JP7206876B2 - Method for manufacturing cylindrical covering member - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cylindrical covering member.

In Patent Document 1, a PFA tube is inserted into a decompression container, the upper end of the PFA tube is bent to the outer peripheral side and suspended from the opening of the decompression container, and a rubber roll is inserted into the PFA tube by suction force. , discloses a configuration in which a rubber roll is covered with a PFA tube.

JP-A-63-222839

Here, after applying an adhesive to the elastic layer formed on the outer periphery of the core (e.g., rubber roll, etc.), the core is inserted into a cylindrical body (e.g., PFA tube, etc.), and the core is covered with the cylindrical body. In some cases, the cylinder may slip due to the adhesive, and wrinkles may occur in the cylinder at the end of the elastic layer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to suppress the generation of wrinkles in a cylindrical body at the end of an elastic layer, as compared with a configuration in which an adhesive is applied to the entire elastic layer.

The manufacturing method of the first aspect includes a coating step of applying an adhesive to areas other than the end portion of the elastic layer formed on the core; While inserting the core attached to the end of the cylinder into the cylinder from one end of the cylinder, the portion of the cylinder expanded in diameter by the passage of the diameter expanding member is expanded by the pressure difference inside and outside the cylinder. a maintaining step of maintaining the diameter state, a covering step of covering the core with the cylindrical body by eliminating the pressure difference, cutting both ends of the cylindrical body covering the core, and expanding the diameter and a removing step of removing the member.

In the manufacturing method of the second aspect, in the applying step, the adhesive is applied to areas other than both ends of the elastic layer.

A manufacturing method according to a third aspect is a manufacturing method for manufacturing a fixing roll as the cylindrical body covering member that sandwiches a recording medium on which an image is formed and fixes the image, wherein in the coating step, the recording medium is Apply glue to the passage area to be passed.

In the manufacturing method of the fourth aspect, the cylindrical body is accommodated in the container through an opening edge formed in the container, and the cylindrical body is passed through an opening formed in another container provided inside the container. and a holding step of holding one end of the cylinder housed in the other container at an opening edge of the container, wherein the maintaining step includes a holding step of holding the cylindrical body in the container. By sucking the gas, the part of the cylinder whose diameter has been expanded by the passage of the diameter-expanding member is maintained in the diameter-expanded state by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cylinder, and the covering step includes: Pressurized gas is supplied from the opposite end to eliminate the pressure difference and cover the core with the cylinder.

In the manufacturing method of the fifth aspect, in the covering step, when supplying the pressurized gas, the suction force for sucking the gas in the container is increased.

In the manufacturing method of the sixth aspect, in the covering step, the pressurized gas is supplied at the same time as the suction force is increased or before the suction force is increased.

The manufacturing method of the seventh aspect includes a coating step of applying an adhesive to an elastic layer formed on a core, and a diameter-expanding member having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the core at the end on the leading side in the insertion direction. While inserting the mounted core into the cylinder from one end of the cylinder, the portion of the cylinder expanded in diameter by passage of the diameter-expanding member is maintained in the expanded state by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cylinder. a maintaining step of eliminating the pressure difference to cover the core with the cylindrical body, and a covering step of bringing the end of the elastic layer into contact with the cylindrical body without the adhesive; and a removing step of cutting both ends of the cylindrical body coated with and removing the diameter expanding member.

A cylindrical body covering member of an eighth aspect comprises a core body, an elastic layer formed on the outer periphery of the core body, an adhesive applied to the outer periphery of the elastic layer except for the end portion of the elastic layer, and the elastic layer. a cylinder covering the layer and secured with the adhesive and covering the end while being free at the end.

According to the method of the first aspect, it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the cylindrical body at the end portion of the elastic layer, compared to the case where the adhesive is applied to the entire elastic layer.

According to the method of the second aspect, it is possible to suppress wrinkles from occurring in the cylindrical body at both ends of the elastic layer, compared to the case where the adhesive is applied to a portion other than one end of the elastic layer.

According to the method of the third aspect, it is possible to suppress poor fixing as compared with the case where the adhesive is not applied to the passage area.

According to the method of the fourth aspect, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cylinder is eliminated by simply stopping the suction without supplying the pressurized gas, and the core and the cylinder are compared with the case where the core is covered with the cylinder. It suppresses the formation of air bubbles between the bodies.

According to the method of the fifth aspect, generation of air bubbles between the core body and the cylindrical body is suppressed as compared with the case where the suction force of the suction portion is constant.

According to the method of the sixth aspect, air bubbles are less likely to occur between the core body and the cylindrical body than when the pressurized gas is supplied from the supply section after the suction force of the suction section is increased. Suppressed.

According to the method of the seventh aspect, wrinkles occur in the cylindrical body at the ends of the elastic layer, compared to the case where the ends of the elastic layer come into contact with the cylindrical body coated with the core through the adhesive. can be suppressed.

According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the end portion of the elastic layer is covered while the end portion of the elastic layer is fixed to the end portion of the elastic layer, the end portion of the elastic layer is protected by the end portion of the elastic layer while the adhesive is applied. Extrusion is suppressed.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tube covering roll according to the present embodiment; It is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a front view which shows the roll body which concerns on this embodiment, a diameter-expansion member, and a fitting member. It is a perspective view which shows the conveying apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lower end portion of the insert according to the present embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 8); FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the insert according to the present embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 8); FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tube is held in the insert according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a lower holding mechanism according to the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which an inflatable portion is inflated in the configuration shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the lower holding mechanism according to the embodiment; It is a front view showing the configuration of an upper holding mechanism according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of an upper holding mechanism according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the claw portion of the upper holding mechanism according to the present embodiment; It is an explanatory view for explaining a coating device concerning this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tube is conveyed inside a container in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ; 17 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lower end of the tube is held in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 16; FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the outer circumference of the upper end portion of the tube is sucked by the suction pad of the present embodiment; FIG. 18 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tip of the claw is inserted into the upper end of the tube after the inserter is extracted from the tube in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 17 ; 20 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the upper end portion of the tube is expanded in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 19; FIG. 21 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the upper end portion of the tube is folded back in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 20; FIG. 22 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the upper end of the tube is held by the container in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 21; FIG. FIG. 23 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which insertion of the roll body into the tube is started in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 22 ; 24 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the roll body has been completely inserted into the tube in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 25 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which a roll body is covered with a tube in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 24; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a process of expanding a tube and a process of contracting the expanded tube; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a claw portion of an upper holding mechanism according to a modification; FIG. 11 is a side view showing the configuration of a claw portion of an upper holding mechanism according to a modification;

An example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Manufacturing device 10)
A manufacturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a manufacturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

The manufacturing apparatus 10 is an apparatus for manufacturing the tube coating roll 100 shown in FIG. Specifically, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a container 20, a diameter expanding member 50, a fitting member 180, and a suction mechanism 70, as shown in FIG. Further, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a conveying device 300 (see FIG. 5), a supply unit 510 (see FIG. 3), a lower holding mechanism 200 (see FIG. 11), an upper holding mechanism 400 (see FIG. 12), a coating and a device 150 (see FIG. 15). A specific configuration of the tube coating roll 100 and a specific configuration of each part of the manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described below.

