JP4148353B2 - Method for manufacturing fixing roller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a fixing roller having a configuration in which the outer periphery of a metal core is covered with a sponge and the outer periphery of the sponge is covered with a thin metal sleeve, and a fixing device including the fixing roller.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile, a recording material (transfer material / photosensitive paper / electrostatic recording paper) by an appropriate image forming process mechanism such as an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, or a magnetic recording method. As a fixing device for heating and pressure-fixing an unfixed toner image formed and supported on a printing paper or the like) in correspondence with target image information by a transfer method (indirect method) or a direct method A so-called two-roller system configuration including a fixing roller and a pressure roller is widely used.
[0003]
FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of a conventional two-roller type fixing device. Reference numeral 80 indicates a fixing roller as a heating rotator. Inside the hollow hollow core made of aluminum of the fixing roller 80, a halogen lamp 81 is disposed as a heating means. The halogen lamp 81 is energized from a power source (not shown) to generate heat, and the fixing roller 80 is recorded from the inside of the hollow core metal 82 as a recording material P as a heated material (hereinafter referred to as a transfer material). Heat to a temperature sufficient to melt the toner in the upper toner image.
[0004]
Further, in order to fix the toner on the transfer material P onto the transfer material without offsetting, the outer surface of the hollow core metal 82 of the fixing roller 80 is polytetrafluoroethylene (excellent in releasability). A releasable layer 83 such as PTFE) or perfluoroalkoxytetrafluoroethylene copolymer (PFA) is formed. The thermistor 84 is in contact with the surface of the fixing roller 80, detects the temperature of the surface of the fixing roller, and turns on / off power supply to the halogen lamp 81 so as to heat the toner image on the transfer material at an appropriate temperature. It is configured to perform off control.
[0005]
Reference numeral 90 denotes a pressure roller as a pressure member for the fixing roller 80, which is arranged substantially in parallel with the fixing roller 80, and is urged by pressure springs (not shown) at both ends of the roller. Thus, it is held in pressure contact with the fixing roller 80. The pressure roller 90 includes an elastic layer formed of silicone rubber or a sponge elastic layer 92 formed by foaming silicone rubber on the outside of the metal core 91, and a PTFE or PFA releasability similar to that of the fixing roller 80 on the outer layer. The layer 93 is formed and configured.
[0006]
By configuring the two-roller type fixing device in this way, a sufficient nip width can be formed in the pressure nip N between the fixing roller 80 and the pressure roller 90 by the elasticity of the pressure roller 90. It will be possible.
[0007]
Then, a transfer material P carrying an unfixed toner image is introduced into the nip portion N between the rotated fixing roller 80 and the pressure roller 90 with the image surface facing the fixing roller 80, and is nipped and conveyed. The toner image is heated and pressed and fixed as a permanent image on the surface of the transfer material P by the heat of the roller 80 and the pressure applied at the nip portion N.
[0008]
Here, the hollow core metal 82 of the fixing roller 80 has an outer diameter of 20 to 30 mm and a wall thickness of 1 in order to keep the heat capacity as small as possible and satisfy the mechanical strength while having higher thermal conductivity. .5-3mm was required. Further, the releasable layer 83 constituting the outermost layer cannot be formed thick because of low thermal conductivity, and is usually formed with a thickness of 30 to 50 μm.
[0009]
Further, the pressure roller 90 needs to have a roller surface hardness of about 15 to 60 degrees (ASKER-C, with a load of 300 g) in order to obtain a nip width sufficient for the toner to melt during the transfer of the transfer material P. It was.
[0010]
However, in the case of the two-roller type fixing device as in the conventional example, the thermal conductivity can be increased by reducing the thickness of the hollow cored bar 82 of the fixing roller 80 as much as possible, but the heat capacity is reduced. When the transfer material P is passed, the temperature fluctuation (ripple) on the surface of the fixing roller 80 increases due to the heat radiation to the transfer material P, and thus the toner image on the transfer material P has a non-uniform fixability. Etc. were pointed out.
[0011]
For this reason, in the two-roller type fixing device using the fixing roller 80 and the pressure roller 90, there is a problem that the reduction of the warm-up time required recently is not easily achieved. That is, even when the image forming apparatus is not in operation, the surface of the fixing roller 80 needs to be heated to some extent, and power consumption is large.
