Missing toner seal and toner cartridge

Abstract

A toner seal member with excellent performance is provided. The toner seal member (10) comprises a foam layer (20) and a coating layer (30), and the coating layer (30) is exposed. The coating layer (30) is made from a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toner seal member and a toner cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seal member having a sheet-like elastic member and a coating layer. Patent Document 2 discloses a toner seal member having a urethane foam layer and a urethane film layer. Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-214895 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-265425 The problem to be solved

[0004] In recent years, various performance requirements have been demanded for toner seals, and these requirements are becoming stricter.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a toner seal member of excellent performance.

[0006] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms. means of solving the problem

[0007] [1] A toner seal member having a foam layer and a coating layer, wherein the coating layer is exposed,

[0008] The above coating layer is a toner seal member made of a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups. Effects of the invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a toner seal member with excellent performance can be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a toner seal member according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to one embodiment when the outlet is in a blocked state. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge of FIG. 2 when the outlet is in an open state. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] Herein, a preferred example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] [2] A toner cartridge having the toner seal member described in [1].

[0013] The present disclosure is described in detail below. In addition, in the present specification, when a numerical range is indicated using "-", it is assumed to include a lower limit value and an upper limit value unless specifically stated otherwise. For example, in the description "10 - 20," it is assumed to include both the lower limit value "10" and the upper limit value "20". That is, "10 - 20" means "10 or more and 20 or less."

[0014] 1. Missing toner seal

[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a toner seal member (10) according to one embodiment. The toner seal member (10) has a foam layer (20) and a coating layer (30). In the toner seal member (10), the coating layer (30) is exposed. For example, the toner seal member (10) is a laminate of the foam layer (20) and the coating layer (30). For example, the coating layer (30) is a skin layer.

[0016] [Foam layer]

[0017] The foam layer (20) is composed of, for example, a synthetic resin foam, etc. The foam layer (20) is, for example, a polyurethane foam; a polyolefin foam such as a polyethylene foam or a polypropylene foam; a polystyrene foam; a polyamide foam; a polyester foam such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam or a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); a (meth)acrylic foam; a phenolic foam; a polyvinyl chloride foam; a polyimide foam; a silicone resin foam; a urea resin foam; a melamine resin foam; an ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) foam; a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) foam; a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) foam; an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) foam; an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer foam; Examples of synthetic resin foams include ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EEA) foam. Among these foams, polyurethane foam is more preferred in terms of adhesion to the coating layer.

[0018] [Coating layer]

[0019] The coating layer (30) is made from a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups. The coating layer (30) can be produced on the surface of the foam layer (20) using a composition comprising a urethane prepolymer obtained by reacting a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups.

[0020] A urethane prepolymer is a urethane prepolymer that has photoreactive groups at its terminals and also contains polyester bonds within its polymer backbone. Here, a photoreactive group is a functional group capable of crosslinking upon irradiation with X-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, visible light, etc. More specifically, a urethane prepolymer is obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate and a polyol with a compound containing photoreactive groups (a compound having photoreactive groups capable of reacting with the terminals of the reactants). Below, various raw materials used in the manufacture of urethane prepolymers will be described.

[0021] [Polyol]

[0022] The polyol is not particularly limited. It is preferable that the polyol include at least one of a polyester polyol and a polycarbonate polyol.

[0023] Polyester polyols are obtained by dehydration condensation with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., succinic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, and azelaic acid, etc.), aromatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, etc.), alicyclic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., hexahydrophthalic acid, hexahydroterephthalic acid, and hexahydroisophthalic acid, etc.), or acid esters or acid anhydrides thereof, and ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (MPD), neopentyl glycol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, etc., or mixtures thereof. Examples include polyester polyols such as polypropylene glycol obtained by reaction; and polylactone diols obtained by ring-opening polymerization of lactone monomers such as ε-caprolactone and methylvalerolactone.

