick (becomes the reinforcing portion 1a1 (see FIG. 1) at the end of the resin layer). The moving speed at the start of application can be appropriately set according to the width B (see FIG. 1) of the reinforcing portion.

  Step 3. After the coating liquid for forming the resin layer is applied to the peripheral surface of the core metal for one rotation, the relative movement speed of the nozzle is adjusted so as to be the thickness of the resin layer 1a (see FIG. 1) to be formed. In a state where the core metal 4 is rotated, a resin layer forming coating solution is applied to the core metal coating region while moving the nozzle relative to the rotational axis direction in parallel with the rotational axis of the cylindrical core metal 4. It is made to discharge more and is apply | coated to the surrounding surface of a metal core, and the coating film for resin layer formation (effective width C (part corresponding to Fig.1 (a)) is formed.

  Step 4. After applying the resin layer forming coating solution to a width that forms the required resin layer 1a (see FIG. 1), the relative movement speed of the nozzle is compared with that during steady application at the end of application (when forming the reinforcing portion). Slow down and finish coating in the same way as step 2. By doing in this way, the coating film for resin layer formation at the time of completion | finish of application becomes thick (it becomes the reinforcement part 1a2 (refer FIG. 1) of the edge part of a resin layer). The relative movement speed of the nozzle at the end of application is preferably the same as the movement speed at the start of application.

  Step 5. The resin layer-forming coating film is cured by the curing device 5 to form a resin layer.

  Step 6. While aligning the position of the nozzle to the position of the end of the resin layer on the core metal 4 and rotating the core metal 4, while moving the nozzle relatively in the direction of the rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the core metal, An elastic layer forming coating solution is discharged from a nozzle and applied to the entire surface of the formed resin layer to form an elastic layer forming coating film. In order to align the nozzle position, the nozzle may be moved or the cored bar may be moved.

  Step 7. The elastic layer-forming coating film is cured by the curing device 5 to form an elastic layer.

  Step 8. The nozzle is changed to a spraying nozzle, the position of the nozzle is aligned with the position of the other end of the resin layer on the core metal 4, and the nozzle as the coating means 3b1 is made of the core metal while the core metal 4 is rotated. While moving in the direction of the rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis, the surface layer forming coating liquid is sprayed out from the nozzle in the form of a spray, and applied to the entire peripheral surface of the formed elastic layer to form a surface layer forming coating film. .

  Step 9. The surface layer-forming coating film is cured by the curing device 5 to form a surface layer.

  Step 10. By extracting the metal core, a tubular product having a reinforcing part at both ends and having a structure of resin layer / elastic layer / surface layer is manufactured.

Manufacturing method 2
Step 1. While the cylindrical cored bar 4 held by the holding device 3a is rotated, the nozzle as the coating unit 3b1 is moved in parallel to the rotation axis of the cored bar and relatively moved in the direction of the rotation axis, while the coating area of the cored bar is moved. When the coating liquid for resin layer formation is discharged from the nozzle and applied to the peripheral surface of the cored bar to form a tubular material as shown in FIG. 1 (a), at the start of application (when the reinforcing part is formed) At the end of application (when forming the reinforcing portion), the resin layer forming coating solution is applied by increasing the discharge amount of the resin layer forming application liquid from that during steady application to form a resin layer forming coating film. The amount of outflow is appropriately adjusted according to the thickness of the resin layer at both ends.

  Step 2. The resin layer-forming coating film is cured by the curing device 5 to form a resin layer.

  Step 3. After the resin layer is formed, the formation of the elastic layer and the surface layer is the same as in Step 6 to Step 10 of the manufacturing method 1. After the elastic layer and the surface layer are laminated on the resin layer, the core metal is removed. Thus, a tubular product having a reinforcing part at both ends and having a resin layer / elastic layer / surface layer structure is manufactured.

Manufacturing method 3
Step 1. While the cylindrical cored bar 4 held by the holding device 3a is rotated, the nozzle as the coating unit 3b1 is moved in parallel to the rotation axis of the cored bar and relatively moved in the direction of the rotation axis, while the coating area of the cored bar is moved. The resin layer forming coating solution is discharged from the nozzle and applied to the peripheral surface of the cored bar to form a resin layer forming coating film.

  Step 2. The resin layer-forming coating film is cured by the curing device 5 to form a resin layer.

  Step 3. The position of the nozzle is aligned with the position of the end of the resin layer on the cored bar 4, and the cored bar 4 is rotated without moving in the axial direction, and the coating liquid for forming the resin layer is discharged from the nozzle and the end of the resin layer To form a reinforcing part-forming coating film.

  Step 4. By performing a curing process on the reinforcing portion-forming coating film with the curing device 5, a resin layer serving as a reinforcing portion is laminated on the end portion.

