JP7025846B2 - Toner supply roller and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Toner supply roller and its manufacturing method Download PDF

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JP7025846B2
JP7025846B2 JP2017070575A JP2017070575A JP7025846B2 JP 7025846 B2 JP7025846 B2 JP 7025846B2 JP 2017070575 A JP2017070575 A JP 2017070575A JP 2017070575 A JP2017070575 A JP 2017070575A JP 7025846 B2 JP7025846 B2 JP 7025846B2
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molded body
polyurethane foam
toner supply
supply roller
intermediate molded
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JP2018173497A (en
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英治 水野
武則 日下部
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Inoac Corp
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Description

本発明は、複写装置、画像記録装置、プリンタ、ファクシミリ等の電子写真方式画像形成装置において使用されるトナー供給ローラとその製造方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a toner supply roller used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus, an image recording apparatus, a printer, and a facsimile, and a manufacturing method thereof.

トナー供給ローラは、電子写真感光体からなる像担持体上に形成した静電潜像にトナーを付着させてその表面にトナー像として可視化する現像ローラに、トナーを供給するためのローラであり、シャフトの外周に発泡体を設けたものが多用されている。トナー供給ローラには現像ローラに対するトナー供給機能とトナー掻き取り機能が要求とされる。 The toner supply roller is a roller for supplying toner to a developing roller that adheres toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier made of an electrophotographic photosensitive member and visualizes it as a toner image on the surface thereof. Those with a foam on the outer circumference of the shaft are often used. The toner supply roller is required to have a toner supply function and a toner scraping function for the developing roller.

トナー供給ローラにおけるシャフトの外周の発泡体としては、ポリウレタンフォーム、EPDMフォーム等が挙げられる。特にポリウレタンフォームは、低密度ながら適度な硬度があること、圧縮永久歪が小さいことなど、利点が多い材質であるため、前記シャフトの外周の発泡体として主流となっている。 Examples of the foam on the outer periphery of the shaft in the toner supply roller include polyurethane foam and EPDM foam. In particular, polyurethane foam is a material having many advantages such as low density but moderate hardness and low compression set, so that it is the mainstream as a foam on the outer periphery of the shaft.

ポリウレタンフォームをシャフトの外周に設けたトナー供給ローラの製造方法としては、(1)スラブポリウレタンフォームにシャフト挿通孔を形成し、次いでローラ1本分の大きさで切り出した後、ポリウレタンフォームのシャフト挿通孔にシャフトを挿通し、その後にポリウレタンフォームの表面を切削研磨して円周面に加工する製造方法、(2)シャフトを挿通したスラブポリウレタンフォームの切り出し品の外周を、通電により発熱させたニクロム線によって溶融切断して円筒形とする製造方法、(3)シャフトの外周に形成したポリウレタンフォームをピーリング加工で円筒形にする製造方法、(4)シャフトを配置したローラ形状の分割発泡成形型内でポリウレタンフォームを発泡(型発泡)し、ポリウレタンフォームをシャフトと一体に形成する製造方法等がある。なお、スラブポリウレタンフォームは、混合撹拌したポリウレタンフォーム原料をベルトコンベア上に吐出し、コンベアベルトが移動する間に原料を常温、大気圧下で自然発泡させ、硬化させることで連続的に製造し、その後に乾燥炉内で硬化(キュア)させた後、所定サイズのブロック(通常は直方体形状)に裁断したものである。 As a method for manufacturing a toner supply roller in which the polyurethane foam is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft, (1) a shaft insertion hole is formed in the slab polyurethane foam, then the polyurethane foam is cut out to the size of one roller, and then the polyurethane foam is inserted into the shaft. A manufacturing method in which a shaft is inserted into a hole and then the surface of the polyurethane foam is cut and polished to form a circumferential surface. A manufacturing method in which the polyurethane foam formed on the outer periphery of the shaft is formed into a cylindrical shape by melt cutting with a wire, and (4) in a roller-shaped split foam molding mold in which the shaft is arranged. There is a manufacturing method in which polyurethane foam is foamed (mold foamed) to form the polyurethane foam integrally with the shaft. The slab polyurethane foam is continuously manufactured by discharging the mixed and agitated polyurethane foam raw material onto a belt conveyor, naturally foaming the raw material at room temperature and atmospheric pressure while the conveyor belt moves, and curing it. After that, it is cured (cured) in a drying furnace and then cut into blocks of a predetermined size (usually a rectangular shape).

しかしながら、スラブポリウレタンフォームの切り出し品にシャフトを挿通して切削研磨加工する方法は、研磨後の表面にセルの切り残しがケバ状に逆立って残留し、ケバ状の切り残しにより現像ローラと接する面が均一ではなくなり、掻き取性やクリーニング性が悪くなる原因となっている。
さらに、スラブポリウレタンフォームは、発泡方向と該発泡方向に対して直交する方向とではセル形状が異なる異方性を有するため、切削研磨後の表面に比較的大きめの楕円の凹部を有する箇所と、小さめの真円に近い凹部を有する箇所を生じ、トナー供給性能及びトナー掻き取り性能が劣ると共に画像に悪影響を与える問題がある。
However, in the method of cutting and polishing by inserting a shaft into a cut-out product of slab polyurethane foam, the uncut cell remains on the surface after polishing in a fluffy manner, and the fluffy uncut surface is in contact with the developing roller. Is not uniform, which causes poor scraping and cleaning properties.
Further, since the slab polyurethane foam has anisotropy in which the cell shape differs between the foaming direction and the direction orthogonal to the foaming direction, a portion having a relatively large elliptical recess on the surface after cutting and polishing and a portion having a relatively large elliptical recess. There is a problem that a portion having a small concave portion close to a perfect circle is formed, the toner supply performance and the toner scraping performance are deteriorated, and the image is adversely affected.

また、ニクロム線によって溶融切断する製造方法及びピーリング加工する製造方法では、溶融切断あるいはピーリング加工によってポリウレタンフォームの表面に大きく開口したセルが形成されるため、トナー供給性能及びトナー掻き取り性能が劣る問題がある。 Further, in the manufacturing method of melt cutting with nichrome wire and the manufacturing method of peeling, a cell having a large opening is formed on the surface of the polyurethane foam by melt cutting or peeling, so that the toner supply performance and the toner scraping performance are inferior. There is.

また、シャフトを配置したローラ形状の分割発泡成形型内でポリウレタンフォームを発泡(型発泡)してポリウレタンフォームをシャフトと一体に形成する方法は、ポリウレタンフォームの表面に分割発泡成形型によるパーティングラインがシャフトの軸と平行に形成され、画像に悪影響を与える問題がある。
また、パーティングラインが形成されないようにするには、分割発泡成形型に高価な縦型を使用しなければならず、製品コストが高くなる問題及び発泡後の脱型が難しい問題がある。
In addition, the method of foaming (mold foaming) polyurethane foam in a roller-shaped split foam molding mold in which a shaft is placed to form the polyurethane foam integrally with the shaft is a parting line using a split foam molding mold on the surface of the polyurethane foam. Is formed parallel to the axis of the shaft, which has a problem of adversely affecting the image.
Further, in order to prevent the parting line from being formed, an expensive vertical mold must be used for the split foam molding mold, which causes a problem that the product cost is high and a problem that demolding after foaming is difficult.