[0024] It is preferable that the polyester polyol be obtained by the condensation reaction of 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (MPD) with terephthalic acid, or by the condensation reaction of 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (MPD) with adipic acid.

[0025] Next, polycarbonate polyols will be described. Preferably, the polycarbonate polyol is a polycarbonate diol. Polycarbonate diols are obtained, for example, by reacting a diol component with a carbonylating agent. Examples of diol components include aliphatic diols, alicyclic diols, ester diols, aromatic diols, etc. Examples of aliphatic diols include 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,4-butanediol, diethylene glycol, etc., and one or more of these may be used in combination. Examples of alicyclic diols include 1,4-cyclohexanediol, etc. Examples of ester diols include bis(hydroxyethyl)terephthalate, etc. Examples of aromatic diols include aromatic diols such as alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenol A. Examples of carbonylating agents include diethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, dibutyl carbonate, diphenyl carbonate, diphenyl carbonate, phosgene, etc.

[0026] The polycarbonate polyol is preferably obtained by reacting 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (MPD), 1,6-hexanediol, and diethyl carbonate. The ratio of 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (MPD) to 1,6-hexanediol is preferably 9.5:0.5 to 8:2, and more preferably 9:1.

[0027] It is preferable that the polyol be obtained by the condensation reaction of 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol (MPD) and adipic acid.

[0028] The hydroxyl value of the polyol is preferably 10 to 1000 mgKOH / g, more preferably 20 to 500 mgKOH / g, and even more preferably 30 to 300 mgKOH / g. Here, the hydroxyl value is a value measured in accordance with JIS-K0070.

[0029] When the total of the polyol, isocyanate, and photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group is 100 parts by mass, the polyol is preferably 50 parts by mass or more and 90 parts by mass or less, more preferably 55 parts by mass or more and 85 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 60 parts by mass or more and 80 parts by mass or less.

[0030] [Isocyanate]

[0031] Isocyanates (polyisocyanates) are compounds having multiple isocyanate groups, and examples include aromatic isocyanates such as 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI), triphenylmethane triisocyanate, and xylylene diisocyanate (XDI); alicyclic isocyanates such as isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate; aliphatic isocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI); or free isocyanate prepolymers formed by the reaction of these with polyols, and modified isocyanates such as carbodiimide-modified isocyanates. In addition, these isocyanates may be contained as a single type, or two or more types may be contained in combination.

[0032] As for the isocyanate, any isocyanate among aromatic, alicyclic, and aliphatic types may be used, and a difunctional isocyanate having two isocyanate groups in one molecule or a trifunctional isocyanate having three or more isocyanate groups in one molecule may be used, and they may be used alone or in combination.

[0033] For example, as difunctional isocyanates, aromatic types such as 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), m-phenylene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 2,2'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), xylylene diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate, etc., cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate, methylcyclohexane diisocyanate, etc. Examples include alicyclic types, aliphatic types such as butane-1,4-diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, isopropylene diisocyanate, methylene diisocyanate, and lysine isocyanate. Additionally, polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate (polymeric MDI) can be cited as an isocyanate with two or more functions. Examples of isocyanates with three or more functions include 1-methylbenzol-2,4,6-triisocyanate, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzol-2,4,6-triisocyanate, biphenyl-2,4,4'-triisocyanate, diphenylmethane-2,4,4'-triisocyanate, methyldiphenylmethane-4,6,4'-triisocyanate, 4,4'-dimethyldiphenylmethane-2,2',5,5'-tetraisocyanate, and triphenylmethane-4,4'4''-triisocyanate. Additionally, the isocyanates are not limited to a single type but may be of one or more types. For example, one type of aliphatic isocyanate and two types of aromatic isocyanates may be used in combination.

[0034] In addition, the number of functional groups of the isocyanate is preferably in the range of 2.0 to 2.8.

