WO2011052378A1

WO2011052378A1 - Developing member for electrophotography device and method for producing said developing member

Info

Publication number: WO2011052378A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/067938
Authority: WO
Inventors: 浩介峰松; 明彦加地; 康行早崎; 直樹片山; 真吾仲市; 洋介林
Original assignee: 東海ゴム工業株式会社
Priority date: 2009-10-30
Filing date: 2010-10-13
Publication date: 2011-05-05
Also published as: JP5290428B2; JPWO2011052378A1

Abstract

Provided is a developing member for electrophotography devices wherein it is possible to relieve toner stress, and to charge the toner at a relatively low voltage. The developing member for electrophotography devices is provided with: layer structure (1) having at least one or more rubber-elasticity layers, and an insulating layer laminated on the surface of the rubber-elasticity layer; or layer structure (2) having a rubber-elasticity insulating layer. The surface of the abovementioned layer structures is provided with a pattern electrode having a pattern layer which comprises a polymer coating film, and an electrode layer which is formed on the surface of the pattern layer, and comprises a metal material. Preferably, the electrode layer is formed by means of metal plating.

Description

Developing member for electrophotographic apparatus and method for producing the same

The present invention relates to a developing member for electrophotographic equipment and a method for producing the same.

In recent years, electrophotographic devices such as copiers, printers, facsimiles and the like that employ an electrophotographic method have been widely used.

In these electrophotographic apparatuses, generally, a latent image is formed on a latent image carrier such as a photosensitive drum, and toner is attached to the latent image and developed to be visualized as a toner image. Then, the toner image is transferred to a recording medium such as paper to form an image.

In such an electrophotographic apparatus, a developing roll has been widely used as a developing member for developing a latent image. As typical developing methods using a developing roll, for example, the following are known. That is, the toner layer forming blade is pressed against the surface of the developing roll, and the toner is charged by friction. The charged toner layer is conveyed to a position facing the surface of the latent image carrier by the rotation of the developing roll, and develops the latent image on the latent image carrier. As a developing method, a contact type in which the latent image carrier and the developing roll are in contact and a non-contact type in which the latent image carrier and the developing roll are not in contact are known.

Recently, as described in Patent Document 1, a voltage is applied to the electrode formed on the surface of the developing roll, and the toner is hopped on the surface of the roll by the electric field formed thereby, and the toner is rotated by rotating the developing roll. Has also been proposed for developing the latent image on the latent image carrier by transporting the toner to the developing area.

In Patent Document 1, an electrode shaft is press-fitted into a shaft hole provided in an acrylic resin cylinder as an insulator, and a groove is formed on the surface of the cylinder by cutting, followed by electroless plating. There is disclosed a developing roll in which a surface electrode is formed by turning an outer peripheral surface of a roll subjected to electrolytic plating to remove an unnecessary conductive film.

JP 2007-133387 A

However, conventionally known developing members with electrodes have the following problems.

That is, since the conventionally known developing member with an electrode uses a metal as an electrode material, the toner can be charged with a relatively low voltage. However, since the resin is used as the roll main material, the roll hardness is high and hard.

Therefore, there is a problem that the toner is easily stressed due to contact with a peripheral member such as a toner layer forming blade or a latent image carrier, and the toner is likely to deteriorate. When the toner deteriorates, fogging and filming occur, and image defects are likely to occur.

In contrast to this conventional technique, it is conceivable to use a rubber elastic body as a roll main material and a conductive agent-containing resin obtained by adding a conductive agent to a resin as an electrode material in order to reduce roll hardness. However, when a conductive agent-containing resin or the like is used as an electrode material, there is a problem that the electrical resistance increases, and if a relatively high voltage is not applied, a minute electric field cannot be generated and the chargeability of the toner is deteriorated. Concerned. Application of a high voltage hinders power saving and speeding up of the electrophotographic apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is an electrophotography that can alleviate toner stress and can charge toner at a relatively low voltage. The object is to provide a developing member for an apparatus and a method for producing the developing member.

In order to solve the above problems, a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following layer structure (1) or (2):
(1) Layer structure including at least one rubber elastic layer and an insulating layer laminated on the surface of the rubber elastic layer (2) Layer structure including an insulating layer having rubber elasticity Surface of the above layer structure And a pattern electrode having a pattern layer made of a polymer coating and an electrode layer made of a metal material formed on the surface of the pattern layer.

Here, the electrode layer is preferably formed by metal plating.

Further, it is preferable that a catalyst metal is present in the pattern layer or on the surface of the pattern layer. At this time, the catalyst metal is preferably supported on a carrier.

The thickness of the electrode layer is preferably in the range of 50 nm to 10 μm.

The pattern shape of the pattern layer is preferably formed by laser processing.

Moreover, it is preferable that the insulating layers of the layer structures (1) and (2) have laser reflectivity. Alternatively, the insulating layers of the layer structures (1) and (2) preferably have a thickness capable of suppressing the lower layer from being laser processed as compared with the insulating layer.

The surface of the pattern electrode is preferably covered with a coating.

The method for producing a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention includes a step of forming the following layer structure (1) or (2),
(1) Layer structure including at least one rubber elastic layer and an insulating layer laminated on the surface of the rubber elastic layer (2) Layer structure including an insulating layer having rubber elasticity Surface of the above layer structure And a step of forming a pattern layer made of a polymer coating film and a step of forming an electrode layer made of a metal material on the surface of the pattern layer.

Here, in the above manufacturing method, it is preferable to form the electrode layer by metal plating.

In the above production method, it is preferable to form a pattern layer made of a polymer coating film containing a catalyst metal or a pattern layer made of a polymer coating film provided with a catalyst metal on the surface.

Further, the polymer contained in the polymer coating film containing the catalyst metal is preferably a water-soluble polymer.

The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention includes a pattern layer made of a polymer coating on the surface of the layer structure (1) or (2) having rubber elasticity and a metal material formed on the surface of the pattern layer. And a patterned electrode having an electrode layer. Therefore, the member becomes flexible, and it becomes possible to alleviate toner stress due to contact with peripheral members such as a toner layer forming blade and a latent image carrier. As a result, image defects due to fogging, filming, and the like can be suppressed when incorporated in an electrophotographic apparatus. Further, since the electrode layer of the pattern electrode is made of a metal material, the surface resistance of the pattern electrode is lowered. Therefore, the toner can be charged by generating a minute electric field by applying a relatively low voltage. Therefore, it can contribute to power saving and speeding up of the electrophotographic apparatus.

Here, when the electrode layer is formed by metal plating, the electrode layer is relatively thin and has a low surface resistance. For this reason, it is easy to reduce the influence of the electrode layer on the toner stress, and it is easy to ensure the toner charging property at a low voltage.

In addition, when a catalytic metal is present in the pattern layer or on the surface of the pattern layer, the electrode layer can be formed by metal plating. At this time, when the catalytic metal is supported on the carrier, the adhesion between the pattern layer and the electrode layer is improved. Therefore, reliability and durability can be improved.

Further, when the thickness of the electrode layer is in the range of 50 nm to 10 μm, the continuity of the electrode layer is easily maintained, and the influence of the electrode layer on the toner stress is easily reduced.

In addition, when the pattern shape of the pattern layer is formed by laser processing, it is easy to prevent a short circuit between patterns, and the operation reliability is excellent.

In addition, when the insulating layers of the layer structures (1) and (2) have laser reflectivity, when the pattern shape of the pattern electrode is formed by laser processing, the layer structures (1) and (2) Protected almost without laser processing. Therefore, it can suppress that the surface of layer structure (1), (2) is roughened by an etching.

In addition, when the insulating layers of the layer structures (1) and (2) have a thickness capable of suppressing laser processing, when the pattern shape of the pattern electrode is formed by laser processing, the layer structure ( It is possible to suppress the laser processing of 1) and (2). Therefore, it can suppress that the surface of layer structure (1), (2) is roughened by an etching.

Further, when the surface of the pattern electrode is covered with a film, the following advantages are obtained. That is, when a film is formed on the surface of the pattern electrode, it is easy to select a film material that easily promotes frictional charging of the toner toward the normal charging polarity. Therefore, as compared with the case where the toner and the pattern electrode are in direct contact with each other, it becomes easier to stabilize the toner charging, and it is easy to contribute to the improvement in image quality. Moreover, since the pattern electrode is less likely to be worn, it is easy to maintain the electrode shape over a long period of time. Therefore, it is excellent in durability.

In the method for producing a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present invention, a pattern layer comprising a polymer coating film is formed on the surface of the formed layer structure (1) or (2) having rubber elasticity, and the pattern layer is formed. An electrode layer made of a metal material is formed on the surface.

Therefore, it is possible to obtain the above-described developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus that has the flexibility to relieve the toner stress and can charge the toner at a relatively low voltage.

Here, in the above manufacturing method, when the electrode layer is formed by metal plating, a relatively thin electrode layer having a low surface resistance can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus that easily reduces the influence of the electrode layer on the toner stress and easily secures the toner charging property at a low voltage.