特開平8-334971号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-334971 特開平8-332679号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-332679 特開平10-104937号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-10437 特開2006-337657号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-337657

本発明は前記の点に鑑みなされたものであって、トナー供給性及びトナー掻き取り性が良好なトナー供給ローラと、その製造方法の提供を目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toner supply roller having good toner supply property and toner scraping property, and a method for manufacturing the same.

請求項1の発明は、シャフトの外周に筒状のポリウレタンフォームを設けたトナー供給ローラにおいて、前記筒状のポリウレタンフォームは、外周面に前記ポリウレタンフォームの内部よりもセルが圧縮され溶融固化された状態の被膜を有し、該被膜の表面にはピンホール状の孔が散在していることを特徴とする。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a toner supply roller provided with a tubular polyurethane foam on the outer periphery of the shaft, the tubular polyurethane foam is melt-solidified by compressing cells on the outer peripheral surface from the inside of the polyurethane foam. It is characterized by having a state film and having pinhole-like holes scattered on the surface of the film.

請求項2の発明は、シャフトの外周に筒状のポリウレタンフォームを設けたトナー供給ローラの製造方法において、前記シャフトの外周に前記トナー供給ローラの外径より大径の筒状をしたポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体を形成し、前記トナー供給ローラの外径より大径の孔径を有する入り口側から出口側へ向けて孔径が小さくなっている貫通孔を有する口金を加熱し、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体を前記口金の貫通孔に前記入り口側から供給し、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の外周面を、前記口金の貫通孔の内面で加熱及び圧縮して擦りながら前記口金の貫通孔を通すことにより、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の外周面にピンホール状の孔が表面に散在する被膜を、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の内部よりもセルが圧縮され溶融固化された状態で形成することを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 2 is a method for manufacturing a toner supply roller in which a tubular polyurethane foam is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft. A molded body is formed, and a mouthpiece having a through hole whose hole diameter is smaller from the inlet side to the outlet side, which has a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the toner supply roller, is heated to form the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body. The polyurethane foam intermediate molded product is supplied to the through hole of the mouthpiece from the entrance side, and the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body is heated and compressed on the inner surface of the through hole of the mouthpiece and rubbed to pass through the through hole of the mouthpiece. It is characterized in that a film having pinhole-shaped holes scattered on the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body is formed in a state where the cells are compressed and melted and solidified more than the inside of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body.

請求項1の発明によれば、筒状のポリウレタンフォームの外周面には、切削研磨によるセルの切り残しが表面に存在せず、ポリウレタンフォームの内部よりもセルが圧縮され溶融固化された状態の被膜を有するため、トナーの掻き取り性が向上する。このため、現像ローラ上に残存する古いトナーを清掃でき、印字品位が向上するとともにカートリッヂの寿命を長くすることができる。また、筒状のポリウレタンフォームの外周面の被膜の表面に散在するピンホール状の小孔によって、良好なトナー供給性が得られる。
請求項2の発明によれば、筒状のポリウレタンフォームの外周面にポリウレタンフォームの内部よりもセルが圧縮され溶融固化された状態の被膜を形成したトナー掻き取り性に優れたトナー供給ローラを製造することができる。また、前記被膜の表面にピンホール状の小孔が散在したトナー供給性に優れるトナー供給ローラを製造することができる。すなわち、トナー掻き取り性およびトナー供給性の両機能を満たすトナー供給ローラを製造することができる。
According to the invention of claim 1, on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular polyurethane foam, there is no uncut portion of the cell due to cutting and polishing, and the cell is compressed and melted and solidified more than the inside of the polyurethane foam. Since it has a film, the scraping property of the toner is improved. Therefore, the old toner remaining on the developing roller can be cleaned, the print quality can be improved, and the life of the cartridge can be extended. Further, good toner supply is obtained by the pinhole-shaped small holes scattered on the surface of the coating film on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular polyurethane foam.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a toner supply roller having excellent toner scraping property is manufactured, in which a film is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular polyurethane foam in a state where the cells are compressed and melted and solidified rather than the inside of the polyurethane foam. can do. Further, it is possible to manufacture a toner supply roller having excellent toner supply property in which pinhole-shaped small holes are scattered on the surface of the coating film. That is, it is possible to manufacture a toner supply roller that satisfies both the toner scraping property and the toner supply property.

本発明の一実施形態のトナー供給ローラの側面図である。It is a side view of the toner supply roller of one Embodiment of this invention. 図1の2-2断面図である。It is a 2-2 sectional view of FIG. 図1における筒状のポリウレタンフォームの表面の拡大図である。It is an enlarged view of the surface of the tubular polyurethane foam in FIG. 1. トナー供給ローラの初期成形体と中間成形体を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the initial molded body and the intermediate molded body of a toner supply roller. 被膜形成装置の平面図及び側面図である。It is a top view and a side view of a film forming apparatus. 口金の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a base. 被膜の状態の断面拡大写真である。It is a cross-sectional enlarged photograph of the state of the coating film. 実施例及び比較例の構成及び性能評価を示す表である。It is a table which shows the structure and performance evaluation of an Example and a comparative example. 圧縮荷重の測定方法を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the measuring method of a compression load. 通気性の測定方法を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the measuring method of the air permeability. トナー掻き取り性の測定時におけるサンプリング位置を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the sampling position at the time of measuring the toner scraping property.

以下、本発明のトナー供給ローラの実施形態について説明する。図1及び図2に示す本発明の一実施形態のトナー供給ローラ10は、シャフト11とその外周に設けられた筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21からなり、複写装置、画像記録装置、プリンタ、ファクシミリ等の画像形成装置等におけるトナー供給ローラとして用いられる。なお、dは前記トナー供給ローラ10の外径であり、前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の外径と一致する。またaは前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の全長であり、前記シャフト11の全長より短い。前記外径d及び全長aは、前記トナー供給ローラ10が取り付けられる機器に応じて設定される。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the toner supply roller of the present invention will be described. The toner supply roller 10 of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is composed of a shaft 11 and a tubular polyurethane foam 21 provided on the outer periphery thereof, and is used for a copying device, an image recording device, a printer, a facsimile, or the like. It is used as a toner supply roller in an image forming apparatus or the like. Note that d is the outer diameter of the toner supply roller 10 and coincides with the outer diameter of the tubular polyurethane foam 21. Further, a is the total length of the tubular polyurethane foam 21, which is shorter than the total length of the shaft 11. The outer diameter d and the total length a are set according to the device to which the toner supply roller 10 is attached.

前記シャフト11は、前記トナー供給ローラ10の中心軸となるもので、金属等、所要の剛性を有する材質で構成され、中空、中実の何れでもよく、前記トナー供給ローラ10に応じた材質、サイズとされる。 The shaft 11 serves as a central axis of the toner supply roller 10, is made of a material having a required rigidity such as metal, and may be hollow or solid, and is a material corresponding to the toner supply roller 10. It is said to be the size.

