JP2005172885A - Coating device, coating method, and fixing belt manufacturing method - Google Patents

Coating device, coating method, and fixing belt manufacturing method Download PDF

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JP2005172885A
JP2005172885A JP2003408533A JP2003408533A JP2005172885A JP 2005172885 A JP2005172885 A JP 2005172885A JP 2003408533 A JP2003408533 A JP 2003408533A JP 2003408533 A JP2003408533 A JP 2003408533A JP 2005172885 A JP2005172885 A JP 2005172885A
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coating
core body
core
fluororesin
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Takeshi Yoneyama
武志 米山
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fuji Xerox Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coating device and a coating method by which streaks are hardly produced when coating is carried out by spiral rotation, and to provide a fixing belt manufacturing method using the coating method. <P>SOLUTION: For instance, a core body 10 is rotated so that its central shaft is horizontal, and a coating liquid (e.g., fluorocarbon resin dispersion liquid 14) is jetted and applied to the core body 10 from below the core body 10. The part to which it is applied is relatively moved from one end to the other end of the core body 10 in a horizontal direction. Thus, the core body 10 is coated with the coating liquid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、円筒或いは円柱状芯体に塗布液を塗布する塗布装置及び塗布方法に関する。また、複写機やレーザープリンタ等の電子写真装置の加熱定着体等として使用される定着ベルトの製造方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a coating apparatus and a coating method for coating a coating liquid on a cylindrical or columnar core. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fixing belt used as a heat fixing member of an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer.

電子写真装置では、トナー像を記録用紙上に加熱定着するための定着体として、金属やプラスチック、またはゴム製の回転体が使用されるが、装置の小型化や省電力化のために、例えば、回転体として、変形が可能な、肉厚が薄い樹脂製ベルトが用いられることがある（例えば、特許文献１および２参照）。この場合、ベルトに継ぎ目があると、継ぎ目に起因する欠陥が出力画像に生じるので、継ぎ目のない無端ベルトが好ましい。その材料としては、強度や寸法安定性、耐熱性等の面でポリイミド樹脂が好ましい。   In an electrophotographic apparatus, a rotating body made of metal, plastic, or rubber is used as a fixing body for heat-fixing a toner image on a recording sheet. For example, in order to reduce the size and power consumption of the apparatus, As the rotating body, a thin resin belt that can be deformed may be used (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In this case, if there is a seam in the belt, a defect due to the seam occurs in the output image. Therefore, a seamless endless belt is preferable. The material is preferably a polyimide resin in terms of strength, dimensional stability, heat resistance, and the like.

ポリイミド樹脂無端ベルトを定着体として使用するには、表面に付着するトナーの剥離性のため、ベルト表面に非粘着性の層を設けることが好ましい。その層の材料としては、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン（ＰＴＦＥ）、テトラフルオロエチレン−パーフルオロアルキルビニルエーテル共重合体（ＰＦＡ）、テトラフルオロエチレン−ヘキサフルオロプロピレン共重合体（ＦＥＰ）等のフッ素樹脂が好ましい。   In order to use a polyimide resin endless belt as a fixing member, it is preferable to provide a non-adhesive layer on the surface of the belt in order to remove the toner adhering to the surface. As the material of the layer, fluororesins such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) and the like are preferable.

非粘着性の層には、耐摩耗性や静電オフセットの向上、トナーの付着防止用オイルとの親和性等のために、カーボン粉体や、酸化チタン、硫酸バリウム等の無機化合物粉体等、フッ素樹脂以外の材料を含んでもよい。   For non-adhesive layers, carbon powder, inorganic compound powders such as titanium oxide and barium sulfate are used to improve wear resistance, electrostatic offset, and compatibility with toner adhesion prevention oil. A material other than the fluororesin may be included.

定着ベルトとしてのポリイミド樹脂層の厚さは、２５〜２００μｍの範囲が好ましく、非粘着層の厚さは５〜５０μｍの範囲が好ましい。   The thickness of the polyimide resin layer as the fixing belt is preferably in the range of 25 to 200 μm, and the thickness of the non-adhesive layer is preferably in the range of 5 to 50 μm.

ポリイミド樹脂無端ベルトの製造方法として、芯体の表面に、浸漬塗布法によってポリイミド前駆体溶液を塗布して乾燥し、加熱することにより、芯体外面上にポリイミド樹脂皮膜を形成する方法もある。ポリイミド前駆体溶液が高粘度のために、膜厚が厚くなりすぎる場合には、芯体の外径よりも大きな孔を設けたフロートをポリイミド前駆体溶液に浮かべて、ポリイミド前駆体溶液の膜厚を制御する方法がある（例えば、特許文献３参照）。   As a method for producing a polyimide resin endless belt, there is a method in which a polyimide precursor film is formed on the outer surface of a core body by applying a polyimide precursor solution to the surface of the core body by a dip coating method, drying, and heating. If the film thickness is too thick due to the high viscosity of the polyimide precursor solution, float the float with holes larger than the outer diameter of the core body on the polyimide precursor solution, and the film thickness of the polyimide precursor solution There is a method of controlling (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

この方法では、外型に載せ換える工数が不要のため、ポリイミド樹脂層の表面にフッ素樹脂層を塗布する場合は、そのままで塗布することができる。   In this method, since the man-hours for mounting on the outer mold are unnecessary, when the fluororesin layer is applied to the surface of the polyimide resin layer, it can be applied as it is.

一方、ポリイミド樹脂層の表面にフッ素樹脂層を形成するには、フッ素樹脂が溶剤に不溶性であるため、フッ素樹脂の粉体を、界面活性剤等を用いて、水等の溶媒に分散した塗料を塗布した後、溶媒を乾燥し、焼成して加熱溶融する方法がとられる。   On the other hand, in order to form a fluororesin layer on the surface of the polyimide resin layer, since the fluororesin is insoluble in a solvent, a paint in which a fluororesin powder is dispersed in a solvent such as water using a surfactant or the like. After the coating, the solvent is dried, fired and heated and melted.

フッ素樹脂分散液の塗布方法として、スプレー塗布法は、表面の平滑性が劣るほか、高価なフッ素樹脂分散液の塗着効率が悪いために、あまり好ましくない。また、芯体を回転させながら、フッ素樹脂分散液をディスペンサーにより供給し、かつディスペンサーを芯体の回転軸方向に移動させることにより、らせん状に巻回して塗布する方法（例えば、特許文献４参照）もある。かかる塗布方法は、螺旋巻き回し塗布方法と称されている。
特開平８−２６２９０３号公報 特開平１１−１３３７７６号公報 特開２００２−９１０２７号公報 特開平９−２９７４８２号公報 As a coating method of the fluororesin dispersion, the spray coating method is not so preferable because the surface smoothness is inferior and the coating efficiency of the expensive fluororesin dispersion is poor. In addition, a method in which a fluororesin dispersion is supplied by a dispenser while rotating the core body, and the dispenser is moved in the direction of the axis of rotation of the core body so as to be spirally wound (see, for example, Patent Document 4) There is also. Such a coating method is referred to as a spiral winding coating method.
JP-A-8-262903 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-133776 JP 2002-91027 A JP-A-9-297482

しかし、特許文献４などに提案されている螺旋巻き回し塗布方法では、フッ素樹脂分散液の粘度が例えば３Ｐａ・ｓ（３０００ｃｐｓ）以下の低粘度だと、塗布量が設定値よりも大きくなったりすると、塗布液の付着力よりも自重の方が大きくなり、たれが発生し、たれ筋が顕著になる問題がある。   However, in the spiral winding coating method proposed in Patent Document 4 or the like, if the viscosity of the fluororesin dispersion is low, for example, 3 Pa · s (3000 cps) or less, the coating amount may be larger than the set value. There is a problem that the weight of the coating liquid becomes larger than the adhesive force of the coating solution, the sagging occurs, and the sagging streak becomes remarkable.