(Tube covering roll 100)
The tube covering roll 100 to be manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 10 is an example of a "cylindrical covering member". The tube covering roll 100 is used, for example, as a fixing roll (heating roll or pressure roll) that sandwiches a recording medium on which an image is formed and fixes the image to the recording medium. As the tube covering roll 100, other rolls such as a conveying roll for conveying a material to be conveyed such as a recording medium or a charging roll for charging a photoreceptor may be used.

Specifically, the tube covering roll 100 has a roll body 110 and a tube 120 covering the roll body 110, as shown in FIG. That is, the tube covering roll 100 is a roll configured by covering a roll body 110 with a tube 120 .

The roll body 110 is an example of a "core body." The roll body 110 has a cylindrical or columnar shaft portion 112 and a cylindrical (tubular) elastic layer 114 provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 112 . Thus, the elastic layer 114 is formed on the outer periphery of the roll body 110 . Both ends of the shaft portion 112 are supported portions 116 supported by bearings.

Tube 120 is an example of a "cylinder". The tube 120 is cylindrical (tubular) and covers the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 . Specifically, the tube 120 is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 with an adhesive 130 .

Here, the adhesive 130 is interposed between the elastic layer 114 and the tube 120 except for the axial ends of the elastic layer 114 . Specifically, the adhesive 130 is interposed between the elastic layer 114 and the tube 120 except at both ends of the elastic layer 114 in the axial direction. Therefore, the tube 120 is fixed with the adhesive 130 at the axial center portion of the elastic layer 114 (portions other than the axial end portions), and is not fixed at the axial end portions of the elastic layer 114 . Both ends are covered.

Both ends of the elastic layer 114 in the axial direction refer to, for example, a range of 1% or more and 5% or less of the axial length of the elastic layer 114 at both ends in the axial direction. A range of 10% of the axial length of the elastic layer 114 at both ends in the axial direction may be regarded as both ends of the elastic layer 114 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the ranges on both axial end sides of the elastic layer 114 when the elastic layer 114 is divided into three equal parts in the axial direction may be grasped as both axial ends of the elastic layer 114 .

It should be noted that both ends of the elastic layer 114 in the axial direction may be grasped as portions where the tube covering roll 100 does not exhibit its function. For example, when the tube covering roll 100 is used as a fixing roll, a region that does not exhibit a fixing function, that is, a partial region outside the range through which the recording medium to be fixed passes is formed on both ends of the elastic layer 114 in the axial direction. may be

As the adhesive 130, an adhesive that is in a liquid state (fluid) when applied to the elastic layer 114 and that is cured by heating, for example, is used. As an example of the adhesive 130, SE-1714 manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd. is used.

A metal material is used for the shaft portion 112 as an example. A rubber material such as silicon rubber is used for the elastic layer 114, for example. The tube 120 has elasticity (flexibility), and is made of, for example, a fluororesin such as PFA or PTFE.

(container 20)
The container 20 is a container that accommodates the tube 120 (see FIG. 23). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the container 20 includes a body portion 24, a bottom portion 22 located below the body portion 24, and a top portion 30 located above the body portion 24. and have

The trunk portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends (upper and lower ends) in the axial direction opened. The body portion 24 constitutes a side wall of the container 20 together with a side wall portion 32 of the top portion 30, which will be described later. Further, the body portion 24 is formed with a suction port 24E to which a suction pipe 76 (described later) of the suction mechanism 70 is connected.

The bottom portion 22 is formed in a disc shape. The bottom portion 22 is fixed to the lower end portion of the trunk portion 24 . As a result, the bottom portion 22 closes the lower open portion of the body portion 24 and constitutes the bottom wall of the container 20 .

The top portion 30 has a cylindrical side wall portion 32 , an annular (ring-shaped) annular wall portion 34 , and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 38 .

Specifically, the annular wall portion 34 is a plate-like wall portion having a thickness in the vertical direction, and is annularly formed in a plan view. This annular wall portion 34 constitutes the upper wall of the container 20 .

The side wall portion 32 is formed to extend downward from the outer peripheral edge of the annular wall portion 34 . A lower end portion of the side wall portion 32 is attached to an upper end portion of the body portion 24 .

The peripheral wall portion 38 is formed to rise upward from the inner peripheral edge of the annular wall portion 34 . The inner peripheral space on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion 38 and the annular wall portion 34 constitutes the opening 20A of the container 20 . 22, the peripheral wall portion 38 has an opening edge 20B on which the upper end of the tube 120 is held. Note that the upper end of the tube 120 is an example of "one end of the cylinder".

Furthermore, inside the container 20, the body 24, the bottom 22 and the top 30 form a closed space that is open only at the opening 20A and the suction port 24E.

(Diameter expansion member 50)
The diameter expanding member 50 is attached to the lower end portion of the roll body 110 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . The lower end portion of the roll body 110 is an example of “the end portion on the leading side in the insertion direction of the core body”. Specifically, the diameter expanding member 50 is attached to the supported portion 116 (shaft portion 112 ) on the lower side of the roll body 110 . More specifically, the diameter expanding member 50 is mounted coaxially with the roll body 110 on the outer periphery of the supported portion 116 .

The enlarged diameter member 50 gradually increases in diameter from the insertion direction (downward) to the opposite direction (upward) to the tube 120 and then gradually decreases in diameter. That is, the diameter expanding member 50 is formed in a tapered shape that has a maximum diameter at the center in the vertical direction and tapers upward and downward from the center in the vertical direction.

Moreover, the diameter expanding member 50 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the roll body 110 . Specifically, the diameter expanding member 50 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the roll body 110 including the adhesive 130 applied to the roll body 110 before the tube 120 is coated.

In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the diameter expanding member 50 at the upper and lower ends is the same as the outer diameter of the roll body 110 . Note that the outer diameter of the diameter expanding member 50 in the entire vertical direction including the outer diameter at the upper and lower ends may be larger than the outer diameter of the roll body 110 . Further, the outer diameter of the diameter expanding member 50 at the upper and lower ends may be smaller than the outer diameter of the roll body 110 . As described above, the diameter expanding member 50 may have an outer diameter equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the roll body 110, and at least a part of the diameter expanding member 50 may have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the roll body 110. good.

In this embodiment, the diameter of the tube 120 is expanded in the elastic region by inserting the diameter-expanding member 50 into the tube 120 . In other words, the diameter-expanding member 50 is a member that expands the diameter of the tube 120 in the elastic region by being inserted into the tube 120 . As an example, the diameter expanding member 50 is made of a resin material such as fluororesin.

(Fitting member 180)
The fitting member 180 is mounted coaxially with the roll body 110 on the outer periphery of the upper end portion of the roll body 110, as shown in FIGS. Specifically, the fitting member 180 is attached to the supported portion 116 (the shaft portion 112 ) on the upper side of the roll body 110 .

