Method for regenerating electronic photograph cleaning blade and method for manufacturing regenerated electronic photograph cleaning blade

Abstract

To provide a method for regenerating an electronic photograph cleaning blade capable of recovering cleaning performance.SOLUTION: A method for regenerating an electronic photograph cleaning blade including an elastic member including at least a part of a tip on a free edge side constituting a contact part with a member to be cleaned and a support member for supporting the elastic member, comprises: a step of preparing the regenerated elastic member; and a cutting step of causing a cutting blade to enter into the elastic member from the side part of the elastic member in one end A of the elastic member and relatively moving the cutting blade to the elastic member toward the other end B of the elastic member to remove at least a part of the contact part. A sample sampled from the elastic member has a storage modulus E' of 90.0-500.0 MPa at a vibration frequency of 1×103 Hz and a fracture stress of 4.2-30.0 MPa.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade that is disposed in an image forming apparatus utilizing an electrostatic transfer process and has a blade member and a support member for removing residual toner on a photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus. The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a regenerated electrophotographic cleaning blade. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices using an electrostatic transfer process, such as electrophotographic copiers and laser beam printers, adhere toner onto an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum, and transfer the image to a copier to perform copying or printing. As one method for removing residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum after transfer, a method using an electrophotographic cleaning blade made of an elastic member made of urethane elastomer and a support member that supports the elastic member has been put to practical use.

[0003] The electrophotographic cleaning blade is pressed against the photosensitive drum in a counter direction to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum, and removes residual toner by contacting the photosensitive drum with a predetermined pressure. The electrophotographic cleaning blade built into a used cartridge may wear at the edge portion in contact with the photosensitive drum due to long-term use, which may cause poor cleaning performance and other deterioration in wiping performance. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for restoring an electrophotographic cleaning blade to a good condition by cutting off the tip portion and reforming the edge portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-221347 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, according to the studies of the present inventors, when an electrophotographic cleaning blade was regenerated by the regeneration method according to Patent Document 1, the wiping performance of the electrophotographic cleaning blade was not fully satisfactory. At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade, capable of regenerating the wiping performance of an electrophotographic cleaning blade whose wiping performance has deteriorated, to a better level. Also, at least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a method for producing a regenerated electrophotographic cleaning blade that exhibits excellent wiping performance similar to that of a new one. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, A method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade, comprising the steps of: the electrophotographic cleaning blade comprises the elastic member and a support member that supports the elastic member, At least a part of the tip of the elastic member on the free end side constitutes a contact portion with the member to be cleaned, The regeneration method comprises: providing the elastic member to be regenerated; The cutting blade penetrates the elastic member from the side of the elastic member at one end A of the elastic member. and a cutting step of inserting the cutting blade into the elastic member and moving the cutting blade relatively to the elastic member toward the other end B of the elastic member to remove at least a part of the contact portion, A sample is taken from the elastic member so as to include at least a part of the contact portion, and the vibration frequency is measured in an environment at a temperature of 24° C. 3 The storage modulus E' at 100 Hz is 90.0 to 500.0 MPa, and The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade, wherein the breaking stress of the sample measured in an environment at a temperature of 24° C. is 4.2 to 30.0 MPa.

[0007] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for producing a remanufactured cleaning blade, comprising the steps of: There is also provided a method for producing a recycled cleaning blade, comprising a step of obtaining an elastic member recycled by the above-described method for recycling a cleaning blade. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade, which can restore the cleaning performance of an electrophotographic cleaning blade whose wiping performance has deteriorated, and a method for producing a regenerated electrophotographic cleaning blade that exhibits excellent wiping performance similar to that of a new one. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrophotographic cleaning blade. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating deformation of the tip of the elastic member due to the penetration of the blade. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating deformation of the tip of a highly hardened elastic member caused by the penetration of a blade. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in a regeneration method. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an elastic member regenerating device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cutting unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cutting unit and a clamping member. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a clamping member. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a pressing member. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a biasing member; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the macro shape of a conventional elastic member after being recycled; [Figure 12]FIG. 11 is a further enlarged schematic explanatory view of the periphery of the blade portion and the tip of the elastic member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the present disclosure, the description of "XX or more and YY or less" or "XX to YY" expressing a numerical range means a numerical range including the lower and upper limits, which are the endpoints, unless otherwise specified. When a numerical range is described in stages, the upper and lower limits of each numerical range can be arbitrarily combined. In addition, in the present disclosure, a description such as "at least one selected from the group consisting of XX, YY, and ZZ" means any of XX, YY, ZZ, a combination of XX and YY, a combination of XX and ZZ, a combination of YY and ZZ, or a combination of XX, YY, and ZZ.

[0011] Members to be cleaned using an electrophotographic cleaning blade (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cleaning blade") include image carriers such as photoreceptors (for example, photosensitive drums), and endless belts such as intermediate transfer belts.

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, specific examples of the embodiments for carrying out this disclosure will be described. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the member to which the disclosure is applied and various conditions. In other words, it is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to the following embodiments. In addition, in the following description, the same The components having the above functions are given the same reference numbers in the drawings, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0013] <Cleaning blade configuration> FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a cleaning blade 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning blade 1 includes an elastic member 3 and a support member 300 that supports the elastic member 3. The end of the elastic member 3 opposite to the end supported by the support member 300 is defined as a free end. For example, in FIG. 1A, the side of the arrow A is the free end side. Also, the free end of the elastic member 3 and its adjacent side are defined as the free end side. Also, the free end side of the elastic member 3 is also referred to as the tip of the elastic member or the tip of the cleaning blade. Note that the end of the elastic member 3 supported by the support member 300 (i.e., the opposite side to the free end side of the elastic member 3) is also referred to as the base 100 side. For example, in FIG. 1A, the side of the arrow B of the elastic member is the base 100 side.

[0014] 1B is an example that shows a schematic cross-sectional state of the cleaning blade in contact with the member to be cleaned. The elastic member 3 has a main surface 4 that faces the member to be cleaned 6, and a tip surface 5 that, together with the main surface 4, forms a tip edge 101 (first edge 101). The tip edge 101 is the contact portion (contact portion) of the cleaning blade that comes into contact with the member to be cleaned. The surface 4-2 opposite to the main surface 4 may, together with the tip surface 5, form a tip edge 101-2 (second edge 101-2). R indicates the rotation direction of the member to be cleaned.

[0015] 1A and 1B, the elastic member 3 may have, at least on the free end side, a plate-shaped portion 105 having a main surface 4 facing a member to be cleaned 6 and a tip surface 5 forming a tip edge 101 (first edge 101) together with the main surface 4. A surface 4-2 of the plate-shaped portion 105 opposite to the main surface 4 may form a tip edge 101-2 (second edge 101-2) together with the tip surface 5. The elastic member 3 may be entirely plate-shaped.

[0016] At least a portion of the contact portion that is removed by performing a regeneration process using the regeneration method according to the present disclosure is a part of the tip of the elastic member 3, and is a portion that includes at least the tip surface 5. It is preferable that at least a portion of the contact portion that is removed includes the tip surface 5, the first edge 101, and the second edge 101-2.

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, specific examples of embodiments for carrying out this disclosure will be described. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the member to which the disclosure is applied and various conditions. In other words, it is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to the following embodiments. In addition, in the following description, components having the same function are given the same numbers in the drawings, and their description may be omitted.

[0018] The present inventors have investigated the reason why the wiping performance of a regenerated elastic member made of a conventional soft urethane elastomer is inferior to that of a new cleaning blade, which is regenerated by the cleaning blade regeneration method according to Patent Document 1. First, the present inventors closely observed the cut surface of the regenerated elastic member. As a result, they found that the cut surface had a wavy, irregular shape (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "chatter shape").

[0019] Therefore, the present inventors conducted detailed observations of the microscopic behavior of the blade and the elastic member when a conventional elastic member was regenerated by the regeneration method according to Patent Document 1. First, in cutting, the blade for regeneration was brought into contact with the side surface of one end of the part to be cut of the elastic member 3 (see FIG. 2A), and then the blade was inserted into the elastic member. As a result, it was found that the pressure of the blade at the time of insertion caused a large elastic deformation of the side surface of the part to be cut, i.e., the part into which the blade had entered, as shown in FIG. 2B, and that the elastic member was then broken and the cutting progressed.

[0020] In addition, in the process of moving the blade from one end of the elastic member to the other end, It was found that the repeated elastic deformation and breakage of the elastic member sometimes resulted in a chattered cut surface (Fig. 2C). It is believed that such a cut surface shape causes the regenerated elastic member to come into uneven contact with the surface of the member being cleaned, resulting in uneven cleaning of the surface being cleaned.

[0021] Based on these considerations, the inventors have come to the realization that, when regenerating an elastic member, it is extremely important to prevent deformation of the elastic member when the blade portion enters, and to prevent repeated deformation and breakage of the elastic member as the blade portion advances, in order to prevent irregularities in the cut surface and obtain a recycled cleaning blade with excellent cleaning performance.

[0022] The present inventors first considered increasing the hardness of the elastic member 3 in order to suppress deformation of the elastic member when the blade penetrates (FIG. 3A). As a result, the high hardness of the elastic member suppressed the elastic deformation of the elastic member when the blade penetrates, as shown in FIG. 3B. However, it was confirmed that when the blade was then advanced and the elastic member was broken, an excessive load was applied to the elastic member, the direction of advance of the blade became unstable, and the shape of the cut surface became a wavy, disordered shape with a shorter pitch than when the hardness of the elastic member was low (FIG. 3C). A recycled elastic member having such a shape may also contact the surface to be cleaned unevenly, resulting in uneven cleaning performance.

[0023] From these analytical results, it was recognized that in order to obtain a recycled cleaning blade that exhibits excellent cleaning performance similar to that of a new one, it is effective to use an elastic member that is difficult to deform when the blade penetrates and has physical properties that do not impede the smooth advancement of the blade after penetration. As a result of further investigation based on this recognition, it was found that setting the storage modulus and breaking stress of the elastic member used for cutting within a predetermined range contributes to the manufacture of a recycled cleaning blade that has a uniform cut surface and exhibits excellent wiping performance similar to that of a new one.

[0024] <Detailed analysis of the cutting phenomenon> The present inventors have found that, for example, the elastic member of the embodiment described below and the cleaning blade using the elastic member can suppress the elastic deformation of the elastic member when the blade portion enters for recycling and also suppress the load at the time of breakage. As a result, it has been found that the occurrence of chattering during cutting is suppressed and the cleaning performance after recycling is restored to the same level as a new product. This makes it possible to reuse the elastic member repeatedly, promoting the effective use of resources.

[0025] When examining the deformability of the blade when it penetrates, the blade collides with the elastic material, and the deformation and breakage of the elastic material due to the blade progresses. Therefore, it was recognized that the deformability against the stress generated in the very short time of the blade collision is important, and it was found that this deformability correlates with the elastic modulus when a high frequency vibration is applied. When evaluating the frequency dependence of the elastic modulus of general elastic material, the scale of the vibrating structure becomes smaller as a high frequency vibration is applied, and the value tends to be higher. From these results, it was decided that the vibration frequency of the elastic material, 1×10 3 It was found that by setting the storage modulus in Hz within a certain range, deformation of the cutting edge during insertion can be stably suppressed.