そのため、ノズルの先端を斜めにカットし、ＰＴＦＥ製のチューブを金型に接触させて塗布することで回避するが、ノズルが接触していると、例えば、芯体が偏芯して回転した場合にはチューブを跳ね除け、所望の位置に塗布できないことがある。また、跳ね除け防止のため金属製のノズルを使用すると、芯体が金属製の場合、キズをつけてしまい、使用不可となる。   Therefore, the tip of the nozzle is cut obliquely and is avoided by applying a PTFE tube in contact with the mold, but when the nozzle is in contact, for example, when the core rotates eccentrically In some cases, the tube may bounce off and cannot be applied to the desired location. Further, when a metal nozzle is used to prevent splashing, if the core is made of metal, it will be scratched and unusable.

また、このような問題は、フッ素樹脂分散液に限られず、他の塗布液を塗布するする場合にも同様に生じる。   Such a problem is not limited to the fluororesin dispersion, but also occurs when another coating solution is applied.

従って、本発明は、前記従来における諸問題を解決し、以下の目的を達成することを課題とする。即ち、本発明の目的は、螺旋巻き回し塗布を行う際、塗膜にたれ筋が発生し難い塗布装置及び塗布方法を提供することである。
また、本発明の他の目的は、上記塗布方法を利用した定着ベルトの製造方法を提供することである。 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems and achieve the following object. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a coating apparatus and a coating method in which, when performing spiral winding coating, it is difficult for sagging streaks to occur in the coating film.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a fixing belt using the coating method.

上記課題は、以下の手段により解決される。即ち、
本発明の塗布装置は、円筒或いは円柱状芯体に塗布液を塗布する塗布装置であり、
前記芯体を、その中心軸が水平になるように回転させる回転手段と、
塗布液を前記芯体の下方側から前記芯体へ噴流させて付着させると共に、その付着部が相対的に前記芯体の一端から他の一端へ水平方向に移動する噴流手段と、
を備えることを特徴としている。 The above problem is solved by the following means. That is,
The coating device of the present invention is a coating device that applies a coating solution to a cylindrical or columnar core.
Rotating means for rotating the core body so that its central axis is horizontal;
A jet means for jetting and applying the coating liquid from the lower side of the core body to the core body, and the attached portion relatively moving in the horizontal direction from one end of the core body to the other end;
It is characterized by having.

本発明の塗布装置では、噴流手段により芯体の下方側から噴流させる。そして、噴流しているつぶて状の塗布液に芯体が接触して、芯体に塗布液を付着させる。このため、塗布液の付着力が自重よりも重い量の塗布量では、芯体に塗布液が付着し難くなり、塗布液のたれが生じず、たれ筋を防止し、平滑な塗膜を得ることができる。   In the coating apparatus of this invention, it is made to jet from the downward side of a core by a jet means. Then, the core body comes into contact with the crushed coating liquid that is jetted to adhere the coating liquid to the core body. For this reason, when the coating solution has an adhesion force that is heavier than its own weight, it becomes difficult for the coating solution to adhere to the core, the coating solution does not sag, prevents sagging streaks, and provides a smooth coating film. be able to.

本発明の塗布装置において、噴流手段における塗布液を噴流するノズルは、鉛直方向を向いていることが好適である。   In the coating apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the nozzle for jetting the coating liquid in the jet means is oriented in the vertical direction.

ノズルの方向、即ち噴流方向を鉛直方向にすることで、ノズルの方向が鉛直方向に対して傾いている場合に比べ、噴流する塗布液がつぶて状の状態を保ち易く、ノズルから塗布液が垂れ難くなり、塗布液の使用量を低減させることができる。   By making the direction of the nozzle, that is, the jet direction vertical, compared to the case where the direction of the nozzle is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, it is easy to keep the sprayed coating liquid in a crushed state, and the coating liquid is discharged from the nozzle. It becomes difficult to sag, and the amount of coating liquid used can be reduced.

本発明の塗布装置において、前記噴流手段における塗布液を噴流するノズルは、前記芯体の最下点若しくは最下点よりも下流側で前記塗布液が付着するように配置されていることが好適である。   In the coating apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the nozzle for jetting the coating liquid in the jet means is arranged so that the coating liquid adheres at a lowermost point of the core body or downstream from the lowest point. It is.

塗布液を芯体の最下点若しくは最下点よりも下流側で付着させることこで、塗布液が芯体へ付着したとき、芯体の回転に伴い上方へ引っ張られるように付着され、より効果的に、塗布液の付着力が自重よりも重い量の塗布量では、芯体に塗布液が付着し難くなる。   By applying the coating liquid at the lowermost point of the core body or downstream from the lowest point, when the coating liquid adheres to the core body, the coating liquid is adhered to be pulled upward as the core body rotates. Effectively, when the coating solution has an adhesion amount heavier than its own weight, the coating solution is difficult to adhere to the core.

本発明の塗布装置において、さらに、前記芯体に余剰に付着した前記塗布液を回収する回収手段を備えるてもよい。   The coating apparatus of the present invention may further include a collecting unit that collects the coating liquid excessively attached to the core body.

回収手段により、芯体に余剰に付着した塗布液を回収することで、芯体に付着した塗布液量を調整し、例えば、得られる塗膜の膜厚を調整することができる。なお、これにより、例えば、塗膜の膜厚を均一に数μｍのレベルまで薄くすることが可能である。   By collecting the coating liquid excessively attached to the core by the collecting means, the amount of the coating liquid attached to the core can be adjusted, for example, the film thickness of the coating film obtained can be adjusted. Thereby, for example, the film thickness of the coating film can be uniformly reduced to a level of several μm.

本発明の塗布装置において、前記塗布液は、フッ素樹脂が分散されたフッ素樹脂分散液であることがよい。一般に、フッ素樹脂は高価であり、また、その分散液が低粘度であることが多いため、本発明の塗布装置に適用することは非常に有効である。   In the coating apparatus of the present invention, the coating liquid may be a fluororesin dispersion in which a fluororesin is dispersed. In general, a fluororesin is expensive, and its dispersion liquid often has a low viscosity, so that it is very effective to apply it to the coating apparatus of the present invention.

一方、本発明の塗布方法は、上記本発明の塗布装置を用いた塗布方法である。即ち、   On the other hand, the coating method of the present invention is a coating method using the coating apparatus of the present invention. That is,

本発明の塗布方法は、円筒状或いは円柱状芯体をその中心軸が水平になるように回転させ、前記芯体に塗布液を前記芯体の下方側から噴流して付着させつつ、その付着部を相対的に前記芯体の一端から他の一端へ水平方向に移動させて、前記芯体に塗布液を塗布することを特徴としている。   In the coating method of the present invention, a cylindrical or columnar core is rotated so that its central axis is horizontal, and the coating liquid is jetted from the lower side of the core to adhere to the core. A part is relatively moved in the horizontal direction from one end of the core body to the other end, and the coating liquid is applied to the core body.

本発明の塗布方法においては、前記塗布液を鉛直方向に噴流させることがよい。   In the coating method of the present invention, the coating liquid is preferably jetted in the vertical direction.

本発明の塗布方法においては、前記塗布液を前記芯体の最下点で付着させることがよい。   In the coating method of the present invention, the coating solution is preferably adhered at the lowest point of the core.

本発明の塗布方法においては、さらに、前記芯体に余剰に付着した前記塗布液を回収してもよい。   In the coating method of the present invention, the coating liquid that has excessively adhered to the core may be recovered.

本発明の塗布方法においては、前記塗布液が、フッ素樹脂が分散されたフッ素樹脂分散液であることがよい。   In the coating method of the present invention, the coating solution is preferably a fluororesin dispersion in which a fluororesin is dispersed.

