Fixing belt, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image fixing belt successively has a resin base material layer, an elastic layer, and a release layer, wherein the elastic layer contains an elastic material and aggregates of a plurality of fibrous carbon intertwined with each other, the maximum diameter of the aggregates being 15% or less of the film thickness of the elastic layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fixing belt, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In image forming apparatuses (copiers, fax machines, printers, etc.) that use electrophotography, a fixing tape can be used to fix the toner image formed on the recording medium onto the recording medium.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a functional membrane containing aggregates formed by the entanglement of carbon nanotubes, having a diameter of less than 50 μm, a height of less than 5 μm, and a height-to-diameter ratio (height / diameter) of less than 0.1.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a polyimide tube formed by dispersing carbon nanotubes as needle-shaped high thermal conductivity fillers in a polyimide resin.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-140105

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-186127 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a fixing tape that can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface irregularity, compared to cases where the elastic layer is composed of fibrous carbon containing only fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other, or cases where it contains an aggregate of multiple fibrous carbons entangled with each other and the maximum diameter of the aggregate exceeds 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer film.

[0008] The specific organizations used to solve the aforementioned problem include the following methods.

[0009] <1> A fixing tape, which sequentially comprises a resin substrate layer, an elastic layer, and an anti-stick layer, wherein,

[0010] The elastic layer comprises an elastic material and an aggregate of multiple fibrous carbon atoms entangled together, wherein the maximum diameter of the aggregate is less than 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer.

[0011] <2> According to the fixing tape of <1>, the elastic layer further comprises fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other.

[0012] <3> According to the fixing tape described in <2>, the content A of the aggregates and the content B of the non-entangled fibrous carbon satisfy the relationship A≥B on a mass basis.

[0013] <4> According to the fixing tape described in <2> or <3>, the ratio of the content A of the aggregates to the total amount of the content A of the aggregates and the content B of the fibrous carbon that are not entangled with each other (A / (A+B)) is 0.50 or more and 0.95 or less on a mass basis.

[0014] <5> The fixing tape according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the content of the aggregate is 0.1% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the elastic layer.

[0015] <6> According to the fixing tape of <5>, the content of the aggregate is more than 10% and less than 30% by mass relative to the total mass of the elastic layer.

[0016] <7> The fixing tape according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the Young's modulus of the elastic layer is 0.2 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less.

[0017] <8> Fixing tape according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the fibrous carbon is carbon nanotubes.

[0018] <9> A fixing tape, comprising, in sequence, a resin substrate layer, an elastic layer, and an anti-stick layer, wherein,

[0019] The elastic layer comprises an elastic material and fibrous carbon, with a thermal conductivity of ≥1.0 W / m·K and ≤4.5 W / m·K, and a Young's modulus of ≥0.2 MPa and ≤1.0 MPa.

[0020] <10> A fixing device comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, wherein the fixing device,

[0021] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a fixing belt as described in any one of <1> to <9>.

[0022] A recording medium with a tonal image formed on its surface is inserted through the contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body to fix the tonal image.

[0023] <11> An image forming apparatus comprising: an image holder;

[0024] A charging mechanism that charges the surface of the image holder.

[0025] An electrostatic latent image forming mechanism forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the already charged image holder;

[0026] The developing mechanism develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using a developer containing a toner to form a toner image;

[0027] The transfer mechanism transfers the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium; and

[0028] A fixing mechanism that fixes the toner image onto the recording medium, and is composed of the fixing device described in <10>.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] According to the invention described in <1>, a fixing tape with a large surface unevenness is provided that can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium, compared to a case where the elastic layer is composed of fibrous carbon containing only fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other, or a case where it contains an aggregate of a plurality of fibrous carbons entangled with each other and the maximum diameter of the aggregate exceeds 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer film.

[0031] According to the invention described in <2>, a fixing tape with high thermal conductivity is provided compared to a case in which a plurality of fibrous carbon aggregates are entangled together but not fibrous carbon aggregates that are not entangled together.

[0032] According to the invention involved in <3>, a fixing tape with high thermal conductivity is provided compared with the case where the content A of aggregates and the content B of fibrous carbon that are not entangled with each other satisfy the relationship A < B on a mass basis.

[0033] According to the invention described in <4>, a fixing tape with high thermal conductivity is provided compared to cases where the ratio (A / (A+B)) is less than 0.5 on a mass basis.