[0012]
Further, since the fixing roller 80 is a rigid body and the nip portion N is formed only by the elasticity of the pressure roller 90, the transfer material P is conveyed along the shape of the fixing roller 80. As a result, an external pressure is applied to the transfer material P so as to be bent in a heated state, so that the transfer material P discharged from the fixing device is curled along the curvature shape of the nip portion N. In particular, when the degree is poor, there is a problem that the separation performance from the fixing roller 80 is also adversely affected.
[0013]
Further, when the envelope is passed, there is a problem that wrinkles occur due to the curve or deformation of the envelope, and the printed address is divided by the wrinkles. This is a problem that becomes more apparent as the outer diameter of the fixing roller 80 becomes smaller with the recent miniaturization of the apparatus.
[0014]
Furthermore, when the pressure roller 90 is pressed against the fixing roller 80 by the pressure means at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pressure roller 90, the small-diameter pressure roller 90 is compared with the central portion in the longitudinal direction due to the deflection of the shaft. The pressure increases as it goes to both ends. For this reason, the width of the nip portion N differs in the longitudinal direction of the nip portion, and becomes larger toward the both end portions than the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the nip portion. As a result, the pressure applied to the transfer material P sandwiched and conveyed by the nip N is different between the center and both ends, and the end of the transfer material is excessively pressurized, so that the paper fibers are stretched and wavy. It was pointed out.
[0015]
In order to solve such a problem, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent No. 3103140, “When an elastic roller is inserted into a sleeve to form a roller, the elastic roller is formed with closed cells. The inner diameter of the sleeve is made smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic roller, and the elastic roller is left in a vacuum apparatus so that the outer diameter of the elastic roller is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve, and then the elastic force is applied to the sleeve. It has been proposed to manufacture a fixing roller by a “roller manufacturing method characterized by inserting and integrating rollers”.
[0016]
According to this roller manufacturing method, the above-mentioned problems are solved, and a roller manufacturing method capable of manufacturing a uniform roller in a short time with a high yield is provided.
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the roller manufactured by the manufacturing method described in the above-mentioned registered gazette, an elastic roller having an outer diameter set larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve is left in the vacuum apparatus once to set the outer diameter of the roller. When the outer diameter of the elastic roller and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve are inserted after being reduced in diameter and the outer diameter of the elastic roller is restored, the frictional engagement force in a so-called compression state is merely used. It is in the state which is only locked by.
[0018]
As a result, when this is used in a state where it is actually rotated and heated as a fixing roller in the fixing device, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the core metal, while the sleeve is pressurized. It will be in rolling contact with the roller. As a result, when the frictional engagement force between the sleeve and the pressure roller becomes strong, a relative rotation occurs between the sponge layer constituting the elastic roller and the sleeve, so that the outer surface of the sponge layer is formed within a short time. It has been pointed out that the problem is that it has become messy and becomes unusable, and there is a strong demand for improvement.
[0019]
Further, in such a state that the fixing roller is driven to rotate, as described above, the sleeve is not fixed to the sponge layer at all, so that the sleeve is displaced along the axial direction with respect to the sponge layer. Can occur. As described above, when the sleeve is displaced along the axial direction with respect to the sponge layer, the edge of the sponge layer comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve, and the stress concentration is partially applied. Become. When stress concentration acts in this way, cracks may occur from this acting part and the sleeve may be broken. From this viewpoint, improvement is strongly desired.
[0020]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a fixing roller that can continue to be usable for a long period of time even when it is actually driven to rotate. Is to provide.
[0021]
Another object of the present invention is to make a relative movement along the circumferential direction between the outer peripheral surface of the sponge and the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve by bonding between the sponge and the metal thin sleeve. Providing a method of manufacturing a fixing roller that can prevent the situation where the outer peripheral surface of the sponge is shaky and can prolong the service life.
