JP5245310B2 - Endless belt, belt stretching device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endless belt, a belt stretching device, and an image forming apparatus.

  As an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system, for example, there is an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer belt. This is because an intermediate transfer belt that rotates in contact with a transfer portion of an image carrier (for example, a photosensitive drum) on which a toner image is formed by electrophotography or the like is stretched between a plurality of belt support rolls. The toner image formed on the image carrier is temporarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt, and then the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt is collectively transferred to the recording medium. It is. The toner image secondarily transferred onto the recording medium is then fixed by a fixing device to form an image.

  In addition, as an image forming apparatus provided with an endless belt, there is an image forming apparatus that uses a recording medium conveyance belt that holds a recording medium and conveys the recording medium through a transfer portion of the image forming unit. In this configuration, a recording medium conveyance belt is stretched between a plurality of belt support rolls so as to rotate in contact with the transfer portion of the image forming unit, and is adsorbed and held by the recording medium conveyance belt. By transferring the recording medium passed through the transfer section of the image forming unit, the toner image formed by the image forming unit is transferred to the recording medium and finally fixed to form an image.

  In the endless belts such as the intermediate transfer belt and the recording medium conveyance belt, it is desired that the characteristics have little variation in dimensional accuracy with respect to environmental variations, so that the mechanical strength characteristics are excellent, and the hygroscopic expansion coefficient is low. A polyimide resin having a small variation in dimensional accuracy with respect to environmental variations is used as a preferred resin.

  In addition, in the endless belt such as the intermediate transfer belt and the recording medium conveying belt, a method of providing a flange on a drive roll or the like in order to prevent meandering (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or on both side edges of the endless belt There has been proposed a method in which a meandering prevention member is provided on the inner surface side and the meandering prevention member is guided by a groove provided on the outer periphery of the belt support roll. Regarding the latter technique, for example, a method of adhering a reinforcing tape to which an elastomer is adhered as a meandering prevention member has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

In addition, a method of adhering a meander-preventing member to an endless belt using an acrylic resin pressure-sensitive adhesive or the like as an adhesive part has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). Furthermore, the resin composition comprising a specific acrylic copolymer and a crosslinking agent in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and having a solvent insoluble content of 8 to 99% by mass, as the adhesive strength of the acrylic resin pressure-sensitive adhesive is improved. The proposal which uses a thing is made | formed (for example, refer patent document 4).
Further, an endless belt has been proposed in which an adhesive layer obtained by impregnating a fiber with an adhesive is bonded to the meandering prevention member and the side edge of the belt (see, for example, Patent Document 5).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-1000014 JP-A-4-333457 JP-A-7-187435 JP 2001-206522 A JP-A-2005-62341

  An object of the present invention is to provide an endless belt that can achieve good adhesion of the meandering prevention member and preferably suppress the occurrence of deviation in the circumferential direction, a belt stretching device including the endless belt, and occurrence of image defects It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that appropriately suppresses the above.

The above-mentioned subject is achieved by the following present invention.
That is, the invention according to claim 1 includes a belt main body, a meandering prevention member, and an adhesive part that adheres the belt main body and the meandering prevention member, and a polyamide is formed on an adhesive surface of the belt main body with the adhesive part. An endless belt comprising an imide resin and containing a polyimide resin in a portion other than the adhesive surface of the belt body.

The invention according to claim 2 is the belt main body according to claim 1 , wherein the polyimide resin is contained in a region on the inner side in the axial direction from the inner end in the belt axial direction of the adhesive surface.

The invention according to claim 3 is an endless belt in which the adhesive portion according to claim 1 or 2 contains a thermoplastic polyester.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endless belt according to any one of the first to third aspects, and a tension member that rotatably stretches the endless belt from the inner peripheral surface side. It is a belt tension device provided.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising the endless belt according to any one of the first to third aspects.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain good adhesion of the meandering prevention member and to suitably suppress the occurrence of deviation in the circumferential direction.

According to the invention of claim 1, as compared with the case of using other materials, it is possible to obtain a good durability of the belt body.

According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2 , generation | occurrence | production of the shift | offset | difference in the circumference direction can be suppressed more suitably.

According to the invention which concerns on Claim 3 , the better adhesiveness of the meandering prevention member can be obtained.

According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4 , the favorable adhesiveness of a meandering prevention member and the suppression effect of generation | occurrence | production of the shift | offset | difference in a circumference direction are acquired also with respect to circumference drive, and mechanical life can be improved.

According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5 , generation | occurrence | production of an image defect can be suppressed suitably.

<Endless belt>
<< Endless belt according to the first embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the endless belt according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view (partially shown in cross section) showing an endless belt according to a first embodiment provided with a meandering prevention member. FIG. 2 is a view from the direction of arrow A in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the belt main body, an adhesive portion, and a meandering prevention member.
The endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a meandering prevention member 3 on the surface of the belt body 2 along the side edge, and the meandering prevention member 3 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the belt main body 2 is provided via the adhesive portion 4. In FIG. 1, the meandering prevention member 3 is provided on the inner side surface of the belt main body 2, but it may be provided on the outer side surface of the belt main body 2 according to the application to which the endless belt 1 is applied.

  The endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment includes, in particular, a photosensitive device, an intermediate transfer device, a transfer separation device, a conveying device, a charging device, a developing device in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and a laser printer, It is preferably used for a fixing device or the like. The material, shape, size, etc. of the belt main body constituting the endless belt according to the first embodiment are set according to the use, function, etc. of the endless belt.

  Hereinafter, the belt main body 2, the meandering prevention member 3, and the bonding portion 4 which are components of the endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.

-Belt body-
As shown in FIG. 2, the belt body 2 is composed of a polyimide resin-containing portion 21 containing a polyimide resin, and an amide group-containing portion 22 containing a polyamide-imide resin as a resin having an amide group. Yes.
Resin having an amide group exists on the bonding surface M between the belt body 2 and the bonding portion 4. Further, the belt axially outer region including the adhesive surface M in the belt main body 2 is an adhesive region S, and the belt axially inner end of the adhesive surface M of the belt main body 2 in the belt axial direction (excluding the adhesive surface M). When the non-adhesive region H is designated as the non-adhesive region H, the non-adhesive region H contains a polyimide resin. In FIG. 1, the meandering prevention member 3 is provided only at one end of the endless belt 1, and the non-adhesion region H is the other end of the belt body 2 from the inner end in the belt axial direction of the adhesion surface M. The area up to the end of. Further, the endless belt 1 can be provided with meandering preventing members 3 at both ends thereof. In that case, the axially outer regions including the bonding surfaces M at both ends become the bonding regions S, and one of the bondings A region from the inner edge of the surface M to the inner edge of the other bonding surface M is a non-bonding region H.

Further, when the endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is used for an intermediate transfer belt in an intermediate transfer device or a photosensitive belt in a photosensitive device, for example, a toner image on which a toner image is formed In the case of having a holding area and being used for a recording medium conveying belt in a conveying apparatus, the recording medium holding area for holding a recording medium to which a toner image is transferred is provided on the surface. Further, when used for a fixing belt in a fixing device, it has a toner image fixing region where the toner image transferred onto the recording medium is fixed by heating or pressurizing (both are outer peripheral side surfaces in FIG. 1).
The endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment includes the polyimide resin-containing portion 21 and the amide group-containing portion 22 as described above, and includes the toner image holding area, the recording medium holding area, and the toner image fixing area. (Hereinafter, these three regions are collectively referred to as “image formation contribution region”, and in FIG. 1, the region G surrounded by one dotted line and the other dotted line of the belt body 2) is defined by the polyimide resin containing portion 21. Is formed.

(1) Polyimide resin-containing portion The polyimide resin-containing portion 21 in the endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment is formed using only a polyimide resin as a resin. In addition, in the said 1st Embodiment, although formed only using a polyimide resin, other resin (For example, a polyamide imide resin, a polyamide resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a polyester resin, a polycarbonate resin is used as resin. Or other thermoplastic resins). Even in that case, it is preferable that the polyimide resin is a main component (that is, containing 50% by mass or more), more preferably 70% by mass or more, and 100% by mass of the whole resin. Particularly preferred.