前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21は、外形が円筒状からなり、横断面の中心に前記シャフト11が貫通している。前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21は、加熱溶融状態や圧縮状態により被膜層の厚みや境界が不明瞭となる場合があるものの、図2に示すように、外周面に被膜23を有する。前記被膜23は、筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の内部22よりもセル(気泡)が圧縮され溶融固化された状態となっており、前記被膜23の拡大表面を示す図3のように、表面にはピンホール状の孔24が散在している。
前記被膜23の厚みは、30~300μmが好ましく、より好ましくは50~150μmである。
The tubular polyurethane foam 21 has a cylindrical outer shape, and the shaft 11 penetrates the center of the cross section. The tubular polyurethane foam 21 has a coating film 23 on the outer peripheral surface as shown in FIG. 2, although the thickness and boundaries of the coating layer may be unclear depending on the heating and melting state or the compressed state. The coating film 23 is in a state where cells (air bubbles) are compressed and melted and solidified from the inside 22 of the tubular polyurethane foam 21, and the surface of the coating film 23 is as shown in FIG. 3 showing an enlarged surface of the coating film 23. Pinhole-shaped holes 24 are scattered.
The thickness of the coating film 23 is preferably 30 to 300 μm, more preferably 50 to 150 μm.

前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の好ましい通気性は、後述の測定方法で測定した値が0.01~0.70kPa、より好ましくは0.01~0.40kPaである。数値が大きいほど通気性が低く、数値が小さいほど通気性が高い。上記数値が0.01kPaよりも小さく通気性が高すぎると、トナー供給時に前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の表面に付着したトナーが、前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の内部に進入し、固着して固まるという不具合を起こす場合がある。一方、0.70kPaより大きくなると、通気性が低くなりすぎてトナーの供給性が低下するようになる。 The preferable air permeability of the tubular polyurethane foam 21 is 0.01 to 0.70 kPa, more preferably 0.01 to 0.40 kPa, as measured by the measuring method described later. The higher the number, the lower the breathability, and the smaller the number, the higher the breathability. If the above value is smaller than 0.01 kPa and the air permeability is too high, the toner adhering to the surface of the tubular polyurethane foam 21 when the toner is supplied enters the inside of the tubular polyurethane foam 21 and sticks to the inside. It may cause a problem of hardening. On the other hand, if it is larger than 0.70 kPa, the air permeability becomes too low and the toner supply becomes low.

前記トナー供給ローラの製造方法の実施形態について説明する。トナー供給ローラの製造方法は、初期成形体形成工程、中間成形体形成工程、被膜形成工程とよりなる、
初期成形体形成工程では、スラブポリウレタンフォームをトナー供給ローラ1本分の大きさで切り出し、次いでシャフト挿通孔を形成し、その後、スラブポリウレタンフォームのシャフト挿通孔にシャフトを挿通することにより、図4の(4-A)に示すトナー供給ローラ初期成形体10Aを作製する。符号11はシャフト、14はシャフト挿通孔、21Aはスラブポリウレタンフォーム切り出し品である。前記シャフト挿通孔14は、シャフト11の外径よりも所定寸法小さく形成し、シャフト11の挿通によってシャフト11がスラブポリウレタンフォーム切り出し品21Aに固定されるようにする。前記シャフト11の外周には接着剤を塗布してもよい。前記スラブポリウレタンフォームは、密度(JIS K7222:2005)10~350kg/m、セル数(JIS K 6400)20~80/25mmのものが好ましい。さらに好ましくは、前記スラブポリウレタンフォームは、密度(JIS K7222:2005)10~100kg/m、セル数(JIS K 6400)40~80/25mmのものが、トナー供給ローラの外周面に形成される被膜の状態をトナー掻き取り性に適したものとする点で、好ましい。
また、前記スラブポリウレタンフォーム切り出し品21Aは、トナー供給ローラの外径dよりも大の断面形状、例えば一辺がトナー供給ローラの外径dよりも大の四角形断面形状からなる角柱等で形成される。
An embodiment of the method for manufacturing the toner supply roller will be described. The method for manufacturing the toner supply roller includes an initial molded body forming step, an intermediate molded body forming step, and a film forming step.
In the initial molded body forming step, the slab polyurethane foam is cut out to the size of one toner supply roller, then a shaft insertion hole is formed, and then the shaft is inserted into the shaft insertion hole of the slab polyurethane foam. The toner supply roller initial molded body 10A shown in (4-A) of No. 1 is manufactured. Reference numeral 11 is a shaft, 14 is a shaft insertion hole, and 21A is a slab polyurethane foam cut-out product. The shaft insertion hole 14 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft 11 by a predetermined size so that the shaft 11 is fixed to the slab polyurethane foam cut-out product 21A by inserting the shaft 11. An adhesive may be applied to the outer periphery of the shaft 11. The slab polyurethane foam preferably has a density (JIS K7222: 2005) of 10 to 350 kg / m 3 and a cell number (JIS K 6400) of 20 to 80/25 mm. More preferably, the slab polyurethane foam has a density (JIS K7222: 2005) of 10 to 100 kg / m 3 and a cell number (JIS K 6400) of 40 to 80/25 mm, and is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the toner supply roller. It is preferable in that the state of the film is suitable for toner scraping property.
Further, the slab polyurethane foam cut-out product 21A is formed of a prism having a cross-sectional shape larger than the outer diameter d of the toner supply roller, for example, a quadrangular cross-sectional shape having one side larger than the outer diameter d of the toner supply roller. ..