The fitting member 180 gradually increases in diameter from the insertion direction (downward) to the opposite direction (upward) to the tube 120 . That is, the fitting member 180 is formed in a tapered shape (cylindrical shape with a truncated cone shape) that has a maximum diameter at the upper end portion and tapers downward.

The outer diameter of the lower end portion of the fitting member 180 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the roll body 110 . The outer diameter of the axial intermediate portion of the fitting member 180 is larger than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 38 . The fitting member 180 is fitted coaxially with the peripheral wall portion 38 along the axial direction of the tube 120 in the held state against the inner side of the opening edge 20B of the peripheral wall portion 38 in the state where the tube 120 is held (Fig. 24). As an example, the fitting member 180 is made of a resin material such as polyamide synthetic resin.

(Inner cylinder 80)
The inner cylinder 80 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of "another container." The inner cylinder 80 is provided inside the container 20 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the inner cylinder 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape having openings 82 and 84 at both ends (upper and lower ends) in the axial direction. More specifically, the inner cylinder 80 is arranged coaxially with the container 20 inside the container 20 . More specifically, the inner cylinder 80 has a gap between its upper end and the annular wall portion 34 of the container 20, and has a cylindrical space between its outer peripheral surface and the body portion 24 of the container 20. and are arranged inside the container 20 . That is, the space on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 80 inside the container 20 communicates with the space inside the inner cylinder 80 at the upper end portion of the inner cylinder 80 .

The tube 120 is housed inside the inner cylinder 80 through an opening 82 on the upper side of the inner cylinder 80 (see FIG. 16). Specifically, the lower end side portion of the tube 120 whose upper end is held by the opening edge 20B of the container 20 is accommodated inside the inner cylinder 80 through the opening 82 (see FIG. 23). The opening 82 on the upper side is an example of the "opening".

(Support portion 90)
The support part 90 is provided inside the container 20 as shown in FIG. Specifically, it is provided in the lower part inside the container 20 so as to be movable relative to the container 20 along the axial direction of the inner cylinder 80 . That is, the support part 90 is vertically movable with respect to the container 20 . The support portion 90 is vertically moved by a drive mechanism 99 and stopped at an arbitrary position. As the drive mechanism 99, a cylinder driven by air pressure or the like, or an actuator is used.

Further, the support portion 90 detachably supports the inner cylinder 80 . Specifically, the lower end of the inner cylinder 80 is detachably attached to the upper end of the support portion 90 . Specifically, the inner cylinder 80 is detachably attached by a fastening member such as a screw, for example. In the inner cylinder 80, for example, a screw groove (not shown) formed on the outer circumference or inner circumference of the lower end portion is screwed into a screw groove (not shown) formed on the support portion 90 corresponding to the screw groove. It may be attached removably by being attached.

The support portion 90 is formed with a mounting hole 92 to which a movable portion 214 (to be described later) of the lower holding mechanism 200 is mounted. The mounting hole 92 is a circular hole penetrating through the support portion 90 in the vertical direction.

Further, the support portion 90 is formed with a passage 94 passing through from the attachment hole 92 to the outer periphery of the support portion 90 along the radial direction of the container 20 .

Further, the support portion 90 is formed with, for example, a supply passage 96 on the opposite side of the passage 94 with respect to the mounting hole 92 . The supply path 96 penetrates the support portion 90 in the vertical direction. One end (upper end) of the supply path 96 communicates with the inside of the inner cylinder 80 . The other end (lower end) of the supply path 96 is connected to the supply section 510 .

(Suction mechanism 70)
The suction mechanism 70 is an example of a "suction section". The suction mechanism 70 is a mechanism for sucking air (an example of gas) inside the container 20 and the inner cylinder 80 . Specifically, the suction mechanism 70 sucks air from the space on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 80 in the container 20 , thereby sucking the air in the inner cylinder 80 communicating with the space at the upper end.

More specifically, the suction mechanism 70 has a suction pump 72, a regulator 74, and a suction tube 76, as shown in FIG. The suction pipe 76 has one end connected to the suction pump 72 and the other end connected to the suction port 24E. A regulator 74 is arranged in the middle of the suction tube 76 .

In the suction mechanism 70, by driving the suction pump 72, air is sucked from the space on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder 80 inside the container 20 through the suction pipe 76, and the pressure inside the container 20 and the inside of the inner cylinder 80 is reduced. be done.

The regulator 74 has a function of adjusting the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 . By adjusting the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 by the regulator 74, the pressure inside the container 20 and the inner cylinder 80 is changed to a low negative pressure state (eg, −25 kPa) and a high pressure state whose absolute value is larger than that of the low negative pressure state. It can be adjusted to a negative pressure state (eg -100 kPa). Therefore, it can be said that the regulator 74 has a pressure regulating function of regulating the pressure inside the container 20 and inside the inner cylinder 80 .

Instead of the regulator 74, a decompression tank connected to the suction pipe 76 via a valve may be used to adjust the suction force of the suction mechanism 70. Other mechanisms may be used as the mechanism for adjusting the pressure.

(Conveyor 300)
The transport device 300 is a device that transports the tube 120 into the container 20 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the conveying device 300 has an inserter 390 inserted along the axial direction inside the tube 120, a suction part 382, and a moving mechanism 349. ing.

The insert 390 has a length along the vertical direction (insertion direction with respect to the tube 120). As shown in FIG. 6, the lower end portion 391 of the insert 390 has a circular cross-section when viewed in the direction of insertion into the tube 120 (the axial direction of the tube 120). 5, the lower end portion 391 has a constant portion 391A with a constant outer diameter along the longitudinal direction of the insert 390 and a tapered portion 391B that gradually tapers. The fixed portion 391A is formed in a cylindrical shape. Note that the constant portion 391A may be cylindrical. The outer circumference (outer circumference length) of the constant portion 391A is shorter than the inner circumference (inner circumference length) of the tube 120 .

As shown in FIG. 7, an upper portion 393 of the insert 390 excluding the lower end portion 391 has a concave portion 392 formed on the outer periphery in a cross section viewed in the direction of insertion into the tube 120 (the axial direction of the tube 120). have. The four concave portions 392 are arranged at equal intervals (every 90 degrees) along the circumferential direction of the insert 390 in the cross section described above. As a result, the upper portion 393 is formed in a substantially cross shape in the cross section described above. In addition, the circumference including the concave portion 392 (concave surface) of the insert 390 is longer than the inner circumference of the tube 120 . Note that the circumferential length of the insert 390 not including the concave portion 392 (concave surface) (the shortest circumferential length formed by the outer edge of the insert 390, that is, the circumferential length indicated by the dashed-dotted line 392S) is greater than the inner circumference of the tube 120. is also shortened. In the above cross section, the longest distance 393L from the center 393C of the upper portion 393 to the outer edge of the insert 390 and the radius of the fixed portion 391A of the lower end portion 391 are, for example, the same. Note that the radius and the longest distance 393L may have different lengths.