本発明の定着ベルトの製造方法は、上記本発明の塗布方法を利用した製造方法である。即ち、   The fixing belt manufacturing method of the present invention is a manufacturing method using the coating method of the present invention. That is,

本発明の定着ベルトの製造方法は、
円筒状或いは円柱状芯体にポリイミド前駆体溶液を塗布して、前記芯体にポリイミド樹脂層又はポリイミド樹脂前駆体層を形成する工程と、
前記ポリイミド前駆体層が形成された前記芯体にフッ素樹脂が分散された塗布液を塗布して、ポリイミド樹脂層又はポリイミド樹脂前駆体層上にフッ素樹脂が分散された塗布液の塗膜を形成する工程と、
前記芯体に乾燥・加熱処理を行い、前記芯体の外周面にポリイミド樹脂層及びフッ素樹脂層の積層体を形成する積層体形成工程と、
前記芯体と前記積層体を分離する工程と、
を有し、
前記フッ素樹脂が分散された塗布液の塗膜を形成する工程が、上記本発明の塗布方法により行われることを特徴としている。 The manufacturing method of the fixing belt of the present invention includes:
Applying a polyimide precursor solution to a cylindrical or columnar core, and forming a polyimide resin layer or a polyimide resin precursor layer on the core; and
A coating liquid in which a fluororesin is dispersed is applied to the core body on which the polyimide precursor layer is formed, and a coating film of the coating liquid in which the fluororesin is dispersed is formed on the polyimide resin layer or the polyimide resin precursor layer. And a process of
A laminated body forming step of performing drying and heat treatment on the core body, and forming a laminated body of a polyimide resin layer and a fluororesin layer on the outer peripheral surface of the core body;
Separating the core and the laminate;
Have
The step of forming a coating film of the coating liquid in which the fluororesin is dispersed is performed by the coating method of the present invention.

本発明の定着ベルトの製造方法では、上記本発明の塗布方法により、フッ素樹脂が分散された塗布液の塗膜を形成するので、フッ素樹脂の使用量を低減させつつ、非常に平滑なフッ素樹脂層を有する定着ベルトが得られる。   In the method for producing a fixing belt of the present invention, a coating film of a coating liquid in which a fluororesin is dispersed is formed by the coating method of the present invention, so that the amount of the fluororesin is reduced and a very smooth fluororesin A fixing belt having a layer is obtained.

本発明の塗布装置及び塗布方法によれば、螺旋巻き回し塗布を行う際、塗膜にたれ筋が発生し難い、といった効果を奏する。
また、本発明の定着ベルトの製造方法によれば、上記塗布方法を利用して、非常に平滑なフッ素樹脂層を有する定着ベルトが得られる、といった効果を奏する。 According to the coating apparatus and the coating method of the present invention, there is an effect that when the spiral winding coating is performed, it is difficult for the coating film to sag.
In addition, according to the method for manufacturing a fixing belt of the present invention, there is an effect that a fixing belt having a very smooth fluororesin layer can be obtained by using the coating method.

以下、本発明について、図面を参照しつつ説明する、なお、実質的に同様の機能を有する部材には全図面通して同じ符合を付与して説明する。   Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, members having substantially the same function will be described by giving the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

（第１の実施形態）
図１は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る塗布装置の主要部分を示す斜視図である。図２は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る塗布装置の主要部分の芯体軸方向から見た側面図である。 (First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a coating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part of the coating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the core axis direction.

本実施形態の塗布装置は、被塗布物である円筒状或いは円筒状芯体１０（本実施形態では円筒状芯体）が保持部材１２で挟持されている。図示しないが、芯体１０は、芯体１０が水平に回転可能（矢印Ａ）に支持するアームを有する台座に保持部材１２を介して配設されている。また、図示しないが、芯体１０は、芯体１０を軸回転させるための駆動手段（回転手段）と保持部材１２を介して連結されている。なお、本実施形態では、予めポリイミド樹脂層或いはポリイミド前駆体層１１が形成された芯体１０を用いている。   In the coating apparatus of the present embodiment, a cylindrical or cylindrical core body 10 (cylindrical core body in the present embodiment) that is an object to be coated is sandwiched between holding members 12. Although not shown, the core body 10 is disposed via a holding member 12 on a pedestal having an arm that supports the core body 10 so as to be horizontally rotatable (arrow A). Although not shown, the core body 10 is connected to the driving means (rotating means) for rotating the core body 10 through the holding member 12. In the present embodiment, the core body 10 on which the polyimide resin layer or the polyimide precursor layer 11 is formed in advance is used.

そして、芯体１０の下方側周辺には、塗布液として例えば、フッ素樹脂分散液１４を噴流して芯体１０にフッ素樹脂分散液１４を付着させ噴流装置１６（噴流手段）が配置されている。噴流装置１６は、例えば、フッ素樹脂分散液１４をつぶて状に噴流させるノズル１８と、ノズル１８へフッ素樹脂分散液１４を供給する供給装置２０とから構成されている。供給装置２０としては、例えば、メニカスシリンダー、スクリューなどを利用した装置が適用される。本実施形態では、噴流装置１６は、ノズル１８と供給装置２０とが連結管２２により連結してノズル１８と供給装置２０とは分離して別置している形態を示しているが、ノズル１８と供給装置２０とが一体的に構成された形態でもよい。   In the vicinity of the lower side of the core body 10, for example, a fluororesin dispersion liquid 14 is jetted as a coating liquid to attach the fluororesin dispersion liquid 14 to the core body 10, and a jet device 16 (jet means) is disposed. . The jet device 16 includes, for example, a nozzle 18 that squirts the fluororesin dispersion 14 in a crushed state and a supply device 20 that supplies the fluororesin dispersion 14 to the nozzle 18. As the supply device 20, for example, a device using a meniscus cylinder, a screw or the like is applied. In the present embodiment, the jet device 16 shows a mode in which the nozzle 18 and the supply device 20 are connected by the connecting pipe 22 and the nozzle 18 and the supply device 20 are separated and separately provided. And the supply device 20 may be configured integrally.

噴流装置１６は、ノズル１８からフッ素樹脂分散液１４をつぶて状になるように定量で噴流する。ノズル１８から噴流するフッ素樹脂分散液１４のつぶては、その高さがノズル１８内径の５倍以下であることが好ましい、このこの高さが大きいと、フッ素樹脂分散液１４のつぶての高さが安定せず、塗膜の膜厚がばらつきやすくなる。   The jet device 16 jets the fluororesin dispersion 14 from the nozzle 18 in a fixed quantity so as to be crushed. It is preferable that the height of the fluororesin dispersion 14 jetted from the nozzle 18 is not more than 5 times the inner diameter of the nozzle 18. If this height is large, the height of the fluororesin dispersion 14 is reduced. The film thickness of the coating film tends to vary.

噴流装置のノズル１８は、鉛直方向に向けて配置されおり、フッ素樹脂分散液１４が下方側から上方側へ鉛直方向に向かって噴流するようにしている。ノズル１８は、鉛直方向に向いていることが、ノズル１８の方向が鉛直方向に対して傾いている場合に比べ、噴流するフッ素樹脂分散液１４がつぶて状の状態を保ち易いため好適であるが、これに限定されず、ノズル１８の噴流方向は、例えば鉛直方向に対して±４５度になる範囲で適宜設定することもできる。   The nozzle 18 of the jet device is arranged in the vertical direction so that the fluororesin dispersion liquid 14 jets from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction. It is preferable that the nozzle 18 is oriented in the vertical direction because the spouted fluororesin dispersion 14 can easily maintain a crushed state as compared with the case where the direction of the nozzle 18 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the jet direction of the nozzle 18 can be set as appropriate within a range of ± 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction, for example.

噴流装置のノズル１８は、芯体１０の最下点に付着するように配置されている。即ち、ノズルは、その噴流方向が芯体１０の回転軸を通る鉛直線上に配置されている。ノズル１８は芯体１０の最下点に付着するように配置されることが好適である。これに限られず、フッ素樹脂分散液１４の芯体１０への付着部は、芯体１０の回転軸を通る鉛直線に対して、付着部と芯体１０とを通る直線が±４５度になる範囲で適宜設置することもできる。具体的には、ノズル１８の配置位置は、図２に示すように、ノズル１８ａ、１８ｂの配置位置間で適宜設定することができる。   The nozzle 18 of the jet device is disposed so as to adhere to the lowest point of the core body 10. That is, the nozzle is arranged on a vertical line whose jet direction passes through the rotation axis of the core body 10. The nozzle 18 is preferably arranged so as to adhere to the lowest point of the core body 10. The adhering portion of the fluororesin dispersion 14 to the core body 10 is not limited to this, and a straight line passing through the adhering portion and the core body 10 is ± 45 degrees with respect to a vertical line passing through the rotation axis of the core body 10. It can also be installed as appropriate within the range. Specifically, the arrangement position of the nozzle 18 can be appropriately set between the arrangement positions of the nozzles 18a and 18b, as shown in FIG.

