JP5974316B2 - Method for manufacturing elastic roller and pressing device - Google Patents

Method for manufacturing elastic roller and pressing device Download PDF

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JP5974316B2
JP5974316B2 JP2012040543A JP2012040543A JP5974316B2 JP 5974316 B2 JP5974316 B2 JP 5974316B2 JP 2012040543 A JP2012040543 A JP 2012040543A JP 2012040543 A JP2012040543 A JP 2012040543A JP 5974316 B2 JP5974316 B2 JP 5974316B2
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金井　孝志
孝志 金井
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Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd
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Description

この発明は、弾性ローラの製造方法及び押圧装置に関し、さらに詳しくは、薄層化されていても耐久性に優れた発泡弾性層を備えた弾性ローラの製造方法及び薄層化された発泡弾性体であっても圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整して高い耐久性を発揮する発泡弾性体を調製できる押圧装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an elastic roller and a pressing device, and more particularly, to a method for manufacturing an elastic roller having a foamed elastic layer excellent in durability even if the layer is thinned, and a thinned foamed elastic body. Even so, the present invention relates to a pressing device capable of preparing a foamed elastic body that exhibits high durability by simply adjusting the compression rate with good reproducibility.

レーザープリンター及びビデオプリンター等のプリンター、複写機、ファクシミリ、これらの複合機等には、電子写真方式を利用した各種の画像形成装置が採用されている。各種の画像形成装置は、例えば、帯電ローラ、現像ローラ、転写ローラ、加圧ローラ、定着ローラ、紙送り搬送ローラ、現像剤供給ローラ、クリーニングローラ、無端ベルト張架ローラ等の弾性ローラが装着されている。これらの弾性ローラは、通常、軸体と、軸体の外周面に配置された、中実の弾性層又は気泡等を有する発泡弾性層とを備えている。   Various image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic system are employed in printers such as laser printers and video printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multi-function machines thereof. Various image forming apparatuses are equipped with elastic rollers such as a charging roller, a developing roller, a transfer roller, a pressure roller, a fixing roller, a paper feed / conveying roller, a developer supply roller, a cleaning roller, and an endless belt stretching roller. ing. These elastic rollers usually include a shaft body and a solid elastic layer or a foamed elastic layer having bubbles or the like disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body.

これらの弾性ローラは被当接体にある程度の圧接圧で圧接するように配置される。例えば、加圧ローラ及び定着ローラは所望により無端ベルト等を介して互いに軸線方向に圧設して圧接部を形成するように配置される。したがって、弾性ローラは、通常、低硬度の発泡弾性層を備えているが、加圧ローラ及び定着ローラの少なくとも一方は圧接部を記録体が通過するときに記録体上に転写された現像剤を加圧圧縮して定着させるので、十分な圧接幅と圧接圧の均一性とを確保するために発泡弾性層はさらに低硬度であることが要求されることがある。   These elastic rollers are arranged so as to come into pressure contact with the contacted body with a certain pressure contact pressure. For example, the pressure roller and the fixing roller are arranged so as to press against each other in an axial direction via an endless belt or the like as desired to form a pressure contact portion. Therefore, the elastic roller is usually provided with a low-hardness foamed elastic layer, but at least one of the pressure roller and the fixing roller has a developer transferred onto the recording medium when the recording medium passes through the press contact portion. Since it is fixed by pressure compression, the foamed elastic layer may be required to have a lower hardness in order to ensure a sufficient pressure contact width and uniformity of the pressure contact pressure.

一方、弾性ローラの中でも無端ベルトが張架される無端ベルト張架ローラ、具体的には定着ベルトが張架される各種ローラ、例えば、定着ローラ、無端ベルト張架ローラ（無端ベルト支持ローラとも称する。）は、無端ベルトを蛇行させることなく走行させるために、無端ベルトとの摩擦力が大きいのが好ましく、発泡弾性層の硬度を小さくして無端ベルトとの大きな摩擦力を確保することが望まれている。   On the other hand, among elastic rollers, an endless belt stretching roller on which an endless belt is stretched, specifically, various rollers on which a fixing belt is stretched, for example, a fixing roller, an endless belt stretching roller (also referred to as an endless belt support roller). .) Is preferable to have a large frictional force with the endless belt in order to run the endless belt without meandering, and it is desirable to secure a large frictional force with the endless belt by reducing the hardness of the foamed elastic layer. It is rare.

発泡弾性層の硬度をより一層低下させる方法として、近傍のセルに連続しない独立セルを有する発泡弾性体を形成した後に発泡弾性体を押圧又は圧縮して発泡弾性層とする方法が挙げられる。この方法では、発泡弾性体を押圧又は圧縮して発泡弾性体に存在する独立セルを破泡することによって隣接する独立セル同士が連通した連通セルを形成することができる。このような方法として、例えば、「トラバース押圧ローラ８４をゴム硬化体５の軸線方向に相対的に移動させる」ことによって押圧処理する「トラバース押圧ローラによる押圧処理」、及び、「軸線方向の長さがゴム硬化体５の軸線方向の長さよりも長いプランジ押圧ローラによる押圧処理」がそれぞれ特許文献１に記載されている。   As a method for further reducing the hardness of the foamed elastic layer, there is a method in which after forming a foamed elastic body having independent cells that are not continuous with neighboring cells, the foamed elastic body is pressed or compressed to form a foamed elastic layer. In this method, a continuous cell in which adjacent independent cells communicate with each other can be formed by pressing or compressing the foamed elastic body to break the independent cells existing in the foamed elastic body. As such a method, for example, the “pressing process by the traverse pressing roller” that performs the pressing process by “moving the traverse pressing roller 84 relatively in the axial direction of the rubber cured body 5” and “the length in the axial direction” Patent Document 1 discloses a “pressing process using a plunge pressing roller” that is longer than the length of the rubber cured body 5 in the axial direction.

特開２０１０−０７２２６９号公報JP 2010-072269 A

ところで、近年、画像形成装置に装着される弾性ローラも小型軽量化が図られており、発泡弾性層の厚さを薄くする方法が弾性ローラの小径小型化に有効である。ところが、発泡弾性体の押圧処理は、通常、所定の圧縮率となるように発泡弾性体を厚さ方向に押圧することによって実施されるところ、薄層化された発泡弾性層を形成する発泡弾性体もまた薄層化されているから所定の圧縮率に調整しにくく、処理状態がばらついて押圧処理を均一かつ再現性よく発泡弾性体に実施できないことがあった。このように押圧処理を均一かつ再現性よく実施できないと押圧処理後の発泡弾性層の耐久性が低下することがあった。   Incidentally, in recent years, the elastic roller mounted on the image forming apparatus has also been reduced in size and weight, and a method of reducing the thickness of the foamed elastic layer is effective for reducing the diameter of the elastic roller. However, the foaming elastic body is usually pressed by pressing the foaming elastic body in the thickness direction so that a predetermined compression rate is obtained. The foaming elastic body forms a thinned foaming elastic layer. Since the body is also thinned, it is difficult to adjust to a predetermined compression ratio, and the processing state varies, and the pressing process may not be performed on the foamed elastic body uniformly and with good reproducibility. Thus, if the pressing process cannot be performed uniformly and with good reproducibility, the durability of the foamed elastic layer after the pressing process may be lowered.

したがって、この発明は、薄層化されていても耐久性に優れた発泡弾性層を備えた弾性ローラの製造方法を提供することを目的とする。   Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an elastic roller having a foamed elastic layer that is excellent in durability even if it is thinned.

また、この発明は、薄層化された発泡弾性体であっても圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整して高い耐久性を発揮する発泡弾性体を調製できる押圧装置を提供することを目的とする。   Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressing device that can prepare a foamed elastic body that exhibits high durability by adjusting the compression rate easily and with good reproducibility even with a thin-layered foamed elastic body. To do.

この発明の発明者は、発泡弾性体の押圧処理について種々検討したところ、押圧処理される発泡弾性体と発泡弾性体を三方から狭圧する狭圧管体との間に緩衝部材を介在させると、特に発泡弾性体の外周面に緩衝管を装着すると発泡弾性体の圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整できることを見出し、さらに、圧縮率を調整して発泡弾性体を押圧処理してほぼ均一に押圧処理された発泡弾性層は、画像形成装置に装着されて実使用されたときにも大きく低下することなく長期間にわたって硬度を維持でき、高い耐久性を発揮することを見出した。   The inventor of the present invention has made various studies on the pressing treatment of the foamed elastic body, and when a buffer member is interposed between the foamed elastic body to be pressed and the narrow pressure tube body that narrows the foamed elastic body from three directions, in particular, We found that the compression rate of the foamed elastic body can be adjusted easily and with good reproducibility by installing a buffer tube on the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body. It has been found that the foamed elastic layer can maintain the hardness for a long period of time without greatly decreasing even when it is mounted on an image forming apparatus and actually used, and exhibits high durability.

前記課題を解決するための手段として、
請求項１は、発泡弾性体の外周面に中実なゴム製の緩衝管を装着したローラ原体を、三角形の頂点に配置された３本の狭圧管体それぞれが前記発泡弾性体及び前記緩衝管の合計厚さに対して半径方向に３０〜６５％圧縮するように、前記狭圧管体で狭圧し、回転させる工程を有し、前記発泡弾性体は、厚さが２〜２０ｍｍであり、前記緩衝管は、ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度が２０〜７５で、壁厚が前記発泡弾性体の厚さに対して５％以上で１５０％以下かつ１０ｍｍ以下であり、
前記工程によって前記発泡弾性体のアスカーＣ硬度を低下させる割合が、前記工程を行う前の前記発泡弾性体の硬度を１００としたときに６．５〜２５％であることを特徴とする弾性ローラの製造方法であり、
請求項２は、軸線が同一平面内に位置する第１狭圧管体及び第２狭圧管体、並びに、軸線が前記同一平面に対する垂直平面内に位置する第３狭圧管体と、前記第１狭圧管体、前記第２狭圧管体及び前記第３狭圧管体の少なくとも１つを、１〜３０ｒｐｍで回転させる回転機構と、前記第１狭圧管体、前記第２狭圧管体及び前記第３狭圧管体で狭圧されるローラ原体が有する発泡弾性体の外周面に配置される中実なゴム製の緩衝管とを有し、前記第２挟圧管体は、前記第１挟圧管体に対して接近又は離間するように前記同一平面内を平行移動可能に配置され、前記第３挟圧管体は、前記第１挟圧管体及び前記第２挟圧管体に対して接近又は離間するように前記垂直平面内を平行移動可能に配置され、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体は同期して移動するようになり、前記第１挟圧管体、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体で前記ローラ原体を挟圧している状態では、前記軸線方向からみて３つの前記軸線が正三角形の頂点となるように、前記第１挟圧管体、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体が配置され、前記緩衝管は、ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度が２０〜７５で、壁厚が前記発泡弾性体の厚さに対して５％以上で１５０％以下かつ１０ｍｍ以下であることを特徴とする押圧装置であり、
請求項３は、前記第１狭圧管体、前記第２狭圧管体及び前記第３狭圧管体で形成される挟圧空間に配置される少なくとも１つのスペーサを有することを特徴とする請求項２に記載の押圧装置である。 As means for solving the problems,
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a roller base body in which a solid rubber buffer tube is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body, and the three narrow pressure tube bodies arranged at the apexes of the triangles are the foamed elastic body and the buffer body, respectively. The foamed elastic body has a thickness of 2 to 20 mm, and includes a step of compressing and rotating the narrow pressure pipe so as to compress 30 to 65% in a radial direction with respect to a total thickness of the pipe . The buffer tube has a JIS A hardness of 20 to 75, and a wall thickness of 5% or more and 150% or less and 10 mm or less with respect to the thickness of the foamed elastic body,
The elastic roller characterized in that the ratio of decreasing the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic body by the step is 6.5 to 25% when the hardness of the foamed elastic body before the step is taken as 100. It is a method of production,
請 Motomeko 2, first narrow pressure pipe body and the second narrow pressure tube body axis is positioned in the same plane, as well as, the third narrow-pressure pipe body axis located in a vertical plane with respect to the same plane, the first A rotating mechanism that rotates at least one of the narrow pressure tube, the second narrow pressure tube, and the third narrow pressure tube at 1 to 30 rpm, the first narrow pressure tube, the second narrow pressure tube, and the third A solid rubber buffer tube disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body of the roller base material to be compressed by the narrow pressure tube, and the second pinching tube is the first pinching tube The third pinching tube body is arranged so as to be able to move in parallel in the same plane so as to approach or separate from, and the third pinching tube body approaches or separates from the first pinching tube body and the second pinching tube body. Are arranged so as to be movable in parallel in the vertical plane, and the second pinching tube body and the third pinching tube body are the same. In the state where the original roller body is clamped by the first clamping tube body, the second clamping tube body, and the third clamping tube body, the three axial lines as viewed from the axial direction The first pinching tube body, the second pinching tube body, and the third pinching tube body are arranged such that the buffer tube has a JIS A hardness of 20 to 75 and a wall thickness. Is a pressing device characterized in that it is 5% or more and 150% or less and 10 mm or less with respect to the thickness of the foamed elastic body ,
請 Motomeko 3, claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one spacer, wherein the first narrow-pressure pipe member, which is disposed between the nip pressure formed by the second narrow-pressure pipe body and the third narrow pressure pipe member 2. The pressing device according to 2 .

この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法は、緩衝管が装着された中実なゴム製の発泡弾性体を、その発泡弾性体及び緩衝管の合計厚さに対して半径方向に３０〜６５％圧縮するように、狭圧管体で狭圧し、回転させる工程を有し、前記発泡弾性体は、厚さが２〜２０ｍｍであり、前記緩衝管は、ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度が２０〜７５で、壁厚が前記発泡弾性体の厚さに対して５％以上で１５０％以下かつ１０ｍｍ以下であり、前記工程によって前記発泡弾性体のアスカーＣ硬度を低下させる割合が、前記工程を行う前の前記発泡弾性体の硬度を１００としたときに６．５〜２５％であるから、薄層化されていても発泡弾性体の圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整でき、発泡弾性体をほぼ均一に押圧処理することができる。したがって、この発明によれば、薄層化されていても耐久性に優れた発泡弾性層を備えた弾性ローラの製造方法を提供できる。 The elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention compresses a solid rubber foamed elastic body, to which a buffer tube is attached, by 30 to 65% in the radial direction with respect to the total thickness of the foamed elastic body and the buffer tube. The foamed elastic body has a thickness of 2 to 20 mm, the buffer tube has a JIS A hardness of 20 to 75, and a wall thickness. The foamed elastic body having a ratio of 5% or more and 150% or less and 10 mm or less with respect to the thickness of the foamed elastic body, the ratio of reducing the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic body by the step before performing the step Since the hardness is 6.5 to 25% when the hardness of the foam is 100, the compression rate of the foamed elastic body can be adjusted easily and with good reproducibility even when the layer is thinned, and the foamed elastic body is pressed almost uniformly. be able to. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing an elastic roller having a foamed elastic layer that is excellent in durability even if it is thinned.

