Cleaning member and elastic member

Abstract

The present invention is a cleaning member and an elastic member that can prevent a decrease in wiping performance even when the temperature increases due to use in a high-temperature environment or long-term use. A cleaning member is provided that includes an elastic member containing a polyurethane, wherein: when tan δ of a sample taken from the elastic member is measured in a temperature range of -20°C to +60°C, the peak temperature of a peak representing the maximum value of tan δ is 15.0°C or lower; the maximum value of tan δ is 0.20 or higher and 0.55 or lower; tan δ at a temperature of 55°C is at least 0.13; and in a case where the detection amount of all ions obtained when a sample is heated to 1000°C at a temperature increase rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction type mass spectrometer is M1 and the integral intensity of a peak in an extracted ion warm spectrum corresponding to a range of m / z values originating from a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more isocyanate groups is M2, M2 / M1 is 0.001 or higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to cleaning components such as cleaning squeegees for electrophotography, wipers for vehicles such as automobiles, and wipers for wiping windows and walls, and to elastic members used in such cleaning components. Background Technology

[0002] Elastomers processed to have excellent shapes for cleaning are used as cleaning components for removing dirt from smooth surfaces such as glass. Polyurethane, which exhibits excellent elasticity and abrasion resistance, is frequently used. Such cleaning components are used in electronic instruments such as electrophotographic devices, windows of vehicles, aircraft, and ships, glass windows of buildings and residences, bathroom walls, and solar panels. Patent Document 1 discloses a polyurethane elastomer for a cleaning scraper in an electronic copier. Patent Document 2 discloses a polyurethane cleaning component as a vehicle wiper, and Patent Document 3 discloses a polyurethane cleaning component as a window cleaning component.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-209736

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-051894

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-115471 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] It was observed that the wiping performance of the cleaning components in the aforementioned documents decreased with increasing temperature of the cleaning components, especially during use in high-temperature environments or prolonged use. The objective of the invention according to Patent Document 1 is to provide a polyurethane elastomer for a cleaning blade in an electronic copier, wherein the polyurethane elastomer exhibits excellent low-temperature properties, i.e., a glass transition point below -5°C, while also exhibiting small viscoelastic changes over a wide range of ambient temperatures. To achieve this objective, the aforementioned problem can be solved by a polyurethane elastomer composed of a polyol component, a chain extender, and an isocyanate component, wherein the polyol component includes a bifunctional silicone oil having hydroxyl groups at both ends and also having ester groups in the molecule; the isocyanate component includes an aromatic isocyanate; the silicone oil content is 5.0% to 50% by weight relative to the polyurethane elastomer; the polyurethane elastomer exhibits a Shore A hardness of 70 to 90, a viscoelastic value tanδ(10) of less than 0.32 at 10°C, and a viscoelastic value tanδ(55) of more than 0.02 at 55°C; and the difference between tanδ(10) and tanδ(55) is within 0.30. However, the polyurethane elastomer produced in the examples exhibits a large difference between the peak value of tanδ and the tanδ value at 55°C. In particular, the tanδ value at 55°C is too small from the viewpoint of stabilizing the wiping performance at that temperature.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a cleaning member that prevents a decrease in wiping performance when heated due to use in high-temperature environments or due to prolonged use. Another aspect of this disclosure aims to provide an elastic member whose loss coefficient tanδ does not easily decrease even at high temperatures.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] According to at least one aspect of this disclosure, a cleaning member is provided, comprising an elastic member comprising polyurethane, and the cleaning member cleans the surface of a member to be cleaned by at least a portion of the elastic member abutting against the surface of the member to be cleaned.

[0013] The measurement of the loss coefficient tanδ of samples taken from elastic members, including the portion that contacts the member being cleaned, was performed within a temperature range of -20℃ to +60℃.

[0014] The peak temperature representing the maximum value of tanδ is below 15.0℃, and the maximum value of tanδ is above 0.20 and below 0.55.

[0015] At a temperature of 55℃, the tanδ is greater than 0.13, where,

[0016] When a sample taken from an elastic member, including the portion that abuts against the member being cleaned, is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample at a heating rate of 10°C / sec, M2 / M1 is greater than or equal to 0.001, where M1 represents the amount of all ions obtained and M2 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups.

[0017] According to at least one aspect of this disclosure, an elastic member is provided, comprising polyurethane, wherein

[0018] When measuring the loss coefficient tanδ of a sample taken from an elastic component within a temperature range of -20℃ to +60℃,

[0019] The peak temperature of the peak representing the maximum value of tanδ is below 15.0℃, and the maximum value of tanδ is above 0.20 and below 0.55;

[0020] At a temperature of 55℃, the tanδ is greater than 0.13; among which,

[0021] When a sample taken from an elastic component is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and then heated to 1000°C using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample at a heating rate of 10°C / sec, M2 / M1 is greater than 0.001, where M1 represents the detection amount of all ions obtained, and M2 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups.

[0022] The effects of the invention

[0023] One aspect of this disclosure successfully provides a cleaning member that prevents a decrease in wiping performance when heated due to use in high-temperature environments or due to prolonged use. Another aspect of this disclosure successfully provides an elastic member whose loss coefficient tanδ does not easily decrease even at high temperatures. Attached Figure Description

[0024] [ Figure 1 [Schematic perspective view of a cleaning squeegee for electrophotography]

[0025] [ Figure 2 [A diagram showing the contact between the edge of the cleaning scraper and the component being cleaned]

[0026] [ Figure 3 [Schematic cross-sectional view of a component for a vehicle wiper]

[0027] [ Figure 4A diagram showing the state of the vehicle wiper components during the cleaning process.

[0028] [ Figure 5 [Illustration of a cleaning wiper blade]

[0029] [ Figure 6 [Illustrative diagram illustrating the process of cleaning components using a cleaning wiper scraper]

[0030] [ Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the testing machine for follow-up evaluation Detailed Implementation

[0031] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the description of "above XX and below YY" or "XX to YY" indicating a numerical range refers to a numerical range that includes the lower limit and the upper limit as endpoints.

[0032] When recording numerical ranges in segments, the upper and lower limits of each numerical range can be combined arbitrarily.

[0033] The inventors have discovered, for example, that an elastic member according to the following aspects and a cleaning member utilizing the elastic member have excellent following properties to the member being cleaned, and prevent a decrease in wiping performance when the member heats up due to use in a high-temperature environment or due to prolonged use.

[0034] <Composition of cleaning components>

[0035] <Peak temperature of loss coefficient (tanδ)>

[0036] In measurements of the loss coefficient (hereinafter also referred to as "tanδ") of a cleaning member equipped with an elastic component, taken from a sample including the contact portion with the cleaned component within a temperature range of -20°C to +60°C, there is a peak temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "tanδ peak temperature") where the maximum value of tanδ is below 15.0°C. The tanδ peak temperature is an indicator commonly referred to as the glass transition temperature. With the tanδ peak temperature as a boundary, the elastomer exhibits stronger resin-like properties at temperatures lower than the tanδ peak temperature, while acting as an elastomer at higher temperatures. If the tanδ peak temperature is below 15.0°C, the elastic component can function as an elastomer within the actual operating temperature range of the cleaning member (e.g., 0 to 55°C).

[0037] The tanδ peak temperature is preferably below 14.0°C, more preferably below 13.0°C. There is no particular limitation on the lower limit, but it is preferably above -5.0°C, more preferably above 0.0°C, and even more preferably above 5.0°C. The tanδ peak temperature can be adjusted based on the ratio of hard segments to soft segments in the polyurethane. Specifically, the tanδ peak temperature can be controlled to be lower by increasing the ratio of soft segments to hard segments. Specific methods for achieving this objective may involve, for example, increasing the ratio of polyol to isocyanate in the polyurethane raw material composition.

[0038] <Maximum value (peak value) of the loss coefficient (tanδ)>

[0039] In this paper, tanδ represents the ratio of the viscous component to the elastic component in an elastic member. The smaller this value, the larger the proportion of the elastic component becomes, and the faster the response to the force applied to the elastic member becomes. Therefore, in order to obtain an elastic member that exhibits good following behavior to the cleaned member, it is effective to reduce the maximum value of tanδ (hereinafter also referred to as "tanδ peak value").

[0040] Specifically, by specifying the peak value of the elastic member as 0.20 or higher and 0.55 or lower, the elastic member can exhibit good following behavior towards the member being cleaned. The peak value of tanδ is particularly preferably 0.25 or higher and 0.50 or lower.

[0041] <Loss coefficient (tanδ) at 55℃>

[0042] In terms of energy, tanδ represents the energy lost relative to stored energy. When tanδ is high, the ratio of input vibrational energy to lost energy, such as heat, is high, and therefore, elastic components can exhibit high vibration damping performance.

[0043] When a cleaning member with an elastic member made of polyurethane rubs against a member being cleaned for an extended period, the temperature of the elastic member may rise to, for example, about 55°C due to the generated frictional heat. As the temperature of the elastic member increases, tanδ decreases and the following behavior of the member improves; however, conversely, vibration damping decreases. As a result, vibration and abnormal noise may occur, and uneven wiping and unwiped areas may also appear. Therefore, to maintain stable wiping performance even when the temperature of the elastic member reaches 55°C, it is effective here to specify that a tanδ of 0.13 or higher at 55°C is desirable. Here, a tanδ of 0.15 or higher at 55°C is particularly preferred. There is no particular limit to the upper limit, as long as it is less than the aforementioned peak value of tanδ; however, preferably, the upper limit is, for example, 0.50 or lower, and particularly 0.35 or lower.