In the above production method, when forming a pattern layer made of a polymer coating film containing a catalyst metal, when forming an electrode layer by metal plating, not only the surface (top surface) of the pattern layer, An electrode layer can also be formed on the side surface. On the other hand, when forming a pattern layer consisting of a polymer coating with a catalytic metal on the surface (top surface), select only the pattern layer surface (top surface) when forming an electrode layer by metal plating. Thus, an electrode layer can be formed. Therefore, it is advantageous for reducing the pitch of the electrode pattern.

Moreover, when the polymer contained in the polymer coating film containing the catalyst metal is a water-soluble polymer, the plating developability during metal plating is excellent. Therefore, the productivity of the developing member for electrophotographic equipment can be improved. In addition, a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus having an electrode layer having excellent adhesion can be obtained. This is considered to be because, during metal plating, the surface of the polymer coating film is slightly dissolved by the moisture in the plating bath, and more of the catalyst metal is exposed and the metal plating is easily deposited.

It is the figure which showed typically an example of schematic structure of the developing member for electrophotographic apparatuses which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the cross section of the developing member for electrophotographic apparatuses which has a layer structure (1). It is the figure which showed typically an example of the cross section of the developing member for electrophotographic apparatuses which has a layer structure (2). It is the figure which showed typically an example of the developing member for electrophotographic apparatuses of a roll shape which has a pattern electrode (2 electrode type) of a line and space shape. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the alternating voltage application method to the developing member for electrophotographic equipment shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the developing member for electrophotographic apparatuses of the roll shape which has another pattern electrode (1 electrode type) of a line and space shape. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the alternating voltage application method to the developing member for electrophotographic equipment shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing a modification of the developing member for electrophotographic equipment in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a view showing a modification of the developing member for electrophotographic equipment in FIG. 3. 6 is a photograph showing the surface of a roll body after laser processing when manufacturing a developing roll according to Example 2. FIG. 6 is a photograph showing the surface of a roll body after the plating treatment at the time of manufacturing a developing roll according to Example 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to the present embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “the present developing member”) and a manufacturing method thereof (hereinafter also referred to as “the present manufacturing method”) will be described. .

1. Main developing member The main developing member is a member used for transporting a developer (also referred to as toner) of an electrophotographic apparatus that forms an image such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile that employs an electrophotographic system.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a schematic configuration of the developing member. As shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B, the developing member 10 has at least a specific layer structure (1) 12 or a specific layer structure (2) 14 and a pattern electrode 16. Yes.

The shape of the developing member is not particularly limited. The developing member may be formed in, for example, a roll shape (developing roll), a belt shape (developing belt), or the like. The developing method can be selected in consideration of the developing method of the electrophotographic apparatus in which the developing member is incorporated.

When the roll shape is selected as the shape of the developing member, for example, the specific layer structure and the pattern electrode can be formed on the outer periphery of the shaft body. On the other hand, when the belt shape is selected as the shape of the developing member, the specific layer structure and the pattern electrode can be formed on the surface of the belt-like base material mainly composed of various resins, rubber, and the like. Moreover, the pattern electrode may be formed in the surface of the said specific layer structure formed in the belt shape, without using a belt-shaped base material.

Hereinafter, the case where the developing member has a roll shape (when the developing member is applied to the developing roll) will be described as an example. In FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, the pattern electrode 16 is displayed in a simplified manner, and the stacked state as shown in FIG. 1 is not shown.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section of the developing member having the layer structure (1). As shown in FIG. 2, the developing member 10 has an outer shape formed in a roll shape. The developing member 10 includes a layer structure (1) 12 on the outer periphery of the shaft body 18 and has a pattern electrode 16 on the surface of the layer structure (1) 12.

The shaft body 18 can be made of any material as long as it has conductivity. Specifically, a metal core made of a metal such as iron, stainless steel, and aluminum, a plastic shaft that has been made conductive by being plated, and the like can be exemplified. The shaft body 18 may be a solid body or a hollow body. If necessary, an adhesive, a primer, or the like may be applied to the surface of the shaft body 18. The adhesive, primer, etc. may be made conductive as necessary.

2, the layer structure (1) 12 includes a rubber elastic layer 12a and an insulating layer 12b laminated on the surface of the rubber elastic layer 12a.

The rubber elastic layer 12a may be composed of one layer or may be composed of two or more layers. Preferably, from the viewpoint of miniaturization and the like, the rubber elastic layer 12a may be composed of one layer. The rubber elastic layer 12a may be a solid layer or a foamed layer.

Examples of the main material constituting the rubber elastic layer 12a include a rubber elastic material, a mixture of a rubber elastic material and a resin material, and the like.

Examples of the rubber elastic material include silicone rubber, EPDM, NBR, hydrin rubber, BR, IR, and urethane rubber. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, preferably, silicone rubber or the like can be suitably used from the viewpoints of set resistance, setability, and the like.

Examples of the resin material include urethane resin, urethane silicone resin, urethane fluororesin, acrylic resin, acrylic silicone resin, acrylic fluororesin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, alkyd resin, PVDF, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, and the like. Examples of such engineering plastics can be given. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more.

The rubber elastic layer 12a includes one or two kinds of various additives such as a conductive agent (electronic conductive agent, ionic conductive agent), a cross-linking agent, a cross-linking accelerator, a softening agent (oil), and a foaming agent as required. You may contain above.

In the developing member 10, the rubber elastic layer 12a can be appropriately selected from conductive and non-conductive in consideration of a method for generating an electric field in the pattern electrode 16 and the like. For example, when different voltages are applied to the

adjacent line electrodes

16a and 16b of the pattern electrode 16 to generate an electric field between the

adjacent line electrodes

16a and 16b (FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. For example, the rubber elastic layer 12a may be conductive or non-conductive. In this case, it is preferably non-conductive from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and the like.

Further, for example, when the same voltage is applied to all the adjacent line electrodes 16c of the pattern electrode 16 to generate an electric field between the line electrode 16c and the rubber elastic layer 12a (FIGS. 6 and 7 described later). In addition, the rubber elastic layer 12a needs to have conductivity.

The thickness of the rubber elastic layer 12a can be determined in consideration of the flexibility required for the developing member 10, the assembly space of the developing member 10, and the like.

The lower limit of the thickness of the rubber elastic layer 12a (when the rubber elastic layer 12a is composed of a plurality of layers, the total thickness, hereinafter omitted) is preferably 0.2 mm or more from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient flexibility. Preferably, it is 0.5 mm or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the thickness of the rubber elastic layer 12a is preferably 6 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, from the viewpoint of roll runout accuracy and the like.

On the other hand, the insulating layer 12b has an insulating property because the pattern electrode 16 is formed on the surface thereof. In the layer structure (1) 12, the insulating layer 12b may be composed of one layer or may be composed of two or more layers. Preferably, from the viewpoint of productivity, manufacturing cost, etc., the insulating layer 12b may be composed of one layer.

In addition to the insulating property, the insulating layer 12b preferably has laser reflectivity so that laser processing is substantially reflected and laser processing becomes difficult.

If the insulating layer 12b has laser reflectivity, the laser beam reaching the surface of the insulating layer 12b is substantially reflected when the pattern shape of the pattern electrode 16 is formed by laser processing. Therefore, only the upper layer portion of the insulating layer 12b can be selectively laser processed, and the layer structure (1) 12 is protected with almost no laser processing. Therefore, the layer structure (1) 12 easily develops rubber elasticity.

Further, substantially the same effect as described above can be obtained by setting the thickness of the insulating layer 12b to a thickness capable of suppressing laser processing. In this case, the optimum range of the thickness of the insulating layer 12b may be selected according to the wavelength of the laser beam, the irradiation intensity, and the like.

Since the layer structure (1) 12 includes the rubber elastic layer 12a, the insulating layer 12b does not necessarily have rubber elasticity. However, it is preferable that the insulating layer 12b has rubber elasticity because the flexibility of the developing member 10 is improved and the toner stress is easily relieved.

As the main material constituting the insulating layer 12b, for example, a rubber elastic material, a resin material, or a mixture thereof can be exemplified. In the case of imparting laser reflectivity, these various materials may contain a laser reflective material.

Examples of the rubber elastic material include silicone rubber, EPDM, NBR, hydrin rubber, BR, IR, and urethane rubber. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more.

Examples of the resin material include engineering plastics such as urethane resin, urethane silicone resin, urethane fluororesin, acrylic resin, acrylic silicone resin, acrylic fluororesin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, alkyd resin, PVDF, and polyimide resin. Etc. can be illustrated. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more.

Further, the laser reflecting material varies depending on the wavelength of the laser beam used for laser processing, and examples thereof include white materials such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, barium sulfate, silica, calcium carbonate, and white natural rubber. can do. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more. Moreover, you may use white rubber single-piece | units, such as white natural rubber which is a laser reflective material, as said rubber elastic material.

In addition, when providing the laser reflectivity to the insulating layer 12b, these laser reflecting materials are used with respect to 100 parts by mass of various polymer components of the main material constituting the insulating layer 12b from the viewpoint of improving the reflection efficiency of the laser light. It is preferably in the range of 5 to 200 parts by mass. More preferably, it is in the range of 5 to 100 parts by mass.

