JP3720450B2 - Method for manufacturing fixing member - Google Patents

Description

［参考例７］
第４の参考例と同様の方法で加圧ローラ駆動のフィルム定着方式を用いた画像形成装置における加圧ローラを作成した。
図１２に加圧ローラ駆動のフィルム定着方式の定着装置に用いられる加圧ローラの断面図を示す。７１１は定着ローラのアルミニウム芯金であり、その直径は１０ｍｍである。その芯金上に第４の参考例と同様の方法で、３ｍｍのシリコーンゴム層７１３、２５μｍのフッ素ゴムとフッ素樹脂の混合物から成るプライマー層７１４、そして最外層としての１５μｍのフッ素樹脂（ＦＥＰ）層７１５が形成されている。フッ素樹脂層は１５０℃で２０分の乾燥後、３００℃で２０分の予備加熱焼成をした。またその際のフッ素樹脂表面の表面粗さは、十点平均粗さ（Ｒｚ）で４μｍであった。
【００６７】
上記のような方法で作成した加圧ローラを、内径１６．６ｍｍ、肉厚３．０ｍｍのＳＵＳで形成された面転写部材に挿入、固定、一体化して、２７０℃に設定した温風循環式オーブンにより２０分間加熱した。その際の面転写部材の内面の表面粗さは、十点平均粗さ（Ｒｚ）で２５μｍ（参考例７．１）、１０μｍ（参考例７．２）、２μｍ（参考例７．３）の３種類を用意し、それぞれ上記条件において定着ローラを作成した。
【００６８】
それぞれの面転写部材を用いて作成した加圧ローラについて、その表面粗さと、加圧ローラとしての評価の結果を表２に示す。
その結果より、面転写部材の表面粗さを調整することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に任意の粗さを形成することが可能であることがわかる。また加圧ローラ駆動のフィルム定着装置における転写材搬送性及び画像不良については、上記の方法でフッ素樹脂表面の粗さを制御することにより解決される。
【００６９】
【表２】

以下、図面に基づき表３を参照しながら本発明の実施例により更に本発明の詳細を説明する。
【００７０】
【表３】

【００７１】
９１１はアルミニウムからなる基材であり、基材９１１上には弾性層９１２であるシリコーンゴムとの接着を行うため、あらかじめプライマー処理がなされている。基材９１１のプライマー処理は、一般的に用いられる、シリコーンゴムプライマーを基材９１１に塗布し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分放置することにより行った。
【００７２】
９１２はシリコーンゴムからなる弾性層であり、その形成方法に特に制約はないが、今回は基材をあらかじめセットしてある金型内に、ＬＴＶ液状シリコーンゴムを挿入し、１３０℃に設定した温風循環オーブン中に３０分間放置して硬化することにより形成した。上記硬化工程を終了した後、シリコーン弾性層の接着がなされた基材９１１を、金型より脱型し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブンに４時間放置して、シリコーンゴム弾性層の２次加硫を行った。またその際の、弾性層９１２の厚みは２ｍｍであった。
【００７３】
９１８はＦＥＰからなるフッ素樹脂層であり、上記した弾性層９１２上に以下のように形成した。
シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８を接着するためのプライマ層としては、特に制約はないが、ここでは、シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の表面をエポキシ系プライマーで処理した後、フッ素樹脂を混合したポリアミン系フッ素ゴム塗料を、約３０μｍの厚みに塗装し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して、加硫硬化させたものを用いた。
【００７４】
上記プライマー処理した、シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の上には、フッ素樹脂層を形成する。水性フッ素樹脂塗料（ここではＦＥＰの水性塗料）をスプレーにより塗装し、３２０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより成膜した。そのときフッ素樹脂層の厚みは１５μｍであった。
【００７５】
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
この結果、弾性層の端部の破壊及び熱劣化が極めて激しく、Ｃセットの低下により、定着用部材として要求される、紙搬送性が得られなくなった。
【００７６】
［従来例２］
従来例２における弾性体上へのフッ素樹脂被覆方法について図１７及び図１８を参照しながら説明する。
９１１はアルミニウムからなる基材であり、基材９１１上には弾性層９１２であるシリコーンゴムとの接着を行うため、あらかじめプライマー処理がなされている。基材９１１のプライマー処理は、一般的に用いられるシリコーンゴムプライマーを基材９１１に塗布し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより行った。
【００７７】
９１２はシリコーンゴムからなる弾性層でありその形成方法に特に制約はないが、今回は基材をあらかじめセットしてある金型内にＬＴＶ液状シリコーンゴムを挿入し、１３０℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して硬化することにより形成した。上記硬化工程を終了した後、シリコーンゴム弾性層の接着がなされた基材９１１を金型より脱型し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブンに４時間放置してシリコーンゴム弾性層の２次加硫を行った。またその際の弾性層９１２の厚みは２ｍｍであった。
９１８はＦＥＰからなるフッ素樹脂層であり、上記した弾性層９１２上に以下のように形成した。
【００７８】
シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８を接着するためのプライマ層としては、特に制約はないが、ここでは、シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の表面をエポキシ系プライマーで処理した後、フッ素樹脂を混合したポリアミン系フッ素ゴム塗料を、約３０μｍの厚みに塗装し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して、加硫硬化させたものを用いた。
【００７９】
上記プライマー処理したシリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の上には、フッ素樹脂層を形成する。水性フッ素樹脂塗料（ここではＦＥＰの水性塗料）をスプレー法により塗装し、３２０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に１５分間放置することにより予備加熱焼成を行った。そのときフッ素樹脂層の厚みは１５μｍであった。
【００８０】
更に、上記作成した定着用部材を図１８に示すステンレスで構成された円筒状面転写部材９１４に挿入し、その状態で２９０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら焼成成膜を行った。
【００８１】
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
その結果、弾性層の端部の破壊及び熱劣化は従来例１よりも抑えることができたが、それでもまだＣセットの低下により、定着用部材として要求される紙搬送性は得られなかった。
【００８２】
［実施例１］
実施例１における弾性体上へのフッ素樹脂被覆方法について図１４を参照しながら説明する。
９１１はアルミニウムからなる基材であり、基材９１１上には弾性層９１２であるシリコーンゴムとの接着を行うため、あらかじめプライマー処理がなされている。基材９１１のプライマー処理は、一般的に用いられるシリコーンゴムプライマーを基材９１１に塗布し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより行った。
【００８３】
９１２はシリコーンゴムからなる弾性層であり、その形成方法に特に制約はないが今回は基材をあらかじめセットしてある金型内にＬＴＶ液状シリコーンゴムを挿入し、１３０℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して硬化することにより形成した。上記硬化工程を終了した後、シリコーンゴム弾性層の接着がなされた基材９１１を金型より脱型し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブンに４時間放置してシリコーンゴム弾性層の２次加硫を行った。またその際の弾性層９１２の厚みは２ｍｍであった。
【００８４】
９１８はＦＥＰからなるフッ素樹脂層であり上記した弾性層９１２上に以下のように形成した。
シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８を接着するためのプライマ層としては特に制約はないが、ここではシリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の表面をエポキシ系プライマーで処理した後、フッ素樹脂を混合したポリアミン系フッ素ゴム塗料を約３０μｍの厚みに塗装し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して加硫硬化させたものを用いた。
【００８５】
上記プライマー処理したシリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の上には、フッ素樹脂層を形成する。水性フッ素樹脂塗料（ここではＦＥＰの水性塗料）をスプレーにより塗装し、１５０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に１５分間放置することにより、水性フッ素樹脂塗料の乾燥を行った。
【００８６】
上記のように、弾性体上にフッ素樹脂塗料が塗装・乾燥された基材に軸方向への変形規制治具９１５を付けたものを、図１４に示すステンレスで構成された円筒状面転写部材９１４に挿入し、その状態で３２０℃に設置された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら焼成成膜を行った。変形規制治具９１５は基材上に固定しその外径は弾性体上にフッ素樹脂塗料が塗装されたものとほぼ同じである。
【００８７】
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
その結果、弾性層とフッ素樹脂層が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制しているため、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止され、Ｃセットの変化もなかった。そのことにより、定着用部材として要求される良好な紙搬送性を得ることができた。また表層フッ素樹脂が弾性層の弾性効果により、トナー及び記録材の凹凸に追従し易くなりカラー画像においても光沢ムラの発生しない定着用部材が得られた。
【００８８】
［実施例２］
実施例２における弾性体上へのフッ素樹脂被覆方法について図１４を参照しながら説明する。
９１１はアルミニウムからなる基材であり、基材９１１上には弾性層９１２であるシリコーンゴムとの接着を行うため、あらかじめプライマー処理がなされている。基材９１１のプライマー処理は、一般的に用いられるシリコーンゴムプライマーを基材９１１に塗布し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより行った。
【００８９】
９１２はシリコーンゴムからなる弾性層であり、その形成方法に特に制約はないが、今回は基材をあらかじめセットしてある金型内にＬＴＶ液状シリコーンゴムを挿入し、１３０℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して硬化することにより形成した。上記硬化工程を終了した後、シリコーンゴム弾性層の接着がなされた基材９１１を金型より脱型し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブンに４時間放置して、シリコーンゴム弾性層の２次加硫を行った。またその際の弾性層９１２の厚みは２ｍｍであった。
【００９０】
９１８はＦＥＰからなるフッ素樹脂層であり、上記した弾性層９１２上に以下のように形成した。
シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８を接着するためのプライマ層としては特に制約はないが、ここではシリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の表面をエポキシ系プライマーで処理した後、フッ素樹脂を混合したポリアミン系フッ素ゴム塗料を約３０μｍの厚みに塗装し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して加硫硬化させたものを用いた。
【００９１】
上記プライマー処理したシリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の上には、フッ素樹脂層を形成する。水性フッ素樹脂塗料（ここではＦＥＰの水性塗料）をスプレーにより塗装し、３２０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に１５分間放置することにより予備加熱焼成を行った。
【００９２】
上記のように、弾性体上にフッ素樹脂塗料が予備加熱焼成され軸方向への変形規制治具９１５を付けたものを、図１４に示すステンレスで構成された円筒状面転写部材９１４に挿入し、その状態で３２０℃に設置された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら焼成成膜を行った。変形規制治具は基材上に固定しその外径は弾性体上にフッ素樹脂塗料が塗装されたものとほぼ同じである。
【００９３】
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
その結果、弾性層とフッ素樹脂層が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制しているため、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止され、Ｃセットの変化もなかった。そのことにより、定着用部材として要求される良好な紙搬送性を得ることができた。また表層フッ素樹脂が弾性層の弾性効果により、トナー及び記録材の凹凸に追従し易くなりカラー画像においても光沢ムラの発生しない定着用部材が得られた。
【００９４】
［実施例３］
実施例３における弾性体上にフッ素樹脂を被覆する方法について、図１５を参照しながら、説明する。
実施例２と同様な方法で、基材上に構成された弾性層上にフッ素樹脂（ＦＥＰ）を予備加熱焼成し、それを面転写部材としてその内径が挿入できる程度大きめに作られた弾性層よりも熱膨張の小さい樹脂製のチューブ９１４に挿入した。
その状態で３２０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら、焼成成膜を行った。
【００９５】