[0044] One method for reducing the tanδ peak value involves imparting a crystalline bridge structure to the elastic member. However, when simply generating a crystalline structure in the elastic member, the value of the viscosity term decreases at high temperatures, such as 55°C, as the mobility of the molecules constituting the resin increases. As a result, tanδ decreases, the damping performance of the elastic member decreases, and it becomes prone to vibration. Therefore, in order to obtain a cleaning member that has high following properties to the cleaned member and is not prone to vibration even at high temperatures, the tanδ peak value of the elastic member is specified to be below 0.55, and the tanδ at a temperature of 55°C is not too small. Polyurethane has been found to be effective in this regard.

[0045] Therefore, research conducted by the inventors has revealed that by using difunctional diphenylmethane diisocyanate and trifunctional or higher-functional polyisocyanates (e.g., polymeric MDI) as raw materials for polyurethane in a predetermined ratio, and by using a specific catalyst that enables the polyfunctional isocyanate to react with the polyol with high efficiency, it is possible to obtain a polyurethane exhibiting a tanδ of 0.13 or higher at a temperature of 55°C, while simultaneously displaying a tanδ peak temperature of 15.0°C or lower and a peak value of 0.20 or higher and 0.55 or lower. The reason why polyurethane exhibiting such physical properties can be obtained by using materials such as those described above is as follows.

[0046] First, by using a specific catalyst to react the isocyanate groups of the polyfunctional isocyanate with a polyol very efficiently, a polyurethane exhibiting a high crosslinking density can be formed. This allows for a larger elasticity term. Simultaneously, the urethane bond portion derived from diphenylmethane diisocyanate exhibits high planarity and is easily stacked. As a result, regions with crystalline structures (hereinafter referred to as "crystalline regions") are formed within the hard segments. In the crystalline regions, when an external force is applied, the force can be absorbed through crystal shifting, thereby increasing the viscosity term. Although both the viscosity and elasticity terms exhibit large values ​​in the room temperature region, the tanδ peak can be controlled to fall within a predetermined range by adjusting the ratio of diphenylmethane diisocyanate to polyfunctional isocyanate.

[0047] Furthermore, it is generally believed that in high-temperature regions, the viscosity term decreases due to the loosening or dispersion of the crystalline structure accompanied by increased molecular mobility. However, in the polyurethane according to this disclosure, in addition to the crystallinity of the crystalline regions derived from diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a three-dimensional cross-linked structure derived from polyfunctional isocyanates is also generated; as a result, the crystalline structure does not easily collapse even at high temperatures, and the viscosity term can be maintained to a certain extent even at high temperatures such as 55°C.

[0048] According to one aspect of this disclosure, when a sample taken from the elastic member, comprising a portion abutting against the member being cleaned, is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample at a heating rate of 10°C / s, M2 / M1 is greater than or equal to 0.001, wherein M1 represents the detection amount of all ions obtained, and M2 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups.

[0049] Polyurethanes with an M2 / M1 ratio of 0.001 or higher can have advanced crosslinking structures derived from isocyanates with trifunctionality or higher. Polyurethanes with such advanced crosslinking structures can more easily achieve physical properties, for example, exhibiting a tanδ peak temperature of 15.0°C or lower, a tanδ peak value of 0.20 to 0.55, and a tanδ of 0.13 or higher at 55°C. M2 / M1 is preferably 0.002 or higher, and more preferably 0.004 or higher. While there is no particular limitation on the upper limit, M2 / M1 is preferably 0.035 or lower, and more preferably 0.020 or lower. Therefore, M2 / M1 is preferably 0.001 or higher and 0.035 or lower, particularly preferably 0.002 or higher and 0.035 or lower, and more preferably 0.004 or higher and 0.020 or lower.

[0050] In the polyurethane according to this disclosure, when M3 represents the integrated intensity of the peak in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from diisocyanates, obtained by an analytical method using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer, the M3 / M1 at the first and / or second cone facets is preferably 0.025 to 0.130, and more preferably 0.038 to 0.108. When M3 / M1 is within the above range, the polyurethane can have a certain amount of crystalline structure.

[0051] Polyurethanes with this type of crystalline structure can more easily achieve physical properties, such as exhibiting a tanδ peak temperature below 15.0 °C, a tanδ peak value of 0.20 to 0.55, and a tanδ value above 0.13 at a temperature of 55 °C.

[0052] Preferably, M2 / M3 is set to 0.046 or higher and 0.441 or lower. In this document, M2 / M3 is a parameter representing the ratio of the diisocyanate-derived structural portion to the trifunctional or higher polyisocyanate-derived structural portion in the isocyanate-derived structure of the polyurethane. By specifying M2 / M3 within the above range, it is easier to achieve physical properties, such as a tanδ peak temperature of 15.0°C or lower, a tanδ peak value of 0.20 to 0.55, and a tanδ of 0.13 or higher at 55°C.

[0053] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the polyurethane can be, for example, a reaction product of a polyurethane raw material composition comprising, for example, an isocyanate compound containing a diisocyanate and a polyfunctional isocyanate containing more than three functions, and an alcohol containing a polyfunctional alcohol containing more than three functions.

[0054] Examples of the aforementioned polyols may include the following: polyester polyols, such as polyethylene adipate polyols, polybutylene adipate polyols, polyhexyl adipate polyols, (polyethylene adipate / propylene adipate) polyols, (polyethylene adipate / butylene adipate) polyols, and (polyethylene adipate / neoprene adipate) polyols; polycaprolactone-based polyols obtained by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactone; polyether polyols, such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polytetramethylene ether glycol; and polycarbonate diols. The aforementioned substances may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among the aforementioned polyols, polyester polyols using adipate esters are preferred because polyurethane elastomers exhibiting excellent mechanical properties can be obtained in this case.

[0055] In particular, polyols having four or more carbon atoms are more preferred, such as polybutylene adipate polyol or polyhexyl adipate polyol. Preferably, polyols with different numbers of carbon atoms in the diol, such as polybutylene adipate polyol and polyhexyl adipate polyol, are used herein. Due to the presence of different types of polyols, the crystallization of soft segments is suppressed; consequently, this suppresses the aggregation of hard segments.

[0056] Diols and polyols capable of extending the chains of polyurethane elastomers can be used as chain extenders in this document. Examples of diols include the following: ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), propylene glycol (PG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HD), 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediethanol, xylene-methyldiol (terephthalic acid diethanol), and triethylene glycol. Examples of polyols with three or more ternary components include trimethylolpropane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, and sorbitol. The aforementioned substances can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0057] Examples of the diisocyanates mentioned above include the following: 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (4,4'-MDI), 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI), 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (2,6-TDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate (1,5-NDI), terephthalic diisocyanate (PPDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (hydrogenated MDI), tetramethylene xylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), and carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

[0058] Of the above substances, 4,4'-MDI is preferred because its two isocyanate groups have equal reactivity.

[0059] For example, a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate is selected from at least one group consisting of triphenylmethane-4,4',4”-triisocyanate (TTI), tris(phenylisocyanate) thiophosphate (TPTI), and polymeric MDI. Among the above substances, tris(phenylisocyanate) thiophosphate (TPTI) and polymeric MDI are more suitable.

[0060] Polymer MDI is represented by the following chemical formula (1) and chemical formula (1)'. In chemical formula (1)', n is preferably 1 or more and 4 or less. Chemical formula (1) represents the case where n in chemical formula (1)' is 1.

[0061]

[0062] In the case where the polyurethane is produced using polymeric MDI represented by chemical formula (1)' as a polyfunctional isocyanate with three or more functions, in the extracted ion temperature spectrum obtained by the above mass spectrometry analysis, M2 can be set as the sum of the peak integral intensities corresponding to the following ranges: m / z values ​​of n=1 from 380.5 to 381.5 from n=2, m / z values ​​of n=3 from 642.5 to 643.5 from n=3, and m / z values ​​of n=4 from 773.5 to 774.5.

[0063] Furthermore, TTI, as a trifunctional or higher isocyanate, has a structure represented by the following chemical formula (3). In polyurethanes synthesized using TTI, in the extracted ion temperature spectrum obtained according to the above method, M2 can be set as the integrated intensity of the peak of the cationic TTI originating from the peak with m / z appearing in the range of 366.5 to 367.5.

[0064]

[0065] Tris(phenyl)thiophosphate (TPTI), a polyfunctional isocyanate with more than three functions, has a structure represented by the following chemical formula (4). In polyurethanes synthesized using TPTI, in the extracted ion temperature spectrum obtained by the above mass spectrometry analysis, M2 can be set as the integrated intensity of the peak of the cation derived from TPTI that appears in the range of 464.5 to 465.5 m / z.

[0066]

[0067] In polyurethane synthesized using 4,4'-MDI represented by chemical formula (2) as a diisocyanate, in the extracted ion temperature spectrum obtained by the above mass spectrometry analysis, M3 can be set to the integral intensity of the peak originating from 4,4'-MDI with the m / z value of the structure represented by chemical formula (2) at the position of 249.5 to 250.5.