[0034] According to the invention described in <5> or <6>, a fixing tape is provided that can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface roughness, compared to cases where the content of aggregates exceeds 40% by mass relative to the total mass of the elastic layer.

[0035] According to the invention described in <7>, a fixing tape is provided that can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface irregularity, compared to cases where the Young's modulus of the elastic layer exceeds 1.0 MPa.

[0036] According to the invention described in <8>, a fixing tape is provided that can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface roughness, compared to the case where fibrous carbon is not carbon nanotubes.

[0037] According to the invention described in <9>, a fixing tape is provided that can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface irregularity, compared to cases where the elastic layer contains elastic material and fibrous carbon and has a thermal conductivity of less than 1.0 W / m·K or a Young's modulus of more than 1.0 MPa.

[0038] According to the invention described in <10> or <11>, a fixing device or image forming apparatus is provided having a fixing belt that can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface unevenness, compared to cases where the elastic layer is composed of fibrous carbon containing only fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other, or cases where it contains an aggregate of a plurality of fibrous carbons entangled with each other and the maximum diameter of the aggregate exceeds 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer film. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the fixing tape involved in the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of a first embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of a second embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of a third embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. These descriptions and examples are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0046] Within the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit value recorded as a single numerical range can be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of other numerical ranges described in different periods.

[0047] Furthermore, within the numerical range described in this specification, the upper or lower limit of the numerical range can be replaced with the values ​​shown in the embodiments.

[0048] In this specification, each component may also contain a plurality of corresponding substances.

[0049] In this specification, when referring to the amount of each component in the composition, if a plurality of substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, it indicates the total amount of such plurality of substances present in the composition unless otherwise specified.

[0050] In this specification, when referred to simply as "the fixing tape involved in the present invention" unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the description refers to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment described below.

[0051] <Fixing Tape>

[0052] The first embodiment of the fixing tape of the present invention comprises a resin substrate layer, an elastic layer and an anti-stick layer in sequence. The elastic layer includes an elastic material and an aggregate of a plurality of fibrous carbon particles entangled together. The maximum diameter of the aggregate is less than 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer.

[0053] The second embodiment of the fixing tape of the present invention comprises a resin substrate layer, an elastic layer and an anti-stick layer in sequence. The elastic layer comprises an elastic material and fibrous carbon, has a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m·K or more and 4.5 W / m·K or less, and a Young's modulus of 0.2 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less.

[0054] Hereinafter, an aggregate formed by multiple fibrous carbon atoms entangled together is also referred to as a specific aggregate.

[0055] In the fixing tape, the elastic layer is a layer designed to provide elasticity to the fixing tape under pressure from the outer periphery, and it plays a role in tracking the surface irregularities of the recording medium and the irregularities of the toner image on the recording medium so that the surface of the fixing tape adheres tightly to the toner image.

[0056] From the perspective of improving fixing performance, thermally conductive materials are included in the elastic layer. However, the higher the content of thermally conductive materials, the harder the elastic layer becomes. Increased hardness of the elastic layer leads to reduced shape tracking for surface irregularities of the recording medium, especially when using recording media with large surface irregularities, resulting in contamination. Here, "contamination" refers to the phenomenon where a portion of the toner image adheres to the fixing tape when the toner image is fixed onto the recording medium. If this occurs, it will cause image defects in the fixed image.

[0057] In the first embodiment of the fixing tape according to the present invention, the elastic layer comprises an elastic material and an aggregate (i.e., a specific aggregate) formed by the entanglement of multiple fibrous carbon particles. This specific aggregate transfers heat radially from the entangled portions of the fibrous carbon, thus imparting higher thermal conductivity to the elastic layer compared to the case where the fibrous carbon particles are not entangled. As a result, it is believed that when using specific aggregates, a low amount of thermally conductive material in the elastic layer can be achieved, and sufficient thermal conductivity can be obtained without excessively increasing the hardness of the elastic layer. Therefore, in the first embodiment of the fixing tape according to the present invention, by having the above structure, an elastic layer with sufficient thermal conductivity and excellent shape tracking for surface irregularities of the recording medium can be provided, thereby ensuring that contamination can be suppressed even when using a recording medium with a large surface irregularity.

[0058] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the fixing tape according to the present invention, an elastic layer is provided, which represents the thermal conductivity and Young's modulus as described above. The fixing tape having this elastic layer (i.e., the second embodiment of the fixing tape according to the present invention) has sufficient thermal conductivity and excellent shape tracking for surface irregularities of the recording medium, and is therefore estimated to be able to suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface irregularity.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 The fixing tape involved in this invention will be described.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the fixing tape involved in the present invention.