A hole 394 that opens at the recess 392 is formed in the upper portion 393 . Aperture 394 communicates with a passageway 396 formed in upper portion 393 along the length of insert 390 . Passage 396 communicates with suction portion 382 at its upper end. With the insertion body 390 inserted inside the tube 120 , the tube 120 is sucked through the hole 394 by operating the suction part 382 . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the tube 120 is attracted to the outer periphery of the insert 390 and the tube 120 is held on the outer periphery of the insert 390 .

The moving mechanism 349 (see FIG. 5) is composed of, for example, a three-axis robot that moves the insert 390 vertically and horizontally (horizontally).

(supply unit 510)
The supply part 510 has a function of supplying compressed air from the lower end of the inner cylinder 80 to between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120 . The lower end of the inner cylinder 80 is an example of "the end opposite to the opening". Compressed air is an example of a "pressurized gas."

The supply portion 510 communicates with the other end (lower end) of the supply path 96 formed in the support portion 90 . Since illustration is omitted in FIG. 11 and the like, an example will be specifically described. A through hole is formed in the bottom portion 22 of the container 20 to allow communication between the inside and the outside of the container 20 . One ends of pipes (for example, air hoses) inside and outside the container 20 are connected to the through holes, respectively. The other end of the tube outside the container 20 is connected to the supply section 510 . The other end of the tube inside the container 20 is connected to the supply section 510 . In such a configuration, the supply section 510 supplies compressed air from the lower end into the inner cylinder 80 through the supply passage 96 . Thereby, compressed air is supplied between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120 . As the supply unit 510, for example, a compressor that supplies compressed air, another pump, or the like is used. The gas supplied by the supply unit 510 may be nitrogen or the like.

(Lower holding mechanism 200)
The lower holding mechanism 200 is an example of a "holding section". The lower holding mechanism 200 is provided inside the container 20 and holds the lower end of the tube 120 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the lower holding mechanism 200 includes a movable portion 214, an expansion portion 216 such as an air picker, and a guide cone 220 (fitting portion). have.

The movable portion 214 is formed in a cylindrical shape and supported by the support portion 90 so as to be vertically movable. In other words, the movable portion 214 is movable along the axial direction of the container 20 independently of the support portion 90 . More specifically, only the movable portion 214 can move vertically with respect to the container 20 without the support portion 90 being displaced with respect to the container 20 .

The movable portion 214 is connected to the driving mechanism 217 via a connecting portion 217A such as a rod that the driving mechanism 217 has. The driving force of the driving mechanism 217 moves the movable portion 214 downward through the connecting portion 217A. As the driving mechanism 217, for example, a cylinder driven by air pressure or the like, or an actuator is used.

The connecting portion 217A of the driving mechanism 217 has a free state in which the movable portion 214 can move vertically with respect to the support portion 90 by an external force, and a fixed state in which the movable portion 214 is fixed to the support portion 90 at an arbitrary position. It is designed to switch between states.

Specifically, the external force means that the diameter of the tube 120 is expanded by inserting the diameter-expanding member 50 into the tube 120 , causing the tube 120 to contract in the axial direction, and the movable portion to move through the expansion portion 216 . 214 is the upward pulling force. In the fixed state, the pulling force does not move the movable part 214 .

The inflatable portion 216 is formed in an annular shape (donut shape) having a circular hole 216A in the center in a plan view. The inflatable portion 216 is composed of an elastic film such as rubber covering the upper portion of the movable portion 214 in the circumferential direction. The inner peripheral end of the expanding portion 216 is fixed to the upper end of the movable portion 214 , and the outer peripheral end of the expanding portion 216 is fixed to the upper peripheral wall of the movable portion 214 . Thereby, it is configured in a bag shape having an internal space.

The movable portion 214 has a passage 214B which has one end opened at the side portion of the movable portion 214 and the other end portion opened at the lower end portion of the movable portion 214 and which has an inverted L shape in a side sectional view. formed. One end of this passage 214B communicates with the interior of the expansion portion 216 . The other end (lower end) of passage 214B communicates with one end of supply pipe 215 . The supply pipe 215 is composed of a pipe such as a tube.

A supply portion 213 for supplying air is connected to the other end of the supply pipe 215 . Since illustration is omitted, an example will be specifically described. The bottom portion 22 of the container 20 is formed with a through-hole that allows communication between the inside and the outside of the container 20 . One ends of pipes (for example, air hoses) inside and outside the container 20 are connected to the through holes. The other end of the tube outside the container 20 is connected to the supply section 213 . The other end of the pipe inside the container 20 is connected to the other end of the supply pipe 215 . In such a configuration, the supply portion 213 supplies air to the inside of the expansion portion 216 through the supply pipe 215 and the passage 214B, thereby expanding the expansion portion 216 as shown in FIGS. , hold the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the tube 120 from the inside.

Further, in the movable portion 214, a passage 214A having one end opened at the upper end portion of the movable portion 214 and the other end portion opened at the side portion of the movable portion 214 and having an L shape in a side sectional view. is formed. This passageway 214A communicates with the passageway 94 of the support portion 90 . The passage 214A is a passage separated from the passage 214B.

The passages 214A and 94 allow the internal space of the container 20 and the internal space of the tube 120 to communicate with each other even when the inflatable portion 216 holds the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the tube 120 from the inside. Note that even when the movable portion 214 moves in the vertical direction, the passage 214A of the movable portion 214 and the passage 94 of the support portion 90 remain connected. In other words, the passage 214A of the movable portion 214 and the passage 94 of the support portion 90 are maintained in a communicated state within the movement range of the movable portion 214 . Therefore, when the inside of the container 20 is sucked by the suction mechanism 70, the inside of the tube 120 is also sucked from the lower end side.

As shown in FIG. 11, the guide cone 220 expands with respect to the open end 112A (fitted portion) on the lower end side (leading end side in the insertion direction) of the shaft portion 112 (supported portion 116) in the roll body 110. It is a member that fits along the axial direction of the tube 120 in a held state, the lower end portion of which is held by the portion 216 . The guide cone 220 has a fitting portion 222 fitted to the open end 112A of the shaft portion 112, and a fixed shaft portion 224 projecting downward from the fitting portion 222 and fixed to the upper end portion of the movable portion 214. are doing.

The fitting portion 222 has a cylindrical surface 222A fitted inside the open end 112A and a conical surface 222B whose outer diameter gradually decreases upward from the upper end of the cylindrical surface 222A. The outer diameter of the cylindrical surface 222A is the same as the inner diameter of the shaft portion 112 of the roll body 110 or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft portion 112 . The guide cone 220 is fixed to the movable portion 214 coaxially with the expansion portion 216 by a fixed shaft portion 224 . Thereby, the cylindrical surface 222A and the outer peripheral surface of the expansion portion 216 are arranged coaxially.

A specific holding operation by the lower holding mechanism 200 will be explained in the manufacturing method described later.

