JPH11336742A - Rotor and manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain excellent toner mold releasing and fixing, especially durability. SOLUTION: This rotor is formed by arranging a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer on a roller-shaped or tubular base material 1, wherein the rubber layer is formed out of two rubber layers with different hardness; (1) rubber layer 3 with high hardness of 50 degrees or more in JIS-A hardness, 30 kgf/cm<2> or more in tensile strength, and 100% or more in elongation, disposed on fluororesin layer side, and (2) rubber layer 2 with low hardness of 30 degrees or less in JIS-A hardness, disposed on base material side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rotating member suitable as a fixing roller or belt used in a fixing section of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, and more particularly, to a toner releasing property and a fixing property. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rotating body having excellent durability and markedly improved durability, and a method for producing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electrophotographic copying machines, facsimile machines,
2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, a charging process for uniformly and uniformly charging a photosensitive drum, an exposure process for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum by performing image exposure, and an electrostatic latent A developing step of forming a toner image (visible image) by attaching toner (developer) to the image;
An image is formed by a transfer step of transferring a toner image on a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material such as transfer paper and a fixing step of fixing an unfixed toner image on the transfer material. After the fixing step, a cleaning step for cleaning the toner remaining on the photoconductor drum may be provided. However, in the case of cleaning simultaneously with development, an independent cleaning step is not required. Generally, colored resin fine particles in which a colorant is dispersed are used as the toner.

In the fixing step, a toner image is fixed on a transfer material using various methods such as heating, pressurizing, and solvent vapor. Usually, a fixing roller having a built-in heat source and a pressing roller are used. During this time, the unfixed toner on the transfer material is heated and melted and fixed by passing the transfer material. More specifically,
A fixing roller formed by covering the outer peripheral surface of a hollow roller-shaped substrate with rubber or resin and a pressure roller are pressed into contact with each other, and a transfer material on which a toner image is formed is passed between the two rollers to heat and melt the toner. Thus, the toner image is fixed on the transfer material. Heating of the toner is performed by a heater for heating arranged inside the fixing roller.

As a fixing roller, a structure in which a fluororesin layer is formed directly or via a rubber layer on an outer peripheral surface of a roller-shaped base (core metal) made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel to prevent offset. Is widely used (for example, JP-A-57-89785). As the fluororesin, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), and the like are generally used.

[0005] In the heat roller fixing method using a fixing roller, the entire fixing roller is maintained at a predetermined temperature by a heating heater during operation.
On the other hand, since it is necessary to heat the fixing roller to a predetermined temperature at the start of the operation, the waiting time from when the power is turned on to when the operation becomes possible is long. Therefore, in recent years, a fixing method has been proposed in which a toner on a transfer material is heated substantially directly by a heater via a thin tube-shaped fixing belt (endless belt). In this endless belt fixing method, a fixing belt and a pressure roller are pressed into contact with each other, and a transfer material on which a toner image is formed is passed therebetween. At this time, the toner is heated and melted by a heater via a thin fixing belt. It is worn and fixed. In this fixing method, the toner is heated substantially directly by a heater only through a thin film-like fixing belt, so that the heating unit reaches a predetermined temperature in a short time and the waiting time at the time of turning on the power is almost equal. It becomes zero.

Conventionally, as a fixing belt used in the endless belt fixing method, heat resistance, elasticity, strength, insulation properties of the inner surface of the belt, and releasability of the outer surface of the belt are taken into consideration.
An endless belt made of polyimide (that is, a polyimide tube) provided with a fluororesin layer directly or via a rubber layer on the outer surface is used. As the fluororesin, those described above are used. A fixing rotating body such as a fixing roller or a belt having a fluororesin layer formed on the outermost layer is excellent in toner releasing property and abrasion resistance, and prevents contamination and offset phenomenon of the rotating body surface by toner, Excellent fixability. By providing the rubber layer, elasticity is given to the surface of the fixing rotating body,
Since the toner can be heated and melted so as to enclose the toner, it is possible to cope with high-speed copying and full color printing.

However, a conventional rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller-shaped or tube-shaped substrate has good toner releasability and fixing property, but is not always durable. There was a problem that it was not enough. According to the study results of the present inventors, the reasons are that the adhesiveness between the fluororesin layer and the rubber layer is not sufficient, that the fluororesin layer is thin and that cracks are likely to occur, that the fluororesin layer Is high because the firing temperature at the time of forming the rubber layer is high. Conventionally, there are two methods for forming a fluororesin layer on the outermost layer of a rotating body. The first method is a method of applying a fluororesin-containing dispersion (paint) and baking to form a fluororesin coating film. The second method is a method of coating a tube made of fluororesin. On the other hand, as a material for forming the rubber layer, fluorine rubber, silicone rubber, or the like is used.