[0061] Figure 1 The fixing tape 110 shown has a resin substrate layer 110A, an elastic layer 110B disposed on the resin substrate layer 110A, and an anti-stick layer 110C disposed on the elastic layer 110B.

[0062] Furthermore, the layer structure of the fixing belt 110 involved in this invention is not limited to... Figure 1 The layer structure shown can also be a layer structure in which a metal layer and its protective layer are inserted between the substrate layer 110A and the elastic layer 110B, a layer structure in which an adhesive layer is inserted between the substrate layer 110A and the elastic layer 110B, a layer structure in which an adhesive layer is inserted between the elastic layer 110B and the anti-adhesive layer 110C, and a layer structure combining these layer structures.

[0063] The constituent elements of the fixing tape according to the present invention will be described in detail below. Symbols will be omitted in the description.

[0064] First, the elastic layer (hereinafter also referred to as elastic layer (1)) in the first embodiment of the fixing tape according to the present invention and the elastic layer (hereinafter also referred to as elastic layer (2)) in the second embodiment of the fixing tape according to the present invention will be described.

[0065] [Elastic layer (1)]

[0066] The elastic layer (i.e., elastic layer (1)) in the first embodiment of the fixing tape of the present invention comprises an elastic material and an aggregate (i.e., a specific aggregate) formed by a plurality of fibrous carbons entangled together.

[0067] Moreover, the maximum diameter of the aggregate is less than 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer film.

[0068] [Specific clusters]

[0069] Specific aggregates in the elastic layer (1) are used as thermal conductive materials.

[0070] As described above, the maximum diameter of a specific aggregate is only required to be 15% or less of the thickness of the elastic layer film, and more preferably 10% or less. On the other hand, the maximum diameter of a specific aggregate is further preferably 2% or more of the thickness of the elastic layer film.

[0071] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing fouling, the maximum diameter of a specific aggregate is preferably 30 μm or less, more preferably 25 μm or less, even more preferably 20 μm or less, and especially preferably 15 μm or less.

[0072] For example, the lower limit of the maximum diameter of a specific aggregate can be 8 μm or more.

[0073] A specific aggregate is simply an aggregate of multiple fibrous carbon atoms entangled together and having the aforementioned maximum diameter; there are no particular limitations on its shape. Specific aggregates within the fixing band can be, for example, spherical, ellipsoidal, or irregular in shape.

[0074] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing fouling, the ratio of the short axis Y to the long axis X (short axis Y / long axis X) of the specific aggregates in the elastic layer (1) is preferably 0.1 or more and 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.1 or more and 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.2 or more and 0.6 or less.

[0075] The maximum diameter, major axis X, and minor axis Y of a specific aggregate are measured using the following method.

[0076] The anti-adhesive layer was peeled off from the fixing tape, and measurements were taken from the surface SEM (scanning electron microscope) image of the exposed elastic layer. For any 10 specific aggregates exposed on the surface, the length of the long side and the length of the normal direction were measured, and the arithmetic mean of each of the 10 specific aggregates was set as the value of the maximum diameter (= major axis X) and minor axis Y.

[0077] Alternatively, as a method for peeling the anti-stick layer from the fixing tape, the same method as the thermal conductivity measurement described later can be used.

[0078] The length of the fibrous carbon contained in the specific aggregate is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 18 μm or less, and even more preferably 2 μm or more and 15 μm or less.

[0079] The diameter of the fibrous carbon contained in the specific aggregate is preferably 20 nm or more and 300 nm or less, more preferably 25 nm or more and 250 nm or less, and even more preferably 30 nm or more and 200 nm or less.

[0080] The length and diameter of fibrous carbon contained in a specific aggregate are measured using the following method.

[0081] The anti-adhesive layer is peeled off from the fixing tape, and measurements are taken from the surface SEM image of the exposed elastic layer. The length and thickness (thickness) of any 10 fibrous carbon fibers from a specific aggregate exposed on the surface are measured, and the arithmetic mean of the length and diameter of each of the 10 fibrous carbon fibers is set as the value.

[0082] Alternatively, as a method for peeling the anti-stick layer from the fixing tape, the same method as the thermal conductivity measurement described later can be used.

[0083] There is no particular limitation as long as the number of fibrous carbons contained in a particular aggregate is multiple (i.e., more than 2).