中間成形体形成工程では、前記トナー供給ローラ初期成形体10Aにおける前記スラブポリウレタンフォーム切り出し品21Aの外周に、研磨加工等を行って、前記スラブポリウレタンフォーム切り出し品21Aを円筒状にする。それによって、前記トナー供給ローラの外径dよりも大径の円筒形状からなる図4の(4-B)に示すポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bを形成し、該ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bと前記シャフト11からなるトナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bを得る。前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外径は、使用するポリウレタンフォームのセル数にもよるが、目標とするトナー供給ローラの設定外径よりも0.2~5mm程度大にするのが好ましい。セル数(JIS K 6400)が20~80/25mmの場合は、目標とするトナー供給ローラの設定外径よりも1~5mm程度大にするのが、被膜の形成性やトナー掻き取り性の点で、好ましい。より好適には、セル数(JIS K 6400)が20~40/25mmの場合は、目標とするトナー供給ローラの設定外径よりも2.5~4mm程度大にするのが好ましく、セル数(JIS K 6400)が40~80/25mmの場合は、目標とするトナー供給ローラの設定外径よりも1~3mm程度大にするのが、被膜の形成性や形成される被膜の状態をトナー掻き取り性に適したものとする点で、好ましい。
なお、トナー供給ローラの設定外径は、トナー供給ローラの製造時に目標とする外径であり、実際の製品外径は、設定外径(目標外径)に製造時のバラツキを加えた値となる。
In the intermediate molded body forming step, the outer periphery of the slab polyurethane foam cut-out product 21A in the toner supply roller initial molded body 10A is polished to form the slab polyurethane foam cut-out product 21A into a cylindrical shape. As a result, the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B shown in FIG. 4 (4-B) having a cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than the outer diameter d of the toner supply roller is formed, and the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B and the shaft are formed. A toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B made of 11 is obtained. The outer diameter of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B depends on the number of cells of the polyurethane foam used, but is preferably about 0.2 to 5 mm larger than the set outer diameter of the target toner supply roller. When the number of cells (JIS K 6400) is 20 to 80/25 mm, it is important to make it about 1 to 5 mm larger than the set outer diameter of the target toner supply roller in terms of film formation and toner scraping. It is preferable. More preferably, when the number of cells (JIS K 6400) is 20 to 40/25 mm, the number of cells (JIS K 6400) is preferably 2.5 to 4 mm larger than the set outer diameter of the target toner supply roller. When JIS K 6400) is 40 to 80/25 mm, making it about 1 to 3 mm larger than the set outer diameter of the target toner supply roller is to scratch the toner on the formability of the film and the state of the film to be formed. It is preferable in that it is suitable for takeability.
The set outer diameter of the toner supply roller is the target outer diameter at the time of manufacturing the toner supply roller, and the actual product outer diameter is the value obtained by adding the variation at the time of manufacturing to the set outer diameter (target outer diameter). Become.

被膜形成工程では、被膜形成装置を用いて前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外周面に被膜を形成する。
図5に被膜形成装置71の一例を示す。前記被膜形成装置71は、モータ等の駆動装置によって回転する複数のコンベアローラ72と、前記コンベアローラ72上に載置された搬送台73と、前記搬送台73上に立設された一組の成形体保持部75,79と、前記搬送台73を跨ぐようにして立設された口金支持部85と、前記口金支持部85上に固定された口金87とを備える。
In the film forming step, a film is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B by using a film forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the film forming apparatus 71. The film forming device 71 is a set of a plurality of conveyor rollers 72 rotated by a drive device such as a motor, a conveyor 73 mounted on the conveyor rollers 72, and a set erected on the conveyor 73. The molded body holding portions 75 and 79, a base support portion 85 erected so as to straddle the conveyor 73, and a base 87 fixed on the base support portion 85 are provided.

前記複数のコンベアローラ72は、一方向へ回転することにより前記搬送台73を、該搬送台73上の成形体保持部75,79及び該成形体保持部75,79間に保持される前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bと共に一方向へ搬送し、また、逆方向へ回転することにより逆方向へ搬送する。なお、搬送手段はコンベアローラに限られず、コンベアベルトやその他の方法によるものでもよい。 The plurality of conveyor rollers 72 rotate the conveyor 73 in one direction to hold the conveyor 73 between the molded body holding portions 75, 79 and the molded body holding portions 75, 79 on the conveyor 73. It is conveyed in one direction together with the supply roller intermediate molded body 10B, and is conveyed in the opposite direction by rotating in the opposite direction. The transporting means is not limited to the conveyor roller, and may be a conveyor belt or other method.

前記搬送台73は、前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bの全長よりも長い板状体からなり、上面に前記成形体保持部75,79が、互いに対向するようにして離して固定されている。 The transport table 73 is made of a plate-shaped body longer than the total length of the toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B, and the molded body holding portions 75 and 79 are separated and fixed to the upper surface so as to face each other.

前記成形体保持部75,79は、垂直な支柱部76,80と、前記支柱部76,80の上部に水平方向に対向させて設けた腕部77,81とよりなる。前記腕部77、81の対向する先端間の距離は、前記シャフト11の全長より小で、かつ前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの全長よりも大である。また、前記腕部77、81の先端部の上面には、前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bにおける前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの両端から突出したシャフト11の両端部を嵌める溝78,82が形成されている。 The molded body holding portions 75, 79 are composed of vertical strut portions 76, 80 and arm portions 77, 81 provided on the upper portions of the strut portions 76, 80 so as to face each other in the horizontal direction. The distance between the opposing tips of the arms 77 and 81 is smaller than the total length of the shaft 11 and larger than the total length of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B. Further, on the upper surface of the tip portions of the arm portions 77 and 81, grooves 78 and 82 for fitting both ends of the shaft 11 protruding from both ends of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B in the toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B are formed. Has been done.

前記口金支持部85は、前記成形体保持部75,79間における一方の成形体保持部75側近くの位置に、前記搬送台73を跨ぐようにして立設されている。前記口金支持部85の高さは、前記成形体保持部75の腕部77の位置よりも低くされ、前記口金支持部85の上面に前記口金87が固定されている。 The base support portion 85 is erected so as to straddle the transport table 73 at a position near one of the molded body holding portions 75 side between the molded body holding portions 75 and 79. The height of the base support portion 85 is lower than the position of the arm portion 77 of the molded body holding portion 75, and the base 87 is fixed to the upper surface of the base support portion 85.

前記口金87は、図6に示すように、前記搬送台73の搬送方向に厚みbを有し、前記搬送台73の搬送方向と平行に貫通孔88が、前記口金87の両面を貫通して形成されている。前記搬送台73の搬送(移動)により、前記口金87の貫通孔88の中心を前記成形体保持部75,79の腕部77,81及び該腕部77,78間に保持されたトナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bが通過するように構成されている。前記貫通孔88は、前記成形体保持部75,79の腕部77,81の延長線上に位置し、一方の前記成形体保持部75と対向する側が出口側90であり、他方の前記成形体保持部79と対向する側が入り口側89となっている。 As shown in FIG. 6, the base 87 has a thickness b in the transport direction of the transport table 73, and a through hole 88 penetrates both sides of the base 87 in parallel with the transport direction of the transport table 73. It is formed. A toner supply roller in which the center of the through hole 88 of the base 87 is held between the arms 77, 81 of the molded body holding portions 75, 79 and the arms 77, 78 by the transport (movement) of the transport table 73. The intermediate molded body 10B is configured to pass through. The through hole 88 is located on an extension of the arm portions 77 and 81 of the molded body holding portions 75 and 79, one side facing the molded body holding portion 75 is the outlet side 90, and the other molded body. The side facing the holding portion 79 is the entrance side 89.