この発明に係る押圧装置は、３本の狭圧管体と前記３本の狭圧管体の少なくとも１つを１〜３０ｒｐｍで回転させる回転機構と発泡弾性体に装着される中実なゴム製の緩衝管とを備え、前記第２挟圧管体は、前記第１挟圧管体に対して接近又は離間するように前記同一平面内を平行移動可能に配置され、前記第３挟圧管体は、前記第１挟圧管体及び前記第２挟圧管体に対して接近又は離間するように前記垂直平面内を平行移動可能に配置され、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体は同期して移動するようになり、前記第１挟圧管体、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体で前記ローラ原体を挟圧している状態では、前記軸線方向からみて３つの前記軸線が正三角形の頂点となるように、前記第１挟圧管体、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体が配置され、前記緩衝管は、ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度が２０〜７５で、壁厚が前記発泡弾性体の厚さに対して５％以上で１５０％以下かつ１０ｍｍ以下であるから、薄層化された発泡弾性体であっても圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整して発泡弾性体をほぼ均一に押圧処理できる。したがって、この発明によれば、薄層化された発泡弾性体であっても圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整して高い耐久性を発揮する発泡弾性体を調製できる押圧装置を提供できる。
The pressing device according to the present invention includes a solid rubber buffer mounted on a foamed elastic body and a rotation mechanism that rotates at least one of the three narrow pressure tubes and at least one of the three narrow pressure tubes at 1 to 30 rpm. The second clamping tube body is arranged to be movable in parallel in the same plane so as to approach or separate from the first clamping tube body , and the third clamping tube body includes the first clamping tube body. The first clamping tube body and the second clamping tube body are arranged to be movable in parallel in the vertical plane so as to approach or separate from each other, and the second clamping tube body and the third clamping tube body move in synchronization. In the state in which the roller original body is clamped by the first clamping tube body, the second clamping tube body, and the third clamping tube body, the three axis lines as viewed from the axial direction are equilateral triangles. So that the first pinching tube body, the second pinching tube body and the first pinching tube body Is disposed clamping pressure pipe member, the buffer tube is a JIS A hardness of 20 to 75, since the wall thickness is less than and 150% or less of 5% or more with respect to the thickness of 10mm of the foamed elastic body, a thin layer Even with a foamed elastic body, the compression ratio can be adjusted easily and with good reproducibility so that the foamed elastic body can be pressed almost uniformly. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pressing device capable of preparing a foamed elastic body that exhibits high durability by adjusting the compression rate easily and with good reproducibility even with a thin-layered foamed elastic body.

図１は、この発明に係る押圧装置の一例である押圧装置を示す概略正面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a pressing device which is an example of a pressing device according to the present invention. 図２は、図のＡ−Ａ線における断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 図３は、この発明に係る押圧装置の別の一例である押圧装置を示す概略正面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a pressing device which is another example of the pressing device according to the present invention. 図４は、図のＢ−Ｂ線における断面図である。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in the drawing. 図５は、この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法で製造される弾性ローラ及びこの発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法に使用されるローラ原体の一例を示す概略斜視図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an elastic roller manufactured by the elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention and a roller base material used in the elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention. 図６は、実施例において弾性ローラの耐久性試験を実施するのに好適に用いられる耐久性試験装置を示す模式図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a durability test apparatus that is preferably used to perform the durability test of the elastic roller in the embodiment.

この発明に係る押圧装置は、第１狭圧管体、第２狭圧管体及び第３狭圧管体と、これら挟圧管体を回転させる回転機構と、押圧処理されるローラ原体に装着される緩衝管とを備えていることを特徴とする。この発明に係る押圧装置がこのような緩衝管を備えていると、ローラ原体の発泡弾性体が薄層化されていても、第１狭圧管体、第２狭圧管体及び第３狭圧管体それぞれでこの発泡弾性体を押圧すなわち圧縮する際の圧縮率を簡易にかつ再現性よく設定及び調整できる。   The pressing device according to the present invention includes a first narrow pressure tube body, a second narrow pressure tube body, a third narrow pressure tube body, a rotation mechanism for rotating these pinching pressure tube bodies, and a buffer mounted on a roller base body to be pressed. And a tube. When the pressing device according to the present invention includes such a buffer tube, the first narrow pressure tube body, the second narrow pressure tube body, and the third narrow pressure tube, even if the foamed elastic body of the roller base is thinned. It is possible to easily set and adjust the compression rate when pressing or compressing the foamed elastic body with each body with good reproducibility.

この発明に係る押圧装置において、緩衝管はローラ原体に装着されてもよく、また第１狭圧管体、第２狭圧管体及び第３狭圧管体それぞれに装着されてもよく、ローラ原体並びに第１狭圧管体、第２狭圧管体及び第３狭圧管体それぞれに装着されてもよい。この発明においては、圧縮率をより一層簡易にかつより一層高い再現性で設定及び調整できると共に、挟圧管体による押圧変形又は圧縮変形による応力を逃すことなくローラ原体の発泡弾性体に作用させてこの発泡弾性体を効率よく押圧処理すなわち圧縮処理できる点で、緩衝管はローラ原体の発泡弾性体に装着されるのが好ましい。   In the pressing device according to the present invention, the buffer tube may be attached to the roller original body, or may be attached to each of the first narrow pressure tube body, the second narrow pressure tube body, and the third narrow pressure tube body. The first narrow pressure tube, the second narrow pressure tube, and the third narrow pressure tube may be attached to each. In the present invention, the compression rate can be set and adjusted more easily and with higher reproducibility, and it is made to act on the foamed elastic body of the original roller without missing the stress caused by the pressure deformation or compression deformation caused by the pinching tube body. The buffer tube is preferably attached to the foamed elastic body of the roller base in that the foamed elastic body can be efficiently pressed, that is, compressed.

この発明に係る押圧装置の一例である押圧装置１は、図１及び図２に示されるように、ローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７に装着される緩衝管１４を備えている。具体的には、押圧装置１は、軸線Ｃ１及びＣ２が同一平面内に位置する第１狭圧管体１１及び第２狭圧管体１２、並びに、軸線Ｃ３が前記同一平面に対する垂直平面内に位置する第３狭圧管体１３と、第１狭圧管体１１、第２狭圧管体１２及び第３狭圧管体１３（以下、これらを纏めて狭圧管体１１〜１３と称することがある。）で形成される挟圧空間５に配置される２つのスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂと、狭圧管体１１〜１３の少なくとも１つを回転させる回転機構４と、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれと狭圧空間５に配置されるローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７に装着される緩衝管１４とを備えている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressing device 1 as an example of the pressing device according to the present invention includes a buffer tube 14 attached to the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55. Specifically, in the pressing device 1, the first narrow tube 11 and the second narrow tube 12 in which the axes C1 and C2 are located in the same plane, and the axis C3 is located in a plane perpendicular to the same plane. The third narrow pressure tube body 13, the first narrow pressure tube body 11, the second narrow pressure tube body 12, and the third narrow pressure tube body 13 (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13). The two spacers 3a and 3b arranged in the clamping space 5 to be pressed, the rotating mechanism 4 for rotating at least one of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13, and the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 and the narrow pressure space 5 respectively. And the buffer tube 14 attached to the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55 to be provided.

押圧装置１において、狭圧管体１１〜１３は、第１狭圧管体１１の軸線Ｃ１、第２狭圧管体１２の軸線Ｃ２及び第３狭圧管体１３の軸線Ｃ３がいずれも実質的に水平であって略並行となるように図示しない基台上に設置されている。この第１狭圧管体１１は図示しない基台上に不動に固定されており、第２狭圧管体１２は、その軸線Ｃ２が第１狭圧管体１１の軸線Ｃ１と同一平面上にあって第１狭圧管体１１に対して接近又は離間するようにこの平面内を平行移動可能に配置されている。第３狭圧管体１３は、その軸線Ｃ３が軸線Ｃ１及び軸線Ｃ２を含む前記平面に対して垂直な平面上にあって第１狭圧管体１１及び第２狭圧管体１２に対して接近又は離間するようにこの垂直な平面内を平行移動可能に配置されている。このように狭圧管体１１〜１３は基台に設置されており、第２狭圧管体１２及び第３狭圧管体１３が互いに垂直な方向に平行移動することによって第１狭圧管体１１〜１３は、図１及び図２に示されるように、それらの軸線Ｃ１〜Ｃ３が押圧装置１特に発泡弾性体５７を狭圧したときの押圧装置１を側面視したときに三角形、好ましくはＣ１及びＣ２を底辺とする二等辺三角形又は正三角形の頂点、特に好ましくは正三角形の頂点となるように配置されている。この押圧装置１において、第２狭圧管体１２及び第３狭圧管体１３は同期して移動するようになっている。このように、押圧装置１において、狭圧管体１１〜１３はローラ原体５５を狭圧するときに側面視したときのそれらの軸線Ｃ１〜Ｃ３が三角形の頂点に位置するように配置されていれば、ローラ原体５５を狭圧していないときにはいずれの位置に配置されていてもよい。   In the pressing device 1, the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are such that the axis C 1 of the first narrow pressure tube 11, the axis C 2 of the second narrow pressure tube 12, and the axis C 3 of the third narrow pressure tube 13 are substantially horizontal. It is installed on a base (not shown) so as to be substantially parallel. The first narrow pressure tube body 11 is fixed on a base (not shown), and the second narrow pressure tube body 12 has an axis C2 on the same plane as the axis C1 of the first narrow pressure tube body 11. It arrange | positions so that a parallel movement is possible within this plane so that it may approach or leave | separate with respect to the 1 narrow pressure tube 11. The third narrow tube 13 has an axis C3 on a plane perpendicular to the plane including the axis C1 and the axis C2, and approaches or separates from the first narrow tube 11 and the second narrow tube 12. In this way, it is arranged to be movable in parallel in this vertical plane. As described above, the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are installed on the base, and the first narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are obtained by the parallel movement of the second narrow pressure tube 12 and the third narrow pressure tube 13 in directions perpendicular to each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the axes C1 to C3 are triangular when viewed from the side of the pressing device 1, particularly when the pressing device 1 when the foamed elastic body 57 is constricted, preferably C1 and C2. The base is an isosceles triangle or an equilateral triangle, particularly preferably an equilateral triangle. In the pressing device 1, the second narrow pressure tube body 12 and the third narrow pressure tube body 13 move in synchronization. In this manner, in the pressing device 1, the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are arranged so that their axes C1 to C3 are located at the apexes of the triangle when viewed from the side when the roller base 55 is narrowed. When the roller base 55 is not narrowed, it may be disposed at any position.

押圧装置１において、第１狭圧管体１１は後述する回転機構４に接続されて回転可能に軸支され、一方、第２狭圧管体１２及び第３狭圧管体１３は回転機構４に接続されず、回転可能に軸支されている。したがって、第２狭圧管体１２及び第３狭圧管体１３は狭圧したローラ原体５５を介して第１狭圧管体１１に従動回転するようになっている。   In the pressing device 1, the first narrow pressure tube body 11 is connected to a rotation mechanism 4 to be described later and is rotatably supported, while the second narrow pressure tube body 12 and the third narrow pressure tube body 13 are connected to the rotation mechanism 4. Instead, it is pivotally supported. Therefore, the second narrow pressure tube body 12 and the third narrow pressure tube body 13 are driven to rotate by the first narrow pressure tube body 11 via the roller base 55 which has been narrowed.

狭圧管体１１〜１３はいずれも同一の材料で同寸に形成されている。具体的には、狭圧管体１１〜１３はそれぞれ、発泡弾性体５７よりも高硬度の材料の１種又は２種以上で形成された円柱体を成している。高硬度の材料としては、樹脂、ガラス、金属及びゴム等が挙げられる。具体的には、樹脂として、エンプラ、スーパーエンプラの他に、ウレタン樹脂、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン等のフッ素樹脂、フェノール樹脂、塩化ビニル樹脂等が挙げられる。金属としては、例えば、炭素鋼（例えば、機械構造用炭素鋼「Ｓ４５Ｃ」等）、アルミニウム、鉄、ステンレス鋼、真鍮等が挙げられる。ゴムとしては各種の硬質ゴム等が挙げられる。例えば、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれは、単層構造であってもよく、内層及び外層を有する少なくとも二層構造であってもよく、内層と外層とは同じ材料で形成されても、金属と樹脂とで形成されていてもよい。狭圧管体１１〜１３が金属で形成されている場合には、その外周面がメッキ処理されていてもよく、例えば、クロムメッキ等が好適に施される。好適な狭圧管体１１〜１３はウレタン樹脂で形成され、又は、機械構造用炭素鋼「Ｓ４５Ｃ」で形成され、その外周面がクロムメッキされている。   The narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are all made of the same material and the same size. Specifically, each of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 forms a cylindrical body formed of one or more materials having a hardness higher than that of the foamed elastic body 57. Examples of the material having high hardness include resin, glass, metal and rubber. Specifically, examples of the resin include not only engineering plastics and super engineering plastics, but also urethane resins, fluorine resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene, phenol resins, vinyl chloride resins, and the like. Examples of the metal include carbon steel (for example, carbon steel for machine structure “S45C” and the like), aluminum, iron, stainless steel, brass, and the like. Examples of the rubber include various hard rubbers. For example, each of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 may have a single-layer structure, may have at least a two-layer structure having an inner layer and an outer layer, and the inner layer and the outer layer may be formed of the same material, You may form with resin. When the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are made of metal, the outer peripheral surface thereof may be plated, and for example, chrome plating or the like is suitably performed. Suitable narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are made of urethane resin or made of carbon steel for mechanical structure “S45C”, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is chrome plated.