The polyimide resin can be obtained by imidizing a polyimide precursor by heating. The polyimide precursor is generally obtained as a polyamic acid solution by polymerizing an equimolar amount of tetracarboxylic dianhydride or its derivative and a diamine in a solvent.
The tetracarboxylic dianhydride is not particularly limited. Specifically, pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3 ′, 4 , 4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,3 ′, 4-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,6,7-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,5 , 6-Naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,2'-bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) sulfonic dianhydride, perylene- Examples include 3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride, bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) ether dianhydride, ethylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, and the like.

On the other hand, specific examples of the diamine include 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfide. 3,3′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 3,3′-dimethyl4,4′-biphenyldiamine, benzidine, 3,3′-dimethylbenzidine 3,3′-dimethoxybenzidine, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylpropane, 2,4-bis (β-aminotert-butyl) toluene, bis (p-β-amino- Tert-butylphenyl) ether, bis (p-β-methyl-δ-aminophenyl) benzene, bi -P- (1,1-dimethyl-5-amino-benzyl) benzene, 1-isopropyl-2,4-m-phenylenediamine, m-xylylenediamine, p-xylylenediamine, di (p-aminocyclohexyl) Methane, hexamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, diaminopropyltetramethylene, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 4,4-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 2,11-diaminododecane, 1,2-bis-3-aminopropoxyethane, 2,2-dimethylpropylenediamine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylenediamine 2 , 17-diaminoeicosadecane, 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 1,10-diamino-1,10-dimethyldecane, 12-diaminooctadecane, 2,2-bis [4- (4-aminophenoxy) phenyl] propane , _{piperazine, H 2 N (CH 2)} 3 O (CH 2) 2 O (CH 2) NH 2, H 2 N (CH 2) 3 S (CH 2) 3 NH 2, H 2 N (CH 2) 3 _{N (CH 3) 2 (CH} 2) 3 NH 2 and the like.

  As the solvent for the polymerization reaction of the tetracarboxylic dianhydride and diamine, a polar solvent is preferably used from the viewpoint of solubility. As the polar solvent, N, N-dialkylamides are preferable. Specifically, N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, N, N-diethylformamide, N , N-diethylacetamide, N, N-dimethylmethoxyacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, hexamethylphosphortriamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, pyridine, tetramethylenesulfone, dimethyltetramethylenesulfone and the like. These can be used singly or in combination.

  The number average molecular weight of the polyimide resin is preferably 10,000 to 45,000. The number average molecular weight of the polyimide resin is sampled during resin synthesis, measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a standard polyethylene calibration curve, and the synthesis is continued until the target number average molecular weight is reached. Therefore, it is managed within the above range. In addition, said method can be used about the measuring method and adjustment method of the number average molecular weight of resin which appear below, The description is abbreviate | omitted below.

When the endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is used, for example, as an intermediate transfer belt in an intermediate transfer device, a photosensitive belt in a photosensitive device, a recording medium conveyance belt in a conveyance device, or the like. The formation contributing region G (toner image holding region or the like) is preferably semiconductive (herein, the “semiconductive” means that the volume resistivity is 10 ⁷ Ω · cm or more and 10 ¹³ Ω · cm or less. To do). As described above, in the first embodiment, since the image formation contributing region G is formed by the polyimide resin-containing portion 21, it is preferable to add a conductive agent to the polyimide resin-containing portion 21.

Further, as described above, when the endless belt 1 is used for an intermediate transfer belt, a photoreceptor belt, a recording medium conveyance belt, etc., the surface resistance is in the range of 1 × 10 ⁹ Ω / □ to 1 × 10 ¹⁴ Ω / □. The volume resistivity is preferably controlled in the range of 1 × 10 ⁸ to 1 × 10 ¹³ Ωcm.
Therefore, carbon black such as ketjen black and acetylene black, metals or alloys such as graphite, aluminum, nickel and copper alloys as conductive agents, tin oxide, zinc oxide, potassium titanate, tin oxide-indium oxide or tin oxide-oxide It is preferable to add a metal oxide such as an antimony composite oxide, or a conductive polymer such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polysulfone or polyacetylene (here, “conductive” in the polymer means a volume resistivity of 10 ⁷ Ω · means less than cm). These conductive agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Here, the surface resistivity and the volume resistivity should be measured according to JIS-K6911 using a Hiresta UPMCP-450 UR probe manufactured by Dia Instruments Co., Ltd. in an environment of 22 ° C. and 55% RH. Can do.

  Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the addition amount of a electrically conductive agent, For example, when a electrically conductive agent is carbon black, it is preferable that it is 5 mass parts or more and 60 mass parts or less with respect to 100 mass parts of all resins containing a polyimide resin as a single-piece | unit. .

(2) Amide group-containing portion The amide group-containing portion 22 in the endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment is formed using only a polyamide-imide resin as a resin. In addition, in the said 1st Embodiment, although it formed only using the polyamide imide resin, it should just have a polyamide imide resin in the adhesive surface M with the adhesion part 4, and has other amide groups as resin. Resins can also be used, and examples thereof include thermoplastic resins having an amide group such as polyamide resin, polyurethane resin, and polyacrylamide resin. Moreover, if it is a range which does not impair an effect, resin which does not have an amide group can also be used together. Even in that case, it is preferable to contain 20% by mass or more of the resin having an amide group with respect to the entire resin. Of the resins having an amide group, a polyamideimide resin is preferable, and the polyamideimide resin is more preferably contained in an amount of 60% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 80% by mass or more.

  For the production of the polyamide-imide resin, generally a trivalent carboxylic acid component having an acid anhydride group and an isocyanate or diamine can be used. As the trivalent carboxylic acid component, trimellitic anhydride is preferable. Further, the trimellitic anhydride and a derivative of a trivalent carboxylic acid having an acid anhydride group that reacts with another isocyanate group or amino group can be used in combination. Preferred structures include the following.

Here, R represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group, and X represents —CH ₂ —, —CO—, —SO ₂ —, or —O—.

The mixing ratio of the isocyanate or diamine and the tricarboxylic acid component is such that the total ratio of isocyanate groups or amino groups to the total number of carboxyl groups and acid anhydride groups of the acid component is 0.6 or more and 1.4 or less. It is preferable to set it to 0.7 or more and 1.3 or less, and it is particularly preferable to set it to 0.8 or more and 1.2 or less.
The polyamideimide resin can be obtained, for example, by the following production method when isocyanate is used.

(1) A method in which an isocyanate component and a tricarboxylic acid component are used at a time and reacted to obtain a polyamideimide resin.
(2) A method in which an excess amount of an isocyanate component and an acid component are reacted to synthesize an amideimide oligomer having an isocyanate group at a terminal, and then a tricarboxylic acid component is added and reacted to obtain a polyamideimide resin.
(3) After reacting an excess amount of a tricarboxylic acid component with an isocyanate component to synthesize an amideimide oligomer having a carboxylic acid or an acid anhydride group at the terminal, the acid component and the isocyanate component are added and reacted to obtain a polyamideimide resin. How to get.

  In the case of using an amine, it can be obtained by applying the above-described production method using an isocyanate, but can also be obtained by reacting an amine with tribasic acid anhydride monochloride as an acid component. . As the solvent to be used, those described for the polyimide resin can be preferably used.

  The number average molecular weight of the polyamideimide resin thus obtained is preferably 10,000 or more and 45,000 or less.

  In the endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as described above, since the image formation contribution region G is formed by the polyimide resin-containing portion 21, the endless belt 1 is, for example, Even when used for an intermediate transfer belt, a photoreceptor belt, a recording medium transport belt, etc., it is not necessary to control the electrical resistance of the amide group-containing portion.

(3) Manufacturing method of belt body 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1 which consists of the polyimide resin containing part 21 which uses only a polyimide resin as resin, and the amide group containing part 22 which uses only a polyamide imide resin as resin. A method of manufacturing the belt body 2 according to the above will be described.
The belt body 2 is manufactured by applying a polyimide precursor solution for forming the polyimide resin-containing portion 21 and a polyamide-imide resin solution for forming the amide group-containing portion 22 on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold. A coating film forming process for forming a coating film, a drying process for drying the formed coating film, a heating process for heating the dried coating film to form a resin film, and the formed resin film as a cylindrical mold And a peeling step for peeling from the substrate.

  First, in the coating film forming step, a coating film of a polyimide precursor solution and a polyamideimide resin solution is formed.

