JP5477849B2 - Conductive resin tube manufacturing method, conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus, and roller manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a conductive resin tube, a manufacturing apparatus for a conductive resin tube, and a method for manufacturing a roller.

  Conventionally, as a fixing roller for fixing toner onto paper in, for example, a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine, there is a roller in which an elastic layer made of silicone rubber and a conductive resin tube are sequentially coated on the outer peripheral surface of a metal core. It is used.

  The roller having such a configuration is, for example, a method in which a resin tube is fixed to the inner surface of a cylindrical mold and a metal core is inserted into an inner space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the resin tube, and then the conductive resin tube and the metal Silicone rubber is injected between the core and the injected silicone rubber is heated and cured.

  Here, as the conductive resin tube, for the purpose of improving the adhesiveness between the conductive resin tube and the silicone rubber, a tube whose inner peripheral surface is plasma-treated is used.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 (JP 2002-337210 A) and Patent Document 2 (WO 2007/055066 pamphlet), gas is introduced into the inside of the resin tube continuously discharged from the extrusion molding apparatus, and the resin tube A method is described in which plasma is generated by applying a high-frequency voltage between an inner solid electrode arranged on the inner side and an outer solid electrode arranged on the outer side of the resin tube, and the inner peripheral surface of the resin tube is subjected to plasma treatment. ing.

JP 2002-337210 A WO2007 / 055066 pamphlet

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the plasma treatment of the resin tube is performed with a predetermined distance between the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer solid electrode disposed outside the resin tube. Therefore, not only the inner peripheral surface of the resin tube but also the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube is subjected to plasma treatment.

  Further, in the method described in Patent Document 2, the resin tube is plasma-treated in a state where the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer solid electrode are in contact with each other. A slight gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the outer solid electrode and the inner peripheral surface of the outer solid electrode. Therefore, also in the method described in Patent Document 2, the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube is subjected to plasma treatment.

  When a fixing roller for toner fixing is manufactured using a resin tube whose outer peripheral surface is plasma-treated in this way, the outer peripheral surface of the resin tube constituting the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roller has hydrophilicity. For this reason, when the toner is fixed onto the sheet by the fixing roller, the toner does not peel off from the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roller, and printing failure may occur.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a conductive resin tube manufacturing method, a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus capable of manufacturing a conductive resin tube with reduced plasma treatment on the outer peripheral surface, Another object of the present invention is to provide a roller manufacturing method using the conductive resin tube.

  The present invention includes a step of molding and discharging a conductive resin tube precursor, a step of introducing a gas into the discharged conductive resin tube precursor, and the conductive resin tube precursor as a first electrode. Using the electrode disposed inside the conductive resin tube precursor as the second electrode, a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate a plasma of the gas and discharge it. And a step of continuously treating the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor with plasma with a plasma.

  Here, in the manufacturing method of the conductive resin tube of this invention, it is preferable that a 1st electrode is a ground electrode.

  Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the conductive resin tube of this invention, it is preferable to process the internal peripheral surface of a conductive resin tube precursor, adjusting the pressure inside a conductive resin tube precursor.

  Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the conductive resin tube of this invention, it is preferable that a conductive resin tube precursor contains PFA.

  The present invention also provides a molded discharge device for forming and discharging a conductive resin tube precursor, and an electrode provided to be disposed inside the conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the molded discharge device A gas introduction path for introducing gas into the inside of the conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the molding discharge device, a gas discharge path for discharging the gas inside the conductive resin tube precursor, and molding And a ground electrode provided so as to be electrically connected to the conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the discharge device.

  In the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the gas introduction path is provided inside the electrode, and the gas discharge path is provided inside the insulating covering member that covers at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the electrode. The ground electrode is preferably provided so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the insulating covering member.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the manufacturing apparatus of the conductive resin tube of this invention is further equipped with the pressure regulation apparatus for adjusting the pressure inside the conductive resin tube precursor discharged | emitted from the shaping | molding discharge apparatus.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the manufacturing apparatus of the conductive resin tube of this invention is further equipped with the flow path for cooling a 2nd electrode.