[0035] In addition, the isocyanate index of the urethane prepolymer is preferably 80 to 150, and more preferably 90 to 130. The isocyanate index is the equivalent ratio of the isocyanate groups of the isocyanate to the reactive groups, such as hydroxyl groups, that can react with the isocyanate in a polyol and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups. Accordingly, if the value is less than 100, it means that reactive groups such as hydroxyl groups are in excess of the isocyanate groups, and if it exceeds 100, it means that isocyanate groups are in excess of reactive groups such as hydroxyl groups.

[0036] When the total of the polyol, isocyanate, and photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group is 100 parts by mass, the isocyanate is preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more and 25 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 15 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less.

[0037] [Photopolymerizable monomers containing hydroxyl groups]

[0038] A photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group is a compound having a photoreactive group capable of reacting with an isocyanate. Examples of "photoreactive groups" include alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, vinyl groups, acrylic groups, methacrylate groups, allyl groups, etc. It is preferable that the "photoreactive group" includes an ethylenically unsaturated bond (-C=C-). As such "photoreactive groups," methacrylate groups (CH2=C(CH3)-COO-) and acrylate groups (CH2=CH-COO-) are preferred.

[0039] A photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group is a compound having one or more hydroxyl groups in one molecule, and examples include monomers having an allyl ether group such as allyl ether glycol and hydroxyethyl allyl ether; monomers having a vinyl ether group such as 2-hydroxyethyl vinyl ether, diethylene glycol monovinyl ether, and 4-hydroxybutyl vinyl ether; monomers having a (meth)acrylate group such as hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate. Also, "(meth)acrylate" means acrylate and / or methacrylate. Alkyl (meth)acrylates having hydroxyl groups as photopolymerizable monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0040] As a photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate is preferred, and 2-hydroxyethylacrylate (HEA) is more preferred.

[0041] When the total of the polyol, isocyanate, and photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group is 100 parts by mass, the photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group is preferably 2 parts by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less, more preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 25 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 8 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less.

[0042] [Initiator]

[0043] The composition may include an initiator used in a photopolymerization reaction. Examples of initiators include compounds such as acetophenone-based, benzophenone-based, and thioxanthone-based compounds. As for acetophenones, for example, 2-hydroxy-1-{4-[4-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propionyl)-benzyl]phenyl}-2-methyl-propan-1-one, 1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propan-1-one, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, 1,1-dichloroacetophenone, 4-(1-t-butyldioxy-1-methylethyl)acetophenone, 2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholino-propan-1-one, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone-1, diethoxyacetophenone, Examples include 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, benzyldimethylketal, 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl)ketone, 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenylketone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-[4-(1-methylvinyl)phenyl]propanone oligomer, etc.

[0044] Examples of benzophenone derivatives include 4-(1-t-butyldioxy-1-methylethyl)benzophenone, 3,3',4,4'-tetrakis(t-butyldioxycarbonyl)benzophenone, o-methyl benzoylbenzoate, 4-phenylbenzophenone, 4-benzoyl-4'-methyl-diphenylsulfide, 3,3',4,4'-tetra(t-butylperoxylcarbonyl)benzophenone, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzophenone, 4-benzoyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-(1-oxo-2-propenoxy)ethyl]benzenemethanamineum bromide, (4-benzoylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride, etc. In addition, examples of thioxantone-based compounds include 2,4-dimethylthioxantone, 2,4-diisopropylthioxantone, 2-chlorothioxantone, 2-isopropylthioxantone, 4-isopropylthioxantone, 2,4-diethylthioxantone, 2,4-dichlorothioxantone, 1-chloro-4-propoxythioxantone, 2-(3-dimethylamino-2-hydroxy)-3,4-dimethyl-9H-thioxantone-9-onmethochloride, etc.