  As the polyimide precursor solution and the polyamideimide resin solution, a solution in which the polyimide precursor is dissolved in an aprotic polar solvent and a solution in which the polyamideimide resin is dissolved in an aprotic polar solvent are prepared. As the polyimide precursor and the polyamideimide resin, various combinations listed above can be used. The polyimide precursor and the polyamideimide resin may be used as a mixture of two or more kinds, or may be used as a copolymer obtained by mixing an acid or amine monomer.

  A polyimide precursor or a polyamide-imide resin is prepared as a polyimide precursor solution or a polyamide-imide resin solution by dissolving in the above-described solvent. In addition, the selection of the mixing ratio, concentration, viscosity, and the like of the polyimide precursor or the polyamideimide resin in this preparation is adjusted and performed.

  Next, the polyimide precursor solution is applied to a portion corresponding to the polyimide resin-containing portion 21 on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold, and the polyamide-imide resin solution is applied to a portion corresponding to the amide group-containing portion 22.

  As the cylindrical mold, aluminum or stainless steel is preferably used, and stainless steel is particularly preferable. Moreover, in order to peel the resin film from the surface of the cylindrical mold well, it is preferable that the surface of the cylindrical mold is provided with releasability. In order to impart releasability, it is effective to plate the cylindrical mold surface with chromium or nickel, coat the surface with a fluorine resin or silicone resin, or apply a release agent to the surface. .

  As a method of applying the polyimide precursor solution and the polyamideimide resin solution to the surface of the cylindrical mold, for example, by moving the rotating cylindrical mold in the direction of the rotation axis while discharging each precursor solution from the nozzle, A method of applying each solution to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold, a dipping annular coating method in which the cylindrical mold is dipped in each precursor solution and pulled up, and each precursor solution is axially applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold. The method of pouring etc. is mentioned.

In FIG. 3, while discharging the polyimide precursor solution and the polyamide-imide resin solution from the nozzle, the nozzle is moved in the direction of the rotation axis with respect to the rotating cylindrical mold, so that the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold The outline of the coating device which apply | coats a solution is shown.
Here, although not shown, the cylindrical mold 29 is disposed on a pedestal having an arm that is supported to be horizontally rotatable (arrow A) via a holding member. Although not shown, the cylindrical mold 29 is connected to a driving means (rotating means) for rotating the cylindrical mold 29 through a holding member.

Around the cylindrical mold 29, as a device for flowing the polyamideimide resin solution 22 </ b> A to adhere the polyamideimide resin solution 22 </ b> A to the cylindrical mold 29, a nozzle 43 and a container for supplying the polyamideimide resin solution 22 </ b> A to the nozzle 43 42 and a pressurizing device 44 for flowing down the polyamideimide resin solution 22A from the nozzle 43 through the container 42 are provided.
In addition, as a device for flowing down the polyimide precursor solution 21A and attaching the polyimide precursor solution 21A to the cylindrical mold 29 on the upstream side in the arrow B direction of the flow down device 41 for attaching the polyamideimide resin solution 22A, A flow-down device 31 having a nozzle 33, a container 32 for supplying the polyimide precursor solution 21 </ b> A to the nozzle 33, and a pressure device 34 for flowing the polyimide precursor solution 21 </ b> A from the nozzle 33 through the container 32 is provided. Yes.

  The flow-down devices 41 and 31 are connected via a holding member and a driving means (moving means) for moving in the axial direction of the cylindrical mold 29 (arrow B).

  As the containers 32 and 42, for example, a device using a meniscus cylinder, a screw or the like is applied. In FIG. 3, the nozzle 33 and the container 32, and the nozzle 43 and the container 42 are integrally formed. However, the nozzle 33 (43) and the container 32 (42) are connected by a connecting pipe. The form which the nozzle 33 (43) and the container 32 (42) isolate | separate and have placed separately may be sufficient. In this case, for example, an electromagnetic valve may be interposed between the nozzle 33 (43) and the container 32 (42) to control the flow amount.

  Usually, the polyamide-imide resin solution 22A and the polyamide-imide resin solution 21A have a high viscosity of, for example, 1 MPa · s or more, and therefore do not flow down naturally, but are caused to flow down using the pressurization devices 44 and 34. Since the film thickness of the coating film is determined by the discharge amount of the solution, it is preferable that the discharge amount does not vary during application. The solution may be discharged from the containers 42 and 32 with pressurized air, but in order to ensure quantification, the solution may be supplied by a pump. The pump is preferably a MONO pump that can discharge without changing the amount.

  The distance between the nozzles 43 and 33 and the cylindrical mold 29 is not limited, but is preferably 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less so that the falling liquid is not interrupted.

  Around the cylindrical mold 29, a blade 45 as a pressing means for smoothing the surface of the polyamideimide resin solution 22A attached to the cylindrical mold 29, and a polyimide precursor solution 21A attached to the cylindrical mold 29 are provided. A blade 35 is arranged as a pressing means for smoothing the surface. Both the blades 45 and 35 are arranged so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the cylindrical mold 29. When each of the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the polyimide precursor solution 21A flows down, the blades 45 and 35 push into the cylindrical mold 29. The surface of each solution adhering to the cylindrical mold 29 is smoothed by contact and pressure contact. The blades 45 and 35 are connected via a holding member and a driving means (moving means) for enabling movement (arrow B) in the axial direction of the cylindrical mold 29.

  The blades 45 and 35 are preferably made of a metal having a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less using a metal such as stainless steel or brass, or a resilient material such as fluororesin or polyethylene. The width needs to be wider than at least the pitch (horizontal movement speed / rotational speed), but even if it is too wide, streaks may remain. When the blades 45 and 35 are pressed against the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the polyimide precursor solution 21A to smooth the surface, the solution exists in the gap between the cylindrical mold 29 and the blades 45 and 35. Will not be in direct contact. The blades 35 and 45 are preferably curved so that their tips are bent and pressed against the cylindrical mold 29.

Further, as the polyamideimide resin solution 22A adheres to the cylindrical mold 29 and the blade 45 is pressed, the flow-down device 41 and the blade 45 are moved horizontally in the axial direction (arrow B) of the cylindrical mold 29, and the adhering portion And the pressing part is moved horizontally from one end of the cylindrical mold 29 relatively. In addition, this structure is good also as a structure which fixes the flow-down apparatus 41 and the braid | blade 45, and moves the cylindrical metal mold | die 29, and can be comprised by a known technique.
Further, when the polyimide precursor solution 21A is attached to the cylindrical mold 29 and the blade 35 is pressed, the attachment portion and the relative movement of the pressing portion (that is, the movement of the flow down device 31 and the blade 35, or the cylinder) The movement of the mold 29 is also performed as described above.

  The application conditions are such that the rotational speed of the cylindrical mold 29 is 20 to 200 rpm, the application speed is 0.1 to 2.0 m / min, and the higher the solution viscosity, the slower. .

Here, the operation of forming a coating film by the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
In the first embodiment, first, while rotating the cylindrical mold 29 in the direction of the arrow A, the polyamideimide resin solution 22A is caused to flow down from the nozzle 43 to cause one end of the cylindrical mold 29 (in the right front direction in FIG. 3). Adhere to the edge). Thereafter, the surface of the polyamide-imide resin solution 22 </ b> A attached to the cylindrical mold 29 is made smooth by abutting the blade 45 against the cylindrical mold 29. Next, by moving the flow-down device 41 and the blade 45 horizontally with respect to the axial direction (arrow B) of the cylindrical mold 29, the attachment point (position of the nozzle 43) and the pressing point (position of the blade 45) are changed to the cylindrical mold. The mold 29 is moved relatively horizontally from one end of the mold 29.

After forming a coating film of the polyamideimide resin solution 22 </ b> A on the amide group-containing portion, the blade 45 is separated from the cylindrical mold 29. After that, by horizontally moving the flow down device 31 and the blade 35 in the axial direction (arrow B), the polyimide precursor solution is fed from the nozzle 33 to the end of the amide group-containing portion (that is, the boundary portion with the polyimide resin-containing portion). The position where 21A flows down is moved. Next, the polyimide precursor solution 21 </ b> A is caused to flow down from the nozzle 33 and adhere to the cylindrical mold 29, and the blade 35 is abutted against the cylindrical mold 29, whereby the surface of the polyimide precursor solution 21 </ b> A attached to the cylindrical mold 29 is obtained. To smooth. By moving the flow-down device 31 and the blade 35 horizontally with respect to the axial direction (arrow B) of the cylindrical mold 29, the attachment point (position of the nozzle 33) and the pressing point (position of the blade 35) are changed to the cylindrical mold 29. Is moved relatively horizontally to the other end.
In this way, the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the polyimide precursor solution 21A are applied to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold 29, a coating film is formed, and the application is completed.