  Furthermore, the present invention includes a step of molding and discharging the conductive resin tube precursor, a step of introducing gas into the discharged conductive resin tube precursor, and the conductive resin tube precursor as the first step. As an electrode, an electrode disposed inside the conductive resin tube precursor is a second electrode, and a gas plasma is generated by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, A process of forming a conductive resin tube by continuously treating the inner peripheral surface of the discharged conductive resin tube precursor with plasma, and a space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube. A method for manufacturing a roller, comprising: a step of installing a core; and a step of installing an elastic layer between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube and the outer peripheral surface of the center core.

  According to the present invention, a conductive resin tube manufacturing method, a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus, and a conductive resin tube capable of manufacturing a conductive resin tube with reduced plasma treatment on the outer peripheral surface are provided. A method of manufacturing the used roller can be provided.

2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a conductive resin tube manufactured using the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a roller manufactured using the conductive resin tube shown in FIG. 2 is used as a fixing roller for toner fixing. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the drawings of the present invention, the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, which is an example of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

  The conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a molded discharge device 2 for forming a conductive resin tube precursor 1a and discharging it to the outside, and a conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the molded discharge device 2. An inner electrode 4 provided to be disposed inside the body 1a, an insulating covering member 9 provided so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner electrode 4, and an outer periphery of the insulating covering member 9 An insert 3 serving also as a ground electrode provided so as to cover a part of the surface and a guide member 10 provided so as to contact an insulating material 14 attached to the tip of the inner electrode 4 are provided.

  Here, the molding discharge device 2 is provided for heating and melting the resin transfer pipe 6 provided at the top with a hopper 5 for supplying resin pellets, and the resin pellet supplied from the hopper 5 to the resin transfer pipe 6. A heater (not shown) and a screw device (not shown) for sending the molten resin, which is obtained by heating and melting the resin pellets inside the resin transfer pipe 6, to the outside of the resin transfer pipe 6 are provided. The resin transfer pipe 6 is configured to extend in the horizontal direction, but is bent vertically downward at an end portion in the horizontal direction, and a conductive resin tube precursor is formed at the vertical lower end portion of the resin transfer pipe 6. A ring-shaped die 13 for defining the shape of the body 1a in a tube shape is provided. A cylindrical insert 3 is provided at a predetermined interval from the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped die 13.

  The insert 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is made of an electrically conductive substance. For example, at least one metal such as aluminum and iron can be used, but a metal having excellent corrosion resistance such as stainless steel can be used. Is more preferable.

  The insulating covering member 9 has a cylindrical small-diameter portion 9a having a small outer diameter and a cylindrical large-diameter portion 9b having an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 9a. The one end of the portion 9b is joined and integrated. Then, by inserting the small-diameter portion 9a of the insulating covering member 9 into the hollow portion inside the cylindrical insert 3, the outer diameter of the cylindrical insert 3 and the outer diameter of the insulating covering member 9 are matched. A cylindrical insert 3 is attached to the insulating covering member 9 to constitute one large cylindrical member.

  The insulating covering member 9 is not particularly limited as long as it is made of an electrically insulating material. For example, at least one of electrically insulating rubber and resin can be used. It is more desirable to use an excellent insulating material. The large diameter portion 9b may be made of a fluorine resin having a low frictional resistance.

  The inner electrode 4 also has a cylindrical small-diameter portion 4a having a small outer diameter and a cylindrical large-diameter portion 4b having a larger outer diameter than the small-diameter portion 4a, and one end of the small-diameter portion 4a and the large-diameter portion 4b. It is comprised by joining and integrating with one end of. And the small diameter part 4a of the inner electrode 4 is formed in the hollow part (hollow part inside the insulating coating member 9) of the cylindrical member formed by attaching the cylindrical insert 3 to the insulating coating member 9. Is inserted so that the inner electrode 4 is in contact with the insulating covering member 9.

  The inner electrode 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrode made of an electrically conductive substance. For example, an electrode made of a single metal such as copper or aluminum, an electrode made of an alloy such as stainless steel or brass, or an electrode made of an intermetallic compound Alternatively, an electrode made of conductive carbon can be used.