  Step 5. The position of the nozzle is aligned with and fixed to the position of the other end of the resin layer on the core metal 4, the core metal 4 is rotated without moving in the axial direction, and the coating liquid for forming the resin layer is discharged from the nozzle to cause the end of the resin layer Apply to the part to form a reinforcing part-forming coating film.

  Step 6. The reinforcing portion-forming coating film is cured by the curing device 5 and a resin layer serving as a reinforcing portion is laminated on the end portion. When step 6 is completed, a resin layer having reinforcing portions formed at both ends is formed on the cored bar 4. In order to align the nozzle position, the nozzle may be moved or the cored bar may be moved.

  Step 7. After the resin layer is formed, the formation of the elastic layer and the surface layer is the same as in Step 6 to Step 10 of the manufacturing method 1. After the elastic layer and the surface layer are laminated on the resin layer, the core metal is removed. Thus, a tubular product having a reinforcing part at both ends and having a resin layer / elastic layer / surface layer structure is manufactured.

  The tubular product produced by the production methods shown in Production Methods 1 to 3 is preferably used for the intermediate transfer belt and the fixing belt.

  The method for forming the tubular resin layer shown in FIG. 1 (b) is the same as the method for producing the tubular resin layer shown in FIG. 1 (a), and heat generation is performed on the resin layer. The layer, the elastic layer, and the surface layer can also be formed by the same method as the elastic layer and the surface layer of the tubular body shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the resin coating liquid is spirally applied to the peripheral surface of the cylindrical core metal in a rotated state using a nozzle, smoothed, cured, and cylindrical. The following effects were obtained by the manufacturing method of extracting the core metal and manufacturing a tubular product.
1. Since the reinforcing portion is formed of the same material as the resin layer, the width and height of the reinforcing portion can be easily changed, and the reinforcing portion having the strength required can be easily formed.
2. Since the reinforcing portion is formed at the time of forming the resin layer, it is not necessary to prepare for the process, and it is possible to manufacture a tubular product at a low cost.
3. Since the reinforcement part is made of the same material as the resin layer, it is not necessary to prepare the material for forming the reinforcement part, and to perform complicated quality control, and it is possible to manufacture a tubular product having reinforcement parts at both ends at low cost. It became.

  Next, materials when the tubular product manufactured by the method for manufacturing a tubular product of the present invention is used for an intermediate transfer belt and a fixing belt will be described.

Intermediate transfer belt <Resin layer>
Since the resin layer serves as a base when used in the intermediate transfer belt and the fixing belt, the intermediate transfer member is prevented from being deformed by a load applied to the intermediate transfer belt from the cleaning blade as a cleaning member, and is transferred to the transfer portion. It has rigidity that reduces the influence. The resin substrate is preferably formed using a material having a Young's modulus measured by the nanoindentation method in the range of 5.0 GPa to 15.0 GPa, and more preferably in the range of 8.0 GPa to 15.0 GPa. .

  As materials that exhibit such performance, for example, so-called engineering plastic materials such as polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyimide, polyether, ether ketone, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyamide, and polyphenylene sulfide are used. In these, polyimide, polycarbonate, and polyphenylene sulfide are preferable. The Young's modulus of these resin materials measured by the nanoindentation method exceeds 5.0 GPa, and the thickness of 50 μm to 200 μm satisfies the mechanical properties as a resin substrate. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a material obtained by blending the above-mentioned resin material and the following elastic material. Examples of the elastic material include polyurethane, chlorinated polyisoprene, NBR, chloropyrene rubber, EPDM, hydrogenated polybutadiene, butyl rubber, and silicone rubber. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Among these, it is preferable to contain polyphenylene sulfide or a polyimide resin. The polyimide resin is formed by heating polyamic acid that is a precursor of the polyimide resin. The polyamic acid can be obtained by dissolving tetracarboxylic dianhydride or an approximately equimolar mixture of its derivative and diamine in an organic polar solvent and reacting in a solution state.

  In the present invention, when a polyimide resin is used for the resin substrate, the content of the polyimide resin in the resin substrate is preferably 51% or more.

The resin substrate according to the present invention is preferably a seamless belt or drum in which a conductive substance is added to the resin material and the electrical resistance value (volume resistivity) is adjusted from 10 ⁵ Ω · cm to 10 ¹¹ Ω · cm.

  Carbon black can be used as the conductive substance added to the resin material. As carbon black, neutral or acidic carbon black can be used. The amount of the conductive material used varies depending on the type of the conductive material used, but may be added so that the volume resistance value and the surface resistance value of the intermediate transfer member are within a predetermined range. 10 parts by mass to 20 parts by mass, preferably 10 parts by mass to 16 parts by mass.

  The substrate used in the present invention can be produced by a conventionally known general method. For example, a resin as a material can be melted by an extruder, formed into a cylindrical shape by an inflation method using an annular die, and then cut into a ring to produce an annular endless belt-like substrate.