In the case of manufacturing a rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller or tube-like substrate, the first method for forming the fluororesin layer requires the rubber on the substrate. After forming a layer, a fluororesin paint is applied on the rubber layer and dried, and then heated at a temperature exceeding the melting point of the fluororesin for a certain period of time to bake the fluororesin. However, since the melting point of the fluororesin is, for example, 327 ° C. for PTFE and 310 ° C. for PFA, the firing temperature of the fluororesin exceeds the heat resistance temperature of the fluororubber or silicone rubber forming the rubber layer. For this reason, there is a problem that the rubber layer under the fluororesin layer is deteriorated in the firing step of the fluororesin layer. When the rubber layer is deteriorated, the adhesive force between the fluororesin layer and the rubber layer is reduced, and further, the durability and the fixability of the rotating body are reduced.

Conventionally, in order to prevent the rubber layer from deteriorating in the step of baking the fluororesin layer, for example, a method of baking by heating only the surface to which the fluororesin is applied while cooling from the inside of the substrate, or reducing the baking temperature, A method of shortening the firing time has been proposed. However, in these methods, film characteristics such as film strength and elongation of the fluororesin layer are insufficient, and the adhesive strength between the fluororesin layer and the rubber layer is reduced. Moreover, these methods cannot sufficiently prevent the rubber layer from deteriorating. Therefore, the fixing rotator obtained by these methods has insufficient durability and fixability.

In the second method, since the fluororesin tube prepared in advance is covered, there is no problem of deterioration of the rubber layer due to the sintering as described above. However, it is difficult to sufficiently increase the adhesive force between the fluororesin layer and the rubber layer by the method of covering the fluororesin tube. In addition, in order to manufacture a fluororesin tube, only one kind of fluororesin is used, so that a fluororesin corresponding to the toner cannot be blended. That is, in order to enhance the toner releasability, it may be preferable to use the difference in surface potential among fluororesins having good releasability. For example, blending of PTFE and PFA may be performed. is there. However, since a fluororesin tube cannot be produced from such a blend, when a fixing rotating body coated with a fluororesin tube is used, a problem may occur in toner releasability.

Further, in order to enhance the fixing property, it is necessary to form the fluororesin layer extremely thin as compared with the rubber layer. However, when a rotating body in which a hard and thin fluororesin layer is formed on a rubber layer having a high elasticity and a large thickness, abnormalities such as cracks in the fluororesin layer are likely to occur when used for a long period of time. On the other hand, when the thickness of the fluororesin layer is increased, the elasticity of the surface of the rotating body is impaired, so that it becomes difficult to sufficiently wrap the toner and fix it by melting, thereby increasing the fixing speed and uniformly melting the toner of each hue. Therefore, it is unsuitable for fixing a color toner that needs to be mixed.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed on a substrate in this order. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating body having significantly improved properties and a method for manufacturing the same. The present inventors have conducted intensive studies to overcome the problems of the prior art, and as a result, formed a rubber layer from two rubber layers having relatively different hardnesses, thereby forming a high-strength, high-strength rubber layer having a high hardness. Is disposed on the fluororesin side, and the rubber layer having low hardness is disposed on the substrate side. As a result, the fixing property and the durability are highly balanced, and it is possible to obtain a rotating body for fixing with particularly improved durability. Was found. Since the rotating body has the fluororesin layer as the outermost layer, it has excellent toner releasability and abrasion resistance.

When manufacturing a rotating body having such a layer structure, a fluororesin paint is applied to the inner surface of the cylindrical mold and baked to form a fluororesin layer, and a high-hardness layer is formed on the fluororesin layer. A film of a rubber material capable of forming rubber is formed and vulcanized to form a high-hardness rubber layer (A), and then a roller or tube-shaped base is inserted into the axis of the cylindrical mold,
A rubber material capable of forming a rubber having a lower hardness than the rubber of the rubber layer (A) is injected into a gap between the high-hardness rubber layer (A) and the base, and vulcanized to form a low-hardness rubber layer ( By adopting the method of forming B), the step of forming the fluororesin layer can be made an independent step, and the deterioration of the rubber layer due to the firing of the fluororesin can be avoided.

After the molding, the cylindrical mold may be released.
After the mold release, a process such as polishing of the fluororesin layer may be added. According to this manufacturing method, between the fluororesin layer and the high hardness rubber layer (A), between the high hardness rubber layer (A) and the low hardness rubber layer (B), or the low hardness rubber layer If necessary, a primer layer or an adhesive layer may be disposed between the layer (B) and the substrate, or the inner surface of the fluororesin layer formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical mold may be subjected to an etching treatment, and then the rubber layer may be formed. Since the layer (A) can be formed, the adhesiveness between the layers can be sufficiently increased. The present invention has been completed based on these findings.