  The outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4 b of the inner electrode 4 is covered with an insulating material 8, and a substantially cylindrical shape is formed on one circular surface of the large-diameter portion 4 b of the inner electrode 4 that is the tip of the inner electrode 4. Insulating material 14 is attached. A space for generating plasma is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 covered on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a. In addition, the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 4 b of the inner electrode 4 is made smaller than the outer diameter of each of the insert 3 and the insulating coating member 9.

  The insulating material 8 and the insulating material 14 are not particularly limited as long as they are made of an electrically insulating material. For example, plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene terephthalate, glass, mica, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, A metal oxide such as zirconium or titanium dioxide or a double oxide such as barium titanate can be used.

  A substantially cylindrical guide member 10 is provided so as to contact one surface of the substantially cylindrical insulating material 14. Here, the outer diameter of the substantially columnar guide member 10 is the same as the outer diameter of each of the cylindrical insert 3 and the large-diameter portion 4 b of the cylindrical insulating covering member 9. And the guide member 10 assists holding | maintenance of the shape of the conductive resin tube 1 formed by plasma-processing the internal peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a.

  As the guide member 10, for example, the same material of the insulating material 8 and the insulating material 14 can be used.

  A gas 20 for generating plasma is introduced into the space between the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 and the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a in the inner electrode 4 and the insulating material 14, respectively. For this purpose, a gas introduction path 11 is provided. Here, the gas introduction path 11 extends so as to penetrate the inside of the small diameter part 4a and the large diameter part 4b of the inner electrode 4 in the vertical direction, and after passing through a part of the inside of the insulating material 14 in the vertical direction. It is comprised from the hollow part provided so that the inside of the insulating material 14 might be penetrated in a horizontal direction.

  The gas existing in the space between the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 and the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is conducted inside the large diameter portion 9b of the insulating covering member 9 and inside the insert 3, respectively. A gas discharge path 12 is provided for discharging to the outside of the manufacturing apparatus for the conductive resin tube. Here, the gas discharge path 12 is partially bent inside the large diameter portion 9b of the insulating covering member 9 and extends so as to penetrate in the vertical direction, and so as to penetrate the inside of the insert 3 in the vertical direction. It is comprised from the provided hollow part.

  A high frequency power source 7 for applying a high frequency voltage to the inner electrode 4 is connected to the small diameter portion 4a of the inner electrode 4, and the insert 3 is connected to the ground. Therefore, the insert 3 also serves as a ground electrode.

  Hereinafter, an example of a method for producing a conductive resin tube using the conductive resin tube production apparatus of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  First, resin pellets for forming the conductive resin tube precursor 1a are introduced into the resin transfer pipe 6 from a hopper 5 provided at the upper part of the molding and discharging apparatus 2, and a heater ( Resin pellets are melted by (not shown) to produce a conductive molten resin.

  Here, as resin pellets, for example, PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), FEP (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer), ETFE (tetra Fluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer), PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene), ECTFE (chlorotrifluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) and tetrafluoroethylene-fluoride. And containing as a main component at least one resin component selected from the group consisting of vinylidene chloride copolymers, for example, conductive materials such as carbon black and / or acetylene black The non conductive resin composition can be used such as those formed into pellets.

  Especially, as a resin pellet, it is preferable to use what formed the conductive resin composition which contains PFA as a resin component in the pellet form. This is because a conductive resin composition containing PFA as a resin component has high water repellency and is suitable as a material constituting the outer peripheral surface of a fixing roller for fixing hydrophilic toner, for example.

  In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is applicable also to manufacture of the conductive resin tube using resin components other than the fluorine resin enumerated above.

  Next, the conductive molten resin produced as described above is extruded from the die 13 in a tube shape by the screw device of the molding discharge device 2 and then cooled by contact with the insert 3. The conductive resin tube precursor 1a is produced.

  Here, the conductivity of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is preferably 0.1 μS / m or more, and more preferably 1 μS / m or more, from the viewpoint of generating plasma described later.

  The conductive resin tube precursor 1a is continuously discharged from the molding discharge device 2 by performing the above-described resin pellet melting step and extrusion molding step continuously.

  The conductive resin tube precursor 1a continuously discharged from the molding discharge device 2 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insert 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 9b of the insulating covering member 9 while being vertically downward represented by an arrow 21. Proceed toward.