  In addition, in FIG. 3, although the boundary of the coating film by the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the coating film by the polyimide precursor solution 21A is shown clearly, when a coating film is formed by said method, each solution Therefore, a region where the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the polyimide precursor solution 21A are mixed is formed at the boundary portion. The degree of mixing is the viscosity of the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the polyimide precursor solution 21A, the solid content of the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the polyimide precursor solution 21A, the pressing pressure at the blades 35 and 45, and the flow down device. 31 and 41 and the horizontal movement speed of the blades 35 and 45, and the amount of flow from the nozzles 33 and 43 can be controlled. In the first embodiment, at least in the region having the adhesive surface M of the belt main body 2 shown in FIG. 2, a coating film is formed by the polyamideimide resin solution 22A (not including the mixed region). In the image forming contribution area G of the belt main body shown in FIG. 1, a coating film is formed by the polyimide precursor solution 21A (not including the mixed area).

  In addition, since the film thickness of the coating film is determined by the discharge amount of the solutions 22A and 21A, the discharge amount is adjusted by the pressurizing devices 44 and 34.

In the method for manufacturing the belt main body 2 according to the first embodiment, after the coating film forming process, a drying process for drying the formed coating film is performed.
The coating film made of the polyamideimide resin solution 22A and the polyimide precursor solution 21A formed on the surface of the cylindrical mold 29 as described above is heated while rotating the cylindrical mold 29 to evaporate the solvent. Also, the solution is dried to a state where the solution does not sag to form a dry film. The amount of residual solvent in the dry film is preferably 25% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and more preferably 30% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the dry film.
In addition, as drying conditions in the said drying process, it is preferable to set it as 15 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less at the temperature of the range of 80 degreeC or more and 180 degrees C or less, and also for 30 minutes or more and 40 minutes at the temperature of the range of 120 degreeC or more and 150 degrees C or less. It is more preferable to make it into minutes or less.

In the manufacturing method of the belt main body 2 according to the first embodiment, after the drying step, a heating step of heating the formed dry film at a higher temperature is performed.
By heating at a higher temperature, the solvent is further volatilized in the dry film made of the polyamideimide resin formed on the amide group-containing part 22, and the imide conversion is caused in the dry film made of the polyimide precursor formed on the polyimide resin-containing part 21. A resin film comprising a polyamide-imide resin and a polyimide resin is formed. The heating condition in the heating step is preferably 20 to 120 minutes at a temperature in the range of 220 ° C. or higher and 380 ° C. or lower, and more preferably in the range of 280 to 340 ° C. for 40 minutes to 90 minutes. It is more preferable to make it into minutes or less.

The belt body 2 according to the first embodiment is subjected to a peeling process in which the resin film obtained as described above is peeled off by a known method such as blowing air into the gap between the cylindrical mold and the resin film. Can be manufactured.
The thickness of the belt body 2 is preferably 0.02 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the belt main body 2 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is not limited to the said method, It can also form by other well-known methods, The belt main body 2 formed is cyclic | annular (endless shape). If so, it may have seams.

-Meandering prevention member-
The meandering prevention member 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is preferably an elastic member having a durometer hardness of A60 or more and A90 or less, and particularly preferably has a durometer hardness of A70 or more and A90 or less. The durometer hardness is a hardness based on JIS-K6253 (1997).

  Examples of the material of the elastic member include urethane-based elastomers, silicone-based elastomers, fluorine-based elastomers, styrene-based elastomers, α-olefin-based elastomers, and among these, urethane rubber is particularly preferably used.

  The shape of the meandering prevention member 3 can be determined according to the use conditions of the endless belt 1, but the cross section is preferably rectangular. The width of the meandering prevention member 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and particularly preferably 4 mm or more and 7 mm or less. The thickness is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm.

-Adhesion-
As the bonding portion 4 shown in FIG. 2, a known adhesive can be used without particular limitation, but it is particularly preferable to use a heat-sensitive adhesive. As the heat-sensitive adhesive, for example, an adhesive mainly composed of a resin-based material such as acrylic, silicon-based, natural or synthetic rubber-based, urethane-based, synthetic resin-based such as vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, etc. Among these, an adhesive containing a thermoplastic polyester is particularly preferable.
Specific examples of the adhesive containing the thermoplastic polyester include D3600,88063X manufactured by Sony Chemical Co., 5110, 5015, HJ3160W manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, Byron GM-913, Byron GM-20 manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd. Furthermore, D3600 manufactured by Sony Chemical Corporation, Byron GM-913 and Byron GM-20 manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd. are particularly preferable.

  In addition, the thickness of the adhesion part 4 is preferably 0.01 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less, and more preferably 0.02 mm or more and 0.05 mm or less.

-Production of endless belt-
The endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be manufactured by bonding the meandering prevention member 3 to the inner peripheral surface of the belt main body 2 obtained by the above-described method via the bonding portion 4. it can. In the first embodiment, the meandering prevention member 3 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface side of the belt body 2, but the adhesion surface of the meandering prevention member 3 depends on the application to which the endless belt 1 is applied. The belt main body 2 may be bonded to the outer surface side. In the first embodiment, the meandering prevention member 3 is provided only on one side edge of the belt main body 2, but the meandering prevention member 3 may be provided on both side edges. Further, although the meandering prevention member 3 is preferably provided on the entire circumference of the endless belt 1, a gap of about 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less may be provided at the joint of the meandering prevention member 3. The adhesion position (distance from the side edge) of the meandering prevention member 3 to the belt body 2 can be set according to the use and function of the endless belt 1, the device using the endless belt 1, and the like.

  The method for adhering the meandering prevention member 3 to the belt body 2 is not particularly limited. For example, if the above-described heat-sensitive adhesive formed in a thin sheet is used, the meandering prevention member 3 is 80 ° C. or higher. It is preferable to temporarily bond the adhesive at a temperature of 110 ° C. or lower, and then heat the belt body 2 at a temperature of 120 ° C. or higher and 160 ° C. or lower to perform main bonding. In this way, the belt main body 2 and the meandering prevention member 3 are integrated by the bonding portion 4 to produce the endless belt 1.

  In addition, it is important to bond without bubbles, and usually a method such as bonding with a hand roller, rubber roller or press, bonding under reduced pressure, or bonding under pressure is used. It is preferable. Further, the surface of the meandering preventing member 3 or the surface of the belt main body 2 may be subjected to corona treatment, blast treatment, primer treatment, aging, or the like to improve adhesion.

-T-type peel strength-
In the endless belt 1 according to the first embodiment, the adhesive strength between the belt main body 2 and the meandering prevention member 3 bonded by the bonding portion 4 is 0, and the T-type peel strength measured by the following method is 0. It is preferably 5 N / mm or more, and more preferably 1 N / mm or more. Further, although not particularly limited, the upper limit is preferably 2.0 N / mm or less.
The T-type peel strength can be controlled by the bonding temperature, bonding pressure, and bonding time of the bonding portion 4 when the endless belt 1 is manufactured. The higher the bonding temperature, the higher the bonding pressure. The longer the adhesion time is, the higher the T-type peel strength is.

A method for measuring the T-peel strength will be described below.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a T-type peel test. FIG. 4A shows a portion for producing a test piece 30 of a T-type peel test. FIGS. 4B-1 and 4B-2 are side views of the test piece 30. FIG. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram of a test method for the T-type peel test.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the belt body 2 was cut to the same width as the meandering prevention member 3 having a width W1, and a test piece 30 having a width W1 and a length of 50 mm was obtained. 4B-1 is a view of the test piece 30 as viewed from the direction of arrow A, and FIG. 4B-2 is a view of the test piece 30 as viewed from the direction of arrow B. FIG.

  In an environment of 22 ± 2 ° C. and 55 ± 5% RH, one end of the obtained test piece 30 is peeled off at the adhesive interface between the belt body 2 and the meandering prevention member 3 as shown in FIG. The main body 2 is fixed, and the tensile force P1 (N) when the meandering prevention member 3 is pulled in the direction of arrow C at a speed of 50 mm / min and torn into a T-shape is measured. T-type peel strength (P1 / W1) (N / mm) is calculated using the measured P1 and W1.