特に、フッ素樹脂分散液１４の芯体１０への付着部は、芯体１０の最下点、若しくはこの最下点よりも下流側になることが、芯体１０へつぶて状のフッ素樹脂分散液１４が付着したとき、フッ素樹脂分散液１４が上方へ引っ張られつつ付着するので、効果的に、フッ素樹脂分散液１４の付着力が自重よりも重い量の塗布量では、芯体１０にフッ素樹脂分散液１４が付着し難くなる。   In particular, the adhering portion of the fluororesin dispersion 14 to the core 10 may be the lowest point of the core 10 or the downstream side of the lowest point so that the fluororesin dispersion in a crushed shape on the core 10 When the liquid 14 adheres, the fluororesin dispersion 14 adheres while being pulled upward. Therefore, when the application force of the fluororesin dispersion 14 is heavier than its own weight, the fluorocarbon resin dispersion 14 effectively adheres to the core 10 with fluorine. The resin dispersion 14 becomes difficult to adhere.

噴流装置１６のノズル１８は、フッ素樹脂分散液１４の芯体１０への付着に伴い、芯体の回転毎に付着部が相対的に芯体１０の一端から他の一端へ水平方向（矢印Ｂ）に移動させる。この構成は、図示しないが、ノズル１８を移動させる構成としてもよいし、芯体１０が移動する構成としてもよく、周知の技術により構成することができる。   The nozzle 18 of the jet flow device 16 is attached in the horizontal direction (arrow B) from one end of the core body 10 to the other end relative to the rotation of the core body as the fluororesin dispersion 14 adheres to the core body 10. ). Although not shown, this configuration may be a configuration in which the nozzle 18 is moved, a configuration in which the core body 10 is moved, and can be configured by a known technique.

噴流装置１６（ノズル１８）を芯体１０の一端から他の一端へ水平方向に移動させることにより、芯体１０の表面に塗布することができる。その移動速度が塗布速度と言える。   The jet device 16 (nozzle 18) can be applied to the surface of the core body 10 by moving it horizontally from one end of the core body 10 to the other end. The moving speed can be said to be the coating speed.

本実施形態に係る塗布装置では、まず、芯体１０を矢印Ａ方向に回転させながら、噴流装置１６のノズル１８から、フッ素樹脂分散液１４をつぶて状に噴流させる。このとき、芯体１０の最下点で、つぶて状のフッ素樹脂分散液１４が潰されて付着する。そして、芯体１０の回転毎に付着点を、芯体１０の一端から他の一端へ水平方向（矢印Ｂ）に移動させる。このようにして、フッ素樹脂分散液１４が芯体１０外周面へ塗布され、塗膜が形成される。   In the coating apparatus according to the present embodiment, first, the fluororesin dispersion liquid 14 is crushed and jetted from the nozzle 18 of the jet device 16 while rotating the core body 10 in the direction of arrow A. At this time, the crushed fluororesin dispersion 14 is crushed and attached at the lowest point of the core body 10. Then, each time the core body 10 rotates, the attachment point is moved in the horizontal direction (arrow B) from one end of the core body 10 to the other end. In this way, the fluororesin dispersion 14 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the core body 10 to form a coating film.

なお、芯体１０の塗布面は、芯体１０の全面にわたって形成されなく、両端に多少の不塗布部が残される。そこで、図示しないが、芯体１０の両端に、芯体１０の外径と同じ外径の円筒体を取り付けて、その円筒体にも塗布するようにすれば、芯体１０の全面にわたって塗膜を形成することもできる。その場合は、塗布後に円筒体を取り外し、塗膜を洗浄すればよい。   Note that the coated surface of the core body 10 is not formed over the entire surface of the core body 10, and some uncoated portions are left at both ends. Therefore, although not shown, if a cylindrical body having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the core body 10 is attached to both ends of the core body 10 and applied to the cylindrical body, the coating film is applied over the entire surface of the core body 10. Can also be formed. In that case, the cylindrical body may be removed after application and the coating film may be washed.

ここで、塗布液としては、上記したフッ素樹脂が分散されているフッ素樹脂分散液に代表される樹脂粒子分散液に限られず、シリコン樹脂粒子を分散した塗布液、金属ナノ粒子が分散された塗布液でも構わない。また、分散液に限らず、樹脂を溶媒に溶解した塗布液も使用することができる。   Here, the coating liquid is not limited to the resin particle dispersion liquid typified by the fluororesin dispersion liquid in which the above-described fluororesin is dispersed, but the coating liquid in which the silicon resin particles are dispersed and the coating in which the metal nanoparticles are dispersed. Liquid may be used. Moreover, not only a dispersion liquid but the coating liquid which melt | dissolved resin in the solvent can also be used.

また、本実施形態では、塗布液を流下させる場合と比べ、たれ筋が発生しやすい低粘度の塗布液を適用することが好適である。具体的には、その粘度としては、例えば３Ｐａ・ｓ以下、好ましくは０．１〜１Ｐａ・ｓが好ましい。   Further, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to apply a low-viscosity coating liquid in which sagging streaks are likely to occur compared to the case where the coating liquid is caused to flow down. Specifically, the viscosity is, for example, 3 Pa · s or less, preferably 0.1 to 1 Pa · s.

特に、本実施形態では、塗布液として、フッ素樹脂が分散されたフッ素樹脂分散液を適用することがよい。このようなフッ素樹脂分散液としては、フッ素樹脂粉体の粒径が１〜２０μｍ、その分散液濃度は１０〜７０％、粘度は０．１〜１Ｐａ・ｓ程度が好ましい。フッ素樹脂分散液の溶媒は、水のほか、エタノールやブタノール等の低級アルコールや、エチレングリコール等のグリコール、またそのエステル類が併用されることもある。溶媒の蒸発により、フッ素樹脂分散液の濃度が上昇した場合には、低級アルコール等を加えて調整すればよい。また、フッ素樹脂分散液には界面活性剤や粘度調整剤等も添加されてよい。   In particular, in this embodiment, it is preferable to apply a fluororesin dispersion liquid in which a fluororesin is dispersed as the coating liquid. As such a fluororesin dispersion, the particle diameter of the fluororesin powder is preferably 1 to 20 μm, the concentration of the dispersion is 10 to 70%, and the viscosity is preferably about 0.1 to 1 Pa · s. As the solvent for the fluororesin dispersion, water, lower alcohols such as ethanol and butanol, glycols such as ethylene glycol, and esters thereof may be used in combination. When the concentration of the fluororesin dispersion increases due to evaporation of the solvent, it may be adjusted by adding a lower alcohol or the like. In addition, a surfactant, a viscosity modifier and the like may be added to the fluororesin dispersion.

また、フッ素樹脂分散液を使用する前には、脱泡してフッ素樹脂分散液の中から泡を除去するのがよい。なぜなら、界面活性剤が添加されていると、フッ素樹脂分散液は泡立ちが起こりやすく、液中に泡があると塗膜に欠陥が生じるからである。脱泡の方法には、静置することのほか、減圧や遠心分離、ろ過、超音波印加、等の方法がある。   Further, before using the fluororesin dispersion, it is preferable to remove bubbles from the fluororesin dispersion by defoaming. This is because if the surfactant is added, the fluororesin dispersion tends to foam, and if there are bubbles in the liquid, the coating film will be defective. As the defoaming method, there are methods such as depressurization, centrifugal separation, filtration, ultrasonic application and the like in addition to standing.

以上、説明したように、本実施形態では、芯体１０の最下点に、噴流装置１６により芯体１０下方側から噴流させた塗布液を付着させて、塗布液を芯体へ塗布することで、塗布液の付着力が自重よりも重い量の塗布量では、芯体に塗布液が付着し難くなり、塗布液のたれが生じない。このため、たれ筋を防止しつつ、例えば、数１０μｍレベルの膜厚の塗膜を平滑に得ることができる。   As described above, in the present embodiment, the coating liquid jetted from the lower side of the core body 10 by the jet device 16 is attached to the lowest point of the core body 10 to apply the coating liquid to the core body. Thus, when the coating liquid has an adhesion force that is heavier than its own weight, the coating liquid hardly adheres to the core, and the coating liquid does not sag. For this reason, for example, a coating film having a film thickness of several tens of μm can be obtained smoothly while preventing sagging.