[0015]

According to the present invention, in a rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller-like or tube-like substrate, the rubber layer has two hardnesses different from each other. (1) JI
SA hardness is 50 degrees or more and tensile strength is 30 kgf / cm
A rubber layer (A) having a hardness of ² or more and an elongation of 100% or more is disposed on the fluororesin layer side, and (2) a JIS-A hardness of 3
A rotating body is provided, wherein a rubber layer (B) having a low hardness of 0 ° or less is disposed on the base side. Further, according to the present invention, in the method of manufacturing a rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller-shaped or tube-shaped substrate, (1) the fluororesin paint is applied to the inner surface of the cylindrical mold. Coating and firing to form a fluororesin layer,
(2) forming a coating of a rubber material capable of forming a high-hardness rubber on the fluororesin layer and vulcanizing to form a high-hardness rubber layer (A); and (3) cylindrical metal The base is inserted into the axis of the mold, and a rubber material capable of forming a rubber having a lower hardness than the rubber of the rubber layer (A) is injected into a gap between the high-hardness rubber layer (A) and the base to be added. A method for producing a rotating body, comprising a step of forming a low-hardness rubber layer (B) by sulfuration.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining a basic layer structure of a rotating body according to the present invention. In the rotating body of the present invention, a high-hardness rubber layer (A) 2 is disposed on a roller-shaped or tube-shaped substrate 1, and a low-hardness rubber layer (B) 3 is disposed thereon, and a fluororesin layer is further disposed thereon. 4 is formed. The substrate used in the present invention is a roller-shaped substrate or a tube-shaped substrate. As the roller-shaped substrate, generally, a cylindrical substrate (core metal) formed of a metal having good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, stainless steel, and the like; ceramics, such as alumina and silicon carbide; In the case of a fixing belt,
A tubular substrate formed from a heat-resistant resin or metal is used. Examples of the heat resistant resin include polyimide, polyamide imide, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, and polybenzimidazole. Among them, polyimide is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance and durability. Examples of the material of the metal tube include iron, nickel, and alloys thereof. When adopting the electromagnetic induction heating method,
Iron, nickel, alloys thereof, and ferritic stainless steel are preferred. The thickness, length and the like of the substrate are not particularly limited, and ordinary ones are employed. For example, the length of the base is appropriately determined according to the size of a transfer material such as transfer paper. In the case where a tubular substrate is used in each step of the present invention, it can be used, for example, by covering it with a stainless steel rod or tube in order to maintain its shape.

The rubber used for the rubber layer is usually
Heat resistant rubber such as silicone rubber and fluorine rubber is used. The heat-resistant rubber has a heat resistance enough to withstand continuous use at a fixing temperature when formed on a fixing roller or a belt. As the heat-resistant rubber, a millable or liquid silicone rubber, a fluorine rubber, or a mixture thereof is preferable because heat resistance is particularly excellent.
Specifically, silicone rubbers such as dimethyl silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, methylphenyl silicone rubber, and vinyl silicone rubber; vinylidene fluoride rubber, tetrafluoroethylene-propylene rubber, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethylvinyl ether rubber, and phosphazene-based rubber Fluororubbers such as fluororubber and fluoropolyether;

These rubbers can be used alone or in combination of two or more. If desired, an inorganic filler such as carbon black, mica, or titanium oxide, or an organic filler such as a natural resin can be added to the rubber. The compounding ratio of the filler is rubber 10
The amount is usually 100 parts by weight or less, preferably 80 parts by weight or less based on 0 parts by weight. The thickness of the entire rubber layer is appropriately set in consideration of the purpose, the structure of the mechanical device to be installed, the target elasticity, the hardness of the material to be used, and the like.
It is 5 mm, preferably about 0.1 to 3 mm.

In the present invention, the rubber layer is formed of two rubber layers having different hardness, the high hardness rubber layer (A) is disposed on the fluororesin layer side, and the low hardness rubber layer (B) is disposed on the base side. Deploy. The difference in hardness between the two rubber layers is relative. The hardness of the high hardness rubber layer (A) disposed on the fluororesin side is 50 degrees or more in JIS-A hardness, preferably 50 to 100 degrees, more preferably 55 to 80 degrees.
The hardness of the low hardness rubber layer (B) disposed on the substrate side is 30.
Degrees or less, preferably 1 to 30 degrees, more preferably 3 to 25 degrees. JIS-A for high hardness rubber layer (A)
If the hardness is too low, the effect of improving the durability of the fluororesin layer is small, and if the hardness of the low-hardness rubber layer (B) is too high, the fixability decreases.