[0022]
Another object of the present invention is to make a relative movement along the axial direction between the outer peripheral surface of the sponge and the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve by bonding between the sponge and the metal thin sleeve. Providing a method for manufacturing a fixing roller that effectively suppresses the occurrence of cracks caused by stress concentration due to the edge of the sponge layer hitting the sleeve, and can extend the service life. It is.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention includes a cored bar and an outer periphery thereof. Made of silicone rubber A method for manufacturing a fixing roller having a sponge layer and a thin metal sleeve provided on the outer periphery of the sponge layer, the method including at least closed cells arranged to surround the outer periphery of the core metal Made of silicone rubber Sponge layer, The wall thickness is 10-100 μm A first step of polishing the metal thin sleeve so as to have an outer diameter dimension equal to or larger than the inner diameter dimension of the metal sleeve and forming a sponge body composed of a cored bar and a sponge layer; and the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer of the sponge body and the metal At least one of the inner peripheral surfaces of the thin-walled sleeve Silicone rubber adhesive 5 to 100 μm To be the coating thickness The second step of applying, the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve are housed in a pressurized container. By making the inside of the pressurized container high pressure A third step of applying pressure to make the outer diameter of the sponge layer of the sponge body smaller than the inner diameter of the thin metal sleeve; With high pressure A fourth step of inserting the sponge layer of the sponge body into the thin metal sleeve and forming the sleeve body; and removing the sleeve body from the pressurized container; the sponge layer of the sponge body expands; Then, the fifth step of bringing the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve, and solidifying the adhesive to bond the sponge layer of the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve And a sixth step.
[0024]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing roller manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the cored bar, the sponge layer provided on the outer periphery thereof, and the metal thin-walled sleeve provided on the outer periphery of the sponge layer are provided. And a fixing roller having at least closed cells arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the cored bar. Made of silicone rubber Sponge layer, The wall thickness is 10-100 μm A first step of forming a sponge body composed of a cored bar and a sponge layer by polishing so as to have an outer diameter dimension equal to or greater than the inner diameter dimension of the metal thin sleeve, and pressurizing the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve In a container By making the inside of the pressurized container high pressure A second step of applying pressure to make the outer diameter of the sponge layer of the sponge body smaller than the inner diameter of the thin metal sleeve; With high pressure , At least one of the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer of the sponge body and the inner peripheral surface of the thin metal sleeve Silicone rubber 5-100 μm of adhesive To be the coating thickness 3rd process to apply | coat, and inside the said pressurized container With high pressure A fourth step of forming the sleeve body by inserting the sponge body into the metal thin-walled sleeve, and taking out the sleeve body from the pressurized container, and the sponge layer of the sponge body expands to form the sleeve body. A fifth step of closely attaching the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer to the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve; and a sixth step of solidifying the adhesive to bond the sponge layer of the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve. These processes are provided.
[0026]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 3 According to the description, the application operation of the second step according to claim 1 is performed by applying the adhesive to the sponge body. Sponge layer It is characterized in that it is applied to the entire periphery of the film.
[0027]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 4 According to the description, the application operation of the third step according to claim 2 is performed by applying the adhesive to the sponge body. Sponge layer It is characterized in that it is applied to the entire periphery of the film.
[0028]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 5 According to the description, the claim 1 Or 3 In the third step described above, the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve are accommodated in the pressurized container so as to be coaxial with each other and movable in the axial direction. It is said.
[0029]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 6 According to the description of claim 2, claim 2 Or 4 In the second step described above, the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve are accommodated in the pressurized container so as to be coaxial with each other and movable in the axial direction. It is said.
[0030]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 7 According to the description, the release layer is disposed on the outer periphery of the metal thin sleeve. 7 It is characterized by further comprising the process.
[0031]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 8 According to the description, the release layer is disposed on the outer periphery of the thin metal sleeve via the elastic layer. 7 It is characterized by further comprising the process.
[0032]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 9 According to the description of said 7 In this step, the release layer is formed by applying a fluororesin.
[0033]
Further, a method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to the present invention is as follows. 10 According to the description of said 7 In this step, the release layer is formed by covering a fluororesin tube.