上記のような工程を経てフッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
この際、挿入する基材上構成された弾性層上にフッ素樹脂（ＦＥＰ）を予備加熱焼成したものの外径は４０ｍｍであり、弾性層はシリコーンゴムチューブとしてシリコーンゴムよりも熱膨張の小さいポリイミド製の内径４０．２ｍｍ、厚み１００μｍのものを使用した。
【００９６】
その結果、加熱焼成成膜する際に、弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１３が膨張し、チューブ９１４内面に接すると図１５に示すように、チューブの弾性によりチューブが変形するため弾性層とフッ素樹脂層の両端部を押さえつける結果となり、軸方向へ変形しないよう規制することとなる。このため、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止されＣセットの変化もなかった。そのことにより、定着用部材として要求される良好な紙搬送性を得ることができた。また、表層フッ素樹脂が弾性層の弾性効果により、トナー及び記録材の凹凸に追従し易くなりカラー画像においても光沢ムラの発生しない定着用部材が得られた。
【００９７】
［実施例４］
実施例４における弾性体上にフッ素樹脂を被覆する方法について、図１３を参照しながら説明する。
実施例２と同様な方法で、基材上に構成された弾性層上にフッ素樹脂（ＦＥＰ）を予備加熱焼成し、それを円筒状の面転写部材９１４中に挿入した。
【００９８】
面転写部材の両端からは、フッ素樹脂加熱焼成成膜時に上記弾性層及びフッ素樹脂層が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制するように、面転写部材内径とほぼ同外径で定着用部材端部形状にそった駒９１６を挿入した。定着用部材端部及び面転写部材内径との接触部分である駒９１６Ａは相手を傷つけないように耐熱性の樹脂を使用するのがよく、今回はＰＥＥＫ材を用いた。また駒９１６は加熱焼成成膜時に弾性層及びフッ素樹脂層が、軸方向へ変形しないよう規制できるよう面転写部材９１４両端で加圧固定した。
【００９９】
また図１３ｂに示すように面転写部材９１４が薄かったり弱かったりして面転写部材両端で加圧固定できないときは駒同士をロットでつなぎ軸方向へ変形しないよう規制でき、且つ基材の熱膨張による変形を吸収できるようにバネで加圧固定する方法もある。
その状態で３２０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら焼成成膜を行った。
【０１００】
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
その結果、弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制しているため、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材９１１との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん旋断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止され、Ｃセットの変化もなかった。そのことにより、定着用部材として要求される良好な紙搬送性を得ることができた。また、表層フッ素樹脂が弾性層の弾性効果により、トナー及び記録材の凹凸に追従し易くなりカラー画像においても光沢ムラの発生しない定着用部材が得られた。
【０１０１】
［実施例５］
実施例５における弾性体上にフッ素樹脂を被覆する方法について、図１３を参照しながら説明する。
実施例２と同様な方法で、基材上に構成された弾性層上にフッ素樹脂（ＦＥＰ）を予備加熱焼成し、それを円筒状の面転写部材９１４中に挿入した。
【０１０２】
面転写部材の両端からは、フッ素樹脂加熱焼成成膜時に上記弾性層及びフッ素樹脂層が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制するように、面転写部材内径とほぼ同外径で定着用部材端部形状にそった駒９１６を挿入した。定着用部材端部及び面転写部材内径との接触部分である駒９１６Ａは相手を傷つけないように耐熱性の樹脂を使用するのがよく、今回はＰＥＥＫ材を用いた。また駒９１６は加熱焼成成膜時に弾性層及びフッ素樹脂層が、軸方向へ変形しないよう規制できるよう面転写部材両端で加圧固定した。
その状態で３５０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら焼成成膜を行った。
【０１０３】
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
その結果、３５０℃という高温にもかかわらず、弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制しているため、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材９１１との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん旋断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止され、Ｃセットの変化もなかった。そのことにより、定着用部材として要求される良好な紙搬送性を得ることができた。また表層フッ素樹脂が弾性層の弾性効果により、トナー及び記録材の凹凸に追従し易くなりカラー画像においても光沢ムラの発生しない定着用部材が得られた。
【０１０４】
［実施例６］
実施例６における弾性体上にフッ素樹脂を被覆する方法について、図１３を参照しながら説明する。
実施例２と同様な方法で、基材上に構成された弾性層上にフッ素樹脂（ＰＦＡ）を予備加熱焼成し、それを円筒状の面転写部材９１４中に挿入した。
【０１０５】
面転写部材の両端からは、フッ素樹脂加熱焼成成膜時に上記弾性層及びフッ素樹脂層が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制するように、面転写部材内径とほぼ同外径で定着用部材端部形状にそった駒９１６を挿入した。定着用部材端部及び面転写部材内径との接触部分である駒９１６Ａは相手を傷つけないように耐熱性の樹脂を使用するのがよく、今回はＰＥＥＫ材を用いた。また駒９１６は加熱焼成成膜時に弾性層及びフッ素樹脂層が、軸方向へ変形しないよう規制できるよう面転写部材両端で加圧固定した。
【０１０６】
その状態で３５０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら焼成成膜を行った。
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
【０１０７】
その結果、３５０℃という高温にもかかわらず、弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制しているため、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材９１１との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止され、従来、ゴム上に成膜することが極めて困難であったＰＦＡを成膜できると同時にＣセットの変化もなかった。そのことにより、定着用部材として要求される良好な紙搬送性を得ることができた。また表層フッ素樹脂が弾性層の弾性効果により、トナー及び記録材の凹凸に追従し易くなりカラー画像においても光沢ムラの発生しない定着用部材が得られた。
【０１０８】
［実施例７］
実施例７における弾性体上へのフッ素樹脂被覆方法について図１６を参照しながら説明する。
９９１１は熱硬化性ポリイミド（厚み５０μｍ）からなる基材であり、基材９９１１上には弾性層９１２であるシリコーンゴムとの接着を行うため、あらかじめプライマー処理がなされている。基材９１１のプライマー処理は、一般的に用いられるシリコーンゴムプライマーを基材９１１に塗布し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより行った。
【０１０９】
９１２はシリコーンゴムからなる弾性層であり、その形成方法に特に制約はないが今回はシリコーンゴム溶解液をスプレーにより塗布し、乾燥後１３０℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して硬化することにより形成した。上記硬化工程を終了した後、シリコーンゴム弾性層の接着がなされた基材９１１を、金型より脱型し２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブンに４時間放置してシリコーンゴム弾性層の２次加硫を行った。またその際の弾性層９１２の厚みは１００μｍであった。
【０１１０】
９１８はＦＥＰからなるフッ素樹脂層であり、上記した弾性層９１２上に以下のように形成した。
シリコーンゴム弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８を接着するためのプライマ層としては特に制約はないが、ここではシリコーンゴム弾性層１０２の表面をエポキシ系プライマーで処理した後、フッ素樹脂を混合したポリアミン系フッ素ゴム塗料を約３０μｍの厚みに塗装し、２００℃に設定した温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置して加硫硬化させたものを用いた。
【０１１１】
上記プライマー処理したシリコーンゴム弾性層９１２の上には、フッ素樹脂層９１８を形成する。水性フッ素樹脂塗料（ここではＦＥＰの水性塗料）をスプレーにより塗装し、３２０℃に設定された温風循環式オーブン中に１５分間放置することにより、予備加熱焼成を行った。
【０１１２】
上記のように、弾性体上にフッ素樹脂塗料が予備加熱焼成されたポリイミド基材中に基材９１１の内面に接するように円柱状で軸方向への変形規制治具９１５を付けた心棒９１７を挿入し、図１４に示すステンレスで構成された円筒状面転写部材９１４に挿入した。
その状態で３２０℃に設置された温風循環式オーブン中に３０分間放置することにより、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の内面模様を転写しながら焼成成膜を行った。
【０１１３】
上記のような工程を経て、フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材を製造した。
その結果、弾性層９１２とフッ素樹脂層９１８が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制しているため、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材９１１との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止され、Ｃセットの変化もなかった。そのことにより、定着用部材として要求される良好な紙搬送性を得ることができた。また表層フッ素樹脂が弾性層の弾性効果により、トナー及び記録材の凹凸に追従し易くなりカラー画像においても光沢ムラの発生しない定着用部材が得られた。
【０１１４】
【発明の効果】
上記のように、円筒基材または円柱基材上にフッ素樹脂を被覆する方法において、フッ素樹脂の加熱焼成時、又は予備加熱焼成後のフッ素樹脂の成膜時に、基材と面転写部材との間でフッ素樹脂を加圧することにより、割合に低い温度でクラックや凹凸がなく密着性のよい被膜を得ることができ、フッ素樹脂表面に面転写部材の表面に制御された微小形状を転写させることにより、フッ素樹脂表面に制御された模様及び粗さを形成することが可能となった。
【０１１５】
また上記方法を用いて、画像形成装置の定着装置に用いられる、トナーと直接接する定着部材を作成した場合、表層フッ素樹脂の表面粗さを制御することができ、画像の光沢ムラを防止することが可能となった。
【０１１６】
また上記方法を用いて、画像形成装置の定着装置に用いられる、駆動側に用いられる定着部材を作成した場合、表層フッ素樹脂の表面粗さを制御することができ、搬送性及び画像荒れ不良を防止することが可能となった。
【０１１７】
また上記のように、円筒基材または円柱基材上に形成された弾性体上にフッ素樹脂層を加熱焼成する際、上記弾性体と面転写部材との間でフッ素樹脂層が加圧され、更に、フッ素樹脂加熱焼成成膜時に、上記弾性層及びフッ素樹脂層が軸方向へ変形しないよう規制することにより、加熱の際に生じる弾性層の基材との接着面と弾性層そのものの熱膨張の差により発生するせん断力によるゴムの破壊及び劣化が防止され、フッ素樹脂層の焼成成膜を高温でできるようになり、その結果良好なフッ素樹脂膜を弾性体上に形成することが可能となった。
【０１１８】
また、上記のような方法を用いて製造した電子写真画像形成装置の定着装置に用いられる定着部材は、弾性層の劣化が生じないため、良好な紙搬送性が得られ、更に弾性層の弾性効果によりフッ素樹脂表面がトナーや記録材の凹凸に追従することができるようになり、カラー画像においても光沢ムラを発生することがなくなる等々の優れた効果が奏される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 参考例１のフッ素樹脂成膜法の概略図。
【図２】 参考例１の円筒状基材の断面図。
【図３】 参考例２のフッ素樹脂成膜法の概略図。
【図４】 参考例２の円筒状基材の断面図。
【図５】 参考例３の円筒状の面転写部材を用いたフッ素樹脂成膜法の概略図。
【図６】 参考例３の円筒状基材の断面図。
【図７】 参考例４の円筒状の面転写部材を用いたフッ素樹脂成膜法の概略図。
【図８】 参考例４の円筒状基材の断面図。
【図９】 参考例５の円筒状の面転写部材を用いたフッ素樹脂成膜法の概略図。
【図１０】 参考例５の円筒状基材の断面図。
【図１１】 参考例６の定着ローラの断面図。
【図１２】 参考例７の加圧ローラの断面図。
【図１３】 本発明のフッ素樹脂焼成成膜方法を示す模式断面図（実施例４〜６）。
【図１４】 本発明のフッ素樹脂焼成成膜方法を示す模式断面図（実施例１，２）。
【図１５】 本発明のフッ素樹脂焼成成膜方法を示す模式断面図（実施例３）。
【図１６】 本発明のフッ素樹脂焼成成膜方法を示す模式断面図（実施例７）。
【図１７】 フッ素樹脂被覆弾性定着用部材の模式断面図。
【図１８】 従来の面転写フッ素樹脂焼成成膜方法を示す模式断面図。[0001]
The present invention Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate ( In this specification, the cylindrical base material may be described as a cylindrical base material, but this has the same meaning as the cylindrical base material and is not distinguished. The present invention relates to a method of coating a fluororesin on the upper surface, and a method suitably applied when manufacturing a fixing member of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or LBP (laser beam printer).