(Elastic layer)
The elastic layer is not particularly limited, and any rubber material or thermoplastic elastomer can be used. For example, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), high styrene rubber, polybutadiene rubber (BR), polyisoprene rubber (IIR), ethylene-propylene copolymer, nitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) ), Butyl rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, nitrile rubber, urethane rubber, acrylic rubber (ACM, ANM), epichlorohydrin rubber, norbornene rubber, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  On the other hand, as the thermoplastic elastomer, polyester, polyurethane, styrene-butadiene triblock, polyolefin, and the like can be used.

  The elastic layer may be a layer formed using a material obtained by blending a resin material used for the substrate and an elastic material.

  For example, as a material for silicone rubber, a polyorganosiloxane composition containing a vinyl group is used. As the silicone rubber, a two-component liquid silicone rubber that can be cured by an addition reaction catalyst or a heat vulcanized silicone rubber that can be vulcanized (cured) by a vulcanizing agent made of a peroxide is used. In addition, the elastic layer may contain various compounding agents such as a filler, an extended filler, a vulcanizing agent, a colorant, a conductive material, a heat-resistant agent, and a pigment depending on the purpose of use and design of the seamless belt. Can be added. Although the plasticity of the synthetic resin varies depending on the amount of the compounding agent added, the plasticity of the rigid resin before curing is preferably 120 or less.

The elastic layer can be prepared by dispersing a conductive substance in an elastic material to have an electric resistance value (volume resistivity) of 10 ⁵ Ω · cm to 10 ¹¹ Ω · cm.

  Carbon black, zinc oxide, tin oxide, silicon carbide, etc. can be used as the conductive substance added to the elastic layer. As carbon black, neutral or acidic carbon black can be used. The amount of the conductive material used may vary depending on the type of the conductive material used, but may be added so that the volume resistance value and surface resistance value of the elastic layer are within a predetermined range. On the other hand, it is 10 to 20 parts by mass, preferably 10 to 16 parts by mass.

(Surface layer)
The surface layer is not particularly limited as long as it has a higher elastic modulus than that of the elastic layer. For example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyisobutylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, alcohol-soluble nylon, polycarbonate , Polyarylate, phenol, polyoxymethylene, polyether ether ketone, polyphosphazene, polysulfone, polyether sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene ether, polyparabanic acid, polyallylphenol, fluorine, polyurea, ionomer, silicone, etc. And a thermosetting resin, and a mixture or copolymer of two or more of these. Particularly preferred are fluororesins, urethane resins, silicone resins and the like.

  The fluororesin includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride copolymer (THV). ), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and the like can be used. The said fluororesin may be used individually by 1 type, or 2 or more types may be mixed and used for it.

  As the urethane resin, a polyurethane resin known in the field of paints can be used. A water-based polyurethane resin is particularly preferable. Polyol compounds constituting the polyurethane resin include polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyolefin polyols (including polyols obtained by hydrogenating polydiene polyols), polybutadiene polyols, polyisoprene polyols, acrylics. Examples include resin-based polyols.

  As the curing agent for the urethane resin, an isocyanate compound generally used as a raw material for the urethane resin can be used. In this case, the isocyanate compound is a compound having two or more isocyanate groups in the molecule. Specific examples of such an isocyanate compound include tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), naphthalene diisocyanate ( NDI), tolidine diisocyanate (TODI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), phenylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), cyclohexane diisocyanate, lysine ester diisocyanate, lysine ester Triisocyanate (LDI), undecane triisocyanate, hexamethylene triisocyanate, Li triphenylmethane triisocyanate, and polymers of the isocyanate compound, derivatives, modified products, hydrogenated products thereof.

  The silicone resin is a known resin comprising a difunctional (D unit) or trifunctional (T unit) siloxane unit of 10 mol% or more, preferably as a main skeleton, such as a phenyl silicone resin or a methyl silicone. Resin, methylphenyl silicone resin and the like are used, but are not limited thereto. Further, the curing mechanism is not limited to the heat curing type and the room temperature curing type. Furthermore, a layer made of silicone rubber can also be used. As the silicone rubber layer, known methyl silicone rubber, methyl phenyl silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber, and the like are used, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, you may give a crosslinked structure by performing the peroxidation reaction, condensation reaction, and addition reaction material with a silicone rubber and an additive. Further, it can be reinforced with an additive such as silica.

  As the acrylic resin, a component containing a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond is preferably used, and it is formed by being cured by irradiating an active energy ray such as an ultraviolet ray or an electron beam. In particular, it is preferable that the main component is an acrylic active energy ray-curable resin as a binder. Examples of the active energy ray-curable acrylate resin include acrylic urethane resins, polyester acrylate resins, epoxy acrylate resins, polyol acrylate resins, and the like.