[0034]
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following, the procedure of one embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described. Prior to this description, the fixing roller manufactured by this manufacturing method is applied to the fixing roller of a two-roller type fixing device. This will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0035]
(Description of Fixing Device 10)
First, a schematic configuration of the fixing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 12 indicates a fixing roller as a heating rotating body to which the fixing roller of one embodiment according to the present invention is applied. Reference numeral 14 indicates a fixing roller 12 at a predetermined pressure. A pressure roller is shown as a pressure member in rolling contact. A thermistor 38 for measuring the surface temperature is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roller 10.
[0036]
The fixing roller 12 is rotationally driven in a direction indicated by an arrow by a drive system (not shown) via a drive gear (not shown) at a longitudinal end portion of a metal drive shaft 16 such as iron. On the other hand, the pressure roller 14 is pressed against the fixing roller 12 by a pressure spring (not shown) via bearings (not shown) at both ends of the iron core 18 in the longitudinal direction. Rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow following the rotation. Reference numeral N indicates a pressure nip where the rollers 12 and 14 are in rolling contact with each other.
[0037]
(Description of the fixing roller 12)
The fixing roller 12 is manufactured by a manufacturing method to be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing roller 12 is wrapped around the core 16 and the outer periphery of the core 16 via a primer 20. The disposed sponge layer 22, the metal thin sleeve 26 bonded to the outer periphery of the sponge layer 22 via the adhesive layer 24, and the outer periphery of the metal thin sleeve 26 are disposed so as to cover it. The mold release layer 28 is provided.
[0038]
Here, the above-described sponge layer 22 is composed of a sponge body formed by foaming silicone rubber and containing at least closed cells. The sponge layer 22 is formed of a sponge tube fitted in a thin metal sleeve 26, and the outer diameter of the sponge layer 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve 26 before insertion. It is processed by an outer diameter polishing apparatus that does not. Specifically, the inner diameter of the metal thin sleeve 26 is set to 30.0 mm, but the outer diameter of the sponge tube before fitting is processed to be 30.5 mm.
[0039]
Further, the metal thin sleeve 26 is formed of a metal material having a high thermal conductivity, for example, iron, SUS, nickel or the like, specifically, in this embodiment, a nickel electroformed sleeve, and has an inner diameter. Is formed as a thin sleeve having a thickness of 30.0 mm and a thickness of 10 to 100 μm, preferably 30 to 50 μm, and specifically a thickness of 35 μm.
[0040]
Further, in order to bond the above-described sponge layer 22 and the metal thin sleeve 26, at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve 26, specifically, the outer periphery of the sponge layer 22. Prior to the insertion of the metal thin sleeve 26 on the outer periphery of the metal sleeve, an adhesive is applied over the entire surface to form an adhesive layer 24.
[0041]
Here, as the adhesive constituting the adhesive layer 24, for example, a silicone rubber-based adhesive is used, and in particular, a two-component addition LTV (trade name: SE1700, manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Silicone) is used. It is used. Also, an adhesive of RTV (trade name: KE45, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) can be used.
[0042]
Here, as the layer thickness of the adhesive layer 24, a range of 5 to 100 μm is appropriate, and in particular, it is set to about 50 μm as a conversion from the coating amount. If the thickness of the adhesive layer 24 is less than 5 μm, the adhesive strength is not ensured. On the other hand, if the thickness is more than 100 μm, the heat insulating effect of the sponge layer 22 is impaired, which is not preferable. Therefore, as described above, the optimum thickness of the adhesive layer 24 is 5 to 100 μm.
[0043]
Thus, since the sponge layer 22 and the metal thin sleeve 26 are bonded to each other, the frictional engagement force between the metal thin sleeve 26 and the pressure roller 14 is strong in the rotating state of the fixing roller 12. Even if it becomes, the relative rotation does not occur between the sponge layer 22 and the metal thin sleeve 26, and the outer surface of the sponge layer becomes shabby in a short time, which has been a problem in the past, The unusable state is surely prevented, and the effect is enormous.
[0044]
Further, in such a rotation state of the fixing roller 12, since the metal thin sleeve 26 is bonded and fixed to the sponge layer 22, the metal thin sleeve 26 is displaced along the axial direction with respect to the sponge layer 22. Is surely prevented. As a result, the occurrence of cracking due to stress concentration, which is generated when the metal thin sleeve 26 is displaced along the axial direction with respect to the sponge layer 22, is reliably prevented. The effect is tremendous.