[0002]
The present invention also relates to a fluororesin coating method on an elastic body and a fixing member used in a fixing device of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the method.
[0003]
[Prior art]
Traditionally, Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate As a method of forming a coating film of fluororesin on top, a method of heating and firing after coating fluororesin powder or fluororesin dispersion on a substrate is used. When the above-mentioned fluororesin is heated and fired, a method is employed in which the fluororesin is heated to a melting point of the fluororesin or higher and a fired film is formed.
[0004]
In addition, as a fixing roller used as a fixing member of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a fluororesin as a toner release layer is coated on a metal substrate and heated and fired, or heat resistant on a metal core. A rubber layer is formed, and a fluororesin layer as a toner release layer is coated on the outside and heated and baked to form a film.
[0005]
The fixing film is a film formed by coating a fluororesin as a toner release layer on a metal or heat-resistant resin substrate and heating and baking the film, or forming a heat-resistant rubber layer on the metal or heat-resistant resin film. In addition, a film formed by coating a fluororesin layer as a toner release layer on the outside and heating and baking it is used.
As the pressure roller, there is used a film formed by forming a heat-resistant rubber layer on a metal core, coating a fluororesin layer as a toner release layer on the outer side, and heating and baking it.
[0006]
Conventionally, as a method for coating a fluororesin on an elastic body, a method of heating after coating a fluororesin powder and a fluororesin dispersion on the elastic body is used. When the above-mentioned fluororesin is heated and fired, a method is employed in which the fluororesin is heated to a melting point or higher of the fluororesin and fired.
[0007]
The inventors also applied the surface pattern of the surface transfer member to the surface of the fluororesin by pressurizing and simultaneously heating the fluororesin with the elastic body and the surface transfer member disposed outside the fluororesin during the fluororesin firing film formation. It proposes a method to transcribe.
[0008]
As a fixing member used as a fixing member of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a member in which an elastic layer is formed on a metal substrate and a fluororesin layer is formed as a toner release layer on the outer peripheral surface thereof is often used. Recently, an elastic layer formed on a heat-resistant resin substrate and a fluororesin film as a toner release layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof may be used.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the fluororesin coating method as in the conventional example has the following various problems.
First, when a fluororesin is coated on a substrate and heated and fired, the melt viscosity of the fluororesin is extremely high, so even when heated and fired at a temperature considerably higher than the melting point, the formed fluororesin layer has sufficient smoothness. Is hard to get. If the fluororesin layer is not completely formed, it is difficult to obtain the wear resistance of the fluororesin, and the releasability inherent to the fluororesin cannot be fully exhibited.
[0010]
In addition, when a conventional heating and baking method is used, the minute uneven shape and roughness of the surface of the fluororesin after the heating and baking film formation are easily changed depending on the coating conditions of the fluororesin and the heating and baking conditions. It is impossible to provide a desired pattern or roughness on the surface of the fluororesin after being baked to form a film.
[0011]
In addition, when a film is formed by coating a fluororesin on an elastic body and heating and firing, if the heat resistance of the elastic body itself is low, when the fluororesin is fired and formed, thermal deterioration of the elastic body as a base material is caused. Will occur. Also, in order to prevent thermal degradation of the elastic body, if the fluororesin heat baking film forming temperature is lowered or the baking film forming time is shortened, the fluororesin is not completely formed, and cracks and irregularities are generated on the surface. To do.
[0012]
As described above, in general, there are still many problems to be solved technically for forming a fluororesin film, and in particular, a fixing roller, a fixing film, and a pressure roller used as a fixing member of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Since the toner releasability is required for its use, a fluororesin is often used as the surface layer, so that there is a high demand for new technology in this field as a practical problem.
[0013]
In this field, a fixing roller and a fixing film that are in direct contact with toner among fixing members are required to have smoothness of the surface fluororesin in order to prevent uneven gloss of printed images. However, as described above, it is extremely difficult to impart the desired smoothness to the fluororesin coating by the conventional technique. If the smoothness of the fluororesin surface is lost or the fluororesin layer is not completely formed, not only will the glossy surface of the printed image be generated, but also the mold release on the fluororesin surface will be degraded. There arises a problem that the durability of the fluororesin is lowered, and the use as a fixing member becomes difficult.
[0014]
However, among the fixing members, particularly the fixing members that require transferability of the transfer material, the surface of the fluororesin needs to have a certain degree of roughness. At that time, as described above, in order to obtain a desired transportability, it is extremely difficult to apply a desired roughness to the surface of the fluororesin with the conventional technology. If the surface of the fluororesin is smaller than the desired roughness, the transfer capability of the transfer material is lowered, and if the surface of the fluororesin is larger than the desired roughness, a printed image may be defective.
[0015]
As described above, it is extremely important in terms of performance to form a desired roughness and pattern on the surface of the fluororesin of the fixing member, but the control method has not been established so far.
[0016]
Furthermore, the fluororesin coating method as in the conventional example has the following problems. First, when a fluororesin is coated on an elastic body and heated and fired, the melt viscosity of the fluororesin is extremely high, so that even if heated and fired at a temperature considerably higher than the melting point of the fluororesin, the formed fluororesin layer is sufficiently smooth. Sex cannot be obtained. In addition, when the fluororesin firing conditions as described above are executed, there is no elastic body that can withstand the temperature, which results in extremely large damage to the elastic body.
[0017]
For the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems, the inventors pressurized the fluororesin layer between the elastic body and the surface transfer member arranged outside the fluororesin layer, and the surface pattern of the surface transfer member A method has been proposed in which a fluororesin is heated and baked while being transferred to the fluororesin surface. As a result, the fluororesin can be formed at a lower temperature than before while controlling the surface pattern of the fluororesin, and damage to the rubber layer, which is a lower material, can be relatively suppressed. However, even with this method, damage to rubber could not be completely suppressed.
[0018]
Since a fixing roller, a fixing film, a pressure roller, and the like as a fixing member used as a fixing member of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus require toner releasability in use, a fluororesin is often used for the surface layer.
[0019]
Further, in the fixing roller and the fixing film for fixing a maximum of four toner layers, the fluororesin layer that is the surface toner release layer is not flexible enough to follow the unevenness of the toner or recording material. There is a problem that heat cannot be completely transferred to the toner, and the fixing property of the toner to the recording material is deteriorated. For this reason, use of a fixing member having a configuration in which a flexible elastic layer is provided under the fluororesin layer as a toner release layer has been studied.
However, as described above, the baking of the fluororesin has conventionally required a considerably high temperature, and there has been a problem that the rubber layer under the fluororesin is seriously damaged. As a result, the C set (compression set) of the elastic layer is deteriorated, and the paper transportability required for the fixing member cannot be obtained. In order to suppress the damage, if the firing temperature of the fluororesin is kept low, there is a problem that the fluororesin cannot be completely melted, the surface is cracked, or the desired surface properties cannot be obtained. .
[0020]
[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the invention, Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate When the fluororesin layer on the elastic layer formed above is heated and baked, the fluororesin layer is pressurized between the elastic layer and a cylindrical surface transfer member disposed outside the fluororesin layer. In the method for manufacturing a fixing member including the step of transferring the surface pattern of the cylindrical surface transfer member to the surface of the fluororesin layer by heating in a state, the step includes the step that the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are The present invention provides a fixing member manufacturing method, wherein the fixing member is controlled so as not to be deformed in the direction.
Furthermore, in the above aspect of the present invention, The cylindrical surface transfer member However, the inner diameter is formed by an elastic layer having a surface fluororesin layer to be inserted Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate It is preferable that the tube is made of a resin having a thermal expansion smaller than that of the elastic layer.