[0026] Specifically, in an environment with a temperature of 24°C, the vibration frequency is set to 1×10 3 When the storage modulus (hereinafter also referred to as "E'") of a sample sampled from the elastic member at Hz is 90.0 to 500.0 MPa, the blade portion can be inserted into the side surface of the elastic member without applying an excessive pressing force to the blade portion, and deformation of the elastic member when the blade portion penetrates can be suppressed. The storage modulus E' is preferably 100.0 to 400.0 MPa, and more preferably 134.0 to 400.0 MPa.

[0027] The inventors also conducted detailed observations of the elastic member as the blade progressed through the elastic member during cutting, and confirmed that the elastic member was locally stretched and deformed as the blade progressed, and then the elastic member was broken and cut.

[0028] In other words, it is believed that the repeated stretching and subsequent breaking of the elastic member as the blade advances causes the chatter shape of the cut surface. Based on this consideration, the inventors of the present invention have conducted further research. As a result, they have found that adjusting the breaking stress of the elastic member to be regenerated within a predetermined range contributes to the smooth advancement of the blade.

[0029] Specifically, by setting the breaking stress of the elastic member in the range of 4.2 to 30.0 MPa, stable progression of the blade portion can be achieved. When the breaking stress is 4.2 MPa or more, it is possible to prevent the blade portion from breaking prior to progression. Furthermore, when the breaking stress is 30.0 MPa or less, it is possible to prevent disturbance in the progression direction of the blade portion due to an increase in the load on the blade portion as it progresses through the elastic member. The breaking stress of the elastic member is preferably 8.0 to 28.0 MPa, and more preferably 10.0 to 25.0 MPa.

[0030] As described above, in order to prevent the cut surface of the recycled elastic member from becoming chatter-like and to ensure that the cleaning performance of the recycled elastic member is comparable to that of a new elastic member, it is preferable that the elastic member satisfy the following characteristics i) and ii). Property i) Vibration frequency of a sample sampled from an elastic member so as to include at least a part of the contact portion in a 24°C environment is 1×10 3 The storage modulus in Hz is 90.0 to 500.0 MPa. Property ii) The breaking stress of the sample is 4.2 to 30.0 MPa.

[0031] In conventional elastic members, when E' is designed to be high, the breaking stress tends to increase accordingly, and therefore it is difficult to keep E' and the breaking stress within the above range at the same time. In other words, when E' is small as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the elastic member deforms when the blade penetrates, and the shape of the blade penetration part becomes distorted. On the other hand, when E' is large as shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the breaking stress also increases accordingly, the load on the blade becomes excessive, and the penetration of the blade becomes unstable. As a result, in either case, the cut surface becomes uneven. Therefore, a specific configuration of an elastic member that can set both the E' and breaking stress, which are the characteristics of the present disclosure, within the above ranges will be described below.

[0032] <Elastic material> The material satisfying the above specific E' and breaking stress is not particularly limited, but specifically, the elastic member preferably contains polyurethane. The polyurethane is preferably a polyurethane elastomer.

[0033] Polyurethane elastomers are mainly obtained from raw materials such as polyols, chain extenders, polyisocyanates, catalysts, and other additives. Polyurethane elastomers consist of hard segments and soft segments. Hard segments are generally composed of polyisocyanates and chain extenders containing short-chain diols. For example, they refer to aggregated crystalline components of urethane bonds, nurate bonds, crosslinking points, and components with low molecular mobility near the crosslinking points. On the other hand, soft segments are generally composed of long-chain polyols such as polyester polyols, polyether polyols, and polycarbonate polyols, and polyisocyanates. For example, they refer to segments between crosslinking points.

[0034] In order to set the storage modulus E' and breaking stress within the above ranges, it is preferable that the hard segments and soft segments in the polyurethane are finely and uniformly dispersed. When the hard segment and the soft segment are not uniformly dispersed, some components with high mobility may cause large deformation due to the penetration of the blade, and some components with low mobility may cause large load when the blade penetrates. As a result, the penetration of the blade becomes unstable, resulting in chattering. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve both the storage modulus and the breaking stress in the above range according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Conventional polyurethanes have relatively large hard segments formed by further agglomeration of urethane bonds that have aggregated due to interaction. In order to improve mechanical strength such as storage modulus, it is common to form relatively large aggregates of hard segments. According to the studies of the present inventors, elastic members made using such polyurethanes do not simultaneously satisfy both the storage modulus and breaking stress within the above ranges according to the present disclosure.

[0036] In addition, the vibration frequency is 1×10 3 In the high frequency range such as 100 Hz, the hard segments of polyurethane have relatively low molecular mobility and cannot move sufficiently. Therefore, it is considered that the storage modulus E' in the high frequency range is mainly governed by the movement of the soft segments, which have relatively high molecular mobility. Therefore, in order to obtain a polyurethane with a storage modulus E' within the above range, it is effective to reduce the molecular mobility of the soft segments.

[0037] The molecular mobility of the soft segment can be reduced, for example, by at least one selected from the group consisting of introducing a branched structure (three-dimensional structure) into the molecular structure of the polyurethane and shortening the distance between crosslinking points. The introduction of a branched structure and shortening the distance between crosslinking points can reduce the molecular mobility of the soft segment, and as a result, the storage modulus in the high frequency range can be increased. In addition, the introduction of a branched structure and shortening the distance between crosslinking points can suppress crystallization due to stacking of soft segments, and further prevent aggregation of hard segments. As a result, the formation of giant hard segments due to aggregation of hard segments in the polyurethane is suppressed, which also contributes to fine and uniform dispersion of the hard segments.

[0038] Hereinafter, examples of polyurethanes in which hard segments are finely and uniformly dispersed will be described. However, the constituent materials of the elastic portion according to the present disclosure are not limited to these polyurethanes. As one example, a cured product of a urethane raw material containing a diisocyanate or a multifunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups and a diol or a multifunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups in an appropriate concentration range has a branched structure in the molecular structure of the polyurethane, and agglomeration of the hard segments is suppressed, so that a polyurethane in which the hard segments are finely and uniformly dispersed can be obtained.

[0039] Specifically, for example, it is preferable to use at least one of an alcohol containing a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups and an isocyanate compound containing a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups as a urethane raw material. It is also preferable to use an alcohol containing at least one selected from a diol and a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups and an isocyanate compound containing a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups as a urethane raw material. It is also preferable to use an alcohol containing a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups and an isocyanate compound containing a diisocyanate and a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups as a urethane raw material. In particular, it is preferable to use a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups and a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups as a urethane raw material.

[0040] For example, the polyurethane elastomer is preferably a reaction product of polyurethane raw materials including an isocyanate compound containing 4,4'-MDI, a polyester polyol, and a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups. It is more preferable that the polyurethane raw material contains a polyfunctional alcohol having a functionality of three or more.

[0041] The polyurethane obtained as a reaction product of a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate and a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol has molecular orientation suppressed by steric hindrance, and the aggregation of hard segments is more reliably suppressed. In addition, the molecular mobility of the soft segments is also reduced, making this polyurethane suitable for achieving the storage modulus E' and breaking stress according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Furthermore, when the soft segment portion has, for example, a linear alkylene structure, the soft segments stack together to increase crystallinity. As a result, the hard segments also become less likely to disperse. Therefore, introducing an alkylene structure having a side chain portion into the soft segment portion is also effective in suppressing the aggregation of the hard segments. Specifically, for example, introducing a partial structure such as those shown in the following structural formulas (i) to (iv) into the soft segment portion between two urethane bonds is effective in miniaturizing the hard segments. -CH 2 -CH(CH 3 )-CH 2 -CH 2 -O- (i) -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH(CH 3 )-CH 2 -O- (ii) -CH 2 -CH(CH 3 )-O- (iii) -CH(CH 3 )-CH 2 -O- (iv)

[0043] The structures of structural formulas (i) and (ii) are structures resulting from ring-opening polymerization of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran, and are substantially the same. The structures of structural formulas (iii) and (iv) are structures resulting from ring-opening polymerization of 1,2-propylene oxide, and are substantially the same. A urethane resin having these structures between two adjacent urethane bonds can be obtained by reacting a polyether polyol or polyester polyol having these structures with an isocyanate. Here, when a bifunctional alcohol (diol) and a bifunctional isocyanate (diisocyanate) are used as the urethane raw material, it is usually difficult to finely disperse the hard segment. However, by introducing the above partial structure into the soft segment portion, it is possible to finely disperse the hard segment, even when a diol and a diisocyanate are used as the urethane raw material. As a result, a polyurethane that provides an elastic member that satisfies the parameters according to the present disclosure can be obtained.

[0044] In addition to introducing a side chain into the soft segment portion as described above, a method of suppressing crystallization due to stacking of soft segments and preventing aggregation of hard segments can be exemplified by using two or more alcohols with different carbon numbers in the linear portion as the alcohol of the urethane raw material. Even if the polyurethane obtained by using two or more alcohols with different carbon numbers in the linear portion has a linear alkylene structure in the soft segment portion, the difference in carbon numbers can suppress crystallization due to stacking of soft segments. In addition, the difference in carbon numbers in the soft segment portion can suppress aggregation of the urethane bond portion, thereby preventing aggregation of the hard segment. Therefore, even when a diol and a diisocyanate having a linear alkylene structure in the molecule are used as urethane raw materials, the hard segment can be made fine by using multiple types of diols having different carbon numbers in the linear alkylene structure as the diol. As a result, a polyurethane that provides an elastic member that satisfies the parameters according to the present disclosure can be obtained. The maximum difference in the carbon numbers of the linear parts of two or more types of alcohol is, for example, preferably 6 or less, more preferably 4 or less. It is preferable that a long-chain polyol such as a polyester polyol, a polyether polyol, or a polycarbonate polyol contains two or more types of alcohols having different carbon numbers in the linear parts. More specifically, an example of multiple types of diols is, for example, a combination of polybutylene adipate polyester polyol and polyhexylene adipate polyester polyol.

[0045] Examples of the alcohol include the following: polyester polyols such as polyethylene adipate polyester polyol, polybutylene adipate polyester polyol, polyhexylene adipate polyester polyol, (polyethylene / polypropylene) adipate polyester polyol, (polyethylene / polybutylene) adipate polyester polyol, and (polyethylene / polyneopentylene) adipate polyester polyol; polycaprolactone polyols obtained by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactone; polyether polyols such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polytetramethylene ether glycol; and polycarbonate diols. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0046] As described above, it is preferable to use two or more polyols having different carbon numbers in the linear portion (alkylene chain) as the alcohol, since it is possible to obtain a urethane in which the crystallization of the soft segment is suppressed and the aggregation of the hard segment is suppressed. In this case, it is preferable to use at least two selected from the group consisting of polyester polyols such as polyethylene adipate polyester polyol, polybutylene adipate polyester polyol, polyhexylene adipate polyester polyol, (polyethylene / polypropylene) adipate polyester polyol, (polyethylene / polybutylene) adipate polyester polyol, and (polyethylene / polyneopentylene) adipate polyester polyol.