(Upper holding mechanism 400)
The upper holding mechanism 400 is a mechanism that holds the upper end of the tube 120 together with the container 20 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the upper holding mechanism 400 includes a plurality of (specifically four) suction pads 410 (suction mechanisms) and a plurality of (specifically four) suction pads 410 (suction mechanisms). and a claw portion 420 of.

Above the top portion 30 (see FIG. 12), the four suction pads 410 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 38 (tube 120) at regular intervals of 90 degrees as shown in FIG. there is A suction port 412 of the suction pad 410 is directed radially inward of the peripheral wall portion 38 . The suction pad 410 sucks through the suction port 412 to suck the outer periphery of the upper end (one end) protruding from the opening of the peripheral wall 38 of the tube 120 housed in the container 20 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the suction pad 410 can be moved radially inward and radially outward of the peripheral wall portion 38 as indicated by an arrow Y by a moving mechanism 415 . A cylinder, for example, is used as the moving mechanism 415 .

Above the top portion 30 (see FIG. 12), the four claw portions 420 are arranged between the four suction pads 410 in plan view, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the four claw portions 420 are arranged at regular intervals of 90 degrees along the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 38 .

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the four claw portions 420 are L-shaped when viewed from the side. Each claw portion 420 has a claw portion main body 422 extending radially inward of the peripheral wall portion 38 and a distal end portion 424 protruding downward from the radially inner end portion of the claw portion main body 422 .

As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of grooves 427 are formed along the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 38 (tube 120) on the contact surface 423 on the radially outer side (on the claw portion main body 422 side) of the distal end portion 424. . Specifically, for example, three grooves 427 are arranged vertically.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12 , the claw portion 420 can be moved radially inward and outward of the peripheral wall portion 38 as indicated by arrow Y by a moving mechanism 425, and can move vertically. It is movable. A biaxial robot, for example, is used as the moving mechanism 425 . The four claw portions 420 sandwich and hold the upper end portion of the tube 120 with the peripheral wall portion 38 of the container 20 . A specific holding operation by the upper holding mechanism 400 will be described later in the manufacturing method.

(Coating device 150)
A coating device 150 shown in FIG. 15 is a device for coating the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 with the adhesive 130 .

The coating device 150 drops the adhesive 130 along the axial direction onto the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 while rotating the roll body 110 around its axis. Furthermore, in the coating device 150, the adhesive 130 dropped onto the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 is smoothed out with a spatula (not shown) or the like. In this manner, the coating device 150 applies the adhesive 130 to the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 . In this embodiment, the coating device 150 applies the adhesive 130 to the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 other than the axial ends (see the coating step described below). Specifically, in the present embodiment, the coating device 150 applies the adhesive 130 to portions of the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 other than the axial end portions.

Note that the coating device is not limited to the configuration described above, and may be, for example, a device that applies the adhesive 130 to the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 by spraying or the like, or a coating device that applies another coating method. may be

(Other Configurations of Manufacturing Apparatus 10)
The manufacturing apparatus 10 has an insertion mechanism 190 for inserting the roll body 110 into the tube 120 held in the container 20, as shown in FIG. The insertion mechanism 190 inserts the roll body 110 into the tube 120 by, for example, holding the upper supported portion 116 of the roll body 110 and lowering the roll body 110 .

(Manufacturing method of tube covering roll 100 using manufacturing apparatus 10)
Next, a method for manufacturing the tube covering roll 100 using the manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described. The tube covering roll 100 is, for example, a fixing roll that sandwiches a recording medium on which an image is formed and fixes the image to the recording medium.

This manufacturing method has a preparation process, an application process, an accommodation process, a holding process, an insertion process, a fitting process, a coating process, a holding release process, and a removal process. The preparation process, the application process, the accommodation process, the holding process, the insertion process, the fitting process, the coating process, the holding release process, and the removal process are performed in this order, for example. Each step will be described below.

(Preparation process)
In the preparation step, the above-described manufacturing apparatus 10 for manufacturing the tube coating roll 100 is prepared.

(Coating process)
In the application step, as shown in FIG. 15 , application device 150 applies adhesive 130 to the outer peripheral surface of elastic layer 114 of roll body 110 before insertion into tube 120 . Specifically, the applicator 150 applies the adhesive 130 to the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 other than the axial ends thereof. More specifically, the applicator 150 applies the adhesive 130 to the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 except for both ends in the axial direction.

More specifically, in the tube covering roll 100 as a fixing roll, the adhesive 130 is applied to a range including a passage area through which the recording medium passes. Note that the application step may be performed before the insertion step, may be performed at the same time as the accommodation step and the holding step, or may be performed after the accommodation step and the holding step.

(Accommodation process)
The accommodating step is a step of accommodating the tube 120 from the opening 82 of the inner cylinder 80 into the inner cylinder 80 . Specifically, the accommodation process is performed as follows. That is, in the accommodation step, as shown in FIG. 5 , first, the suction part 382 of the transport device 300 is operated while the insertion body 390 of the transport device 300 is inserted inside the tube 120 . As a result, the tube 120 is attracted to the outer circumference of the insert 390, and the tube 120 is held on the outer circumference of the insert 390 (see FIG. 8).

Next, the moving mechanism 349 lowers the insert 390 toward the interior of the container 20 through the opening edge 20B of the container 20 . Further, the moving mechanism 349 lowers the insert 390 from the opening 82 of the inner cylinder 80 into the inner cylinder 80 . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16, the tube 120 is housed inside the inner cylinder 80 through the opening 82 . Specifically, the tube 120 is housed inside the container 20 in a state in which the lower end protrudes below the insert 390, and the inflatable portion of the lower holding mechanism 200 is attached to the inner peripheral side of the protruding lower end. 216 is inserted.

(Holding process)
The holding step is a step of holding the tube 120 . The holding process specifically includes a lower end holding process and an upper end holding process. The lower end holding step and the upper end holding step will be described below.

(Lower end holding step)
The lower end holding step is a step of holding the lower end of the tube 120 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, in the lower end holding step, the supply portion 213 supplies air to the inside of the expansion portion 216 through the supply pipe 215 and the passage 214B. As a result, the expansion portion 216 expands and holds the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the tube 120 from the inside. At this time, the movable portion 214 to which the expansion portion 216 is attached is in a fixed state in which it is fixed to the support portion 90 .