[0068]

[0069] As a catalyst, commonly used catalysts for curing polyurethane elastomers can be used. Among the aforementioned substances, tertiary amino alcohols are preferred. Examples of tertiary amino alcohols include 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol, 3-(dimethylamino)propanol, 2-(dimethylamino)-1-methylpropanol, 2-{2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)ethanol, 2-{2-(diethylamino)ethoxy)ethanol, and 2-[{2-(dimethylamino)ethyl}methylamino]ethanol.

[0070] Among the aforementioned substances, 2-[{2-(dimethylamino)ethyl}methylamino]ethanol (trade name: TOYOCAT-RX5, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) and 2-{2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)ethanol (trade name: TOYOCAT-RX3, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) are preferred, as they are thermosensitive catalysts that enable highly efficient crosslinking reactions utilizing trifunctional or higher-functional polyisocyanates. These thermosensitive catalysts allow the aforementioned polyfunctional isocyanates to react with polyols at very high efficiency and also enable the formation of more advanced crosslinked structures in polyurethanes.

[0071] The raw material composition of polyurethane can be mixed with additives such as pigments, plasticizers, water repellents, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, and light stabilizers as needed.

[0072] <The Composition of Cleaning Components in Electrophotography>

[0073] A cleaning member according to one aspect of this disclosure can be used, for example, as a cleaning blade for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of cleaning members that can be cleaned by an electrophotographic cleaning blade include, for example, image-bearing members such as photosensitive elements and annular belts such as intermediate transfer belts. Embodiments of the cleaning member will be described in detail below based on examples of image-bearing members as cleaning members, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning member 1. The cleaning member 1 has an elastic member 2 comprising polyurethane according to one aspect of this disclosure and a support member 3 supporting the elastic member 2. Preferably, the support member 3 supports the elastic member 2 in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 2.

[0075] Figure 2 This illustration schematically shows an example of a cross-sectional state in which the cleaning member 1 is in contact with the member being cleaned 6. The elastic member 2 has a main surface 4 facing the member being cleaned 6 and a front end surface 5 that forms a front end side edge together with the main surface 4. The reference numeral R indicates the direction of rotation of the member being cleaned.

[0076] During operation of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the internal temperature of the apparatus rises to approximately 55°C. This is affected not only by the heat generated at the contact point between the cleaning member and the member being cleaned, but also by, for example, the heaters within the apparatus. Due to friction with the member being cleaned, such as the image carrier member, the temperature of the elastic member can easily rise to approximately 55°C. However, a cleaning scraper equipped with an elastic member according to the present disclosure maintains stable cleaning performance even when the elastic member reaches high temperatures, such as 55°C. In this respect, an electrophotographic cleaning scraper according to one aspect of the present disclosure contributes to the stable formation of high-quality electrophotographic images.

[0077] [Supporting Components]

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the support member is a member 3 that supports the elastic member 2 within the electrophotographic image forming apparatus so that the front end of the elastic member 2 abuts against the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 6, which serves as the cleaning member. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the support member, as long as it fulfills its function. There are no particular limitations on the material of the member, as long as it fulfills its function, and examples include the following materials: For example, metallic materials such as steel plates, stainless steel plates, galvanized steel plates, chromium-free steel plates, and resins such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon.

[0079] <Manufacturing method of cleaning scrapers with elastic components>

[0080] There are no particular limitations on the production method of the cleaning scraper according to this disclosure, and any suitable method can be selected from known methods. For example, a release agent can be applied to the inner surface of a mold for the cleaning scraper, and a support member can be disposed on the mold. Then, the above-mentioned polyurethane raw material composition can be injected and cured by heating, thereby obtaining a cleaning scraper in which the plate-shaped elastic member (scraper member) and the support member are integrated with each other.

[0081] Polyurethane preferably comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate compound containing a diisocyanate and a polyfunctional isocyanate containing trifunctional or higher functions, and an alcohol containing a polyfunctional alcohol containing trifunctional or higher functions. A method for producing the elastic component includes, for example, a step of obtaining a prepolymer by reacting an isocyanate compound with a polyol, a step of mixing an alcohol containing a polyol and a polyfunctional alcohol containing trifunctional or higher functions as a curing agent and a catalyst with the obtained prepolymer to obtain a polyurethane raw material composition, and a step of curing the obtained polyurethane raw material composition to obtain the elastic component.

[0082] In the process of obtaining the prepolymer, the reaction is preferably carried out such that the NCO content is preferably about 5 to 30% by mass, more preferably about 8 to 15% by mass. The reaction temperature is preferably about 50 to 120°C, more preferably about 70 to 90°C. The reaction time is preferably about 30 minutes to 400 minutes, more preferably about 120 minutes to 300 minutes.

[0083] When curing polyurethane raw material compositions, for example, they are preferably cured at 100 to 180°C for about 1 to 5 minutes.

[0084] There are no particular restrictions on the content of each material in the polyurethane raw material composition, as long as the above-mentioned tanδ and M2 / M1 are met. For example, the content of diisocyanate in the polyurethane raw material composition is preferably 2 to 30% by mass, more preferably 10 to 25% by mass. The content of polyfunctional isocyanates (trifunctional or higher) in the polyurethane raw material composition is preferably 5 to 35% by mass, more preferably 10 to 20% by mass. The content of polyols in the polyurethane raw material composition is preferably 30 to 80% by mass, more preferably 50 to 70% by mass. The content of polyfunctional alcohols (trifunctional or higher) in the polyurethane raw material composition is preferably 1 to 10% by mass, more preferably 2 to 5% by mass.

[0085] As a release agent, known release agents such as fluorinated release agents, silicone release agents, or surfactants can be used; however, for environmental, cost, and performance considerations, silicone release agents are preferred herein. As a silicone release agent, for example, a mixture of silicone oil and silicone resin diluted with a solvent is used herein. For example, dimethyl silicone oil (ELEMENT 14 PDMS series (trade name, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.)) can be used as the silicone oil, and for example, "SR1000", "SS4230", or "SS4267" (all trade names, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.) or "MQ803TF" (trade name, manufactured by Wacker Asahikasei Silicone Co., Ltd.) can be used as the silicone resin. Any grade of the above-mentioned silicone oil and silicone resin can be used in combination with the silicone oil. The ratio of non-volatile components in the silicone resin is preferably 10 to 70% by mass.

[0086] A molding die for a cleaning scraper, consisting of an upper die and a lower die, is prepared. An adhesive is applied to one end of a support member, and the support member is positioned within a cavity formed in the scraper section of the die so that the adhesive-coated portion protrudes into the cavity. A liquid polyurethane raw material composition, serving as the elastic member material, is injected into the die through an opening in the short-side end face of the die, and a curing reaction is performed at 100°C to 150°C to obtain a molded article in which the support member and the elastic member are integrated. The cleaning scraper can be produced by cutting the elastic member into a predetermined shape (hereinafter referred to as Method I).

[0087] A molding die for a cleaning scraper, consisting of an upper die and a lower die, is prepared. Adhesive is applied to one end of each of the two support members, and the support members are arranged opposite each other within the mold cavity for forming the scraper section of the die, such that the adhesive-coated portion protrudes into the cavity. A liquid polyurethane raw material composition, serving as the elastic member material, is injected into the die through an opening in the short-side end face of the die, and cured at 100°C to 150°C to obtain a molded article in which the two support members and the elastic member are integrated. During injection, the molding die is tilted at an angle of 0 to 25° so that the raw material composition first flows through one of the two support members. Then, the resulting molded article can be separated into two parts by cutting the central portion of the elastic member in the short-side direction, and then the elastic member can be further cut off and removed along the two ends of the support members in the length direction to produce two cleaning scrapers (hereinafter referred to as Method II).

[0088] Another method can be adopted in which a polyurethane elastomer sheet is separately shaped from the above-mentioned polyurethane raw material composition and cut into strips to prepare an elastic member. The joint of the elastic member is then overlapped on a support member on which an adhesive has been applied or attached, and the whole is bonded by heating and pressurizing.

[0089] <Processing Box and Electrophotographic Image Forming Equipment>

[0090] A cleaning squeegee can be used by assembling it into a processing cartridge configured for detachable installation into an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Specifically, for example, the cleaning squeegee according to this aspect can be used in a processing cartridge that includes an image carrier member as the cleaning component and a cleaning squeegee configured to clean the surface of the image carrier member. Such a processing cartridge contributes to the stable formation of high-quality electrophotographic images.

[0091] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure includes an image-carrying member, such as a photosensitive element, and a cleaning blade configured to clean the surface of the image-carrying member, wherein the cleaning blade is the aforementioned cleaning blade. Such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus can stably form high-quality electrophotographic images.