また、本実施形態では。塗布液を流下させる場合に比べ、余分な塗布液を付着させない分、使用量が低減することができる。   In the present embodiment. Compared with the case where the coating solution is allowed to flow down, the amount of use can be reduced by the amount that the extra coating solution is not deposited.

また、本実施形態では、噴流装置１６（ノズル１８）は非接触で塗布液を芯体１０に付着させるので、芯体の真円度が悪化しても、芯体にキズをつけることなく塗膜が得られる。   Further, in the present embodiment, the jet device 16 (nozzle 18) adheres the coating liquid to the core body 10 in a non-contact manner, so that even if the roundness of the core body deteriorates, the coating body is not damaged. A membrane is obtained.

（第２の実施形態）
図３は、本発明の第２の実施形態に係る塗布装置を示す斜視図である。 (Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a coating apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

本実施形態は、芯体１０に余剰に付着したフッ素樹脂分散液１４（塗布液）を吸引する吸引装置２４（回収手段）が備えられた形態である。これ以外の構成は、上記第１の実施形態と同様であるので、説明を省略する。   In the present embodiment, a suction device 24 (collecting means) that sucks the fluororesin dispersion 14 (coating liquid) excessively attached to the core body 10 is provided. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

上記第１の実施形態では、フッ素樹脂分散液１４の芯体１０への付着量を制御し難いことがあり、塗膜の膜厚を厚くした場合は２度塗りを施すことなどで対応することができるが、逆に、塗膜の膜厚を薄くしたい場合は難しくなる。   In the first embodiment, it may be difficult to control the adhesion amount of the fluororesin dispersion 14 to the core body 10, and when the coating film thickness is increased, it is possible to deal with it by applying twice. However, it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the coating film.

そこで、本実施形態では、吸引装置２４によって、余剰に付着したフッ素樹脂分散液１４を回収し、フッ素樹脂分散液１４の芯体１０への付着量を低減させ、得られる塗膜の膜厚を薄くする。この吸引量（芯体１０に余剰に付着したフッ素樹脂分散液１４の塗布量）を適宜調整することで所望の膜厚の塗膜を均一に得ることができる。このように、余剰分を吸引することで、得られる塗膜を、均一に数μｍのレベルまで薄くすることも可能である。   Therefore, in the present embodiment, the suction device 24 collects the excessively attached fluororesin dispersion 14 to reduce the amount of the fluororesin dispersion 14 attached to the core 10, and the thickness of the coating film obtained is reduced. make it thin. A coating film having a desired film thickness can be uniformly obtained by appropriately adjusting the suction amount (applying amount of the fluororesin dispersion 14 excessively attached to the core body 10). In this way, it is possible to uniformly thin the obtained coating film to a level of several μm by sucking the surplus.

なお、吸引装置２４の吸引点は、フッ素樹脂分散液１４の芯体１０への付着点と同様に芯体１０の回転毎に芯体１０の一端から他の一端へ水平方向（矢印Ｂ）に移動させる。また、吸引装置２４は、噴流装置１６の供給装置２０へ吸引管２６を介して連結されており、吸引されたフッ素樹脂分散液１４を供給装置２０へ再び戻し再利用される。   Note that the suction point of the suction device 24 is the horizontal direction (arrow B) from one end of the core body 10 to the other end each time the core body 10 rotates, like the point of attachment of the fluororesin dispersion 14 to the core body 10. Move. The suction device 24 is connected to the supply device 20 of the jet device 16 via a suction pipe 26, and the sucked fluororesin dispersion 14 is returned to the supply device 20 and reused.

（第３の実施形態）
本実施形態では、上記第１及び２の実施形態に係る塗布装置を適用して、定着ベルトを製造する方法について説明する。 (Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a method for manufacturing a fixing belt by applying the coating apparatus according to the first and second embodiments will be described.

＜ＰＩ前駆体塗布工程＞
まず、芯体１０の表面にポリイミド前駆体溶液（ＰＩ前駆体溶液）の塗膜を形成する。 <PI precursor coating process>
First, a coating film of a polyimide precursor solution (PI precursor solution) is formed on the surface of the core body 10.

この工程では、図４に示すように、芯体１０を矢印Ａ方向に回転させながら、ＰＩ前駆体溶液２８を、ノズル１８を通して流下させる。   In this step, as shown in FIG. 4, the PI precursor solution 28 is caused to flow through the nozzle 18 while rotating the core body 10 in the direction of arrow A.

流下したＰＩ前駆体溶液２８は、へら３０により平坦化される。ノズル１８とへら３０を連動させ、芯体１０の一端から他の一端へ水平方向（矢印Ｂ）に移動させることにより、芯体１０の表面に塗布することができる。その移動速度が塗布速度と言える。   The flowed PI precursor solution 28 is flattened by the spatula 30. The nozzle 18 and the spatula 30 are interlocked and moved in the horizontal direction (arrow B) from one end of the core body 10 to the other end, and can be applied to the surface of the core body 10. The moving speed can be said to be the coating speed.

塗布時の条件は、芯体１０の回転速度が２０〜２００ｒｐｍであり、塗布速度Ｖは、芯体の外径ｋ、ＰＩ前駆体溶液の流下量ｆ、所望の濡れ膜厚ｔと関係があり、Ｖ＝ｆ／（ｔ・ｋ・π）の式で表わされる。πは円周率を示す。   The coating condition is that the rotational speed of the core body 10 is 20 to 200 rpm, and the coating speed V is related to the outer diameter k of the core body, the flow amount f of the PI precursor solution, and the desired wet film thickness t. , V = f / (t · k · π). π represents the circumference.

ＰＩ前駆体溶液２８を流下させる場合、粘度が高いＰＩ前駆体溶液２８は、重力だけでは自然に流下しにくいので、エア圧やポンプで押し出すことも有効である。ノズル１８と芯体１０の距離は任意でよいが、流下液が途切れることがないよう、１０〜１００ｍｍ程度が好ましい。液の途切れが生じると、泡を巻き込むことがある。   When the PI precursor solution 28 is caused to flow down, the PI precursor solution 28 having a high viscosity is difficult to flow down naturally by gravity alone, and therefore it is also effective to extrude it with air pressure or a pump. The distance between the nozzle 18 and the core body 10 may be arbitrary, but is preferably about 10 to 100 mm so that the falling liquid is not interrupted. If the liquid breaks off, bubbles may be involved.

へら２は、ＰＩ前駆体溶液２８に侵されない材料、例えば、ポリエチレンやフッソ樹脂等のプラスチック、または、真鍮やステンレス等の金属の薄い板から構成することができる。   The spatula 2 can be made of a material that is not affected by the PI precursor solution 28, for example, a plastic such as polyethylene or fluorine resin, or a thin plate of metal such as brass or stainless steel.

なお、塗布面は、芯体１０の全面にわたって形成されなく、両端に多少の不塗布部が残される。なお、芯体１０の両端に、芯体１０の外径と同じ外径の円筒体を取り付けて、その円筒体にも塗布するようにすれば、芯体１の全面にわたって塗膜を形成することもできる。その場合は、塗布後に円筒体を取り外し、塗膜を洗浄すればよい。   In addition, an application surface is not formed over the whole surface of the core 10, and some non-application parts remain at both ends. In addition, if a cylindrical body having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the core body 10 is attached to both ends of the core body 10 and applied to the cylindrical body, a coating film is formed over the entire surface of the core body 1. You can also. In that case, the cylindrical body may be removed after application and the coating film may be washed.