狭圧管体１１〜１３の寸法は、発泡弾性体５７を所定の圧縮率で押圧又は圧縮できれば特に限定されず、例えば、発泡弾性体５７の軸線長さよりも長くても短くても同一でもよく、発泡弾性体５７の軸線長さと同一又は長いのが作業性に優れる点で好ましい。狭圧管体１１〜１３の外径は発泡弾性体５７の外径等を考慮して適宜に設定され、例えば、２０〜１５００ｍｍに設定でき、好ましくは５０〜８００ｍｍに設定できる。   The dimensions of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are not particularly limited as long as the foamed elastic body 57 can be pressed or compressed at a predetermined compression rate. For example, the length of the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 may be longer or shorter than the axial length of the foamed elastic body 57. It is preferable that it is the same as or longer than the axial length of the foamed elastic body 57 in terms of excellent workability. The outer diameters of the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 are appropriately set in consideration of the outer diameter of the foamed elastic body 57 and the like, and can be set to, for example, 20 to 1500 mm, and preferably 50 to 800 mm.

２つのスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂは、ローラ原体５５の圧縮率を調整する目安として機能する任意の構成部材である。したがって、３本の挟圧管体１１〜１３を移動させることで圧縮率を正確に調整できるのであればスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂはなくてもよい。このスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂはそれぞれ狭圧空間５に配置され、具体的には、図１及び図２に示されるように、第１狭圧管体１１及び第２狭圧管体１２上に軸線Ｃ１方向の両端部近傍に載置される。すなわち、図１に示されるように、狭圧空間５に配置されたローラ原体５５を軸線方向から挟むように配置される。スペーサ３ａ及び３ｂは、前記高硬度の材料で円柱状又は円盤状に形成され、その外径はローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７が３本の挟圧管体１１〜１３で所定の圧縮率に圧縮されるときの圧縮径と同じ径に設定されている。   The two spacers 3 a and 3 b are arbitrary constituent members that function as a guideline for adjusting the compression rate of the roller base 55. Therefore, the spacers 3a and 3b may be omitted if the compression rate can be accurately adjusted by moving the three pinched tube bodies 11 to 13. The spacers 3a and 3b are disposed in the narrow pressure space 5, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first narrow pressure tube 11 and the second narrow pressure tube 12 are arranged in the direction of the axis C1. It is placed near both ends. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the roller base 55 disposed in the narrow pressure space 5 is disposed so as to be sandwiched from the axial direction. The spacers 3a and 3b are formed in a columnar shape or a disk shape from the high-hardness material, and the outer diameter of the spacers 3a and 3b is set to a predetermined compression ratio by the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55 by the three pinching tube bodies 11 to 13. It is set to the same diameter as the compression diameter when compressed.

緩衝管１４は、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれと狭圧空間５に配置されるローラ原体５５との間に配置される。この緩衝管１４は、具体的には、図１及び図２に示されるように、押圧処理されるローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７に装着すなわち外装される。この緩衝管１４は、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれによる押圧力を効率よく発泡弾性体５７に作用又は伝達できる点で、管壁の壁厚が一定で中実体であるのが好ましく、特に凹部若しくは溝及び半径方向に貫通する貫通部等を有していない管体であるのが好ましい。また、この緩衝管１４は、発泡弾性体５７の外周面を被覆することによって狭圧管体１１〜１３からの押圧力を外部に逃すことなく発泡弾性体５７に作用又は伝達できると共に狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれによる過剰な押圧力を緩衝できるのが好ましく、柔軟な弾性材料、例えばゴム又はエラストマーで形成されているのが好ましい。緩衝管１４を硬くて脆い例えば合成ゴム等で形成すると、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれによる過剰な押圧力を十分に緩衝できないことがある。したがって、この発明の目的をよく達成するためには、緩衝管１４は柔軟なゴム又はエラストマー等の弾性材料で形成されるのが好ましい。この緩衝管１４は弾性材料と基本的に同様のＪＩＳ Ａ硬度を有している。   The buffer tube 14 is disposed between each of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 and the roller base 55 disposed in the narrow pressure space 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the buffer tube 14 is attached to or mounted on the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55 to be pressed. The buffer tube 14 is preferably a solid body with a constant wall thickness in terms of being capable of efficiently acting or transmitting the pressing force of each of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 to the foamed elastic body 57. It is preferable that it is a pipe body which does not have a groove | channel and the penetration part penetrated to radial direction. In addition, the buffer tube 14 can act on or transmit to the foamed elastic body 57 without releasing the pressing force from the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 by covering the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body 57 and the narrow pressure tube body 11. It is preferable that excessive pressing force by each of ˜13 can be buffered, and it is preferably formed of a flexible elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. If the buffer tube 14 is formed of a hard and brittle material such as synthetic rubber, the excessive pressing force by each of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 may not be sufficiently buffered. Therefore, in order to achieve the object of the present invention well, the buffer tube 14 is preferably formed of a flexible rubber or an elastic material such as an elastomer. The buffer tube 14 has basically the same JIS A hardness as the elastic material.

緩衝管１４は、全体がゴムで管状に形成されており、その軸線方向に貫通する軸孔を有している。緩衝管１４はローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７の軸線長さよりも長い又は同じ軸線長さを有しているのが一度に発泡弾性体５７の全体を押圧処理できるので好ましいが、発泡弾性体５７の特定部分のみを押圧処理する場合又は狭圧管体１１〜１３を軸線Ｃ１〜Ｃ３に運動例えば往復運動させて押圧処理する場合には発泡弾性体５７の軸線長さよりも短い軸線長さを有しているのが好ましい。押圧装置１において、緩衝管１４は発泡弾性体５７の軸線長さと同じ軸線長さを有している。   The entire buffer tube 14 is formed in a tubular shape with rubber and has an axial hole penetrating in the axial direction. The buffer tube 14 is preferably longer than or equal to the axial length of the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base body 55 because the entire foamed elastic body 57 can be pressed at a time. In the case where only a specific portion of 57 is pressed, or when the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 are moved to the axes C1 to C3, for example, by reciprocating, the axial length is shorter than the axial length of the foamed elastic body 57. It is preferable. In the pressing device 1, the buffer tube 14 has the same axial length as that of the foamed elastic body 57.

この緩衝管１４はその軸孔にローラ原体５５が内挿される。このように、押圧装置１においてローラ原体５５に緩衝管１４を装着すると、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれによる押圧力を効率よく発泡弾性体５７に作用又は伝達できるにもかかわらず狭圧管体１１〜１３による過度の押圧力を発泡弾性体５７に直接作用させることを防止できるうえ、発泡弾性体５７の厚さに加えて緩衝管１４の壁厚分だけ見かけ上の押圧部分が大きくなるから発泡弾性体５７の圧縮率を正確に調整しやすくなる。緩衝管１４は発泡弾性体５７の外径よりもわずかに小さい内径からやや大きめの内径を有しているのが好ましく、この発明において、緩衝管１４の内径と発泡弾性体５７の外径との割合は特に限定されないが、例えば、緩衝管１４の内径と発泡弾性体５７の外径との差分は−０．５〜１．０ｍｍであるのが特に好ましい。緩衝管１４の外径及び壁厚は特に限定されないが、あまりにも外径が大きく、管壁が厚いと、狭圧管体１１〜１３による押圧処理が不十分になるので、壁厚の下限値は、発泡弾性体５７の厚さに対して、５％であるのが好ましく、５０％であるのが特に好ましく、壁厚の上限値は発泡弾性体５７の厚さに対して１５０％であるのが好ましく、１００％であるのが特に好ましい。また、緩衝管１４の壁厚の上限値は、発泡弾性体５７が厚いものについては１０ｍｍ以下であるのが好ましい。緩衝管１４の内周面は発泡弾性体５７が圧接するから平坦であるのが好ましい。   This buffer tube 14 has a roller base 55 inserted in its shaft hole. As described above, when the buffer tube 14 is attached to the roller base body 55 in the pressing device 1, the narrow pressure tube body 11 is able to efficiently act or transmit the pressing force by the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 to the foamed elastic body 57. It is possible to prevent an excessive pressing force due to ˜13 from acting directly on the foamed elastic body 57, and in addition to the thickness of the foamed elastic body 57, the apparent pressing portion becomes larger by the wall thickness of the buffer tube 14, and foaming is performed. It becomes easy to adjust the compression rate of the elastic body 57 accurately. The buffer tube 14 preferably has an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the foamed elastic body 57 and is slightly larger. In this invention, the inner diameter of the buffer tube 14 and the outer diameter of the foamed elastic body 57 The ratio is not particularly limited, but for example, the difference between the inner diameter of the buffer tube 14 and the outer diameter of the foamed elastic body 57 is particularly preferably −0.5 to 1.0 mm. The outer diameter and wall thickness of the buffer tube 14 are not particularly limited, but if the outer diameter is too large and the tube wall is thick, the pressure treatment by the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 becomes insufficient, so the lower limit of the wall thickness is The thickness of the foamed elastic body 57 is preferably 5%, particularly preferably 50%, and the upper limit of the wall thickness is 150% with respect to the thickness of the foamed elastic body 57. Is preferable, and 100% is particularly preferable. Further, the upper limit value of the wall thickness of the buffer tube 14 is preferably 10 mm or less when the foamed elastic body 57 is thick. The inner peripheral surface of the buffer tube 14 is preferably flat because the foamed elastic body 57 is in pressure contact therewith.

緩衝管１４の軸孔及び内径は発泡弾性体５７の形状に応じて選択されるのが好ましく、その軸孔はローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７の外径と対応する形状であるのが、発泡弾性体５７を均一に圧縮できる点で好ましい。例えば、発泡弾性体５７が所謂「ストレート形状」である場合には緩衝管１４の内径は一定で軸孔が所謂「ストレート形状」であるのが好ましく、発泡弾性体５７が所謂「クラウン形状」である場合には緩衝管１４の内径は徐々に変化して軸孔が所謂「クラウン形状」であるのが好ましく、一方、発泡弾性体５７が所謂「逆クラウン形状」である場合には緩衝管１４の内径は徐々に変化して軸孔が所謂「逆クラウン形状」であるのが好ましい。緩衝管１４の外形は所謂「ストレート形状」、所謂「クラウン形状」又は所謂「逆クラウン形状」であってもよく、ローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７の形状や部分的な圧縮量によって適宜選択される。この押圧装置１において緩衝管１４は所謂「ストレート形状」に形成されている。   The shaft hole and the inner diameter of the buffer tube 14 are preferably selected according to the shape of the foam elastic body 57, and the shaft hole has a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the foam elastic body 57 of the roller base 55. This is preferable in that the foamed elastic body 57 can be uniformly compressed. For example, when the foamed elastic body 57 has a so-called “straight shape”, the inner diameter of the buffer tube 14 is preferably constant and the shaft hole has a so-called “straight shape”, and the foamed elastic body 57 has a so-called “crown shape”. In some cases, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the buffer tube 14 is gradually changed so that the shaft hole has a so-called “crown shape”. On the other hand, when the foamed elastic body 57 has a so-called “reverse crown shape”, the buffer tube 14. It is preferable that the inner diameter of the shaft gradually changes so that the shaft hole has a so-called “reverse crown shape”. The outer shape of the buffer tube 14 may be a so-called “straight shape”, a so-called “crown shape” or a so-called “reverse crown shape”, and is appropriately selected depending on the shape of the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55 and the partial compression amount. Is done. In this pressing device 1, the buffer tube 14 is formed in a so-called “straight shape”.

緩衝管１４は、各種ゴム又はエラストマーで形成され、好ましくは発泡弾性体５７を形成するゴムと同種のゴムで形成され、そのＪＩＳ Ａ硬度が２０〜７５であるのが好ましく、４０〜６０であるのが特に好ましい。ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度はＪＩＳ Ｋ６２５３に準拠して測定できる。緩衝管１４を形成するゴムとして、例えば、シリコーンゴム、ニトリルゴム、エチレンプロピレンゴム（エチレンプロピレンジエンゴムを含む。）、スチレンブタジエンゴム、ブタジエンゴム、イソプレンゴム、天然ゴム、アクリルゴム、クロロプレンゴム、ブチルゴム、エピクロールヒドリンゴム、ウレタンゴム、フッ素ゴム等が挙げられる。これらの中でも、耐屈曲性に優れるフッ素ゴム等が好適である。緩衝管１４を形成するエラストマーとして、例えば、ポリエステル系エラストマー、ポリエーテル系エラストマー等が挙げられる。   The buffer tube 14 is made of various rubbers or elastomers, preferably made of the same type of rubber as that forming the foamed elastic body 57, and preferably has a JIS A hardness of 20 to 75, preferably 40 to 60. Is particularly preferred. The JIS A hardness can be measured according to JIS K6253. Examples of the rubber forming the buffer tube 14 include silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (including ethylene propylene diene rubber), styrene butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, natural rubber, acrylic rubber, chloroprene rubber, and butyl rubber. , Epichlorohydrin rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber and the like. Among these, fluororubber and the like excellent in bending resistance are preferable. Examples of the elastomer that forms the buffer tube 14 include polyester elastomers and polyether elastomers.

回転機構４は、図１に示されるように、第１狭圧管体１１に接続され、軸線Ｃ１を中心として回転駆動可能に第１狭圧管体１１を軸支している。回転機構４は、例えば、モータ等が採用される。   As shown in FIG. 1, the rotation mechanism 4 is connected to the first narrow pressure tube body 11 and pivotally supports the first narrow pressure tube body 11 so as to be rotationally driven about the axis C <b> 1. For example, a motor or the like is employed as the rotation mechanism 4.