[0092] -Components for vehicle wipers-

[0093] The cleaning component according to this disclosure can be used as a vehicle wiper blade for wiping the surface of a component to be cleaned. Specifically, the cleaning component is preferably a vehicle wiper component used in a wiping device in a component to be cleaned, such as a vehicle windshield. Vehicle wiper blades are used in automobiles, trains, ships, and airplanes to wipe away water droplets and dirt adhering to glass surfaces such as windshields and rear windows, thereby ensuring the driver's visibility. The cleaning component used for the vehicle wiper blade is required to exhibit sufficient following ability to wipe away a variety of cleaning objects, including liquid deposits, fine particles contained in exhaust gases, and dust from asphalt, from glass surfaces with both large and small curvature portions. In order to wipe away strongly adhering cleaning objects from glass surfaces, it is necessary to suppress vibrations caused by the cleaning component's use in hot environments and / or its prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the vehicle wiper component includes a vehicle wiper support 11 and a lip (front end portion) 13. Figure 3 As shown in (b), the neck 12 can be inserted between the support 11 and the lip 13, thereby allowing the lip 13 to swing. For example, in a cross-section of the vehicle wiper member in a direction perpendicular to the length direction, the width of the neck 12 can be set to be smaller than the width of the vehicle wiper support 11 and the width of the lip 13.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the lip 13 of the vehicle wiper component is inclined in the wiping direction so that a portion of the lip abuts against the surface of the component being cleaned. Specifically, in cases such as... Figure 4 In the case shown in (b) with a neck 12, the lip 13 is tilted from the neck in the wiping direction so that a portion of the lip comes into contact with the surface of the member being cleaned.

[0096] To properly control the tilt of the lip relative to the component being cleaned during wiping, such as Figure 3 As shown in (c), the cross-section of the lip 13 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the vehicle wiper member may have a shoulder 20 on the side closer to the vehicle wiper support 11. Figure 3 As shown in (d), the shoulder can have a tapered shape 14, the width of which gradually decreases from the side near the support 11 in a direction away from the support 11. Because of this shoulder, the lip tilts during wiping so that the support of the vehicle wiper contacts the shoulder. As a result, the tilt and the angle of the lip relative to the member being cleaned can be stably controlled during wiping.

[0097] The vehicle wiper component is formed to have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length. Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) An explanatory diagram showing the state during the cleaning process of the vehicle wiper component.

[0098] exist Figure 4 In (a), the lip 13 of the vehicle wiper component has: a first lip surface 15 that abuts against the cleaning component 50, a second lip surface 16 on the opposite side of the first lip surface 15, and a front end surface 17 that, together with the first lip surface 15 and the second lip surface 16, forms a first edge 18 and a second edge 19 on the side of the lip 13 furthest from the support portion 11 (see [reference needed] for the first edge 18, the second edge 19, and the front end surface 17). Figure 3 ).

[0099] exist Figure 4 In (b), the lip 13 of the vehicle wiper component has a second lip surface 16, a first lip surface 15 on the opposite side of the second lip surface 16, and a front end surface 17 that, together with the first lip surface 15 and the second lip surface 16, forms a first edge 18 and a second edge 19 on the side of the lip 13 furthest from the support portion 11 (see [link to documentation] for the first edge 18, the second edge 19, and the front end surface 17). Figure 3 ).

[0100] Arrow R indicates the cleaning direction of the vehicle wiper component. By moving from along... Figure 4 In (a), the direction of arrow R is switched to sweeping along... Figure 4(b) The direction of arrow R is used for cleaning, and the surface that contacts the component being cleaned changes from the first lip surface 15 to the second lip surface 16.

[0101] In vehicle wiper blades, if an elastic member is used at the lip of the contact portion with the component being cleaned, such that the sample includes the loss coefficient tanδ of the contact portion with the component being cleaned, the peak temperature of the peak exhibiting the maximum value of tanδ and the maximum value of that peak satisfy the above-described relationship. As a result, when cleaning with a vehicle wiper blade, resinification of the contact portion of the vehicle wiper blade that contacts the component being cleaned is suppressed within the actual operating temperature range, and uniform contact is maintained in the length direction, thereby achieving sufficient followability.

[0102] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vehicle wiper component has at least a vehicle wiper support and a lip that abuts against the surface of the windshield, because in this case, the uniformity of contact along the length direction is improved, and vibration is suppressed due to sufficient damping.

[0103] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vehicle wiper component has at least a vehicle wiper support, a lip that abuts against the surface of the windshield, and a shoulder on the lip on the side of the vehicle wiper support, because in this case, the uniformity of contact along the length direction is further improved, and vibration is suppressed due to sufficient damping.

[0104] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vehicle wiper component has at least a vehicle wiper support and a lip that is pivotally connected to the vehicle wiper support via a neck, because in this case, the uniformity of contact along the length direction is further improved, and vibration is suppressed due to sufficient damping.

[0105] Furthermore, in the vehicle wiper blade, the loss coefficient tanδ of the sample using an elastic member at the lip of the contact portion with the cleaning component satisfies the above condition. As a result, when cleaning is performed by the vehicle wiper blade, even when the cleaning component becomes hot due to use in a hot environment and / or prolonged use, the vehicle wiper blade provides sufficient vibration damping, thereby suppressing vibration.

[0106] <Manufacturing Method of Vehicle Wiping Blade>

[0107] There are no particular limitations on the production method of vehicle wiper blades, and known methods can be selected. For example, a lip with a tapered portion can be obtained by injecting a polyurethane elastomer raw material composition into a mold for vehicle wiper blades and curing the composition by heating.

[0108] The front end of the tapered section can be shaped by cutting. This is preferred because it allows the first and second edges to be shaped with a high degree of smoothness. Alternatively, a pair of tandem shaped bodies can be produced by having the tapered sections abut against each other while simultaneously facing each other, and then the shaped bodies are cut along their length, resulting in individual vehicle wiper blades. The wiper support and neck can be produced using conventionally known materials and conventionally known manufacturing methods.

[0109] <Including the overall process of vehicle wiping arm>

[0110] The vehicle wiper blade disclosed herein can be used in various forms of wiper devices, such as tandem or counter-tandem wiping.

[0111] -Sweeping scraper (wiping cleaning component)-

[0112] The elastic member of the wiping cleaning member according to this disclosure comes into contact with the surface of the member to be cleaned, thereby cleaning the surface of the member. The cleaning member can be used as a squeegee for cleaning surfaces such as window glass, tiles, walls, lenses, and solar panels. The squeegee is required to have sufficient following ability to suppress uneven wiping even without applying strong pressure to the surface being cleaned. In order to wipe away strongly adhering objects from the surface being cleaned, it is necessary to suppress vibration, which originates from the high temperature of the cleaning member caused by the strong pressure applied under these conditions.

[0113] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), the cleaning wiper blade has an elastic member 32 that presses against the surface to be cleaned, such that a portion of the elastic member abuts against the surface of the component to be cleaned, thereby cleaning the surface of the component to be cleaned.

[0114] Although Figure 5 (a) Only elastic member 32 is shown, but as Figure 5 As described in (c), (for the purpose of pressing stably along the length of the cleaning wiper blade) it is preferable to provide an elastic member support 33 that supports the elastic member in the length direction of the elastic member.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), a gripping part 31 that can be held and an elastic member 32 supported by the gripping part 31 and pressed against the surface being cleaned can be provided. Figure 5 As shown in (c), an elastic member support portion 33 that supports the elastic member 32 can be provided between the grip portion 31 and the elastic member 32.

[0116] The gripping part 31 is a portion that can be gripped or held by the cleaning entity, such as a hand. The gripping part 31 extends in a direction intersecting the direction of extension of the elastic member 32. There are no particular limitations on the shape, as long as the gripping part 31 can be gripped or held by the cleaning entity. A cleaning aid clamp can be attached to the gripping part. Examples of clamps include clamps that extend the gripping part for the purpose of cleaning high places. There are no particular limitations on the material of the gripping part 31, and the gripping part 31 can be made of resin or metal.

[0117] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown in (d), a support-grip portion 34 in which the support portion and the grip portion of the elastic member are integrated with each other can be provided. For example, the support-grip portion 34 can be shaped as part of the clamping elastic member 32. Figure 5 As shown in (e), the elastic member 32 and the gripping part 31 can be integrated with each other. The gripping part 31, the elastic member support part 33 and the elastic member 32 can be detachable or integrated with other components.

[0118] In the cleaning wiper blade, if an elastic member 32 is used in the contact area with the component being cleaned, such that the sample includes the abutment portion of the component being cleaned, the peak temperature of the peak exhibiting the maximum value of tanδ, as measured by the above method, satisfies the above-described relationship. As a result, even when cleaning is performed without applying strong pressure to the cleaning wiper blade, the abutment width of the cleaning component against the surface being cleaned becomes narrower. If the loss coefficient of the elastic member falls within the above-described range, sufficient following can be achieved on this narrow abutment width. Consequently, the applied force is concentrated at the abutment portion, preventing the attachment from being simply wiped off the component being cleaned, thus scraping off the attachment without causing it to be missed due to peeling.

[0119] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cleaning wiper blade is provided with an elastic member support portion 33, because in this case, the following ability is further improved by the stable pressing of the cleaning wiper blade along the length direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the cleaning wiper blade is provided with a grip portion 31 for holding, because in this case, the cleaning wiper blade can be stably pressed along the length direction, resulting in further improved following ability.

[0120] <Manufacturing Method of Elastic Components for Cleaning Wipers>

[0121] There are no particular limitations on the production method of the elastic component of the cleaning wiper blade, and known methods can be selected. For example, the elastic component of the cleaning wiper blade can be obtained by injecting a polyurethane elastomer raw material composition into a mold for the elastic part of the cleaning wiper blade and curing the composition by heating.