[0047] Among the components of the polyurethane elastomer, the content of the tri- or higher functional polyfunctional isocyanate is preferably 8 to 30 mass%, more preferably 12 to 20 mass%, however, it is important to satisfy the storage modulus E' and breaking stress, and it is not necessary to use the tri- or higher functional polyfunctional isocyanate. Among the components of the polyurethane elastomer, the content of polyol such as polyester polyol is preferably from 50 to 80% by mass, more preferably from 55 to 70% by mass. Among the components of the polyurethane elastomer, the content of trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol is preferably 1 to 15 mass %, more preferably 2 to 10 mass %.

[0048] As the chain extender, a diol capable of extending the polyurethane elastomer chain or a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups can also be used. Examples of diols include 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-cyclohexanedimethanol, xylylene glycol (terephthalyl alcohol), and triethylene glycol. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of the polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups include trimethylolpropane (TMP), glycerin, pentaerythritol, and sorbitol. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0049] One method for improving the storage modulus of a polyurethane elastomer is to introduce a three-dimensional crosslinked structure. The introduction of a three-dimensional crosslinked structure is preferable from the viewpoint of making E' and breaking stress in the above range according to the present disclosure. As a method for introducing a three-dimensional crosslinked structure, for example, it is preferable to use a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups as the chain extender. Furthermore, the introduction of a branched structure into polyurethane by using a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups can suppress the crystallization of the polyurethane and further suppress the aggregation of hard segments. Here, it is preferable to use a trifunctional alcohol as the polyfunctional alcohol from the viewpoint of suppressing an excessive increase in hardness caused by an excessively high crosslinking degree of the polyurethane. However, triols that have a methylene skeleton next to a hydroxyl group and can form a flexible crosslinked structure in terms of molecular structure are preferred because they have a stronger effect of suppressing the crystallinity of the hard segment. Examples of such triols include trimethylolpropane (TMP) and glycerin.

[0050] Examples of the isocyanate compound include the following: 4,4'-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (4,4'-MDI), Polymeric MDI, 2,4-Tolylene Diisocyanate (2,4-TDI), 2,6-Tolylene Diisocyanate (2,6-TDI), Xylene Diisocyanate (XDI), 1,5-Naphthylene Diisocyanate (1,5-NDI), p-Phenylene Diisocyanate (PPDI), Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI), Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI), 4,4'-Dicyclohexylmethane Diisocyanate (Hydrogenated MDI), Tetramethylxylene Diisocyanate (TMXDI), Carbodiimide Modified MDI, Triphenylmethane-4,4',4''-Triisocyanate (TTI), Tris(phenylisocyanate)thiophosphate (TPTI).

[0051] Among them, from the viewpoint of obtaining high mechanical properties, 4,4'-MDI, in which two isocyanate groups have the same reactivity, is preferred. In addition, it is preferred to use a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups in combination. By using a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups, a branched structure can be introduced into the polyurethane, which is effective in further suppressing the aggregation of the hard segments. In addition, since a denser crosslinked structure can be introduced into the polyurethane, the polyurethane can have the storage modulus and breaking stress according to the present disclosure. Among the constituent components of the polyurethane elastomer, the content of an isocyanate compound (diisocyanate) other than a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate is preferably from 5 to 40% by mass, more preferably from 10 to 35% by mass.

[0052] The trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate may be at least one selected from the group consisting of triphenylmethane-4,4',4''-triisocyanate (TTI), tris(phenylisocyanate)thiophosphate (TPTI) and polymeric MDI. Among them, tris(phenylisocyanate)thiophosphate (TPTI) and polymeric MDI are more preferably used. These isocyanates have a methylene group or an ether group between multiple NCO groups, and can appropriately maintain the distance between multiple urethane bonds. Therefore, they are advantageous in suppressing aggregation of hard segments.

[0053] Here, polymeric MDI is represented by the following chemical formula (1) and chemical formula (1)'. In chemical formula (1)', n is preferably 2 or more and 4 or less. Moreover, chemical formula (1) is the case where n is 1 in chemical formula (1)'. [ka]

[0054] When the polyurethane in the elastic member according to the present disclosure is a cured product of a composition containing an isocyanate compound including a diisocyanate and a polyfunctional isocyanate having three or more functional groups, and an alcohol including a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups, the elastic member preferably has the following physical properties. That is, the sample sampled from the elastic member is heated and vaporized in an ionization chamber, and heated to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C / s using a mass spectrometer of a direct sample introduction type that ionizes the sample molecules. The amount of all ions detected as a result is defined as M1, and the integrated intensity of the peak of the extracted ion thermogram corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate is defined as M2. In this case, M2 / M1 is preferably 0.0015 to 0.0150, and more preferably 0.0030 to 0.0150. More preferably 0.0100 to 0.0145.

[0055] Furthermore, when the integrated intensity of the peak in the extracted ion thermogram corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​derived from the diisocyanate is M3, M3 / M1 on the tip surface and / or the main surface is preferably 0.0200 to 0.1100, and more preferably 0.0380 to 0.0760.

[0056] When M2 / M1 and M3 / M1 are within the above ranges, an appropriate amount of a structure derived from a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate having low crystallinity is introduced into the polyurethane in the elastic member, which results in suppressing aggregation of hard segments and allowing the hard segments to be more finely and uniformly dispersed. In addition, excessive development of crosslinked structures in the polyurethane is suppressed, and the storage modulus E' can be more easily adjusted to within the range of 90.0 to 500.0 MPa and the breaking stress to within the range of 4.2 to 30.0.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that M2 / M3 is 0.0130 or more and 0.3000 or less. M2 / M3 is a parameter that represents the ratio of a structural part derived from a diisocyanate to a structural part derived from a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate in the structure derived from an isocyanate of the polyurethane. By setting M2 / M3 within the above range, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the elastic modulus of the polyurethane, and also to further suppress the aggregation of hard segments in the polyester.

[0058] Here, when the polyurethane in the elastic member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a polyurethane manufactured using polymeric MDI represented by the above chemical formula (1)' as a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate as one of the raw materials, the extraction obtained by the above mass spectrometry In the ion thermogram, M2 may be the sum of the integrated intensities of peaks in the extracted ion thermogram corresponding to the range of m / z values ​​of 380.5 to 381.5 resulting from n=1 in the structure represented by chemical formula (1)', the range of m / z values ​​of 511.5 to 512.5 resulting from n=2, the range of m / z values ​​of 642.5 to 643.5 resulting from n=3, and the range of m / z values ​​of 773.5 to 774.5 resulting from n=4.

[0059] Furthermore, when the polyurethane in the elastic member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a polyurethane produced using 4,4'-MDI represented by the following chemical formula (2) as one of the raw materials as a bifunctional isocyanate (diisocyanate), the integrated intensity of a peak corresponding to an m / z value in the range of 249.5 to 250.5 derived from the structure represented by chemical formula (2) in the extracted ion thermogram obtained by the above-mentioned mass spectrometry may be defined as M3. [ka]

[0060] Furthermore, when the polyurethane in the elastic member according to the present embodiment is a reaction product of a raw material composition containing an alcohol including a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol, particularly when a polyfunctional isocyanate is used in combination so that M2 / M1 is 0.0010 to 0.0150, the elastic portion preferably has the following physical properties. That is, a sample sampled from the polyurethane is measured by pyrolysis GCMS (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry). At this time, the concentration of the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol in the polyurethane is preferably 0.04 mmol / g to 0.39 mmol / g, more preferably 0.14 mmol / g to 0.39 mmol / g, and even more preferably 0.18 mmol / g to 0.39 mmol / g. When the concentration of the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol is 0.04 mmol / g or more, the aggregation of the hard segment can be more reliably suppressed. In addition, when the concentration of the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol is 0.39 mmol / g or less, excessive development of the crosslinked structure in the polyurethane can be suppressed, and the storage modulus can be prevented from becoming too high. The concentration of the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol in the polyurethane is calculated by the following formula (2).

[0061] Equation (2): Concentration of trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol (mmol / g) = [Amount of trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol (g) / Molecular weight of trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol x 1 000) / [Polyurethane mass (g)]

[0062] Another example of a polyurethane that provides an elastomer satisfying the storage modulus and breaking stress of this embodiment is a cured product of a polyurethane raw material that contains almost no polyfunctional isocyanate, specifically, has an M2 / M1 ratio of less than 0.0015, and contains a diisocyanate such as trimethylolpropane (TMP) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) as a crosslinking component.

[0063] TMP has a methylene skeleton next to the hydroxyl group, so it can give polyurethanes with a flexible three-dimensional crosslinked structure in terms of molecular structure. The crosslinked structure derived from TMP is flexible and can form a branched structure through crosslinking. Therefore, by reducing the amount of polyfunctional isocyanate used and using TMP primarily, it is possible to prevent the material from becoming excessively rigid and introduce crosslinks at a higher density. By introducing the three-dimensional crosslinked structure derived from TMP at a high density, the crosslink density is increased and the soft segments present between the crosslinked structures are also improved. The cross-linked structure derived from TMP makes it difficult for the soft segments to interact with each other, which in turn makes it possible to prevent the formation of a crystal structure due to interaction between the soft segments, i.e., the formation of hard segments.

[0064] In addition, uniforming the length of the soft segment is effective in preventing aggregation of the hard segment derived from the urethane bond. For polyurethane in which the distance between crosslinking points is short and the length between crosslinking points is uniform, for example, it is preferable to set the number average molecular weight of the prepolymer as the raw material of the polyurethane in the range of 8000 to 120000, and to avoid using a chain extender such as 1,4-butanediol as much as possible, and in particular, it is preferable not to use 1,4-butanediol at all. It is also preferable not to use 1,4-butanediol in terms of the ease of forming a crystal structure. In this way, the polyurethane that gives an elastomer satisfying the storage modulus E' and breaking stress according to the present disclosure can be produced without using a polyfunctional isocyanate such as Polymec MDI as a raw material. In particular, when it is desired to obtain an elastic member having a lower storage modulus E' within the range (90.0 to 500.0 MPa) according to the present disclosure, it is effective to reduce the amount of polyfunctional isocyanate such as polymeric MDI used or to use no polyfunctional isocyanate at all and to use polyurethane into which a three-dimensional crosslinked structure derived from TMP has been introduced.

[0065] In the case of polyurethanes which hardly use polyfunctional isocyanates as raw materials, specifically polyurethanes which provide elastic bodies which satisfy the storage modulus E' and breaking stress according to the present disclosure when M2 / M1 is less than 0.0015, it is preferable that M2 / M1 is less than 0.0015 and that the concentration of components derived from trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohols in the polyurethane is 0.30 to 0.70 mmol / g, more preferably 0.40 to 0.61 mmol / g, and even more preferably 0.50 to 0.60 mmol / g.

[0066] Furthermore, in polyurethanes that hardly use polyfunctional isocyanate as a raw material, specifically when M2 / M1 is less than 0.0015, and that provide an elastic body that satisfies the storage modulus E' and breaking stress according to the present disclosure, M2 / M1 is more preferably 0.0008 or less. The smaller M2 / M1 is, the more preferable, and although there is no particular lower limit, it is preferably 0.0000 or more. With M2 / M1 in the above range, it is preferable that the concentration of the component derived from the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional alcohol in the polyurethane is 0.30 to 0.70 mmol / g, more preferably 0.40 to 0.61 mmol / g, and more preferably 0.50 to 0.60 mmol / g.