  As described above, the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is discharged from the molding discharge device 2, while the plasma generating gas 20 is introduced from the opening at the tip of the small diameter portion 4a of the inner electrode 4.

  Here, as the gas 20 for plasma generation, a mixed gas composed of argon, helium, carbon dioxide and methane, a mixed gas composed of argon and ammonia, a mixed gas composed of helium and ammonia, argon, helium and ammonia Mixed gas consisting of argon, nitrogen and hydrogen, mixed gas consisting of argon, carbon dioxide and methane, mixed gas consisting of helium, carbon dioxide and methane, mixed gas consisting of helium, nitrogen and hydrogen Alternatively, it is preferable to use any one of the mixed gases of argon, helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen. When these mixed gases are used as the plasma generation gas 20, for example, when a roller made by bonding a core and a conductive PFA tube with silicone rubber is used, the conductive PFA tube There is a tendency that the adhesion between the inner peripheral surface and the silicone rubber can be improved. The gas other than argon and helium in the mixed gas is a mixed gas from the viewpoint of improving the flatness of the inner peripheral surface of a conductive PFA tube formed from a conductive resin composition containing PFA as a resin component. It is more preferable that it is 2 volume% or less of the whole.

  The gas 20 introduced from the opening at the tip of the small diameter part 4 a of the inner electrode 4 is a gas introduction path 11 inside the small diameter part 4 a of the inner electrode 4 and a gas introduction path 11 inside the large diameter part 4 b of the inner electrode 4. And the gas introduction path 11 inside the insulating material 14 in this order, the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a. Introduced into the space between.

  Then, the conductive resin tube precursor 1a which is continuously discharged from the molding discharge device 2 and proceeds vertically downward while being in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insert 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 9b of the insulating covering member 9, By applying a high frequency voltage between the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 and the conductive resin tube precursor 1a using the high frequency power source 7, the inner electrode 4 is the second electrode and the inner electrode 4 is the second electrode. Plasma of the gas 20 is generated in a space between the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the large diameter portion 4b of the electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a. By exposing the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a to the plasma of the gas 20 generated in this way, the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is processed to produce the conductive resin tube 1. .

  Here, since the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is electrically connected to the insert 3 by being in contact with the insert 3 that also serves as a ground electrode, it can function as a first electrode.

  Then, the conductive resin tube 1 manufactured as described above is drawn vertically downward so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 10, and then cut to a predetermined length or wound without being cut. It is wound up and collected by a take-up device.

  In addition, when the conductive resin tube 1 manufactured as described above is cut and collected without being wound, the conductive resin tube 1 is collected without forming a crease in the conductive resin tube 1. Therefore, for example, when the conductive resin tube 1 is used on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roller for fixing toner, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner fixing failure due to the presence of irregularities near the fold.

  Further, the gas 20 and / or the gas 20 existing in the space between the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a. This plasma is pushed out to the gas discharge path 12 by the introduction of the new gas 20, and is discharged to the outside of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment through the gas discharge path 12.

  In the manufacture of the conductive resin tube 1 using the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of Embodiment 1, the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 are provided. Since the plasma of the gas 20 is generated only in the space between the outer peripheral surface of the provided insulating material 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is not in contact with the plasma of the gas 20, the conductive resin tube precursor. The outer peripheral surface of the body 1a is not treated by the gas 20 plasma.

  Therefore, when the manufacturing apparatus of the conductive resin tube of Embodiment 1 is used, it becomes possible to manufacture the conductive resin tube 1 in which the plasma processing on the outer peripheral surface is reduced.

  In FIG. 2, the typical perspective view of an example of the conductive resin tube 1 produced using the manufacturing apparatus of the conductive resin tube of Embodiment 1 is shown. As described above, since the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube 1 is treated with the plasma of the gas 20, the conductive resin tube 1 has different characteristics (for example, hydrophilicity) from the outer peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube 1. .

  Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing a roller using the conductive resin tube 1 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

  First, the conductive resin tube 1 shown in FIG. 2 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold, and a primer such as a conventionally known silicone primer is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube 1. A center core made of a metal core such as aluminum is inserted into the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube 1.