[0045] [Monomer]

[0046] The composition may include a photopolymerizable monomer. Examples of monomers include compounds having an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a vinyl group, an acrylic group, a methacrylate group, an allyl group, etc. Examples of monomers include ethyl (meth)acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, sec-butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, n-octyl (meth)acrylate, tridecyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, n-lauryl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, etc. Preferably, the monomer is a compound having one or more ethylenically unsaturated groups in the molecule.

[0047] When the total of the polyol, isocyanate, and photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group is 100 parts by mass, the monomer is preferably 5.0 parts by mass or more and 60.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 10.0 parts by mass or more and 50.0 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 20.0 parts by mass or more and 40.0 parts by mass or less.

[0048] [Other ingredients]

[0049] The composition may contain other components other than those mentioned above as needed. Examples of other components include tackifiers, curing accelerators, fillers, coupling agents, rust inhibitors, antioxidants, UV absorbers, thickeners, plasticizers, antibacterial agents, and coloring agents.

[0050] [Extensibility of the coating layer (30)]

[0051] The elongation of the coating layer (30) is measured by a tensile test in accordance with JIS K 6251 2010, and is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and more preferably 15% or more.

[0052] [Break strength of the coating layer (30)]

[0053] The breaking strength of the coating layer (30) is measured by a tensile test in accordance with JIS K 6251 2010, and is preferably 5 N / mm² or higher, more preferably 10 N / mm² or higher, and more preferably 15 N / mm² or higher.

[0054] 2. Method for manufacturing a toner seal component

[0055] The manufacturing process of the toner seal member (10) includes an attachment process for attaching a raw material of a coating layer (30) to a foam layer (20), and an irradiation process for curing the raw material by photopolymerization reaction by irradiating light onto the raw material attached in the attachment process.

[0056] Specifically, the composition (mixed raw material) for the coating layer (30) described above is applied to the surface of the foam layer (20) using, for example, a gravure coater, and after application, it is cured (reacted) by irradiating with ultraviolet rays.

[0057] A coating layer (30) is formed on the surface of a foam layer (20) using a composition in which, for example, a urethane prepolymer is synthesized from a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group, and then an initiator, monomer, etc. are mixed.

[0058] The synthesis of the urethane prepolymer can be carried out using known methods. For example, a compound having two or more hydroxyl groups at the terminals, such as a polyol, can be introduced into a closed reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a vacuum dehydration device, and a nitrogen air stream device, and after vacuum dehydration, an isocyanate can be added and reacted under a nitrogen air stream at 70°C to 100°C for 3 to 8 hours. In the synthesis of the urethane prepolymer, urethane catalysts such as organotin compounds or amines may be used as needed.

[0059] In addition, the various numerical ranges described in the specification may each have their upper and lower limits arbitrarily combined, and all such combinations are described in this specification as preferred numerical ranges.

[0060] 3. Toner cartridge

[0061] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge (50) according to one embodiment. The toner cartridge (50) has a container (60), a shutter (70), and a toner seal member (110, 210). The toner seal member (110, 210) corresponds to an example of a toner seal member (10). The toner seal member (110, 210) has a foamed layer and a coating layer having the same composition as the foamed layer (20) and the coating layer (30) of the toner seal member (10). The container (60) receives toner. The container (60) has a toner receiving portion (62) and a discharge portion (64). The toner receiving portion (62) receives toner. The toner receiving portion (62) is cylindrical and is rotatably connected to the discharge portion (64). The discharge section (64) is provided with a discharge port (66) for discharging toner.

[0062] The shutter (70) is supported on the discharge section (64) near the discharge port (66) so as to be slidable along the outer surface of the discharge section (64). A toner seal member (110) is mounted on the shutter (70). The toner seal member (110) is positioned on the discharge section (64) side relative to the shutter (70). A coating layer (refer to the coating layer (30) in FIG. 1) is positioned to be exposed on the outer surface side of the discharge section (64).