  The T-type peel test is a test in which a load is applied in a direction in which the belt body 2 and the meandering prevention member 3 are peeled and the strength thereof is measured. The T-type peel test is applied to the load when the endless belt 1 is transported or stored. It can be treated as an indicator of strength.

<< Endless belt according to the second embodiment >>
Next, an endless belt according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an endless belt according to a second embodiment having a belt body, an adhesive portion, and a meandering prevention member.
The endless belt 1B according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is provided with a meandering prevention member 3B along the side edge on the surface of the belt body 2B. The meandering prevention member 3B is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the belt main body 2B is provided via the adhesive portion 4B.

  Although not particularly shown in the drawings, in the endless belt 1B according to the second embodiment, a meandering prevention member 3B is provided on the inner surface of the belt body 2B. However, you may provide in the outer surface of the belt main body 2B according to the application to which the endless belt 1B is applied.

  The endless belt 1B according to the second embodiment particularly includes a photosensitive device, an intermediate transfer device, a transfer separation device, a transport device, a charging device, a developing device, and the like in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and a laser printer. It is preferably used for a fixing device or the like. The material, shape, size, etc. of the belt main body constituting the endless belt according to the second embodiment are set according to the use, function, etc. of the endless belt.

  Hereinafter, the belt main body 2B which is a component of the endless belt 1B according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The meandering preventing member 3B and the bonding portion 4B can adopt the configuration in the first embodiment as they are, and the description thereof is omitted here.

-Belt body-
As shown in FIG. 5, the belt body 2B is composed of a polyimide resin containing portion 21B containing a polyimide resin and an amide group containing portion 22B containing a polyamideimide resin as a resin having an amide group. Yes. Resin having an amide group exists on the bonding surface M between the belt main body 2B and the bonding portion 4B. Further, the belt axial direction outer side region including the adhesive surface M in the belt main body 2B is an adhesive region S, and the belt main body 2B is axially inner (excluding the adhesive surface M) from the belt axial inner end of the adhesive surface M. When the non-adhesive region H is designated as the non-adhesive region H, the non-adhesive region H contains a polyimide resin.

  As described above, the belt main body 2B according to the second embodiment includes the polyimide resin-containing portion 21B and the amide group-containing portion 22B. For example, the intermediate transfer belt in the intermediate transfer device or the photosensitive belt in the photosensitive device. Toner image holding area when used for a recording medium, recording medium holding area when used for a recording medium conveying belt in a conveying apparatus, and toner image fixing area when used for a fixing belt in a fixing apparatus (that is, image formation) The contribution region) is formed by the polyimide resin-containing portion 21B.

  In addition, regarding the composition and physical properties of the polyimide resin-containing portion 21B and the amide group-containing portion 22B according to the second embodiment, the composition and physical properties of the polyimide resin-containing portion 21 and the amide group-containing portion 22 in the first embodiment are as follows. The description can be omitted here.

(i) Belt Body Manufacturing Method Second Embodiment Shown in FIG. 5 Consisting of Polyimide Resin-Containing Part 21B Using Only Polyimide Resin as Resin and Amide Group-Containing Part 22B Using Only Polyamideimide Resin as Resin A method of manufacturing the belt main body 2B according to the above will be described.
The belt body 2B is manufactured through the following steps.
1) An amide that forms a polyamide-imide resin coating film by applying a polyamide-imide resin solution for forming the amide group-containing portion 22B to a portion corresponding to the amide group-containing portion 22B on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold. Base-containing part coating film forming step 2) First drying process for drying the formed polyamideimide resin coating film 3) Polyimide resin-containing part on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold having the dried polyamideimide resin coating film Polyimide resin-containing part coating film forming process 4) for forming a polyimide precursor coating film by applying a polyimide precursor solution for constituting 21B 2) A second drying process 5) for drying the formed polyimide precursor coating film Heating process of drying the polyamideimide resin coating film and polyimide precursor coating film to form a resin film 6) Peeling the formed resin film from the cylindrical mold Stripping step

  First, in the amide group-containing part coating film forming step, a polyamideimide resin solution coating film (polyamideimide resin coating film) is formed.

As the polyamide-imide resin solution, the polyamide-imide resin solution used for forming the amide group-containing portion 22 in the first embodiment can be employed as it is.
Moreover, also about the cylindrical metal mold | die which forms a polyamide-imide resin coating film on the surface, the cylindrical metal mold | die used for the said 1st Embodiment is employable as it is.

  As a method of applying the polyamide-imide resin solution to the portion corresponding to the amide group-containing portion 22B on the surface of the cylindrical mold, for example, the rotating cylindrical mold is moved in the direction of the rotation axis while discharging the solution from the nozzle. The method of applying the solution to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold, the immersion annular coating method of immersing and lifting the cylindrical mold in the solution, the method of pouring the solution axially into the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold, etc. .

Preferably, the polyamideimide resin solution is discharged from the nozzle while the rotating cylindrical mold is moved in the direction of the rotation axis, so that the polyamideimide is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold and corresponding to the amide group-containing portion 22B. A method of applying a resin solution is used.
Specifically, in the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3 used in the first embodiment, an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold 29 is used by using a coating apparatus from which the flow-down apparatus 41 is removed (one flow-down apparatus is used). The polyamide-imide according to the second embodiment is the same as that used in the first embodiment except that the polyamide-imide resin solution 22A is applied to the portion corresponding to the amide group-containing portion 22B. The resin coating film can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold.

In the manufacturing method of the belt main body 2B according to the second embodiment, after the amide group-containing portion coating film forming process, a first drying process for drying the formed polyamideimide resin coating film is performed.
The polyamideimide resin coating film formed on the surface of the cylindrical mold as described above is heated while rotating the cylindrical mold to evaporate the solvent, and dried to a state where the solution does not sag without rotating. Then, a polyamideimide resin dry film is formed. The amount of residual solvent in the polyamideimide resin dry film is preferably 25% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and preferably 30% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the polyamideimide resin dry film. Is more preferable.
The drying condition in the first drying step is preferably 15 to 60 minutes at a temperature in the range of 80 ° C. to 180 ° C., and more preferably 30 to 120 ° C. to 150 ° C. More preferably, the time is from 40 minutes to 40 minutes.

  Next, in the method for manufacturing the belt main body 2B according to the second embodiment, in the polyimide resin-containing part coating film forming step, the polyimide resin-containing part is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold having the dried polyamideimide resin coating film. A polyimide precursor solution for forming 21B is applied to form a polyimide precursor coating film.

  As the polyimide precursor solution, the polyimide precursor solution used for forming the polyimide resin-containing portion 21 in the first embodiment can be employed as it is.

  As a method of applying the polyimide precursor solution to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold having the dried polyamideimide resin coating film, the application methods listed in the description of the amide group-containing part coating film forming step can be employed. .

In the manufacturing method of the belt main body 2B according to the second embodiment, after the polyimide resin-containing portion coating film forming process, a second drying process of drying the formed polyimide precursor coating film is performed.
The polyimide precursor coating film formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold having the polyamideimide resin coating film dried as described above is heated while rotating the cylindrical mold to evaporate the solvent, without rotating. However, the solution is dried to a state where the solution does not sag and forms a polyimide precursor dry film. The amount of residual solvent in the polyimide precursor dry film is preferably 25% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and preferably 30% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the polyimide precursor dry film. Is more preferable.
The drying condition in the second drying step is preferably 15 to 60 minutes at a temperature in the range of 80 ° C. or higher and 180 ° C. or lower, and 30 at a temperature in the range of 120 to 150 ° C. or lower. More preferably, the time is from 40 minutes to 40 minutes.

In the manufacturing method of the belt main body 2B according to the second embodiment, after the second drying step, a heating step of heating the formed polyamideimide resin dry film and polyimide precursor dry film at a higher temperature is performed.
By heating at a higher temperature, the polyamide-imide resin dry film formed on the amide group-containing part 22B further volatilizes the solvent, and the polyimide precursor dry film formed on the polyimide resin-containing part 21B causes imide conversion. A resin film comprising an imide resin and a polyimide resin is formed. The heating condition in the heating step is preferably 20 to 120 minutes at a temperature in the range of 220 ° C. or higher and 380 ° C. or lower, and more preferably in the range of 280 to 340 ° C. for 40 minutes to 90 minutes. It is more preferable to make it into minutes or less.