前記口金87の貫通孔88は、入り口側89の孔径d1が前記トナー供給ローラ10の外径d(正確には設定外径)よりも大の径(大径)とされる。一方、貫通孔88の出口側90の孔径d2は、前記トナー供給ローラ10の外径d(正確には設定外径、実際には加熱冷却等により伸縮膨張するため製造直後の外径)とほぼ等しい径(小径)とされる。従って、前記口金87の貫通孔88は前記大径の入り口側89から前記小径の出口側90へ向けて孔径が小さくなっている。前記大径の入り口側89の径d1は、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外径より大がより好ましい。これにより、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bが前記入り口側89から前記貫通孔88内にスムーズに挿入可能となり、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの圧縮および溶融を確実に行うことが可能となる。
前記貫通孔88の入り口側の径d1と出口側の径d2の差(d1-d2)は、1~40mm程度が好ましい。また、前記口金87の厚みb(前記貫通孔88の長さ)は、適宜設定されるが、例として20~100mmを挙げる。
The through hole 88 of the base 87 has a hole diameter d1 of the inlet side 89 larger than the outer diameter d (more accurately, the set outer diameter) of the toner supply roller 10. On the other hand, the hole diameter d2 of the outlet side 90 of the through hole 88 is substantially the same as the outer diameter d of the toner supply roller 10 (to be exact, the set outer diameter, which is actually the outer diameter immediately after manufacturing because it expands and contracts due to heating and cooling or the like). Equal diameter (small diameter). Therefore, the through hole 88 of the mouthpiece 87 has a smaller hole diameter from the entrance side 89 of the large diameter toward the exit side 90 of the small diameter. It is more preferable that the diameter d1 of the entrance side 89 of the large diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B. As a result, the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B can be smoothly inserted into the through hole 88 from the entrance side 89, and the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B can be reliably compressed and melted.
The difference (d1-d2) between the diameter d1 on the inlet side and the diameter d2 on the outlet side of the through hole 88 is preferably about 1 to 40 mm. The thickness b of the base 87 (the length of the through hole 88) is appropriately set, and 20 to 100 mm is given as an example.

前記口金87には、前記貫通孔88の内面を加熱するための加熱装置91,92が設けられている。図示の加熱装置91,92は電源に接続されたヒータからなり、前記口金87の両側に取り付けられている。なお、前記加熱装置91,92は、前記口金87の内部にヒータ等を埋設してもよい。前記口金87の貫通孔88の加熱温度は、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外周面を溶融あるいは圧縮塑性変形可能な温度であり、300~400℃が好ましく、さらにより好ましくは、340~380℃である。 The base 87 is provided with heating devices 91 and 92 for heating the inner surface of the through hole 88. The illustrated heating devices 91 and 92 consist of heaters connected to a power source and are attached to both sides of the base 87. The heating devices 91 and 92 may have a heater or the like embedded inside the base 87. The heating temperature of the through hole 88 of the base 87 is a temperature at which the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B can be melted or compression-plastically deformed, preferably 300 to 400 ° C, and even more preferably 340 to 380 ° C. Is.

被膜形成工程では、まず前記成形体保持部75,79間が前記口金87の貫通孔88の入り口側89よりも手前となるように、前記搬送台73を位置させる。その状態で、前記成形体保持部75,79の腕部77,81に形成されている前記溝78,82に、前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bのシャフト11の両端部を嵌め、前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bを前記成形体保持部75,79間に保持する。 In the film forming step, first, the transport table 73 is positioned so that the space between the molded body holding portions 75 and 79 is in front of the inlet side 89 of the through hole 88 of the base 87. In that state, both ends of the shaft 11 of the toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B are fitted into the grooves 78 and 82 formed in the arm portions 77 and 81 of the molded body holding portions 75 and 79 to supply the toner. The roller intermediate molded body 10B is held between the molded body holding portions 75 and 79.

次に、前記搬送台73を前記成形体保持部79側から前記成形体保持部75側へ向けて搬送し、前記成形体保持部75,79の腕部77,81に保持されている前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bを、加熱した前記口金87の貫通孔88に前記入り口側89から供給し、前記貫通孔88に通す。その際、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外周面を、前記口金87の貫通孔88の内面で加熱及び圧縮して擦りながら前記貫通孔88内を移動させる。それにより、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外周面に、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの内部よりも圧縮され溶融固化された被膜を形成し、前記シャフト11の外周に図1に示した前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21を有するトナー供給ローラ10を製造する。前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外周面に形成された被膜は、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの内部(すなわち前記筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の内部)よりもセルが圧縮され小さくつぶれた状態と、ポリウレタンフォームの全部または一部が溶融固化された状態と、が混在された状態となっており、かつ表面にピンホール状の孔が散在している。この被膜の状態の断面拡大写真を図7に示す。前記ピンホール状の孔は、前記口金87の貫通孔88に通す前のポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの表面に存在している気孔が、前記口金87の貫通孔88を通過する際に潰されて形成されたものである。 Next, the transfer table 73 is conveyed from the molded body holding portion 79 side toward the molded body holding portion 75 side, and the polyurethane is held by the arm portions 77, 81 of the molded body holding portions 75, 79. The foam intermediate molded body 21B is supplied from the inlet side 89 to the through hole 88 of the heated base 87 and passed through the through hole 88. At that time, the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B is heated and compressed by the inner surface of the through hole 88 of the mouthpiece 87 and rubbed to move the inside of the through hole 88. As a result, a film that is compressed and melted and solidified from the inside of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B, and the cylinder shown in FIG. 1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 11. A toner supply roller 10 having the shape of the polyurethane foam 21 is manufactured. The film formed on the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B is a state in which the cells are compressed and crushed smaller than the inside of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B (that is, the inside of the tubular polyurethane foam 21). A state in which all or part of the polyurethane foam is melted and solidified is in a mixed state, and pinhole-shaped holes are scattered on the surface. An enlarged cross-sectional photograph of this film state is shown in FIG. The pinhole-shaped holes are crushed when the pores existing on the surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B before being passed through the through hole 88 of the base 87 are crushed when passing through the through hole 88 of the base 87. It was formed.

このようにして製造された本発明のトナー供給ローラは、切削研磨によるセルのケバ状の切り残しが前記筒状のポリウレタンフォームの表面に存在しないため、トナー掻き取り性が向上し、プリンタ、ファクシミリ等の画質が向上する。また、前記筒状のポリウレタンフォームの外周面の被膜の表面に散在するピンホール状の孔によって、良好なトナー供給性が得られる。 In the toner supply roller of the present invention manufactured in this manner, since the fluff-like uncut portion of the cell due to cutting and polishing does not exist on the surface of the tubular polyurethane foam, the toner scraping property is improved, and the printer and the facsimile can be used. Image quality is improved. Further, good toner supply is obtained by the pinhole-shaped holes scattered on the surface of the coating film on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular polyurethane foam.

図8の表に示す実施例1~6及び比較例1~3のポリウレタンフォームに直径5mmのシャフト挿通孔を形成し、次いで一辺25mmの四角形断面からなる長さ220mmの角柱状に切り出した後、ポリウレタンフォームのシャフト挿通孔に直径4mm、長さ235mmの金属製シャフトを挿通し、図4の(4-A)に示したトナー供給ローラ初期成形体10Aを作製した。 After forming a shaft insertion hole having a diameter of 5 mm in the polyurethane foams of Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 shown in the table of FIG. A metal shaft having a diameter of 4 mm and a length of 235 mm was inserted into the shaft insertion hole of the polyurethane foam to prepare the toner supply roller initial molded body 10A shown in FIG. 4 (4-A).