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the toner seal member (110) slides along the outer surface of the discharge section (64) along with the slide of the shutter (70). As the shutter (70) slides, the discharge port (66) is opened and closed by the toner seal member (110). The toner seal member (110) (more specifically, the coating layer) slides against the outer surface of the discharge section (64). The exposed surface (32) of the coating layer becomes the sliding surface against the outer surface of the discharge section (64).

[0064] The toner seal member (210) is ring-shaped and is inserted between the opening end of the toner receiving portion (62) and the opening end of the discharge portion (64). The toner seal member (210) seals the connection portion between the discharge portion (64) and the toner receiving portion (62). The surface of the toner seal member (210) on the foam layer (20) side is fixed to the discharge portion (64) via an adhesive layer (not shown). The surface of the toner seal member (210) on the coating layer side (refer to the coating layer (30) in FIG. 1) is in contact with the toner receiving portion (62) in a state that allows contact with the toner receiving portion (62). The toner seal member (210) is compressed in the thickness direction between the discharge portion (64) and the toner receiving portion (62). The exposed surface (34) of the coating layer becomes the contact surface with respect to the opening end of the toner receiving portion (62). Additionally, the exposed surface of the coating layer may be configured to be a contact surface with respect to the opening end of the discharge portion (64).

[0065] 4. Operation and Effects of the Present Embodiment

[0066] In this embodiment, by using a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups as raw materials for the coating layer, a toner seal member with excellent performance can be provided, which can reduce compressive sliding resistance, increase bending resistance, and increase wear resistance. Furthermore, by not using organic solvents or the like during the manufacturing process, a toner seal member with an excellent working environment can be provided.

[0067] Examples

[0068] Next, the above embodiments will be explained in more detail through examples and comparative examples.

[0069] 1. Fabrication of toner seal component

[0070] In Examples 1–7, compositions were prepared by mixing in the proportions shown in Table 1 and attached to a foamed layer. Subsequently, light was irradiated onto the composition to cure it through a photopolymerization reaction, thereby producing a coating layer. The numerical values ​​for each component in Table 1, excluding the index and without a unit notation, represent parts by mass.

[0071] The toner seal member of Comparative Example 1 consists only of a foam layer without a coating layer.

[0072] In the toner seal member of Comparative Example 2, the coating layer is composed of a solvent-based silicone coating.

[0073] In the toner seal member of Comparative Example 3, the coating layer is composed of a general acrylate blended in the ratio of Table 1.

[0074] The method of manufacturing the components of Examples 1-7 is described in detail. After synthesizing a urethane prepolymer from a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group, a coating layer was formed on the surface of a foam layer using a composition mixed with an initiator and the monomer. Specifically, the coating layer was formed by applying the mixed composition to the surface of the foam using a gravure coater, and then curing (reacting) it by irradiating with ultraviolet light after application.

[0075] The synthesis of the urethane prepolymer was carried out by introducing a compound having two or more hydroxyl groups at the terminal end, such as a polyol, into a closed reaction vessel equipped with, for example, a stirrer, a condenser, a vacuum dehydration device, and a nitrogen air stream device, dehydrating it under vacuum, adding an isocyanate, and reacting it under a nitrogen air stream at 70°C to 100°C for 3 to 8 hours.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077]

[0078] Various information regarding each component of Table 1 is shown in Table 2 below.

[0079] In Table 2, the notation in parentheses in the “Type” column of polyols 1 to 7 indicates the raw materials of each polyol 1 to 7. For example, the polyester polyol of polyol 1 uses MPD and phthalic acid as raw materials.

[0080] "Mn" in Table 2 represents the number average molecular weight. Here, the number average molecular weight was measured using polystyrene as a standard polymer by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The "molecular weight" in Table 2 is calculated as the sum of the atomic weights of the atoms constituting the molecule.

[0081] The column for "OHV" represents the hydroxyl group.

[0082] Specific details regarding the raw materials in Table 2 that are not listed are shown below.