The insulating layer 12b may contain one or more kinds of various additives such as a crosslinking agent, a coupling agent, and a leveling agent as necessary.

The thickness of the insulating layer 12b can be determined in consideration of coating formability, laser reflectivity, and the like.

When the insulating layer 12b has laser reflectivity, the lower limit of the thickness of the insulating layer 12b is preferably 0.003 mm or more, more preferably 0.003 mm or more from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient laser reflectivity and leak resistance. It is good that it is 005 mm or more. Further, when the thickness of the insulating layer 12b is set to a thickness capable of suppressing laser processing, the lower limit of the thickness of the insulating layer 12b is preferably from the viewpoint of securing a sufficient layer thickness, leak resistance, etc. 0.01 mm or more, more preferably 0.05 mm or more.

On the other hand, the upper limit of the thickness of the insulating layer 12b is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less from the viewpoint of preventing the generation of an electric field.

In the above description, the case where the developing member has the layer structure (1) has been described. The developing member may have a layer structure (2) described below instead of the layer structure (1). FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section of the developing member having the layer structure (2).

As shown in FIG. 3, the developing member 10 has a layer structure (2) 14 on the outer periphery of a shaft body 18, and has a pattern electrode 16 on the surface of the layer structure (2) 14.

The layer structure (2) 14 is greatly different from the layer structure (1) 12 shown in FIG. 2 in that it does not have the rubber elastic layer 12a. That is, in the layer structure (2) 14, the insulating layer 14b has rubber elasticity in addition to insulating properties, and also serves as a rubber elastic layer. Therefore, in the layer structure (2) 14, the rubber elastic layer 12a can be omitted, and the layer structure can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to downsizing of the developing member 10 (thinning in the roll shape, thinning in the belt shape) and improvement in dimensional accuracy such as runout accuracy.

In the layer structure (2) 14, the insulating layer 14b may be composed of one layer or may be composed of two or more layers. Preferably, from the viewpoint of productivity, manufacturing cost, etc., the insulating layer 14b may be composed of one layer.

In addition to the insulating property and rubber elasticity, the insulating layer 14b preferably has laser reflectivity so as to substantially reflect the laser beam and make laser processing difficult. Moreover, the thickness of the insulating layer 14b may be set to a thickness capable of suppressing laser processing. These reasons are as described in the layer structure (1) 12.

Examples of the main material constituting the insulating layer 14b include a rubber elastic material and a mixture of a rubber elastic material and a resin material. In the case of imparting laser reflectivity, these various materials may contain a laser reflective material. The rubber elastic material, the resin material, the laser reflecting material, the ratio thereof, and the like are as described in the layer structure (1) 12.

The thickness of the insulating layer 14b can be determined in consideration of coating formability, rubber elasticity, laser reflectivity, and the like.

When the insulating layer 14b has laser reflectivity, the lower limit of the thickness of the insulating layer 14b is preferably 0.003 mm or more, more preferably 0.003 mm or more, from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient laser reflectivity and leak resistance. It is good that it is 005 mm or more. Further, when the thickness of the insulating layer 14b is set to a thickness capable of suppressing laser processing, the lower limit of the thickness of the insulating layer 14b is preferably from the viewpoint of securing a sufficient layer thickness, leak resistance, etc. 0.01 mm or more, more preferably 0.05 mm or more.

On the other hand, the upper limit of the thickness of the insulating layer 14b is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less from the viewpoint of preventing the generation of an electric field.

The pattern shape of the pattern electrode 16 formed on the surface of the layer structure (1) 12 or the layer structure (2) 14 described above is various in consideration of the developing method of the electrophotographic apparatus in which the developing member 10 is incorporated. The pattern can be selected. Specific examples of the pattern shape include a line and space shape.

More specifically, for example, a developing method of an electrophotographic apparatus is a method in which toner is transported to the developing region by moving the surface of the developing member while reciprocating the toner on the electrode by hopping (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-133387). In the case of the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Gazette, a pattern electrode having a line and space shape or the like can be suitably selected.

It should be noted that the line width and space width may be selected in an optimum range in consideration of the average particle diameter of the toner to be used, toner hopping activity, and the like. The line width is preferably in the range of 2 to 30 times the average toner particle diameter, more preferably 3 to 20 times the average toner particle diameter. The space width is preferably in the range of 2 to 30 times the average toner particle diameter, more preferably 3 to 20 times the average toner particle diameter.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a roll-shaped developing member having a line-and-space pattern electrode (two-electrode type).

In FIG. 4, the pattern electrode 16 is composed of a plurality of line-shaped

electrodes

16a and 16b which are arranged in the roll circumferential direction at a predetermined interval and which are long in the roll longitudinal direction. Each odd-numbered line-shaped electrode 16a is connected to a common electrode 20a formed at one end of the roll. The common electrode 20a is connected to the conductive first shaft body 18a. On the other hand, the even-numbered line-shaped electrodes 16b are connected to a common electrode 20b formed at the other end of the roll. The common electrode 20b is connected to the conductive second shaft body 18b. The first shaft body 18a and the second shaft body 18b are insulated by the layer structure material inside the developing member 10.

According to the developing member 10, as shown in FIG. 5, a pulse voltage (plus in FIG. 5) can be applied to each odd-numbered line-shaped electrode 16a via the first shaft 18a and the common electrode 20a. it can. On the other hand, a pulse voltage (minus in FIG. 5) different from the above can be applied to each even-numbered line-shaped electrode 16b via the second shaft body 18b and the common electrode 20b. Thus, when a predetermined pulse voltage is applied to the pattern electrode 16, the generated electric field B1 reciprocates between the odd-numbered line-shaped electrodes 16a and the even-numbered line-shaped electrodes 16b ( Flare) can be performed by the toner 17.

In FIG. 4, the

common electrodes

20a and 20b are used. However, the odd-numbered line-shaped electrodes 16a (16b) and the first (second) shaft body 18a (18b) are used without using the common electrodes. May be electrically connected to each other by, for example, a cap-shaped conductive member provided at the end.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a roll-shaped developing member having another pattern electrode (one-electrode type) having a line-and-space shape.

In FIG. 6, the pattern electrode 16 is composed of a plurality of line-shaped electrodes 16c arranged in the roll circumferential direction at a predetermined interval and long in the roll longitudinal direction. Each line-like electrode 16c is connected to a common electrode 20c formed at both ends of the roll. A conductive member (not shown) is connected to the common electrode 20c, and a pulse voltage can be applied through the conductive member. The shaft body 18 has conductivity and penetrates through the roll. A pulse voltage different from the above can be applied to the shaft body 18. The rubber elastic layer 12a provided on the outer periphery of the shaft body 18 has conductivity.

According to the developing member 10, as shown in FIG. 7, a pulse voltage (plus in FIG. 7) is applied to each line electrode 16c via the common electrode 20c, while the shaft body 18 is different from the above. When a pulse voltage (minus in FIG. 7) is applied, the generated electric field B2 reciprocates between each line electrode 16c and the surface of the insulating layer 12b between each line electrode 16b (flare). ) Can be performed by the toner 17.

In the layer structure (1) 12 and the layer structure (2) 14 described above, the insulating layer 12 and the insulating layer 14b are preferably white, and the pattern electrode 16 is preferably black. In this case, defects on the pattern electrode 16 can be easily found, and thus the reliability of the developing member 10 can be improved.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the pattern electrode 16 includes a pattern layer 16P made of a polymer coating film and an electrode layer 16E made of a metal material formed on the surface of the pattern layer 16P. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the electrode layer 16E is formed only on the top surface of the surface of the pattern layer 16P, it may be formed on the side surface of the surface of the pattern layer 16P. .

The pattern layer 16P is formed of a polymer coating film. Therefore, the flexibility due to the elasticity of the polymer makes it difficult for the toner to be stressed and also easily follows the elastic deformation of the lower layer. Further, since the electrode layer 16E is made of a metal material, it has a low resistivity. That is, it can be said that the pattern electrode 16 of the present application achieves functional separation by providing the pattern layer 16P and the electrode layer 16E with functions of elasticity and conductivity, respectively.

Examples of the polymer material mainly constituting the pattern layer 16P include various rubbers (including elastomers) such as silicone rubber, EPDM, NBR, hydrin rubber, BR, IR, and urethane rubber, urethane resin, urethane silicone resin, and urethane fluororesin. Examples include acrylic resins, acrylic silicone resins, acrylic fluororesins, polyamide resins such as N-methoxymethylated nylon, polyester resins, alkyd resins, engineering plastics such as PVDF, polyimide resins, and various conductive polymers. . These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, a water-soluble polymer material having a good plating solution impregnation property is more preferable from the viewpoint of excellent plating expression.

As another auxiliary material that can constitute the pattern layer 16P, for example, a laser absorber can be exemplified. When the laser absorbing material is included, the pattern shape of the pattern layer 16P that forms the pattern of the pattern electrode 16 can be easily formed by laser processing. When the pattern shape of the pattern layer 16P is formed by laser processing, it is easy to prevent a short circuit between patterns, which is advantageous in terms of operation reliability.