実施例1、2及び比較例1に使用したポリウレタンフォームは、密度(JIS K7222:2005)57kg/m、セル数(JIS K 6400)52個/25mmのポリウレタンフォーム(品番:SM-55、(株)イノアックコーポレーション製)である。
実施例3、4及び比較例2に使用したポリウレタンフォームは、密度(JIS K7222:2005)31kg/m、セル数(JIS K 6400)28個/25mmのポリウレタンフォーム(品番:SC、(株)イノアックコーポレーション製)である。
実施例5、6及び比較例3に使用したポリウレタンフォームは、密度(JIS K7222:2005)22kg/m、セル数(JIS K 6400)32個/25mmのポリウレタンフォーム(品番:UEH、(株)イノアックコーポレーション製)である。
The polyurethane foams used in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 were polyurethane foams having a density (JIS K7222: 2005) of 57 kg / m 3 and a number of cells (JIS K 6400) of 52/25 mm (part number: SM-55, (Part No .: SM-55). (Made by Inoac Corporation).
The polyurethane foam used in Examples 3 and 4 and Comparative Example 2 was a polyurethane foam having a density (JIS K7222: 2005) of 31 kg / m 3 and a number of cells (JIS K 6400) of 28/25 mm (product number: SC, Co., Ltd.). (Made by Inoac Corporation).
The polyurethane foams used in Examples 5 and 6 and Comparative Example 3 were polyurethane foams having a density (JIS K7222: 2005) of 22 kg / m 3 and a number of cells (JIS K 6400) of 32/25 mm (product number: UEH, Co., Ltd.). (Made by Inoac Corporation).

その後、実施例1~6については、前記トナー供給ローラ初期成形体のポリウレタンフォームを切削研磨してポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bを形成し、図4の(4-B)に示したトナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bを作製した。切削研磨は研磨機により行った。
得られた実施例1~6のトナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bについて、ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外径をレーザーマイクロ測定機(ミツトヨ製 LSM-6200)により測定した。
After that, in Examples 1 to 6, the polyurethane foam of the toner supply roller initial molded body was cut and polished to form the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B, and the toner supply roller intermediate shown in FIG. 4 (4-B) was formed. A molded body 10B was produced. Cutting and polishing was performed by a grinding machine.
With respect to the obtained toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B of Examples 1 to 6, the outer diameter of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B was measured by a laser micro measuring machine (LSM-6200 manufactured by Mitutoyo).

次に、実施例1~6のトナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bについては、図6に示した被膜形成装置71を用いて後述のように加工した。なお、前記口金87は、貫通孔88の入り口側89の孔径d1が40mm、前記出口側90の孔径d2が13mm、図6に示した厚みbが50mm、前記口金87の加熱温度が360℃であり、各実施例で共通とした。 Next, the toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B of Examples 1 to 6 was processed as described later using the film forming apparatus 71 shown in FIG. In the mouthpiece 87, the hole diameter d1 of the inlet side 89 of the through hole 88 is 40 mm, the hole diameter d2 of the outlet side 90 is 13 mm, the thickness b shown in FIG. 6 is 50 mm, and the heating temperature of the mouthpiece 87 is 360 ° C. Yes, it was common to each example.

前記被膜形成装置71は、前記成形体保持部75,79間を前記口金89の手前に位置させた状態とし、前記成形体保持部75,79の腕部77,81の先端側に前記トナー供給ローラ初期成形体10Bのシャフト11の両端部をセットし、前記成形体保持部75,79間に前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bを保持した。続いて前記コンベアローラ72の回転により、前記搬送台73を前記成形体保持部79側から前記成形体保持部75側の方向へ1m/分の速度で移動させ、前記成形体保持部75,79間に保持した前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体10Bのポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bを、前記口金87の貫通孔88内に入り口側89から通して出口側90から貫通孔89外へ出した。それにより、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体21Bの外周面に前記被膜23を形成し、最終成形体である実施例の前記トナー供給ローラ10を製造した。 The film forming apparatus 71 is in a state where the space between the molded body holding portions 75 and 79 is positioned in front of the base 89, and the toner is supplied to the tip end side of the arm portions 77 and 81 of the molded body holding portions 75 and 79. Both ends of the shaft 11 of the roller initial molded body 10B were set, and the toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B was held between the molded body holding portions 75 and 79. Subsequently, by the rotation of the conveyor roller 72, the transport table 73 is moved from the molded body holding portion 79 side to the molded body holding portion 75 side at a speed of 1 m / min, and the molded body holding portions 75, 79. The polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B of the toner supply roller intermediate molded body 10B held between them was passed through the through hole 88 of the mouthpiece 87 from the inlet side 89 and taken out of the through hole 89 from the outlet side 90. As a result, the coating film 23 was formed on the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body 21B, and the toner supply roller 10 of the embodiment, which was the final molded body, was manufactured.

この最終成形体である実施例の前記トナー供給ローラ10について圧縮荷重を次のようにして測定した。図9に示すように、前記トナー供給ローラ10における筒状のポリウレタンフォーム21の表面を、シャフト方向の3箇所の位置、及び周方向の90度毎の4箇所の位置(計12箇所)で、直径50mm、厚み7mmの金属製円板状押圧板により、押圧速度10mm/minで押圧して、1mm圧縮時の荷重(g)を測定し、平均値を圧縮荷重に採用した。前記トナー供給ローラ10の圧縮荷重は、0.020~0.500Nのものが好ましく、より好ましくは0.050~0.200Nである。 The compressive load of the toner supply roller 10 of the embodiment, which is the final molded product, was measured as follows. As shown in FIG. 9, the surface of the tubular polyurethane foam 21 in the toner supply roller 10 is formed at three positions in the shaft direction and four positions every 90 degrees in the circumferential direction (12 positions in total). A metal disk-shaped pressing plate having a diameter of 50 mm and a thickness of 7 mm was pressed at a pressing speed of 10 mm / min, the load (g) at the time of 1 mm compression was measured, and the average value was adopted as the compression load. The compressive load of the toner supply roller 10 is preferably 0.020 to 0.500N, more preferably 0.050 to 0.200N.

実施例1,2の圧縮荷重は0.097Nであり、実施例3,4の圧縮荷重は0.055Nであり、実施例5,6の圧縮荷重0.049Nであった。 The compressive load of Examples 1 and 2 was 0.097 N, the compressive load of Examples 3 and 4 was 0.055 N, and the compressive load of Examples 5 and 6 was 0.049 N.

一方、比較例1~3については、前記トナー供給ローラ初期成形体10Aを作製後、研磨加工を行うことにより、最終成形体である比較例のトナー供給ローラを製造した。なお、比較例1~3についても、最終成形体である各トナー供給ローラについて、前記の実施例と同様にして圧縮荷重を測定した。比較例1の圧縮荷重は0.097N、比較例2の圧縮荷重は0.055N、比較例3の圧縮荷重0.049Nであった。 On the other hand, with respect to Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the toner supply roller of Comparative Example, which is the final molded body, was manufactured by polishing the toner supply roller initial molded body 10A after producing the toner supply roller initial molded body 10A. In Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the compressive load was measured for each toner supply roller as the final molded body in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The compressive load of Comparative Example 1 was 0.097 N, the compressive load of Comparative Example 2 was 0.055 N, and the compressive load of Comparative Example 3 was 0.049 N.