  Next, an elastic layer precursor such as liquid silicone rubber is injected between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube 1 and the outer peripheral surface of the core, and the elastic layer precursor is cured by heating or the like. Then, a roller is produced in which the elastic layer and the conductive resin tube 1 are provided in this order on the outer peripheral surface of the core.

  In the case where the conductive resin tube 1 is made of a conductive PFA resin tube formed of a conductive resin composition containing PFA as a resin component and the elastic layer is made of silicone rubber, the plasma treatment of the gas 20 described above is used. The inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube has hydrophilicity. Therefore, in this case, a roller excellent in adhesiveness between the conductive PFA resin tube and the elastic layer made of silicone rubber can be produced. Needless to say, the elastic layer made of silicone rubber may contain an additive such as a filler as long as silicone rubber is the main component.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a roller manufactured using the conductive resin tube 1 shown in FIG. 2 is used as a fixing roller for toner fixing.

  Here, the fixing roller 33 includes an inner core 34, an elastic layer 35 installed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate core 34, and the conductive resin tube 1 coated on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 35. . A pressure roller 38 is installed so as to face the fixing roller 33, and the sheet 37 coated with the toner 36 is conveyed between the fixing roller 33 and the pressure roller 38.

  Then, the toner 36 is fixed to the sheet 37 by the linear pressure between the fixing roller 33 and the pressure roller 38, and then discharged from between the fixing roller 33 and the pressure roller 38.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2, which is another example of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

  The conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment includes an inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and an outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4. It is characterized by having a pressure adjusting device 16 capable of adjusting the pressure in the space between them, and a clamping roller 15 for squeezing and collecting the conductive resin tube 1 after plasma processing. .

  Here, the pressure adjusting device 16 is connected to the gas discharge path 12, and based on the amount of gas discharged from the gas discharge path 12 to the outside of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment, The pressure in the space between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 can be estimated.

  When the pressure regulator 16 determines that the pressure in the space is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference pressure, the pressure adjusting device 16 reduces the amount of the gas 20 introduced into the gas introduction path 11 so that the pressure in the space is predetermined. When it is determined that the pressure is less than the reference pressure, the amount of the gas 20 introduced into the gas introduction path 11 is increased.

  Thereby, the pressure regulator 16 adjusts the pressure in the space between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4. It becomes possible to adjust.

  In this way, the pressure in the space between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 is controlled by the pressure adjusting device 16. When the plasma treatment of the gas 20 is performed while adjusting the pressure, it is possible to reduce the variation in the treatment of the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a, so that the characteristics of the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube 1 can be reduced. Can improve the uniformity.

  The adjustment of the pressure in the space between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 by the pressure adjusting device 16 This is particularly effective when the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is continuously subjected to plasma treatment.

  As the pressure adjusting device 16, for example, a conventionally known general pressure regulator or an internal pressure adjusting tank for adjusting the pressure with water pressure can be used.

  The sandwiching roller 15 is provided vertically below the guide member 10 and can be continuously pulled out while sandwiching the conductive resin tube 1 from the guide member 10. Then, the conductive resin tube 1 continuously drawn out by the sandwiching roller 15 is then wound up and collected by a winding device or the like.

  Since the description other than the above in Embodiment 2 is the same as that in Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3, which is another example of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

  In the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment, the diameter of the small diameter portion 9a of the insulating covering member 9 is formed larger than that of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the first and second embodiments. In addition, the gas discharge path 12 is entirely incorporated in the insulating covering member 9.

  In the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment, unlike the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, the gas discharge path 12 includes a small diameter portion 9a and a large diameter portion 9b. Since all the insulating covering members 9 are integrated by joining, it is not necessary to align the insert 3 and the insulating covering member 9 in order to form the gas discharge passage 12.

  Therefore, the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment is easier to assemble than the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the first and second embodiments.

  Since the description other than the above in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first and second embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

<Embodiment 4>
FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 4, which is another example of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

  In the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the flow path 41 for flowing the cooling water 40a is formed in the inner electrode 4, and the flow path 42 for flowing the cooling water 40b is the insert 3 and the inner side. It is characterized in that it is formed in each of the small diameter portion 4a of the electrode 4 and the small diameter portion 9a of the insulating covering member 9.