この発明に係る押圧装置の別の一例である押圧装置２は、図３及び図４に示されるように、緩衝管２４〜２６が第１狭圧管体２１、第２狭圧管体２２及び第３狭圧管体２３（以下、これらを纏めて狭圧管体２１〜２３と称することがある。）それぞれに装着されていること以外は押圧装置１と基本的に同様である。すなわち、この押圧装置２は、軸線Ｃ１及びＣ２が同一平面内に位置する第１狭圧管体２１及び第２狭圧管体２２、並びに、軸線Ｃ３が前記同一平面に対する垂直平面内に位置する第３狭圧管体２３と、狭圧管体２１〜２３で形成される挟圧空間５に配置される２つのスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂと、狭圧管体２１〜２３の少なくとも１つを回転させる回転機構４と、狭圧管体２１〜２３それぞれに装着される緩衝管２４〜２６とを有している。   As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pressing device 2, which is another example of the pressing device according to the present invention, includes buffer tubes 24 to 26 having a first narrow tube 21, a second narrow tube 22, and a third tube. It is basically the same as the pressing device 1 except that it is attached to each of the narrow pressure tubes 23 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as narrow pressure tubes 21 to 23). That is, the pressing device 2 includes a first narrow tube 21 and a second narrow tube 22 in which the axes C1 and C2 are located in the same plane, and a third in which the axis C3 is located in a plane perpendicular to the same plane. A narrow pressure tube body 23, two spacers 3a and 3b arranged in the clamping space 5 formed by the narrow pressure tube bodies 21 to 23, a rotating mechanism 4 that rotates at least one of the narrow pressure tube bodies 21 to 23, And buffer tubes 24 to 26 attached to the narrow pressure tubes 21 to 23, respectively.

緩衝管２４〜２６それぞれは全体がゴム又はエラストマーで管状に形成されており、その軸線方向に貫通する軸孔に第１狭圧管体２１、第２狭圧管体２２及び第３狭圧管体２３それぞれが内挿され、狭圧管体２１〜２３それぞれと狭圧空間５に配置されるローラ原体５５との間に配置されている。このように、緩衝管２４〜２６それぞれが狭圧管体２１〜２３それぞれに装着されていると、狭圧管体２１〜２３それぞれからの押圧力を発泡弾性体５７に作用又は伝達できるにもかかわらず、狭圧管体２１〜２３による過度の押圧力を発泡弾性体５７に直接作用させることを高度に防止できる。なお、押圧装置２において、狭圧管体２１〜２３それぞれからの押圧力は、緩衝管１４が発泡弾性体５７の外周面に装着され、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれによる押圧力を効率よく発泡弾性体５７に作用又は伝達できる押圧装置１に比して、緩衝管２４〜２６で押圧されていない発泡弾性体５７の非押圧部が外部に突出変形して発泡弾性体５７の外部に逃げやすくなるが、それでも発泡弾性体５７に作用又は伝達される。緩衝管２４〜２６それぞれは、第１狭圧管体２１、第２狭圧管体２２及び第３狭圧管体２３の外径と同一の内径又はその外径よりも僅かに小さな内径になっている。   Each of the buffer tubes 24 to 26 is formed of a rubber or an elastomer in a tubular shape, and the first narrow pressure tube body 21, the second narrow pressure tube body 22, and the third narrow pressure tube body 23 are respectively inserted into the axial holes penetrating in the axial direction. Is inserted between each of the narrow pressure tubes 21 to 23 and the roller base 55 disposed in the narrow pressure space 5. As described above, when each of the buffer tubes 24 to 26 is attached to each of the narrow pressure tubes 21 to 23, the pressing force from each of the narrow pressure tubes 21 to 23 can be applied to or transmitted to the foamed elastic body 57. Further, it is possible to highly prevent an excessive pressing force by the narrow pressure pipe bodies 21 to 23 from acting directly on the foamed elastic body 57. In the pressing device 2, the pressing force from each of the narrow pressure tubes 21 to 23 is such that the buffer tube 14 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body 57, and the pressing force by each of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 is efficiently foamed and elastic. Compared with the pressing device 1 that can act or transmit to the body 57, the non-pressing portion of the foamed elastic body 57 that is not pressed by the buffer tubes 24 to 26 protrudes outwardly and becomes easy to escape to the outside of the foamed elastic body 57. Is still acted or transmitted to the foamed elastic body 57. Each of the buffer tubes 24 to 26 has the same inner diameter as the outer diameter of the first narrow pressure tube body 21, the second narrow pressure tube body 22, and the third narrow pressure tube body 23, or an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter.

この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法は、軸体と軸体の外周面に配置された発泡弾性層とを備えた弾性ローラを製造する方法である。この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法で製造される弾性ローラは、軸体と発泡弾性層とを備えていればよく、軸体及び発泡弾性層に加えて接着剤層、表面層等を備えていてもよい。   The method for manufacturing an elastic roller according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing an elastic roller including a shaft body and a foamed elastic layer disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body. The elastic roller manufactured by the elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention only needs to include a shaft body and a foamed elastic layer, and includes an adhesive layer, a surface layer, and the like in addition to the shaft body and the foamed elastic layer. May be.

このような弾性ローラの一例である弾性ローラ５１は、図５に示されるように、軸体５２と、軸体５２の外周面に配置された発泡弾性層５３とを備えている。   As shown in FIG. 5, the elastic roller 51 which is an example of such an elastic roller includes a shaft body 52 and a foamed elastic layer 53 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52.

軸体５２は、良好な導電特性を有していればよく、通常、鉄、アルミニウム、ステンレス鋼、真鍮等で構成された所謂「芯金」と称される軸体である。また、軸体５２は、熱可塑性樹脂若しくは熱硬化性樹脂等の絶縁性芯体にメッキを施して導電化した軸体であってもよく、さらには、熱可塑性樹脂若しくは熱硬化性樹脂等に導電性付与剤としてカーボンブラック又は金属粉体等を配合した導電性樹脂で形成された軸体であってもよい。   The shaft body 52 only needs to have good conductive properties, and is generally a shaft body called a “core metal” made of iron, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, or the like. Further, the shaft body 52 may be a shaft body obtained by plating an insulating core body such as a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin to make it conductive. Further, the shaft body 52 may be a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. The shaft body may be formed of a conductive resin in which carbon black or metal powder is blended as a conductivity imparting agent.

発泡弾性層５３は、軸体５２の外周面に形成され、その内部及び／又は外表面にセル（図５において図示しない。）を有している。発泡弾性層５３が有するセルは、発泡弾性層５３を形成する後述のゴム組成物に含有される発泡剤若しくは気体の発泡又は分解等によって生じる中空領域をいう。そして、発泡弾性層５３は、近傍に存在する他のセルに接することのない又は連通することのない独立状態にある独立セルと、傍に存在する他のセルに接し又は連通している連続セルと、後述する押圧処理によって独立セルの壁が破損して近傍に存在する他のセルに破壁を介して連通した破泡連通セルとを有している。そして、連続セル及び破泡連通セルは複数のセルが破壁を介してその近傍に存在する他のセルに連通し、発泡弾性層内で３次元的な連通路を形成しているのがよい。連続セル及び破泡連通セルは、発泡弾性層５３の表面近傍に存在するだけでなく、その内部例えば軸体５２の外周面近傍まで存在しているのがよい。連続セル及び破泡連通セルが発泡弾性層５３の内部に存在するか否かは発泡弾性層５３を切断した切断面を目視で観察することによって確認することができる。個々のセルの形状は、特に限定されず、例えば、略球状であってもよく、また楕円体形、不定形であってもよく、また、複数のセルが連通した管状であってもよい。セルの平均セル径は５０〜４００μｍであるのが好ましい。平均セル径は、発泡弾性層５３の表面又は任意の面で切断したときの切断面において、約２０ｍｍ２の領域を電子顕微鏡等で観察し、観察視野内に存在する各セルにおける開口部の最大長さを測定して、測定された最大長さを算術平均して得られた平均長さとして、求める。 The foamed elastic layer 53 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52 and has cells (not shown in FIG. 5) on the inside and / or the outer surface thereof. The cell of the foamed elastic layer 53 refers to a hollow region generated by foaming or decomposition of a foaming agent or gas contained in a rubber composition described later that forms the foamed elastic layer 53. The foamed elastic layer 53 includes an independent cell in an independent state that does not contact or communicate with other cells present in the vicinity, and a continuous cell that is in contact with or communicated with other cells present in the vicinity. And a bubble-breaking communication cell in which the wall of the independent cell is damaged by a pressing process to be described later and communicates with other cells in the vicinity via the broken wall. The continuous cell and the bubble-breaking communication cell preferably have a plurality of cells communicating with other cells in the vicinity thereof via the fracture wall to form a three-dimensional communication path in the foamed elastic layer. . It is preferable that the continuous cell and the bubble-breaking communication cell exist not only near the surface of the foamed elastic layer 53 but also inside thereof, for example, near the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52. Whether or not the continuous cells and the bubble-breaking communication cells exist inside the foamed elastic layer 53 can be confirmed by visually observing a cut surface obtained by cutting the foamed elastic layer 53. The shape of each cell is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a substantially spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, an indefinite shape, or a tubular shape in which a plurality of cells communicate with each other. The average cell diameter of the cells is preferably 50 to 400 μm. The average cell diameter is determined by observing an area of about 20 mm 2 with an electron microscope or the like on the surface of the foamed elastic layer 53 or a cut surface obtained by cutting an arbitrary surface. The length is measured and obtained as an average length obtained by arithmetically averaging the measured maximum length.

発泡弾性層５３は、適宜の硬度を有しており、例えば、アスカーＣ硬度で２０〜６０である。アスカーＣ硬度（１．０ｋｇ荷重）はＪＩＳ Ｋ６２５３に準拠して複数箇所を測定し、測定値を算術平均した値とする。   The foamed elastic layer 53 has an appropriate hardness, for example, 20-60 in Asker C hardness. The Asker C hardness (1.0 kg load) is a value obtained by measuring a plurality of locations in accordance with JIS K6253 and arithmetically averaging the measured values.

発泡弾性層５３は、用途に応じて任意の長さ及び厚さに調整され、通常、２〜２０ｍｍの厚さを有しているのがよく、３〜１２ｍｍの厚さを有しているのが特によい。特に、この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法で製造される弾性ローラは薄層化された発泡弾性層５３を備えることもできる。このような薄層化された発泡弾性層５３の厚さは、例えば、０．５〜３．０ｍｍである。   The foamed elastic layer 53 is adjusted to have an arbitrary length and thickness depending on the application, and usually has a thickness of 2 to 20 mm, and has a thickness of 3 to 12 mm. Is particularly good. In particular, the elastic roller manufactured by the method for manufacturing an elastic roller according to the present invention can include a thin foamed elastic layer 53. The thickness of the thin foamed elastic layer 53 is, for example, 0.5 to 3.0 mm.

このような弾性ローラを製造する、この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法は、挟圧管体との間に緩衝管が配置された発泡弾性体を有するローラ原体、特に発泡弾性体の外周面に緩衝管を装着したローラ原体を、三角形の頂点に配置された３本の狭圧管体それぞれが前記発泡弾性体及び前記緩衝管の合計厚さに対して半径方向に２０〜６５％圧縮するように、前記緩衝管で狭圧し、回転させる工程を有している。このように、緩衝管を介して三方から発泡弾性体を狭圧して押圧又は圧縮すると、３本の狭圧管体それぞれの押圧力を発泡弾性体５７に効率よく作用又は伝達できると共に過剰な凹圧力を緩衝管で緩衝することができるうえ、３本の狭圧管体それぞれの圧縮率を正確に調整できる。このように、この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法においては、ローラ原体の発泡弾性体を押圧処理して発泡弾性層とする。   An elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention for manufacturing such an elastic roller is provided on a roller base body having a foamed elastic body in which a buffer tube is disposed between the compression tube body, particularly on the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body. The roller body equipped with the buffer tube is compressed by 20 to 65% in the radial direction with respect to the total thickness of the foamed elastic body and the buffer tube by each of the three narrow pressure tubes arranged at the apex of the triangle. And a step of narrowing and rotating with the buffer tube. Thus, when the foamed elastic body is narrowed and pressed or compressed from three sides via the buffer tube, the pressing force of each of the three narrow pressure tubes can be efficiently acted or transmitted to the foamed elastic body 57 and excessive concave pressure is applied. Can be buffered by the buffer tube, and the compression rate of each of the three narrow pressure tubes can be adjusted accurately. Thus, in the elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention, the foamed elastic body of the roller base is pressed to form a foamed elastic layer.

以下、この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法の一例（以下、一製造方法と称することがある。）を以下に説明する。一製造方法は、図５に示される弾性ローラ５１を製造する方法であって、軸体の外周面に発泡弾性体を備えたローラ原体を作製する工程を実施する。このローラ原体はセルの状態及びそれに基づく硬度等の物性が異なること以外は弾性ローラ５１と基本的同様である。このローラ原体の一例として、図５に示される弾性ローラ５１と基本的に同様のローラ原体が挙げられる。このローラ原体５５は軸体５２と軸体５２の外周面に配置された発泡弾性体５７とを備えている。なお、図５には発泡弾性層５３及び発泡弾性体５７のセルが図示されていないので図面上、発泡弾性層５３と発泡弾性体５７とを同一部材として以下説明する。   Hereinafter, an example of a method for producing an elastic roller according to the present invention (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as one production method) will be described. One manufacturing method is a method of manufacturing the elastic roller 51 shown in FIG. 5, and the step of manufacturing a roller base body provided with a foamed elastic body on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body is performed. This roller base is basically the same as the elastic roller 51 except that the physical properties such as the state of the cell and the hardness are different. As an example of this roller base material, a roller base material basically similar to the elastic roller 51 shown in FIG. This roller base 55 includes a shaft body 52 and a foamed elastic body 57 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52. 5 does not show the cells of the foamed elastic layer 53 and the foamed elastic body 57, the foamed elastic layer 53 and the foamed elastic body 57 will be described below as the same member in the drawing.

この工程においては、まず、前記材料を用いて公知の方法により所望の形状の軸体５２を作製する。軸体５２に導電性が要求される場合には、前記金属及び前記導電性樹脂の他に、前記樹脂等で形成した絶縁性芯体の表面に定法によりメッキを施すことにより、軸体５２を形成することができる。所望により、軸体５２の外周面にプライマー層を塗布してもよい。   In this step, first, a shaft body 52 having a desired shape is produced by a known method using the material. When the shaft body 52 is required to have conductivity, in addition to the metal and the conductive resin, the surface of the insulating core body formed of the resin or the like is plated by a regular method to thereby form the shaft body 52. Can be formed. If desired, a primer layer may be applied to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52.