[0084] From the viewpoints of ease of acquisition and thermal conductivity, the fibrous carbon contained in a particular aggregate is preferably, for example, carbon nanotubes.

[0085] The content of the specific aggregate in the elastic layer (1) relative to the total mass of the elastic layer is preferably 0.1% or more and 40% or less by mass, more preferably 5% or more and 35% or less by mass, further preferably 10% or more and 35% or less by mass, and especially preferably 10% or more and 30% or less by mass.

[0086] By increasing the amount of specific aggregates, the thermal conductivity of the elastic layer (1) is improved, and contamination is easily suppressed even when fixing at high speeds. On the other hand, by setting the content of specific aggregates to less than 40% by mass relative to the total mass of the elastic layer, the shape tracking of the fixing tape is improved, and contamination is easily suppressed even when using recording media with large surface irregularities.

[0087] [Fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other]

[0088] From the viewpoint of further improving thermal conductivity, the elastic layer (1) preferably contains, for example, fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other, in addition to the specific aggregates already described.

[0089] That is, the elastic layer (1) preferably comprises, for example, an elastic material, specific aggregates and fibrous carbon that are not entangled with each other.

[0090] The length of the non-entangled fibrous carbon is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, more preferably 2 μm or more and 80 μm or less, and even more preferably 3 μm or more and 60 μm or less.

[0091] The diameter of the non-entangled fibrous carbon is preferably 20 nm or more and 300 nm or less, more preferably 25 nm or more and 250 nm or less, and even more preferably 30 nm or more and 200 nm or less.

[0092] Furthermore, the fibrous carbons that are not entangled with each other can be the same as or different from the fibrous carbons contained in a particular aggregate (i.e., the fibrous carbons that constitute a particular aggregate).

[0093] From the viewpoints of ease of acquisition and thermal conductivity, fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other is preferably carbon nanotubes.

[0094] When the elastic layer (1) contains fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other, its content relative to the total mass of the elastic layer is preferably more than 0% by mass and less than 20% by mass, more preferably more than 0.5% by mass and less than 15% by mass, and even more preferably more than 0.5% by mass and less than 10% by mass.

[0095] From the viewpoint of improving the thermal conductivity of the strip, the elastic layer (1) preferably satisfies the relationship A≥B on a mass basis with the content A of specific aggregates and the content B of fibrous carbon that are not entangled with each other.

[0096] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the thermal conductivity of the strip, the elastic layer (1) preferably has a ratio (A / (A+B)) of 0.50 or more and 0.95 or less on a mass basis, relative to the total amount of the content A of the specific aggregates and the content B of the fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other.

[0097] The content of specific aggregates (A) and the content of fibrous carbon that are not entangled with each other (B) are measured by the following method.

[0098] Measurements were performed by analyzing SEM images of the exposed elastic layer from the peel-off anti-adhesion layer. The total area of ​​specific aggregates and the total area of ​​unentangled fibrous carbon within the exposed elastic layer's surface area were calculated through image analysis of the surface SEM images. Here, the number of samples measured (i.e., the number of SEM images analyzed) was set to 5. The "content of specific aggregates A" was set as the arithmetic mean of the five samples for the "total area of ​​specific aggregates within the surface area of ​​the elastic layer" calculated using the above method, and the "content of unentangled fibrous carbon B" was set as the arithmetic mean of the five samples for the "total area of ​​unentangled fibrous carbon within the surface area of ​​the elastic layer" calculated using the above method.

[0099] Furthermore, the ratio (A / (A+B)) is calculated from the "content A of specific aggregates" and the "content B of fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other" obtained in the above manner. In addition, when calculating the ratio (A / (A+B)), if the specific gravity of the specific aggregates and the fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other are different, the content A and content B can be corrected by using their respective specific gravity.

[0100] Alternatively, as a method for peeling the anti-stick layer from the fixing tape, the same method as the measurement of thermal conductivity described later can be used.

[0101] [Elastic Materials]

[0102] Examples of elastic materials included in the elastic layer (1) include fluoropolymers, silicone resins, silicone rubber, fluororubber, and fluorosilicone rubber. Among these, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and insulation, silicone rubber and fluororubber are preferred, and silicone rubber is more preferred.

[0103] Examples of silicone rubbers include RTV silicone rubber, HTV silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. More specifically, examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber (MQ), methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ), methyl phenyl silicone rubber (PMQ), and fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ).