The high hardness rubber layer (A) has a tensile strength of 30
It is made of a high-strength, relatively elongate rubber having a kgf / cm ² or more and an elongation of 100% or more. The tensile strength of the high hardness rubber layer (A) is preferably about 30 to 90 kgf / cm ² . The elongation of the high hardness rubber layer (A) is preferably about 100 to 400%. The hardness and strength of the high hardness rubber layer (A) disposed on the fluororesin layer side are both high and have a certain degree of elongation, so that the reinforcing effect of the fluororesin layer can be obtained while maintaining the fixing performance. And the durability is remarkably improved.
The low hardness rubber layer (B) has a tensile strength of 30 kgf / cm.
Preferably, it is less than ² and the elongation is 150% or more. The tensile strength of the low hardness rubber layer (B) is more preferably less than 30 kgf / cm ² and 5 kgf / cm ² or more. The elongation of the low hardness rubber layer (B) is more preferably 1
It is about 50 to 450%. Since the low hardness rubber layer (B) is rich in flexibility and elasticity, it can exhibit a high degree of fixing property.

The thickness of the high hardness rubber layer (A) is preferably smaller than the thickness of the low hardness rubber layer (B). The thickness of the fluororesin layer is x (μm), the thickness of the high hardness rubber layer (A) is y (μm), and the thickness of the low hardness rubber layer (B) is z.
(Μm), it is more preferable that the thickness of each of these layers satisfies the relationship represented by the formula (1) x ≦ y ≦ 0.1z (1). If the thickness of the high-hardness rubber layer (A) is too large, flexibility and elasticity are significantly reduced, and fixability is impaired. In many cases,
The thickness of the high hardness rubber layer (A) is the same as the low hardness rubber layer (B).
Is preferably 1/10 or less of the thickness of
It is more preferably at most 1/30, particularly preferably at most 1/30. Therefore, the rubber layers (A) and (B) are considered in consideration of the thickness of the entire rubber layer and the above ratio.
Is desirably determined as appropriate.

The thickness of the fluororesin layer is usually 0.1 to 10
0 μm, preferably 1 to 60 μm, more preferably 5 to
It is about 40 μm. If the thickness of the fluororesin layer is too thin, abrasion resistance is reduced, and if it is too thick, fixability is reduced. Examples of the fluorine resin include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), and ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer. Polymer (ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (P
CTFE), ethylene / chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVD
F) and the like. These fluororesins can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The fluororesin may contain a filler such as carbon black, mica, or a conductive filler, if necessary.

In the method for manufacturing a rotating body according to the present invention, wherein a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller-shaped or tube-shaped substrate, (1) a fluorine-containing layer is formed on the inner surface of a cylindrical mold. Coating and baking a resin paint to form a fluororesin layer; (2) forming a film of a rubber material capable of forming a high-hardness rubber on the fluororesin layer and vulcanizing to form a high-hardness layer; A step of forming the rubber layer (A), and (3) inserting the base into the axis of the cylindrical mold, and inserting the rubber layer (A) into the gap between the high-hardness rubber layer (A) and the base. It can be manufactured by injecting and vulcanizing a rubber material capable of forming a rubber having a lower hardness than rubber to form a rubber layer (B) having a lower hardness.
After the step (3), the cylindrical mold is released, and if necessary, the fluororesin layer is polished.

The cylindrical mold used in the present invention is preferably made of a metal such as iron, stainless steel or aluminum, but is not limited to these as long as it has heat resistance to the sintering temperature of the fluororesin. Not something. It is preferable that the inner surface of the cylindrical mold has good releasability in order to facilitate pulling out the substrate together with the fluororesin layer and the vulcanized rubber layer from the cylindrical mold at the time of demolding. In order to give the inner surface of the cylindrical mold a releasability, it is preferable to perform a smoothing process. In order to smooth the inner surface of the cylindrical mold, for example, in the case of aluminum, a drawing material is used, and in the case of other materials, surface treatment such as chrome plating, nickel plating, etc. (release treatment) There is a way to do it. The surface roughness (Rz) of the inner surface of the cylindrical mold is reduced to 20 μm by the smoothing process.
It is preferable to set the following. The size of the cylindrical mold is usually the length of a fixing roller or belt having a predetermined length, and the inner diameter is substantially the sum of the outer diameter of the base and the thickness of the rubber layer and the fluororesin layer. Stipulated. The thickness of the cylindrical mold is
It is appropriately determined in consideration of the heat conduction during the firing of the fluororesin and the vulcanization of the rubber, but it is usually preferably about 1 to 10 mm. However, the preferred thickness is selected depending on the material in consideration of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, strength, and the like.