この工程においては、次いで、軸体５２の外周面にゴム組成物を配置して硬化する。したがって、まずゴム組成物を軸体５２の外周面に配置する。ゴム組成物の配置は公知の方法、例えば、押出成形による連続加硫、プレス、インジェクションによる型成形等を採用することができるが、軸体５２とゴム組成物とを押出機によって一体分出しする押出成形がよい。次いで、軸体５２の外周面に配置したゴム組成物を発泡硬化して発泡弾性体５７を形成する。ゴム組成物の硬化条件は、軸体５２の外周面に配置されたゴム組成物が硬化し、発泡剤を含有する場合には発泡剤が分解又は発泡するのに十分な硬化条件であればよく、発泡ゴム組成物の組成、発泡剤の種類等に応じて適宜調整される。例えば、発泡ゴム組成物が後述する付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物である場合には、硬化条件は、通常、１００〜４００℃、特に２００〜４００℃の加熱温度、数分以上１時間以下、特に５分以上３０分以下の加熱時間とされる。   In this step, the rubber composition is then placed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52 and cured. Therefore, first, the rubber composition is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52. For the arrangement of the rubber composition, a known method, for example, continuous vulcanization by extrusion molding, pressing, mold molding by injection, or the like can be adopted. The shaft body 52 and the rubber composition are integrally dispensed by an extruder. Extrusion is good. Next, the rubber composition disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52 is foam-cured to form the foamed elastic body 57. The curing conditions of the rubber composition may be sufficient if the rubber composition disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52 is cured and contains a foaming agent, so long as the foaming agent is decomposed or foamed. It is adjusted as appropriate according to the composition of the foam rubber composition, the type of foaming agent, and the like. For example, when the foamed rubber composition is an addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition to be described later, curing conditions are usually 100 to 400 ° C, particularly 200 to 400 ° C, a heating temperature of several minutes to 1 hour, In particular, the heating time is from 5 minutes to 30 minutes.

ゴム組成物は、ゴムと、発泡剤と、所望により導電性付与剤と、各種添加剤等とを含有するゴム組成物であればよく、例えば、独立セル状態のセルを形成することのできる発泡シリコーンゴム系組成物及び発泡ウレタンゴム系組成物等が好ましく挙げられる。このような発泡シリコーンゴム系組成物として、付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物が特に好ましい。前記付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物としては、例えば、特開２００８−０７６７５１号公報に記載されている付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物が挙げられる。ゴム組成物に含有される各種のゴムはミラブル型であるのが好ましい。   The rubber composition may be a rubber composition containing rubber, a foaming agent, and optionally a conductivity-imparting agent and various additives. For example, foaming that can form cells in an independent cell state Preferable examples include silicone rubber-based compositions and foamed urethane rubber-based compositions. As such a foamed silicone rubber composition, an addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition is particularly preferred. Examples of the addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition include an addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition described in JP-A-2008-076751. The various rubbers contained in the rubber composition are preferably millable.

発泡剤としては、従来、発泡ゴムに用いられる発泡剤であればよく、例えば、無機系発泡剤として、重炭酸ソーダ、炭酸アンモニウム等が挙げられ、有機系発泡剤として、ジアゾアミノ誘導体、アゾニトリル誘導体、アゾジカルボン酸誘導体等の有機アゾ化合物等が挙げられる。通常、独立セルを形成する場合には有機系発泡剤が用いられる。ローラ原体５５において、発泡剤は独立セル状態のセルを形成することができる点で有機系発泡剤であるのがよく、具体的には、例えばアゾジカルボン酸アミド、アゾビス−イソブチロニトリル等のアゾ化合物が好適に使用される。特に、ジメチル−１，１’−アゾビス（１−シクロヘキサンカルボキシレート）が好適に使用できる。発泡剤の配合量は、発泡剤の種類によって相違するが、発泡弾性層５３のアスカーＣ硬度が前記範囲内となるように調整するのがよい。具体的には、例えば、ゴム１００質量部に対して０．１〜１０質量部であるのがよい。導電性付与剤としては、導電性を有していれば特に限定されず、例えば、導電性粉末、イオン導電性物質等が挙げられる。各種添加剤は、例えば、充填材、着色剤、難燃性向上剤、離型剤、分散剤及び非補強性シリカ等が挙げられる。また、各種添加剤として、酸化鉄（ベンガラとも称する。）、酸化セリウム及び水酸化セリウム等の耐熱性向上剤も挙げられる。これらの各種添加剤は、所望の配合量で配合される。   The foaming agent may be any foaming agent conventionally used for foamed rubber. Examples of the inorganic foaming agent include sodium bicarbonate and ammonium carbonate. Examples of the organic foaming agent include diazoamino derivatives, azonitrile derivatives, and azodicarboxylic acids. And organic azo compounds such as acid derivatives. Usually, when forming an independent cell, an organic foaming agent is used. In the roller base 55, the foaming agent is preferably an organic foaming agent in that it can form a cell in an independent cell state. Specifically, for example, azodicarboxylic acid amide, azobis-isobutyronitrile, etc. The azo compound is preferably used. In particular, dimethyl-1,1'-azobis (1-cyclohexanecarboxylate) can be preferably used. The blending amount of the foaming agent varies depending on the type of the foaming agent, but it is preferable to adjust the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic layer 53 to be within the above range. Specifically, for example, the amount is preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of rubber. The conductivity imparting agent is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, and examples thereof include conductive powder and ionic conductive materials. Examples of the various additives include fillers, colorants, flame retardant improvers, mold release agents, dispersants, and non-reinforcing silica. Examples of various additives include heat resistance improvers such as iron oxide (also referred to as bengara), cerium oxide, and cerium hydroxide. These various additives are blended in a desired blending amount.

このローラ原体を作製する工程においては、所望により、このようにして硬化されたゴム組成物を二次硬化することもできる。二次硬化条件は、特に限定されないが、例えば、前記の条件で架橋されたゴム組成物を、さらに、押出成形された状態のままで、１８０〜２５０℃、好ましくは１９０〜２３０℃で、１〜２４時間、好ましくは３〜１０時間にわたって、又は、金型を用いて、例えば、１３０〜２００℃、好ましくは１５０〜１８０℃で、５分以上２４時間以下、好ましくは１０分以上１０時間以下にわたって、再度加熱することによって、行われる。また、このローラ原体を作製する工程においては、所望により、形成された発泡弾性体５７に、例えば、研磨加工、研削加工及び切削加工等が施されて、外形及び／又は外径等が調整される。   In the step of producing the roller base material, the rubber composition thus cured can be secondarily cured as desired. The secondary curing conditions are not particularly limited. For example, the rubber composition cross-linked under the above-described conditions is further subjected to extrusion molding at 180 to 250 ° C, preferably 190 to 230 ° C. -24 hours, preferably 3-10 hours, or using a mold, for example, 130-200 ° C, preferably 150-180 ° C, 5 minutes to 24 hours, preferably 10 minutes to 10 hours This is done by heating again. Further, in the process of producing the roller base body, for example, the formed foamed elastic body 57 is subjected to, for example, polishing, grinding, cutting, etc. to adjust the outer shape and / or outer diameter, etc. Is done.

このようにして発泡硬化した発泡弾性体５７は、通常、独立セルを有しており、これに加えて連続セルを有していてもよい。   The foamed elastic body 57 thus foam-cured usually has independent cells, and may have continuous cells in addition to this.

発泡弾性体５７は、用いる押圧装置の緩衝管との組み合わせによって硬度及び厚さ等が調整される。発泡弾性体５７は、通常２〜２０ｍｍの厚さに設定されるが、緩衝管がシリコーンゴム製である場合には厚さは２〜１０ｍｍに設定される。なお、この発明に係る押圧装置を用いる場合には、薄層化された発泡弾性体であっても圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整して発泡弾性体をほぼ均一に押圧処理できるから、発泡弾性体５７は薄層であってよく、例えば１〜２ｍｍの厚さを有していていもよい。発泡弾性体５７の硬度はこの発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法によれば前記回転させる工程によって低下するから、準備するローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７は、製造する弾性ローラ５１の発泡弾性層５３の硬度よりもこの回転させる工程における硬度の低下分だけ高い硬度に設定されてもよく、回転させる工程で低下した後の硬度が実用的であれば弾性ローラ５１の発泡弾性層５３の硬度と同じ硬度に設定されてもよい。   The foamed elastic body 57 is adjusted in hardness, thickness, and the like depending on the combination with the buffer tube of the pressing device used. The foamed elastic body 57 is usually set to a thickness of 2 to 20 mm, but when the buffer tube is made of silicone rubber, the thickness is set to 2 to 10 mm. In the case of using the pressing device according to the present invention, the foamed elastic body can be almost uniformly pressed by adjusting the compression rate easily and with good reproducibility even if the foamed elastic body is thinned. The elastic body 57 may be a thin layer, and may have a thickness of 1 to 2 mm, for example. According to the elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention, the hardness of the foamed elastic body 57 is reduced by the rotating step. Therefore, the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55 to be prepared is the foamed elastic layer of the elastic roller 51 to be manufactured. The hardness of the foamed elastic layer 53 of the elastic roller 51 may be set to a hardness higher than the hardness of 53 by a decrease in hardness in the rotating step. The same hardness may be set.

一製造方法においては、このようにして準備したローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７を、この発明に係る押圧装置、例えば押圧装置１で押圧処理する。すなわち、発泡弾性体５７を、３本の狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれが発泡弾性体５７及び緩衝管１４の合計厚さの厚さに対して半径方向に２０〜６５％圧縮するように狭圧管体１１〜１３で三方から狭圧し、回転させる工程を実施する。   In one manufacturing method, the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55 prepared in this way is pressed by the pressing device according to the present invention, for example, the pressing device 1. That is, the narrow elastic tube 57 is compressed so that each of the three narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 is compressed by 20 to 65% in the radial direction with respect to the total thickness of the foam elastic body 57 and the buffer tube 14. The process of narrowing and rotating from three sides with the bodies 11 to 13 is performed.

このようにして発泡弾性体５７を押圧処理すると、発泡弾性体５７がたとえ薄層化されていても均一に低硬度化することができる。この回転させる工程において、発泡弾性体５７の硬度を低下させる割合は、特に限定されないが、押圧処理前の発泡弾性体５７の硬度を１００としたときに６．５〜２５％であるのが好ましく、１５〜２５％であるのが特に好ましい。前記範囲内で発泡弾性体５７の硬度を低下させると、得られる発泡弾性層５３は薄層であっても均一に低硬度化されており、画像形成装置に装着された後の発泡弾性層５３は硬度低下が小さく、高い耐久性を発揮する。   When the foamed elastic body 57 is pressed in this manner, even if the foamed elastic body 57 is thinned, the hardness can be reduced uniformly. In this rotating step, the ratio of reducing the hardness of the foamed elastic body 57 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 6.5 to 25% when the hardness of the foamed elastic body 57 before the pressing treatment is 100. It is particularly preferably 15 to 25%. When the hardness of the foamed elastic body 57 is lowered within the above range, the foamed elastic layer 53 obtained is uniformly reduced in hardness even if it is a thin layer, and the foamed elastic layer 53 after being attached to the image forming apparatus. Exhibits small durability and high durability.

この回転させる工程を実施するには、まず、緩衝管１４の軸孔内にローラ原体５５を内挿してローラ原体５５に緩衝管１４を装着する。次いで、ローラ原体５５を狭圧空間５に配置して発泡弾性体５７を狭圧する。具体的には、図１及び図２に示されるように、第１狭圧管体１１及び第２狭圧管体１２上にローラ原体５５と、ローラ原体５５の軸線方向両側に間隔をあけてスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂとをそれぞれ載置する。次いで、図２に示されるように第３狭圧管体１３の外周面がスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂに接触するまで、第３狭圧管体１３を前記垂直方向下側すなわち第１狭圧管体１１及び第２狭圧管体１２方向に移動させる。そうすると、第２狭圧管体１２は第３狭圧管体１３と同期して第１狭圧管体１１側に移動するから、狭圧管体１１〜１３がローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７を緩衝管１４を介して三方から狭圧する。このとき、狭圧管体１１〜１３の軸線Ｃ１〜Ｃ３それぞれは正三角形の頂点に位置し、狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれはローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７を、その軸線全体にわたって発泡弾性体５７及び緩衝管１４の合計厚さに対して２０〜６５％の割合で半径方向にそれぞれ圧縮する。このときの発泡弾性体５７の圧縮率は発泡弾性体５７の硬度低下割合等によって適宜に設定され、具体的には、発泡弾性体５７の厚さと緩衝管１４の壁厚との総和に対して２０〜６５％に設定される。圧縮率が２０％未満であると回転させる工程における押圧処理の効果が乏しく、６５％を超えると緩衝管１４を発泡弾性体５７に装着しても発泡弾性体５７が損傷又は破壊することがある。発泡弾性体５７の圧縮率は、この発明の目的をよく達成できる点で３０〜５０％に設定されるのが好ましい。   In order to carry out this rotating step, first, the roller base 55 is inserted into the shaft hole of the buffer pipe 14, and the buffer pipe 14 is attached to the roller base 55. Next, the roller base 55 is disposed in the narrow pressure space 5 to narrow the foamed elastic body 57. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a roller base 55 is provided on the first narrow pressure tube body 11 and the second narrow pressure tube body 12, and a gap is provided on both sides in the axial direction of the roller base body 55. Spacers 3a and 3b are placed, respectively. Next, as shown in FIG. 2, until the outer peripheral surface of the third narrow tube 13 comes into contact with the spacers 3a and 3b, the third narrow tube 13 is moved downward in the vertical direction, that is, the first narrow tube 11 and the second narrow tube. It moves in the direction of the narrow pressure tube 12. Then, since the second narrow pressure tube body 12 moves to the first narrow pressure tube body 11 side in synchronization with the third narrow pressure tube body 13, the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 connect the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base body 55 to the buffer tube. 14 to narrow the pressure from three sides. At this time, each of the axis lines C1 to C3 of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 is located at the apex of the equilateral triangle, and each of the narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 includes the foam elastic body 57 of the roller base body 55 over the entire axis. 57 and the buffer tube 14 are compressed in the radial direction at a ratio of 20 to 65% with respect to the total thickness. The compression rate of the foamed elastic body 57 at this time is appropriately set according to the hardness reduction ratio of the foamed elastic body 57, and specifically, with respect to the sum of the thickness of the foamed elastic body 57 and the wall thickness of the buffer tube 14. It is set to 20 to 65%. If the compression ratio is less than 20%, the effect of the pressing process in the rotating step is poor, and if it exceeds 65%, the foamed elastic body 57 may be damaged or broken even if the buffer tube 14 is attached to the foamed elastic body 57. . The compression rate of the foamed elastic body 57 is preferably set to 30 to 50% in that the object of the present invention can be achieved well.