  In the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the entire inner electrode 4 can be cooled by flowing the cooling water 40a through the flow path 41, and the inner side by flowing the cooling water 40b through the flow path 42. Since the small diameter portion 4a of the electrode 4 can be cooled, overheating of the inner electrode 4 when the conductive resin tube 1 is manufactured for a long time can be effectively prevented, and the inner circumference of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a can be prevented. Surface treatment of the surface can be performed efficiently.

  Since the description other than the above in Embodiment 4 is the same as that in Embodiments 1 to 3, the description thereof is omitted.

<Example 1>
The conductive resin tube was manufactured as follows using the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.

  First, resin pellets made of a conductive resin composition containing PFA and carbon black are put into the resin transfer pipe 6 from the hopper 5 of the molding and discharging apparatus 2, and the resin pellets are melted by a heater to form a conductive molten resin. Formed.

  Next, the conductive molten resin formed as described above is extruded in a tube shape from the die 13 at an extrusion speed of 2 m / min by a screw device, and then cooled by contact with the insert 3. A conductive resin tube precursor 1a having an inner diameter of 28.8 mm and a thickness of 50 μm was formed, and continuously discharged vertically downward from the molding discharge device 2.

  Then, by introducing a gas 20 for plasma generation made of a mixed gas composed of argon, helium, carbon dioxide and methane from the opening at the tip of the small diameter portion 4 a of the inner electrode 4, the gas introduction path 11, the gas 20 was introduced into a space between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4.

  Subsequently, while continuously moving the conductive resin tube precursor 1a vertically downward, the frequency between the large diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4 and the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is increased using the high frequency power source 7. A high frequency voltage of 5 kHz and a voltage of 13 kV was applied.

  Thereby, the plasma of the gas 20 is generated between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating material 8 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 4b of the inner electrode 4. First, after the plasma treatment of the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is continuously performed while the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is continuously moved vertically downward, the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is cut to a predetermined length. A conductive PFA resin tube was prepared.

  And about the electroconductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 produced as mentioned above, the wettability of an inner peripheral surface, the wettability of an outer peripheral surface, and adhesiveness with silicone rubber were evaluated as follows, respectively. The results are shown in Table 1.

(1) Wetting property of inner peripheral surface A test solution having a wetting tension of 30.0 mN / m specified in JIS K 6768 is dropped onto the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1, and the test solution is When wetting occurred after 2 seconds from the time of dropping, the evaluation was A, and when wetting did not occur, the evaluation was B.

  In addition, since the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 is rendered hydrophilic by the above-described plasma treatment, it is proved that the above-described plasma treatment is properly performed. As for the evaluation of wettability, the A evaluation is superior to the B evaluation.

(2) Wetting property of outer peripheral surface A test solution having a wetting tension of 22.6 mN / m specified in JIS K 6768 is dropped on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1, and the test solution is dropped. In the case where wetting occurred 2 seconds after the starting point, the evaluation was B, and in the case where wetting did not occur, the evaluation was A.

  In addition, since the outer peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 maintains the hydrophobicity even after the plasma treatment described above, it is proof that the plasma treatment is not performed. Regarding the evaluation of wettability, the A evaluation is superior to the B evaluation.

(3) Adhesiveness with silicone rubber First, the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 was cut to a length of 490 mm, and a silicone primer was applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cut conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1. did.

  Next, an aluminum metal core and a cylindrical stainless steel mold having a length of 450 mm and an inner diameter of 29 mm were prepared.

  Next, the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 cut to a length of 490 mm was fixed to the inner peripheral surface of this cylindrical stainless steel mold by vacuum suction, and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical stainless steel mold. In addition, an aluminum metal core was inserted into the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1.

  Next, liquid silicone rubber is injected into the space between the outer peripheral surface of the metal core made of aluminum and the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1, and heated and vulcanized with hot air at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes. Thus, an elastic layer made of silicone rubber was formed. Thereafter, the above stainless steel mold was removed to prepare a roller.