(Upper edge holding step)
The upper end holding step is a step of holding the upper end of the tube 120 with the opening edge 20B of the container 20 . Specifically, the upper end portion holding step is performed as follows. That is, in the upper end holding step, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the four suction pads 410 suck through the suction ports 412, thereby causing the upper end (one end) of the tube 120 to protrude from the opening of the peripheral wall portion 38. part) is adsorbed. Note that when the suction of the suction pad 410 is started, the suction by the suction portion 382 of the insert 390 is stopped. The insert 390 may also stop the suction and blow air through the holes 394 . This facilitates separation of tube 120 from insert 390 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 19, the insert 390 is lifted and the insert 390 is withdrawn from the tube 120 . Next, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 13, the four claws 420 are lowered by the moving mechanism 425 from the position above the tube 120 in which the outer circumference of the upper end is sucked by the four suction pads 410. By doing so, the distal end portion 424 is inserted inside the upper end portion of the tube 120 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20 , the four claws 420 are moved radially outward of the peripheral wall 38 by the movement mechanism 425 while the contact surface 423 is in contact with the inner circumference of the tube 120 . As a result, the diameter of the upper end of the tube 120 is expanded. Note that when the four claw portions 420 move radially outward of the peripheral wall portion 38 , the suction pad 410 is moved radially outward of the peripheral wall portion 38 by the moving mechanism 415 . Therefore, suction pad 410 does not interfere with tube 120 . Note that the suction pad 410 is moved, for example, before or at the same time as the claw portion 420 is moved.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, the four claws 420 are moved downward by the moving mechanism 425 on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall 38, thereby folding back the upper end of the tube 120, and then folding the tube 120 as shown in FIG. It moves radially inwardly of the peripheral wall portion 38 so that it can be As a result, the upper end of the tube 120 is pressed against the outer wall of the peripheral wall portion 38 by the four claws 420 to hold the upper end of the tube 120 . By holding the upper end of the tube 120 between the four claws 420 and the peripheral wall 38 of the container 20 in this manner, the upper end of the tube 120 is held by the opening edge 20B of the peripheral wall 38 .

(Insertion process)
The insertion step is an example of a "maintenance step." This inserting step is a step of inserting the roll body 110 into the tube 120 whose upper end and lower end are held. Specifically, the insertion process is performed as follows. That is, in the insertion step, first, the suction pump 72 of the suction mechanism 70 is driven to start sucking the air inside the container 20 . Since the inside of the container 20 and the inside of the tube 120 communicate with each other through the passage 214A of the movable part 214, the air inside the tube 120 is also sucked.

Here, the movable portion 214 to which the expansion portion 216 is attached is in a free state in which it can move vertically with respect to the support portion 90 . In this state, as shown in FIG. 23, the roll body 110 with the diameter expanding member 50 attached to the lower end thereof is inserted into the tube 120 by the insertion mechanism 190 (see FIG. 24).

When the roll body 110 is inserted into the upper end of the tube 120 and the upper opening of the tube 120 is sealed, the pressure inside the tube 120 and the container 20 is reduced, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container 20 causes the roll body 110 to move downward ( (insertion direction). In this embodiment, the roll body 110 descends due to the pushing force by the insertion mechanism 190, the pulling force due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container 20, and gravity, and the roll body 110 moves from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the tube 120. inserted.

When the diameter expanding member 50 passes through each part of the tube 120, the tube 120 is contracted in the axial direction due to the diameter expansion (see FIG. 26). , while holding the lower end of the tube 120, it rises.

When the roll body 110 descends, the diameter of the tube 120 is expanded in the elastic region at the portion where the diameter expanding member 50 has passed. The diameter-expanded portion is maintained in the diameter-expanded state due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tube 120 (see FIG. 24).

As described above, in the insertion step, the roll body 110 is inserted from the upper end portion to the lower end side of the tube 120 by sucking the air in the container 20 by the suction mechanism 70, and the tube diameter-expanded by the passage of the diameter-expanding member 50 is inserted. The portion 120 is maintained in an expanded state by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tube 120 .

In addition, in the insertion step, the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is adjusted by the regulator 74 so that the pressure inside the container 20 becomes a low negative pressure state (eg, -25 kPa).

(Mating process)
The fitting step is a step of fitting the guide cone 220 to the lower end portion of the roll body 110 and fitting the fitting member 180 to the opening edge 20B of the container 20 . Specifically, in the fitting step, as shown in FIG. 24, the roll body 110 is moved to the fitting position where the guide cone 220 is fitted to the lower end of the roll body 110 inserted into the tube 120. lower. As a result, the cylindrical surface 222A of the guide cone 220 fits into the open end 112A on the lower end side of the shaft portion 112 of the roll body 110 .

In this fitting position, the fitting member 180 extends along the axial direction of the tube 120 in the held state against the inner side of the opening edge 20B of the peripheral wall 38 in the state in which the tube 120 is held. Coaxial mating.

Furthermore, the descent of the roll body 110 is stopped at this fitting position. At this fitting position, the lower end portion of the roll body 110 and the diameter expanding member 50 have a gap with respect to the diameter expanding member 50 and are not in contact with the diameter expanding member 50 .

(Coating process)
The covering step is a step of covering the roll body 110 with the tube 120 by supplying compressed air into the inner cylinder 80 from the supply unit 510 to eliminate the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container 20 . Specifically, in the covering step, the guide cone 220 is fitted to the lower end of the roll body 110, and the fitting member 180 is fitted to the opening edge 20B of the container 20, and the roll body 110 is covered with the tube 120. do.

More specifically, it is performed as follows. That is, in a state in which the suction mechanism 70 is sucking the air inside the container 20 and the inner cylinder 80 , the supply part 510 supplies compressed air from the lower end into the inner cylinder 80 through the supply passage 96 . Thereby, compressed air is supplied between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120 .

When compressed air is supplied between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tube 120 is eliminated while the diameter expanding member 50 is in the lower end portion of the tube 120, and the tube 120 is contracted in diameter. do. By reducing the diameter of the tube 120 in this manner, the roll body 110 is covered with the tube 120 as shown in FIG. 25 .

Here, in the present embodiment, since compressed air is supplied from below between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120, a pressure gradient that increases from the upper end to the lower end of the tube 120 is formed outside the tube 120. be. As a result, the tube 120 is gradually covered with the roll body 110 from below. In FIG. 25, the arrow pointing toward the tube 120 indicates the degree of pressure acting on the tube 120 by the size of the arrow.

Further, in the covering step, the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is adjusted by the regulator 74 so that the pressure inside the container 20 becomes a high negative pressure state (eg, -100 kPa) when the compressed air is supplied from the supply unit 510. be. Thereby, the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased from the suction force in the insertion process.

In the covering step, the supply of compressed air from the supply unit 510 is started at the same time as the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased or before the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased. Note that the time difference between the supply of compressed air and the increase in the suction force is, for example, less than 1 second.

Furthermore, in the covering step, the movable portion 214 is moved downward by the drive mechanism 217 . Thereby, tension is applied to the lower end of the tube 120 in the axial direction (downward). That is, the roll body 110 is covered with the tube 120 while tension is applied to the lower end of the tube 120 in the axial direction (downward).

In the covering step, by covering the roll body 110 with the tube 120 , the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 contacts the tube 120 at both ends in the axial direction without the adhesive 130 interposed therebetween. In other words, the covering step can also be said to be a step of bringing the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 into contact with the tube 120 at both ends in the axial direction without the adhesive 130 interposed therebetween.