The belt body 2B according to the second embodiment is subjected to a peeling process in which the resin film obtained as described above is peeled off by a known method such as blowing air into the gap between the cylindrical mold and the resin film. Can be manufactured.
Regarding the thickness of the belt main body 2B, the thickness of the polyimide resin-containing portion 21B is preferably 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm, and the thickness of the amide group-containing portion 22B is 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm. The following is preferable.

  Further, the manufacturing method of the belt body 2B according to the second embodiment is not limited to the above method, and can be formed by other known methods, and the formed belt body 2B is annular (endless). If so, it may have seams.

-Production of endless belt-
The endless belt 1B according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 prevents meandering via an adhesive portion 4B on the inner peripheral surface (the inner peripheral surface of the amide group-containing portion 22B) of the belt body 2B obtained by the above-described method. It can be produced by bonding the member 3B. In the second embodiment, the meandering prevention member 3B is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the belt body 2B. However, the adhesion surface of the meandering prevention member 3B depends on the application to which the endless belt 1B is applied. The belt main body 2B may be adhered to the outer surface side. In the second embodiment, the meander prevention member 3B is provided only on one side edge of the belt body 2B. However, the meander prevention member 3B may be provided on both side edges. Furthermore, although the meandering prevention member 3B is preferably provided on the entire circumference of the endless belt 1B, a gap of about 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less may be provided at the joint of the meandering prevention member 3B. The adhesion position (distance from the side edge) of the meandering preventing member 3B to the belt main body 2B can be set according to the use and function of the endless belt 1B, the device using the endless belt 1B, and the like.

  The method for adhering the meandering prevention member 3B to the belt main body 2B is not particularly limited, and for example, the adhering method in the first embodiment can be employed as it is.

<Image forming apparatus>
Next, image forming apparatuses according to third and fourth embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the third and fourth embodiments is an image forming apparatus using the endless belt according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the endless belt is, for example, It can be used as a paper conveying belt or an intermediate transfer belt, and can also be used as a photosensitive belt, a charging belt, a developing belt, a fixing belt, and the like.
As an aspect of the image forming apparatus, a normal single color image forming apparatus containing only a single color toner in the developing device, or a toner image held on an image holding body such as a photosensitive drum is sequentially primary transferred to an intermediate transfer body. And a tandem-type multicolor image forming apparatus in which a plurality of image holding members each having a developing device for each color are arranged in series on an intermediate transfer member.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment, which includes the endless belt according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment as an intermediate transfer belt.

The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 has a developing device 105 using BK (black) toner, a developing device 106 using Y (yellow) toner, and M (on the surface of a photosensitive drum 101 as an image holding member. A developing device 107 using magenta toner and a developing device 108 using C (cyan) toner, and an intermediate downstream of the developing device 108 using C (cyan) toner in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 101 (direction of arrow F). Intermediate transfer belt 102 as a transfer member
A first transfer region is formed in contact with the conductive roller 125 (where “conductive” in the roller means a volume resistivity of less than 10 ⁷ Ω · cm).

  The intermediate transfer belt 102 is stretched by a belt support roller 121, 123, 124 and a backup roller 122 so as to be rotatable from the inner surface side to constitute a belt stretching device 120.

  A bias roller 103 as a transfer electrode is provided at a position facing the backup roller 122 with the intermediate transfer belt 102 interposed therebetween, and forms a second transfer region. A cleaning blade 131 is disposed in contact with the bias roller 103, and an electrode roller 126 is disposed in contact with the backup roller 122. The sheet supply unit 104 accommodates a sheet bundle 141 as a recording medium, a pickup roller 142 that conveys the sheet from the sheet bundle 141, and a feed roller 143 that supplies the sheet to the second transfer region at a predetermined timing. Is provided. Further, on the downstream side of the second transfer area of the intermediate transfer belt 102 in the rotation direction (in the direction of arrow G), a peeling claw 113 for peeling the paper on which the image has been transferred in the second transfer area is provided. Further, a belt cleaning member 109 for cleaning the transfer residual toner and the like is disposed on the downstream side thereof.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the photosensitive drum 101 rotates in the direction of arrow F, and the surface thereof is charged by a charging device (not shown). An electrostatic latent image of the first color (for example, black (BK)) is formed on the charged photosensitive drum 101 by image writing means such as a laser writing device. The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the developing device 105 to form a visualized toner image T. The toner image T reaches the first transfer region where the conductive roller 125 is disposed by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101, and the toner image T is formed by applying an electric field having a reverse polarity to the toner image T from the conductive roller 125. Primary transfer is performed by rotating the intermediate transfer belt 102 in the direction of arrow G while being electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 102. As shown in FIG. 6, the conductive roller 125 may be disposed immediately below the photosensitive drum 101 or may be disposed at a position shifted from directly below the photosensitive drum 101.

  Thereafter, a second color toner image, a third color toner image, and a fourth color toner image are sequentially formed by the above-described method and are superposed on the intermediate transfer belt 102 to form a multiple toner image. The toner at this time may be either a one-component toner or a two-component toner.

  The multiple toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 102 reaches the second transfer region where the bias roller 103 is installed by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 102. The second transfer area includes a bias roller 103 installed on the front surface side where the toner image of the intermediate transfer belt 102 is held, a backup roller 122 disposed so as to face the bias roller 103 from the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 102, and this The electrode roller 126 is configured to rotate while being pressed against the backup roller 122.

  The sheets are picked up one by one from the sheet bundle 141 accommodated in the sheet supply unit 104 by the pickup roller 142, and are brought into a contact area formed by the intermediate transfer belt 102 and the bias roller 103 in the second transfer area by the feed roller 143. It is fed at a predetermined timing. The toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 102 is transferred to the fed paper by the pressure conveyance by the bias roller 103 and the backup roller 122 and the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 102.

  The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is peeled from the intermediate transfer belt 102 by operating the peeling claw 113 in the retracted position until the primary transfer of the final toner image is completed, conveyed to a fixing device (not shown), and subjected to pressure / heating processing. The toner image is fixed to make a permanent image. The intermediate transfer belt 102 after the transfer of the multiple toner image to the paper is removed for residual toner by a belt cleaning member 109 provided downstream of the second transfer region, and is prepared for the next transfer. Further, the bias roller 103 is attached so that the cleaning blade 131 made of polyurethane or the like comes into contact with it, and foreign matters such as toner particles and paper dust adhering to the transfer are removed.

In the case of transfer of a single color image, the toner image T that has been primarily transferred is subjected to secondary transfer as it is, and the paper is conveyed to the fixing device. However, in the case of transfer of a multicolor image by superimposing a plurality of colors, The rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 102 and the photosensitive drum 101 is synchronized so that the toner images of the respective colors do not shift so that they are accurately overlapped in one transfer region. In the second transfer area, a pressure output (transfer voltage) having the same polarity as the polarity of the toner image is applied to the electrode roller 126 that is in pressure contact with the backup roller 122 disposed opposite to the bias roller 103 via the intermediate transfer belt 102. The toner image is transferred to a sheet by electrostatic repulsion.
As described above, an image can be formed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment, which includes the endless belt according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment as a sheet conveying belt.
In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the units Y, M, C, and BK can be rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the clockwise direction indicated by an arrow, respectively. 201M, 201C, 201BK are provided. Around the photosensitive drums 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201BK, charging devices 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202BK, exposure units 203Y, 203M, 203C, and 203BK, and color developing devices (yellow developing device 204Y and magenta developing device 204M). , Cyan developing device 204C, black developing device 204BK) and photosensitive drum cleaning members 205Y, 205M, 205C, and 205BK, respectively.

  The four units Y, M, C, and BK are arranged in the order of the units BK, C, M, and Y in parallel with the paper transport belt 206, but the order of the units BK, Y, C, and M, etc. An appropriate order can be set according to the image forming method.

  The sheet conveying belt 206 is stretched from the inner surface side by belt support rolls 210, 211, 212, and 213 to form a belt stretching device 220. The paper transport belt 206 is rotatable in the counterclockwise direction indicated by an arrow at the same peripheral speed as the photosensitive drums 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201BK, and a part of the paper transport belt 206 that is positioned between the belt support rolls 212 and 213 is provided. The photosensitive drums 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201BK are disposed so as to be in contact with each other. The sheet conveying belt 206 is provided with a belt cleaning member 214.