In addition, when laser processing is used, the spot trace of a laser beam may be observed in a wave shape on the edge portion of the pattern layer 16P or the groove surface between the pattern layers 16P (the lower layer surface of the pattern layer 16P). That is, in normal laser processing, dot-shaped laser light oscillated at a certain frequency is often emitted in a continuous manner, and a wave pattern is likely to occur when a dot-shaped contour remains. However, the wave pattern may be difficult to see by narrowing the dot interval. Observation and confirmation of this trace is one of the promising methods for investigating the use of laser processing.

The laser absorbing material varies depending on the wavelength of the laser beam used for laser processing, and examples thereof include black materials such as carbon black. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more.

Further, as another auxiliary material that can constitute the pattern layer 16P, for example, a conductive agent can be exemplified. In this application, as for the pattern electrode 16, the electrode layer 16E bears electrical conductivity. Therefore, the pattern layer 16P does not necessarily have conductivity, and the addition of a conductive agent is optional. However, when a conductive agent is added, conductivity can be secured even in the pattern layer 16P, and the resistance of the entire pattern electrode 16 can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes easy to ensure toner chargeability at a low voltage. In addition, a laser absorbing material and a conductive agent are not included separately, but a laser absorbing conductive agent can also be included.

Examples of the conductive agent include carbon fine particles (carbon black, carbon nanotube, fullerene, peapod, etc.), ionic conductive agents (quaternary ammonium salt, borate, surfactant, metal ion, polyethylene oxide, etc.), conductive Examples thereof include polymers and metal fine particles. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more.

Further, as another auxiliary material that can constitute the pattern layer 16P, for example, a catalyst metal can be exemplified. When the catalytic metal is present in the pattern layer 16P, the electrode layer 16E can be suitably formed by metal plating.

Further, the catalyst metal may be present on the surface (top surface, top surface, side surface, etc.) of the pattern layer 16P. Also in this case, the electrode layer 16E can be suitably formed by metal plating as in the case where the catalyst metal is present in the pattern layer 16P.

Examples of the catalyst metal include palladium, platinum, silver and the like. Of these, palladium is preferable from the viewpoint of catalytic activity, versatility, and the like.

At this time, the catalyst metal may be supported on a carrier such as carbon black, carbon nanotube, titanium oxide, or silica. This is because the adhesion between the pattern layer 16P and the electrode layer 16E is improved, and the reliability and durability can be improved. However, when the catalyst metal is supported on a white material such as titanium oxide or silica, it is used in combination with a black material such as carbon black. Whether the catalyst is supported on the carrier can be investigated by observation with a transmission electron microscope or the like.

The pattern layer 16P may contain one or more kinds of various additives such as a crosslinking agent, a coupling agent, and a leveling agent as necessary.

The lower limit of the thickness of the pattern layer 16P is preferably 0.0001 mm or more, more preferably 0.001 mm or more, and still more preferably 0.005 mm or more from the viewpoint of productivity (coating property, polishing resistance) and the like. Good to be. The upper limit of the thickness of the pattern electrode 16 is preferably 0.08 mm or less, more preferably 0.05 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.03 mm or less from the viewpoint of productivity (laser processability), flexibility, and the like. Good to have.

Next, the electrode layer 16P of the pattern electrode 16 can be more preferably formed by metal plating. This is because the electrode layer 16P is relatively thin and has a low surface resistance, so that it is easy to reduce the influence of the electrode layer 16P on the toner stress, and it is easy to ensure toner chargeability at a low voltage.

The metal plating may be electrolytic metal plating or electroless metal plating. It can be determined by the presence or absence of conductivity of the pattern layer 16P as the lower layer. Preferably, from the viewpoints of uniformity, adhesion, and the like, the metal plating is preferably electroless metal plating.

Examples of the metal material constituting the electrode layer 16E include nickel, copper, silver, palladium, gold and the like. Of these metal materials, copper, nickel, and the like are preferable from the viewpoints of cost, versatility, reactivity, and the like.

The electrode layer 16E may be composed of one layer or two or more layers. When the electrode layer 16E is composed of two or more layers, each layer may be composed of the same kind of metal material or different kinds of metal materials. It may be configured.

The lower limit of the thickness of the electrode layer 16E is preferably 30 nm or more, more preferably 50 nm or more, and still more preferably 100 nm or more from the viewpoints of continuity of the plating film, low surface resistance, and the like. The upper limit of the thickness of the electrode layer 16E is preferably 20 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or less, and further preferably 5 μm or less from the viewpoints of productivity, flexibility, and the like.

The volume resistivity of the electrode layer 16E is preferably 1 × 10 ² Ω · cm or less, more preferably 1 × 10 ¹ Ω · cm or less, more preferably 1 × from the viewpoint of ensuring the function as an electrode. It should be adjusted to 10 ⁻⁴ Ω · cm or less.

The electrode layer 16E is not necessarily formed by laser processing. For example, even if the electrode layer 16E is formed by screen printing on the surface of the pattern layer 16P using a conductive material, for example. good. Alternatively, the electrode layer 16E may be drawn by inkjet or the like using a solution-like conductive material.

The developing member 10 basically has the above-described configuration. 8 shows a modified example of the developing member in FIG. 2, and FIG. 9 shows a modified example of the developing member in FIG. As shown in these drawings, in the developing member 10, a film 22 may be formed on the surface of the pattern electrode 16 and / or the layer structure (1) 12 and the layer structure (2) 14.

When the coating 22 is formed, it is easy to select a coating material that easily promotes frictional charging of the toner toward the normal charging polarity side. Therefore, as compared with the case where the toner and the pattern electrode 16 are in direct contact with each other, it becomes easier to stabilize the toner charging and contribute to the improvement of the image quality. Further, since the pattern electrode 16 is hardly worn, the electrode shape can be easily maintained over a long period of time, and the durability can be improved.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the coating film 22 may be a single layer or may be composed of two or more layers. The coating 22 is preferably elastic from the viewpoint of easily relieving toner stress.

Examples of the main material constituting the coating film 22 include a rubber elastic material, a resin material, or a mixture thereof.

Examples of the resin material include engineering plastics such as urethane resin, urethane silicone resin, urethane fluororesin, acrylic resin, acrylic silicone resin, acrylic fluororesin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, alkyd resin, PVDF, and polyimide resin. And various photo-curable resins such as ultraviolet curable resins. These may be contained alone or in combination of two or more.

As the main material constituting the coating film 22, an acrylic resin, an acrylic silicone resin, an acrylic fluororesin, PVDF, or the like can be preferably used from the viewpoint of toner charging stability and the like. Further, from the viewpoint of wear resistance, engineering plastics such as urethane resin, urethane silicone resin, urethane fluororesin, polyimide resin, and polyamideimide resin can be preferably used.

The coating film 22 may contain one or more kinds of various additives such as a crosslinking agent, a coupling agent, a leveling agent, and a toner charge control agent, if necessary.

The lower limit of the thickness of the coating 22 (when the coating 22 is composed of a plurality of layers, the total thickness, hereinafter omitted) is preferably 0.001 mm or more, more preferably 0.005 mm or more from the viewpoint of wear resistance and the like. Good to be. On the other hand, the upper limit of the thickness of the coating film 22 is preferably 0.05 mm or less, more preferably 0.03 mm or less, and further preferably 0.02 mm or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the hindrance to generation of an electric field.

The developing member 10 has the above-described structure. The roll hardness of the developing member 10 having the above-described structure is Asker C hardness (load 1 kg), preferably 95 degrees or less, more preferably, from the viewpoint of excellent flexibility and ease of toner stress. It is 90 degrees or less, more preferably 85 degrees or less. In addition, when the roll hardness does not have the film 22, the roll hardness of the member measured in a state where the pattern electrode 16 is formed, and when the film 22 has the film 22, the film 22 is formed. This is the roll hardness of the member measured in the state.

2. This Manufacturing Method This manufacturing method is a suitable method for manufacturing the above-described developing member. This manufacturing method basically includes the following first step, second step, and third step. Hereinafter, each step will be described.

(First step)
The first step is a step of forming the layer structure (1) or (2) described above.

The layer structure (1) can be formed as follows, for example. That is, for example, first, the rubber elastic layer forming material is formed into a rubber elastic layer having a predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness by using a molding method, an extrusion method, a grinding process, or the like. Preferably, from the viewpoint of easily improving the laser processing accuracy at the time of forming the pattern electrode, a mold forming method that can easily obtain a smooth surface may be used.

In order to form the layer structure (1) on the outer periphery of the shaft body by using the mold forming method, for example, the shaft body is coaxially installed in the hollow portion of a roll-shaped roll molding die to form a rubber elastic layer. After injecting the material, it may be cured by heating and demolding. At this time, if the mold surface is mirror-finished, a rubber elastic layer having a smooth surface can be obtained.