一製造方法においては、このような発泡弾性体５７の狭圧状態を維持しつつ、例えば２３℃、５０ＲＨ％の環境下で、第１狭圧管体１１を駆動手段４で例えば図２に示す矢印方向に回転させる。そうすると、図２の矢印に示されるように、ローラ原体５５は逆方向に、第２狭圧管体１２及び第３狭圧管体１３は同方向に従動回転する。このようにして、金属製ローラ２０ａ、２０ｂ及び２０ｃ並びにローラ原体５５を回転させる。このようにしてローラ原体５５及び狭圧管体１１〜１３を回転させて発泡弾性体５７を押圧処理する。   In one manufacturing method, while maintaining the narrow pressure state of the foamed elastic body 57, the first narrow pressure tube 11 is driven by the driving means 4 in an environment of 23 ° C. and 50 RH%, for example, as shown by an arrow in FIG. Rotate in the direction. Then, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2, the roller base 55 is rotated in the opposite direction, and the second narrow pressure tube 12 and the third narrow pressure tube 13 are driven to rotate in the same direction. In this way, the metal rollers 20a, 20b and 20c and the roller base 55 are rotated. In this way, the roller elastic body 55 and the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 are rotated to press the foamed elastic body 57.

このときの条件は特に限定されないが、発泡弾性体５７の硬度低下割合を前記範囲に容易に調整できる条件が選定されるのがよい。このような条件として、例えば、ローラ原体５５の回転数、押圧処理時間等が挙げられる。第１狭圧管体１１すなわちローラ原体５５の回転数は、その外径等によって適宜に設定され、具体的には、第１狭圧管体１１の外径が前記範囲内にある場合には、１〜３０ｒｐｍ、好ましくは１０〜２０ｒｐｍに調整される。また、押圧処理時間は発泡弾性体５７の硬度低下割合等によって適宜に設定され、具体的には、好ましくは０．５〜１０分、特に好ましくは１〜５分である。押圧装置１において緩衝管１４は発泡弾性体５７の軸線長さと同一の軸線長さを有しているから、一製造方法において狭圧管体１１〜１３をその軸線Ｃ１〜Ｃ３方向に運動させる必要はないが往復運動させてもよい。この場合の運動速度は、例えば１０〜１００ｍｍ／ｍｉｎとすることができる。 The conditions at this time are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to select conditions under which the hardness reduction ratio of the foamed elastic body 57 can be easily adjusted within the above range. Such conditions include, for example, the number of rotations of the roller base 55, the pressing process time, and the like. The number of rotations of the first narrow tube 11, that is, the roller base 55 is appropriately set according to the outer diameter and the like. Specifically, when the outer diameter of the first narrow tube 11 is within the above range , It is adjusted to 1 to 30 rpm, preferably 10 to 20 rpm . The pressing time is appropriately set depending on the hardness reduction ratio of the foamed elastic body 57, and is preferably 0.5 to 10 minutes, particularly preferably 1 to 5 minutes. Since the buffer tube 14 has the same axial length as that of the foamed elastic body 57 in the pressing device 1, it is necessary to move the narrow pressure tubular bodies 11 to 13 in the directions of the axial lines C1 to C3 in one manufacturing method. There may be no reciprocation. The motion speed in this case can be set to 10 to 100 mm / min, for example.

一製造方法においては、このようにして発泡弾性体５７を押圧処理する。   In one manufacturing method, the foamed elastic body 57 is pressed in this way.

このようにして発泡弾性体５７を押圧処理してなる発泡弾性層５３は、押圧処理によっても独立状態を保持した独立セルと、予め他のセルに連通していた連続セルと、独立セルの壁が破損して近傍に存在する他のセルに破壁を介して連通した破泡連通セルとを有している。連続セル及び破泡連通セルは複数のセルが破壁を介してその近傍に存在する他のセルに連通し、発泡弾性層内で３次元的な連通路を形成しているのがよい。連続セル及び破泡連通セルは、押圧処理条件によっては発泡弾性層５３の表面近傍に存在するだけでなく、その内部例えば軸体５２の外周面近傍まで存在している。   The foamed elastic layer 53 formed by pressing the foamed elastic body 57 in this way includes an independent cell that is kept in an independent state by the pressing process, a continuous cell that communicates with other cells in advance, and a wall of the independent cell. Is broken and communicates with other cells in the vicinity via a fracture wall. It is preferable that the continuous cell and the bubble-breaking communication cell form a three-dimensional communication path in the foamed elastic layer, with a plurality of cells communicating with other cells in the vicinity thereof via the fracture wall. The continuous cell and the bubble-breaking communication cell exist not only near the surface of the foamed elastic layer 53 depending on the pressing process conditions, but also inside the inner surface, for example, near the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52.

この発泡弾性層５３は、前記したように発泡弾性体５７のアスカーＣ硬度よりも硬度が小さく、具体的には、発泡弾性層のアスカーＣ硬度は、発泡弾性体５７のアスカーＣ硬度を１００としたときに６．５〜２５％低下しているのが好ましく、１５〜２５％低下しているのが特に好ましい。   The foamed elastic layer 53 has a smaller hardness than the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic body 57 as described above. Specifically, the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic layer 57 is 100 as the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic body 57. It is preferably 6.5 to 25% lower and more preferably 15 to 25% lower.

このようにして、軸体５２の外周面に発泡弾性層５３が形成された弾性ローラ５５を製造することができる。この弾性ローラ５５は発泡弾性層５３が連通セルを有していること及びこれに基づく硬度の低下等以外の特性はローラ原体５５と基本的に同様である。したがって押圧装置１は弾性ローラの製造装置と称することもできる。   Thus, the elastic roller 55 in which the foamed elastic layer 53 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 52 can be manufactured. The elastic roller 55 has basically the same characteristics as the roller base 55 except that the foamed elastic layer 53 has a communication cell and a decrease in hardness based on this. Therefore, the pressing device 1 can also be called an elastic roller manufacturing device.

一製造方法においては、発泡弾性体５７の厚さに加えて緩衝管１４の壁厚分だけ見かけ上の押圧部分が大きくなるから、発泡弾性体５７が薄くても発泡弾性体５７を効率よく押圧処理できる。また、一製造方法においては、発泡弾性体５７の厚さに加えて緩衝管１４の壁厚分だけ見かけ上の押圧部分が大きくなるから発泡弾性体５７の圧縮率を正確に調整しやすく、圧縮率を簡易かつ再現性よく調整できるうえ作業性に優れる。さらに、一製造方法においては、狭圧管体１１〜１３からの押圧力を外部に逃すことなく発泡弾性体５７に作用又は伝達できるにもかかわらず狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれによる過剰な押圧力を直接作用させることを防止できる。したがって、薄層化されていても軸線方向、周方向及び半径方向のいずれの方向においても均一に低硬度化された発泡弾性層を形成でき、このような発泡弾性層を備えた弾性ローラを製造できる。   In one manufacturing method, the apparent pressing portion is increased by the wall thickness of the buffer tube 14 in addition to the thickness of the foamed elastic body 57. Therefore, even if the foamed elastic body 57 is thin, the foamed elastic body 57 is efficiently pressed. It can be processed. In addition, in one manufacturing method, in addition to the thickness of the foamed elastic body 57, the apparent pressing portion is increased by the wall thickness of the buffer tube 14, so that the compression rate of the foamed elastic body 57 can be easily adjusted accurately, The rate can be easily adjusted with good reproducibility and workability is excellent. Furthermore, in one manufacturing method, although the pressing force from the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 can be acted on or transmitted to the foamed elastic body 57 without escaping to the outside, the excessive pressing force by the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 is applied. Direct action can be prevented. Therefore, even if it is thinned, it is possible to form a foamed elastic layer that is uniformly reduced in hardness in any of the axial direction, circumferential direction, and radial direction, and an elastic roller having such a foamed elastic layer is manufactured. it can.

また、一製造方法においては、狭圧管体１１〜１３による過度の押圧力を発泡弾性体５７に直接作用させることを防止できるから、発泡弾性体５７を間接的に狭圧管体１１〜１３で押圧処理することで発泡弾性体５７の表面近傍の摩耗及び破壊を防止でき、発泡弾性体５７の内部にも連通セルを形成する場合に顕著な発泡弾性体５７表面の毛羽立ち及び振れ精度の低下を、効果的に低減又は防止できる。   Moreover, in one manufacturing method, since it can prevent applying the excessive pressing force by the narrow pressure pipe bodies 11-13 directly to the foaming elastic body 57, the foaming elastic body 57 is indirectly pressed by the narrow pressure pipe bodies 11-13. By processing, wear and destruction near the surface of the foamed elastic body 57 can be prevented, and when the communication cell is also formed inside the foamed elastic body 57, the fuzzing of the surface of the foamed elastic body 57 and the decrease in runout accuracy are significantly reduced. It can be effectively reduced or prevented.

特に、発泡弾性層の内部すなわち軸体近傍にも破泡連通セルを形成する場合には、発泡弾性体への押圧力を強大にし、又は処理時間を長くする必要があり、いずれの場合にも発泡弾性体に必要以上の負荷がかかって発泡弾性体の外周面近傍が大きく破壊又は損傷する従来の方法に対して、一製造方法によれば、比較的小さな押圧力で処理時間を短くすることができ、発泡弾性体の破壊又は損傷を防止できるから、低く均一な硬度と高い振れ精度とを有する発泡弾性層を備えた弾性ローラを製造できる。   In particular, when forming a bubble breaking communication cell in the foamed elastic layer, that is, in the vicinity of the shaft, it is necessary to increase the pressing force to the foamed elastic body or to increase the processing time. In contrast to the conventional method in which the foam elastic body is subjected to an excessive load and the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the foam elastic body is largely broken or damaged, according to one manufacturing method, the processing time can be shortened with a relatively small pressing force. Since the foamed elastic body can be prevented from being broken or damaged, an elastic roller having a foamed elastic layer having low and uniform hardness and high runout accuracy can be manufactured.

一製造方法では押圧装置１を用いて説明したが、押圧装置２を用いても押圧装置１ほどではないが同様の効果を奏する。したがって、この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法及びこの発泡弾性層に係る押圧装置で製造される弾性ローラは前記特性を有しているから、画像形成装置、特に小型軽量化された画像形成装置及び高精細高速の画像形成装置に装着されても、所期の機能を十分に発揮する。   Although the manufacturing method has been described using the pressing device 1, using the pressing device 2 has the same effect, although not as much as the pressing device 1. Therefore, since the elastic roller manufactured by the elastic roller manufacturing method according to the present invention and the pressing device according to the foamed elastic layer has the above characteristics, the image forming apparatus, particularly the image forming apparatus reduced in size and weight, and Even when mounted on a high-definition and high-speed image forming apparatus, the desired functions are fully exhibited.

この発明に係る押圧装置は、前記した例に限定されることはなく、本願発明の目的を達成することができる範囲において、種々の変更が可能である。例えば、押圧装置１はローラ原体５５に装着される緩衝管１４を備え、押圧装置２は狭圧管体２１〜２３それぞれに装着される緩衝管２４〜２６を備えているが、この発明において、押圧装置はローラ原体に装着される第１緩衝管及び狭圧管体に装着される第２緩衝管を備えていてもよい。   The pressing device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and various modifications can be made within a range in which the object of the present invention can be achieved. For example, the pressing device 1 includes a buffer tube 14 attached to the roller base 55, and the pressing device 2 includes buffer tubes 24-26 attached to the narrow pressure tubes 21 to 23, respectively. The pressing device may include a first buffer tube mounted on the roller base body and a second buffer tube mounted on the narrow pressure tube body.

押圧装置１及び押圧装置２は２つのスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂを備えているが、この発明において、発泡弾性体５７の圧縮率を設定できればスペーサは備えている必要はなく、また１つのスペーサを備えていてもよい。   The pressing device 1 and the pressing device 2 include two spacers 3a and 3b. However, in the present invention, if the compression rate of the foamed elastic body 57 can be set, the spacer does not need to be provided, and one spacer is provided. May be.

押圧装置１及び押圧装置２は狭圧管体１１〜１３又は２１〜２３で狭圧してローラ原体５５を狭圧空間５に配置しているが、この発明においては、ローラ原体の軸体の端部を把持するチャック機構でローラ原体を狭圧空間に配置してもよい。   The pressing device 1 and the pressing device 2 are narrowed by the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 or 21 to 23 to dispose the roller base body 55 in the narrow pressure space 5, but in the present invention, the roller base body shaft The roller base body may be arranged in a narrow pressure space by a chuck mechanism that grips the end portion.

押圧装置１及び押圧装置２は発泡弾性体５７の軸線長さと同一の軸線長さを有する緩衝管１４及び緩衝管２４〜２６を備えているが、この発明において、押圧装置は押圧処理する発泡弾性層の軸線長さよりも短い又は長い軸線長さを有する緩衝管を備えていてもよい。押圧装置が発泡弾性層の軸線長さよりも短い緩衝管を備えていると、発泡弾性層における軸線方向における低硬度化が要求される領域のみを押圧加工することができる。   The pressing device 1 and the pressing device 2 include the buffer tube 14 and the buffer tubes 24 to 26 having the same axial length as the axial length of the foamed elastic body 57. In this invention, the pressing device performs foaming elasticity for pressing. A buffer tube having an axial length shorter or longer than the axial length of the layer may be provided. When the pressing device includes a buffer tube shorter than the axial length of the foamed elastic layer, only the region of the foamed elastic layer that requires a reduction in hardness in the axial direction can be pressed.

この発明に係る弾性ローラの製造方法は、前記した例に限定されることはなく、本願発明の目的を達成することができる範囲において、種々の変更が可能である。   The method for manufacturing the elastic roller according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and various modifications can be made within a range in which the object of the present invention can be achieved.

