Toner supply roll having openings in skin layer of porous cylindrical polyurethane sponge structure, and method of producing the same

摘要

A toner supply roll (26, 70) including a metal shaft (32) and a cylindrical soft polyurethane sponge structure (34, 72) formed on an outer circumferential surface of the metal shaft by foam molding of a polyurethane material in a mold cavity (56) of a mold (50). The sponge structure having a hardness of 350g or lower includes a skin layer (36) having generally smooth surface and openings (40), and a network of cells (38). The openings (40) are open in the smooth surface and communicate with respective ones of the cells located adjacent to the skin layer, such that the openings are substantially aligned with central portions of the respective ones of the cells in axial and radial directions of the sponge structure. Each opening has a size within a range of 100-800 mu m, and a total area of the openings is at least 20% of a total area of the smooth surface of the skin layer. The method of producing the roll is also disclosed. <IMAGE>