  The transfer rolls 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207BK are disposed inside the paper transport belt 206 and at positions facing the portions where the paper transport belt 206 is in contact with the photosensitive drums 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201BK, respectively. The transfer areas for transferring the toner image onto the sheet (transfer body) 216 via the photosensitive drums 201Y, 201M, 201C, 201BK and the sheet conveying belt 206 are formed. As shown in FIG. 7, the transfer rolls 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207BK may be arranged immediately below the photosensitive drums 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201BK, or may be arranged at positions shifted from the positions immediately below.

  The fixing device 209 is arranged so that it can be transported after passing through the transfer areas of the paper transport belt 206 and the photosensitive drums 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201BK.

  The paper 216 is transported to the paper transport belt 206 by the paper transport roll 208.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, in the unit BK, the photosensitive drum 201BK is rotationally driven. In conjunction with this, the charging device 202BK is driven to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 201BK to a predetermined polarity and potential. Next, the photosensitive drum 201BK whose surface is charged is exposed imagewise by the exposure device 203BK, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface.

  Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the black developing device 204BK. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201BK. The developer at this time may be a one-component developer or a two-component developer.

  This toner image passes through the transfer region between the photosensitive drum 201BK and the paper transport belt 206, and the paper 216 is electrostatically attracted to the paper transport belt 206 and transported to the transfer region, and is applied from the transfer roll 207BK. The image is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the paper 216 by an electric field formed by the transfer bias.

  Thereafter, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 201BK is cleaned and removed by the photosensitive drum cleaning member 205BK. The photosensitive drum 201BK is used for the next image transfer.

  The above image transfer is also performed in the units C, M and Y by the above method.

The paper 216 onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer rolls 207BK, 207C, 207M, and 207Y is further conveyed to the fixing device 209 and fixed.
Thus, a desired image is formed on the paper.

  Here, the endless belts according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described in more detail using examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[Example 1]
<Production of endless belt>
(Preparation of belt body (A))
The belt body 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured as follows.
N-methyl-2pyrrolidone (NMP) solution of polyamic acid composed of 3,3 ′, 4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether (DDE) (Ube Industries) The dry-treated carbon black (SPECIAL BLACK4 (Degussa) was used with Euvarnish S (solid content: 18% by mass)) and 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the raw material capable of forming the polyimide resin in this solution. Manufactured, pH 3.0, volatile content: 14.0%)) to 15 parts by mass, using a collision type disperser (Geanus PY manufactured by Genus), with a pressure of 200 MPa and a minimum area of 1.4 mm ² Colliding after 2 splits, passing again through 5 split paths 5 times, mixing and polyimide precursor with carbon black for belt body 2 Was prepared liquid (A).

  Moreover, as a solvent-soluble polyamideimide resin solution, Viromax 16NN manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd. was prepared and used as a polyamideimide resin solution (A).

  Using the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the polyamideimide resin solution (A) was injected into the container 42 of the flow down apparatus 41, and the polyimide precursor solution (A) was injected into the container 32 of the flow down apparatus 31. First, the cylindrical mold 29 is rotated at 100 rpm around the rotation axis, and the flow-down device 41 and the blade 45 are moved in the axial direction at a speed of 150 mm / min, while the amide group containing portion on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold 29 is moved. The polyamideimide resin solution (A) was allowed to flow down to the corresponding location and applied with a thickness of 0.5 mm. Next, the cylindrical mold 29 is rotated at 100 rpm around the rotation axis, and the flow-down device 31 and the blade 35 are moved in the axial direction at a speed of 150 mm / min, while the polyimide resin-containing portion on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold 29 is moved. The polyimide precursor solution (A) was flowed down to the corresponding location, and applied with a thickness of 0.5 mm.

  Next, the cylindrical mold 29 was heated and dried at 120 ° C. for 30 minutes while being rotated at 5 rpm, and cooled to room temperature (25 ° C.). Thereafter, the solvent is removed and imide conversion is performed by heating at 300 ° C. for 2 hours. Finally, the resin film is peeled off from the cylindrical mold 29 after cooling to room temperature, and the belt main body (A ) Was produced.

(Adhesion of meander prevention member)
As a sheet used for the meandering prevention member 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sheet made of urethane rubber (manufactured by Tigers Polymer Co., Ltd.) was prepared. A heat-sensitive adhesive (D3600, manufactured by Sony Chemical Co., Ltd.) was temporarily bonded to the sheet by thermocompression bonding (100 ° C., 1.0 kg / cm ² ), and the sheet was 5 mm wide, 800 mm long, and 2 mm thick. The meandering prevention member 3 cut out and temporarily bonded with the heat-sensitive adhesive was produced.
The meandering-preventing member 3 to which the heat-sensitive adhesive is temporarily bonded is bonded by thermocompression bonding (140 ° C., 2.0 kg / cm ² ) to the inner surface of the belt body (A) (the inner surface of the amide group-containing portion). Thus, an endless belt (A) according to Example 1 was obtained.

The following evaluation was performed using the obtained endless belt (A) of Example 1.
−Hygroscopic expansion coefficient of image forming contribution region−
The image forming contribution region (region G in FIG. 1) of the endless belt (A) is cut to 1 inch width, a 2.35N load is applied to the sample, and the relative humidity is 20% RH in a 35 ° C. atmosphere. And 85% RH were measured, and the difference between the lengths divided by the relative humidity difference of 65 was taken as the hygroscopic expansion coefficient.

-T-type peel strength test-
The T-type peel strength test was performed by the method described above. As a tester, a precision load tester Model-1605N manufactured by Aiko Engineering Co., Ltd. was used. In the strength test, N = 5 was evaluated and set to the minimum value. In this test, W1 was set to 5 mm.

-Image density unevenness-
The endless belt (A) was incorporated in DocuPrint C2220 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., left in an atmosphere of 28 ° C. and 20% for 24 hours, and then left in an atmosphere of 28 ° C. and 85% for 4 hours, and then a half-tone (30% magenta) image was obtained. An image transferred on vertical paper was formed. With respect to the formed image, it was visually determined whether white spots or registration errors occurred.
(Evaluation criteria)
○: No white spots or registration errors have occurred △: No white spots have occurred, but usable levels of registration errors have occurred ×: White spots or registration errors have occurred

-Adhesiveness of meandering prevention member (environmental maintenance)-
The endless belt (A) is incorporated into DocuPrint C2220 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and after 50000 images are formed in a 5 ° C. atmosphere and a 30 ° C. atmosphere, respectively, an adhesive portion 4 between the meandering prevention member 3 and the belt body 2 is formed. About whether or not a shift or peeling occurred, it was visually determined.
(Evaluation criteria)
○: No deviation or peeling occurred △: Some deviation was observed but no problem in practical use ×: Peeling occurred

  The above evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below.

[Example 2]
(Preparation of belt body (B))
The belt main body 2B shown in FIG. 5 was manufactured as follows.
The carbon black-containing polyimide precursor solution (A) used in Example 1 and the polyamideimide resin solution (A) were prepared.

  In the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3 used in the first embodiment, the polyamideimide resin solution (A) is used in the container 32 of the flow-down apparatus 31 using the coating apparatus from which the flow-down apparatus 41 is removed (one flow-down apparatus is used). ) Was injected. The cylindrical mold 29 is rotated at 100 rpm around the rotation axis, and the flow-down device 31 and the blade 35 are moved in the axial direction at a speed of 150 mm / min. The polyamideimide resin solution (A) was allowed to flow down to a location corresponding to 22B, and was applied at a thickness of 0.5 mm. Next, the cylindrical mold 29 was heated and dried at 120 ° C. for 30 minutes while being rotated at 5 rpm, and cooled to room temperature (25 ° C.).

  Next, in the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the polyimide precursor solution (A) was injected into the container 32 of the flow-down apparatus 31 using the coating apparatus from which the flow-down apparatus 41 was removed (one flow-down apparatus). The cylindrical mold 29 is rotated at 100 rpm around the rotation axis, and the coating film of the dried polyamideimide resin solution (A) is provided while the flow-down device 31 and the blade 35 are moved in the axial direction at a speed of 150 mm / min. On the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold 29, the polyimide precursor solution (A) was flowed down and applied with a thickness of 0.5 mm. Next, the cylindrical mold 29 was heated and dried at 120 ° C. for 30 minutes while being rotated at 5 rpm, and cooled to room temperature.

  The coated film of the dried polyamideimide resin solution (A) and the polyimide precursor solution (A) is heated at 300 ° C. for 2 hours to remove the solvent and perform imide conversion. Finally, after cooling to room temperature, cylindrical gold The resin film was peeled off from the mold 29 to produce a belt body (B) according to Example 2 having an outer diameter of φ302 mm.