  Acrylic urethane-based resins generally include 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (hereinafter referred to as acrylates including methacrylates) to products obtained by reacting polyester polyols with isocyanate monomers or prepolymers. Can be easily obtained by reacting an acrylate monomer having a hydroxyl group such as 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate. For example, those described in JP-A-59-151110 can be used. For example, a mixture of 100 parts Unidic 17-806 (Dainippon Ink Co., Ltd.) and 1 part Coronate L (Nihon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.) is used.

  Examples of UV curable polyester acrylate resins include those that are easily formed when 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and 2-hydroxy acrylate monomers are generally reacted with polyester polyols. JP-A-59-151112 Those described in the publication can be used.

  Specific examples of the ultraviolet curable epoxy acrylate resin include an epoxy acrylate as an oligomer, a reactive diluent and a photoreaction initiator added thereto, and reacted to form an oligomer. Those described in Japanese Patent No. 105738 can be used.

  Specific examples of UV curable polyol acrylate resins include trimethylolpropane triacrylate, ditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, etc. I can list them.

  Examples of the resin monomer include general monomers such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, and styrene as monomers having one unsaturated double bond. In addition, monomers having two or more unsaturated double bonds include ethylene glycol diacrylate, propylene glycol diacrylate, divinylbenzene, 1,4-cyclohexane diacrylate, 1,4-cyclohexyldimethyl adiacrylate, and the above trimethylolpropane. Examples thereof include triacrylate and pentaerythritol tetraacryl ester.

  Among these, 1,4-cyclohexanediacrylate, pentaerythritol tetra (meth) acrylate, pentaerythritol tri (meth) acrylate, trimethylolpropane (meth) acrylate, trimethylolethane (meth) acrylate as the main component of the binder , An acrylic selected from dipentaerythritol tetra (meth) acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta (meth) acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa (meth) acrylate, 1,2,3-cyclohexanetetramethacrylate, polyurethane polyacrylate, polyester polyacrylate A system active energy ray-curable resin is preferred.

  The coating composition for the actinic ray curable resin layer preferably has a solid content concentration of 10% by mass to 100% by mass, and an appropriate concentration is selected depending on the coating method. For example, hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, esters, glycol ethers, and other solvents can be appropriately selected or used by mixing. Preferably, a solvent containing 5% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass to 80% by mass of propylene glycol mono (C1 to C4) alkyl ether or propylene glycol mono (C1 to C4) alkyl ether ester is used.

  The resin layer can contain resin or inorganic fine particles as necessary. Various materials can be used for these fine particles. For example, fluoroelastomer, fluoroelastomer, fluororesin fine particles such as PTFE, PVDF, ETFE, and PFA, silicone resin particles, PE, PP, PS, acrylic resin, nylon resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin and other fine resin particles, silica, Inorganic powders such as alumina, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, tin oxide, and iron oxide can be used alone or in combination.

  The shape and particle size of the fine particles are not particularly limited, and any shape such as a spherical shape, a fiber shape, a plate shape, or an indefinite shape can be used. The particle size of the fine particles is not limited, but is preferably in the range of 0.01 μm to 30 μm in consideration of dispersibility and various characteristics. Moreover, a dispersing agent can also be used in the range which does not give a problem to various characteristics.

  The resin layer may contain a conductive agent. Examples of the conductive agent include conductive carbon-based materials such as carbon black and graphite: metals or alloys such as aluminum and copper alloys: tin oxide, zinc oxide, antimony oxide, indium oxide, potassium titanate, antimony oxide- At least one fine powder such as a conductive metal oxide such as tin oxide composite oxide (ATO) or indium oxide-tin oxide composite oxide (ITO) is used.

  Among these resin layer forming materials, a fluororesin, a urethane resin, a silicone resin, or a mixture thereof is preferable as a resin in view of adhesion to an inorganic compound layer described later and an elastic modulus. Preferably, it is a urethane-based resin coating composition containing at least fluororesin particles, and the content of the fluororesin contained in the resin layer is not particularly limited, but is 30 to 70 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the urethane resin. It is preferably in the range of parts by mass, and more preferably in the range of 40 parts by mass to 60 parts by mass. The resin layer may also contain other resin components other than the fluororesin.

  Examples of fluororesins include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), and polyvinylidene fluoride. (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ECTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), fluoroolefin-vinyl ether copolymer Examples thereof include resins such as a polymer, a vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, and a vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer. You may use these individually or in combination of 2 or more types.

Solvent used for preparation of coating solution When polyimide resin is used for the resin layer, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) can be used. For the surface layer, for example, alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, and ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone can be used.

(Fixing belt)
The materials used for forming the resin layer, elastic layer, and surface layer are the same as those for the intermediate transfer belt.