[0067] The polyurethane raw material may contain a catalyst for promoting the reaction of the isocyanate compound and the alcohol. As the catalyst, a catalyst generally used for curing polyurethane elastomers may be used, for example, a tertiary amine catalyst or a tertiary amino alcohol. Specific examples of the catalyst include the following:

[0068] Aminoalcohols such as dimethylethanolamine, N,N,N'-trimethylaminopropylethanolamine, and N,N'-dimethylhexanolamine; trialkylamines such as triethylamine; tetraalkyldiamines such as N,N,N'N'-tetramethyl-1,3-butanediamine; triethylenediamine, piperazine-based compounds, and triazine-based compounds. 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.

[0069] In addition, organic acid salts of metals such as potassium acetate and potassium alkali octylate can also be used. Furthermore, metal catalysts that are usually used in urethanization, such as dibutyltin dilaurate, can also be used. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0070] The raw materials constituting the elastic member may contain additives such as pigments, plasticizers, waterproofing agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, and hydrolysis inhibitors, as necessary, to the extent that they do not affect the regeneration of the elastic member.

[0071] <How to regenerate elastic materials> 4A to 4C, a case where a cleaning blade equipped with an elastic member is used for the elastic member regeneration process according to the present disclosure. However, the regeneration process is intended to regenerate the elastic member, restore its cleaning performance, and make it reusable, and is not limited to such a process.

[0072] In the step of preparing the elastic member to be recycled, a used elastic member is prepared. For example, a cleaning blade provided with a used elastic member may be used for recycling as is, or the elastic member may be removed from the cleaning blade and recycled.

[0073] A used elastic member may have chips 141 or wear at the contact portion due to rubbing against the member to be cleaned during the cleaning process, as shown in Fig. 4A. Therefore, a decrease in wiping performance due to chips 141 or wear may be observed. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4B, the tip portion including the contact portion of the elastic member is cut to a predetermined length (dotted line portion 143). In the cutting step, it is preferable to cut the tip of the elastic member 3 so as to obtain a cut surface approximately parallel to the tip surface 5.

[0074] Specifically, the recycling method includes a cutting step in which a cutting blade is inserted into the elastic member from a side of the elastic member at one end A of the elastic member (e.g., one in the longitudinal direction) and the cutting blade is moved relatively to the elastic member toward the other end B of the elastic member to remove at least a part of the contact portion. The cutting length may be a length that reliably cuts off chipped or worn parts, and it is preferable to make the cutting length short so that multiple recycling is possible. Recycling multiple times is preferable because it can further promote effective use of resources. The cutting conditions, including the cutting length, will be described in detail later.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 4C, the cutting process removes chipped and worn parts from the regenerated elastic member, which has at least a part of the tip of the elastic member that is in contact with the member to be cleaned, and the precision of the contact part with the member to be cleaned is restored to the initial level. As a result, the used elastic member can be regenerated and used as an elastic member with the same performance as the initial one. By repeating the above steps, it becomes possible to reuse the elastic member multiple times. If necessary, a step such as washing may be added between the above steps.

[0076] The regeneration process of the elastic member according to the present disclosure is described below. The regeneration process of the elastic member according to the present disclosure preferably includes at least the steps of: clamping at least a part of the elastic member, inserting a cutting blade into the elastic member from a side of the tip of the elastic member at end A, which is one end of the elastic member, and relatively moving the cutting blade toward the other end B to cut off the tip of the elastic member.

[0077] The direction in which the cutting blade is inserted into the elastic member 3 and moved is not particularly limited, and may be the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction. In order to achieve the shape precision of the edge portion related to cleaning performance, it is preferable that the blade portion moves in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the edge portion to remove the contact portion with the member to be cleaned. In other words, it is preferable that the relative movement is movement in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member. For example, the cutting blade moves along the first edge 101, the second edge 101-2 and the tip. It is preferable that the movement is such as to cut the end surface 5. In other words, it is preferable that at least a part of the contact portion to be removed includes the tip surface and the tip side edge of the elastic member.

[0078] The regeneration process of the elastic member according to the present disclosure is preferably carried out in a state where at least a part of the elastic member is clamped. The method of clamping the elastic member is not particularly limited, and there is no problem as long as the stability of the elastic member is maintained against the penetration of the cutting blade. In order to increase the stability of the elastic member when the cutting blade penetrates the elastic member, it is preferable to clamp the part close to the cutting blade.

[0079] The cutting blade for cutting the tip of the elastic member is not particularly limited, and any known cutting blade may be used. For example, the cutting blade may be a blade, an abrasive sheet or grindstone, or a laser or water jet. Examples of cutting blades using blades include a regenerating device or a plane, which will be described later, in which the blade is inserted into the elastic member in the longitudinal direction. Examples of cutting blades using blades include a cutter, which inserts the blade into the elastic member in the transverse direction.

[0080] Among these means, the method of using a blade as a cutting blade and inserting it into the elastic member in the longitudinal direction to cut it is preferable because it can form an edge shape that affects cleaning performance with high precision compared to other cutting means. Furthermore, the regenerating device described below is more preferable because it can form an edge shape with higher precision for the purpose of thinly cutting the tip of the thin elastic member. It is also preferable in terms of reducing equipment costs and enabling high mass production.

[0081] The regeneration process of the elastic member according to the present disclosure can be carried out, for example, by using an apparatus as described below, although it is not limited thereto. That is, the cutting step is preferably a step of removing at least a part of the contact portion using a regeneration apparatus.

[0082] The regeneration device includes a cutting blade that removes at least a portion of the contact portion in a longitudinal direction; A clamping member for the elastic member; a biasing member that abuts against an end B of the elastic member and biases the elastic member toward the end A; a pressing member that presses a tip of the elastic member including the contact portion in a short direction of the elastic member to suppress elastic deformation due to movement of the blade portion; Equipped with.

[0083] The clamping members clamp at least a portion of the elastic member from both side portions of the elastic member in a cross-sectional view taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic member. The clamping members are disposed at positions where they can clamp at least the portion of the elastic member into which the blade portions enter, and the position of the clamping members relative to the elastic member is fixed. The pressing member presses the elastic member prior to the relative movement of the blade portion from end A to end B.

[0084] A recycling device that cuts off the tip of an elastic member will be described below. An elastic member recycling device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. The recycling device has a blade portion 31 as a cutting blade. The recycling device cuts off the tip of the elastic member. The recycling device has a blade in the blade portion and cuts off the contact portion with the member to be cleaned in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member, but the recycling device is not limited to this embodiment.

[0085] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of elastic member regenerating device 20. Figs. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams explaining cutting unit 30 equipped with a blade portion and cutting motion. Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of cutting unit 30 and clamping member 21 in the short side direction of the elastic member, and Fig. 7B is an enlarged view of the vicinity of blade portion 31.

[0086] The elastic member regenerating device 20 includes a clamping member 21 as an elastic member fixing member for fixing the elastic member 100. The clamping member 21 clamps the elastic member from the short side direction of the elastic member to fix the elastic member. The clamping member 21 clamps, for example, the vicinity of the tip of the elastic member. In order to increase the stability of the elastic member when the blade portion is inserted into the elastic member, it is preferable to clamp a portion close to the blade portion. For example, the clamping member 21 clamps the main surface 4 and the surface 4-2 opposite to the main surface 4 in FIG. 1B. That is, the clamping member 21 preferably clamps the vicinity of the tip of the elastic member from both sides near the tip of the elastic member in a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 3.

[0087] When cutting, the blade is brought into contact with the side surface of one end of the elastic member 3 (see FIG. 2A), and then the blade is inserted into the elastic member. At this time, the pressure of the blade when it penetrates may cause the side surface of the elastic member to elastically deform as shown in FIG. 2B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2C, a chattering shape may occur on the cut surface of the elastic member after cutting. In particular, deformation may be large at the end where the blade first penetrates, and the macro shape may become an R-surface. A recycled elastic member having such a shape may cause uneven cleaning performance at the end surface.

[0088] In order to prevent the above phenomenon from occurring, it is preferable to optimize the E' and breaking stress of the elastic member as described above, and to clamp the elastic member as follows: In Fig. 5, clamping member 21 is fixed onto base 16 by holding member 15, which has an L-shaped cross section in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 7B (enlarged view on the right side) and Fig. 8B, clamping member 21 is disposed at a position where it can clamp at least the portion (end A) of the elastic member where blade portion 31 enters. In the figures, clamping member 21 clamps the entire area of ​​the elastic member in the longitudinal direction from both sides, including the portion where blade portion 31 enters. The position of the clamping member relative to the elastic member is fixed.

[0090] The elastic member regenerating device 20 includes a blade portion 31 for cutting the tip of the elastic member, which is at least a part of the contact portion, in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 3. For example, as shown in Figures 5, 6A and 6B, the elastic member regenerating device 20 includes a cutting unit 30, and the cutting unit 30 may have a blade portion 31 (not shown in Figure 5).

[0091] The cutting unit 30 can move along the elastic member 3. The direction of movement is not important, but it is preferable to move along the longitudinal direction because the area of ​​the elastic member that comes into contact with the blade is small, thereby increasing the cutting force and resulting in a highly accurate cut surface. In Fig. 5, the cutting unit 30 can move along rails 17 that guide the movement. For example, in Fig. 5, the cutting unit 30 can be moved manually by a handle 32, but it may be driven by an electric cylinder, a motor, or the like instead of manually. In order to facilitate the movement of the cutting unit 30, the cutting unit 30 and the clamping member 21 may be in a non-contact state.

[0092] 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views from above of the cutting unit 30 in the elastic member regenerating device 20. Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of the periphery of the cutting unit 30, and Fig. 6B is an overall view including the clamping member 21. The cutting unit 30, which is equipped with a blade portion 31, moves from end A to end B along the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 3 in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0093] Then, the blade portion 31 is inserted into the elastic member 3 from the side of the tip of the elastic member at end A, which is one end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 3, and moved relatively toward end B, which is the other end in the longitudinal direction, to cut off a part of the tip of the elastic member. By removing the worn and deteriorated parts, a regenerated elastic member can be obtained.

[0094] In the illustrated recycling device 20, the blade 31 (cutting unit 30) is movable, but it is sufficient that the blade 31 is movable relatively from end A to end B. In other words, the cutting unit 30 equipped with the blade 31 may be fixed, and the clamping member 21 to which the elastic member 3 is fixed may be movable.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, it is preferable that the playback device 20 is provided with a biasing member 41 that abuts against the side portion of the tip of the elastic member at end B of the elastic member and biases the elastic member in the direction of end A.

[0096] Even if the blade portion 31 can be advanced to the end B side, which is the other end of the elastic member 3, as shown in FIG. 10A, as the blade portion 31 approaches the side surface of the end B side of the elastic member, the end of the elastic member on the end B side may be elastically deformed. This elastic deformation is considered to be more likely to occur because the stretching of the tip side of the elastic member is greater than that of the support member 300 side of the elastic member. Due to this elastic deformation stretching, the direction of advancement of the blade portion may also shift upward, and the other end side of the recycled cleaning blade may have burrs as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 10A. In order to suppress burrs, it is preferable to have a biasing member 41 in addition to optimizing the E' and breaking stress of the elastic member, because this suppresses elastic deformation and suppresses the occurrence of burrs.