[0122] The front end of the elastic part can be shaped by cutting. This is preferred because, in this case, the front edge can be shaped with a high degree of smoothness. Alternatively, a pair of tandem shaped bodies in which the front faces of the elastic parts abut against each other can be produced, and then the shaped bodies are cut along the length direction, resulting in the production of individual cleaning wiper blades.

[0123] Instructions for using a cleaning wiper scraper

[0124] Next, the method of using the cleaning wiper scraper will be explained. In order to remove dirt, the cleaning body holds the grip 31 or supports the grip 34, and while pressing the elastic member 32 against the part to be cleaned, the cleaning wiper scraper moves in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the elastic member 32 extends. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the cleaning process during which the cleaning wiper blade contacts and slides on the component 35 being cleaned.

[0125] The direction in which the cleaning wiper blade moves is, for example, a direction intersecting the direction in which the elastic member 32 extends; in this text, the cleaning wiper blade can, for example, move along... Figure 6 The pushing direction C shown in (a) and Figure 6 (b) can be used by moving the object in the pulling direction W shown. For example, the front edge formed by the lip surface 36 and the front end surface 38 can be moved while abutting against the cleaning member 35. Dirt can be pre-wetted with liquid detergent or water and removed together with the liquid detergent or water.

[0126] <Shape of the cleaning wiper blade>

[0127] There are no restrictions on the shape and installation method of the elastic member 32, the elastic member support 33, and the gripping part 31 or the support gripping part 34 in the cleaning wiper blade. Similarly, there are no restrictions on the manner in which the elastic member support 33 is installed to the elastic member 32 and the manner in which the gripping part 31 or the support gripping part 34 is installed to the elastic member support 33.

[0128] Example

[0129] The present disclosure will now be described through manufacturing examples, embodiments, and comparative examples; however, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, etc. For raw materials other than those shown in the embodiments and comparative examples, reagents or industrial chemicals may be used.

[0130] <Cleaning components for electronic photography>

[0131] In this embodiment, production and evaluation Figure 1The integrally molded cleaning scraper shown is illustrated. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, the use of "parts" in the examples and comparative examples is based on mass.

[0132] <Example 1>

[0133] [Supporting Components]

[0134] Prepare 1.6mm thick galvanized steel sheets and process them to obtain the desired shape. Figure 2 The figure shows a support member with an L-shaped cross-section, indicated by reference numeral 3. A urethane-metal single-layer adhesive (trade name: Chemlock 219, manufactured by LORD Corporation) is applied to the portion of the support member that contacts the elastic member.

[0135] [Preparation of raw materials for elastic components]

[0136] The materials given in Table 1 below were mixed and reacted at 80°C for 3 hours to obtain a prepolymer with an NCO content of 10.2% by mass.

[0137] [Table 1]

[0138] Table 1

[0139]

[0140] The curing agent is prepared by mixing the materials given in Table 2 below.

[0141] [Table 2]

[0142] Table 2

[0143]

[0144] The curing agent is added to the prepolymer and mixed to obtain the raw material composition.

[0145] The adhesive application area of ​​the support component is configured to protrude into the cavity of a molding die for a cleaning scraper (Method I). The raw material composition is injected into the cavity and cured at 130°C for 2 minutes. Subsequently, it is demolded to obtain an integral molded body of polyurethane and the support component.

[0146] Before injecting the raw material composition, the interior of the cavity is pre-coated with release agent A. Release agent A is a mixture of materials given in Table 3 below.

[0147] [Table 3]

[0148] Table 3

[0149]

[0150] The polyurethane of the obtained integrally formed body is cut so that the edge angle is 90 degrees and the distances of the polyurethane in the short side direction, the thickness direction, and the length direction are 7.5 mm, 1.8 mm, and 240 mm, respectively, to obtain a cleaning blade according to the present embodiment. Then, the cleaning blade is evaluated as follows.

[0151] <Method for Measuring Loss Factor tanδ (Viscoelasticity)>

[0152] The loss factor tanδ (viscoelasticity) is measured in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) K 6394:2007 ("Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubber - Determination of Dynamic Properties - General Guidelines").

[0153] The measurement conditions are as described below.

[0154] Apparatus: Dynamic Viscoelasticity Measuring Apparatus (trade name: DMA EXPLEXOR 500N, manufactured by NETZSCH-Geraetebau GmbH);

[0155] Static Strain: 2%;

[0156] Dynamic Strain: 0.5%;

[0157] Measurement Temperature: -20°C to 60°C;

[0158] Measurement Frequency: 10 Hz

[0159] Samples for measuring the loss factor tanδ are prepared as follows.

[0160] Samples are prepared to include the corner of the contact portion between the elastic member and the member to be cleaned. Samples are produced by cutting out rectangular parallelepipeds of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 30 mm.

[0161] <Measurement of M1, M2, and M3>

[0162] In this article, M1 to M3 are calculated by the direct sample introduction method (DI method) in which the sample is directly introduced into the ion source without passing through a gas chromatograph (GC).

[0163] The equipment used in this article is an ion trap type GC / MS (trade name: POLARIS Q, manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.), and a direct exposure probe (DEP) is used as the direct introduction probe. The surface of the contact portion with the member to be cleaned is measured as follows. At the time of sampling, a biological cutter is used to cut members such as polyurethane. Specifically, each member is cut out to include the contact portion with the member to be cleaned. In the case where there are multiple contact portions, each of them is cut out.

[0164] Then, approximately 0.1 μg of sample, taken from the surface of the contact area with the cleaned component, was fixed to a filament located at the tip of the probe, and the entire sample was directly inserted into the ionization chamber. Subsequently, the sample was rapidly heated from room temperature to 1000 °C at a constant heating rate (10 °C / s), and the vaporized gas was detected using a mass spectrometer.

[0165] The sum of the integrated intensities of all peaks in the obtained total ion current temperature spectrum is taken as the detection amount M1 of all ions, and the sum of the integrated intensities of the peaks in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​of polyfunctional isocyanates with more than three functions is taken as M2; then, the values ​​of M1 and M2 are used to calculate (M2 / M1).

[0166] In this paper, the polyurethane according to this embodiment is synthesized using polymeric MDI (MR200) ​​as a trifunctional or higher isocyanate. In the extracted ion temperature spectrum of such polyurethane obtained according to the above method, peaks originating from the cationic derivative of polymeric MDI were detected, with peaks apex at positions in the range of m / z values ​​originating from n=1 (380.5 to 381.5), n=2 (511.5 to 512.5), n=3 (642.5 to 643.5), and n=4 (773.5 to 774.5). In this embodiment, the sum of these integrated intensities is taken as M2.

[0167] In other embodiments described later, the TTI used as a trifunctional or higher isocyanate has a structure represented by the following chemical formula (3). In the extracted ion temperature spectrum of the polyurethane synthesized using TTI obtained according to the above method, a peak of a cationic compound derived from TTI with a peak at a position of m / z between 366.5 and 367.5 was detected. Therefore, in this embodiment, the integrated intensity of this peak is taken as M2.

[0168]

[0169] Similarly, in the embodiments described later, tris(phenyl)thiophosphate (TPTI), used as a polyfunctional isocyanate with more than three functions, has a structure represented by chemical formula (4). In the extracted ion temperature spectrum of the polyurethane synthesized using TPTI obtained according to the above method, a peak of the cation derived from TPTI with a peak at m / z of 464.5 to 465.5 was detected. In this embodiment, the integrated intensity of this peak is taken as M2.

[0170]

[0171] In contrast, in the case of 4,4'-MDI as a diisocyanate, when the m / z of the structure represented by chemical formula (2) derived from 4,4'-MDI is in the range of 249.5 to 250.5, the structure represented by the above chemical formula (2) is cationized, and the resulting product is detected. The peak integral intensity of the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to this structure is taken as (M3).

[0172] <Methods for evaluating follower behavior>

[0173] The cleaning blade of Example 1 was assembled into the cyan cartridge of a color laser beam printer (trade name: HP LaserJet Enterprise Color M553dn, manufactured by The Hewlett-Packard Company) as a cleaning blade for the photosensitive drum of the component to be cleaned herein. The toner in the cyan cartridge's developer was completely replaced with toner 1, described later.

[0174] After being placed in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment (temperature 15°C, relative humidity 10%) for 24 hours, 12,500 images were formed under the same conditions as the printable number (hereinafter referred to as "normal evaluation"). Then, the developing machine used was replaced with a new cyan box with all toners replaced by toner 1; and 12,500 images were formed again as the printable number (hereinafter referred to as "double evaluation").

[0175] An opening is made on the back of the box, and the evaluation is conducted while waste toner is properly extracted. The performance of the obtained image is rated according to the following evaluation criteria.

[0176] A: Image defects (stripes on the image) caused by the cleaning scraper do not occur in either the standard evaluation or the dual evaluation.

[0177] B: Image defects (stripes on the image) caused by the cleaning scraper do not occur in the normal evaluation, but occur slightly in the double evaluation (stripe length less than 5 mm).

[0178] C: Image defects (stripes on the image) caused by the cleaning scraper do not occur in the normal evaluation, but occur in the dual evaluation (more than 10 mm); alternatively, image defects also occur in the normal evaluation.