また、一製造方法においては、発泡弾性層を最外層とする弾性ローラを製造しているが、この発明においては、発泡弾性層の外周面に、所望により、他の層、例えば、離型層、コート層、表面層及び／又は保護層等が形成されてもよい。離型層は現像剤等の離型性を確保するための層であり、各種の樹脂、カップリング剤等で形成されればよく、樹脂としては、フッ素樹脂、シリコーン樹脂、ウレタン樹脂等が挙げられ、カップリング剤としては、シランカップリング剤等が挙げられる。離型層の厚さは１５〜２００μｍであるのが好ましく、２０〜５０μｍであるのが特に好ましい。コート層、表面層及び保護層は、発泡弾性層の外周面に定法に従って、通常、１〜１００μｍの厚さに、形成される。コート層、表面層及び保護層を形成する材料は、特に制限されるものではないが、永久変形しにくい材料であるのが好ましく、例えば、アルキッド樹脂、フェノール変性・シリコーン変性等のアルキッド樹脂変性物、オイルフリーアルキッド樹脂、アクリル樹脂、シリコーン樹脂、エポキシ樹脂、フッ素樹脂、フェノール樹脂、ポリアミド樹脂、ウレタン樹脂、ポリアミドイミド系樹脂及びこれらの混合物等が挙げられる。   In one manufacturing method, an elastic roller having a foamed elastic layer as an outermost layer is manufactured. In the present invention, another layer such as a release layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic layer as desired. A coating layer, a surface layer, and / or a protective layer may be formed. The release layer is a layer for ensuring the releasability of the developer, etc., and may be formed of various resins, coupling agents, etc. Examples of the resin include fluororesins, silicone resins, urethane resins, etc. Examples of the coupling agent include silane coupling agents. The thickness of the release layer is preferably 15 to 200 μm, particularly preferably 20 to 50 μm. The coat layer, the surface layer, and the protective layer are usually formed to a thickness of 1 to 100 μm on the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic layer according to a conventional method. The material for forming the coat layer, the surface layer, and the protective layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably a material that is not easily permanently deformed. For example, alkyd resin, modified alkyd resin such as phenol modified / silicone modified, etc. , Oil-free alkyd resins, acrylic resins, silicone resins, epoxy resins, fluororesins, phenol resins, polyamide resins, urethane resins, polyamideimide resins, and mixtures thereof.

＜ローラ原体の作製＞
無電解ニッケルメッキ処理が施された軸体５２（直径１８ｍｍ×長さ３５０ｍｍ、ＳＵＭ２２）をトルエンで洗浄し、プライマー「Ｎｏ．１０１Ａ／Ｂ」（信越化学工業株式会社製：商品名）を塗布した。プライマー処理した軸体５２をギアーオーブンを用いて１８０℃の温度にて３０分焼成処理した後、常温にて３０分以上冷却し、プライマー層を形成した。 <Production of roller base>
Shaft body 52 (diameter 18 mm × length 350 mm, SUM22) subjected to electroless nickel plating was washed with toluene, and primer “No. 101A / B” (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .: trade name) was applied. . The primer-treated shaft body 52 was fired at 180 ° C. for 30 minutes using a gear oven, and then cooled at room temperature for 30 minutes or more to form a primer layer.

次いで、ビニル基含有シリコーン生ゴムとシリカ系充填材との混合物（信越化学工業株式会社製のシリコーンゴム組成物「ＫＥ−９０４ＦＵ」）１００質量部、有機系発泡剤「アゾビス−イソブチロニトリル」１．０質量部と、付加反応架橋剤「Ｃ−１５３Ａ」（信越化学工業株式会社製：商品名）２．０質量部と、付加反応触媒としての白金触媒適量と、反応制御剤「Ｒ−１５３Ａ」（信越化学工業株式会社製：商品名）０．５質量部と、有機過酸化物架橋剤「Ｃ−３」（信越化学工業株式会社製：商品名）３質量部とを適量とを、二本ロールで十分に混練して、付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物を調製した。   Next, 100 parts by mass of a mixture of a vinyl group-containing silicone raw rubber and a silica-based filler (a silicone rubber composition “KE-904FU” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), an organic foaming agent “azobis-isobutyronitrile” 1 0.0 part by mass, 2.0 parts by mass of an addition reaction crosslinking agent “C-153A” (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .: trade name), an appropriate amount of platinum catalyst as an addition reaction catalyst, and a reaction control agent “R-153A” ”(Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .: trade name) 0.5 part by mass and organic peroxide cross-linking agent“ C-3 ”(Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd .: trade name) 3 parts by mass, The addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition was prepared by sufficiently kneading with two rolls.

次いで、プライマー層を形成した軸体５２と付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物とを押出成形機にて一体分出し、赤外線加熱炉（ＩＲ炉）を用いて付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物を２５０℃で１０分間加熱して発泡架橋させた。その後、さらに、ギアーオーブンを用いて、２００℃で７時間にわたって発泡架橋後の付加反応型発泡シリコーンゴム組成物を二次加熱し、常温にて１時間以上放置した後、円筒研削機で外径を２５ｍｍに研削して、軸線長さが３００ｍｍで厚さ３．５ｍｍの所謂「ストレート形状」の発泡弾性体５７を備えて成るローラ原体５５を作製した。このローラ原体の発泡弾性体５７は平均セル径が３００μｍで独立セルを主に有しており、アスカーＣ硬度は４５．０であった。   Next, the shaft body 52 on which the primer layer is formed and the addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition are integrally extracted by an extruder, and the addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition is 250 by using an infrared heating furnace (IR furnace). It was heated at 0 ° C. for 10 minutes for foam crosslinking. After that, the addition reaction type foamed silicone rubber composition after foaming and crosslinking is further heated at 200 ° C. for 7 hours using a gear oven, left at room temperature for 1 hour or more, and then outer diameter is measured by a cylindrical grinder. Was milled to 25 mm, and a roller base 55 including a so-called “straight-shaped” foamed elastic body 57 having an axial length of 300 mm and a thickness of 3.5 mm was produced. This roller base foam elastic body 57 had an average cell diameter of 300 μm and mainly had independent cells, and the Asker C hardness was 45.0.

＜押圧装置の準備＞
図１及び図２に示す押圧装置１を準備した。この押圧装置１の３本の狭圧管体１１〜１３それぞれは外周面がクロムメッキされた機械構造用炭素鋼「Ｓ４５Ｃ」で作製され、外径が６００ｍｍであった。また、スペーサ３ａ及び３ｂそれぞれは外周面がクロムメッキされた機械構造用炭素鋼「Ｓ４５Ｃ」で作製され、外径が第１表に示す「圧縮径」と同一で軸線長さが５０ｍｍの円柱状又は円盤状をなしていた。さらに、緩衝管１４はシリコーンゴムで凹部等がない平坦な外周面を有する中実体に作製され、第１表に示す「外径」、内径２５ｍｍ及び第１表に示す「壁厚」及び「厚さ率」（発泡弾性体５７の厚さに対する百分率）を有していた。この緩衝管１４は外径及び内径が軸線方向に一定で軸孔が所謂「ストレート形状」であり、ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度は５０であった。 <Preparation of pressing device>
A pressing device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was prepared. Each of the three narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 of the pressing device 1 was made of carbon steel for mechanical structure “S45C” whose outer peripheral surface was chrome plated and had an outer diameter of 600 mm. Each of the spacers 3a and 3b is made of carbon steel for mechanical structure “S45C” whose outer peripheral surface is chrome-plated. The outer diameter is the same as the “compression diameter” shown in Table 1, and the columnar shape has an axial length of 50 mm. Or it was in the shape of a disk. Further, the buffer tube 14 is made of a solid body having a flat outer peripheral surface that is made of silicone rubber and has no recesses. Thickness "(percentage of the thickness of the foamed elastic body 57). The buffer tube 14 had an outer diameter and an inner diameter constant in the axial direction, a so-called “straight shape” of the shaft hole, and a JIS A hardness of 50.

（実施例１）
作製した緩衝管１４の軸孔にローラ原体５５を圧入してローラ原体５５における発泡弾性体５７の外周面に緩衝管１４を装着した。次いで、第１狭圧管体１１及び第２狭圧管体１２上に緩衝管１４を装着したローラ原体５５と、ローラ原体５５の軸線方向両側に間隔をあけてスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂとをそれぞれ載置した。狭圧管体１１〜１３の外周面がスペーサ３ａ及び３ｂに接するまで第３狭圧管体１３を第１狭圧管体１１及び第２狭圧管体１２方向に移動させて、発泡弾性体５７を第１表に示す「圧縮率」で緩衝管１４を介して軸線Ｃ１〜Ｃ３それぞれが正三角形の頂点に配置された３本の狭圧管体１１〜１３で三方から狭圧した。次いで、２３℃、５０ＲＨ％の環境下において第１狭圧管体１１を駆動手段４で図２に示す矢印方向に１５ｒｐｍの回転数で回転させ、ローラ原体５５を第１狭圧管体１１と逆方向に同じ回転数で９０秒間にわたって回転させて、発泡弾性体５７の押圧処理をした。 Example 1
The roller base 55 was press-fitted into the shaft hole of the produced buffer pipe 14, and the buffer pipe 14 was attached to the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body 57 in the roller base 55. Next, a roller base 55 in which the buffer tube 14 is mounted on the first narrow pressure tube 11 and the second narrow pressure tube 12, and spacers 3a and 3b are mounted on both sides in the axial direction of the roller base 55 with a space therebetween. I put it. The third narrow pressure tube body 13 is moved in the direction of the first narrow pressure tube body 11 and the second narrow pressure tube body 12 until the outer peripheral surfaces of the narrow pressure tube bodies 11 to 13 are in contact with the spacers 3a and 3b, and the foamed elastic body 57 is moved to the first. With the “compression ratio” shown in the table, the pressures were narrowed from three sides with the three narrow pressure tubes 11 to 13 with the axes C1 to C3 arranged at the vertices of equilateral triangles through the buffer tube 14, respectively. Next, in an environment of 23 ° C. and 50 RH%, the first narrow pressure tube body 11 is rotated by the driving means 4 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The foamed elastic body 57 was pressed by rotating in the direction at the same number of rotations for 90 seconds.

このようにして、実施例１の弾性ローラ５１を製造した。この弾性ローラ５１の発泡弾性層５３は平均セル径が３００μｍで独立セルを主に有しており、アスカーＣ硬度は３６．５であった。実施例１において、ローラ原体５５の押圧前の発泡弾性体５７のアスカーＣ硬度と弾性ローラ５１の発泡弾性層５３のアスカーＣ硬度との硬度低下量、及び、発泡弾性体５７のアスカーＣ硬度に対する硬度低下率（％）を算出した結果を第１表に示す。   Thus, the elastic roller 51 of Example 1 was manufactured. The foamed elastic layer 53 of the elastic roller 51 had an average cell diameter of 300 μm and mainly had independent cells, and the Asker C hardness was 36.5. In Example 1, the amount of decrease in hardness between the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic body 57 before the roller base 55 is pressed and the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic layer 53 of the elastic roller 51, and the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic body 57. Table 1 shows the results of calculating the rate of decrease in hardness (%) relative to.

（比較例３及び実施例３）
前記押圧装置１の前記スペーサ３ａ及び３ｂそれぞれの外径を第１表に示す「圧縮径」と同一の値に変更して発泡弾性体５７を第１表に示す「圧縮率」で狭圧したこと以外は実施例１と基本的に同様にして発泡弾性体５７の押圧処理をし、比較例３及び実施例３の弾性ローラ５１を製造した。比較例３の弾性ローラ５１において発泡弾性層５３は平均セル径が３００μｍで独立セルを主に有しており、アスカーＣ硬度は４１．５であった。実施例３の弾性ローラ５１において発泡弾性層５３は平均セル径が３００μｍで独立セルを主に有しており、アスカーＣ硬度は３４．５であった。比較例３及び実施例３における硬度低下量及び硬度低下率を第１表に示す。 ( Comparative Example 3 and Example 3)
The outer diameter of each of the spacers 3a and 3b of the pressing device 1 was changed to the same value as the “compression diameter” shown in Table 1, and the foamed elastic body 57 was narrowed at the “compression ratio” shown in Table 1. Except that, the elastic foam 51 of Comparative Example 3 and Example 3 was manufactured by pressing the foamed elastic body 57 in the same manner as in Example 1. In the elastic roller 51 of Comparative Example 3 , the foamed elastic layer 53 had an average cell diameter of 300 μm and mainly had independent cells, and the Asker C hardness was 41.5. In the elastic roller 51 of Example 3, the foamed elastic layer 53 had an average cell diameter of 300 μm and mainly had independent cells, and the Asker C hardness was 34.5. The hardness reduction amount and the hardness reduction rate in Comparative Example 3 and Example 3 are shown in Table 1.

（実施例４及び５）
前記押圧装置１の緩衝管１４に代えて第１表に示す「外径」及び「内径」を有する緩衝管１４それぞれをローラ原体５５に装着して、前記押圧装置１の前記スペーサ３ａ及び３ｂそれぞれの外径を第１表に示す「圧縮径」と同一の値に変更して発泡弾性体５７を第１表に示す「圧縮率」で狭圧したこと以外は実施例１と基本的に同様にして発泡弾性体５７の押圧処理をし、実施例４及び５の弾性ローラ５１を製造した。実施例４の弾性ローラ５１において発泡弾性層５３は平均セル径が３００μｍで独立セルを主に有しており、アスカーＣ硬度は３４．８であった。実施例５の弾性ローラ５１において発泡弾性層５３は平均セル径が３００μｍで独立セルを主に有しており、アスカーＣ硬度は３９．５であった。実施例４及び実施例５における硬度低下量及び硬度低下率を第１表に示す。 (Examples 4 and 5)
The buffer tubes 14 having the “outer diameter” and “inner diameter” shown in Table 1 are attached to the roller base 55 in place of the buffer tube 14 of the pressing device 1, and the spacers 3a and 3b of the pressing device 1 are mounted. Basically the same as Example 1, except that the respective outer diameters were changed to the same value as the “compression diameter” shown in Table 1 and the foamed elastic body 57 was narrowed at the “compression ratio” shown in Table 1. Similarly, the foamed elastic body 57 was pressed, and the elastic rollers 51 of Examples 4 and 5 were manufactured. In the elastic roller 51 of Example 4, the foamed elastic layer 53 had an average cell diameter of 300 μm and mainly had independent cells, and the Asker C hardness was 34.8. In the elastic roller 51 of Example 5, the foamed elastic layer 53 had an average cell diameter of 300 μm and mainly had independent cells, and the Asker C hardness was 39.5. Table 1 shows the hardness reduction amount and the hardness reduction rate in Example 4 and Example 5.