After forming the rubber elastic layer, the insulating layer forming material is applied to the surface of the rubber elastic layer by using various coating methods such as roll coating, spray coating, and dipping, and dried (cured or crosslinked). Etc., an insulating layer is formed. Under the present circumstances, the smoothness of the surface of the insulating layer laminated | stacked on it improves, so that the rubber elastic layer surface is smooth. In this way, the layer structure (1) can be formed.

On the other hand, the layer structure (2) can be formed, for example, in the same manner as the formation of the insulating layer in the layer structure (1) described above.

In addition, what is necessary is just to perform the operation | movement according to the above in multiple times, when you want to comprise a rubber elastic layer and an insulating layer from multiple layers.

(Second step)
The second step is a step of forming a pattern layer made of a polymer coating film on the entire surface of the layer structure formed above.

Specifically, for example, using various coating methods such as a roll coating method, a spray coating method, and a dipping method, the pattern layer forming material is solidly applied to the pattern electrode forming region on the surface of the layer structure so as to have a predetermined thickness. What is necessary is just to apply by coating and to dry (harden or crosslink).

At this time, as the pattern layer forming material, a polymer material mainly constituting the pattern layer, a catalyst metal (a carrier carrying the catalyst metal), a crosslinking agent added as necessary, a conductive agent, etc. are added. Pattern layer forming material <1> in which an agent is dispersed and mixed in at least an organic solvent, a polymer material mainly constituting the pattern layer, and additives such as a cross-linking agent and a conductive agent that are added as necessary. The pattern layer forming material <2> dispersed and mixed in at least an organic solvent can be used.

When a coating film is formed from the pattern layer forming material <1>, a portion other than the portion to be left as a pattern electrode is sequentially irradiated with laser light, the coating film of the portion irradiated with the laser light is burned off, and the pattern layer is What is necessary is just to form.

It should be noted that the surface of the coating film may be subjected to polishing, blasting, or the like, if necessary, before laser processing or after laser processing and before formation of an electrode layer described later. When the coating film surface is polished, the catalyst metal contained in the pattern layer forming material <1> is likely to be exposed. Therefore, it is advantageous when the electrode layer is subsequently formed by electroless metal plating.

On the other hand, when a coating film is formed with the pattern layer forming material <2>, a catalytic metal is applied to the surface of the coating film, and the coating film with the catalytic metal is laser processed in the same manner as described above. A pattern layer may be formed.

In the above, when the insulating layers of the layer structures (1) and (2) have laser reflectivity, the layer structures (1) and (2) are protected without being laser processed at the time of forming the pattern layer. The Therefore, it becomes easy to obtain a developing member that easily exhibits rubber elasticity.

Further, when the insulating layers of the layer structures (1) and (2) have a thickness capable of suppressing laser processing, the layer structures (1) and (2) are lasers when the pattern layer is formed. Processing can be suppressed. Therefore, the rubber elasticity of the layer structures (1) and (2) is hardly impaired, and a developing member that easily exhibits rubber elasticity can be easily obtained.

The laser beam used above can be selected in consideration of the type of polymer coating film, the pattern pitch, and the like. Examples of the laser light used include Nd-YAG laser, excimer laser, carbon dioxide laser, YVO ₄ laser, and the like.

(Third step)
The third step is a step of forming an electrode layer made of a metal material on the surface of the pattern layer.

Metal plating can be suitably used for forming the electrode layer. That is, for example, when the pattern layer is formed using the pattern layer forming material <1> in the second step, the catalyst is exposed on the top surface and the side surface of the surface of the pattern layer. Thereafter, the electrode layer can be formed by performing metal plating (electrolytic metal plating, electroless metal plating) on the surface of the pattern layer in accordance with the presence or absence of conductivity of the pattern layer. Thereby, metal plating is made on the top surface and the side surface of the surface of the pattern layer.

In addition, for example, when the pattern layer is formed using the pattern layer forming material <2> in the second step, the catalyst metal applied to the surface (top surface) of the pattern layer is used to remove the pattern layer from the surface. If electrolytic metal plating is performed, an electrode layer can be formed. Thereby, metal plating is made on the top surface of the surface of the pattern layer.

In addition, the electrode layer may be formed by screen printing on the surface of the pattern layer using a conductive material, or by drawing with an ink jet using a solution-like conductive material. May be.

The manufacturing method basically includes the first step, the second step, and the third step. Further, as the fourth step, after the formation of the pattern electrode, the surface of the pattern electrode and the layer structure is formed. You may have the process of forming a film.

Specifically, for example, by using various coating methods such as a roll coating method, a spray coating method, and a dipping method, a film forming material is applied to the surface of the formed pattern electrode and layer structure so as to have a predetermined thickness. It may be processed and dried (cured or crosslinked).

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail using examples.

In this embodiment, as a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to the embodiment, a developing roll for an electrophotographic apparatus having a layer structure (1) (rubber elastic layer + insulating layer), a pattern electrode, and a coating in this order on the outer periphery of the shaft. The outer periphery of the shaft body has a layer structure (2) (insulating layer having rubber elasticity), a pattern electrode, a development roll for an electrophotographic apparatus having a coating in order, and the outer periphery of the shaft body has a layer structure (2) (rubber elasticity). A developing roll for an electrophotographic apparatus having an insulating layer) and a pattern electrode in this order.
Each of the pattern electrodes is a one-electrode type, and has a pattern layer and an electrode layer formed on the surface of the pattern layer. Also, two types of methods were used for forming the pattern electrodes (details will be described later).

1. Preparation of developing roll constituent material according to embodiment (shaft body)
A cylindrical shaft body (1) made of iron having an outer diameter of 8 mm and a length of 267 mm and having a surface plated with Ni was prepared. A cylindrical shaft body (2) made of iron having an outer diameter of 15 mm and a length of 267 mm and having a surface plated with Ni was prepared.

(Rubber structure (1) rubber elastic layer forming material)
A kneader containing 100 parts by mass of conductive silicone rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “KE-1950-20A / B”) and 20 parts by mass of a conductive agent (manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., “Electrified Acetylene Black”). The rubber elastic layer-forming material <1> having a layer structure (1) was prepared by kneading with 1.

A kneader containing 100 parts by mass of conductive silicone rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “KE-1950-40A / B”) and 20 parts by mass of a conductive agent (manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., “Electrified Acetylene Black”). The rubber elastic layer-forming material <2> having a layer structure (1) was prepared by kneading with the above.

A kneader containing 100 parts by mass of conductive silicone rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “KE-1950-70A / B”) and 20 parts by mass of a conductive agent (manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., “Electrified Acetylene Black”). The rubber elastic layer-forming material <3> having a layer structure (1) was prepared by kneading with the above.

(Insulating layer forming material of layer structure (1) and layer structure (2))
100 parts by mass of an acrylic resin (Negami Kogyo Co., Ltd., “Paracron W-248E”), 10 parts by mass of a crosslinking agent (Nihon Polyurethane Co., Ltd., “Coronate L”), and a laser reflective material (Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.) ), "CR50") 10 parts by mass was dissolved in an organic solvent (MEK) to prepare an insulating layer forming material <1> having a layer structure (1).

100 parts by weight of conductive silicone rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “KE-1950-20A / B”) and 10 parts by weight of a laser reflective material (manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd., “CR50”) By kneading, an insulating layer forming material <2> having a layer structure (2) was prepared.

100 parts by weight of conductive silicone rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “KE-1950-40A / B”) and 10 parts by weight of a laser reflective material (manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd., “CR50”) The material for forming an insulating layer <3> having a layer structure (2) was prepared by kneading with the above.

100 parts by weight of conductive silicone rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “KE-1950-70A / B”) and 10 parts by weight of a laser reflecting material (manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd., “CR50”) The insulating layer forming material <4> having the layer structure (2) was prepared by kneading with the above.

An insulating layer forming material <5> having a layer structure (2) was prepared by kneading conductive silicone rubber (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., “KE-1950-40A / B”) with a kneader.

(Pattern layer forming material)
First, 30 g of carbon black (manufactured by Cancarb, “Thermax N990”) was immersed in a 60% by mass nitric acid aqueous solution at 50 ° C. for 10 minutes to carry out an etching treatment. After filtration and washing with water, the surface was adjusted by immersing in an aminocarboxylic acid surfactant (Okuno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., “Condizer SP”) at 50 ° C. for 10 minutes. Next, after filtration and washing with water, the catalyst was adsorbed by immersing it in tin-palladium colloid ("OPC-80 Catalyst" manufactured by Okuno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) at 25 ° C for 10 minutes. After filtration and washing with water, the catalyst was immersed in a 10% by mass hydrochloric acid aqueous solution at 25 ° C. for 10 minutes to activate the palladium catalyst. Subsequently, Pd carrying carbon was obtained by filtering, washing with water, and drying.

Next, 100 parts by mass of a urethane resin (manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd., “Nipporan 5196”), 20 parts by mass of a crosslinking agent (manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd., “Coronate L”), and 100 parts by mass of Pd-supported carbon And dispersed in an organic solvent (MEK). This prepared pattern layer forming material <1> used for formation of the pattern layer of a pattern electrode.