Heat generation layer As a material constituting the heat generation layer, one or several kinds of various conductive materials such as conductive ceramics, conductive carbon and metal powder, and insulating materials such as insulating ceramic and heat-resistant resin are mixed. The conductive material is adjusted so as to have a predetermined volume resistance value. In addition to carbon and metal materials such as C, Ni, Au, Ag, Fe, Al, Ti, Pd, Ta, Cu, Co, Cr, Pt, Mo, Ru, Rh, W, and In, VO ₂ , Ru ₂ O, TaN, SiC, ZrO ₂ , InO, Ta ₂ N, ZrN, NbN, VN, TiB ₂ , ZrB ₂ , HfB ₂ , TaB ₂ , MoB ₂ , CrB ₂ , B ₄ C, MoB, ZrC , VC, TiC, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes and carbon microcoils, filamentary metal fine particles, alloys such as Ag—Pd, Cu—Ni, Cu—Zn, and the like.

  Examples of heat-resistant resins include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), poly Examples thereof include ether ether ketone (PEEK) resins and the like, resins made of these derivatives, and various modified resins.

Furthermore, as an insulating material used for resistance value control and binding, AlN, SiN ₄ , Al ₂ O ₃ , MgO, VO ₂ , SiO ₂ , ZrO ₂ , Bi ₂ O ₃ , TiO ₂ , MoO ₂ , ceramic materials such as WO ₂ , NbO ₂ , ReO ₃ , and the above heat resistant resin are used.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Example 1
A tubular product was produced by the method described below.

(Preparation of cylindrical cored bar)
A cylindrical cored bar made of aluminum having a diameter of 274 mm, a length of 400 mm, and holding members at both ends was prepared.

(Preparation of coating solution for resin layer formation)
The coating liquid used was Ube Industries' polyimide varnish “U-varnish” with 12 parts by mass of Cabot's “Mogal L” and 10 passes with an OB mill disperser manufactured by Turbo Industry Co., Ltd.

  The viscosity was 30 Pa · s as measured at a temperature of 23 ° C. using a digital rotary viscometer “Viscostar + H” for laboratories manufactured by Viscotec Corporation.

(Preparation of coating solution for elastic layer formation)
Momentive Performance Materials Japan GK XE15-B7354S A agent / B agent were mixed in the same amount.

  The viscosity was 70 Pa · s as measured at a temperature of 23 ° C. using a laboratory digital rotary viscometer “Viscostar + H” manufactured by Viscotec Corporation.

(Preparation of coating solution for surface layer formation)
Monomer DPHA (dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate) manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. and methacrylic treated alumina manufactured by Teika Co., Ltd. are mixed and stirred in MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone), and a horizontal mill type manufactured by Eiko Seiki Co., Ltd. Disperser Dispermat SL (2L) is filled with 70% φ0.3 zirconia beads, the disk rotation speed is set to 500 rpm, liquid is fed using a plunger pump, and dispersed so as to circulate for 50 times. The polymerization initiator Irg379 manufactured by BASF Japan was added to the solution used.

(Composition of surface layer forming coating solution)
MIBK 100 parts DPHA 10 parts Alumina (methacrylic treatment) 5 parts Irg379 0.5 part Viscosity: 0.005 Pa · s
The viscosity is a value measured at a temperature of 23 ° C. using an E-type viscometer manufactured by Tokyo Keiki.

Preparation of nozzle A nozzle made of stainless steel having the following specifications was prepared.

Shape of coating solution outlet: Circular Size (diameter) of coating solution outlet: 5 mm
Nozzle shape: Conical (Manufacture of tubular objects)
Using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, a tubular product having the structure shown in FIG. 101 to 103.

(Manufacture of tubular product by manufacturing method 1)
A tubular product was produced according to Step 1 to Step 10 of Production Method 1 described in the text of the specification.

(Formation of resin layer)
The prepared nozzle is mounted on the manufacturing apparatus, the prepared cylindrical cored bar is held by a holding device, and is aligned with the application start position of the cylindrical cored bar. Thereafter, in the state where the cylindrical core metal held by the holding device is rotated under the conditions shown below, the nozzle is moved in the direction of the rotation axis in parallel to the rotation axis of the core metal, to the coating area of the core metal. The prepared coating liquid for resin layer formation was discharged from a nozzle and applied to the peripheral surface of the core metal to form a coating film for resin layer formation.

  Incidentally, 20 mm from the start of application, the nozzle moving speed is slowed down to form a resin layer reinforcing part forming coating film at the end of the resin layer (see FIG. 1), and the nozzle moving speed is increased from 20 mm to 330 mm to make resin. After forming the coating film for layer formation, slowing the nozzle moving speed from 330 mm to 350 mm and forming the coating film for forming the resin layer reinforcement at the end of the resin layer, the curing process is performed with the curing device under the conditions shown below. A resin layer is formed. In addition, the thickness of the reinforcement part of the both ends after a hardening process was 55 micrometers, and the thickness of the resin coating film was 50 micrometers.

  The thickness of a reinforcement part and the thickness of a resin coating film show the value measured by the Fisher Instruments MMS made from Fisher Instruments.