The fluororesin paint applied to the inner surface of the cylindrical mold is obtained by dispersing particles of the above-mentioned various fluororesins individually or in combination of two or more in water or an organic solvent. Can be suitably used. Among these, a fluororesin coating containing PFA particles or a mixture of PFA particles and PTFE particles is preferable, and the particle diameter is preferably 10 μm or less.
It is preferable for obtaining a film having no surface smoothness and no film defects. Carbon black, if necessary, for fluororesin paint
A filler such as mica or a conductive filler can be contained. The method for applying the fluororesin paint to the inner surface of the cylindrical mold is not particularly limited, but a dipping method is preferred. After applying a fluororesin paint to the inner surface of the cylindrical mold, it is dried and fired by a conventional method. At this time, the thickness of the fluororesin coating film after drying and baking is usually 0.1 to 100 μm,
Preferably 1 to 60 μm, more preferably 5 to 40 μm
A fluororesin paint is applied so that

In order to improve the adhesive strength between the fluororesin layer and the rubber layer (A), it is preferable to perform a surface treatment on the fluororesin layer in advance. As the surface treatment of the fluororesin layer, physical treatment by irradiation such as ultraviolet irradiation with a UV lamp, an excimer lamp, etc., corona discharge, plasma treatment, electron beam irradiation, ion irradiation, laser irradiation, etc .; chemical treatment with metallic sodium; Is mentioned. A commercially available fluororesin surface treatment agent, for example, a trade name, Tetraetch A manufactured by Junkosha, can also be used. Next, on the fluororesin layer formed above, a coating of a rubber material capable of forming a high-hardness rubber is formed and vulcanized to form a high-hardness rubber layer (A). At this time, on the fluororesin layer in advance,
It is preferable to apply a rubber adhesive since the adhesiveness between the fluororesin layer and the high-hardness rubber layer (A) is improved. The rubber adhesive can be appropriately selected according to the type of rubber used for the high hardness rubber layer (A). As the rubber used for the high hardness rubber layer (A), liquid rubber is preferable from the viewpoint of hardness and workability.

Next, the base is inserted into the axis of the cylindrical mold,
A rubber material capable of forming a rubber having a lower hardness than the rubber of the rubber layer (A) is injected into a gap between the high-hardness rubber layer (A) and the base, and vulcanized to form a low-hardness rubber layer ( Form B).
The surface of the substrate is preferably subjected to a roughening treatment such as a cutting process or the like, or an adhesive for rubber is applied to enhance the adhesion to the low-hardness rubber layer (B). When a tubular substrate is used as the substrate, it is preferable to insert a support such as a stainless steel rod or tube into the tubular substrate so as to maintain the shape during molding. Either put the whole in a separate mold or close the lower opening of the cylindrical mold so that the rubber material can be injected into the gap between the high hardness rubber layer (A) and the base. . For injection of rubber, an injection method, an extrusion method, or the like can be employed.

As described above, instead of the method of injecting and vulcanizing a rubber material capable of forming a low-hardness rubber to form the low-hardness rubber layer (B), for example, a high-hardness rubber layer may be used. A method in which an unvulcanized rubber layer made of a rubber material capable of forming a low-hardness rubber is formed on the layer (A) and then a base is inserted and vulcanized, or a low-hardness rubber is formed. It is also possible to adopt a method of inserting a base on which an unvulcanized rubber layer made of a rubber material is formed and vulcanizing. However, from the viewpoint of workability, the above-described injection method is preferable. After the vulcanization of the low-hardness rubber layer (B) is completed, the cylindrical mold is released. Then, usually, the surface of the fluororesin layer is polished to adjust the shape of the fluororesin layer and the thickness thereof.

[0029]

The present invention will be described below more specifically with reference to examples and comparative examples. The evaluation methods of the physical properties are as follows. (1) Durability The rotating bodies obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples were mounted on a fixing unit, a load was applied from above, and a fixing test of 50,000 sheets was performed. ：: No abnormality in both the fixed image and the roller. X: There are abnormalities such as wrinkles on the fixed paper and cracks on the surface of the rotating body. (2) Fixability A silk-bon paper is placed on the color-fixed image of the transfer paper obtained in the initial stage of the fixing test, and a 200 g weight of 5 cm square is placed on the paper and rubbed five times. The fixed image before and after the rubbing was measured with a color difference meter, and the decrease in lightness was measured, and evaluated according to the following criteria. ：: Lightness reduction is 50% or less, ×: Lightness reduction is 50% or more.