[0083] Polyol 1: Polyester polyol (Manufactured by KURARAY CO., LTD., P-2020)

[0084] Polyol 2: Polyester polyol (Manufactured by KURARAY CO., LTD., P-1020)

[0085] Polyol 3: Polyester polyol (Manufactured by KURARAY CO., LTD., P-520)

[0086] Polyol 4: Polycarbonate polyol (Manufactured by KURARAY CO., LTD., C-590)

[0087] Polyol 5: Polycarbonate polyol (Manufactured by KURARAY CO., LTD., C-2090)

[0088] Polyol 6: Polycarbonate polyol (Manufactured by KURARAY CO., LTD., C-3090)

[0089] Polyol 7: Polyester polyol (Manufactured by KURARAY CO., LTD., P-1010)

[0090] Initiator 1: Manufactured by BASF Corporation, IRGACURE127

[0091] [Table 2]

[0092]

[0093] 2. Evaluation

[0094] Next, the toner seal members of each obtained example and each comparative example were evaluated as follows.

[0095] [viscosity]

[0096] The viscosity of each raw material after mixing was measured at 25°C using a Type B viscometer. The measurement was performed using Spindle No. 63 at a rotation speed of 30 rpm. The results are shown in the column "Viscosity (mPa·s) @ 25°C" of Table 1.

[0097] [Pencil Hardness]

[0098] In accordance with JIS K5600-5-4:1999, the pencil hardness was measured on the surface of the coating layer using the pencil "Uni" (registered trademark) of MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO., LTD. under a load of 200g. The results are shown in the "Pencil Hardness" column of Table 1.

[0099] [Extensibility]

[0100] The compositions prepared in the ratios of Tables 1 and 2 were coated onto a release PET film using a roll coater to a thickness of 0.1 mm. After coating, a release PET film was placed over the surface of the composition, and it was cured (reacted) by UV irradiation. A dumbbell-shaped sample of size 3 was punched out from the cured composition, the release PET film was peeled off, and a tensile test was performed in accordance with JIS K 6251 2010 to measure the elongation at break. The results are shown in the column "Elongation (%)" of Table 1.

[0101] [Break strength]

[0102] The composition prepared in the ratios of Tables 1 and 2 was coated onto a release PET film using a roll coater to a thickness of 0.1 mm. After coating, a release PET film was placed over the surface of the composition, and it was cured (reacted) by UV irradiation. A dumbbell-shaped No. 3 sample was punched out from the cured composition, the release PET film was peeled off, and a tensile test was performed in accordance with JIS K 6251 2010 to measure the breaking strength. The results are shown in the column "Breaking Strength (N / mm²)" of Table 1.

[0103] [Compression Slip Resistance]

[0104] A 30 mm square sample was manufactured by punching out a toner seal member with double-sided tape attached to the side opposite the sliding surface (surface of the coating layer). A spacer was set so that the compression ratio with respect to the ABS plate was 40%, and the sample was compressed. The sample was stretched with respect to the ABS plate at a tensile speed of 100 mm / min, and the tensile resistance value was measured. The results are shown in the column "40% Compression Slip Resistance (N)" of Table 1.

[0105] The evaluation of the compression slip resistance of the toner seal member was based on the following criteria.

[0106] "A": 1N or more and less than 20N

[0107] "B": 20N or more and less than 40N

[0108] "C": 40N or higher

[0109] [Bending resistance]

[0110] A toner seal member with double-sided tape attached to the side opposite to the contact surface (surface of the coating layer) was attached to a 90° right angle. The surface condition of the coating layer (presence or absence of cracks, etc.) was visually inspected.

[0111] The bending resistance of the toner seal component was evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0112] "A": Good surface condition (no cracks, etc.)

[0113] "C": Poor surface condition (cracks, etc.)