Furthermore, in the above aspect of the present invention, the step is formed by an elastic layer having a fluororesin layer on the surface of the cylindrical surface transfer member. Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate It is preferable to include a step of inserting and pressing a piece from both ends of the cylindrical surface transfer member.
[0021]
According to the present invention , Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate Surface transfer in which fluororesin (FEP, PFA, PTFE, etc.) powder or water-based paint thereof is coated on the elastic layer formed above, and then the fluororesin layer is arranged outside the elastic layer and fluororesin layer Since the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are regulated so as not to be deformed into the axial method when pressurizing between the members and heat-firing to form a film, the adhesive surface of the elastic layer to the base material that occurs during heating It is possible to prevent the rubber from being destroyed and deteriorated due to the shearing force generated by the difference in thermal expansion between the elastic layer and the elastic layer, and to form an arbitrary roughness and pattern on the surface of the fluororesin, which has been difficult to control the roughness. Become. There is no particular restriction on the axial deformation of the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer, but a control jig is used. Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate Achieved by attaching to the
[0022]
Also, Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate After coating the elastic layer formed above with a powder of fluororesin (FEP, PFA, PTFE, etc.) or their water-based paint, preheating and firing are performed in advance, and the fluororesin is then applied to the elastic layer and the fluororesin. The elastic layer that is generated during heating because the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are regulated so as not to deform in the axial direction even when the film is heated and baked and formed between the surface transfer members arranged outside the layer. It is possible to prevent the rubber from being destroyed and deteriorated due to the shearing force generated by the difference in thermal expansion between the adhesive surface of the base material and the elastic layer itself, and to have an arbitrary roughness on the surface of the fluororesin, which has been difficult to control the roughness. A pattern can be formed. As described above, when a desired roughness is formed on the surface by the surface transfer member after preheating and baking the fluororesin in advance, surface transfer at a lower temperature is possible than when the preheating and baking are not performed.
[0023]
In addition, as described above, there is no particular limitation on the method for restricting the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer from being deformed in the axial direction during the heat-firing film formation of the fluororesin, but the inner diameter is inserted as a surface transfer member. Formed by an elastic layer having a fluororesin layer on the surface Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate It is suitable to use a resin tube having a smaller thermal expansion than an elastic layer that is made large enough to be inserted. By using this method, especially the jig for regulation Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate Even if it is not attached to, the restriction of deformation in the axial direction in the present invention is achieved.
[0024]
In addition, as described above, as a method for restricting the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer from being deformed in the axial direction during the heat-firing film formation of the fluororesin, the surface transfer member is cylindrical, and the fluororesin layer is formed on the surface. Formed by elastic layer having Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate And inserting the frame from both ends of the cylindrical surface transfer member and pressing it down is suitable. By using this method, it is possible to control the deformation in the axial direction in the present invention, which can be used repeatedly and more stably than the method using the resin tube without particularly processing the product part or attaching a jig. Achieved.
[0025]
Further, when a fixing member for use in a fixing device of an image forming apparatus is manufactured by using the above-described fluororesin coating method of the present invention, thermal deterioration of the elastic layer hardly occurs during fluororesin baking film formation, and C set It will not cause poor paper transportability due to the decrease. When printing a color image, the effect of the elastic layer enables the surface of the fixing member to follow the unevenness of the toner or the recording material, thereby providing a fixing member free from uneven image gloss. In addition, since a desired pattern and roughness can be formed on the surface of the fluororesin by the surface transfer member, a fixing member having a surface shape can be manufactured in accordance with the application.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The method for pressing the fluororesin layer between the base material and the surface transfer member is not particularly limited, but a flat surface transfer member having a minute uneven shape on a predetermined surface was coated with a fluororesin. Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate Fluorine resin coating was applied to a cylindrical surface transfer member with a predetermined surface with minute irregularities. Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate You may use the method of pressing while rotating.
[0027]
The material of the surface transfer member is not particularly limited as long as it can withstand the temperature required for the fluororesin baking film formation, but metal materials such as iron, SUS, and aluminum, and heat resistant resins such as polyimide and polyphenylene sulfide. Is preferably used.
[0028]
Also Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate After pre-heating and baking the fluororesin coated on top, pressurize the fluororesin layer between the base material and the surface transfer member on the outside of the fluororesin layer to form a micro uneven shape on the surface of the surface transfer member. You may transfer to the fluororesin surface.
[0029]
At that time, the preheating and baking of the fluororesin may be performed until the fluororesin is completely formed, but this is not particularly necessary, and it is sufficient to temporarily raise the fluororesin to the melting temperature. At this point, cracks, irregularities, etc. may exist on the surface of the fluororesin. The temperature of the fluororesin layer in the step of heating the preheated and fired fluororesin with the base material and the surface transfer member is not particularly limited as long as it is usually 200 ° C. or higher, but it is not necessary to raise the temperature to the preheated and fired temperature. The temperature is preferably heated to 240 ° C to 290 ° C.
[0030]
After pre-baking the fluororesin, using a method in which the fluororesin layer is pressed between the substrate and the surface transfer body, and the micro uneven shape on the surface of the surface transfer body is transferred to the fluororesin surface. Can impart a micro uneven shape on an arbitrary surface to the fluororesin with a smaller amount of heat than when no preheating firing is performed. When a material having poor heat resistance such as resin or rubber is used as the base material, the base material is thermally deteriorated during the heat-firing of the fluororesin. However, this method can prevent the base material from being thermally deteriorated. In addition, since an unnecessary high temperature is not required at the time of pressurizing the fluororesin layer, the working efficiency is good and the weight of the pressurizing device or the like can be reduced.
Further, the method for pressurizing the fluororesin between the base material and the surface transfer body and the material of the surface transfer body are not particularly limited as described above.
[0031]
As the surface transfer body, a cylinder having an arbitrary pattern on the inner surface and having an inner diameter into which a fluororesin-coated substrate can be inserted may be used. At that time, the fluororesin layer can be easily pressurized by heating the base material and the surface transfer member using materials having different thermal expansions. Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular as a method of pressurizing a fluororesin by such a system, there exist the following examples.
[0032]
First of all, when the thermal expansion coefficient of the base material coated with the fluororesin is larger than the thermal expansion coefficient of the surface transfer member, the base material coated with the fluororesin is inserted into the surface transfer member and heated. Is larger than the thermal expansion of the surface transfer member, the fluororesin layer is pressurized between the substrate and the surface transfer member, and the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member is transferred to the surface of the fluororesin.
[0033]
Second, if the thermal expansion coefficient of the base material coated with fluororesin is smaller than that of the surface transfer member, insert the base material coated with fluororesin into the surface transfer member with the outer surface fixed. When heated, the fluororesin layer is pressurized between the surface transfer member having the outer surface fixed and the substrate, and the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member is transferred to the surface of the fluororesin.
[0034]
In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the material of the base material and the surface transfer member and the heating method of the base material and the surface transfer member when the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member is transferred to the surface of the fluororesin using these methods.
In addition, when transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member to the surface of the fluororesin using these methods, even if surface transfer is performed without firing the fluororesin coated on the substrate, preheating and firing of the fluororesin is also possible. After the transfer, surface transfer may be performed.
In any of the methods described above, the base material may have a multilayer structure, and the surface layer of the base material may be made of heat-resistant rubber.
[0035]
In the case where a fluororesin is coated on a rubber and fired to form a film, the temperature at which the fluororesin is fired is extremely high, which causes rubber deterioration. However, if the firing temperature of the fluororesin is lowered or the firing time is shortened to prevent rubber deterioration, the fluororesin will not be completely deposited, resulting in cracks and irregularities on the surface. It was extremely difficult to form a desired pattern.
[0036]
However, if a method is used in which the fluororesin is pressurized between the rubber and the surface transfer member and the micro unevenness on the surface of the surface transfer member is transferred to the surface of the fluororesin, the temperature applied at the time of the fluororesin baking film is lowered. Even if it is set, the film formation of the fluororesin can be easily performed, so that the rubber deterioration at that time can be suppressed. At that time, the surface of the surface transfer member can be transferred to the surface of the fluororesin, and a desired pattern can be formed on the surface of the fluororesin.
[0037]
Further, since a fixing member used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus requires toner releasability in use, a fluororesin is often used as a surface layer thereof.
Among the fixing members, in particular, a fixing roller or a fixing film that comes into contact with toner requires smoothness of the surface fluororesin in order to prevent uneven gloss of the printed image. The uneven glossiness of the printed image occurs when the surface of the surface layer of the fixing roller or fixing film is transferred to the surface of the toner image, and a solid image, especially a color image such as a photographic print, is printed. Appears prominently.
According to the study by the inventors, the gloss unevenness of the printed image depends on the surface roughness of the fixing roller or the fixing film, and the surface roughness of the surface layer fluororesin of the fixing roller or the fixing film is expressed by a ten-point average roughness ( Rz) 5 μm or less can prevent this. However, as described above, it has been extremely difficult to form a desired roughness on the surface of the fluororesin until now, and the surface layer fluororesin of the fixing roller or the fixing film is ground to prevent unevenness of image gloss. The method of controlling was used.
[0038]
Using the method of the present invention, the fixing roller or the fixing film substrate is coated with a fluororesin, and the fixing roller or the fixing film substrate is pressed while being heated between the fixing roller or the fixing film substrate and the surface transfer member. A desired pattern can be formed on the surface fluororesin of the fixing film. That is, if a pattern having a roughness of 5 μm or less is formed in advance on the surface transfer member, the surface of the surface transfer member is transferred to the surface of the fixing roller or fixing film surface fluororesin, and the roughness is 5 μm or less and has a desired roughness. A fluororesin film can be formed. As a result, image gloss unevenness can be prevented.
[0039]
The fixing roller or fixing film substrate in the present invention is not particularly limited, but the fixing roller substrate may be a metal core such as iron or aluminum, or a heat resistant material such as silicone rubber or fluoro rubber on the core. A base material having a multilayer structure in which a conductive rubber is formed may be used. As the fixing film substrate, a film made of a heat-resistant resin such as polyimide and a metal such as nickel or iron, or a substrate having a multilayer structure in which a heat-resistant rubber such as silicone rubber or fluorine rubber is formed on the film is used. It may be used.