Example 1 <Step (1)> The inner surface of an iron cylinder having an inner diameter of 32.5 mm and an outer diameter of 34.5 mm was chrome-plated. The cylinder is made of fluororesin paint (Dupont; part number 855-J-21033: P
After dipping in a mixed paint of TFE and PFA, particle diameter of 10 μm or less), it was pulled up, dried and baked to obtain a 25 μm thick fluororesin coating film. The surface of the obtained fluororesin coating film was treated with a fluororesin surface treating agent (manufactured by Junko; product number: Tetraetch A). After surface treatment, rubber adhesive (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number DY39-051)
Was applied. <Step (2)> Next, a liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 61 (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .;
-34-1112: JIS-A hardness 61, tensile strength 77
(kgf / cm ² , elongation 130%) with a thickness of 50 μm and vulcanized. On top of that, an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number DY39-05)
1) was applied. <Step (3)> The surface of a roller-shaped substrate (core metal) having an outer diameter of 30 mmφ and a thickness of 2 mm made of aluminum is finished to a surface roughness of 2 μm by cutting, washed, and then used for rubber with a thickness of about 2 μm. An adhesive (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number DY39-051) was applied. The core was inserted into the cylinder and set in a mold. After installation, liquid rubber (silicone rubber manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; part number DY35) having a rubber hardness of 20 degrees between the cylinder and the core metal
-895: JIS-A hardness 20, tensile strength 22 kgf /
cm ² , elongation 210%) so that the thickness becomes 2 mm,
It was injected and vulcanized by injection. After vulcanization, the cylinder and the cylinder were removed from the mold, and the cylinder was demolded. After release from the mold, the fluororesin layer was polished to a thickness of about 20 μm to complete a fixing roller. Table 1 shows the results.

Example 2 In step (3) of Example 1, instead of the liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 20 degrees, a liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 12 degrees (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; product number KE1375: JIS) -A hardness 12, tensile strength 10kg
f / cm ² , elongation 270%), and a fixing roller was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 1 shows the results.

Example 3 In step (3) of Example 1, a liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 5 degrees (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .;
E1380: JIS-A hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf /
cm ² , elongation: 390%), except that a fixing roller was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 1 shows the results.

Example 4 In step (2) of Example 1, the rubber having a rubber hardness of 6 was used instead of the liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 61.
Twice liquid rubber (silicone rubber manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number PRX305: JIS-A hardness 6)
2. A liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 5 degrees (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) using a tensile strength of 65 kgf / cm ² and an elongation of 350%), and replacing the liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 20 degrees in step (3). Silicone rubber; Part number KE1380: JIS-A
(Hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf / cm ² , elongation 390%)
A fixing roller was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that No. was used. Table 1 shows the results.

[Comparative Example 1] In step (2) of Example 1, the liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 61 was replaced with a rubber having a rubber hardness of 5
Liquid rubber (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; product number KE
1380: JIS-A hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf / c
m ² , elongation: 390%), and in step (3), a liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 70 degrees (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; product number KE1204) is used instead of the liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 20 degrees: JIS-A hardness 70, tensile strength 35k
gf / cm ² , elongation 90%), except that a fixing roller was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 1 shows the results.

Comparative Example 2 <Step (1)> The inner surface of an iron cylinder having an inner diameter of 32.5 mm and an outer diameter of 34.5 mm was chrome-plated. The cylinder was dipped in a fluororesin paint (manufactured by DuPont; product number 855-J-21033), pulled up, dried and fired to obtain a 25 μm-thick fluororesin coating film. The surface of the obtained fluororesin coating film was treated with a fluororesin surface treating agent (manufactured by Junko; product number: Tetraetch A). After surface treatment, rubber adhesive (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number DY39-051)
Was applied. <Step (2)> Next, a liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 62 (silicone rubber manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number PRX305: JIS-A hardness 62, tensile strength 65 kgf / cm ²⁾ (Elongation: 350%) was applied to a thickness of 1000 μm (1 mm) and vulcanized. An adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone; product number DY39-051) was further applied thereon. <Step (3)> The surface of a roller-shaped substrate (core metal) having an outer diameter of 30 mmφ and a thickness of 2 mm made of aluminum is finished to a surface roughness of 2 μm by cutting, washed, and then used for rubber with a thickness of about 2 μm. Adhesive (Shin-Etsu Chemical; Part No. X-33-17)
4-2) was applied. Inserting the core into the cylinder,
Installed in the mold. After installation, a liquid rubber (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; product number KE1380: JIS-A hardness 5, JIS-A hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf) between cylinder and core metal
/ Cm ² , elongation: 390%) by injection so that the thickness becomes 1 mm, and vulcanized. After vulcanization, the cylinder and the cylinder were removed from the mold, and the cylinder was demolded. After release from the mold, the fluororesin layer was polished to a thickness of about 20 μm to complete a fixing roller. Table 1 shows the results.