実施例1~6及び比較例1~3のトナー供給ローラ(最終成形体)に対し、外径の測定、被膜の有無確認、通気性の測定、トナー残存率の測定を行った。結果は図8に示す。
外径の測定は、筒状のポリウレタンフォームの外径をレーザーマイクロにより測定した。
被膜の有無確認は、マイクロスコープにより行い、被膜が有る場合には、被膜の表面にピンホール状の孔が散在しているか否かについても確認した。
For the toner supply rollers (final molded bodies) of Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the outer diameter was measured, the presence or absence of a coating film was confirmed, the air permeability was measured, and the toner residual ratio was measured. The results are shown in FIG.
The outer diameter was measured by measuring the outer diameter of the tubular polyurethane foam with a laser micro.
The presence or absence of the coating was confirmed with a microscope, and if there was a coating, it was also confirmed whether or not pinhole-shaped holes were scattered on the surface of the coating.

筒状のポリウレタンフォームの通気性の測定は、図10の(10-A)に示す筒状測定治具51を用いて行った。前記筒状測定治具51は、内径が前記筒状のウレタンフォームの外径より小さい12mm、長さが43mmの円筒状であり、直径7.8mmの貫通孔53、54が互いに正反対に対向する位置に形成されている。 The air permeability of the tubular polyurethane foam was measured using the tubular measuring jig 51 shown in FIG. 10 (10-A). The tubular measuring jig 51 has a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter of 12 mm and a length of 43 mm, which is smaller than the outer diameter of the tubular urethane foam, and the through holes 53 and 54 having a diameter of 7.8 mm face each other in opposite directions. It is formed in the position.

図10の(10-B)に示すように、前記筒状測定治具51内に測定用トナー供給ローラ100を圧入する。符号110はシャフト、符号210は筒状のウレタンフォームである。
次に、図10の(10-C)に示すように、前記筒状測定治具51の貫通孔54に測定管63の一端を接続し、前記測定管63の他端に送風ポンプ67を接続する。前記測定管63の途中には、差圧計64と流量計65を接続する。また前記筒状測定治具51の両端には密閉容器61、62を取り付け、前記貫通孔53を除いて密閉する。
As shown in FIG. 10 (10-B), the measuring toner supply roller 100 is press-fitted into the cylindrical measuring jig 51. Reference numeral 110 is a shaft, and reference numeral 210 is a tubular urethane foam.
Next, as shown in FIG. 10 (10-C), one end of the measuring tube 63 is connected to the through hole 54 of the cylindrical measuring jig 51, and the blower pump 67 is connected to the other end of the measuring tube 63. do. A differential pressure gauge 64 and a flow meter 65 are connected in the middle of the measuring tube 63. In addition, airtight containers 61 and 62 are attached to both ends of the tubular measuring jig 51, and airtightened except for the through hole 53.

前記送風ポンプ67から、前記流量計65の値(流量)が0.3リッター/minの値で安定するように前記筒状測定治具51へ向けて送風し、前記送風ポンプ67とトナー供給ローラ100の間に位置する差圧計64で差圧を測定し、その測定値を通気性の値とした。
この測定値が大きいほど差圧が大きくなりトナー供給ローラの断面への通気性が悪くなるので、トナー供給性も悪くなる。一方、この測定値の差圧が小さくなるほどローラの通気性が良好となるため、トナー供給性は良好となる。具体的には、測定値が0.70kPa以下の場合にトナー供給性良好「〇」とし、0.70kPaを超える場合にトナー供給性不良「×」とした。差圧が0.01~0.70kPa以下が好ましい。
Air is blown from the blower pump 67 toward the tubular measuring jig 51 so that the value (flow rate) of the flow meter 65 is stable at a value of 0.3 liter / min, and the blower pump 67 and the toner supply roller are blown. The differential pressure was measured with a differential pressure gauge 64 located between 100, and the measured value was taken as the value of air permeability.
The larger the measured value, the larger the differential pressure and the worse the air permeability to the cross section of the toner supply roller, so that the toner supply property also deteriorates. On the other hand, as the differential pressure of this measured value becomes smaller, the air permeability of the roller becomes better, so that the toner supply becomes better. Specifically, when the measured value was 0.70 kPa or less, the toner supply was good “◯”, and when it exceeded 0.70 kPa, the toner supply was poor “×”. The differential pressure is preferably 0.01 to 0.70 kPa or less.

トナー掻き取り性の測定は、次のように行った。
1.現像ローラへのトナー薄層の形成
ブラックのカートリッジをレーザープリンタにセットし、レーザープリンタの電源を入れる。自動でカートリッジのローラが空転する。その後にカートリッジをレーザープリンタから取り出す。
2.現像ローラの取り出し
カートリッジを分解し、現像ローラを取り出す。
3.ブランク時(トナー薄層状態)のサンプリング
分解した現像ローラ上に薄層状態となっているトナーにセロファンテープを押し付け、回転させてトナーを採取する。
4.トナー供給ロールセット時の現像ローラのサンプリング
トナー供給ロールを現像ローラにセット・接続する。
トナー供給ロールが現像ローラに接した状態で現像ローラを一回転分回転させる。
トナー供給ローラを現像ローラから外し、現像ローラの表面に乗っているトナーにセロファンテープを押し付け、回転させてトナーを採取する。
5.サンプリング位置
図11に示すように、1本の現像ローラのシャフトの長手方向における2箇所をブランク時のセロファンテープ位置(サンプリング位置)とし、他の5箇所の位置をトナー供給ローラセット時のセロファンテープ位置(サンプリング位置)とする。
6.サンプリングしたトナーの濃度測定
マクベス濃度計でセロファンテープの濃度を測定し、[トナー供給ローラセット時の濃度測定値の平均値/ブランク時の濃度測定値の平均値×100(%)]でトナー残存率を算出する。トナー残存率が20%未満の場合に優秀「◎」、20%以上~27.5%未満の場合に良好「〇」、27.5%以上の場合に不良「×」とした。
The toner scraping property was measured as follows.
1. 1. Forming a thin layer of toner on the developing roller Set the black cartridge in the laser printer and turn on the power of the laser printer. The roller of the cartridge spins automatically. Then remove the cartridge from the laser printer.
2. 2. Taking out the developing roller Disassemble the cartridge and take out the developing roller.
3. 3. Sampling when blank (toner thin layer state) Sampling the cellophane tape against the thin layer toner on the disassembled developing roller and rotating it to collect the toner.
4. Sampling of the developing roller when the toner supply roll is set Set and connect the toner supply roll to the developing roller.
Rotate the developing roller by one rotation while the toner supply roll is in contact with the developing roller.
Remove the toner supply roller from the developing roller, press the cellophane tape against the toner on the surface of the developing roller, and rotate it to collect the toner.
5. Sampling position As shown in FIG. 11, two positions in the longitudinal direction of the shaft of one developing roller are the cellophane tape positions (sampling positions) at the time of blanking, and the other five positions are the cellophane tape at the time of setting the toner supply roller. The position (sampling position).
6. Measuring the density of the sampled toner Measure the density of the cellophane tape with a Macbeth densitometer, and the toner remains at [mean value of density measurement value when toner supply roller is set / average value of density measurement value when blank x 100 (%)]. Calculate the rate. When the toner residual ratio was less than 20%, it was evaluated as excellent "◎", when it was 20% or more and less than 27.5%, it was evaluated as good "○", and when it was 27.5% or more, it was evaluated as defective "x".