(Adhesion of meander prevention member)
The meandering prevention member 3 temporarily attached with the heat-sensitive adhesive used in Example 1 was prepared.
The meandering-preventing member 3 on which the heat-sensitive adhesive is temporarily bonded is bonded by thermocompression (140 ° C., 2.0 kg / cm ² ) to the inner surface of the belt body (B) (the inner surface of the amide group-containing portion) Thus, an endless belt (B) according to Example 2 was obtained.

  Using the endless belt (B) obtained in Example 2, the evaluation described in Example 1 was performed.

[Comparative Example 1]
(Preparation of belt body (C))
The carbon black-containing polyimide precursor solution (A) used in Example 1 was prepared.

  In the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3 used in the first embodiment, the polyimide precursor solution (A) is used in the container 32 of the flow-down apparatus 31 using the coating apparatus from which the flow-down apparatus 41 is removed (one flow-down apparatus is used). ) Was injected. While rotating the cylindrical mold 29 at 100 rpm around the rotation axis and moving the flow-down device 31 and the blade 35 in the axial direction at a speed of 150 mm / min, the polyimide precursor solution (A ) And applied at a thickness of 0.42 mm. Next, the cylindrical mold 29 was rotated and dried at 132 ° C. for 30 minutes while being rotated at 5 rpm, and cooled to room temperature (30 ° C.).

  The dried polyimide precursor solution (A) coating film is imide converted by heating at 320 ° C. for 45 minutes. Finally, after cooling to room temperature, the resin film is peeled off from the cylindrical mold 29 and the outer diameter is φ302 mm. A belt body (C) according to Comparative Example 1 was prepared.

(Adhesion of meander prevention member)
The meandering prevention member 3 temporarily attached with the heat-sensitive adhesive used in Example 1 was prepared.
The meandering prevention member 3 to which this heat-sensitive adhesive was temporarily bonded was bonded by thermocompression bonding (140 ° C., 2.0 kg / cm ² ) along the side edge of the inner surface of the belt body (C). An endless belt (C) according to Example 1 was obtained.

  Using the endless belt (C) obtained in Comparative Example 1, the evaluation described in Example 1 was performed.

[Comparative Example 2]
(Preparation of belt body (D))
In a solvent-soluble polyamideimide resin solution (Toyobo Co., Ltd., Viromax 16NN), 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the polyamideimide resin in this solution was dried oxidized carbon black (SPECIAL BLACK4 (manufactured by Degussa, pH 3.0, volatile matter: 14.0%)) was added so as to be 15 parts by weight, using a collision-type dispersing machine (Genus made GeanusPY), a pressure 200 MPa, a minimum area of 2 divided by 1.4 mm ² After colliding and passing through a path divided into two again five times and mixing, a polyamide-imide resin solution (D) containing carbon black for the belt body 2 was prepared.

  In the coating apparatus shown in FIG. 3 used in the first embodiment, the polyamideimide resin solution (D) is used in the container 32 of the flow-down apparatus 31 using the coating apparatus from which the flow-down apparatus 41 is removed (one flow-down apparatus is used). ) Was injected. The cylindrical mold 29 is rotated at 100 rpm about the rotation axis, and the flow down device 31 and the blade 35 are moved in the axial direction at a speed of 150 mm / min, while the polyamideimide resin solution (D ) And applied at a thickness of 0.42 mm. Next, the cylindrical mold 29 was heated and dried at 132 ° C. for 30 minutes while rotating at 5 rpm, and cooled to room temperature (30 ° C.).

  The coated film of the dried polyamideimide resin solution (D) is further removed by heating at 320 ° C. for 45 minutes, and finally cooled to room temperature, and then the resin film is peeled off from the cylindrical mold 29 to obtain an outer diameter. A belt body (D) according to Comparative Example 2 having a diameter of 302 mm was produced.

(Adhesion of meander prevention member)
The meandering prevention member 3 temporarily attached with the heat-sensitive adhesive used in Example 1 was prepared.
The meandering prevention member 3 to which this heat-sensitive adhesive was temporarily bonded was bonded by thermocompression bonding (140 ° C., 2.0 kg / cm ² ) along the side edge of the inner surface of the belt body (D). An endless belt (D) according to Example 2 was obtained.

  Using the endless belt (D) of Comparative Example 2 obtained, the evaluation described in Example 1 was performed.

  In Table 1, “PI” represents a polyimide resin, and “PAI” represents a polyamideimide resin.

Below, the preferable aspect of this invention is shown. First, the endless belt of the present invention is
<1> A belt main body, a meandering prevention member, and an adhesive portion that adheres the belt main body and the meandering prevention member, and a polyamideimide resin is provided on an adhesive surface of the belt main body with the adhesive portion. And an endless belt containing polyimide resin in a portion other than the adhesive surface of the belt main body. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to obtain good adhesion of the meandering preventing member and to suitably suppress the occurrence of deviation in the circumferential direction. Further, with this configuration, it is possible to obtain better durability of the belt body as compared with the case where other materials are used.
< 2 > The endless belt according to <1> , wherein the polyimide main body contains the polyimide resin in a region on the inner side in the axial direction from the inner end in the belt axial direction of the adhesive surface. By setting it as this structure, generation | occurrence | production of the shift | offset | difference in the circumference direction can be suppressed more suitably.
< 3 > The endless belt according to <1> or <2> , wherein the adhesive portion contains a thermoplastic polyester. By adopting such a configuration, better adhesion of the meandering prevention member can be obtained.

The belt stretcher of the present invention is
< 4 > A belt stretcher comprising: the endless belt according to any one of <1> to < 3 >, and a stretch member that rotatably stretches the endless belt from the inner peripheral surface side. Device. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to obtain good adhesion of the meandering prevention member and the effect of suppressing the occurrence of deviation in the circumferential direction even for the circumferential driving, and the mechanical life can be improved.
< 5 > The belt stretching apparatus according to < 4 >, wherein the stretching member has a roll shape and has a step on an outer periphery of the roll. With this configuration, the endless belt can be stretched over the stretch member in such a manner that the side surface (the inner side surface in the axial direction) of the meandering prevention member and the stepped wall face each other, and the endless belt is excellent. In addition, the effect of suppressing the occurrence of deviation in the circulation direction can be obtained more remarkably, and the mechanical life can be further improved.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
< 6 > An image forming apparatus including the endless belt according to any one of <1> to < 3 >. With this configuration, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of image defects.

< 7 > An image carrier, a charging unit for charging the surface of the image carrier, a latent image forming unit for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, and development for developing the formed latent image as a toner image Means, a transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording medium, and a fixing means for fixing the toner image to the recording medium, the image holding member, the charging means, the developing means, the transfer means, and the fixing means. In any one of the above, the image forming apparatus includes the belt stretching device according to < 4 > or < 5 >. With this configuration, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of image defects.

It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the endless belt which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion part of the belt main body and meander prevention member of an endless belt which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the coating device used for manufacture of the endless belt which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of a T-type peeling test. It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion part of the belt main body and meander prevention member of an endless belt which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment provided with the endless belt as a paper conveyance belt. It is a schematic block diagram of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment provided with the endless belt as an intermediate transfer belt.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1B Endless belt 2,2B Belt main body 3,3B Meander prevention member 4,4B Adhesion part 21,21B Polyimide resin containing part 22,22B Amide group containing part 21A Polyimide precursor solution 22A Polyamideimide resin solution 30 (T type Test piece 102 Intermediate transfer belt 120, 220 Belt stretcher 206 Paper conveying belt G Image formation contribution area H Non-adhesion area M Adhesion surface S Adhesion area

Claims (5)

A belt body, a meandering prevention member, and an adhesive portion for adhering the belt body and the meandering prevention member;
An endless belt comprising a polyamideimide resin on an adhesive surface of the belt main body with the adhesive portion, and containing a polyimide resin in a portion other than the adhesive surface of the belt main body. 2. The endless belt according to claim 1 , wherein in the belt main body, the polyimide resin is contained in a region on the inner side in the axial direction from the inner end portion in the belt axial direction of the bonding surface. The endless belt according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the adhesive portion contains a thermoplastic polyester. A belt tension comprising: the endless belt according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ; and a tension member that rotatably stretches the endless belt from an inner peripheral surface side. Mounting device. An image forming apparatus comprising the endless belt according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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