[0040]
Among the fixing members, in particular, a fixing member that requires transferability of the transfer material requires a certain degree of roughness in order that the fixing member surface fluororesin has the transfer material transfer capability. According to the inventors' investigation, it has been found that the surface roughness of the fluororesin sufficient for transporting the transfer material is in the range of 2 to 20 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz). Within that range, the best surface roughness is determined by the required transportability and other performance (image performance, etc.). However, as described above, it has been extremely difficult to form a desired roughness on the surface of the fluororesin so far, and it has not been possible to form the surface roughness of the fluororesin according to the required transportability.
[0041]
Using the method of the present invention, a fluororesin is coated on the base material of the fixing member, and the fluororesin is pressed between the base material and the surface transfer member while heating, thereby applying a desired surface roughness to the fixing member surface layer fluororesin. It became possible to form. In other words, if the surface transfer member is formed with fine irregularities having a roughness of 2 to 20 μm in advance, the surface of the surface transfer member is transferred to the surface of the fixing member surface layer fluororesin, the roughness of 2 to 20 μm and the desired roughness. A fluororesin film can be formed. As a result, the required transfer material transportability can be imparted to the fixing member.
[0042]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0043]
[ Reference example 1]
The first of the present invention Reference example Will be described with reference to FIGS.
11 is a cylindrical base material having a fluororesin coating layer as the outermost layer, and a cross-sectional view thereof is shown in FIG. 111 is a core of a cylindrical base material, which is made of aluminum and has a diameter of 40 mm. A fluororesin primer layer 112 is formed on the core metal 111 to bond the surface fluororesin and the core metal, and a fluororesin coating layer 113 is formed thereon. The primer layer 112 was formed by applying an aqueous paint of a fluororesin primer by spraying and then drying at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, and the thickness thereof was 8 μm. The fluororesin coating layer 113 was formed by applying a dispersion of fluororesin (PFA) by spraying after the primer layer coating as described above was finished, and drying at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes. At that time, the thickness was 25 μm.
[0044]
Reference numeral 12 denotes a surface transfer member according to the present invention, and at the same time, also serves as a heating plate for applying heat necessary for heating and baking the fluororesin layer. The surface transfer member 12 is made of stainless steel and has a surface roughness of 5 μm.
[0045]
The base material 11 coated with the fluororesin is applied to the surface transfer member 12 at 5 kgf / cm by a pressure member (not shown) at both ends. ² It is pressed with the pressure of and gradually rotates. The surface transfer member is heated to 350 ° C., and the heat causes the fluororesin (PFA) on the surface of the base material to melt and form a fired film.
[0046]
The surface roughness of the fluororesin fired film thus obtained is 4.9 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz). It was transferred to the surface. Further, when the surface of the formed fluororesin layer was observed with an electron microscope, no defects such as cracks were observed on the surface.
[0047]
[ Reference example 2]
The second of the present invention Reference example Will be described with reference to FIGS.
21 is a cylindrical base material having a fluororesin coating layer as the outermost layer, and a cross-sectional view thereof is shown in FIG. 211 is a core of a cylindrical base material, which is made of aluminum and has a diameter of 40 mm. A fluororesin primer layer 212 is formed on the core metal 211 to adhere the surface fluororesin and the core metal, and a fluororesin coating layer 213 is formed thereon. The primer layer 212 was formed by applying an aqueous paint of a fluororesin primer by spraying and then drying at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, and its thickness was 8 μm. After the primer layer coating as described above is finished, the fluororesin coating layer 213 is coated with a dispersion of fluororesin (PFA) by spraying, dried at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, and preheated and fired at 350 ° C. for 20 minutes. The thickness was 25 μm. At that time, the fluororesin layer was not completely formed, and defects such as cracks and irregularities were observed on the surface. At that time, the surface roughness of the fluororesin surface was 15 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz).
Reference numeral 22 denotes a surface transfer member according to the present invention, and at the same time, also serves as a heating plate for applying heat necessary for heating and baking the fluororesin layer. The surface transfer member 22 is made of stainless steel and has a surface roughness of 5 μm.
[0048]
The base material 21 that has been coated with fluororesin and preheated and fired with fluororesin is applied to the surface transfer member 22 at 5 kgf / cm at both ends by a pressure member (not shown). ² It is pressed with the pressure of and gradually rotates. Further, the surface transfer member is heated to 270 ° C. which is lower than the preheating baking temperature of the fluororesin, and the fluororesin (PFA) on the surface layer of the base material is softened by the heat and is further pressurized. Is done. The surface roughness of the fluororesin fired film thus obtained is a 10-point average roughness (Rz) of 5.2 μm, and is heated between the base material and the surface transfer member after preheating and firing. In addition, by applying pressure, the micro uneven shape on the surface of the surface transfer member was transferred to the surface of the fluororesin, and the fluororesin film was formed. Further, when the surface of the formed fluororesin layer was observed with an electron microscope, no defects such as cracks were observed on the surface.
[0049]
[ Reference example 3]
The third of the present invention Reference example Will be described with reference to FIGS.
31 is a cylindrical base material having a fluororesin coating layer as the outermost layer, and a cross-sectional view thereof is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 311 denotes a core of a cylindrical base material, which is made of aluminum and has a diameter of 40 mm. A fluororesin primer layer 312 is formed on the core metal 311 to bond the surface fluororesin and the core metal, and a fluororesin coating layer 313 is formed thereon. The primer layer 312 was formed by applying an aqueous paint of a fluororesin primer by spraying and then drying at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, and its thickness was 8 μm.
After the primer layer coating as described above is finished, the fluororesin coating layer 313 is coated with a dispersion of fluororesin (PFA) by spraying, dried at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, and preheated and fired at 350 ° C. for 20 minutes. The thickness was 25 μm. At that time, the fluororesin layer was not completely formed, and defects such as cracks and irregularities were observed on the surface. At that time, the surface roughness of the fluororesin surface was 15 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz).
[0050]
32 is Reference example Is a cylindrical member having an inner diameter of 40.1 mm and a wall thickness of 3.0 mm. On the inner surface of the surface transfer member, a micro uneven shape on the surface to be transferred to the fluororesin film coated on the substrate is formed. Reference example The surface transfer member inner surface was processed to have a surface roughness of 5 μm. As the material of the surface transfer member 32, SUS having a thermal expansion coefficient smaller than that of the base material 31 was used.
[0051]
The base material 31 that has been coated with fluororesin and preheated and baked with fluororesin is inserted into the surface transfer member 32, and further fixed by a fixing member (not shown) so that the center lines of the base material and the surface transfer member coincide. And integrated. At that time, there is a gap of about 20 μm between the base material 31 coated with the fluororesin and the surface transfer member 32.
[0052]
The base material 31 and the surface transfer member 32 that have been integrated with the fluororesin coating and preheated and fired as described above and the surface transfer member 32 are heated by a hot air circulation oven set at 270 ° C. that is equal to or lower than the preheated and fired temperature of the fluororesin for 20 minutes Heated. At that time, since the thermal expansion of aluminum, which is the core metal of the base material, is larger than SUS constituting the surface transfer member, the aluminum core metal expands further, and the gap of about 20 μm between the surface transfer member and the base material is formed. Fill and create a pressurized state of the fluororesin layer. Further, by heating to 270 ° C., the fluororesin (PFA) on the substrate surface layer is softened to form a film.
[0053]
After completion of the above steps, the substrate and the surface transfer member are cooled, and the substrate is removed from the surface transfer member.
The surface roughness of the fluororesin fired film thus obtained is 5.1 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz), and is heated between the substrate and the surface transfer member after preheating and firing. In addition, by applying pressure, the micro uneven shape on the surface of the surface transfer member was transferred to the surface of the fluororesin, and the fluororesin film was formed. Further, when the surface of the formed fluororesin layer was observed with an electron microscope, no defects such as cracks were observed on the surface.
[0054]
[ Reference example 4]
The fourth of the present invention Reference example Will be described with reference to FIGS.
Reference numeral 41 denotes a cylindrical base material having a fluororesin coating layer as an outermost layer, and a cross-sectional view thereof is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 411 denotes a core of a cylindrical base material, which is made of SUS and has a diameter of 40 mm. An LTV silicone rubber layer 413 is bonded onto the cored bar 411 via a primer layer 412, and the thickness thereof is 1 mm. The silicone rubber layer was formed by inserting a core metal coated with a primer into a cylindrical mold, injecting uncured silicone rubber of LTV, and heating and curing it. Reference numeral 414 denotes a primer layer for adhering the silicone rubber layer 413 and the surface fluororesin layer, and is composed of a mixture of fluororubber and fluororesin (FEP).
The primer layer 414 was obtained by spraying an aqueous paint composed of a mixture of fluororubber and fluororesin by spraying and heating and curing at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes, and its thickness was 25 μm. A fluororesin (FEP) layer 415 is formed on the primer layer 414.
The fluororesin layer 415 is obtained by spraying a dispersion of fluororesin (FEP) by spraying, drying at 150 ° C. for 20 minutes, and pre-baking at 300 ° C. for 20 minutes. The thickness at that time is 15 μm. there were. At that time, the fluororesin layer was not completely formed, and defects such as cracks and irregularities were observed on the surface. At that time, the surface roughness of the fluororesin surface was 15 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz).
[0055]
42 is a book Reference example Is a cylindrical member having an inner diameter of 42.2 mm and a wall thickness of 3.0 mm. On the inner surface of the surface transfer member, a micro uneven shape on the surface to be transferred to the fluororesin film coated on the substrate is formed. Reference example The surface transfer member inner surface was processed to have a surface roughness of 5 μm. As the material of the surface transfer member 42, SUS was used.
[0056]
The base material 41 that has been subjected to fluororesin coating and fluororesin preheating and baking is inserted into the surface transfer member 42, and is further fixed by a fixing member (not shown) so that the center lines of the base material and the surface transfer member coincide. And integrated. At that time, there is a gap of about 60 μm between the substrate 41 coated with the fluororesin and the surface transfer member 42.
The hot air circulation system in which the base material 41 and the surface transfer member 42, which have been integrated with the above-described fluororesin coating and preheated and fired on the silicone rubber, are set to 270 ° C. which is lower than the preheated and fired temperature of the fluororesin. Heated in an oven for 20 minutes. At that time, since the thermal expansion of the silicone rubber 413 constituting the base material is larger than the SUS constituting the surface transfer member 412, the silicone rubber further expands, and there is a gap of about 60 μm between the surface transfer member and the base material. It fills and creates a state in which the fluororesin layer 415 is pressurized. Further, by heating to 270 ° C., the fluororesin (PFA) on the substrate surface layer is softened to form a film.