[0097] The biasing member 41 is, for example, a plate-shaped member, and is inserted into the gap of the clamping member 21. The biasing member 41 presses end B of the elastic member from the end of the clamping member 21 in the direction of end A by an elastic member 42 such as a spring.

[0098] The recycling device 20 also includes a pressing member that presses the tip of the elastic member, including the contact portion, in the short-side direction of the elastic member to suppress deformation of the elastic member caused by movement of the blade portion. More specifically, the pressing member presses the tip of the elastic member, including the contact portion, in the short-side direction of the elastic member and in the thickness direction of the blade portion (direction perpendicular to the blade length direction). The pressing member preferably presses the tip surface 5. This makes it easier to suppress elastic deformation caused by movement of the blade portion. For example, as shown in Figures 5, 7A, and 7B, the recycling device 20 preferably includes a pressing member 51 that presses the tip of the elastic member toward the support member of the elastic member.

[0099] The blade is inserted from the side of one end (end A) of the elastic member 3, and cuts the tip of the elastic member while moving toward the other end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member. At this time, a chattering shape may occur on the cut surface. Furthermore, as the blade proceeds from one end of the elastic member to the other end as shown by the dotted line in the macroscopic shape while being wavy, the direction of movement of the blade shifts upward, and the cleaning blade after cutting may have a shape as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 9A. Such a shift in the direction of movement of the blade is more noticeable as the thickness of the part of the elastic member to be cut is made thinner. It is considered that the shift in the direction of movement of the blade is caused by the fact that the force applied to the blade to advance the blade is easily directed upward due to the thinness of the part of the elastic member to be cut.

[0100] In order to suppress deviation in the progression of the blade portion, in addition to optimizing E' and breaking stress of the elastic member as described above, it is preferable to have a pressing member 51 that presses the tip of the elastic member toward the base 100 (opposite the free end side) of the elastic member. Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressing member 51 presses the tip of the elastic member toward the base 100 prior to the relative movement of the blade portion 31 from the end A to the end B.

[0101] For example, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7A, the pressing member 51 is provided in the cutting unit 30 and can move in accordance with the movement of the blade portion 31.

[0102] The present inventors consider the reason why the elastic member regenerating device 20 suppresses deformation of the cut surface of the elastic member 3 and enables a more highly accurate regenerated elastic member to be obtained as follows.

[0103] The suppression of deformation in the early stage of cutting will be described. The recycling device 20 includes a clamping member 21 that clamps the elastic member 3. The clamping member 21 is disposed in a position where it can clamp at least the portion of the elastic member 3 where the blade portion 31 enters. It is preferable that the position of the clamping member relative to the elastic member is fixed. That is, in the recycling device 20, it is preferable that the clamping member 21 clamps the elastic member without moving relative to the elastic member even when the blade portion 31 moves.

[0104] It is believed that by clamping the portion of the elastic member 3 where the blade portion 31 enters, elastic deformation of the elastic member caused by the pressure when the blade portion 31 enters the elastic member is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the end of the elastic member on the side of the entry portion of the blade portion 31 after cutting from having a chatter shape and a macroscopic shape of an R surface.

[0105] For example, in the absence of the clamping member 21, as shown in FIG. 8A, due to the elastic deformation of the elastic member, the end of the blade portion 31 on the side of the entry portion may become vibrated and rounded as shown by the dashed line, or depending on the thickness of the cut, it may be difficult to insert the blade portion 31 into the elastic member. On the other hand, by clamping the elastic member with the clamping member, the blade portion can enter the elastic member more stably. Furthermore, as a preferable state, when the clamping member 21 that clamps the elastic member from both sides is present, it is considered that excessive elastic deformation is suppressed and pressure is applied uniformly to the elastic member as shown in FIG. 8B. As a result, it is considered that deformation of the cut surface can be suppressed as shown by the dashed line.

[0106] In order to suppress deformation of the insertion portion of the blade portion 31, the clamping member 21 only needs to clamp at least the portion into which the blade portion 31 will insert. The clamping member 21 may clamp the elastic member over the entire area of ​​the elastic member in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0107] Next, suppression of the elastic deformation caused by chattering during cutting and by the jumping up of the cut pieces will be described. The regenerating device 20 preferably includes a pressing member 51 that presses the tip of the elastic member toward the base 100 prior to the relative movement of the blade 31 from end A to end B. Such a pressing member 51 can hold down the elastic member at a position immediately before the blade 31 cuts, so that it is considered that the progress of the blade is stabilized and the elastic deformation of the elastic member caused by the jumping up of the cut pieces by the blade 31 can be suppressed. In other words, the pressing member 51 can prevent chattering of the blade 31 caused by the movement of the blade 31 and the deviation of the moving direction toward the tip of the elastic member. As a result, the cutting moving direction of the blade 31 is less likely to change, and deformation of the cut surface can be suppressed.

[0108] For example, in the absence of the pressing member 51, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 3 may cause a chattering shape on the cut surface as shown in FIG. 9A, and the direction of movement of the blade may change, resulting in a curved cut surface as shown by the broken line in a macroscopic shape. On the other hand, in FIG. 9B, the pressing member 51 moves ahead of the blade 31 in the direction of the arrow together with the blade 31 while pressing the elastic member 3 toward the base 100. That is, the regenerating device 20 cuts while suppressing the elastic deformation caused by the movement of the blade 31 with the pressing member. This makes it difficult for the elastic member 3 to deform elastically, and it is considered that the deformation of the cut surface can be suppressed as shown by the broken line. For example, the pressing member 51 and the blade 31 may be configured to move while maintaining a constant distance between the tip of the blade 31 and the pressing member 51.

[0109] Next, suppression of deformation at the end in the latter half of cutting will be described. The regenerating device 20 preferably includes a biasing member 41 that contacts the side of the end B of the elastic member 3 and biases the elastic member 3 toward the end A. Such a biasing member 41 can suppress elongation due to elastic deformation at the tip side of the elastic member at the end B, thereby suppressing deformation of the cut surface.

[0110] For example, in the absence of biasing member 41, elastic deformation on the tip side of the end of the elastic member becomes large, and the cut surface may be curved as shown by the dashed line in terms of the macroscopic shape, as shown in Fig. 10A. On the other hand, in the presence of biasing member 41 as shown in Fig. 10B, elastic deformation of the end of the elastic member, particularly elongation on the tip side opposite base 100, can be suppressed, and it is considered that deformation of the cut surface can be suppressed as shown by the dashed line.

[0111] It is considered that the pressing member 51 is effective in preventing elastic deformation of the elastic member 3 caused by the jumping up of the cut piece even at the rear end of such a cut portion. However, it is considered that the pressing member 51 alone is insufficient to prevent elastic deformation in the cutting direction (longitudinal direction of the elastic member). Therefore, in order to sufficiently prevent deformation at the rear end of the cut portion, it is preferable to provide the pressing member 51 and the biasing member 41.

[0112] As described above, the use of specific clamping members, pressing members and biasing members is preferable because it can suppress elastic deformation of the elastic member from the time the blade enters the elastic member until the cutting is completed, and can suppress deformation of the cut surface of the elastic member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress chattering on the cut surface and the macroscopic shape of an S-shaped curve as shown in Figure 11, and the elastic member can be reproduced with higher accuracy.

[0113] Each component of the elastic member regenerating device 20 will now be described in detail. The recycling device 20 includes a blade unit 31. The blade used for the blade unit 31 may be any blade capable of cutting the elastic member by relative movement. The angle of the blade with respect to the short side direction of the elastic member 3 (blade angle θA) is not particularly limited, and the blade unit 31 may be attached to the recycling device 20 so that the angle is preferably 20 to 70°, more preferably 30 to 60°, and even more preferably 40 to 50°. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the blade angle θA is 45°.

[0114] In a cross-sectional view of the elastic member of the regenerating device 20 in the longitudinal direction, the angle θB (not shown) between the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 3 (e.g., the horizontal plane of the device) and a direction perpendicular to the blade length direction and parallel to the blade body is preferably 0 to 10°, more preferably 2 to 8°, and even more preferably 3 to 7°, with the angle being positive when the blade tip faces the base 100. The angle θB being within the above range means that the blade is slightly inclined toward the base 100 of the elastic member. This makes it easier for the cut pieces to escape in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the blade.

[0115] The blade may be double-edged or single-edged. In the regenerating device 20 shown in FIG. The blade thickness is not particularly limited, and is preferably 0.05 to 0.50 mm, and more preferably 0.10 to 0.30 mm. The tip angle of the blade (blade edge angle) is not particularly limited, and is preferably 15 to 55°, more preferably 25 to 50°, and even more preferably 35 to 45°. If it is within the above range, it is easy to cut the elastic member appropriately. The regenerating device 20 shown in the figure is an example where the tip angle is 45°.

[0116] The blade portion 31 may be fixed to the regenerating device 20 (cutting unit 30) with a force that does not change the blade angle during cutting. For example, it may be fastened with a bolt or the like. The blade portion 31 may be fixed on one side as shown in FIG. 6A. The blade portion 31 may be fixed on both sides straddling the elastic member when the regenerating device 20 is viewed from the side of the tip of the elastic member (for example, from the top of the device) by bridging the blade portion 31 between the left and right cutting units 30 in FIG. 6A. This further improves the cutting accuracy.

[0117] The feed speed of the blade in the regenerating device 20 (i.e., the speed of the relative movement) is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range in which the elastic member 3 can be appropriately cut, and is preferably 500 to 5000 mm. / sec, more preferably 800 to 2000 mm / sec, and further preferably 900 to 1500 mm / sec.

[0118] The width of the elastic member 3 cut by the blade portion 31 is not particularly limited, and depends on the size of the elastic member of the cleaning blade to be used. The material of the blade portion 31 is not particularly limited, and any known material may be used depending on the elastic member to be cut. For example, stainless steel or iron may be used.

[0119] The regenerating device 20 preferably includes a clamping member 21 that clamps at least a portion of the elastic member 3 from both sides of the elastic member. The clamping member 21 clamps and fixes the elastic member 3, suppressing elastic deformation due to the penetration of the blade portion. The clamping member 21 may be disposed in a position where it can clamp the portion of the elastic member into which the blade portion 31 penetrates. The portion into which the blade portion penetrates means a portion in the vicinity of the contact point between the blade portion and the elastic member, which can be clamped to suppress elastic deformation of the elastic member due to the penetration of the blade portion. For example, it is a portion in the vicinity of the position where the blade portion penetrates, which is elastically deformed due to the penetration of the blade portion when both sides of the elastic member are not clamped.

[0120] The clamping member 21 may clamp the entire elastic member. For example, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the clamping member 21 can clamp and fix the entire area of ​​the elastic member 3 in the longitudinal direction from both sides by using a member that is sufficiently longer than the longitudinal length of the elastic member 3. Also, for example, the clamping member 21 clamps the side of the base 100 from the position where the blade portion 31 enters. The material of the clamping member 21 is not particularly limited, and known materials such as steel materials such as prehardened steel, stainless steel, and aluminum can be used.