ここで、芯体１０の材質は、アルミニウムや、ニッケル、ステンレス鋼等の金属が好ましいが、熱膨張率が大きいという観点から、アルミニウムが特に好ましい。芯体１０表面は、クロムやニッケルでメッキしたり、フッ素樹脂やシリコーン樹脂で被覆してもよい。芯体１０表面には、ＰＩ樹脂皮膜が接着しないよう、離型剤を塗布することが好ましい。   Here, the material of the core body 10 is preferably a metal such as aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel, but aluminum is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The surface of the core body 10 may be plated with chromium or nickel, or covered with a fluororesin or a silicone resin. It is preferable to apply a release agent to the surface of the core body 10 so that the PI resin film does not adhere.

後述する乾燥時に、残留している溶剤、あるいは加熱反応時に樹脂から発生する水が除去しきれない場合、ＰＩ樹脂皮膜に膨れが生じることが避けられないことがあり、これは特にＰＩ樹脂皮膜の膜厚が５０μｍを越えるような厚い場合に顕著であるが、その場合、芯体１０表面の粗面化が有効である。すなわち、ＰＩ樹脂皮膜から生じる残留溶剤または水の蒸気は、芯体とＰＩ樹脂皮膜の間にできるわずかな隙間を通って外部に出ることができ、膨れが生じなくなる。粗面化の粗さは、Ｒａで０．２〜２μｍ程度が好ましい。   If the residual solvent or water generated from the resin during the heating reaction cannot be removed during drying, which will be described later, it may be unavoidable that the PI resin film swells. This is conspicuous when the film thickness is thicker than 50 μm, but in this case, roughening the surface of the core body 10 is effective. That is, the residual solvent or water vapor generated from the PI resin film can be discharged to the outside through a slight gap formed between the core and the PI resin film, and no swelling occurs. The roughness of the roughening is preferably about 0.2 to 2 μm in Ra.

芯体１０表面の粗面化の方法には、ブラスト、切削、サンドペーパーがけ等の方法がある。特に、ＰＩ樹脂ベルト内面を球状凸形状にするために、芯体１０の表面は、球状の粒子を用いてブラスト処理を施すのがよい。ブラスト処理とは、直径０．１〜１ｍｍ程度のガラス、アルミナ、ジルコニア等からなる粒子を、圧縮空気によって芯体に吹き付けて圧痕を形成させる方法である。ブラスト粒子として、不定形のアルミナ粒子（例えば一般的な研磨粒子）を用いた場合には、芯体１０表面の粗面形状も不定形となり、特に鋭角の突起や窪みが形成されやすく、作製されるＰＩ樹脂ベルトの内面にも鋭角の突起や窪みが形成されて好ましくない。   Examples of the method for roughening the surface of the core body 10 include blasting, cutting, sandpaper peeling, and the like. In particular, in order to make the inner surface of the PI resin belt have a spherical convex shape, the surface of the core body 10 is preferably subjected to a blasting process using spherical particles. Blasting is a method of forming indentations by spraying particles made of glass, alumina, zirconia or the like having a diameter of about 0.1 to 1 mm onto a core body with compressed air. When amorphous alumina particles (for example, general abrasive particles) are used as the blast particles, the rough surface shape of the surface of the core body 10 is also irregular, and particularly sharp protrusions and depressions are easily formed. Also, an acute angle protrusion or depression is formed on the inner surface of the PI resin belt.

＜乾燥工程＞
芯体１０上にＰＩ前駆体溶液を塗布後、乾燥をするとＰＩ前駆体皮膜（ポリイミド前駆体層）が形成される。乾燥温度は５０〜１５０℃、乾燥時間は３０〜２００分が好ましい。その際、溶剤である非プロトン系極性溶剤は極めて乾燥が遅いので、乾燥促進のために温度を上げると、ＰＩ前駆体溶液の粘度が低下し、ＰＩ前駆体塗膜は重力の影響を受けて、乾燥する前に垂れが生じやすい。その場合には、塗布された芯体１０を、軸方向を水平にして、１０〜６０ｒｐｍ程度で回転させながら乾燥するとよい。その場合、回転塗布工程から連続して回転させ続けることが好ましい。 <Drying process>
When the PI precursor solution is applied on the core body 10 and then dried, a PI precursor film (polyimide precursor layer) is formed. The drying temperature is preferably 50 to 150 ° C., and the drying time is preferably 30 to 200 minutes. At that time, the aprotic polar solvent, which is a solvent, is very slow to dry. Therefore, when the temperature is increased to accelerate drying, the viscosity of the PI precursor solution decreases, and the PI precursor coating film is affected by gravity. , Easy to sag before drying. In that case, it is good to dry the apply | coated core body 10, making an axial direction horizontal and rotating at about 10-60 rpm. In that case, it is preferable to continue rotating from the spin coating process.

乾燥後の時点では、ＰＩ前駆体皮膜には非プロトン系極性溶剤が、最初の含有量の１０〜４０％程度は残っており、皮膜はまだ柔軟性を有している。そのため、皮膜は芯体から取り外せるわけではなく、管状物としての強度を保持していないが、管状物としての強度を保持できるほど皮膜を乾燥させた場合には、加熱焼成後にフッ素樹脂との密着性が低下する。   At the time after drying, about 10 to 40% of the initial content of the aprotic polar solvent remains in the PI precursor film, and the film is still flexible. Therefore, the film cannot be removed from the core, and does not retain the strength as a tubular product. However, if the coating is dried to the extent that it can retain the strength as a tubular product, it will adhere to the fluororesin after heating and firing. Sexuality decreases.

乾燥によりＰＩ前駆体皮膜は収縮が起こるので、芯体１０の両端に多少の不塗布部を残して塗膜を形成した場合は、不塗布面（芯体表面の露出部）が拡大し、芯体１０の全面にわたって塗膜を形成した場合でも、片端または両端に、芯体表面の露出部が生じることとなる。   Since the PI precursor film shrinks due to drying, when a coating film is formed leaving some uncoated portions at both ends of the core body 10, the uncoated surface (exposed portion of the core body surface) expands and the core Even when a coating film is formed over the entire surface of the body 10, an exposed portion of the core surface is generated at one or both ends.

＜浸漬塗布工程＞
この工程では、上記第１又は第２の実施形態に従って、ポリイミド前駆体皮膜形態された芯体１０表面に、フッ素樹脂分散液１４を塗布する。 <Dip coating process>
In this step, according to the first or second embodiment, the fluororesin dispersion 14 is applied to the surface of the core body 10 in the form of the polyimide precursor film.

必要に応じて、フッ素樹脂分散液の塗膜に気流を当て、溶媒の乾燥を促進してもよい。塗膜に当てる気流は、一方向からよりは、周方向で均一になるよう、周回または環状に当てるのがよい。   If necessary, an air stream may be applied to the coating film of the fluororesin dispersion to accelerate the drying of the solvent. The airflow applied to the coating film is preferably applied in a circular or annular manner so as to be uniform in the circumferential direction rather than from one direction.

そして、フッ素樹脂分散液の塗布後、常温から１００℃の間に５〜２０分間置いて、塗膜から溶媒を乾燥させる。   And after application | coating of a fluororesin dispersion, it puts between normal temperature and 100 degreeC for 5 to 20 minutes, and dries a solvent from a coating film.

＜加熱焼成工程＞
次いで、３５０〜４５０℃の温度で２０〜６０分間、ＰＩ前駆体皮膜を加熱し、縮合反応させる。その際、フッ素樹脂粉体は溶融焼成されてフッ素樹脂層となる。このようにＰＩ前駆体皮膜上にフッ素樹脂分散液を塗布し、同時にＰＩ樹脂皮膜とフッ素樹脂層とを形成すると密着性が向上する。なお、ＰＩ前駆体皮膜中に溶剤が残留していると、皮膜に膨れを生じることがあるため、前記温度に達するまでに、完全に残留溶剤を除去することが好ましく、この工程では、温度を段階的に上昇させたり、ゆっくりと上昇させることが好ましい。 <Heating and firing process>
Next, the PI precursor film is heated at 350 to 450 ° C. for 20 to 60 minutes to cause a condensation reaction. At that time, the fluororesin powder is melted and fired to form a fluororesin layer. When the fluororesin dispersion is applied onto the PI precursor film and the PI resin film and the fluororesin layer are formed at the same time, the adhesion is improved. If the solvent remains in the PI precursor film, the film may be swollen. Therefore, it is preferable to completely remove the residual solvent by the time the temperature is reached. It is preferable to raise in steps or slowly.