Comparative Example 3 <Step (1)> The inner surface of an iron cylinder having an inner diameter of 32.5 mm and an outer diameter of 34.5 mm was chrome-plated. The cylinder was dipped in a fluororesin paint (manufactured by DuPont; product number 855-J-21033), pulled up, dried and fired to obtain a 25 μm-thick fluororesin coating film. The surface of the obtained fluororesin coating film was treated with a fluororesin surface treating agent (manufactured by Junko; product number: Tetraetch A). <Step (2)> Next, a liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 70 (fluoro rubber manufactured by Daikin Industries; part number GLS-213: JIS-A hardness 70, tensile strength 100)
(kgf / cm ² , elongation 90%) in a thickness of 50 μm and vulcanized. After further treating with a fluororesin coating film surface treating agent (manufactured by Junkosha, product number Tetraetch A), an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., product number: X-33-174-)
2) was applied. <Step (3)> The surface of a roller-shaped substrate (core metal) having an outer diameter of 30 mmφ and a thickness of 2 mm made of aluminum is finished to a surface roughness of 2 μm by cutting, washed, and then used for rubber with a thickness of about 2 μm. Adhesive (Shin-Etsu Chemical; Part No. X-33-17)
4-2) was applied. Inserting the core into the cylinder,
Installed in the mold. After installation, a liquid rubber (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; product number KE1380: JIS-A hardness 5, JIS-A hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf) between cylinder and core metal
/ Cm ² , elongation 390%) to a thickness of 2 mm,
It was injected and vulcanized by injection. After vulcanization, the cylinder and the cylinder were removed from the mold, and the cylinder was demolded. After release from the mold, the fluororesin layer was polished to a thickness of about 20 μm to complete a fixing roller. Table 1 shows the results.

[0037]

[Table 1] After being pressed, pulled up, dried and fired, thickness 25 μm
Was obtained. The surface of the obtained fluororesin coating film was treated with a fluororesin surface treating agent (manufactured by Junko; product number: Tetraetch A). <Step (2)> Next, a liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 70 (fluoro rubber manufactured by Daikin Industries; part number GLS-213: JIS-A hardness 70, tensile strength 100)
(kgf / cm ² , elongation 90%) in a thickness of 50 μm and vulcanized. After further treating with a fluororesin coating film surface treating agent (manufactured by Junkosha, product number Tetraetch A), an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., product number: X-33-174-)
2) was applied. <Step (3)> The surface of a roller-shaped substrate (core metal) having an outer diameter of 30 mmφ and a thickness of 2 mm made of aluminum is finished to a surface roughness of 2 μm by cutting, washed, and then used for rubber with a thickness of about 2 μm. Adhesive (Shin-Etsu Chemical; Part No. X-33-17)
4-2) was applied. Inserting the core into the cylinder,
Installed in the mold. After installation, a liquid rubber (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; product number KE1380: JIS-A hardness 5, JIS-A hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf) between cylinder and core metal
/ Cm ² , elongation 390%) to a thickness of 2 mm,
It was injected and vulcanized by injection. After vulcanization, the cylinder and the cylinder were removed from the mold, and the cylinder was demolded. After release from the mold, the fluororesin layer was polished to a thickness of about 20 μm to complete a fixing roller. Table 1 shows the results.

[0037]

[Table 1]

Example 5 The inner surface of a stainless steel cylinder was plated with chromium. The cylinder was dipped in a fluororesin paint (manufactured by DuPont; product number 855-J-21033), pulled up, dried and fired to obtain a 25 μm-thick fluororesin coating film. The surface of the obtained fluororesin coating film was treated with a fluororesin surface treating agent (manufactured by Junko; product number: Tetraetch A). After the treatment, an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone; product number DY39-051) was applied. A liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 62 degrees (silicone rubber manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number PRX305: JIS-
A hardness 62, tensile strength 65 kgf / cm ² , elongation 350
%) Was applied to a thickness of 50 μm and vulcanized. in addition,
Further, an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number DY39-051) was applied. A polyimide varnish (manufactured by Ube Industries, product number U varnish S) was formed into a tube shape on a stainless steel core metal by a coating method to produce a polyimide tube. After treating the tube surface with corona discharge, an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co .; product number DY39012) was applied to a thickness of about 2 μm. A stainless steel core covered with the above polyimide tube was inserted into the cylinder, and set in a mold. After installation,
Liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 5 degrees (made by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; product number KE138) between the cylinder and the core metal covered with the polyimide tube
0: Silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .;
JIS-A hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf / cm ² , elongation 390%) were injected by injection so that the thickness became 0.6 mm, and vulcanized. After vulcanization, the cylinder and the cylinder were removed from the mold, and the cylinder was demolded. After removal from the mold, the fluororesin layer was polished to a thickness of about 20 μm to complete a fixing belt. The obtained fixing belt satisfied the evaluation criteria of the fixing property and the durability.