[0045]
Further, by adopting a silicone rubber adhesive as the adhesive constituting the adhesive layer 24, the adhesive itself can exhibit predetermined softness and elasticity. As a result, when the soft sponge layer 22 and the hard metal thin-walled sleeve 26 are bonded, the difference in hardness between the two can be effectively absorbed and no significant stress can be exerted. It is possible.
[0046]
In addition, since the adhesive layer 24 has a predetermined elasticity as described above, the force from the hard metal thin sleeve 26 is prevented from being directly transmitted to the sponge layer 22, It can exhibit a function as a so-called protective layer.
[0047]
The release layer 28 is made of a fluororesin such as PTFE or PFA. For example, it may be formed by applying PFA to the outer peripheral surface of the thin metal sleeve 26 or may be formed by coating a PFA tube.
[0048]
On the other hand, the pressure roller 14 is formed by sequentially forming an elastic layer 30 made of silicone rubber and a release layer 32 such as PTFE or PFA on the outer periphery of the cored bar 18.
[0049]
Reference numeral 34 denotes a halogen heater as external heating means for heating the surface of the fixing roller 12 from the outside. The halogen heater 34 is disposed in the vicinity of the transfer material entrance of the pressure nip N between the fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 14 so as to face the fixing roller 12. The surface is adapted to be heated.
[0050]
Here, in order to efficiently perform the radiant heating of the fixing roller 12 by the halogen heater 34, a curved reflecting plate 36 having a high reflectance is disposed on the opposite side of the fixing roller 12 with the halogen heater 34 in the middle. The radiant heat from the halogen heater 34 is reflected to the fixing roller 12 side without being diffused.
[0051]
The thermistor 38 for detecting the surface temperature of the fixing roller is in contact with the fixing roller 12 described above, and the surface temperature information of the fixing roller 12 detected thereby is converted into an A / D converter ( Is sent to a CPU (not shown) via an unillustrated CPU, and based on this, the CPU (not shown) controls ON / OFF of the halogen heater 34 via an AC driver (not shown), thereby fixing the fixing roller. The surface temperature of 12 is controlled to a predetermined value.
[0052]
In this way, the configuration of the fixing roller 12 is that the sponge layer 22 is formed inside and the metal thin sleeve 26 is formed outside, so that the metal sleeve 26 having a small heat capacity and excellent thermal conductivity is heated from the outside ( It can be heated rapidly by the (halogen heater) 34.
[0053]
Here, if the thickness of the metal thin sleeve 26 is too thin, there is a problem from the viewpoint of processing. However, if the thickness of the metal thin sleeve 26 is too large in order to satisfy the viewpoint of processing, the rigidity is reduced. Becomes stronger and the nip width of the nip portion N cannot be obtained sufficiently. From the above viewpoint, it can be seen that the thin metal sleeve 26 of the fixing roller 12 is desirably formed with a thickness of 10 to 100 μm.
[0054]
Further, the surface of the fixing roller 12 in which a sponge layer 22 as an elastic layer having a high heat insulating effect is formed inside and a thin metal sleeve 26 having a thickness of 10 to 100 μm is formed on the outside can be fixed by an external heating means 34. By heating to a suitable temperature, the warm-up time can be shortened. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is not operating, it is not necessary to heat the surface of the fixing roller as in the conventional example, and power consumption can be greatly reduced.
[0055]
Further, the non-uniformity of the pressure nip portion N due to the bending of the core 18 of the small-diameter pressure roller 14 due to the elasticity of the fixing roller can be eliminated, and the nip width in the longitudinal direction of the pressure nip portion is made uniform. Since the same load is applied to the material, it is possible to prevent problems of the transfer material such as undulation.
[0056]
Further, since the fixing roller 12 is also elastic, it is easy to set a wide nip width, and the fixing device can also increase the speed of the image forming apparatus.
[0057]
Needless to say, the fixing roller and the fixing device according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, another embodiment of the fixing roller will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0058]
(Description of other configuration examples of the fixing roller)
For example, in the fixing roller 12 described above, the release layer 28 has been described as being directly disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve 26, but the fixing roller 12 is limited to such a configuration. Instead, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 as another configuration example, an elastic layer 46 such as silicone rubber is once formed on the outer peripheral surface of the metal thin-walled sleeve 26, and is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 46. Needless to say, the mold layer 28 may be formed.