[0121] The pressing force when the clamping member 21 clamps and fixes the elastic member is not particularly limited, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the material of the elastic member, etc. It is sufficient that the elastic member is fixed and fixed with a force that can suppress elastic deformation due to the penetration of the blade portion 31. It is also sufficient that the elastic member is fixed with a force that does not unnecessarily deform due to clamping. The fixing method is also not particularly limited, and a known method such as fastening with a bolt can be used. For example, the fastening force of the bolt when clamping member 21 is fastened with a bolt to clamp the elastic member is preferably 5.0 to 50.0 N / m, 10.0 to 30.0 N / m, or 12.0 to 20.0 N / m. For example, clamping member 21 preferably clamps a position corresponding to the portion where the blade portion enters with the above fastening force.

[0122] Fig. 12 is a further enlarged view of the periphery of the tip of the elastic member in Fig. 7B, which is a cross-sectional view of the cutting unit 30 and the clamping member 21 in the short side direction of the elastic member. The part of the elastic member 3 clamped by the clamping member 21 is defined as the clamping part, and the length of the part of the tip of the elastic member protruding from the clamping part to the outside of the clamping member 21 is defined as the protruding length A of the elastic member. From the viewpoint of making it easier to suppress the elastic deformation of the elastic member 3, A is preferably 0.100 to 1.000 mm, more preferably 0.150 to 0.500 mm, and further preferably 0.200 to 0.400 mm.

[0123] 12, the length (shortest distance) from the clamping portion of the elastic member by clamping member 21 to the tip of the blade is defined as length B. From the viewpoint of making it easier to suppress elastic deformation of the elastic member, B is preferably 0.200 mm or less, more preferably 0.150 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.130 mm or less. The smaller the lower limit, the better, but a length exceeding 0.000 mm is desirable to prevent interference between the blade and the clamping portion. B is preferably greater than 0.000 mm and not greater than 0.200 mm, greater than 0.000 mm and not greater than 0.150 mm, or greater than 0.000 mm and not greater than 0.130 mm.

[0124] From the viewpoint of making it easier to suppress the elastic deformation of the elastic member 3, the value of B / A is set to 0.1. The range is preferably from 0 to 0.55, more preferably from 0.20 to 0.45, and even more preferably from 0.30 to 0.40. In addition, the cutting thickness of the tip of the elastic member 3 corresponding to AB in FIG. 12 (the length from the base of the elastic member to the tip of the elastic member) may be appropriately changed according to the purpose of recycling, the length of the elastic member before recycling, and the degree of deterioration of the elastic member, and is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of repeated use by recycling, a thin cutting thickness is preferable because it increases the number of times that it can be repeatedly recycled. By cutting to a thin thickness and repeatedly recycling it for multiple use, it is possible to further promote effective use of resources. The cutting thickness is preferably 0.05 to 1.00 mm, more preferably 0.10 to 0.50 mm.

[0125] The pressing member 51 is a member that presses the tip of the elastic member 3 to suppress elastic deformation due to movement of the blade portion. The recycling device 20 includes a pressing member 51 that presses the tip of the elastic member toward the base 100 prior to the relative movement of the blade portion 31 from end A to end B. The pressing member 51 is not particularly limited as long as it can press the elastic member prior to the relative movement of the blade portion 31. The pressing force may be of a level that can suppress elastic deformation of the elastic member due to the jumping up of the cut pieces.

[0126] For example, a member having a certain degree of hardness may be provided in a position opposite to the tip of the elastic member 3 in contact with the tip of the elastic member 3. That is, the pressing member 51 preferably moves in contact with the tip of the elastic member 3, and is preferably provided in a position opposite to the tip of the elastic member. In this way, the pressing force can be appropriately changed according to the protruding length A of the elastic member 3. The pressing member 51 may or may not be biased by an elastic member such as a spring in the direction of the base 100 against the elastic member 3.

[0127] When the blade portion is moved in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member, the cut pieces of the elastic member are sent to the space above and behind the blade portion as the cutting progresses. It is preferable that the pressing member 51 weakens or releases the pressure above and behind the tip of the blade portion 31 during the relative movement of the blade portion 31 so that the cut pieces of the elastic member are filled and the progress of the blade portion is not hindered. The degree of weakening the pressure can be reduced to a level where the progress of the blade portion 31 is not hindered. From the viewpoint of regenerating the elastic member with higher accuracy, it is preferable that the pressing member 51 releases the pressure so that the cut piece can be easily sent to the rear of the blade.

[0128] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the pressing member 51 is preferably a disk-shaped member. The pressing member 51 may be fixed to the cutting unit 30 or may be axially supported, but is preferably axially supported from the viewpoint of facilitating pressing with a constant force. Examples of the pressing member 51 fixed to the cutting unit 30 include a disk-shaped member and a convex member having R in the elastic member direction. The method of axial support is not particularly limited, and a known method using a bearing or the like may be adopted.

[0129] From the viewpoint of weakening the pressure on the upper and rearward tip of the blade portion 31 or making it easier to release the pressure, the pressing member 51 is preferably a member that moves in accordance with (in synchronization with) the movement of the blade portion 31, for example by being provided in the cutting unit 30 together with the blade portion 31, as shown in Fig. 5. It is preferable that the pressing member 51 moves while keeping the distance between the tip of the blade portion 31 and the portion pressed by the pressing member 51 constant. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressing member 51 is a disk-shaped roller member that is journaled on the cutting unit 30 and rotates in contact with the clamping member 21 in accordance with the relative movement of the cutting unit 30. Since the pressing member 51 rotates in contact with the clamping member 21, it is preferable because it is easier to keep the pressing position and pressing force constant. In addition, the pressing force can be controlled by the hardness of the pressing member 51 and the protruding length A of the elastic member.

[0130] 9B, in the longitudinal direction of the tip of the elastic member 3, the distance between the position corresponding to the cutting edge of the blade portion 31 and the contact point between the pressing member 51 and the elastic member 3 is designated as X. X is preferably 1 to 30 mm, more preferably 5 to 20 mm, and further preferably 10 to 18 mm. In other words, it is preferable that the pressing member 51 presses the elastic member a distance X prior to the movement of the blade portion 31. By being within the above range, it becomes easier to suppress elastic deformation of the elastic member caused by the jumping up of the cut pieces.

[0131] Furthermore, when the pressing member 51 is a disc-shaped member, as shown in Fig. 9B, the distance between the center of the disc shape and the horizontal plane of the elastic member 3 is defined as Y. Y is preferably 5.0 to 100.0 mm, more preferably 10.0 to 70.0 mm, and further preferably 20.0 to 50.0 mm. When X and Y are equal to or less than the upper limit, it is easier to prevent the cut pieces from jumping up. When X and Y are equal to or more than the lower limit, it is easier to maintain good cutting resistance.

[0132] The value of X / Y is preferably 0.40 to 0.80, more preferably 0.50 to 0.70, and further preferably 0.55 to 0.65. For example, the elastic member may be pressed so that the radius -Y of the disk-shaped member is preferably 0.01 to 0.2 mm, and more preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm. The radius -Y of the disk-shaped member indicates the degree of deformation of the pressing member due to pressing.

[0133] The width of the pressing member 51 (the length in the short direction of the elastic member) is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of pressing the elastic member, and is preferably 1 to 100 mm, 2 to 50 mm, or 5 to 20 mm. The hardness of the pressing member 51 is not particularly limited as long as it can press the elastic member. The Wallace hardness of the pressing member 51 is preferably 70 to 90 degrees, and more preferably 75 to 80 degrees. When the hardness is within the above range, the pressing member can be easily deformed appropriately, the effect of suppressing jumping up is further improved, and an excessive increase in cutting resistance can be suppressed.

[0134] The Wallace hardness can be measured, for example, using a Wallace microhardness tester (manufactured by Wallace Instruments) as a measuring device in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) K6253-2:2012.

[0135] The material of the pressing member 51 is not particularly limited, and any known material may be used, for example, rubber materials such as polyurethane rubber (ester-based polyurethane, ether-based polyurethane, etc.), silicone rubber, fluororubber, and natural rubber; and metals such as aluminum and stainless steel. From the viewpoint of satisfying the Wallace hardness, a rubber material such as ester polyurethane is preferable.

[0136] The playback device 20 preferably includes a biasing member 41 that abuts against a side portion of the end B of the elastic member 3 and biases the elastic member in the direction of the end A. The biasing member 41 only needs to bias the end B to an extent that it can suppress elastic deformation in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 3 (particularly elastic deformation at the tip side of the elastic member). For example, it may be shaped so that it can bias the clamped portion by the clamping member 21 and from the clamped portion to the tip side of the elastic member (FIG. 10B), or it may be shaped so that it can bias the entire surface of the end B of the elastic member. The biasing member 41 preferably has a shape so that it can bias the clamped portion and from the clamped portion to the tip side of the elastic member 3.

[0137] The shape of the biasing member 41 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a plate-like member as shown in FIG. 10B. If it is plate-like, it is easy to apply between the clamping members 21. As the plate-like member, for example, a shim plate or the like may be used according to the size of the gap between the clamping members 21. There is no particular limit to the shape of the shim plate. The material may be any known metal such as iron, stainless steel, copper, etc. For example, cold-rolled steel sheet may be used.

[0138] The thickness of the shim plate may be appropriately changed in consideration of the thickness of the elastic member 3 and the interval between the clamping members 21. For example, it may be 0.1 to 2.0 mm or 0.2 to 1.0 mm. The length and height of the shim plate are not particularly limited, and may be selected according to the size of the elastic member 3 and the size of the device.

[0139] It is sufficient that the biasing member 41 is capable of biasing the end portion B to an extent that it can suppress elastic deformation in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 3. For example, when a spring is used as the biasing member 41 itself or as an elastic member for biasing the biasing member 41, the allowable load of the spring is preferably in the range of 10 to 100 N, more preferably 20 to 60 N. The spring constant is preferably 1.0 to 10.0 N / mm, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0 N / mm.

[0140] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for producing a recycled elastic member, the method comprising the steps of obtaining an elastic member recycled by the above-described recycling method. EXAMPLES

[0141] The present invention will be specifically described below using examples. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In the following formulations, parts are by weight unless otherwise specified.

[0142] The compounds used in the examples and comparative examples are also shown below, with the symbols being those used in the tables showing the recipes given later. [Table 1]

[0143] In the examples and comparative examples, recycled cleaning blades were manufactured and evaluated. The compositions and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in Tables 3 to 5.

[0144] Example 1 <Supporting member> A 1.6 mm thick zinc-plated steel plate was prepared and processed to obtain a support member with an L-shaped cross section as shown in Figure 1B. A urethane-metal one-layer adhesive (product name: Chemlock 219, manufactured by Lord Corporation) was applied to the area of ​​the support member that would come into contact with the elastic member.