Application area of core metal 50 mm from both ends of the core metal having a width of 450 mm was set as the non-application area, and 350 mm between the non-application areas was set as the application area.

(Application conditions of the resin layer forming application liquid)
Discharge rate of resin layer forming coating solution from nozzle coating solution outlet: 0.5 ml / min
Distance from the coating solution outlet for forming the resin layer of the nozzle to the surface of the core metal: 10 mm
Application temperature of coating solution for resin layer formation: 23 ° C.
Nozzle moving speed when reinforcing part is formed (when reinforcing part 1a1 (see FIG. 1) at the end of the resin layer is formed): 0.2 mm / min
Nozzle moving speed after reinforcing part formation (when the reinforcing part 1a1 (see FIG. 1) at the end of the resin layer is formed): 0.25 m / min
Nozzle moving speed when reinforcing portion is formed (when reinforcing portion 1a2 (see FIG. 1) at the end of the resin layer is formed): 0.2 mm / min
Rotational speed (rotational speed) of cylindrical cored bar: 20 rpm
The rotation speed (number of rotations) indicates a value measured with a non-contact / contact tachometer DT-2230 manufactured by Sato Corporation.

(Curing conditions for the resin layer-forming coating film)
Equipment: High-temperature heater drying furnace Temperature: Increased from 70 ° C to 350 ° C in 20 minutes in 10 minutes Time: 140min
Rotating speed of cored bar having resin coating during curing process: 20 rpm
A rotation speed shows the value measured by the same method as the time of application | coating of the coating liquid for resin layer formation.

(Formation of elastic layer)
Using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the elastic layer forming coating solution prepared on the entire peripheral surface of the formed resin layer is used with the same coating apparatus, the moving speed is constant, and the flow rate is 0.35 ml / min. It was applied so that the thickness after the curing treatment was 200 μm, and a primary vulcanization at 150 ° C. for 10 minutes and a secondary vulcanization at 200 ° C. for 4 hours were performed to form an elastic layer.

(Formation of surface layer)
After using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and changing the nozzle to a nozzle that can spray the surface layer forming coating liquid in a spray form, after drying the surface layer forming coating liquid prepared on the entire peripheral surface of the formed elastic layer The film is applied to a thickness of about 2 μm, and a belt is set at a position 100 mm away from the lamp housing portion using a xenon flash lamp 100 pulse manufactured by Material Science, and the belt is rotated at 10 rpm for 30 seconds. Irradiated.

  After forming up to the surface layer, the cored bar is withdrawn to produce a tubular product to be used as an intermediate transfer belt. 101.

(Manufacture of tubular product by manufacturing method 2)
A tubular product was produced according to the production method 2 described in the text of the specification.

(Formation of resin layer)
The prepared nozzle is mounted on the manufacturing apparatus, the prepared cylindrical cored bar is held by a holding device, and is aligned with the application start position of the cylindrical cored bar. After this, sample No. 1 was used except that the resin layer forming coating film was formed by increasing the amount of the resin layer forming coating solution flowing out from the nozzle at the start of coating and at the end of coating under the following conditions. A resin layer-forming coating film was formed by applying to the peripheral surface of the cored bar under the same conditions as 101. In addition, the thickness of the reinforcement part of both ends after a hardening process and the thickness of a resin coating film are sample No.2. 101. The thickness of the reinforcing part and the thickness of the resin coating film are as follows. It was measured by the same method as 101.

(Application conditions of the resin layer forming application liquid)
Outflow rate of resin layer forming coating solution from nozzle when forming reinforcing portion at the start of coating: 0.55 ml / min
Discharge rate of the resin layer forming coating solution from the nozzle when forming the resin part: 0.5 ml / min
Discharge rate of the resin layer forming coating solution from the nozzle when forming the reinforcing portion at the end of coating: 0.55 ml / min
(Curing conditions for the resin layer-forming coating film)
Sample No. 101 and the same conditions except for the temperature rise.

(Preparation of intermediate transfer belt)
An elastic layer and a surface layer are provided on the resin layer with a sample No. After forming the surface layer up to the surface layer, the cored bar is extracted, and a tubular product used as an intermediate transfer belt is manufactured. 102.

(Manufacture of tubular product by manufacturing method 3)
A tubular product was produced according to the production method 3 described in the text of the specification.

(Formation of resin layer)
The prepared nozzle is attached to the manufacturing apparatus, and is aligned with the application start position of the cylindrical cored bar held by the holding apparatus. Thereafter, in the state where the cylindrical core metal held by the holding device is rotated under the conditions shown below, the nozzle is moved in the direction of the rotation axis in parallel to the rotation axis of the core metal, to the coating area of the core metal. After the resin layer forming coating liquid is discharged from the nozzle and applied to the peripheral surface of the cored bar to form a resin layer forming coating film, the resin layer is formed by performing a curing process under the following conditions.