[0059]
(Description of other application examples of the fixing roller)
Further, the fixing roller manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention has been described as applied to the fixing roller. However, the present invention is not limited to such an application, and as shown in FIG. 4 as another application example. Needless to say, the fixing roller according to the present invention may be applied to the pressure roller 14.
[0060]
(Description of manufacturing apparatus 50)
Next, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 50 for carrying out the manufacturing method for manufacturing the fixing roller 12 having the above-described configuration will be schematically described with reference to FIG.
[0061]
The manufacturing apparatus 50 reduces the outer diameter of the sponge layer 22 of the fixing roller 12 by a pressing method, and applies an adhesive to the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer 22 in the reduced diameter state. It is comprised so that it can be made to fit in the metal thin sleeve 26 after application | coating operation | movement.
[0062]
Specifically, the manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a pressurized container 52 for performing the above-described operations collectively in a pressurized environment. A pressure supply mechanism 54 such as a compressor is connected to the pressurization container 52, and the operation of the pressure supply mechanism 54 causes the inside of the pressurization container 52 to have a high pressure environment of 0.5 MPa, for example. Has been made.
[0063]
The manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a stand 56 that holds a metal thin sleeve 26 in an upright state in a pressurized container 52, and a sponge body X in which a sponge layer 22 is disposed on the outer periphery of the cored bar 16. A support mechanism 58 configured to support the metal thin-walled sleeve 26 held in a coaxial state, and to move it along the axial direction while maintaining the coaxial state. An adhesive application mechanism 60 for uniformly applying an adhesive is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer 22 of the sponge body X supported by the mechanism 58.
[0064]
The support mechanism 58 includes a pair of upper and lower support shafts 62 and 64 that pass through the stand 56 and the metal thin sleeve 26 held by the stand 56, and the sponge body X is formed by the support shafts 62 and 64. It is set to be supported coaxially. Further, the support shafts 62 and 64 are configured to be driven to move integrally with each other via a moving mechanism (not shown), and also to be driven to move away from each other.
[0065]
In the manufacturing apparatus 50 configured as described above, the procedure of the manufacturing method that characterizes the present invention will be described in detail below.
First, the sponge body X is formed by including the cored bar 16 and the sponge layer 22 having at least closed cells disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the cored bar 16. There are various conceivable processes for forming the sponge body X. In this embodiment, the primer 20 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the cored bar 16 over the front surface, and the silicone rubber before foaming is coated on the outer periphery. To do. In this covered state, the silicone rubber is foamed to form the sponge layer 22. Thereafter, the sponge layer 22 is roughly processed to have a cylindrical shape to form the sponge body X.
[0066]
The sponge body X thus formed has an outer diameter polishing device (not shown) having an outer diameter of 30.5 mm which is an inner diameter dimension of 30.0 mm or more which is the inner diameter dimension of the metal thin-walled sleeve 26. Grind the surface.
[0067]
Thereafter, the pressurized container 52 is opened, the sponge body X is sandwiched between the pair of upper and lower support shafts 62 and 64 of the support mechanism 58, and the metal thin sleeve 26 is held upright on the stand 56. .
[0068]
Thereafter, the pressurized container 52 is closed, the pressure supply mechanism 54 is activated, and the sponge body X stored in the pressurized container 52 is pressurized. As a result, the outer diameter of the sponge layer 22 constituting the sponge body X is made smaller than the inner diameter of the metal thin sleeve 26.
[0069]
Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the adhesive application mechanism 60 is activated, and a moving mechanism (not shown) is activated to drive the pair of upper and lower support shafts 62, 64 to descend, thereby supporting the sponge body X supported by both. The adhesive layer 24 is formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the sponge body X and the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin-walled sleeve 26, specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the sponge body X. To do.
[0070]
Then, in the pressurized container 52, a movement mechanism (not shown) is subsequently activated to drive the pair of upper and lower support shafts 62 and 64 to descend, and the sponge body X supported by both is made into the metal thin sleeve 26. The sleeve body Y is formed as shown in FIG.