[0145] <Preparation of raw material for elastic member of cleaning blade> The materials and amounts shown in Table 2 were mixed and reacted at 80° C. for 3 hours to synthesize a prepolymer. [Table 2]

[0146] Next, the components in Table 3 below were mixed to prepare a curing agent. [Table 3]

[0147] The above-mentioned support member was placed in a mold for a cleaning blade, which was composed of an upper mold and a lower mold, with one end coated with adhesive protruding into the cavity. Next, the above-mentioned prepolymer and the above-mentioned curing agent were mixed to obtain a raw material composition. This raw material composition was poured into a mold for a cleaning blade, to which a support member was attached, and cured at a temperature of 130°C for 2 minutes. After that, the mold was removed to obtain an electrophotographic cleaning blade in which an elastic member containing polyurethane was integrated with a support member. In addition, a release agent A was applied in advance to the inside of the mold.

[0148] Release Agent A is a mixture of materials set forth in Table 4 below. [Table 4]

[0149] The tip of the elastic member of the obtained cleaning blade was appropriately cut to obtain the elastic member 1 according to Example 1. The edge angle was 90 degrees (the edge angle is the angle between the tip surface 5 and the main surface 4), and the distances in the short side direction, thickness direction, and length direction of the elastic member were 7.5 mm, 1.8 mm, and 240 mm, respectively. The obtained cleaning blade was evaluated by the following method.

[0150] [Method for measuring storage modulus E'] The storage modulus E' was measured by temperature frequency dispersion using a dynamic viscoelasticity device, and was calculated by creating a master curve based on the temperature-time conversion rule. The conditions are as follows: Apparatus: Dynamic viscoelasticity measuring device (product name: DMA EXPLEXOR 500N, manufactured by NETZSCH) Measurement mode: tension Static Distortion: 2% Dynamic distortion: 0.5% Measurement temperature: -30℃~80℃ (56 points at 2℃ intervals) Measurement frequency: 0.1~100Hz (5 points) A master curve was created using the in-device software at a reference temperature of 24°C.

[0151] From the obtained master curve, a mathematical approximation was performed based on the generalized Maxwell model. The generalized Maxwell model is as follows:

number

[0152] From the above formula, if we separate it into storage modulus E' and loss modulus E'', we get the following.

number

[0153] The number of terms in the generalized Maxwell model is increased by the elastic term (E e )1+viscoelastic term (E i )20(i=1 ~20). i is 10 -8 ~10 5 We arbitrarily set 20 points between these. The E' and E' of the Maxwell model are calculated by the generalized reduced gradient method (GRG) so that the difference between them is minimized. e , E i Specifically, we used the solver function of Excel. From the obtained master curve approximation, E´ (1×103 We obtained E´ in Hz.

[0154] The measurement samples were prepared as follows. A sample was prepared so as to include the contact portion of the elastic member with the member to be cleaned, and was cut into a rectangular shape measuring 50 mm in length, 1 mm in width, and 0.7 mm in thickness.

[0155] [Method of measuring breaking stress] The breaking stress was measured using a Tensilon universal testing machine (product name: RTG-1225, manufactured by A&D Co., Ltd.) in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) K6254-1993, with a tensile speed of 500 mm / min, a breaking point measurement sensitivity of 0.01 N, a gauge length of 20 mm, a test temperature of 24°C, and two measurements. The average of the two measurements was taken as the breaking stress. The measurement samples were prepared as follows. The tip of the cleaning blade, including the contact portion with the member to be cleaned, was cut out in the longitudinal direction to a length of about 100 mm, and the thickness and width of the cut piece were measured and used as a rectangular measurement sample.

[0156] [Method of measuring polyfunctional alcohol species and concentration] Polyfunctional alcohols were detected by pyrolysis GC / MS (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry) under the following measurement conditions: Sampling position: The sample was sampled at the tip of the elastic member and measured by the following method. For sampling, the polyurethane member was cut out with a biocutter. Device: Thermal decomposition equipment: Product name: EGA / PY-3030D, manufactured by Frontier Labs Gas chromatography equipment: TRACE1310 gas chromatograph, Thermo Fisher Scientific Mass spectrometer: ISQLT, Thermo Fisher Scientific ·Thermal decomposition temperature: 500℃ GC column: 0.25mm inner diameter x 30m stainless steel capillary column Stationary phase: 5% phenylpolydimethylsiloxane Heating conditions: Hold at 50℃ for 3 minutes, then heat to 300℃ at 8℃ / min. ·MS conditions: Mass number range m / z10~650 Scan speed: 1 second / scan

[0157] The polyfunctional alcohol species were characterized by GC / MS. A calibration curve was created by GC analysis of known concentrations of the characterized polyfunctional alcohol species, and quantification was performed from the GC peak area ratio. The arithmetic average value of the values ​​obtained from the sample at the tip of the elastic member was determined as the polyfunctional alcohol concentration.

[0158] [Measurement of M1, M2 and M3] Measurements of M1 to M3 were carried out using 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). The apparatus used was an ion trap GC / MS (product name: POLARIS Q, manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific) and the direct introduction probe was a Direct Exposure Probe (DEP). The sample taken from the tip of the elastic member was measured by the following method. For sampling, components such as polyurethane were cut out using a biocutter. 0.1 μg of the sample sampled at the tip of the elastic member was fixed to a filament at the tip of the probe and directly inserted into the ionization chamber. The sample was then rapidly heated from room temperature to 1000°C at a constant heating rate (10°C / s), and the vaporized gas was detected by a mass spectrometer.

[0159] The amount of all ions detected, M1, is the sum of the integrated intensities of all peaks in the total ion current thermogram obtained, When the sum of the integrated intensities of the peaks of the extracted ion thermogram of the m / z values ​​derived from the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate is defined as M2, (M2 / M1) is calculated using the values ​​of M1 and M2. When the sum of the integrated intensities of the peaks of the extracted ion thermogram of the m / z values ​​derived from the diisocyanate is defined as M3, (M3 / M1) is calculated using the values ​​of M1 and M3. The arithmetic average values ​​of the obtained values ​​are defined as the values ​​of (M2 / M1) and (M3 / M1).

[0160] Here, in this embodiment, TTI used as the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate has a structure represented by the following chemical formula (3). In the extracted ion thermogram obtained in this evaluation, a peak derived from the cationized product of TTI was detected, having a peak top at m / z 366.5 to 367.5. Therefore, in this embodiment, the integrated intensity of this peak was taken as M2. [ka]

[0161] In other examples described later, the elastic part made of polyurethane synthesized using polymeric MDI as a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate had peaks derived from the cationized product of polymeric MDI in the extracted ion thermogram obtained in this evaluation, the peaks having peak tops at the positions of m / z values ​​in the range of 380.5 to 381.5 indicating n=1, m / z values ​​in the range of 511.5 to 512.5 indicating n=2, m / z values ​​in the range of 642.5 to 643.5 indicating n=3, and m / z values ​​in the range of 773.5 to 774.5 indicating n=4 in the structure represented by the above chemical formula (1)'. Therefore, in the examples, the sum of the integrated intensities of the peaks was defined as M2.

[0162] Similarly, in the examples described below, tris(phenylisocyanate)thiophosphate (TPTI) used as a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate has a structure represented by chemical formula (4). In the extracted ion thermogram obtained in this evaluation, a peak derived from a cationized product of TPTI was detected, having a peak top at m / z 464.5 to 465.5. Therefore, in the examples, the integrated intensity of the peak was taken as M2. [ka]

[0163] On the other hand, in the case of 4,4'-MDI, which is a diisocyanate, the structure represented by the above chemical formula (2) derived from 4,4'-MDI was detected as being cationized when the m / z of the structure represented by the above chemical formula (2) was in the range of 249.5 to 250.5. The integrated intensity of the peak in the extracted ion thermogram corresponding to this structure was designated as (M3).

[0164] <Elastic material recycling device> The regeneration process was carried out using an apparatus having the following configuration as the regeneration apparatus 1 for the elastic member. (blade part 31) The following blades were used and fixed to the cutting unit 30 at angles A and B as shown below. Blade type: High speed steel (SKH material) (product name and material), double-edged, tip angle (edge ​​angle) 45°, polished 3 times (DLC coated product), blade thickness 0.25 mm Blade angle θA: 45° Angle of the blade relative to the horizontal plane of the jig (angle θB): 5° Blade clamping: As shown in FIG. 7B, the blade was clamped between the cutting units 30, and both sides of the blade were fastened with bolts.

[0165] (Holding member 21) The clamping members were as follows, and the elastic members were fixed in place in accordance with the blade portion 31 so as to obtain the slice width, protruding length A, and length B described below. Material of clamping member 21: Free-cutting pre-hardened steel (product number: NAK55) Clamping force: 14.7N / m (clamped with M3 bolt at this tightening force) Slice width: 2.0mm Protruding length A: 0.225 mm Length B (length from clamping part to tip of blade): 0.125 mm

[0166] (Pressing member 51) The pressing member 51 was made by processing a standard urethane sheet (product number: UTM, manufactured by Misumi Corporation) made of ester-based polyurethane into a disk shape with a diameter of 57.0 mm and a width of 10 mm. The pressing member 51 was fixed to the cutting unit 30 at a position where X and Y shown in Fig. 9B were the following values. The pressing member 51 was brought into contact with the elastic member (radius of the disk - value of Y = 0.1 mm) and was fixed so that the pressing member 51 could rotate by the movement of the cutting unit 30.

[0167] By making contact in this manner, the pressing member 51 can press the tip of the elastic member 3 protruding from the clamping member 21 by the above-mentioned protruding length A. This allows the pressing member 51 to press the elastic member a distance of X prior to the movement of the blade. The disk-shaped pressing member 51 is journaled on the cutting unit 30 by a bearing cam follower (product number: CFUA3-10, manufactured by Misumi Corporation) so that the disk can rotate. Material of pressing member 51: polyester urethane (product number: UTM, manufactured by Misumi Corporation) Wallace hardness: 80 degrees Distance X: 17mm Distance Y:28.4mm

[0168] (urging member 41) As the biasing member 41, a shim plate made of cold-rolled steel with a length of 50 mm, a height of 10 mm, and a thickness of 0.6 mm was passed between the clamping members 21 as shown in Figures 5 and 6B, and end B of the elastic member was biased toward end A using a spring 42 and a cover 43. As the spring 42, a spring (model number WL18-35, manufactured by Misumi Corporation) with a spring constant of 2.9 N / mm and an allowable load of 30 to 50 N was used.

[0169] (Recycling) As described above, in the recycling device A having the above-mentioned configuration in which the elastic member 1 of Example 1 is fixed, the cutting unit 30 was moved using a Robo Cylinder (model number RCS3-CT8C, manufactured by IAI Corporation) so that the blade feed speed was 1000 mm / sec, thereby cutting the elastic member from end A to end B and obtaining a recycled elastic member.

[0170] <Method for evaluating the amount of chatter on cut surface accuracy after regeneration treatment> The resulting recycled elastic members were evaluated according to the following procedures. The cut surface of the recycled elastic member was measured using a surface roughness measuring device (product name: SE-3500, manufactured by Kosaka Laboratory) in accordance with the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) B0601-1982 surface roughness standard. The measurement was performed in the longitudinal direction within a range of 450 μm from the edge (edge ​​101 in FIG. 1B) that abuts against the member to be cleaned in the short direction of the cut surface. The evaluation length was set to 40 mm, and measurements were repeated to measure the entire longitudinal direction. The maximum height (Rmax), which is the difference between the most convex part and the most concave part in each measurement, was calculated, and the maximum value of Rmax in the longitudinal direction was measured as the "amount of chatter," and the performance was ranked according to the following evaluation criteria. The cutoff value was 8.0 mm and the feed speed was 1 mm / sec. A: The amount of chatter is less than 2 μm. B: The amount of chatter is 2 μm or more and less than 4 μm. C: The amount of chatter is 4 μm or more and less than 8 μm. D: The amount of chatter is 8 μm or more and less than 12 μm. E: The amount of chatter is 12 μm or more.