  After that, the position of the nozzle is aligned and fixed to the position of the end of the resin layer on the core metal, the core metal is rotated without moving in the axial direction, and the coating liquid for forming the resin layer is discharged from the nozzle to cause the end of the resin layer to move. Apply to the part to form a reinforcing part-forming coating film. Thereafter, the reinforcing part-forming coating film is cured by a curing device, whereby the resin layer is laminated on the end of the resin layer to form the reinforcing part. After that, the position of the nozzle is aligned with and fixed to the position of the other end of the resin layer on the core metal, the core metal is rotated without moving in the axial direction, and the coating liquid for forming the resin layer is discharged from the nozzle. Apply to the end to form a reinforcing part-forming coating film. Thereafter, the reinforcing part-forming coating film is cured by a curing device, whereby the resin layer is laminated on the end of the resin layer to form the reinforcing part. In addition, the thickness of the reinforcement part of both ends after a hardening process and the thickness of a resin coating film are sample No.2. 101. The thickness of the reinforcing part and the thickness of the resin coating film are as follows. It was measured by the same method as 101.

(Application conditions of the resin layer forming application liquid)
Sample No. The same conditions as in 101 were used.

(Application conditions of resin layer forming coating solution for reinforcing part formation)
After the resin layer-forming coating film is cured, the flow rate of the resin layer-forming coating solution from the nozzle for forming the reinforcing portion-forming coating film on both ends of the resin layer: 0.05 ml / min
(Conditions for curing the resin layer reinforced coating film)
Sample No. The same conditions as in 101 were used.

(Preparation of intermediate transfer belt)
An elastic layer and a surface layer are provided on the resin layer with a sample No. After forming the surface layer up to the surface layer, the cored bar is extracted, and a tubular product used as an intermediate transfer belt is manufactured. 103.

(Production of comparative sample No. 104)
When forming the resin layer using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. A tubular product to be used as an intermediate transfer belt was manufactured under the same conditions as in No. 101, and Comparative Sample No. 104.

(Production of comparative sample No. 105)
When forming the resin layer using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. A tubular product was produced under the same conditions as in 101. Thereafter, a silicon rubber layer having a width of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm is provided according to the method described in JP-A-2005-055469, [0032] to [0036] so as to cover both end faces of the tubular material, and used as an intermediate transfer belt. A tubular product to be used was prepared, and comparative sample No. 105.

(Production of comparative sample No. 106)
When forming the resin layer using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. A tubular product was produced under the same conditions as in 101. Thereafter, a polyethylene naphthalate having a width of 12 mm (manufactured by Teijin DuPont Films Ltd.) is applied in accordance with the method described in JP-A-2005-316028 [0049] to [0051] so as to cover both end faces of the tubular member as a reinforcing member. A tape with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied to a film (trade name Teonex) and a polyimide tape (product name Apical made by Nitto Denko Corporation) with an adhesive layer with a width of 8 mm are stacked to form a reinforcing part with a laminated step, and intermediate transfer A tubular product to be used as a belt was prepared, and comparative sample No. 106.

Evaluation The manufactured sample No. Nos. 101 to 106 were tested for cracks, cracks, and breakage at both ends of the intermediate transfer belt by the following method, and the results of evaluation according to the following evaluation rank are shown in Table 1.

Method for measuring cracks at both ends The sample was replaced with a bizbu PRO C6500 intermediate transfer belt product manufactured by Konica Minolta Business Technologies, and after three hours of continuous image formation, the sample was removed from the intermediate transfer belt jig. The presence or absence of cracks, cracks, breakage at both ends was visually observed. Cracks at both ends, no cracks, no damage Evaluation rank of cracks at both ends ○: No cracks at both ends Δ: No cracks at both ends, but cracks are observed.

X: Cracks at both ends The evaluation rank of cracks at both ends ○: No cracks at both ends Δ: No cracks at both ends, but creases (cracks) are observed.

×: There is a crack at both ends. Evaluation rank of damage at both ends. ○: There is no damage at both ends. Δ: There is no damage at both ends, but there is a break (crack).

  ×: Damaged at both ends

  Sample No. manufactured with the manufacturing method of the tubular thing which forms a reinforcement part in the both ends of the width direction of the resin layer of this invention with the coating liquid for resin layer formation. It was confirmed that Nos. 101 to 103 showed excellent performance without cracks, cracks and breakage at both end portions even after long-term use.

  Sample No. which has no reinforcing part at both ends prepared for comparison. It was confirmed that 104 showed the performance which is inferior also in the crack of both ends, a crack, and a failure | damage.

  For comparison, Sample No. 1 was prepared by providing a silicone rubber layer on both end faces. No cracks or cracks were observed on both side edges of No. 105, but some breakage that was thought to be caused by uneven thickness of the silicone rubber layer was observed. In addition, there is a concern that the installation of a process for providing a silicone rubber layer on both end faces and management for forming a stable silicone rubber layer must be performed, resulting in high costs.