Then, a cut is made in a part of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 constituting the outer peripheral surface of the roller manufactured as described above, and the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 is pulled from the cut to carry out. The conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 was peeled off, the peeled state of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 was visually observed, and the adhesion to silicone rubber was evaluated according to the following criteria. In addition, also about evaluation of adhesiveness with silicone rubber, the A evaluation is superior to the B evaluation.
A evaluation: The silicone rubber was broken and the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 was peeled off.
B Evaluation: The conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 was peeled off without breaking the silicone rubber.

  As shown in Table 1, the evaluation of the wettability of the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1, the wettability of the outer peripheral surface, and the adhesion to the silicone rubber was A evaluation.

  As a result, the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 has an outer peripheral surface that is hydrophobic and an inner peripheral surface that is hydrophilic and can be firmly bonded to silicone rubber. It was confirmed to be a suitable material.

<Example 2>
A conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 was produced in the same manner as Example 1 except that the inner diameter was 34 mm.

  And about the electroconductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 produced as mentioned above, while evaluating wettability of an inner peripheral surface and wettability of an outer peripheral surface in the same manner as in Example 1, silicone rubber and The adhesiveness was evaluated by the following (3 ′) adhesiveness with silicone rubber. The results are shown in Table 1.

(3 ′) Adhesiveness with Silicone Rubber First, an adhesive for silicone (“Shin-Etsu Silicone KE45 Deoxime RTV Rubber” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) was applied to the silicone rubber sheet. The conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 was attached to the silicone rubber sheet such that the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube was in contact with the adhesive.

  Next, with the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 attached to the silicone rubber sheet as described above, the adhesive was dried by leaving it in a temperature atmosphere of 50 ° C. for 24 hours. .

Thereafter, the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 was pulled, the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 was peeled off from the silicone rubber sheet, and the peeled state of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 was visually observed. The adhesion with silicone rubber was evaluated according to the following criteria. In addition, also about evaluation of adhesiveness with this silicone rubber, evaluation of A becomes evaluation superior to evaluation of B.
A evaluation: The silicone rubber was broken and the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 was peeled off.
B Evaluation: The conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 was peeled off without breaking the silicone rubber.

  As shown in Table 1, the evaluation of the wettability of the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2, the wettability of the outer peripheral surface, and the adhesion to the silicone rubber was also A evaluation.

  As a result, the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 2 also has an outer peripheral surface that is hydrophobic and an inner peripheral surface that is hydrophilic and can be firmly bonded to silicone rubber. It was confirmed that this is a suitable material.

<Example 3>
A conductive PFA resin tube of Example 3 was produced in the same manner as Example 1 except that a plasma generating gas 20 made of a mixed gas of argon, helium, nitrogen and hydrogen was used.

  And about the electroconductive PFA resin tube of Example 3 produced as mentioned above, in the same way as the electroconductive PFA resin tube of Example 2, the wettability of an inner peripheral surface, the wettability of an outer peripheral surface, and silicone rubber The adhesiveness was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

  As shown in Table 1, the evaluation of the wettability of the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 3, the wettability of the outer peripheral surface, and the adhesion to the silicone rubber was also A evaluation.

  Thereby, also about the conductive PFA resin tube of Example 3, since the outer peripheral surface is hydrophobic and the inner peripheral surface is hydrophilic and can be firmly bonded to the silicone rubber, it is particularly preferable to form a fixing roller. It was confirmed that this is a suitable material.

<Example 4>
A conductive PTFE resin tube of Example 4 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the resin component of the conductive resin tube was changed from PFA to PTFE.

  And about the electroconductive PTFE resin tube of Example 4 produced as mentioned above, it is the same as the electroconductive PFA resin tube of Example 1, and the wettability of an inner peripheral surface, the wettability of an outer peripheral surface, and silicone rubber The adhesiveness was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

  As shown in Table 1, the evaluation of the wettability of the inner peripheral surface of the conductive PTFE resin tube of Example 4, the wettability of the outer peripheral surface, and the adhesion to silicone rubber was also A evaluation.

  Thereby, also about the conductive PTFE resin tube of Example 4, since the outer peripheral surface is hydrophobic and the inner peripheral surface is hydrophilic and can be firmly bonded to the silicone rubber, it is particularly preferable to form a fixing roller. It was confirmed that this is a suitable material.