[0171] <Image evaluation before and after playback processing> In this evaluation, the presence or absence of uneven contact between the elastic member of the cleaning blade and the member to be cleaned was confirmed through image evaluation, specifically, the presence or absence of uneven contact due to the occurrence of chattering on the cut surface caused by the recycled cleaning blade. In the area where uneven contact occurs, if streaky stains remain as residual wipes even after cleaning, a streaky image occurs, so the uneven contact can be confirmed through the state of the image. The effects of the recycling process were confirmed by comparing before and after the recycling process.

[0172] <Cleaning performance evaluation> The cleaning blade for an electrophotographic device using the obtained elastic member 1 according to Example 1 was incorporated into a cyan cartridge of a laser beam printer (LBP-672C: manufactured by Canon Inc.) as a cleaning blade for a photoreceptor, which is a member to be cleaned. First, the elastic member 1 according to Example 1 was incorporated into the laser beam printer and then left for 24 hours in a low temperature environment (temperature 8° C.). After that, one halftone image (an image in which horizontal lines with a width of 1 dot and an interval of 2 dots are drawn in the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum) was output as an image for evaluation, and the obtained halftone image was visually evaluated (hereinafter referred to as "initial evaluation"). (called). After the initial evaluation, the regeneration process was carried out according to the above procedure to obtain a regenerated elastic member. The obtained regenerated elastic member was then incorporated into the laser beam printer and left in a low temperature environment (temperature 8°C) for 24 hours. After that, one halftone image was output as an evaluation image, and the obtained halftone image was evaluated (hereinafter referred to as "initial evaluation after regeneration"). Then, 6000 images were formed under the same environment. The images formed here were text images adjusted so that the print rate on A4 size paper was 1.0%. Then, one halftone image was output as an evaluation image, and the obtained halftone image was evaluated (hereinafter referred to as "normal evaluation"). Furthermore, the recycled elastic member was replaced with a new cyan cartridge, and 6,000 images were formed again. After that, one halftone image was output as an evaluation image, and the obtained halftone image was evaluated (hereinafter referred to as "2x evaluation"). The halftone images were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 7. <Evaluation criteria> Rank A: No streaks due to poor cleaning caused by the cleaning blade are observed in the image. Rank B: Minor streaks (streaks 5 mm or less in length) due to poor cleaning caused by the cleaning blade are observed. Rank C: Streaks due to poor cleaning caused by the cleaning blade (streaks longer than 5 mm and shorter than 10 mm) are observed. Rank D: Streaks (length of streaks exceeding 10 mm) due to poor cleaning caused by the cleaning blade are observed.

[0173] (Examples 2 to 16) Elastic members 2 to 13 were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the types and amounts of various materials for the prepolymer and the types and amounts of various materials for the curing agent were as shown in Tables 5-1 and 5-2. Recycled cleaning blades were produced and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the produced elastic members and the recycling devices shown in Table 6 were used and recycling processes were carried out in the combinations shown in Table 7. The evaluation results are shown in Table 7. In addition, pentaerythritol (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was used as the polyfunctional alcohol for the curing agent in producing the elastic members 2, 5 and 9. The storage modulus E' and breaking stress of the obtained elastic members are shown in Table 5-3.

[0174] In producing the elastic member 3, polymeric MDI (product name: Millionate MR-400, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) (hereinafter referred to as MR400) was used as a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional isocyanate for the prepolymer.

[0175] In producing the elastic members 4 and 6, polymeric MDI (product name: Millionate MR-200, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) (hereinafter referred to as MR200) ​​was used as a tri- or higher functional polyfunctional isocyanate for the prepolymer.

[0176] In addition, in producing the elastic members 4 and 8, glycerin (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was used as the polyfunctional alcohol for the curing agent.

[0177] In producing the elastic member 8, triphenylmethane-4,4',4''-triisocyanate (product name: Ultite Super CA, manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) (hereinafter referred to as TTI) was used as a tri- or higher functional polyfunctional isocyanate for the prepolymer.

[0178] In the preparation of the elastic member 7, Polymeric MDI (product name: Cosmonate M-200, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) (hereinafter, As the polyol, polytetramethylene ether glycol (trade name: PTG-2000SN, manufactured by Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.) (hereinafter referred to as PTG-2000SN) with a number average molecular weight of 2000 was used. As the polyol for the curing agent, polytetramethylene ether glycol (trade name: PTG-1000SN, manufactured by Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.) (hereinafter referred to as PTG-1000SN) with a number average molecular weight of 1000 was used.

[0179] Comparative Example 1 Elastic member 14 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the types and amounts of various materials for the prepolymer and the types and amounts of various materials for the curing agent were as shown in Table 5-2. The obtained elastic member 14 was cut by the recycling device D in the same manner as in Example 16, and a recycled elastic member was produced and evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Table 7.

[0180] [Table 5-1]

[0181] [Table 5-2] [Table 5-3] The high frequency storage modulus E´ is measured at a vibration frequency of 1×10 3 is the storage modulus in Hz.

[0182] [Table 6]

[0183] [Table 7]

[0184] The present disclosure relates to the following methods. (Method 1) A method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade, comprising the steps of: the electrophotographic cleaning blade comprises the elastic member and a support member that supports the elastic member, At least a part of the tip of the elastic member on the free end side constitutes a contact portion with the member to be cleaned, The regeneration method comprises: providing the elastic member to be regenerated; a cutting step of inserting a cutting blade into the elastic member from a side portion of the elastic member at one end A of the elastic member and moving the cutting blade relatively to the elastic member toward the other end B of the elastic member to remove at least a part of the contact portion, A sample is taken from the elastic member so as to include at least a part of the contact portion, and the vibration frequency is measured in an environment at a temperature of 24° C. 3 The storage modulus E' at Hz is 90.0 to 500.0 MPa, and The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade, wherein the breaking stress of the sample measured in an environment at a temperature of 24° C. is 4.2 to 30.0 MPa. (Method 2) The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to Method 1, wherein the elastic member contains polyurethane. (Method 3) The storage modulus is 100 to 400 MPa, The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to method 1 or 2, wherein the breaking stress is from 8.0 to 28.0 MPa. (Method 4) The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to any one of Methods 1 to 3, wherein the relative movement is a movement in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member. (Method 5) The contact portion of the elastic member with the member to be cleaned is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction, The cutting step is a step of removing at least a part of the contact portion using a regenerating device, The reproducing device comprises: As the cutting blade, a blade portion that removes at least a portion of the contact portion in the longitudinal direction; A clamping member for the elastic member; a biasing member that abuts against the end B of the elastic member and biases the elastic member toward the end A; a pressing member that presses a tip of the elastic member including the contact portion in a short direction of the elastic member to suppress elastic deformation due to movement of the blade portion; Equipped with the clamping member clamps at least a part of the elastic member from both side portions of the elastic member in a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic member, the clamping member is disposed at a position where it can clamp at least a portion of the elastic member into which the blade portion enters, and the position of the clamping member with respect to the elastic member is fixed, The pressing member presses the elastic member prior to the relative movement of the blade portion from the end A to the end B. A method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to any one of Methods 1 to 4. (Method 6) The elastic member contains polyurethane, The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to any one of Methods 1 to 5, wherein, when a sample taken from the tip of the elastic member is measured by pyrolysis GC / MS, the concentration of a component derived from a tri- or higher functional alcohol in the polyurethane is 0.04 mmol / g to 0.70 mmol / g. (Method 7) The elastic member contains a polyurethane elastomer, The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to any one of Methods 1 to 6, wherein the polyurethane elastomer is a reaction product of polyurethane raw materials containing an isocyanate compound containing 4,4'-MDI, a polyester polyol, and a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups. (Method 8) A method for producing a regenerated electrophotographic cleaning blade, comprising the steps of: The method includes a step of obtaining an elastic member regenerated by the method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to any one of methods 1 to 7. 2. A method for producing a regenerated electrophotographic cleaning blade comprising the steps of:

Claims

1. A method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade, comprising the steps of: the electrophotographic cleaning blade comprises the elastic member and a support member that supports the elastic member, At least a part of the tip of the elastic member on the free end side constitutes a contact portion with the member to be cleaned, The regeneration method comprises: providing the elastic member to be regenerated; a cutting step of inserting a cutting blade into the elastic member from a side portion of the elastic member at one end A of the elastic member and moving the cutting blade relatively to the elastic member toward the other end B of the elastic member to remove at least a part of the contact portion, A sample is sampled from the elastic member so as to include at least a part of the contact portion, and the vibration frequency is measured in an environment at a temperature of 24° C. ３ The storage modulus E' at 100 Hz is 90.0 to 500.0 MPa, and The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade is characterized in that the breaking stress of the sample measured in an environment at a temperature of 24° C. is 4.2 to 30.0 MPa.

2. The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic member contains polyurethane.

3. The storage elastic modulus is 100.0 to 400.0 MPa, 2. The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the breaking stress is from 8.0 to 28.0 MPa.

4. 2. The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the relative movement is a movement in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member.

5. The contact portion of the elastic member with the member to be cleaned is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction, The cutting step is a step of removing at least a part of the contact portion using a regenerating device, The reproducing device comprises: As the cutting blade, a blade portion that removes at least a portion of the contact portion in the longitudinal direction; A clamping member for the elastic member; a biasing member that abuts against the end B of the elastic member and biases the elastic member in a direction toward the end A; a pressing member that presses a tip of the elastic member including the contact portion in a short direction of the elastic member to suppress elastic deformation due to movement of the blade portion; Equipped with the clamping member clamps at least a part of the elastic member from both side portions of the elastic member in a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic member, the clamping member is disposed at a position where it can clamp at least a portion of the elastic member into which the blade portion enters, and the position of the clamping member with respect to the elastic member is fixed, the pressing member presses the elastic member prior to the relative movement of the blade portion from the end A to the end B; The method for regenerating the electrophotographic cleaning blade according to claim 1.

6. The elastic member contains polyurethane, The sample sampled at the tip of the elastic member is measured by pyrolysis GC / MS.

2. The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of a component derived from a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups in the polyurethane is 0.04 mmol / g to 0.70 mmol / g when the concentration is measured.

7. The elastic member contains a polyurethane elastomer, 2. The method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to claim 1, wherein the polyurethane elastomer is a reaction product of polyurethane raw materials containing an isocyanate compound containing 4,4'-MDI, a polyester polyol, and a polyfunctional alcohol having three or more functional groups.

8. A method for producing a regenerated electrophotographic cleaning blade, comprising the steps of: A process for obtaining an elastic member regenerated by the method for regenerating an electrophotographic cleaning blade according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 2. A method for producing a regenerated electrophotographic cleaning blade comprising the steps of:

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