[0071]
The sleeve body Y thus formed in the pressurization container 52 is released from the pressurization state of the pressurization container 52 and released to the atmosphere, and the sponge layer 22 of the sponge body X expands. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer 22 is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve 26. In this contact process, the sponge layer 22 starts to expand when the pressurized state of the pressurized container 52 is released, and the contact operation is completed almost simultaneously with the release of the pressurized state.
[0072]
Thereafter, the adhesive is solidified to bond the sponge body X and the thin metal sleeve 26. In this bonding step, the sleeve body Y is set to be bonded by being housed in a thermostat (not shown) and heated at 150 ° C. for about 30 minutes. Needless to say, the aging operation may be performed after the bonding operation by heating is completed.
[0073]
In this way, the release layer 28 made of fluororesin is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the thin metal sleeve 26 of the sleeve body Y after the bonding operation is completed, specifically, by tightly covering the PFA tube. A release layer 28 is formed. The fixing roller 12 is completed by the formation of the release layer 28.
[0074]
Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the procedure described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0075]
For example, in the procedure of the embodiment described above, in order to form the sponge body X, the outer periphery of the cored bar 16 is coated with rubber before foaming via the primer 20, and the cored bar is foamed in this coated state. However, the present invention is not limited to such a procedure, and a cylindrical sponge having an insertion hole formed in the center is previously formed. Needless to say, the sponge body X may be formed by inserting the metal core 16 through the cylindrical sponge. In short, as long as the sponge layer 22 is formed on the outer periphery of the core metal 16, the formation procedure is not particularly limited.
[0076]
In the above-described embodiment, the adhesive layer is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer 22 in a pressurized environment in the pressurized container 52, in other words, the sponge layer 22 having a reduced diameter. However, the present invention is not limited to such a procedure. In other words, the present invention is not limited to such a procedure. For example, it is needless to say that the same effect can be obtained even if the adhesive is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer 22 before the diameter is reduced.
[0077]
Further, in the procedure of the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the release layer 28 is formed directly on the outer peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve 26, but the present invention is limited to such a procedure. Needless to say, the release layer 28 may be formed via the elastic layer 30.
[0078]
Further, in the formation of the release layer 28 made of fluororesin, it has been described that the PFA tube is tightly covered, but the present invention is not limited to such a procedure, for example, PFA, Needless to say, the thin metal sleeve 26 may be formed by coating on the outer peripheral surface thereof. It goes without saying that this application operation may be performed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 30 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve 26.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a fixing roller that can continue to be used for a long period of time even when it is actually driven to rotate.
[0080]
Further, according to the present invention, by adhering between the sponge and the thin metal sleeve, the relative movement between the outer peripheral surface of the sponge and the inner peripheral surface of the thin metal sleeve is performed along the circumferential direction. Providing a fixing roller manufacturing method that prohibits and reliably avoids a state where the outer peripheral surface of the sponge is fragile, and can extend the service life.
[0081]
Further, according to the present invention, by adhering between the sponge and the metal thin sleeve, the relative movement of the sponge between the outer peripheral surface of the sponge and the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve is achieved along the axial direction. Providing a fixing roller manufacturing method that can effectively prevent cracking caused by stress concentration due to the edge of the sponge layer hitting the sleeve and prolonging the service life. Become.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of a fixing device provided with a fixing roller manufactured by a manufacturing method according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration when a fixing roller manufactured by a manufacturing method according to the present invention is applied to a fixing roller.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration according to another configuration example of the fixing roller manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of another application example in which the fixing roller manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention is applied to a pressure roller.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a manufacturing apparatus for carrying out a manufacturing method according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows the procedure of one embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the present invention, and is a view showing a state in which an adhesive is applied to the outer periphery of a sponge body in a pressurized container.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a procedure of an embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the present invention and showing a state in which a sleeve body is formed in a pressurized container.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a conventional two-roller type fixing device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Fixing device