100 parts by mass of urethane resin (Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd., “Nipporan 5196”), 20 parts by mass of a crosslinking agent (Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd., “Coronate L”), carbon black (Cancarb, “Thermax” N990 ") 20 mass was dispersed and mixed in an organic solvent (MEK) to prepare a pattern layer forming material <2> used for forming the pattern layer of the pattern electrode.

100 parts by mass of water-soluble N-methoxymethylated nylon (manufactured by Teikoku Chemical Co., Ltd., “Tresin EF30T”, 2 parts by mass of citric acid, and 100 parts by mass of Pd-supported carbon are dispersed and mixed in a methanol / water mixed solution. Thus, a pattern layer forming material <3> used for forming the pattern layer of the pattern electrode was prepared.

100 parts by mass of polyacrylic acid (manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., “Aquaric HL-415”, 10 parts by mass of melamine (manufactured by Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd., “Nicarac MS-21”), and 100 masses of Pd-supported carbon Part was dispersed and mixed in a methanol / water mixed solution to prepare a pattern layer forming material <4> used for forming the pattern layer of the pattern electrode.

(Plating material)
As a plating material <1> for forming the electrode layer, an electroless nickel plating solution (Okuno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., “Top Nicolon F153”) was prepared.

(Film forming material)
100 parts by mass of acrylic resin (Negami Kogyo Co., Ltd., “Paracron W-248E”) and 10 parts by mass of a crosslinking agent (Nihon Polyurethane Co., Ltd., “Coronate L”) are dissolved in an organic solvent (MEK). Thus, a film forming material <1> used for film formation was prepared.

2. Production of Developing Roll According to Examples Using the roll constituent materials prepared as described above, developing rolls according to Examples 1 to 11 and developing rolls according to Examples 12 to 22 were produced according to the following procedure.

2.1 Developing Roll Containing Metal Pd in Pattern Layer of Pattern Electrode 2.1.1 Developing Roll According to Examples 1 to 3, 23, and 24 (Layer Structure (1) + Pattern Electrode + Coating)
An adhesive was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1). Thereafter, the shaft body (1) is coaxially set in the hollow portion of the cylindrical mold, and the rubber elastic layer forming material (prepared above) is formed in the gap between the cylindrical mold and the shaft body (1). Examples 1, 23 and 24 were injected with rubber elastic layer forming material <1>, Example 2 was used with rubber elastic layer forming material <2>, and Example 3 was used with rubber elastic layer forming material <3>. The mold was covered and heated at 180 ° C. for 5 minutes, and then cooled and removed from the mold. Thereby, one rubber elastic layer (thickness: 4 mm) was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1).

Next, using the roll coat method, the prepared insulating layer forming material (all of Examples 1 to 3, 23, and 24 using the insulating layer forming material <1>) is applied to the surface of the rubber elastic layer to a predetermined thickness. 1 layer of insulating layer (thickness: 0.02 mm, appearance color: white) having laser reflectivity along the outer peripheral surface of the rubber elastic layer by drying and heat treatment at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes. Laminated. Thus, the layer structure (1) was formed on the outer periphery of the shaft body (1).

Next, using the roll coating method, the prepared pattern layer forming material (the pattern layer forming material <1> in any of Examples 1 to 3 is used on the entire surface of the layer structure (1), and Example 23 is used. Uses a pattern layer forming material <3>, and Example 24 uses a pattern layer forming material <4>. After coating with a predetermined thickness, the layer structure is dried and heat-treated at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes. A layer of a resin coating (thickness: 0.01 mm, appearance color: black) containing metal Pd was formed along the outer peripheral surface of 1). The coating film in Examples 1 to 3 is a urethane resin coating film, the coating film in Example 23 is an N-methoxymethylated nylon resin coating film, and the coating film in Example 24 is made of polyacrylic acid and melamine. It is a resin coating film containing.

Next, the resin coating film is laser processed using a laser processing apparatus (“MD-S9900” manufactured by Keyence Co., Ltd.), whereby a pattern layer (1) Electrode type). In FIG. 10, the roll body surface photograph after the laser processing at the time of manufacture of the image development roll which concerns on Example 2 is shown. According to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the trace of the laser beam focus remains in a wave shape on the surface of the layer structure after laser processing. In FIG. 10, the part other than the laser processed part is the pattern layer surface (the surface of the urethane resin coating film containing metal Pd).

The line width of the formed pattern layer is 0.1 mm, and the space width is 0.1 mm. The laser processing conditions were as follows: laser type: Nd-YAG laser, output: 21 A, frequency: 27 kHz, irradiation speed: 1800 mm / sec.

Next, the roll body on which the pattern layer was formed was immersed in the plating material <1> at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes to form an electrode layer made of an electroless nickel plating layer on the surface (top surface and side surface) of the pattern layer. . The thickness of the formed electrode layer (distance between the top surface of the pattern layer and the top surface of the electrode layer) was 3 μm. Thereby, the pattern electrode which has the pattern layer which consists of a resin coating film containing Pd, and the electrode layer which consists of the electroless plating formed in the surface of this pattern layer was formed. In FIG. 11, the roll body surface photograph after the plating process at the time of manufacture of the image development roll which concerns on Example 2 is shown. According to FIG. 11, it can be seen that an electrode layer made of electroless plating is selectively formed on a portion other than the laser processed portion, that is, on the pattern layer surface in FIG.

Next, using the roll coating method, the above-prepared film forming material (all of Examples 1 to 3, 23, and 24 use the film forming material <1>) on the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode is formed. ) With a predetermined thickness, followed by drying and heat treatment at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes to form one layer of a coating (thickness: 0.01 mm) along the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode was formed. .

Thus, developing rolls according to Examples 1 to 3, 23, and 24 were produced.

2.1.2 Developing roll according to Examples 4 to 7 (layer structure (2) + pattern electrode + coating)
An adhesive was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (2). Thereafter, the shaft body (2) is coaxially set in the hollow portion of the cylindrical mold, and the insulating layer forming material (implemented above) is formed in the gap between the cylindrical mold and the shaft body (2). Example 4 uses insulating layer forming material <2>, Example 5 uses insulating layer forming material <3>, Example 6 uses insulating layer forming material <4>, and Example 7 uses insulating layer forming material <5>. The mold was capped and heated at 180 ° C. for 5 minutes, and then cooled and demolded. Thereby, one insulating layer (thickness: 0.5 mm, appearance color: white) having rubber elasticity and laser reflectivity was laminated along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (2). Thus, the layer structure (2) was formed on the outer periphery of the shaft body (2).

Next, using the roll coating method, the prepared pattern layer forming material (all of Examples 4 to 7 using the pattern layer forming material <1>) is applied to the entire surface of the layer structure (2). After coating with the thickness, the urethane resin coating film containing metal Pd (thickness: 0.01 mm, appearance color: along the outer peripheral surface of the layer structure (2) is dried and heat-treated at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes. A black layer was formed.

Next, the urethane resin coating film was subjected to laser processing using a laser processing apparatus (“MD-S9900” manufactured by Keyence Corporation), whereby a line and space pattern layer (as shown in FIG. 6) ( 1 electrode type) was formed.

Next, the roll body on which the pattern layer was formed was immersed in the plating material <1> at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes to form an electrode layer composed of an electroless nickel plating layer on the surface (top surface and side surface) of the pattern layer. . The thickness of the formed electrode layer (distance between the top surface of the pattern layer and the top surface of the electrode layer) was 3 μm. Thereby, the pattern electrode which has the pattern layer which consists of a urethane resin coating film containing Pd, and the electrode layer which consists of the electroless plating formed in the surface of the pattern layer was formed.

Next, the roll-coating method is used to apply the prepared film-forming material (all of Examples 4 to 7 using the film-forming material <1>) to the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode is formed. After coating with the thickness, the coating film (thickness: 0.01 mm) was formed along the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode was formed by drying and heat treatment at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes.

Thus, developing rolls according to Examples 4 to 7 were produced.

2.1.3 Developing roll according to Examples 8 to 11 (layer structure (2) + pattern electrode)
Development rolls according to Examples 8 to 11 (corresponding to the configurations of Examples 4 to 7 in order) were produced in the same manner except that no film was formed in the production of development rolls according to Examples 4 to 7. .

2.2 Developing roll in which metal Pd is present on the pattern layer surface of the pattern electrode 2.2.1 Developing roll according to Examples 12 to 14 (layer structure (1) + pattern electrode + film)
An adhesive was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1). Thereafter, the shaft body (1) is coaxially set in the hollow portion of the cylindrical mold, and the rubber elastic layer forming material (prepared above) is formed in the gap between the cylindrical mold and the shaft body (1). Example 12 uses rubber elastic layer forming material <1>, Example 13 uses rubber elastic layer forming material <2>, and Example 14 uses rubber elastic layer forming material <3>. This was heated at 180 ° C. for 5 minutes, then cooled and demolded. Thereby, one rubber elastic layer (thickness: 4 mm) was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1).