加熱焼成の後、芯体を常温に冷やすと、無端ベルトが形成され、芯体から取り出す事ができる。定着ベルトは、必要に応じて、端部の長さを揃える切断加工、表面の粗さを調整する研磨加工、等が施される。   When the core is cooled to room temperature after heating and baking, an endless belt is formed and can be taken out from the core. The fixing belt is subjected to cutting processing for adjusting the length of the end portion, polishing processing for adjusting the surface roughness, and the like as necessary.

なお、ポリイミド前駆体皮膜（ポリイミド前駆体層）から乾燥・焼成処理を施しポリイミド樹脂皮膜（ポリイミド樹脂層）を形成した後、フッ素樹脂層を形成してもよい。   In addition, after performing a drying and baking process from a polyimide precursor membrane | film | coat (polyimide precursor layer) and forming a polyimide resin membrane | film | coat (polyimide resin layer), you may form a fluororesin layer.

以下、本発明を、実施例を挙げてさらに具体的に説明する。ただし、これら各実施例は、本発明を制限するものではない。   Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. However, these examples do not limit the present invention.

（実施例）
まず、ＰＩ前駆体溶液として、３，３´，４，４´−ビフェニルテトラカルボン酸二無水物と、ｐ−フェニレンジアミンが、Ｎ−メチルピロリドン中で合成された、固形分濃度１８％（重量％、以下同じ）、粘度約２０Ｐａ・ｓの溶液を用意した。 (Example)
First, as a PI precursor solution, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride and p-phenylenediamine were synthesized in N-methylpyrrolidone and had a solid content concentration of 18% (weight). %, The same applies hereinafter), and a solution having a viscosity of about 20 Pa · s was prepared.

外径７０ｍｍ、長さ４００ｍｍの素管を３５０℃で１０分間加熱し、自然冷却させた後、表面を切削して外径を６８ｍｍにしたアルミニウム製円筒を用意した。次いで、球形アルミナ粒子によるブラスト処理により、Ｒａ０．８μｍに粗面化した後、表面にシリコーン系離型剤（商品名：ＫＳ７００、信越化学(株)製）を塗布して、３００℃で１時間、焼き付け処理し、芯体１０とした。   An element tube having an outer diameter of 70 mm and a length of 400 mm was heated at 350 ° C. for 10 minutes and allowed to cool naturally, and then an aluminum cylinder having an outer diameter of 68 mm was prepared by cutting the surface. Next, the surface is roughened to Ra 0.8 μm by blasting with spherical alumina particles, and then a silicone mold release agent (trade name: KS700, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) is applied to the surface, and then at 300 ° C. for 1 hour. The core body 10 was obtained by baking.

回転塗布工程として、図４に示すように、芯体１０の軸方向を水平にして、１２０ｒｐｍで回転させた。へら３０は幅２０ｍｍ、厚さ１ｍｍのポリエチレンからなり、弾力性を有している。これを芯体１０に押し付け、ＰＩ前駆体溶液２８は、口径４ｍｍのノズル１８を通して、エア圧０．４ＭＰａにて、２３ｍｌ／ｍｉｎの流量で押し出した。ＰＩ前駆体溶液２８がへら３０を通過する際、へら３０が押し広げられ、へら３０と芯体１０の間には隙間ができた。次いで、ノズル１８とへら３０を１８０ｍｍ／分の速度で、芯体１０の一端から他端へ移動させて塗布した。この条件で、芯体１回転あたり、ノズル１８とへら３０は１．５ｍｍずつ移動する。   As a spin coating process, as shown in FIG. 4, the axial direction of the core body 10 was horizontal and rotated at 120 rpm. The spatula 30 is made of polyethylene having a width of 20 mm and a thickness of 1 mm, and has elasticity. This was pressed against the core body 10, and the PI precursor solution 28 was extruded through a nozzle 18 having a diameter of 4 mm at an air pressure of 0.4 MPa and a flow rate of 23 ml / min. When the PI precursor solution 28 passed through the spatula 30, the spatula 30 was spread and a gap was formed between the spatula 30 and the core body 10. Next, the nozzle 18 and the spatula 30 were moved from one end of the core body 10 to the other end at a speed of 180 mm / min. Under this condition, the nozzle 18 and the spatula 30 move by 1.5 mm per one rotation of the core body.

乾燥工程において、芯体を２０ｒｐｍで回転させながら、１００℃の乾燥炉に入れた。６０分後に取り出すと、約１５０μｍ厚のＰＩ前駆体皮膜が形成され、残留溶剤は約４０％（重量比）であった。   In the drying step, the core was put in a drying furnace at 100 ° C. while rotating at 20 rpm. When taken out after 60 minutes, a PI precursor film having a thickness of about 150 μm was formed, and the residual solvent was about 40% (weight ratio).

次に、第１の実施形態に従って、フッ素樹脂分散液を、ポリイミド前駆体皮膜が形成された芯体１０に塗布した。詳細は以下の通りである。   Next, according to 1st Embodiment, the fluororesin dispersion liquid was apply | coated to the core 10 in which the polyimide precursor film | membrane was formed. Details are as follows.

まず、図１に示すように、フッ素樹脂分散液としてＰＦＡ水性塗料（商品名：７１０ＣＬ、三井デュポンフロロケミカル社製、濃度６０％、粘度０．６Ｐａ・ｓ（６００ｃｐｓ）、溶媒として水のほかに、エタノールを含む）を供給装置２０に入れ、また、ＰＩ前駆体皮膜が形成された芯体１０をノズル１８の上方に取り付けた。芯体１０を１８０ｒｐｍで回転させ、口径２ｍｍのノズル１８より、流量を一定にしながら、フッ素樹脂分散液ををノズル８からつぶて状に噴流させ、そのつぶての高さ（ノズル先端からつぶて先端）を１ｍｍの高さに調整し、芯体１０を接触させてフッ素樹脂分散液を付着させ、ノズル１８を芯体１０の一端から他の一端へ５ｍｍ／ｓの一定速度にて水平方向に移動させることにより、フッ素樹脂分散液を塗布した。   First, as shown in FIG. 1, a PFA aqueous paint (trade name: 710CL, manufactured by Mitsui DuPont Fluoro Chemical Co., Ltd., concentration 60%, viscosity 0.6 Pa · s (600 cps) as a fluororesin dispersion, and water as a solvent. , Including ethanol) was placed in the supply device 20, and the core 10 on which the PI precursor film was formed was attached above the nozzle 18. The core body 10 is rotated at 180 rpm, and the fluororesin dispersion is sprayed from the nozzle 8 in a crushed state while the flow rate is kept constant from the nozzle 18 having a diameter of 2 mm. The tip is adjusted to a height of 1 mm, the core body 10 is brought into contact with the fluororesin dispersion, and the nozzle 18 is moved from one end of the core body 10 to the other end in a horizontal direction at a constant speed of 5 mm / s. The fluororesin dispersion was applied by moving.

フッ素樹脂分散液を塗布後、芯体１０を取り出し、８０℃で１０分間乾燥した。   After applying the fluororesin dispersion, the core 10 was taken out and dried at 80 ° C. for 10 minutes.

そして、最後の加熱焼成工程として、１５０℃で２０分間、２２０℃で２０分間、及び３８０℃で３０分間加熱して、ＰＩ樹脂皮膜を形成すると共に、ＰＦＡ塗膜を焼成した。室温に冷えた後、芯体から皮膜を取り外し、７５μｍ厚のＰＩ樹脂無端ベルト上に、３０μｍ厚のＰＦＡ層を有する無端定着ベルトを得ることができた。また、ＰＩ樹脂の内面は、Ｒａ０．８μｍの粗面であり、その形は球状に凸形状になっていた。   And as a last heat baking process, while heating at 150 degreeC for 20 minutes, 220 degreeC for 20 minutes, and 380 degreeC for 30 minutes, while forming the PI resin film, the PFA coating film was baked. After cooling to room temperature, the film was removed from the core, and an endless fixing belt having a 30 μm thick PFA layer on a 75 μm thick PI resin endless belt could be obtained. Further, the inner surface of the PI resin was a rough surface of Ra 0.8 μm, and the shape thereof was spherical and convex.