Example 6 The inner surface of a stainless steel cylinder was chrome-plated. The cylinder was dipped in a fluororesin paint (manufactured by DuPont; product number 855-J-21033), pulled up, dried and fired to obtain a 25 μm-thick fluororesin coating film. The surface of the obtained fluororesin coating film was treated with a fluororesin surface treating agent (manufactured by Junko; product number: Tetraetch A). After the treatment, an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number DY39-051) was applied. A liquid rubber having a rubber hardness of 62 degrees (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd .; product number PRX305: JIS-A hardness 62,
Tensile strength of 65 kgf / cm ² , elongation of 350%)
m and vulcanized. On top of that, an adhesive for rubber (manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co .;
Y39-051) was applied. A nickel tube was placed on a stainless steel cored bar. Adhesive for rubber (Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co .; Part No. D)
Y39012) was applied by about 2 μm. Insert a stainless steel core covered with the nickel tube into the cylinder,
Installed in the mold. After installation, liquid rubber (silicone rubber manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .; part number KE1380: JIS-A) having a rubber hardness of 5 degrees between the cylinder and the core metal covered with the nickel tube.
(Hardness 5, tensile strength 11 kgf / cm ² , elongation 390%)
Was injected by injection so that the thickness became 0.6 mm, and vulcanized. After vulcanization, the cylinder and the cylinder were removed from the mold, and the cylinder was demolded. After removal from the mold, the fluororesin layer was polished to a thickness of about 20 μm to complete a fixing belt. The obtained fixing belt satisfied the evaluation criteria of the fixing property and the durability.

[0040]

According to the present invention, there is provided a rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller-shaped or tube-shaped substrate, and has excellent toner releasing properties and fixing properties.
In particular, a rotating body having significantly improved durability and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The rotating body of the present invention is particularly suitable as a fixing roller or belt used in a fixing section of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a layer structure of a rotating body of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Roller or tube-shaped substrate 2: Low hardness rubber layer (B) 3: High hardness rubber layer (A) 4: Fluororesin layer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiromi Uemura 950 Noda, Kazatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka Prefecture Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Kumatori Factory

Claims (5)

[Claims] In a rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller-shaped or tube-shaped substrate, the rubber layer is formed of two rubber layers having different hardnesses. ) A high-hardness rubber layer (A) having a JIS-A hardness of 50 degrees or more, a tensile strength of 30 kgf / cm ² or more, and an elongation of 100% or more is disposed on the fluororesin layer side,
(2) A rotating body characterized in that a low-hardness rubber layer (B) having a JIS-A hardness of 30 degrees or less is disposed on the substrate side. 2. The low-hardness rubber layer (B) has a tensile strength of 30.
The rotating body according to claim 1, wherein the elongation is less than kgf / cm ² and the elongation is 150% or more. 3. The rotating body according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the high hardness rubber layer (A) is smaller than the thickness of the low hardness rubber layer (B). 4. When the thickness of the fluororesin layer is x (μm), the thickness of the high hardness rubber layer (A) is y (μm), and the thickness of the low hardness rubber layer (B) is z (μm). The rotating body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of each of the layers satisfies the relationship represented by the following formula (1): x? Y? 0.1z (1). 5. A method of manufacturing a rotating body in which a rubber layer and a fluororesin layer are formed in this order on a roller-shaped or tube-shaped substrate, wherein (1) the inner surface of a cylindrical mold is coated with a fluororesin paint. Baking, forming a fluororesin layer,
(2) forming a coating of a rubber material capable of forming a high-hardness rubber on the fluororesin layer and vulcanizing to form a high-hardness rubber layer (A); and (3) cylindrical metal The base is inserted into the axis of the mold, and a rubber material capable of forming a rubber having a lower hardness than the rubber of the rubber layer (A) is injected into a gap between the high-hardness rubber layer (A) and the base to be added. A method for producing a rotating body, comprising a step of forming a low-hardness rubber layer (B) by sulfuration.