（比較例１）
前記押圧装置１の緩衝管１４に代えて第１表に示す「外径」及び「内径」を有する緩衝管１４をローラ原体５５に装着して、前記押圧装置１の前記スペーサ３ａ及び３ｂそれぞれの外径を第１表に示す「圧縮径」と同一の値に変更して発泡弾性体５７を第１表に示す「圧縮率」で狭圧したこと以外は実施例１と基本的に同様にして発泡弾性体５７の押圧処理をし、比較例１の弾性ローラを製造した。比較例１の弾性ローラにおいて発泡弾性層５３は平均セル径が３００μｍで独立セルを主に有しており、アスカーＣ硬度は４２．２であった。比較例１における硬度低下量及び硬度低下率を第１表に示す。 (Comparative Example 1)
A buffer tube 14 having an “outer diameter” and an “inner diameter” shown in Table 1 is attached to the roller base 55 in place of the buffer tube 14 of the pressing device 1, and the spacers 3a and 3b of the pressing device 1 are respectively provided. Basically the same as Example 1 except that the outer diameter of the foam was changed to the same value as the “compression diameter” shown in Table 1 and the foamed elastic body 57 was narrowed at the “compression ratio” shown in Table 1. Then, the foamed elastic body 57 was pressed, and the elastic roller of Comparative Example 1 was manufactured. In the elastic roller of Comparative Example 1, the foamed elastic layer 53 had an average cell diameter of 300 μm and mainly had independent cells, and the Asker C hardness was 42.2. The hardness reduction amount and the hardness reduction rate in Comparative Example 1 are shown in Table 1.

（比較例２）
前記押圧装置１の緩衝管１４に代えて第１表に示す「外径」及び「内径」を有する緩衝管１４をローラ原体５５に装着して、前記押圧装置１の前記スペーサ３ａ及び３ｂそれぞれの外径を第１表に示す「圧縮径」と同一の値に変更して発泡弾性体５７を第１表に示す「圧縮率」で狭圧したこと以外は実施例１と基本的に同様にして発泡弾性体５７の押圧処理をした。その結果、ローラ原体５５の発泡弾性体５７が押圧処理中に破壊され、所定の特性を有する弾性ローラを製造できなかった。 (Comparative Example 2)
A buffer tube 14 having an “outer diameter” and an “inner diameter” shown in Table 1 is attached to the roller base 55 in place of the buffer tube 14 of the pressing device 1, and the spacers 3a and 3b of the pressing device 1 are respectively provided. Basically the same as Example 1 except that the outer diameter of the foam was changed to the same value as the “compression diameter” shown in Table 1 and the foamed elastic body 57 was narrowed at the “compression ratio” shown in Table 1. The foamed elastic body 57 was pressed. As a result, the foamed elastic body 57 of the roller base 55 was destroyed during the pressing process, and an elastic roller having predetermined characteristics could not be manufactured.

Figure 0005974316
Figure 0005974316

（耐久性試験）
このようにして製造された各弾性ローラ及び図６記載された耐久性試験装置７０を用いて、各弾性ローラの耐久性試験を実施して硬度の低下状況を評価した。具体的には、この耐久性試験装置７０は、筐体内部の下面に固定され、内部ヒータ７２を備えた加熱ローラ７１と、この加熱ローラ７１の軸方向に沿って、その両側に設けられた保温材７３と、加熱ローラ７１と対向するように、筐体内部の上面に上下動可能に設けられた試験ローラ装着部７４と、試験ローラ装着部７４を上下に移動可能な押圧力調整手段７５、例えば、押圧調整用マイクロメータとを備えている。なお、加熱ローラ７１として、直径２０ｍｍの金属（ステンレス鋼、ＳＵＳ３０４）製ローラを用いた。 (Durability test)
Using each of the elastic rollers thus manufactured and the durability test apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 6, the durability test of each elastic roller was performed to evaluate the decrease in hardness. Specifically, the durability test apparatus 70 is fixed to the lower surface inside the housing and is provided on both sides of the heating roller 71 provided with an internal heater 72 along the axial direction of the heating roller 71. A test roller mounting portion 74 provided on the upper surface inside the housing so as to be movable up and down so as to face the heat insulating material 73 and the heating roller 71, and a pressing force adjusting means 75 capable of moving the test roller mounting portion 74 up and down. For example, a pressure adjusting micrometer is provided. As the heating roller 71, a metal (stainless steel, SUS304) roller having a diameter of 20 mm was used.

製造した各弾性ローラを、試験ローラ装着部７４のベアリングに装着し、図６に示されるように、押圧力調整手段７５を操作して、装着した弾性ローラ（図６において「弾性ローラ７６」）を加熱ローラ７１に圧接し、加熱ローラ７１と弾性ローラ７６との圧接部において弾性ローラ７６における発泡弾性層が内部に３ｍｍ凹陥するように弾性ローラ７６を固定した（すなわち、弾性ローラ７６の半径と加熱ローラ７１との半径の和よりも３ｍｍ短くなるように、弾性ローラ７６の中心軸と加熱ローラ７１の中心軸との距離ｄを調節した。）。次いで、内部ヒータ７２を起動し、加熱ローラ７１の表面温度を１８０℃に調節した。その後、試験ローラ装着部７４に装備された駆動手段（図示しない。）により、回転速度１８０ｒｐｍで４５０時間にわたって回転駆動させた。回転開始後から４５０時間まで５０時間毎に弾性ローラを耐久性試験装置７０から取り外して前記のようにしてアスカーＣ硬度を測定した。なお、アスカーＣ硬度の測定箇所は、軸線方向に３箇所、周方向に４箇所とし、具体的には、軸線方向の３箇所は発泡弾性体の両端部から中央に向かって３０ｍｍの部分及び軸線方向の中央部分とし、周方向の４箇所は軸線方向の３箇所それぞれにおいて中心角が９０°となる周方向に等間隔な４箇所とした。５０時間毎に測定されたアスカーＣ硬度、及び、耐久性試験前のアスカーＣ硬度に対する硬度維持率の算出値を第２表に示す。   Each manufactured elastic roller is mounted on the bearing of the test roller mounting portion 74, and the mounted elastic roller ("elastic roller 76" in FIG. 6) is operated by operating the pressing force adjusting means 75 as shown in FIG. The elastic roller 76 is fixed so that the foamed elastic layer of the elastic roller 76 is recessed 3 mm inside at the pressure contact portion between the heating roller 71 and the elastic roller 76 (that is, the radius of the elastic roller 76 is The distance d between the central axis of the elastic roller 76 and the central axis of the heating roller 71 was adjusted to be 3 mm shorter than the sum of the radii with the heating roller 71). Next, the internal heater 72 was started and the surface temperature of the heating roller 71 was adjusted to 180 ° C. After that, it was rotated for 450 hours at a rotation speed of 180 rpm by a driving means (not shown) provided in the test roller mounting portion 74. The elastic roller was removed from the durability test apparatus 70 every 50 hours from the start of rotation to 450 hours, and the Asker C hardness was measured as described above. The Asker C hardness is measured at three locations in the axial direction and at four locations in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the three locations in the axial direction are a 30 mm portion and an axial line from both ends of the foamed elastic body toward the center. The central part of the direction is the four places in the circumferential direction, and the four places are equally spaced in the circumferential direction with a central angle of 90 ° in each of the three places in the axial direction. Table 2 shows the calculated values of the Asker C hardness measured every 50 hours and the hardness maintenance rate with respect to the Asker C hardness before the durability test.

Figure 0005974316
Figure 0005974316

第１表及び第２表に示されるように、発泡弾性体５７の硬度を予め６．５％以上低下させて弾性ローラを製造した実施例１〜５によれば、画像形成装置に装着されたときの加速試験である「耐久性試験」において発泡弾性層の硬度維持率が９０％以上となり、画像形成装置に装着されたときの硬度低下率が小さく耐久性に優れることが分かった。   As shown in Tables 1 and 2, according to Examples 1 to 5 in which the elastic roller was manufactured by reducing the hardness of the foamed elastic body 57 by 6.5% or more in advance, it was mounted on the image forming apparatus. In the “durability test”, which is an accelerated test, the hardness retention rate of the foamed elastic layer was 90% or more, and it was found that the hardness reduction rate when mounted on the image forming apparatus was small and the durability was excellent.

１、２ 押圧装置
３ａ 第１スペーサ
３ｂ 第２スペーサ
４ 回転機構
５ 狭圧空間
Ｃ１、Ｃ２、Ｃ３ 軸線
１１、２１ 第１狭圧管体
１２、２２ 第２狭圧管体
１３、２３ 第３狭圧管体
１４ 緩衝管
２４ 第１緩衝管
２５ 第２緩衝管
２６ 第３緩衝管
５１ 弾性ローラ
５２ 軸体
５３ 発泡弾性層
５５ ローラ原体
５７ 発泡弾性体
７０ 耐久性試験装置
７１ 加熱ローラ
７２ 内部ヒータ
７３ 保温材
７４ 試験ローラ装着部
７５ 押圧力調整手段 1, 2 Pressing device 3a First spacer 3b Second spacer 4 Rotating mechanism 5 Narrow pressure space C1, C2, C3 Axis 11, 21 First narrow tube 12, 22 Second narrow tube 13, 23 Third narrow tube 14 Buffer tube 24 First buffer tube 25 Second buffer tube 26 Third buffer tube 51 Elastic roller 52 Shaft body 53 Foam elastic layer 55 Roller base 57 Foam elastic body 70 Durability test device 71 Heating roller 72 Internal heater 73 Insulating material 74 Test roller mounting part 75 Pressure adjusting means

Claims (3)

発泡弾性体の外周面に中実なゴム製の緩衝管を装着したローラ原体を、三角形の頂点に配置された３本の狭圧管体それぞれが前記発泡弾性体及び前記緩衝管の合計厚さに対して半径方向に３０〜６５％圧縮するように、前記狭圧管体で狭圧し、回転させる工程を有し、
前記発泡弾性体は、厚さが２〜２０ｍｍであり、前記緩衝管は、ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度が２０〜７５で、壁厚が前記発泡弾性体の厚さに対して５％以上で１５０％以下かつ１０ｍｍ以下であり、
前記工程によって前記発泡弾性体のアスカーＣ硬度を低下させる割合が、前記工程を行う前の前記発泡弾性体の硬度を１００としたときに６．５〜２５％であることを特徴とする弾性ローラの製造方法。 The roller base body in which a solid rubber buffer tube is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic body, and the three narrow pressure tubes arranged at the vertices of the triangle are respectively the total thickness of the foamed elastic body and the buffer tube. And compressing with the narrow pressure tube so as to compress in the radial direction by 30 to 65%, and rotating.
The foamed elastic body has a thickness of 2 to 20 mm, the buffer tube has a JIS A hardness of 20 to 75, and a wall thickness of 5% or more and 150% or less with respect to the thickness of the foamed elastic body. 10 mm or less,
The elastic roller characterized in that the ratio of decreasing the Asker C hardness of the foamed elastic body by the step is 6.5 to 25% when the hardness of the foamed elastic body before the step is taken as 100. Manufacturing method. 軸線が同一平面内に位置する第１狭圧管体及び第２狭圧管体、並びに、軸線が前記同一平面に対する垂直平面内に位置する第３狭圧管体と、
前記第１狭圧管体、前記第２狭圧管体及び前記第３狭圧管体の少なくとも１つを、１〜３０ｒｐｍで回転させる回転機構と、
前記第１狭圧管体、前記第２狭圧管体及び前記第３狭圧管体で狭圧されるローラ原体が有する発泡弾性体の外周面に配置される中実なゴム製の緩衝管とを有し、
前記第２挟圧管体は、前記第１挟圧管体に対して接近又は離間するように前記同一平面内を平行移動可能に配置され、前記第３挟圧管体は、前記第１挟圧管体及び前記第２挟圧管体に対して接近又は離間するように前記垂直平面内を平行移動可能に配置され、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体は同期して移動するようになり、前記第１挟圧管体、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体で前記ローラ原体を挟圧している状態では、前記軸線方向からみて３つの前記軸線が正三角形の頂点となるように、前記第１挟圧管体、前記第２挟圧管体及び前記第３挟圧管体が配置され、
前記緩衝管は、ＪＩＳ Ａ硬度が２０〜７５で、壁厚が前記発泡弾性体の厚さに対して５％以上で１５０％以下かつ１０ｍｍ以下であることを特徴とする押圧装置。 A first narrow tube and a second narrow tube having an axial line located in the same plane, and a third narrow tube having an axial line located in a plane perpendicular to the same plane;
A rotating mechanism for rotating at least one of the first narrow tube, the second narrow tube, and the third narrow tube at 1 to 30 rpm;
A solid rubber buffer tube disposed on an outer peripheral surface of a foamed elastic body of a roller base that is compressed by the first narrow pressure tube body, the second narrow pressure tube body, and the third narrow pressure tube body; Have
The second clamping tube is arranged to be movable in parallel in the same plane so as to approach or separate from the first clamping tube, and the third clamping tube includes the first clamping tube and the first clamping tube The second clamping tube body and the third clamping tube body move in synchronization with each other so that they can be moved in parallel in the vertical plane so as to approach or separate from the second clamping tube body, In a state where the roller original body is clamped by the first clamping tube body, the second clamping tube body, and the third clamping tube body, the three axis lines are the apexes of an equilateral triangle when viewed from the axial direction. The first pinching tube body, the second pinching tube body and the third pinching tube body are arranged,
The buffer device has a JIS A hardness of 20 to 75 and a wall thickness of 5% or more and 150% or less and 10 mm or less with respect to the thickness of the foamed elastic body . 前記第１狭圧管体、前記第２狭圧管体及び前記第３狭圧管体で形成される挟圧空間に配置される少なくとも１つのスペーサを有することを特徴とする請求項２に記載の押圧装置。 3. The pressing device according to claim 2 , comprising at least one spacer disposed in a clamping space formed by the first narrow pressure tube body, the second narrow pressure tube body, and the third narrow pressure tube body. .
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