Next, after coating the surface of the rubber elastic layer with the prepared insulating layer forming material (all of the examples 12 to 14 using the insulating layer forming material <1>) with a predetermined thickness by using a roll coating method. By drying and heat-treating at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, one insulating layer (thickness: 0.02 mm, appearance color: white) having laser reflectivity was laminated along the outer peripheral surface of the rubber elastic layer. Thus, the layer structure (1) was formed on the outer periphery of the shaft body (1).

Next, using the roll coating method, the prepared pattern layer forming material (all of Examples 12 to 14 using the pattern layer forming material <2>) is applied to the entire surface of the layer structure (1). One layer of urethane resin coating (thickness: 0.01 mm, appearance color: black) is applied along the outer peripheral surface of the layer structure (1) by coating with thickness and then heat-treating at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes. Formed.

Next, the roll body having the urethane resin coating surface is immersed in an alkaline degreasing agent (Okuno Seiyaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., “A Screen 850”) at 40 ° C. for 5 minutes, Etching treatment was performed. Next, after washing the urethane resin coating surface with water, the roll body was immersed in an aminocarboxylic acid surfactant (Okuno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., “Condizer SP”) at 50 ° C. for 10 minutes, and then the urethane resin coating film. Surface adjustment was performed. Next, after washing the urethane resin coating surface with water, the roll body was immersed in tin-palladium colloid (Okuno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., “OPC-80 Catalyst”) at 25 ° C. for 10 minutes to obtain the urethane resin coating surface. The catalyst was adsorbed. Next, after washing the urethane resin coating surface with water, the roll body was immersed in a 10% by mass hydrochloric acid aqueous solution at 25 ° C. for 10 minutes to activate the palladium catalyst on the urethane resin coating surface.

Next, the roll body on which the pattern layer was formed was immersed in the plating material <1> at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes to form an electrode layer made of an electroless nickel plating layer on the surface (top surface) of the pattern layer. The thickness of the formed electrode layer (distance between the top surface of the pattern layer and the top surface of the electrode layer) was 3 μm. Thereby, the pattern electrode which has the pattern layer which consists of a urethane resin coating film in which the metal Pd exists in the surface, and the electrode layer which consists of the electroless plating formed in the surface of this pattern layer was formed.

Next, the roll-coating method is used to apply the prepared film-forming material (all of Examples 12 to 14 using the film-forming material <1>) to the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode is formed. After coating with the thickness, the coating film (thickness: 0.01 mm) was formed along the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode was formed by drying and heat treatment at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes.

Thus, developing rolls according to Examples 12 to 14 were produced.

2.2.2 Developing roll according to Examples 15 to 18 (layer structure (2) + pattern electrode + coating)
An adhesive was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (2). Thereafter, the shaft body (2) is coaxially set in the hollow portion of the cylindrical mold, and the insulating layer forming material (implemented above) is formed in the gap between the cylindrical mold and the shaft body (2). Example 4 uses insulating layer forming material <2>, Example 5 uses insulating layer forming material <3>, Example 6 uses insulating layer forming material <4>, and Example 7 uses insulating layer forming material <5>. The mold was capped and heated at 180 ° C. for 5 minutes, and then cooled and demolded. Thereby, one insulating layer (thickness: 0.5 mm, appearance color: white) having rubber elasticity and laser reflectivity was laminated along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (2). Thus, the layer structure (2) was formed on the outer periphery of the shaft body (2).

Thus, developing rolls according to Examples 15 to 18 were produced.

2.2.3 Developing roll according to Examples 19 to 22 (layer structure (2) + pattern electrode)
Development rolls according to Examples 19 to 22 (corresponding to the configurations of Examples 15 to 18 in order) were produced in the same manner except that no film was formed in the production of development rolls according to Examples 15 to 18. .

3. Production of Development Roll According to Comparative Example 3.1 Development Roll According to Comparative Example 1 An adhesive was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1). Thereafter, the shaft body (1) is coaxially set in the hollow portion of the cylindrical mold, and a comparative insulating layer forming material [acrylic resin is formed in the gap between the cylindrical mold and the shaft body (1). (Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., “SUMIPEX GL35”) was injected, the mold was capped, and this was heated at 180 ° C. for 5 minutes, then cooled and demolded. Thereby, one insulating layer (thickness: 4 mm) made of acrylic resin was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1).

Next, grooves having a line width of 0.1 mm and a space width of 0.1 mm were formed on the surface of the insulating layer by cutting. Next, electroless nickel plating with the plating material <1> was applied to the roll surface that had been subjected to groove cutting, and then the unnecessary plating film was removed by turning the outer periphery of the roll. As a result, a line-and-space pattern electrode (one-electrode type) as shown in FIG. 6 was formed. The line width of the formed pattern electrode is 0.1 mm, and the space width is 0.1 mm.

Next, after coating the prepared film forming material (film forming material <1> used in Examples) with a predetermined thickness on the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode is formed using a roll coating method, One layer of a coating (thickness: 0.01 mm) was formed along the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode was formed by drying and heat treatment at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes.

Thereby, a developing roll according to Comparative Example 1 was produced.

3.2 Developing Roll According to Comparative Example 2 In the production of the developing roll according to Comparative Example 1, the developing according to Comparative Example 2 was similarly performed except that the shaft body (2) was used instead of the shaft body (1). A roll was produced.

3.3 Developing Roll According to Comparative Example 3 In the production of the developing roll according to Comparative Example 1, a developing roll according to Comparative Example 3 was produced in the same manner except that no film was formed.

4). Preparation of Development Roll According to Reference Example Prior to preparation of the development roll according to Reference Example, 100 parts by mass of acrylic resin (manufactured by Negami Kogyo Co., Ltd., “Paraklon W-248E”) and a crosslinking agent (manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.) , “Coronate L”) and 20 parts by mass of a conductive agent (“Ketjen Black EC-600JD” manufactured by Lion Corporation) were dissolved in an organic solvent (MEK) to form a pattern electrode. A conductive agent-containing resin coating film forming material <1> used in the above was prepared.

4.1 Development Roll According to Reference Examples 1 to 3 (Layer Structure (1) + Pattern Electrode + Coating)
An adhesive was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1). Thereafter, the shaft body (1) is coaxially set in the hollow portion of the cylindrical mold, and the rubber elastic layer forming material (prepared above) is formed in the gap between the cylindrical mold and the shaft body (1). Reference Example 1 uses rubber elastic layer forming material <1>, Reference Example 2 uses rubber elastic layer forming material <2>, and Reference Example 3 uses rubber elastic layer forming material <3>. This was heated at 180 ° C. for 5 minutes, then cooled and demolded. Thereby, one rubber elastic layer (thickness: 4 mm) was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (1).

Then, after coating the surface of the rubber elastic layer by the roll coating method with the prepared insulating layer forming material (all of Reference Examples 1 to 3 use the insulating layer forming material <1>) with a predetermined thickness. By drying and heat-treating at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, one insulating layer (thickness: 0.02 mm, appearance color: white) having laser reflectivity was laminated along the outer peripheral surface of the rubber elastic layer. Thus, the layer structure (1) was formed on the outer periphery of the shaft body (1).

Next, using the roll coating method, the conductive agent-containing resin coating film-forming material prepared above (all of Reference Examples 1 to 3 are conductive agent-containing resin coating film-forming materials < 1> is coated at a predetermined thickness, and then dried and heat-treated at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, whereby an acrylic resin coating film having a conductivity (thickness: along the outer peripheral surface of the layer structure (1)). One layer of 0.01 mm, appearance color: black) was formed.

Next, the acrylic resin coating film was subjected to laser processing using a laser processing apparatus (“MD-S9900” manufactured by Keyence Corporation), whereby a line-and-space pattern electrode (as shown in FIG. 6) ( 1 electrode type) was formed.

The line width of the formed pattern electrode is 0.1 mm, and the space width is 0.1 mm. The laser processing conditions were as follows: laser type: Nd-YAG laser, output: 21 A, frequency: 27 kHz, irradiation speed: 1800 mm / sec.

Next, using the roll coating method, the prepared film forming material (all of Reference Examples 1 to 3 use the film forming material <1>) is applied to the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode is formed. After coating with the thickness, the coating film (thickness: 0.01 mm) was formed along the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode was formed by drying and heat treatment at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes.

Thus, developing rolls according to Reference Examples 1 to 3 were produced.

4.2 Developing roll according to Reference Examples 4 to 7 (layer structure (2) + pattern electrode + film)
An adhesive was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (2). Thereafter, the shaft body (2) is coaxially set in the hollow portion of the cylindrical mold, and the insulating layer forming material (reference) is prepared in the gap between the cylindrical mold and the shaft body (2). Example 4 uses insulating layer forming material <2>, Reference Example 5 uses insulating layer forming material <3>, Reference Example 6 uses insulating layer forming material <4>, and Reference Example 7 uses insulating layer forming material <5>. The mold was capped and heated at 180 ° C. for 5 minutes, and then cooled and demolded. Thereby, one insulating layer (thickness: 0.5 mm, appearance color: white) having rubber elasticity and laser reflectivity was laminated along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (2). Thus, the layer structure (2) was formed on the outer periphery of the shaft body (2).