(Holding release process)
Next, the suction by the suction mechanism 70 and the supply of compressed air by the supply unit 510 are stopped. Then, the expansion portion 216 of the lower holding mechanism 200 is deflated to release the holding of the lower end portion of the tube 120 by the lower holding mechanism 200 . Further, the movement mechanism 425 causes the four claws 420 of the upper holding mechanism 400 to move in a manner opposite to the movement in the upper end holding process. As a result, the holding of the upper end portion of the tube 120 by the upper holding mechanism 400 is released.

(Removal process)
Next, the roll body 110 is taken out from the inside of the container 20, and the excess lower end and upper end of the tube 120 (portion protruding axially outward beyond the elastic layer 114) are cut, and the diameter expanding member 50 and fitting are cut. Member 180 is removed from roll body 110 . Further, the adhesive 130 of the roll body 110 covering the tube 120 is cured by heating. Thus, the tube covering roll 100 is manufactured.

(Action of this embodiment)
In this embodiment, as described above, in the covering step, compressed air is supplied from below between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120 , so the pressure acting on the outer surface of the tube 120 is A pressure gradient is formed that increases from the bottom to the bottom (see FIG. 25). As a result, the tube 120 is gradually covered with the roll body 110 from below.

Here, in the configuration (first comparative example) in which the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tube 120 is eliminated and the roll body 110 is covered with the tube 120 only by stopping the suction of the suction mechanism 70 with respect to the container 20, the entire tube 120 is The roll body 110 is coated at once. That is, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the tube 120 are covered with respect to the roll body 110 with no time difference. As a result, the air existing between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 is drawn in, and the tube 120 is covered with the roll body 110 . Therefore, air bubbles may remain between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 .

In contrast, in this embodiment, the tube 120 gradually covers the roll body 110 from below, and the air existing between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 escapes from above. Air present between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 is less likely to be involved than in a comparative example. Therefore, air bubbles remaining between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 are suppressed as compared with the first comparative example described above.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the covering step, when the compressed air is supplied from the supply unit 510, the pressure inside the container 20 is set to a high negative pressure state (for example, -100 kPa) by the regulator 74. Suction power is adjusted. Thereby, the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased from the suction force in the insertion process.

In this configuration, compared to the configuration (second comparative example) in which the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is always constant, the flow velocity of the compressed air flowing between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120 increases. As a result, the above-described pressure gradient is further increased compared to the above-described second comparative example. Therefore, the time difference between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the tube 120 covering the roll body 110 is greater than that in the second comparative example described above. As a result, air bubbles are suppressed from remaining between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 as compared with the above-described second comparative example.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the covering step, the supply of compressed air from the supply unit 510 is started at the same time as the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased or before the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased.

In the configuration (third comparative example) in which the supply of compressed air from the supply unit 510 is started after the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased (third comparative example), the pressure gradient described above is difficult to form, and the entire tube 120 is rolled at once. 110 is coated. That is, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the tube 120 are covered with respect to the roll body 110 with no time difference. As a result, the air existing between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 is drawn in, and the tube 120 is covered with the roll body 110 . Therefore, air bubbles may remain between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 .

In contrast, in the present embodiment, in the covering step, the supply of compressed air from the supply unit 510 is started at the same time as the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased or before the suction force of the suction mechanism 70 is increased. so a pressure gradient is formed. As a result, the tube 120 is gradually covered with the roll body 110 from below. Therefore, in the present embodiment, air existing between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 is less likely to be involved than in the third comparative example described above. Therefore, air bubbles are suppressed from remaining between the roll body 110 and the tube 120 as compared with the above-described third comparative example.

Further, in this embodiment, the support portion 90 detachably supports the inner cylinder 80 . Specifically, the lower end of the inner cylinder 80 is detachably attached to the upper end of the support portion 90 . Therefore, the inner cylinder 80 having a different length in the axial direction is attached to correspond to the length in the axial direction of the roll body 110 inserted into the tube 120 . Specifically, for example, when the roll 110 having an axial length corresponding to A4 size is covered with the tube 120 and then the roll 110 having an axial length corresponding to A3 size is covered with the tube 120, It is replaced with an inner cylinder 80 having a long axial length.

Further, in the present embodiment, the support part 90 is vertically movable with respect to the container 20 by the moving mechanism 99 . Therefore, when the inner cylinder 80 is replaced with one having a different length, the vertical position of the inner cylinder 80 can be adjusted. For example, by adjusting the vertical position of the inner cylinder 80, the gap between the upper end of the inner cylinder 80 and the container 20 is kept constant when the inner cylinder 80 is replaced with one having a different length.

Here, the flow velocity of the compressed air flowing between the inner cylinder 80 and the tube 120 is determined by the size of the gap between the upper end of the inner cylinder 80 and the annular wall portion 34 of the container 20, and thus the aforementioned pressure gradient is determined. By keeping the gap between the upper end of the inner cylinder 80 and the annular wall portion 34 of the container 20 constant, the aforementioned pressure gradient becomes constant.

Further, in this embodiment, the movable portion 214 is movable along the axial direction of the container 20 independently of the support portion 90 . Therefore, even if the movable portion 214 is displaced upward when the tube 120 is covered with the roll body 110, the support portion 90 is not displaced. This prevents the upper end of the inner cylinder 80 supported by the support portion 90 from colliding with the container 20 .

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the coating process, the coating device 150 applies the adhesive 130 to the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 other than the axial ends thereof. Specifically, the applicator 150 applies the adhesive 130 to the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 except for both ends in the axial direction. Therefore, since the adhesive 130 does not intervene between the tube 120 covered by the roll body 110 and both ends of the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 in the axial direction, the adhesive 130 is applied to the entire elastic layer 114 . Compared to the case (fourth comparative example), the tube 120 is less likely to slip on both ends of the elastic layer 114 in the axial direction before the adhesive 130 is cured.

As a result, the tube 120 is less likely to move at both end portions of the elastic layer 114, and wrinkles are suppressed from occurring in the tube 120, as compared with the fourth comparative example described above. Here, in this embodiment, in the holding release step, the holding of the upper end of the tube 120 by the upper holding mechanism 400 is released, and the holding of the lower end of the tube 120 by the lower holding mechanism 200 is released. The tension acting in the direction is reduced. For this reason, the upper and lower ends of the tube 120 tend to move relative to the elastic layer 114, but in the present embodiment, the tube 120 is less likely to move, so wrinkling of the tube 120 is suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the application step, the adhesive 130 is applied to the passage area through which the recording medium passes on the tube covering roll 100 as the fixing roll. Therefore, fixing failure is suppressed compared to the case where the adhesive 130 is not applied to the passage area.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the covering step, the roll body 110 is covered with the tube 120, so that the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 can be contact tube 120; In other words, the covering step can also be said to be a step of bringing the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 into contact with the tube 120 at both ends in the axial direction without the adhesive 130 interposed therebetween. In other words, the covering step can also be said to be a step of bringing the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 into direct contact with the tube 120 at both ends in the axial direction.