実施例1~6は、何れも表面にピンホール状の孔が散在する被膜を有しており、トナー供給性の評価が「〇」、トナー掻き取り性の評価が「〇」以上であり、トナー供給性及びトナー掻き取り性の何れも良好であった。
一方、比較例1~3は、何れも表面に被膜が無く、トナー掻き取り性の評価が「×」であり、トナー掻き取り性に劣るものであった。
In Examples 1 to 6, each has a film having pinhole-shaped holes scattered on the surface, and the evaluation of toner supply property is "○" and the evaluation of toner scraping property is "○" or more. Both the toner supply property and the toner scraping property were good.
On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, there was no film on the surface, the evaluation of the toner scraping property was "x", and the toner scraping property was inferior.

このように、本発明のトナー供給ローラは、筒状のポリウレタンフォームの外周面に切削研磨による切り残しが存在しないため、プリンタ、ファクシミリ等の画像に白い筋を生じさせることがない。また、本発明のトナー供給ローラは、表面にピンホール状の孔が散在する被膜を筒状のポリウレタンフォームの外周面に有するため、トナー供給性及びトナー掻き取り性が良好である。 As described above, in the toner supply roller of the present invention, since there is no uncut portion due to cutting and polishing on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular polyurethane foam, white streaks are not generated in the image of a printer, facsimile or the like. Further, since the toner supply roller of the present invention has a film having pinhole-shaped holes scattered on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular polyurethane foam, the toner supply property and the toner scraping property are good.

10 トナー供給ローラ
11 シャフト
21 筒状のポリウレタンフォーム
22 ポリウレタフォームの内部
23 被膜
24 ピンホール状の孔
10A トナー供給ローラ初期成形体
10B トナー供給ローラ中間成形体
21A スラブポリウレタンフォーム切り出し品
21B ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体
87 口金
88 貫通孔
89 入り口側
90 出口側
10 Toner Supply Roller 11 Shaft 21 Cylindrical Polyurethane Foam 22 Inside Polyurethane Foam 23 Coating 24 Pinhole Shaped Hole 10A Toner Supply Roller Initial Molded Body 10B Toner Supply Roller Intermediate Molded Body 21A Slab Polyurethane Foam Cutout 21B Polyurethane Foam Intermediate Molding Body 87 Toner 88 Through hole 89 Entrance side 90 Exit side

Claims (2)

シャフトの外周に筒状のポリウレタンフォームを設けたトナー供給ローラの製造方法において、In a method for manufacturing a toner supply roller in which a tubular polyurethane foam is provided on the outer circumference of a shaft.
前記シャフトの外周に前記トナー供給ローラの外径より大径の筒状をしたポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体を形成し、 A tubular polyurethane foam intermediate molded body having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the toner supply roller is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft.
前記トナー供給ローラの外径より大径の孔径を有する入り口側から出口側へ向けて孔径が小さくなっている貫通孔を有する口金を加熱し、 A mouthpiece having a through hole whose hole diameter is smaller from the inlet side to the outlet side, which has a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the toner supply roller, is heated.
前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体を前記口金の貫通孔に前記入り口側から供給し、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の外周面を、前記口金の貫通孔の内面で加熱及び圧縮して擦りながら前記口金の貫通孔を通すことにより、 The polyurethane foam intermediate molded body is supplied to the through hole of the mouthpiece from the entrance side, and the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body is heated and compressed on the inner surface of the through hole of the mouthpiece and rubbed to penetrate the mouthpiece. By passing through the hole
前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の外周面にピンホール状の孔が表面に散在する被膜を、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の内部よりもセルが圧縮された状態で形成することを特徴とするトナー供給ローラの製造方法。 A toner supply roller characterized in that a film having pinhole-shaped holes scattered on the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body is formed in a state where the cells are compressed more than the inside of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body. Manufacturing method.
トナー供給ローラのポリウレタンフォームの外径より大径の筒状をしたポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体がシャフトの外周に形成されたトナー供給ローラ中間成形体に対し、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の外周面にピンホール状の孔が表面に散在する被膜を、前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の内部よりもセルが圧縮された状態で形成する被膜形成装置であって、A tubular polyurethane foam intermediate molding having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the polyurethane foam of the toner supply roller is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft, and a pin is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the polyurethane foam intermediate molding with respect to the toner supply roller intermediate molding. It is a film forming apparatus that forms a film in which hole-shaped holes are scattered on the surface in a state where the cells are compressed more than the inside of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body.
入り口側が前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の外径より大で、出口側へ向けて孔径が小さくなり、前記出口側で前記ポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体の外径より小にされた貫通孔を有する口金と、 A mouthpiece having a through hole whose inlet side is larger than the outer diameter of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body and whose hole diameter becomes smaller toward the outlet side and whose outlet side is smaller than the outer diameter of the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body.
前記口金を加熱するための加熱装置と、 A heating device for heating the base and
前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体の両端から突出したシャフトを保持する成形体保持部が設けられ、前記成形体保持部で保持された前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体と共に駆動装置で搬送可能にされた搬送台と、 A molded body holding portion for holding a shaft protruding from both ends of the toner supply roller intermediate molded body is provided, and the toner supply roller intermediate molded body held by the molded body holding portion can be conveyed together with the toner supply roller intermediate molded body by a drive device. With a stand,
を備え、Equipped with
前記口金は、前記搬送台の前記成形体保持部で保持されたトナー供給ローラ中間成形体の搬送方向に、前記入り口側が前記トナー供給ローラ中間成形体を向くようにして位置し、 The base is positioned so that the inlet side faces the toner supply roller intermediate molded body in the transport direction of the toner supply roller intermediate molded body held by the molded body holding portion of the transport table.
前記搬送台の搬送によって、前記搬送台の前記成形体保持部で保持されたトナー供給ローラ中間成形体のポリウレタンフォーム中間成形体が、前記加熱装置で加熱された口金の貫通孔を入り口側から出口側へ通過するように構成されていることを特徴とする被膜形成装置。 By transporting the transport table, the polyurethane foam intermediate molded body of the toner supply roller intermediate molded body held by the molded body holding portion of the transport table exits the through hole of the base heated by the heating device from the inlet side. A film forming apparatus characterized in that it is configured to pass sideways.
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