<Comparative Example 1>
The connection between the insert 3 and the ground of the conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is released, and an outer electrode in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor 1a is provided, and this outer electrode is connected to the ground. A conductive PFA resin tube of Comparative Example 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the ground electrode was used.

  And about the electroconductive PFA resin tube of the comparative example 1 produced as mentioned above, the wettability of an inner peripheral surface, the wettability of an outer peripheral surface, and silicone rubber similarly to the electroconductive PFA resin tube of Example 1 The adhesiveness was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

  As shown in Table 1, for the conductive PFA resin tube of Comparative Example 1, since the evaluation of the wettability of the outer peripheral surface was B evaluation, it was confirmed that the hydrophobicity of the outer peripheral surface could not be maintained.

  Thereby, since the outer peripheral surface of the conductive PFA resin tube of Comparative Example 1 does not have hydrophobicity, it was confirmed that it is not a suitable material for forming the fixing roller.

  It should be understood that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The present invention can be used in a conductive resin tube manufacturing method, a conductive resin tube manufacturing apparatus, and a roller manufacturing method.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conductive resin tube, 1a Conductive resin tube precursor, 2 Mold discharge apparatus, 3 Insert, 4 Inner electrode, 4a Small diameter part, 4b Large diameter part, 5 Hopper, 6 Resin transfer pipe, 7 High frequency power supply, 8 Insulation material , 9 Insulating coating member, 9a Small diameter part, 9b Large diameter part, 10 Guide member, 11 Gas introduction path, 12 Gas discharge path, 13 Dies, 14 Insulating material, 15 Nipping roller, 16 Pressure regulator, 20 Gas, 21 Arrow, 33 Fixing roller, 34 Core, 35 Elastic layer, 36 Toner, 37 Paper, 38 Pressure roller, 40a, 40b Cooling water, 41, 42 Flow path.

Claims (9)

Forming and discharging a conductive resin tube precursor;
Introducing a gas into the discharged conductive resin tube precursor;
The conductive resin tube precursor is a first electrode, the electrode disposed inside the conductive resin tube precursor is a second electrode, and between the first electrode and the second electrode. A step of generating a plasma of the gas by applying a voltage, and continuously processing the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor discharged by the plasma;
The manufacturing method of the conductive resin tube containing this.   The method for manufacturing a conductive resin tube according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is a ground electrode.   The method for producing a conductive resin tube according to claim 1, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube precursor is processed while adjusting a pressure inside the conductive resin tube precursor. .   The method for producing a conductive resin tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductive resin tube precursor contains PFA. A molding discharge device for molding and discharging the conductive resin tube precursor;
An electrode provided to be disposed inside the conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the molding discharge device;
A gas introduction path for introducing gas into the inside of the conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the molding discharge device;
A gas discharge path for discharging the gas inside the conductive resin tube precursor;
A grounding electrode provided so as to be electrically connected to the conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the molding discharge device. The gas introduction path is provided inside the electrode;
The gas discharge path is provided in an insulating covering member that covers at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the electrode,
The said ground electrode is provided so that at least one part of the outer peripheral surface of the said insulating coating | coated member may be covered, The manufacturing apparatus of the conductive resin tube of Claim 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The manufacturing of the conductive resin tube according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a pressure adjusting device for adjusting a pressure inside the conductive resin tube precursor discharged from the molding discharge device. apparatus.   The apparatus for producing a conductive resin tube according to claim 5, further comprising a flow path for cooling the second electrode. Forming and discharging a conductive resin tube precursor;
Introducing a gas into the discharged conductive resin tube precursor;
The conductive resin tube precursor is a first electrode, the electrode disposed inside the conductive resin tube precursor is a second electrode, and between the first electrode and the second electrode. Forming a conductive resin tube by generating a plasma of the gas by applying a voltage and continuously treating the inner peripheral surface of the discharged conductive resin tube precursor with the plasma;
A step of installing a core inside the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube;
And a step of installing an elastic layer between the inner peripheral surface of the conductive resin tube and the outer peripheral surface of the core.

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