[0179] <Methods for evaluating tremors>

[0180] The cleaning blade of Example 1 was assembled into the cyan cartridge of a color laser beam printer (trade name: HP LaserJet Enterprise Color M553dn, manufactured by The Hewlett-Packard Company) as a cleaning blade for the photosensitive drum of the component to be cleaned herein. The toner in the cyan cartridge's developer was completely replaced with toner 1 described later.

[0181] After being placed in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment (temperature 30°C, relative humidity 80%) for 24 hours, 12,500 images were formed under the same conditions as the printable number (hereinafter referred to as "normal evaluation"). Then, the developing machine used was replaced with a new cyan box with all toners replaced by toner 1; and 12,500 images were formed again as the printable number (hereinafter referred to as "double evaluation").

[0182] In evaluations conducted under the same conditions, the temperature of the elastic component of the cleaning blade rose to 55°C due to the operating heat of the laser beam printer itself and the frictional heat at the contact point of the cleaning blade. As a result, vibration at high temperatures can be evaluated.

[0183] An opening is made on the back of the box, and the evaluation is conducted while waste toner is properly extracted. The performance of the obtained image is rated according to the following evaluation criteria.

[0184] A: Image defects (stripes on the image) caused by the cleaning scraper do not occur in either the normal evaluation or the dual evaluation; nor do they produce abnormal noise.

[0185] B: Image defects (stripes on the image) caused by the cleaning scraper do not occur in the normal evaluation, but only slightly occur in the dual evaluation (stripe length less than 5 mm); no abnormal noise is generated.

[0186] C: Image defects (stripes on the image) caused by the cleaning scraper do not occur in the normal evaluation, but occur in the dual evaluation (more than 10 mm); optionally, image defects occur even in the normal evaluation; optionally, abnormal noise is generated.

[0187] <Production Method of Toner 1>

[0188] Throughout this text, unless otherwise stated, "parts" are based on quality.

[0189] (Preparation process of aqueous medium 1)

[0190] Here, in a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, thermometer, and reflux pipe, 14.0 parts of sodium phosphate (dodecahydrate, manufactured by Rasa Industries, Ltd.) were added to 650.0 parts of ion-exchange water, and the entire mixture was kept at 65°C for 1.0 hour while purging with nitrogen. While stirring at 15,000 rpm using a TK homogenizer (manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.), an aqueous solution of calcium chloride (dihydrate) dissolved in 10.0 parts of ion-exchange water was added in one step to prepare an aqueous medium containing a dispersing stabilizer. Then, 10% hydrochloric acid was added to the aqueous medium to adjust the pH to 5.0, resulting in aqueous medium 1.

[0191] (Preparation process of polymeric monomer composition)

[0192] -Styrene: 60.0 parts

[0193] -CI Pigment Blue 15:3:6.5 parts

[0194] The above materials were fed into a grinding mill (manufactured by Mitsui Miike Machinery Co., Ltd.) and further dispersed at 220 rpm for 5.0 hours using 1.7 mm diameter zirconia particles to prepare a pigment dispersion. The following materials were added to the pigment dispersion.

[0195] -Styrene: 20.0 parts

[0196] - n-Butyl acrylate: 20.0 parts

[0197] - Crosslinking agent (divinylbenzene): 0.3 parts

[0198] - Saturated polyester resin: 5.0 parts

[0199] (A condensation polymer of propylene oxide-modified bisphenol A (2 molar adduct) and terephthalic acid (molar ratio 10:12), glass transition temperature Tg = 68℃, weight-average molecular weight Mw = 10000, molecular weight distribution Mw / Mn = 5.12)

[0200] -Fischer wax (melting point 78℃): 7.0 parts

[0201] The resulting product was kept at 65°C and dissolved and dispersed to homogenize using a TK homogenizer (manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) at 500 rpm to prepare a polymerizable monomer composition.

[0202] (Granulation process)

[0203] While maintaining the temperature of aqueous medium 1 at 70°C and the rotation speed of the TK homogenizer at 15000 rpm, the polymerizable monomer composition was added to aqueous medium 1, along with 10.0 parts of the polymerization initiator tert-butyl peroxypentanoate. The mixture was then granulated in the stirring apparatus for 10 minutes while maintaining the rotation speed at 15000 rpm.

[0204] (Polymerization / distillation process)

[0205] After the granulation process, the mixer is replaced with a propeller blade, and polymerization is carried out for 5.0 hours while maintaining the temperature at 70°C and stirring at 150 rpm; then, the polymerization reaction is carried out by raising the temperature to 85°C and heating for 2.0 hours.

[0206] Subsequently, the reflux pipe of the reaction vessel was replaced with a cooling pipe, and the resulting slurry was heated to 100°C; as a result, distillation was carried out for 6 hours to remove unreacted polymerizable monomers, and a toner-based particle dispersion was obtained.

[0207] (Polymerization of organosilicon compounds)

[0208] Here, 60.0 parts of ion-exchanged water were weighed into a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a thermometer, and the pH was adjusted to 4.0 using 10% hydrochloric acid by mass. While stirring, the temperature was raised to 40°C.

[0209] Then, 40.0 parts of methyltriethoxysilane as the organosilicon compound were added, and the mixture was stirred for at least 2 hours to carry out hydrolysis. The endpoint of hydrolysis was visually confirmed when oil-water separation stopped and a monolayer was formed; then, the hydrolysate of the organosilicon compound was obtained by cooling.

[0210] The obtained toner base particle dispersion was cooled to 55°C. Then, 25.0 parts of hydrolysate of the organosilicon compound were added to initiate the polymerization of the organosilicon compound. After maintaining the mixture as is for 15 minutes, the pH was adjusted to 5.5 using a 3.0% by mass sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution. Stirring was continued at 55°C for 60 minutes, after which the pH was adjusted to 9.5 using a 3.0% by mass sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution, and the mixture was maintained for another 240 minutes to obtain the toner particle dispersion.

[0211] (Washing and drying process)

[0212] Once the polymerization process is complete, the toner particle dispersion is cooled, and hydrochloric acid is added to adjust the pH to below 1.5. The dispersion is then allowed to stand for 1 hour while stirring, followed by solid-liquid separation using a pressure filter to obtain a toner filter cake. This toner filter cake is then re-slurryed with deionized water to form a dispersion again, followed by solid-liquid separation using the same filter to obtain another toner filter cake.

[0213] The obtained toner filter cake was dried in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 72 hours and then graded to obtain toner 1.

[0214] <Example 2>

[0215] Except that 1.32g of RX3 (trade name: TOYOCAT-RX3, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) is used as the catalyst instead of RX5, the same process as in Example 1 is performed.

[0216] <Example 3>

[0217] The curing agent was prepared by mixing 43.1g TMP, 244.3g PHA1000, 0.13g Polycat 46 and 1.01g RX5.

[0218] The mold used was coated with release agent B before the polyurethane elastomer composition was injected. Release agent B was a mixture of 3.04g ELEMENT14 PDMS1000-JC (trade name, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.), 3.71g ELEMENT14 PDMS 10K-JC (trade name, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.), 8.25g SR1000 (trade name, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.), and 85g EXXSOL DSP145 / 160.

[0219] The scraper was manufactured according to the process described in Method II. The tilt angle of the molding die was set to 0°. The above-described polyurethane elastomer composition was injected into the molding die for the cleaning scraper, cured at 130°C for 2 minutes, and then demolded to obtain an integral molded body of polyurethane and support member. Otherwise, the cleaning scraper of Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The physical properties were measured and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0220] <Examples 4-14, Comparative Examples 1 and 2>

[0221] The cleaning blades of Examples 4 to 14 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 or 3, except that the types, compounding amounts, and production methods of the various materials were changed as shown in Tables 4 and 5. The physical properties were measured and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1; the results are shown in Tables 4 and 5.

[0222] Next, wiper blades for vehicles of the examples and comparative examples were produced and evaluated.

[0223] [Example 15]

[0224] <Preparation of Raw Materials for Wiper Blades for Vehicles>

[0225] The same process as in Example 1 was carried out here.

[0226] <Production of Wiper Blades for Vehicles>

[0227] The prepared raw material composition for the wiper blade for vehicles was injected into a mold for the wiper blade for vehicles, cured at 130 °C for 2 minutes, and then demolded to obtain polyurethane. The mold used was a mold coated with mold release agent A in the same manner as in Example 1 before injecting the raw material composition.

[0228] The wiper blade was obtained by appropriately cutting the front end side of the lip of the polyurethane.

[0229] The distances of the front end of the lip in the thickness direction and in the length direction were set to 0.6 mm and 450 mm, respectively. The distances of the neck in the thickness direction and in the short side direction were set to 0.7 mm and 0.5 mm, and the distance of the shoulder in the thickness direction was set to 3.0 mm. The obtained wiper blade was evaluated according to the following method.

[0230] <Measurement of Viscoelasticity>

[0231] The same process as in Example 1 was carried out here.

[0232] <Calculation of M1, M2, and M3>

[0233] The same process as in Example 1 was carried out here.

[0234] <Evaluation of Followability>

[0235] The followability of vehicle wiper blades was evaluated using a test apparatus for wiping performance testing according to JIS D5710. In this test, firstly, the vehicle wiper blade was installed in the test apparatus, and silicone oil (trade name: KF-96-50cs, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) was applied to the entire wiping surface of the glass component being cleaned, thus simulating an oil film. Then, the test apparatus was allowed to stand for 24 hours in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment (temperature 15°C, relative humidity 10%), after which cleaning was performed under the following conditions.