After the above steps are completed, the substrate and the surface transfer member are cooled, and the substrate is removed from the surface transfer member.
[0057]
The surface roughness of the fluororesin fired film thus obtained is 4.8 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz), and is heated between the substrate and the surface transfer member after preheating and firing. In addition, by applying pressure, the micro uneven shape on the surface of the surface transfer member was transferred to the surface of the fluororesin, and the fluororesin film was formed. Further, when the surface of the formed fluororesin layer was observed with an electron microscope, no defects such as cracks were observed on the surface.
Furthermore, it was possible to prevent rubber deterioration that normally occurs when a fluororesin film was formed on silicone rubber.
[0058]
[ Reference example 5]
The fifth of the present invention Reference example Will be described with reference to FIGS.
Reference numeral 51 denotes a cylindrical base material having a fluororesin coating layer as the outermost layer, and a cross-sectional view thereof is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 511 denotes a thermosetting polyimide film having a thickness of 50 μm that forms the base layer of the cylindrical base material, and its outer diameter is 40 mm. On the polyimide film 511, a silicone rubber layer 513 of LTV is adhered via a primer layer 512, and the thickness thereof is 300 μm. The silicone rubber layer was formed by spray-coating an uncured silicone rubber of LTV dissolved in toluene on a polyimide film coated with a primer, and then heat-curing it.
Reference numeral 514 denotes a primer layer for adhering the silicone rubber layer 513 and the surface fluororesin layer 515, and is composed of a mixture of fluororubber and fluororesin (FEP). The primer layer 514 was obtained by spraying an aqueous paint composed of a mixture of fluororubber and fluororesin by spraying and heating and curing at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes, and its thickness was 25 μm. A fluororesin (FEP) layer 515 is formed on the primer layer 514.
The fluororesin layer 515 is obtained by applying a dispersion of fluororesin (FEP) by spraying, drying at 150 ° C. for 20 minutes, and pre-baking at 300 ° C. for 20 minutes, and the thickness at that time is 15 μm. Met.
At that time, the fluororesin layer was not completely formed, and defects such as cracks and irregularities were observed on the surface. At that time, the surface roughness of the fluororesin surface was 15 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz).
[0059]
52 is Reference example Is a cylindrical member having an inner diameter of 42.8 mm and a wall thickness of 3.0 mm. On the inner surface of the surface transfer member, a micro uneven shape on the surface to be transferred to the fluororesin film coated on the substrate is formed. Reference example The surface transfer member inner surface was processed to have a surface roughness of 5 μm. As the material of the surface transfer member 52, SUS was used.
[0060]
A cylindrical inner surface fixing jig (manufactured by SUS) having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the film is inserted and integrated into the base material 51 that has been preheated and fired with the fluororesin coating, and inserted into the surface transfer member 52. Further, the substrate and the surface transfer member were fixed and integrated by a fixing member (not shown) so that the center lines of the substrate and the surface transfer member coincided. At that time, there is a gap of about 60 μm between the base material 51 and the surface transfer member 52 which are coated with the fluororesin.
[0061]
The hot air circulation system in which the base material 51 and the surface transfer member 52, which have been subjected to fluororesin coating and preheating and baking on the silicone rubber, are integrated as described above and set to 270 ° C. which is lower than the preheating and baking temperature of the fluororesin. Heated in an oven for 20 minutes. At that time, since the thermal expansion of the silicone rubber constituting the base material is larger than the SUS constituting the surface transfer member, the silicone rubber expands more, and the gap of about 60 μm between the surface transfer member and the base material is filled, A state in which the fluororesin layer is pressurized is created. Further, by heating to 270 ° C., the fluororesin (PFA) on the substrate surface layer is softened to form a film.
After the above steps are completed, the substrate and the surface transfer member are cooled, and the substrate is removed from the surface transfer member.
[0062]
The surface roughness of the fluororesin fired film thus obtained is 4.9 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz), and is heated between the substrate and the surface transfer member after preheating and firing. In addition, by applying pressure, the micro uneven shape on the surface of the surface transfer member was transferred to the surface of the fluororesin, and the fluororesin film was formed. Further, when the surface of the formed fluororesin layer was observed with an electron microscope, no defects such as cracks were observed on the surface.
Furthermore, it was possible to prevent rubber deterioration that normally occurs when a fluororesin film was formed on silicone rubber.
[0063]
[ Reference example 6]
4th Reference example A fixing roller for a color image forming apparatus was prepared in the same manner as described above.
FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a fixing roller used in a color image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 611 denotes an aluminum cored bar of the fixing roller, and its diameter is 60 mm. The fourth on the mandrel Reference example In the same manner, a 1 mm silicone rubber layer 613, a primer layer 614 made of a mixture of 25 μm fluororubber and fluororesin, and a 15 μm fluororesin (FEP) layer 615 as the outermost layer are formed. The fluororesin layer was dried at 150 ° C. for 20 minutes and then preheated and fired at 300 ° C. for 20 minutes. Further, the surface roughness of the fluororesin surface at that time was 15 μm in terms of ten-point average roughness (Rz).
[0064]
The hot air circulation oven set at 270 ° C. by inserting, fixing and integrating the fixing roller prepared by the above method into a surface transfer member made of SUS having an inner diameter of 62.2 mm and a wall thickness of 3.0 mm. For 20 minutes. In this case, the surface roughness of the inner surface of the surface transfer member is 10 μm (10-point average roughness (Rz)) ( Reference example 6.1) 5 μm ( Reference example 6.2) 2 μm ( Reference example 6.3) was prepared, and a fixing roller was prepared under the above conditions.
[0065]
Table 1 shows the surface roughness of the fixing roller prepared using each surface transfer member and the result of evaluation as the fixing roller.
From the result, it can be seen that an arbitrary roughness can be formed on the surface of the fluororesin by adjusting the surface roughness of the surface transfer member. Further, image gloss unevenness which is a problem in the color image forming apparatus can be solved by controlling the roughness of the surface of the fluororesin by the above method.
[0066]
[Table 1]

[ Reference example 7]
4th Reference example A pressure roller in an image forming apparatus using a film fixing system driven by a pressure roller was prepared in the same manner as described above.
FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a pressure roller used in a fixing device of a film fixing system driven by a pressure roller. Reference numeral 711 denotes an aluminum cored bar of the fixing roller, which has a diameter of 10 mm. The fourth on the mandrel Reference example In the same manner, a 3 mm silicone rubber layer 713, a primer layer 714 made of a mixture of 25 μm fluororubber and fluororesin, and a 15 μm fluororesin (FEP) layer 715 as the outermost layer are formed. The fluororesin layer was dried at 150 ° C. for 20 minutes and then preheated and fired at 300 ° C. for 20 minutes. Further, the surface roughness of the fluororesin surface at that time was 4 μm in terms of 10-point average roughness (Rz).
[0067]
The hot air circulation type set at 270 ° C. by inserting, fixing, and integrating the pressure roller prepared by the above method into a surface transfer member formed of SUS having an inner diameter of 16.6 mm and a wall thickness of 3.0 mm. Heated in an oven for 20 minutes. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the surface transfer member at that time is 25 μm in terms of ten-point average roughness (Rz) ( Reference example 7.1) 10 μm ( Reference example 7.2) 2 μm ( Reference example 7.3) was prepared, and a fixing roller was prepared under the above conditions.
[0068]
Table 2 shows the surface roughness and the result of evaluation as a pressure roller for the pressure rollers prepared using the respective surface transfer members.
From the result, it can be seen that an arbitrary roughness can be formed on the surface of the fluororesin by adjusting the surface roughness of the surface transfer member. Further, transfer material transportability and image defects in a film fixing device driven by a pressure roller can be solved by controlling the roughness of the surface of the fluororesin by the above method.
[0069]
[Table 2]

Hereinafter, referring to Table 3 based on the drawings Of the present invention The details of the present invention will be further described with reference to examples.
[0070]
[Table 3]

[0071]
Reference numeral 911 denotes a base material made of aluminum, and a primer treatment is performed on the base material 911 in advance in order to adhere to the silicone rubber as the elastic layer 912. The primer treatment of the base material 911 was performed by applying a commonly used silicone rubber primer to the base material 911 and leaving it in a warm air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes.
[0072]
912 is an elastic layer made of silicone rubber, and there is no particular limitation on the formation method thereof, but this time, an LTV liquid silicone rubber is inserted into a mold in which a base material is set in advance, and a temperature set at 130 ° C. is set. It was formed by allowing it to stand for 30 minutes in an air circulation oven and curing. After the curing step is completed, the base material 911 to which the silicone elastic layer is bonded is removed from the mold and left in a warm air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to form a silicone rubber elastic layer. Secondary vulcanization was performed. At that time, the thickness of the elastic layer 912 was 2 mm.
[0073]
Reference numeral 918 denotes a fluororesin layer made of FEP, which is formed on the elastic layer 912 as described below.
The primer layer for adhering the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 is not particularly limited, but here, the surface of the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 is treated with an epoxy-based primer and then the fluororesin is mixed. A polyamine fluororubber paint was applied to a thickness of about 30 μm, and left in a hot air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes to be vulcanized and cured.
[0074]
A fluororesin layer is formed on the primer-treated silicone rubber elastic layer 912. A water-based fluororesin paint (here, FEP water-based paint) was applied by spraying, and was allowed to stand for 30 minutes in a warm air circulating oven set at 320 ° C. to form a film. At that time, the thickness of the fluororesin layer was 15 μm.
[0075]
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
As a result, the end portion of the elastic layer and the thermal deterioration are extremely severe, and the paper transportability required as a fixing member cannot be obtained due to the decrease in C set.
[0076]
[Conventional example 2]
A method of coating the fluororesin on the elastic body in Conventional Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Reference numeral 911 denotes a base material made of aluminum, and a primer treatment is performed on the base material 911 in advance in order to adhere to the silicone rubber as the elastic layer 912. The primer treatment of the substrate 911 was performed by applying a commonly used silicone rubber primer to the substrate 911 and leaving it in a warm air circulating oven set at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes.