Next, using the roll coating method, the conductive agent-containing resin coating film-forming material prepared above (all of Reference Examples 4 to 7 are conductive agent-containing resin coating film-forming materials < 1> is coated at a predetermined thickness, and then dried and heat-treated at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, whereby an acrylic resin coating film having a conductivity (thickness: along the outer peripheral surface of the layer structure (2)). One layer of 0.01 mm, appearance color: black) was formed.

Next, using the roll coating method, the prepared film forming material (all of Reference Examples 4 to 7 using the film forming material <1>) is applied to the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode is formed. After coating with the thickness, the coating film (thickness: 0.01 mm) was formed along the surface of the roll body on which the pattern electrode was formed by drying and heat treatment at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes.

Thus, developing rolls according to Reference Examples 4 to 7 were produced.

4.3 Developing roll according to Reference Examples 8 to 11 (layer structure (2) + pattern electrode)
In the production of the developing rolls according to Reference Examples 4 to 7, the developing rolls according to Reference Examples 8 to 11 (corresponding to the configurations of Reference Examples 4 to 7 in order) were produced in the same manner except that no film was formed. .

5. Evaluation (hardness measurement)
After producing the developing roll which concerns on an Example, a comparative example, and a reference example, AskerC hardness (1 kg of loads) of each roll surface was measured. In addition, the said hardness has measured the hardness of the whole roll.

(Contact variation)
A flat glass having a mass of 0.25 g per 1 cm ² in plan view is placed on the outer peripheral surface of each developing roll, and the flat glass has an axial length per 1 cm from above the flat glass toward the shaft body. A load of 0.15 N was applied. And the contact area ratio of the part which contacted this flat glass was evaluated by seeing with an electron microscope (400 times). As a result, if the contact area ratio does not vary 80% or more, ○, if the contact area ratio is 50% or less, ×, if the contact area ratio exceeds 50% and less than 80% It was evaluated as Δ because there was almost no variation.

(Image fogging)
Each developing roll is incorporated into a bench testing machine that simulates a peripheral member of a developing roll of a commercially available actual machine (manufactured by Canon Inc., “Laser Shot LBP-2510”), and an environment of high temperature and high humidity (32 ° C., 85% RH). Below, after performing bench durability equivalent to 30,000 sheets (30 hours idling), the durable toner is collected and replaced with the toner of the actual machine ("Laser Shot LBP-2510" manufactured by Canon Inc.), and the white image is The image was printed, the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum was transferred to a tape, and the density was measured using a Macbeth densitometer. As a result, when the Macbeth density is less than 0.11, the fogging phenomenon (toner adhesion to the white background on the surface of the photosensitive drum) hardly occurs, and the Macbeth density is 0.11 or more and less than 0.20. Was evaluated as “◯” when a slight fog phenomenon occurred, and “X” when a Macbeth concentration of 0.20 or more was observed as a clear fog phenomenon.

The bench test machine is an evaluation machine used to promote toner deterioration. Further, it has been confirmed that a toner hopping phenomenon occurs when an AC voltage for generating a traveling wave electric field is applied to the developing roll according to the embodiment.

(Toner charging by applying low voltage)
・ Surface resistance of the pattern electrode When the surface resistivity of the pattern electrode is 1 × 10 ⁰ (Ω / □) is as follows, it indicates that the conductivity is excellent, and the toner chargeability by applying a low voltage is good. Is in the range of 1 × 10 ⁰ to 1 × 10 ³ (Ω / □), the electrical conductivity is not sufficient, and it is disadvantageous for toner charging by applying a low voltage, and the surface resistivity of the pattern electrode is 1. In the case of × 10 ³ (Ω / □) or more, the conductivity was poor, and a high voltage application was required for charging the toner, and × was assigned.
-Thickness of the insulating layer ○ If the thickness of the insulating layer is 0.5 mm or less, it is advantageous that it does not hinder the generation of an electric field. △, and when the thickness of the insulating layer is more than 1 mm, the electric field generation was hindered and X was marked as extremely disadvantageous.
When the surface resistance of the pattern electrode and the evaluation of the thickness of the insulating layer are both ◯, if the toner chargeability is excellent, ◯, if either of them is △, if either of them is × X and comprehensive evaluation.

(Plating development)
When forming an electrode layer made of electroless plating on the surface of the pattern layer, it is excellent in plating development when electroless plating precipitates quickly after being immersed in the plating material without polishing the pattern layer surface ○, if it takes some time after being immersed in the plating material, but the deposition of electroless plating occurs. The case where no precipitation of plating occurred was evaluated as x because there was no plating expression.

(Plating adhesion)
A grid-like scratch is made on the surface of the electrode layer made of electroless plating formed on the surface of the pattern layer, and an adhesive tape (made by Terraoka Co., Ltd., polyester film tape “631S”) is applied, and 90 ° peeling (JIS) When measured in accordance with K5400), the case where no plating adheres to the adhesive tape is excellent in plating adhesion, and the case where a part of the plating adheres to the adhesive tape is considered as good plating adhesion, Δ, The case where the plating adhered to the entire surface of the adhesive tape was evaluated as x because the plating adhesion was poor.

Tables 1 to 7 summarize the layer structure of each developing roll, the materials used, the evaluation results, and the like.

Tables 1 to 7 show the following. That is, in the developing rolls according to Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the insulating layer between the shaft body and the pattern electrode is made of resin. Furthermore, a pattern electrode made of electroless nickel plating is formed in a cutting groove formed in an insulating layer made of resin. For this reason, the resistivity of the pattern electrode can be lowered, which is advantageous for toner chargeability at a relatively low voltage, but the hardness of the roll is high and hard. Therefore, it can be seen that the contact with the peripheral member such as the toner layer forming blade and the photosensitive drum tends to apply stress to the toner, the toner is deteriorated, and image defects such as fog are likely to occur.

The developing rolls according to Reference Examples 1 to 11 have a layer structure (1) or a layer structure (2) having rubber elasticity, and a pattern made of a conductive agent-containing resin coating film on the surface of these layer structures. An electrode is formed. Therefore, the roll has a low hardness and is flexible, so that toner stress due to contact with peripheral members such as a toner layer forming blade and a photosensitive drum can be alleviated, and image defects such as fogging can be suppressed. However, since the resistivity of the pattern electrode is relatively high, it can be said that it is disadvantageous in charging the toner by applying a low voltage. That is, it is necessary to apply a high voltage, and it can be said that there is room for improvement in order to save power and increase the speed of the electrophotographic apparatus.

On the other hand, the developing rolls according to Examples 1 to 24 have a layer structure (1) or a layer structure (2) having rubber elasticity. A pattern electrode having a pattern layer made of a film and an electrode layer made of an electroless plating layer formed on the surface of the pattern layer is provided.

Therefore, it can be seen that the hardness of the roll is low and flexible, toner stress due to contact with peripheral members such as a toner layer forming blade and a photosensitive drum can be alleviated, and image defects such as fog can be suppressed. Further, since the electrode layer of the pattern electrode is made of a metal material, the surface resistance of the pattern electrode is low, and it can be seen that the toner can be charged by generating a minute electric field by applying a relatively low voltage. Therefore, it can be said that the developing roll according to the present invention can contribute to power saving and speeding up of the electrophotographic apparatus.

The embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is there.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the developing roll. However, the present invention can also be applied to a developing belt or the like.

Claims

While comprising the following layer structure (1) or (2),
(1) Layer structure including at least one rubber elastic layer and an insulating layer laminated on the surface of the rubber elastic layer (2) Layer structure including an insulating layer having rubber elasticity The surface of the layer structure In addition,
An electrophotographic apparatus developing member comprising a pattern electrode having a pattern layer made of a polymer coating and an electrode layer made of a metal material formed on the surface of the pattern layer.
2. The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrode layer is formed by metal plating.
3. The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a catalytic metal is present in the pattern layer or on the surface of the pattern layer.
4. The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the catalytic metal is supported on a carrier.
5. The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the electrode layer is in the range of 50 nm to 10 μm.
The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pattern shape of the pattern layer is formed by laser processing.
The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insulating layers of the layer structures (1) and (2) have laser reflectivity.
The insulating layer of the layer structure (1) or (2) has a thickness capable of suppressing lower layer laser processing from the insulating layer, according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The developing member for electrophotographic equipment as described.
9. The developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the pattern electrode is covered with a coating film.
Forming the following layer structure (1) or (2);
(1) Layer structure including at least one rubber elastic layer and an insulating layer laminated on the surface of the rubber elastic layer (2) Layer structure including an insulating layer having rubber elasticity The surface of the layer structure And a step of forming a pattern layer comprising a polymer coating film,
Forming an electrode layer made of a metal material on the surface of the pattern layer;
A method for producing a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus, comprising:
The method for producing a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the electrode layer is formed by metal plating.
12. The electrophotography according to claim 10, wherein a pattern layer made of a polymer coating film containing a catalyst metal or a pattern layer made of a polymer coating film provided with a catalyst metal on the surface thereof is formed. A method for producing a developing member for equipment.
13. The method for producing a developing member for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the polymer contained in the polymer coating film containing the catalyst metal is a water-soluble polymer.