定着ベルトとして、定着ベルトの内面に圧力パッドが摺動する定着装置（特開平８−２６２９０３号に記載の定着装置）に装着して試験を行ったところ、その摩擦力は小さく、定着ベルトの回転に支障はなかった。また、摺動音が発生することもなかった。   As a fixing belt, when a test was performed by mounting it on a fixing device (a fixing device described in JP-A-8-262903) in which a pressure pad slides on the inner surface of the fixing belt, the frictional force was small and rotation of the fixing belt was performed. There was no hindrance. Further, no sliding noise was generated.

（比較例１）
芯体を回転させながら、粘度が０．６Ｐａ・ｓ（６００ｃｐ）のフッ素樹脂分散液（ＰＦＡ水性塗料）をディスペンサーにより供給し、金属製のノズルを介し芯体の上方から接触させず吐出し、かつディスペンサーを芯体の回転軸方向に移動させることにより、らせん状に巻回して塗布する方法（特開平９−２９７４８２号に従った塗布方法）で塗布したら、たれ筋が発生し、外観上好ましくないものであった。 (Comparative Example 1)
While rotating the core, a fluororesin dispersion (PFA aqueous paint) having a viscosity of 0.6 Pa · s (600 cp) is supplied by a dispenser and discharged from above the core through a metal nozzle, Moreover, if the dispenser is moved in the direction of the axis of rotation of the core body and applied by a method of winding and applying in a spiral manner (application method according to JP-A-9-297482), sagging streaks are generated, which is preferable in terms of appearance. There was nothing.

（比較例２）
ノズルとして、先端を斜めにカットしたＰＴＦＥ製のノズルを使用し、当該ノズルを芯体に側面から接触させた以外は、比較例１と同様に塗布を行ったところ、芯体が０.２ｍｍ偏芯し、ノズルを跳ね除け、不均一な斑模様が見られ、外観上好ましくないものであった。 (Comparative Example 2)
As the nozzle, a PTFE nozzle with a tip cut obliquely was used, and the coating was performed in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 except that the nozzle was brought into contact with the core from the side surface. It was cored, the nozzle was bounced off, and uneven spots were observed, which was not preferable in appearance.

本発明の第１の実施形態に係る塗布装置の主要部分を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the coating device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 図本発明の第１の実施形態に係る塗布装置の主要部分の芯体軸方向から見た側面図である。FIG. 3 is a side view of the main part of the coating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the core axis direction. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係る塗布装置を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the coating device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の定着ベルトの製造方法におけるポリイミド樹脂前駆体溶液を塗布する方法を説明するための概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram for demonstrating the method of apply | coating the polyimide resin precursor solution in the manufacturing method of the fixing belt of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０ 円筒状芯体
１１ ポリイミド樹脂層又はポリイミド前駆体層
１２ 保持部材
１４ フッ素樹脂分散液（塗布液）
１６ 噴流装置
１８ ノズル
２０ 供給装置
２２ 連結管
２４ 吸引装置
２６ 吸引管
２８ ポリイミド前駆体溶液 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Cylindrical core 11 Polyimide resin layer or polyimide precursor layer 12 Holding member 14 Fluororesin dispersion liquid (coating liquid)
16 Jet device 18 Nozzle 20 Supply device 22 Connecting tube 24 Suction device 26 Suction tube 28 Polyimide precursor solution

Claims (3)

円筒或いは円柱状芯体に塗布液を塗布する塗布装置であって、
前記芯体を、その中心軸が水平になるように回転させる回転手段と、
塗布液を前記芯体の下方側から前記芯体へ噴流させて付着させると共に、その付着部が相対的に前記芯体の一端から他の一端へ水平方向に移動する噴流手段と、
を備えることを特徴とする塗布装置。 A coating apparatus for applying a coating solution to a cylindrical or cylindrical core,
Rotating means for rotating the core body so that its central axis is horizontal;
A jet means for jetting and applying the coating liquid from the lower side of the core body to the core body, and the attached portion relatively moving in the horizontal direction from one end of the core body to the other end;
A coating apparatus comprising: 円筒状或いは円柱状芯体をその中心軸が水平になるように回転させ、前記芯体に塗布液を前記芯体の下方側から噴流して付着させつつ、その付着部を相対的に前記芯体の一端から他の一端へ水平方向に移動させて、前記芯体に塗布液を塗布することを特徴とする塗布方法。   The cylindrical or columnar core is rotated so that the central axis thereof is horizontal, and the coating liquid is jetted and attached to the core from the lower side of the core, and the attachment portion is relatively positioned on the core. A coating method, wherein the coating liquid is applied to the core body by moving horizontally from one end of the body to the other end. 円筒状或いは円柱状芯体にポリイミド前駆体溶液を塗布して、前記芯体にポリイミド樹脂層又はポリイミド樹脂前駆体層を形成する工程と、
前記ポリイミド樹脂前駆体層が形成された前記芯体にフッ素樹脂が分散された塗布液を塗布して、ポリイミド樹脂層又はポリイミド樹脂前駆体層上にフッ素樹脂が分散された塗布液の塗膜を形成する工程と、
前記芯体に乾燥・加熱処理を行い、前記芯体の外周面にポリイミド樹脂層及びフッ素樹脂層の積層体を形成する積層体形成工程と、
前記芯体と前記積層体を分離する工程と、
を有する定着ベルトの製造方法であって、
前記フッ素樹脂が分散された塗布液の塗膜を形成する工程が、請求項２に記載の塗布方法により行われることを特徴とする定着ベルトの製造方法。 Applying a polyimide precursor solution to a cylindrical or columnar core, and forming a polyimide resin layer or a polyimide resin precursor layer on the core; and
A coating liquid in which a fluororesin is dispersed is applied to the core body on which the polyimide resin precursor layer is formed, and a coating film of the coating liquid in which the fluororesin is dispersed on the polyimide resin layer or the polyimide resin precursor layer. Forming, and
A laminated body forming step of performing drying and heat treatment on the core body, and forming a laminated body of a polyimide resin layer and a fluororesin layer on the outer peripheral surface of the core body;
Separating the core and the laminate;
A method of manufacturing a fixing belt having
The method for producing a fixing belt, wherein the step of forming a coating film of the coating liquid in which the fluororesin is dispersed is performed by the coating method according to claim 2.
JP2003408533A 2003-12-08 2003-12-08 Coating device, coating method, and fixing belt manufacturing method Pending JP2005172885A (en)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102343322A (en) * 2011-05-18 2012-02-08 安徽工业大学 Device for spray-coating on surface of cylindrical part
CN103792817A (en) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-14 佳能株式会社 Coating apparatus, coating method, fixing member, fixing member manufacturing apparatus, and fixing member manufacturing method
CN104549935A (en) * 2013-10-28 2015-04-29 佳能株式会社 Method for forming coating film and method for producing fixing member
CN107521017A (en) * 2017-09-21 2017-12-29 夏卓 A kind of preparation method of tubular film thin-walled layer of silica gel

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102343322A (en) * 2011-05-18 2012-02-08 安徽工业大学 Device for spray-coating on surface of cylindrical part
CN103792817A (en) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-14 佳能株式会社 Coating apparatus, coating method, fixing member, fixing member manufacturing apparatus, and fixing member manufacturing method
CN103792817B (en) * 2012-10-29 2016-08-17 佳能株式会社 Apparatus for coating and method, fixing member and manufacture device thereof and manufacture method
US9857739B2 (en) 2012-10-29 2018-01-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Coating apparatus, coating method, fixing member manufacturing apparatus, fixing member manufacturing method and fixing member
CN104549935A (en) * 2013-10-28 2015-04-29 佳能株式会社 Method for forming coating film and method for producing fixing member
CN107521017A (en) * 2017-09-21 2017-12-29 夏卓 A kind of preparation method of tubular film thin-walled layer of silica gel

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