12 Fixing roller
14 Pressure roller
16 Core metal (for fixing roller)
18 Core metal (for pressure roller)
20 Primers
22 Sponge layer
24 Adhesive layer
26 Thin metal sleeve
28 Release layer
30 Elastic layer
32 Release layer
34 Halogen heater (external heating means)
36 reflector
38 Thermistor
46 Elastic layer
50 Production equipment
52 Pressurized container
54 Pressure supply mechanism
56 stands
58 Support mechanism
60 Adhesive application mechanism
62 (Upper) support shaft
64 (lower) support shaft
N Nip part
P Transfer material (material to be heated)
X sponge body
Y sleeve body

Claims (10)

A method of manufacturing a fixing roller having a cored bar, a sponge layer made of silicone rubber provided on the outer periphery, and a metal thin sleeve provided on the outer periphery of the sponge layer,
Polishing the sponge layer made of silicone rubber having at least closed cells disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the metal core so that the outer diameter is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the thin metal sleeve having a thickness of 10 to 100 μm. A first step of processing to form a sponge body comprising a cored bar and a sponge layer;
A second step of applying a silicone rubber-based adhesive to at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer of the sponge body and the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve so as to have an application thickness of 5 to 100 μm ;
The sponge body and the metal thin-walled sleeve are housed in a pressurized container and pressurized by making the inside of the pressurized container high in pressure, and the outer diameter of the sponge layer of the sponge body is set to the inner diameter of the metal thin-walled sleeve. A third step of making the diameter smaller than,
A fourth step of forming the sleeve body by inserting the sponge layer of the sponge body into the metal thin sleeve while the inside of the pressurized container is kept in a high pressure state ;
A fifth step of removing the sleeve body from the pressurized container and expanding the sponge layer of the sponge body so that the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve;
A sixth step of solidifying the adhesive and bonding the sponge layer of the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve;
A method for manufacturing a fixing roller, comprising: A method of manufacturing a fixing roller having a cored bar, a sponge layer provided on the outer periphery, and a metal thin sleeve provided on the outer periphery of the sponge layer,
Polishing the sponge layer made of silicone rubber having at least closed cells disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the metal core so that the outer diameter is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the thin metal sleeve having a thickness of 10 to 100 μm. A first step of processing to form a sponge body comprising a cored bar and a sponge layer;
The sponge body and the metal thin-walled sleeve are housed in a pressurized container and pressurized by making the inside of the pressurized container high in pressure, and the outer diameter of the sponge layer of the sponge body is set to the inner diameter of the metal thin-walled sleeve. A second step of making the diameter smaller than,
With the inside of the pressurized container kept in a high pressure state , a silicone rubber-based adhesive is applied to at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer of the sponge body and the inner peripheral surface of the thin metal sleeve to a thickness of 5 to 100 μm. A third step of applying
A fourth step of forming the sleeve body by inserting the sponge body into the metal thin sleeve while the inside of the pressurized container is in a high pressure state ;
A fifth step of removing the sleeve body from the pressurized container and expanding the sponge layer of the sponge body so that the outer peripheral surface of the sponge layer is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the metal thin sleeve;
A sixth step of solidifying the adhesive and bonding the sponge layer of the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve;
A method for manufacturing a fixing roller, comprising:   2. The method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to claim 1, wherein in the coating operation in the second step, the adhesive is applied to the entire periphery of the sponge layer of the sponge body. 3.   The method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to claim 2, wherein in the application operation in the third step, the adhesive is applied to the entire periphery of the sponge layer of the sponge body.   The said 3rd process WHEREIN: The said sponge body and the said metal thin sleeve are accommodated in the state which can mutually move along the axial direction in the said pressurized container coaxially. Item 4. A method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to Item 1 or 3.   In the second step, the sponge body and the metal thin sleeve are accommodated in the pressurized container so as to be coaxial with each other and movable in the axial direction. Item 5. A method for producing a fixing roller according to Item 2 or 4.   The method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to claim 1, further comprising a seventh step of disposing a release layer on an outer periphery of the metal thin sleeve.   The fixing roller according to claim 1, further comprising a seventh step of disposing a release layer on the outer periphery of the thin metal sleeve via an elastic layer. Manufacturing method.   9. The method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to claim 7, wherein in the seventh step, the release layer is formed by applying a fluororesin.   9. The method for manufacturing a fixing roller according to claim 7, wherein in the seventh step, the release layer is formed by covering a tube made of a fluororesin.

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