[0236] The state of the wiping residue on the glass surface after one pass of the vehicle wiper blade is observed from the back side of the cleaned surface, and the impact on gloss uniformity and visibility is visually confirmed. The results are calculated as the ratio of the area of ​​the silicone film removed to the area of ​​the surface wiped by the vehicle wiper blade (hereinafter referred to as the silicone film removal area ratio (%)).

[0237] Based on the calculated oil film removal area ratio, the following criteria are used to evaluate the following performance.

[0238] [Wiping conditions]

[0239] Load applied to the vehicle wiper blade: 10 N / m

[0240] The wiping speed of the vehicle wiper blade is 50 times / min.

[0241] [Evaluation Criteria]

[0242] Grade A: Silicone oil film removal area rate of over 95%

[0243] Grade B: Silicone oil film removal area rate is above 90% and less than 95%.

[0244] Grade C: Silicone oil film removal area rate is less than 85% to less than 90%.

[0245] Grade D: Silicone oil film removal area rate is less than 85%.

[0246]

[0247] Except for changing the testing environment to a high-temperature, high-humidity environment (50°C, 70% relative humidity) and using auditory confirmation of abnormal noise as the evaluation criterion for vibration assessment, the same procedures as in the follow-up evaluation are performed. By changing the environment to high temperature and humidity, the contact area of ​​the vehicle wiper blade is softened. This increases the contact area with the glass surface, increasing friction and raising the temperature of the contact area of ​​the vehicle wiper blade to 55°C due to heat generated by friction.

[0248] [Evaluation Criteria]

[0249] Level A: No abnormal noise is generated.

[0250] Grade B: Produces almost no abnormal noise

[0251] Level C: Produces abnormal noise

[0252] [Examples 16-19, 22 and 23]

[0253] Except for the materials used as curing agents and their mixing amounts shown in Table 6, the vehicle wiper blades were produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15.

[0254] [Example 20]

[0255] Except for using a molding die here that has a cavity shape to obtain a shoulder shape, the vehicle wiper blade having a wiper support, lip and neck is produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15.

[0256] [Example 21]

[0257] In addition to using a molding die here that has a cavity shape that has a neck and shoulder, a vehicle wiper blade with a wiper support and a lip is produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15.

[0258] [Examples 24-30]

[0259] Except for the types and amounts of various materials used for the prepolymer and / or the types and amounts of various materials used for the curing agent shown in Table 7, the vehicle wiper blades were produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15.

[0260] [Compare Examples 3 and 4]

[0261] Except for the types and amounts of various materials used for the prepolymer and / or the types and amounts of various materials used for the curing agent shown in Table 7, the vehicle wiper blades were produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15.

[0262] The physical properties of the vehicle wiper blades obtained in Examples 16-30 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 were measured and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15. The results are shown in Tables 6 and 7.

[0263] The following examples demonstrate the production and evaluation of cleaning wiper blades.

[0264] [Example 31]

[0265] <Preparation of Raw Materials for Wiper Blade for Cleaning>

[0266] The same process as in Example 1 is carried out here.

[0267] <Production of Wiper Blade for Cleaning>

[0268] The prepared raw materials for the wiper blade for cleaning are injected into the forming die for the elastic part of the wiper blade for cleaning, cured at 130 °C for 2 minutes, and then demolded to obtain polyurethane. The mold used is the one coated with mold release agent A in the same manner as in Example 1 before injecting the above polyurethane elastomer composition.

[0269] The front end surface is produced by appropriately cutting the front end side of the obtained polyurethane molded body to obtain the elastic part of the wiper blade for cleaning. The distances of the elastic part of the wiper blade for cleaning in the thickness direction, short side direction, and length direction are set to 1.8 mm, 20 mm, and 300 mm respectively. The obtained wiper blade for cleaning is evaluated according to the following method.

[0270] <Viscoelasticity Measurement>

[0271] The same process as in Example 1 is carried out here.

[0272] <Calculation of M1, M2 and M3>

[0273] The same process as in Example 1 is carried out here.

[0274] <Evaluation of Followability>

[0275] The followability of the wiper blade for cleaning is evaluated by making the elastic member of the wiper blade for cleaning contact the glass surface and making the wiper blade slide on the glass surface in a reciprocating stroke during the pulling-back movement and observing the wiping state of the dirt on the glass surface. Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the testing machine for evaluation is shown.

[0276] [[ID=3,5]]In this test, as Figure 7 shown, the elastic member 113 of the wiper blade is installed, and silicone oil (trade name: KF-96-5,0 cs, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) is coated over the entire surface of the glass plate 114 as the member to be cleaned in a state simulating an oil film. Then, the test device is left standing in a low-temperature and low-humidity environment (temperature of 15 °C, relative humidity of 10%) for 24 hours, and thereafter, cleaning is carried out under the following conditions. [[ID=3,9]]

[0277] As [[ID=4,1]] Figure 7As shown, the elastic member 113 of the cleaning wiper blade is brought into contact with the glass plate 114, and the glass plate 114 is pulled using an electric ROBO cylinder (trade name: RCP4-SA5C, manufactured by IAI Corporation) 115, thereby evaluating the followability on the glass surface under given conditions.

[0278] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view showing the contact portion between the elastic component of the cleaning wiper blade and the glass surface. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, the elastic member 32 of the cleaning wiper blade is brought into contact with the glass surface 35 and adjusted to form an angle of 45 degrees relative to the glass surface 35. The elastic member 32 of the cleaning wiper blade is installed so that its direction of movement relative to the glass surface faces north-south. Figure 6 The arrows indicate the directions W and C, and the following performance is evaluated along each direction.

[0279] In the evaluation of followability, the force applied to the glass surface by the elastic member along the length direction, every 1m, was adjusted to 7N / m. Then, the followability was evaluated by sliding the silicone-coated glass surface, observing the state of the wiping residue on the glass surface from the back side of the cleaned surface, and visually confirming the impact on gloss uniformity and visibility.

[0280] The surface area of ​​the portion where the silicone film was removed was calculated as a percentage of the surface area wiped by the cleaning wiper blade (hereinafter referred to as the silicone film removal area ratio (%)). Following performance was evaluated based on the calculated silicone film removal area ratio according to the following criteria. The evaluation results, as the following performance of the cleaning wiper blade, are shown in Table 8.

[0281] [Wiping conditions]

[0282] Sweeper blade length for cleaning: 300mm

[0283] Glass plate moving speed: 10mm / sec

[0284] [Evaluation Criteria]

[0285] Grade A: Oil film removal area rate of over 95%

[0286] Grade B: Oil film removal area rate is 90% or more but less than 95%.

[0287] Grade C: Oil film removal area rate less than 90%

[0288]

[0289] Except for changing the testing environment to a high-temperature, high-humidity environment (50°C, 70% relative humidity) and using auditory confirmation of abnormal noise as the evaluation criterion for evaluating vibration, the same procedures as in the follow-up evaluation are performed. The contact portion of the cleaning wiper blade is softened by allowing it to stand in the high-temperature, high-humidity environment. This increases the contact area with the glass surface, increasing friction, and the temperature of the contact portion of the cleaning wiper blade rises to 55°C due to the heat generated by friction.

[0290] [Evaluation Criteria]

[0291] Level A: No abnormal noise is generated.

[0292] Grade B: Produces almost no abnormal noise

[0293] Level C: Produces abnormal noise

[0294] [Examples 32-44]

[0295] Except for the types and amounts of various materials used for the prepolymer and / or the types and amounts of various materials used for the curing agent shown in Tables 8 and 9, the cleaning wiper blades were produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 31.

[0296] [Compare Examples 5 and 6]

[0297] Except for the types and amounts of various materials used for the prepolymer and / or the types and amounts of various materials used for the curing agent as shown in Table 9, the cleaning wiper blades were produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 31.

[0298] The cleaning wiper blades obtained in Examples 32-44 and Comparative Examples 5 and 6 were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 31. The results are shown in Tables 8 and 9.

[0299] [Refer to Examples 1 and 2]

[0300] Except for the types and amounts of various materials used in the prepolymer and / or the types and amounts of various materials used in the curing agent as shown in Table 10, the polyurethane elastomer was produced in the same manner as in Example 1; then various physical properties were measured. The results are shown in Table 10.

[0301]

[0302]

[0303]

[0304]

[0305]

[0306]

[0307] [Table 10]

[0308] Table 10

[0309]

[0310] This disclosure relates to the following components.

[0311] (Component 1)

[0312] A cleaning member includes an elastic member comprising polyurethane, and the cleaning member cleans the surface of a member to be cleaned by at least a portion of the elastic member abutting against the surface of the member to be cleaned.

[0313] The measurement of the loss coefficient tanδ of samples taken from elastic members, including the portion that contacts the member being cleaned, was performed within a temperature range of -20℃ to +60℃.

[0314] The peak temperature representing the maximum value of tanδ is below 15.0℃, and the maximum value of tanδ is above 0.20 and below 0.55.