Therefore, in the covering step, the tube 120 is covered with the elastic layer 120 as compared with the case where both ends of the elastic layer 114 are in contact with the tube 120 covered with the roll body 110 via the adhesive 130 (fifth comparative example). Both axial ends of 114 are not slippery.

As a result, the tube 120 is less likely to move at both ends of the elastic layer 114 compared to the fifth comparative example described above, and the occurrence of wrinkles in the tube 120 is suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tube covering roll 100 covers both axial ends of the elastic layer 114 in a state in which the tubes 120 are not fixed. Therefore, both ends of the elastic layer 114 of the tube 120 are protected. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the adhesive 130 is not applied to both end portions of the elastic layer 114, so that the adhesive 130 is prevented from protruding.

Therefore, according to the tube covering roll 100, the tube 120 protects both ends of the elastic layer 114 while the adhesive is applied to the elastic layer 114, as compared with a structure in which both ends of the elastic layer 114 are covered while the tube 120 is fixed to both ends of the elastic layer 114. 130 is suppressed from protruding. Further, in the present embodiment, since the adhesive 130 is not applied to both end portions of the elastic layer 114, the amount of the adhesive 130 to be applied is reduced.

(Modified example of upper holding mechanism 400)
As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the claw portion 420 includes a shaft portion 450 protruding downward from the distal end portion of the claw portion body 422 (the radially inner end portion of the peripheral wall portion 38 in FIG. 27), and a shaft portion 450. and a driven roll 452 rotatably supported with respect to the portion 450 . Note that the driven roll 452 may be rotatably supported with respect to the claw portion main body 422 . A groove portion 454 is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the driven roll 452 along the circumferential direction. Specifically, the groove portion 454 is formed along the entire circumference of the driven roll 452 .

Further, in a side view, the axial direction of the driven roll 452 (shaft portion 450) has an angle θ slightly smaller than 90 degrees (acute angle) with respect to the lower surface of the claw portion main body 422, for example. Specifically, the angle θ is 85 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees. In other words, the driven roll 452 (shaft portion 450) is inclined with respect to the peripheral wall portion 38 (container 20) so that the lower end portion faces radially outward of the peripheral wall portion 38 with respect to the upper end portion. there is Note that the angle θ described above may be 90 degrees.

According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 27, the driven rolls 452 of the four claw portions 420 are moved radially outward of the peripheral wall portion 38 by the moving mechanism 425 while being in contact with the inner periphery of the tube 120. Then, the diameter of the upper end of the tube 120 is expanded (movement from the state shown in FIG. 19 to the state shown in FIG. 20).

In this configuration, the rotation of the driven rolls 452 equalizes the tension acting on the tube 120 due to the contact of the driven rolls 452 (the difference is reduced). Further, since the groove 454 is formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the driven roll 452 , the tube 120 is less likely to slip off the driven roll 452 . Furthermore, since the axial direction of the driven roll 452 (shaft portion 450 ) forms an acute angle θ with respect to the lower surface of the claw portion main body 422 , the tube 120 is less likely to slip off the driven roll 452 .

(Other modifications)
In the above-described embodiment, the roll body 110 having the shaft portion 112 and the cylindrical elastic layer 114 formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 112 is used as the core body, but the present invention is not limited to this. As the core body, for example, only the shaft portion 112 may be used.

In the embodiment described above, the tube covering roll 100 was manufactured as an example of the tubular covering member, but the tubular covering member to be manufactured is not limited to this. For example, the tubular body covering member may be a tube covering belt configured by covering a belt body with a tube 120 . In the case of a tube-covered belt, a core body having a core material and a cylindrical belt body (an example of a tubular body) formed around the core material is used. That is, the core body is inserted into the tube 120 in the same manner as the roll body 110 described above, and the tube 120 covers the belt body. After that, the tube-covered belt is manufactured by removing the core material from the belt body covered with the tube 120 . As the belt body, a resin belt made of polyimide or the like, a metal belt, or the like is used.

In the manufacturing method described above, after the suction pump 72 of the suction mechanism 70 is driven to start sucking the air inside the container 20 , the roll body 110 with the diameter expanding member 50 attached to the lower end is placed at the upper end of the tube 120 . However, it is not limited to this. For example, after inserting the roll body 110 with the diameter expanding member 50 attached to the lower end into the upper end of the tube 120, the suction pump 72 of the suction mechanism 70 is driven to start sucking the air inside the container 20. good too.

In the manufacturing apparatus 10, the tubes 120 are arranged along the vertical direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the container 20 may be installed horizontally and the tubes 120 may be arranged horizontally.

In the present embodiment, in the coating step, the coating device 150 applies the adhesive 130 to areas other than the axial end portions of the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the application step, the application device 150 may apply the adhesive 130 to a portion other than the one axial end portion of the elastic layer 114 of the roll body 110 . That is, the adhesive 130 may be applied to one axial end of the elastic layer 114 .

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the modifications shown above may be configured by appropriately combining a plurality of them.

10 manufacturing apparatus 20 container 20B opening edge 50 diameter expanding member 70 suction mechanism (an example of a suction part)
80 inner cylinder (an example of another container)
82 opening portion 90 support portion 100 tube covering roll (an example of a tubular body covering member)
110 roll body (an example of core body)
114 elastic layer 120 tube (an example of a cylinder)
130 Adhesive 200 Lower holding mechanism (an example of holding part)
510 supply unit

Claims (5)

an application step of applying an adhesive to areas other than the ends of the elastic layer formed on the core;
a housing step of housing a cylindrical body in the container through an opening edge formed in the container, and housing the cylindrical body in another container through an opening formed in the other container provided inside the container; ,
a holding step of holding one end of the cylindrical body housed in the other container on the opening edge of the container;
While inserting the core, which has a diameter-expanding member having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the core at the end on the front side in the insertion direction, into the cylinder from one end , the gas in the container is a maintaining step of maintaining the part of the cylinder diameter-expanded by the passage of the diameter-expanding member in the diameter-expanded state by the pressure difference inside and outside the cylinder;
a covering step of supplying pressurized gas from the end opposite to the opening into the other container to eliminate the pressure difference and covering the core with the cylinder;
a removing step of cutting both ends of the cylindrical body covering the core and removing the diameter expanding member;
A method for manufacturing a cylindrical body covering member. 2. The method of manufacturing a cylindrical body covering member according to claim 1, wherein in the applying step, the adhesive is applied to areas other than both ends of the elastic layer. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a fixing roll as the cylindrical body covering member for sandwiching a recording medium on which an image is formed and fixing the image, the manufacturing method comprising:
3. The method of manufacturing a tubular body covering member according to claim 2, wherein in the applying step, the adhesive is applied to a passage area through which the recording medium passes. 4. The method of manufacturing a cylindrical covering member according to claim 1 , wherein in the covering step, when supplying the pressurized gas, a suction force for sucking the gas in the container is increased. 5. The method of manufacturing a cylindrical covering member according to claim 4 , wherein in the covering step, the pressurized gas is supplied at the same time as the suction force is increased or before the suction force is increased.

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