[0114] [Wear resistance]

[0115] A ring-shaped sample with an inner diameter of 33 mm and an outer diameter of 39 mm was produced by punching it from a toner seal member having double-sided tape attached to the side opposite to the contact surface (surface of the coating layer). The sample was attached to a jig (a jig corresponding to the toner receiving part (62) and discharge part (64) shown in FIG. 2) at a compression rate of 42%, and rotated 180° every 3 seconds at a rotation speed of 50 rpm. One cycle was defined as 180° rotation. The surface condition of the coating layer (presence or absence of tearing, etc.) was visually inspected.

[0116] The wear resistance of the toner seal component was evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0117] "A": Surface condition becomes poor (e.g., tearing) after more than 10,000 cycles

[0118] "B": Surface condition becomes poor (e.g., tearing) after 1,000 or more but less than 10,000 cycles.

[0119] "C": Surface condition becomes poor (e.g., tearing) after fewer than 1,000 cycles

[0120] [Presence or absence of solvent use]

[0121] In the column "Use of Solvent" of Table 1, it was indicated whether a solvent (organic solvent, etc.) was used in the production of the coating layer.

[0122] [Overall Evaluation]

[0123] "A": Any of the evaluations for "Compression Slip Resistance," "Bending Resistance," and "Abrasion Resistance" is "A," and "Solvent Use" is "None."

[0124] "B": Among "Compression Slip Resistance," "Bending Resistance," and "Wear Resistance," there is no "C" and there is one "B", and also "Solvent Use" is "None".

[0125] "C": Among "Compression Slip Resistance," "Bending Resistance," and "Wear Resistance," there is no "C," there are 2 "B"s, and "Solvent Use" is "None".

[0126] "D": Among "Compression Skid Resistance," "Bending Resistance," and "Wear Resistance," "C" is at least one, and "Solvent Use" is "Oil".

[0127] 3. Results

[0128] Examples 1-7 satisfy the following requirement (a). Comparative Examples 1-3 do not satisfy the following requirement (a).

[0129] Requirement (a): The coating layer is made of a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups.

[0130] Examples 1-7 had an "overall evaluation" of "A" to "C". In Examples 1-7, by satisfying the above requirement (a), the compressive sliding resistance can be reduced, the bending resistance can be increased, and the wear resistance can be increased, and the working environment is excellent by not using organic solvents, etc. in the manufacturing process.

[0131] 4. Effects of the Example

[0132] According to the above embodiments, it was possible to provide a toner seal member with excellent working environment by reducing compressive sliding resistance, increasing bending resistance, increasing wear resistance, and not using organic solvents during the manufacturing process.

[0133] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope set forth in the claims of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0134] 10, 110: Toner seal missing 20: Foam layer 30: Coating layer 32, 34: Exposed surface 50: Toner cartridge 60: Courage 62: Toner receiving section 64: Discharge section 66: Outlet 70: Shutter

Claims

Claim 1 A toner seal member comprising a foam layer and a coating layer, wherein the coating layer is exposed, the coating layer being made of a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having hydroxyl groups. Claim 2 A toner seal member according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer is formed by the raw material of the coating layer being coated onto the foam layer and cured. Claim 3 A toner seal member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyol comprises a polycarbonate polyol. Claim 4 A toner seal member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the foam layer is selected from polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, polystyrene foam, polyamide foam, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) foam, (meth)acrylic foam, phenolic foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, polyimide foam, silicone resin foam, urea resin foam, melamine resin foam, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) foam, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) foam, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) foam, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer foam, and ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EEA) foam. Claim 5 A toner cartridge having a toner seal member as described in paragraph 1 or 2. Claim 6 A method for manufacturing a toner seal member having a foamed layer and a coating layer, wherein the coating layer is exposed, wherein the coating layer is formed from a polyol, an isocyanate, and a photopolymerizable monomer having a hydroxyl group, and comprises an attachment process for attaching the coating layer material to the foamed layer, and an irradiation process for irradiating light onto the attached material in the attachment process and curing the material by a photopolymerization reaction, wherein the coating layer material does not contain an organic solvent.

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