[0077]
912 is an elastic layer made of silicone rubber, and the formation method is not particularly limited, but this time, an LTV liquid silicone rubber is inserted into a mold in which a base material is set in advance, and a hot air circulation set at 130 ° C. It was formed by leaving it in an oven for 30 minutes to cure. After finishing the curing step, the base material 911 to which the silicone rubber elastic layer is bonded is removed from the mold and left in a warm air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to form the silicone rubber elastic layer 2. Subsequent vulcanization was performed. In addition, the thickness of the elastic layer 912 at that time was 2 mm.
Reference numeral 918 denotes a fluororesin layer made of FEP, which is formed on the elastic layer 912 as described below.
[0078]
The primer layer for adhering the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 is not particularly limited, but here, the surface of the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 is treated with an epoxy-based primer and then the fluororesin is mixed. A polyamine fluororubber paint was applied to a thickness of about 30 μm, and left in a hot air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes to be vulcanized and cured.
[0079]
A fluororesin layer is formed on the primer-treated silicone rubber elastic layer 912. A water-based fluororesin paint (here, FEP water-based paint) was applied by a spray method and preheated and fired by leaving it in a warm air circulating oven set at 320 ° C. for 15 minutes. At that time, the thickness of the fluororesin layer was 15 μm.
[0080]
Further, the fixing member prepared above is inserted into a cylindrical surface transfer member 914 made of stainless steel as shown in FIG. 18, and left in a warm air circulation oven set at 290 ° C. for 30 minutes in that state. Then, baking film formation was performed while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin.
[0081]
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
As a result, the breakage and thermal deterioration of the end portion of the elastic layer could be suppressed as compared with the conventional example 1, but the paper transportability required as a fixing member was still not obtained due to the decrease in C set.
[0082]
[Example 1 ]
Example 1 A method for coating a fluororesin on the elastic body will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 911 denotes a base material made of aluminum, and a primer treatment is performed on the base material 911 in advance in order to adhere to the silicone rubber as the elastic layer 912. The primer treatment of the substrate 911 was performed by applying a commonly used silicone rubber primer to the substrate 911 and leaving it in a warm air circulating oven set at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes.
[0083]
912 is an elastic layer made of silicone rubber, and the formation method is not particularly limited, but this time, an LTV liquid silicone rubber is inserted into a mold in which a base material is set in advance, and a hot air circulation set at 130 ° C. It was formed by leaving it in an oven for 30 minutes to cure. After finishing the curing step, the base material 911 to which the silicone rubber elastic layer is bonded is removed from the mold and left in a warm air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to form the silicone rubber elastic layer 2. Subsequent vulcanization was performed. In addition, the thickness of the elastic layer 912 at that time was 2 mm.
[0084]
Reference numeral 918 denotes a fluororesin layer made of FEP, which is formed on the elastic layer 912 as described below.
The primer layer for adhering the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 is not particularly limited, but here the surface of the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 is treated with an epoxy primer and then a polyamine system mixed with a fluororesin. A fluororubber paint was applied to a thickness of about 30 μm, and was allowed to stand for 30 minutes in a hot-air circulating oven set at 200 ° C. for vulcanization and curing.
[0085]
A fluororesin layer is formed on the primer-treated silicone rubber elastic layer 912. An aqueous fluororesin paint (here, FEP aqueous paint) was applied by spraying and left in a warm air circulating oven set at 150 ° C. for 15 minutes to dry the aqueous fluororesin paint.
[0086]
As described above, a cylindrical surface transfer member made of stainless steel as shown in FIG. 14 is obtained by attaching a deformation regulating jig 915 in the axial direction to a base material on which a fluororesin paint is applied and dried on an elastic body. The film was inserted into 914 and left in a warm-air circulating oven set at 320 ° C. for 30 minutes in that state, thereby carrying out baking film formation while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin. The deformation regulating jig 915 is fixed on the base material, and its outer diameter is substantially the same as that obtained by coating the elastic body with a fluororesin paint.
[0087]
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
As a result, since the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction, the shearing force generated by the difference in thermal expansion between the elastic layer itself and the adhesive surface of the elastic layer generated during heating. The rubber was prevented from being broken and deteriorated by the above, and the C set was not changed. As a result, it was possible to obtain good paper transportability required as a fixing member. Further, the surface fluororesin easily follows the unevenness of the toner and the recording material due to the elastic effect of the elastic layer, and a fixing member in which gloss unevenness does not occur even in a color image was obtained.
[0088]
[Example 2 ]
Example 2 A method for coating a fluororesin on the elastic body will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 911 denotes a base material made of aluminum, and a primer treatment is performed on the base material 911 in advance in order to adhere to the silicone rubber as the elastic layer 912. The primer treatment of the substrate 911 was performed by applying a commonly used silicone rubber primer to the substrate 911 and leaving it in a warm air circulating oven set at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes.
[0089]
912 is an elastic layer made of silicone rubber, and the formation method is not particularly limited, but this time hot water is set at 130 ° C. by inserting LTV liquid silicone rubber into a mold in which a base material is set in advance. It was formed by leaving it in a circulating oven for 30 minutes to cure. After the curing step is completed, the base material 911 to which the silicone rubber elastic layer is bonded is removed from the mold and left in a warm air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to form a silicone rubber elastic layer. Secondary vulcanization was performed. In addition, the thickness of the elastic layer 912 at that time was 2 mm.
[0090]
Reference numeral 918 denotes a fluororesin layer made of FEP, which is formed on the elastic layer 912 as described below.
The primer layer for adhering the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 is not particularly limited, but here the surface of the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 is treated with an epoxy primer and then a polyamine system mixed with a fluororesin. A fluororubber paint was applied to a thickness of about 30 μm, and was allowed to stand for 30 minutes in a hot-air circulating oven set at 200 ° C. for vulcanization and curing.
[0091]
A fluororesin layer is formed on the primer-treated silicone rubber elastic layer 912. A water-based fluororesin paint (here, FEP water-based paint) was applied by spraying and left in a warm air circulating oven set at 320 ° C. for 15 minutes for preheating and baking.
[0092]
As described above, the fluororesin coating material preheated and fired on the elastic body and attached with the axial deformation regulating jig 915 is inserted into the cylindrical surface transfer member 914 made of stainless steel shown in FIG. In this state, the film was left to stand in a warm air circulation oven set at 320 ° C. for 30 minutes, thereby performing baking film formation while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin. The deformation restricting jig is fixed on the base material, and its outer diameter is substantially the same as that obtained by coating the elastic body with the fluororesin paint.
[0093]
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
As a result, since the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction, the shearing force generated by the difference in thermal expansion between the elastic layer itself and the adhesive surface of the elastic layer generated during heating. The rubber was prevented from being broken and deteriorated by the above, and the C set was not changed. As a result, it was possible to obtain good paper transportability required as a fixing member. Further, the surface fluororesin easily follows the unevenness of the toner and the recording material due to the elastic effect of the elastic layer, and a fixing member in which gloss unevenness does not occur even in a color image was obtained.
[0094]
[Example 3 ]
Example 3 A method of covering the elastic body with the fluororesin will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 2 In the same manner as described above, fluororesin (FEP) is preheated and fired on the elastic layer formed on the base material, and is heated more than the elastic layer which is made large enough to insert the inner diameter as a surface transfer member. The tube was inserted into a resin tube 914 having a small expansion.
In this state, the film was left to stand in a warm air circulation oven set at 320 ° C. for 30 minutes, thereby carrying out baking film formation while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin.
[0095]
The fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was manufactured through the steps described above.
At this time, a fluororesin (FEP) preheated and fired on an elastic layer constituted on the base material to be inserted has an outer diameter of 40 mm, and the elastic layer is made of polyimide having a smaller thermal expansion than silicone rubber as a silicone rubber tube. The inner diameter was 40.2 mm and the thickness was 100 μm.
[0096]
As a result, when the heat-fired film is formed, the elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 913 expand and come into contact with the inner surface of the tube 914. As shown in FIG. As a result, both ends of the layer are pressed down, and the layer is restricted from being deformed in the axial direction. For this reason, the destruction and deterioration of the rubber due to the shearing force generated by the difference in thermal expansion between the elastic layer itself and the adhesion surface between the elastic layer and the base material generated during heating were prevented, and the C set was not changed. As a result, it was possible to obtain good paper transportability required as a fixing member. Further, the surface fluororesin easily follows the unevenness of the toner and the recording material due to the elastic effect of the elastic layer, and a fixing member that does not cause uneven glossiness in a color image was obtained.
[0097]
[Example 4 ]
Example 4 A method for coating the fluororesin on the elastic body will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 2 In the same manner, fluororesin (FEP) was preheated and fired on the elastic layer formed on the base material, and inserted into the cylindrical surface transfer member 914.
[0098]
From both ends of the surface transfer member, the fixing member end shape is substantially the same outer diameter as the surface transfer member inner diameter so that the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are not deformed in the axial direction when the fluororesin is heated and baked. A piece 916 was inserted along. The piece 916A, which is the contact portion between the fixing member end and the inner surface of the surface transfer member, is preferably made of a heat-resistant resin so as not to damage the other party, and this time, a PEEK material is used. Further, the piece 916 was pressure-fixed at both ends of the surface transfer member 914 so that the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer could be regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction at the time of heat-firing film formation.
[0099]
Also, as shown in FIG. 13b, when the surface transfer member 914 is thin or weak and cannot be pressure-fixed at both ends of the surface transfer member, the pieces can be connected to each other with a lot to prevent deformation in the axial direction, and the thermal expansion of the substrate There is also a method of pressing and fixing with a spring so as to absorb the deformation due to.
In this state, the film was left to stand in a warm air circulation oven set at 320 ° C. for 30 minutes, thereby carrying out baking film formation while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin.
[0100]
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
As a result, the elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 are regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction. Therefore, the elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 are generated due to a difference in thermal expansion between the elastic layer itself and the adhesive surface between the elastic layer and the base material 911. The rubber was prevented from being broken and deteriorated by the helical cutting force, and the C set was not changed. As a result, it was possible to obtain good paper transportability required as a fixing member. Further, the surface fluororesin easily follows the unevenness of the toner and the recording material due to the elastic effect of the elastic layer, and a fixing member that does not cause uneven glossiness in a color image was obtained.