[0315] At a temperature of 55℃, the tanδ is greater than 0.13, where,

[0316] When a sample taken from an elastic member, including the portion that abuts against the member being cleaned, is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample at a heating rate of 10°C / sec, M2 / M1 is greater than or equal to 0.001, where M1 represents the detection amount of all ions obtained, and M2 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups.

[0317] (Component 2)

[0318] The cleaning component constituting 1, wherein M2 / M1 is 0.001 or more and 0.035 or less.

[0319] (Component 3)

[0320] The cleaning component constituting 1 or 2, wherein the polyurethane comprises the reaction product of the composition, said composition comprising:

[0321] Isocyanate compounds, including diisocyanates and polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups; and

[0322] Alcohols including polyfunctional alcohols with three or more functions.

[0323] (Component 4)

[0324] The cleaning components constituting 3, wherein,

[0325] When the sample is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample, M3 / M1 ranges from 0.025 to 0.130, where M3 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from diisocyanates.

[0326] (Component 5)

[0327] A cleaning component comprising any one of 1 to 4, wherein the polyfunctional isocyanate is at least one selected from the group consisting of polymeric MDI, triphenylmethane-4,4',4”-triisocyanate and trithiophosphate (phenylisocyanate).

[0328] (Composition 6)

[0329] The cleaning component comprising 3 or 4, wherein the diisocyanate is at least one selected from the group consisting of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, xylene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate, terephthalic diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, tetramethylxylene diisocyanate, and carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

[0330] (Component 7)

[0331] The cleaning component constitutes any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning component is an electrophotographic cleaning scraper.

[0332] (Composition 8)

[0333] The cleaning member constituting 7 further includes a support member that supports the elastic member.

[0334] (Composition 9)

[0335] A cleaning component constituting any one of 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning component is a vehicle wiping component for a wiping device for a vehicle windshield.

[0336] (Composition 10)

[0337] The cleaning components comprising 9, wherein the vehicle wiper component includes at least a vehicle wiper support and a lip that abuts against the surface of the windshield.

[0338] (Composition 11)

[0339] The cleaning components comprising 9 or 10, wherein the vehicle wiper component has at least a vehicle wiper support, a lip that abuts against the surface of the windshield, and a shoulder on the side of the vehicle wiper support of the lip.

[0340] (Composition 12)

[0341] The cleaning component comprising any one of 9 to 11, wherein the vehicle wiper component has at least a vehicle wiper support and a lip pivotally connected to the vehicle wiper support via a neck.

[0342] (Composition 13)

[0343] A cleaning member constituting any one of 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning member is a wiping cleaning member that cleans the surface of the member being cleaned by abutting the surface of the member being cleaned through the contact of the elastic member with the surface of the member being cleaned.

[0344] (Composition 14)

[0345] The cleaning member comprising 13 has an elastic member that abuts against the surface of the member being cleaned and an elastic member support portion that supports the elastic member in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member.

[0346] (Composition 15)

[0347] An elastic member comprising polyurethane, wherein

[0348] When measuring the loss coefficient tanδ of a sample taken from an elastic component within a temperature range of -20℃ to +60℃,

[0349] The peak temperature of the peak representing the maximum value of tanδ is below 15.0℃, and the maximum value of tanδ is above 0.20 and below 0.55;

[0350] At a temperature of 55℃, the tanδ is greater than 0.13; among which,

[0351] When a sample taken from an elastic component is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample, M2 / M1 is greater than 0.001, where M1 represents the detection amount of all ions obtained, and M2 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups.

[0352] (Composition 16)

[0353] An elastic member comprising 15, wherein M2 / M1 is greater than 0.001 and less than 0.035.

[0354] (Composition 17)

[0355] The elastic member comprising 15 or 16, wherein the polyurethane comprises the reaction product of the composition, said composition comprising:

[0356] Isocyanate compounds, including diisocyanates and polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups; and

[0357] Alcohols including polyfunctional alcohols with three or more functions.

[0358] (Composition 18)

[0359] The elastic member constituting any one of 15 to 17, wherein,

[0360] When the sample is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample, M3 / M1 ranges from 0.025 to 0.130, where M3 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from diisocyanates.

[0361] This disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are appended to disclose the scope of this disclosure.

[0362] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-094304, filed on June 4, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-079036, filed on May 12, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0363] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0364] 1. Cleaning components

[0365] 2. Elastic Components

[0366] 3 Supporting components

[0367] 4 Main side

[0368] 5. Together with the main surface, it forms the front face of the front end.

[0369] 6. Components to be cleaned

[0370] R is the direction of rotation of the component being cleaned.

[0371] 11. Support for vehicle wipers

[0372] 12 Neck

[0373] 13. Lips (front end)

[0374] 15 First lip surface

[0375] 16 Second lip surface

[0376] 17. Tip face

[0377] 18 First Edge

[0378] 19 Second Edge

[0379] 50 Cleaned components

[0380] 31. Grip section

[0381] 32 Elastic Components

[0382] 33 Elastic component support

[0383] 34 Support grip

[0384] 35 Cleaned components

[0385] 36. Lip surface

[0386] 38 Front end

[0387] 113 Elastic Components

[0388] 114 Glass Plate

[0389] 115 Electric ROBO Cylinder

Claims

1. A cleaning component, characterized in that, It includes an elastic member comprising polyurethane, and the cleaning member cleans the surface of the member being cleaned by at least a portion of the elastic member abutting against the surface of the member being cleaned. The polyurethane mentioned above is a reaction product comprising an isocyanate compound containing a diisocyanate and a polyfunctional isocyanate with trifunctionality or higher, and an alcohol containing a polyfunctional alcohol with trifunctionality or higher. The polyurethane raw material composition contains a catalyst. The catalyst is 2-[{2-(dimethylamino)ethyl}methylamino]ethanol or 2-{2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)ethanol. In the measurement of the loss coefficient tanδ of a sample taken from the elastic member, including the portion that abuts against the cleaned member, within a temperature range of -20°C to +60°C, The peak temperature representing the maximum value of tanδ is below 15.0℃, and the maximum value of tanδ is above 0.20 and below 0.

55. At a temperature of 55℃, the tanδ is greater than 0.15, where, When a sample taken from the elastic member, including the portion that abuts against the member being cleaned, is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample, M2 / M1 is greater than or equal to 0.001, where M1 represents the detection amount of all ions obtained, and M2 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups.

2. The cleaning component according to claim 1, wherein M2 / M1 is 0.001 or more and 0.035 or less.

3. The cleaning component according to claim 1, wherein, When the sample is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample, M3 / M1 is 0.025 to 0.130, where M3 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from the diisocyanate.

4. The cleaning component according to claim 1, wherein the polyfunctional isocyanate is at least one selected from the group consisting of polymeric MDI, triphenylmethane-4,4',4''-triisocyanate and trithiophosphate (phenylisocyanate).

5. The cleaning component according to claim 1, wherein the diisocyanate is at least one selected from the group consisting of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, xylene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate, terephthalic diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, tetramethylxylene diisocyanate, and carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

6. The cleaning component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning component is an electrophotographic cleaning scraper.

7. The cleaning member according to claim 6, further comprising a support member supporting the elastic member.

8. The cleaning component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning component is a vehicle wiping component for a wiping device for a vehicle windshield.

9. The cleaning component according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle wiper component includes at least a vehicle wiper support and a lip that abuts against the surface of the windshield.

10. The cleaning member according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle wiper member has at least a vehicle wiper support, a lip abutting against the surface of the windshield, and a shoulder on the vehicle wiper support side of the lip.

11. The cleaning member according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle wiper member has at least a vehicle wiper support and a lip pivotally connected to the vehicle wiper support via a neck.

12. The cleaning member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning member is a wiping cleaning member that cleans the surface of the member being cleaned by the contact between the elastic member and the surface of the member being cleaned.

13. The cleaning member according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning member has an elastic member abutting against the surface of the member being cleaned and an elastic member support portion supporting the elastic member in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member.

14. An elastic member comprising polyurethane, characterized in that, The polyurethane is a reaction product comprising an isocyanate compound containing diisocyanate and polyfunctional isocyanate with trifunctionality or higher, and an alcohol containing polyfunctional alcohol with trifunctionality or higher. The polyurethane raw material composition contains a catalyst. The catalyst is 2-[{2-(dimethylamino)ethyl}methylamino]ethanol or 2-{2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)ethanol. When the loss coefficient tanδ of a sample taken from the elastic member is measured within a temperature range of -20℃ to +60℃, The peak temperature of the peak representing the maximum value of tanδ is below 15.0℃, and the maximum value of tanδ is above 0.20 and below 0.55; At a temperature of 55℃, the tanδ is greater than 0.15; among which, When the sample taken from the elastic member is heated and vaporized in the ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample, M2 / M1 is greater than 0.001, where M1 represents the detection amount of all ions obtained, and M2 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from polyfunctional isocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups.

15. The elastic member according to claim 14, wherein M2 / M1 is 0.001 or more and 0.035 or less.

16. The elastic member according to claim 14, wherein, When the sample is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / sec using a direct sample introduction mass spectrometer that ionizes the molecules constituting the sample, M3 / M1 is 0.025 to 0.130, where M3 represents the peak integral intensity in the extracted ion temperature spectrum corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from the diisocyanate.

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