  Sample No. in which a tape was bonded as a reinforcing member to both end faces prepared for comparison. No cracks or cracks were observed on both side edges of No. 106, but some damage due to tape peeling was observed. In addition, there is a concern that the process of laminating the tape on both end faces and the management of the laminating position of the tape must be performed, resulting in high costs. The effectiveness of the present invention was confirmed.

Example 2
Sample No. manufactured in Example 1 When manufacturing 101, a tubular product was manufactured using the same method and conditions except that the width of the reinforcing portion at both ends of the resin layer was changed as shown in Table 2. 201 to 205. In addition, the width | variety of the reinforcement part of both ends shows the ratio (%) with respect to the full width of a tubular thing.

Evaluation The manufactured sample No. Table 2 shows the results obtained by measuring 201 to 205 and measuring the presence or absence of cracks, cracks, breakage at both end portions in the same manner as in Example 1 and evaluating according to the same evaluation rank as in Example 1.

  Sample No. manufactured with the width of the reinforcing part at both ends of the resin layer being 5% to 30% of the total width of the tubular material. Nos. 202 to 204 showed excellent performance in any of cracks, cracks and breaks at both end portions. In addition, the sample No. in which the width of the reinforcing portion at both ends of the resin layer is less than 5% of the total width of the tubular material. 201, and sample Nos. Larger than 30%. Although 205 had no problem in practical use, any result was slightly inferior.

  Sample No. As a result of manufacturing a tubular material to be used as a fixing belt having the structure of resin layer / elastic layer / surface layer and resin layer / heat generation layer / elastic layer / surface layer in the same manner as 201 to 205, and performing the same evaluation, No. The same results as 201 to 205 were obtained.

Example 3
Sample No. manufactured in Example 1 When manufacturing 101, the thickness of the reinforcing part at both ends of the resin layer was changed as shown in Table 2, and a tubular product was manufactured using the same method and conditions. 301 to 305. In addition, the thickness of the reinforcement part of both ends shows the ratio (%) with respect to the thickness of the resin layer of a tubular thing.

Evaluation The manufactured sample No. Table 3 shows the results obtained by measuring cracks, cracks, and breakage at both end portions 301 to 305 by the same method as in Example 1 and evaluating according to the same evaluation rank as in Example 1.

  Sample No. manufactured with the thickness of the reinforcing part at both ends of the resin layer being 105% to 155% with respect to the thickness of the resin layer. Nos. 302 to 304 showed excellent performance in cracks, cracks, and breaks at both end portions. In addition, sample No. in which the thickness of the reinforcing part at both ends of the resin layer was made thinner than 105% with respect to the thickness of the resin layer. Sample Nos. 301 and 150% thicker than 150%. Although 305 had no problem in practical use, any result was slightly inferior.

  Sample No. As a result of producing a tubular product to be used as a fixing belt having the structure of resin layer / elastic layer / surface layer and resin layer / heat generation layer / elastic layer / surface layer in the same manner as 301 to 305 and performing the same evaluation, No. The same results as 301 to 305 were obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Tubular object 1a, 2a Resin layer 1b, 2b Functional layer 1b1, 2b2 Elastic layer 1b2, 2b3 Surface layer 2b1 Heat generation layer 3 Manufacturing apparatus 3a Holding apparatus 3a3 Driving motor 3b Coating apparatus 3b1 Coating means 4 Core metal

Claims (9)

Using a relatively moving nozzle, a resin layer forming coating solution is applied to the peripheral surface of a rotating cylindrical cored bar to form a resin layer forming coating, and the resin layer forming coating is cured. After forming the resin layer by performing the treatment, in the method for producing a tubular article, the core metal is extracted to produce a tubular article.
A method for producing a tubular article, wherein reinforcing portions are formed with the resin layer forming coating liquid at both ends in the width direction of the resin layer.   The method for producing a tubular article according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional layer is laminated on the resin layer.   The method for manufacturing a tubular article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the reinforcing portion is 5% to 30% with respect to the entire width of the tubular article.   The method for producing a tubular article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a thickness of the reinforcing portion is 105% to 150% with respect to a thickness of the resin layer.   The reinforcing portion is formed by applying the resin layer forming coating liquid onto the core metal, at the start and end of the coating, with the relative movement speed of the nozzle being slower than that during steady coating. The method for producing a tubular article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:   The reinforcing portion applies the flow amount of the resin layer forming coating solution from the nozzle at the time of starting and finishing the coating when the resin layer forming coating solution is applied onto the core metal, compared with that during steady application. The method for producing a tubular article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tubular article is formed by increasing.   5. The tubular article according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing portion is formed by applying the resin layer forming coating solution to both ends of the resin layer after the resin layer is formed. Manufacturing method.   The method for manufacturing a tubular product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tubular product is an intermediate transfer belt of an image forming apparatus.   The method for manufacturing a tubular product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tubular product is a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus.

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