[0101]
[Example 5 ]
Example 5 A method for coating the fluororesin on the elastic body will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 2 In the same manner, fluororesin (FEP) was preheated and fired on the elastic layer formed on the base material, and inserted into the cylindrical surface transfer member 914.
[0102]
From both ends of the surface transfer member, the fixing member end shape is substantially the same outer diameter as the surface transfer member inner diameter so that the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are not deformed in the axial direction when the fluororesin is heated and baked. A piece 916 was inserted along. The piece 916A, which is the contact portion between the fixing member end and the inner surface of the surface transfer member, is preferably made of a heat-resistant resin so as not to damage the other party, and this time, a PEEK material is used. Further, the piece 916 was pressure-fixed at both ends of the surface transfer member so that the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer could be regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction at the time of heat-fired film formation.
In this state, the film was left to stand in a warm air circulation oven set at 350 ° C. for 30 minutes, thereby carrying out baking film formation while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin.
[0103]
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
As a result, the elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 are regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction in spite of a high temperature of 350 ° C., so that the adhesive surface of the elastic layer with the base material 911 generated during heating and the elasticity The rubber was prevented from being broken and deteriorated by the helical cutting force generated by the difference in thermal expansion of the layer itself, and the C set was not changed. As a result, it was possible to obtain good paper transportability required as a fixing member. Further, the surface fluororesin easily follows the unevenness of the toner and the recording material due to the elastic effect of the elastic layer, and a fixing member in which gloss unevenness does not occur even in a color image was obtained.
[0104]
[Example 6 ]
Example 6 A method for coating the fluororesin on the elastic body will be described with reference to FIG.
Example 2 In the same manner, fluororesin (PFA) was preheated and fired on the elastic layer formed on the base material, and inserted into the cylindrical surface transfer member 914.
[0105]
From both ends of the surface transfer member, the fixing member end shape is substantially the same outer diameter as the surface transfer member inner diameter so that the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer are not deformed in the axial direction when the fluororesin is heated and baked. A piece 916 was inserted along. The piece 916A, which is the contact portion between the fixing member end and the inner surface of the surface transfer member, is preferably made of a heat-resistant resin so as not to damage the other party, and this time, a PEEK material is used. Further, the piece 916 was pressure-fixed at both ends of the surface transfer member so that the elastic layer and the fluororesin layer could be regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction at the time of heat-fired film formation.
[0106]
In this state, the film was left to stand in a warm air circulation oven set at 350 ° C. for 30 minutes, thereby carrying out baking film formation while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin.
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
[0107]
As a result, the elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 are regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction in spite of a high temperature of 350 ° C., so that the adhesive surface of the elastic layer and the base material 911 generated during heating and elasticity The destruction and deterioration of rubber due to the shearing force generated by the difference in thermal expansion of the layer itself can be prevented, and PFA which has been extremely difficult to form on rubber can be formed at the same time, and there is no change in C set. It was. As a result, it was possible to obtain good paper transportability required as a fixing member. Further, the surface fluororesin easily follows the unevenness of the toner and the recording material due to the elastic effect of the elastic layer, and a fixing member in which gloss unevenness does not occur even in a color image was obtained.
[0108]
[Example 7 ]
Example 7 A method for coating a fluororesin on the elastic body will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 9911 denotes a base material made of thermosetting polyimide (thickness: 50 μm). Primer treatment is performed on the base material 9911 in order to adhere to silicone rubber as the elastic layer 912. The primer treatment of the substrate 911 was performed by applying a commonly used silicone rubber primer to the substrate 911 and leaving it in a warm air circulating oven set at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes.
[0109]
912 is an elastic layer made of silicone rubber, and the formation method is not particularly limited, but this time, a silicone rubber solution is applied by spraying, and after drying, left in a warm air circulating oven set at 130 ° C. for 30 minutes. It was formed by curing. After the curing process is completed, the base material 911 to which the silicone rubber elastic layer is bonded is removed from the mold and left in a warm air circulation oven set at 200 ° C. for 4 hours to form the silicone rubber elastic layer 2. Subsequent vulcanization was performed. The thickness of the elastic layer 912 at that time was 100 μm.
[0110]
Reference numeral 918 denotes a fluororesin layer made of FEP, which is formed on the elastic layer 912 as described below.
The primer layer for adhering the silicone rubber elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 is not particularly limited. Here, the surface of the silicone rubber elastic layer 102 is treated with an epoxy primer, and then a polyamine system in which a fluororesin is mixed. A fluororubber paint was applied to a thickness of about 30 μm, and was allowed to stand for 30 minutes in a hot-air circulating oven set at 200 ° C. for vulcanization and curing.
[0111]
A fluororesin layer 918 is formed on the primer-treated silicone rubber elastic layer 912. An aqueous fluororesin coating material (here, FEP aqueous coating material) was applied by spraying and left in a warm air circulation oven set at 320 ° C. for 15 minutes for preheating and baking.
[0112]
As described above, the mandrel 917 having the cylindrical shape and the axial deformation restricting jig 915 so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the base material 911 in the polyimide base material in which the fluororesin coating material is preheated and fired on the elastic body. Inserted into a cylindrical surface transfer member 914 made of stainless steel shown in FIG.
In this state, the film was left to stand in a warm air circulation oven set at 320 ° C. for 30 minutes, thereby carrying out baking film formation while transferring the inner surface pattern of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin.
[0113]
Through the steps as described above, a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member was produced.
As a result, the elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 are regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction. Therefore, the elastic layer 912 and the fluororesin layer 918 are generated due to a difference in thermal expansion between the elastic layer itself and the adhesive surface between the elastic layer and the base material 911. The rubber was prevented from being broken and deteriorated by the shearing force, and the C set was not changed. As a result, it was possible to obtain good paper transportability required as a fixing member. Further, the surface fluororesin easily follows the unevenness of the toner and the recording material due to the elastic effect of the elastic layer, and a fixing member in which gloss unevenness does not occur even in a color image was obtained.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate In the method of coating the fluororesin on the surface, when the fluororesin is heated and fired, or when the fluororesin is formed after preheating and firing, the fluororesin is pressurized between the base material and the surface transfer member, so that the ratio is increased. A film having good adhesion without cracks and irregularities can be obtained at a low temperature, and a controlled pattern and roughness on the surface of the fluororesin can be obtained by transferring the controlled fine shape onto the surface of the surface transfer member onto the surface of the fluororesin. It became possible to form.
[0115]
In addition, when a fixing member that is used in a fixing device of an image forming apparatus and is in direct contact with toner is created using the above method, the surface roughness of the surface fluororesin can be controlled, and uneven gloss of the image can be prevented. Became possible.
[0116]
In addition, when a fixing member used on the driving side used for the fixing device of the image forming apparatus is created by using the above method, the surface roughness of the surface layer fluororesin can be controlled, and the transportability and the poor image roughness can be controlled. It became possible to prevent.
[0117]
Also as above, Cylindrical substrate or cylindrical substrate When the fluororesin layer is heated and fired on the elastic body formed thereon, the fluororesin layer is pressurized between the elastic body and the surface transfer member. In addition, by restricting the fluororesin layer from being deformed in the axial direction, the rubber is destroyed and deteriorated due to the shearing force generated by the difference in thermal expansion between the elastic layer itself and the adhesive surface of the elastic layer generated during heating. As a result, the fluororesin layer can be formed by baking at a high temperature, and as a result, a good fluororesin film can be formed on the elastic body.
[0118]
In addition, since the fixing member used in the fixing device of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus manufactured using the method as described above does not cause deterioration of the elastic layer, good paper transportability is obtained, and the elasticity of the elastic layer is further increased. As a result, the surface of the fluororesin can follow the unevenness of the toner or the recording material, and excellent effects such as no occurrence of uneven glossiness in color images can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1] Reference example 1 Schematic of the fluororesin film forming method.
[Figure 2] Reference example 1 Sectional drawing of a cylindrical base material.
[Fig. 3] Reference example 2 Schematic of the fluororesin film forming method.
[Fig. 4] Reference example 2 Sectional drawing of a cylindrical base material.
[Figure 5] Reference example 3 Schematic of a fluororesin film forming method using a cylindrical surface transfer member.
[Fig. 6] Reference example 3 Sectional drawing of a cylindrical base material.
[Fig. 7] Reference example 4 Schematic of a fluororesin film forming method using a cylindrical surface transfer member.
[Fig. 8] Reference example 4 Sectional drawing of a cylindrical base material.
FIG. 9 Reference Example 5 Schematic of a fluororesin film forming method using a cylindrical surface transfer member.
FIG. 10 Reference Example 5 Sectional drawing of a cylindrical base material.
FIG. 11 Reference Example 6 Sectional drawing of a fixing roller.
FIG. Reference Example 7 Sectional drawing of a pressure roller.
FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fluororesin fired film forming method of the present invention (Example) 4-6 ).
FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fluororesin baking film forming method of the present invention (Example) 1, 2 ).
FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view showing a fluororesin baking film forming method of the present invention (Example) 3 ).
FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fluororesin baking film forming method of the present invention (Example) 7 ).
FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluororesin-coated elastic fixing member.
FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional surface transfer fluororesin baking film forming method.

Claims (3)

When the fluororesin layer on the elastic layer formed on the cylindrical base material or the cylindrical base material is heated and baked, the above-mentioned elastic layer and the cylindrical surface transfer member disposed outside the fluororesin layer, In the method for manufacturing a fixing member, including the step of transferring the surface pattern of the cylindrical surface transfer member to the surface of the fluororesin layer by heating the fluororesin layer in a pressurized state, the step includes the elastic layer And a method for manufacturing a fixing member, wherein the fluororesin layer is regulated so as not to be deformed in the axial direction. The cylindrical surface transfer member has an inner diameter larger than that of the elastic layer, which is formed to be large enough to insert a cylindrical substrate or a columnar substrate formed of an elastic layer having a surface fluororesin layer to be inserted. The method for manufacturing a fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is a small resin tube. The step of inserting a cylindrical base material or a cylindrical base material formed of an elastic layer having a fluororesin layer on the surface into the cylindrical surface transfer member, and inserting and pressing a piece from both ends of the cylindrical surface transfer member. The method for manufacturing a fixing member according to claim 1, comprising:

Images