[0104] As for silicone rubber, silicone rubber with addition reaction as the main crosslinking method is preferred. Furthermore, silicone rubber is known to have various types of functional groups, such as dimethyl silicone rubber having methyl groups, methylphenyl silicone rubber having methyl and phenyl groups, vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups (including vinyl silicone rubber), etc.

[0105] Furthermore, as a silicone rubber, vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups is preferred, and silicone rubber having an organopolysiloxane structure having vinyl groups and an organoargon polysiloxane structure having hydrogen atoms (SiH) bonded to silicon atoms is more preferred.

[0106] Examples of fluororubbers include vinylidene fluoride rubbers, tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubbers, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethyl vinyl ethers, phosphazene rubbers, and fluoropolyethers.

[0107] The elastic material is preferably silicone rubber as the main component (i.e., it contains more than 50% by mass of silicone rubber relative to the total mass of the elastic material).

[0108] The content of silicone rubber relative to the total mass of the elastic material used in the elastic layer (1) is, for example, more preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 99% by mass or more, and may also be 100% by mass.

[0109] [additive]

[0110] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the elastic layer may also contain specific aggregates, inorganic fillers other than fibrous carbon, softeners (paraffins, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), anti-aging agents (amines, etc.), vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.) and other additives.

[0111] In the first embodiment of the fixing tape of the present invention, the thickness (film thickness) of the elastic layer is preferably 30 μm or more and 600 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0112] [Physical Properties]

[0113] (thermal conductivity)

[0114] The elastic layer (1) preferably has high thermal conductivity, for example.

[0115] Specifically, the thermal conductivity of the elastic layer is preferably 1.0 W / m·K or higher and 4.5 W / m·K or lower, more preferably 2.0 W / m·K or higher and 4.5 W / m·K or lower, and even more preferably 3.5 W / m·K or higher and 4.5 W / m·K or lower.

[0116] The thermal conductivity of the elastic layer was measured in the following manner.

[0117] First, using a cutting blade, make a cut from the release layer side of the fixing tape to the release layer / elastic layer interface. Then, by hand, grasp only the release layer and pull radially while rotating the tape, thereby peeling off the release layer. Next, insert the cutting blade into the elastic layer / substrate layer interface and advance the blade horizontally relative to the interface, thereby peeling off the substrate layer.

[0118] Regarding the elastic layer of the obtained object, the thermal conductivity was measured using ai-phase (manufactured by AI-Phaise Co., Ltd.) and temperature wave analysis under a load of 50g.

[0119] (Young's modulus)

[0120] From the viewpoint of shape tracking, the Young's modulus of the elastic layer (1) is preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less, more preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 0.6 MPa or less, and even more preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 0.4 MPa or less.

[0121] The Young's modulus of the elastic layer is measured in the following manner.

[0122] First, the resin substrate layer and the anti-stick layer are peeled off from the fixing tape in the same manner as the thermal conductivity measurement.

[0123] The elastic layer of the obtained object was measured using RHEOVIBRON (manufactured by ORIENTEC CO.,LTD.) at an amplitude of 50 μm and a frequency of 10 Hz, and the value was taken at 150 °C.

[0124] [Formation of the elastic layer (1)]

[0125] The elastic layer (1) can be formed using known methods, such as coating.

[0126] When silicone rubber is used as the elastic material for the elastic layer, for example, firstly, a coating liquid for forming the elastic layer is prepared, comprising liquid silicone rubber that cures to become silicone rubber by heating. Next, the coating liquid for forming the elastic layer is applied to a substrate layer to form a coating film, and the coating film is vulcanized as needed, thereby forming an elastic layer on the substrate layer. Furthermore, in the vulcanization of the coating film, examples of vulcanization temperatures include 150°C or higher and 250°C or lower, and examples of vulcanization times include 30 minutes or higher and 120 minutes or lower.

[0127] Furthermore, when preparing the above-mentioned coating liquid for forming the elastic layer, it is preferable to do so simultaneously with the manufacture of a specific aggregate.

[0128] Specifically, the following method can be used: prepare a precursor liquid containing elastic material and fibrous carbon (also known as the precursor liquid preparation process), manufacture specific aggregates in the system of the precursor liquid (also known as the specific aggregate manufacturing process), and obtain a coating liquid containing elastic material and specific aggregates.

[0129] The following describes the precursor fluid preparation process and the specific aggregate manufacturing process.

[0130] (Preparation of precursor fluid)

[0131] In the precursor liquid preparation process, for example, preferably, fibrous carbon is first mixed with a dispersion medium to prepare a dispersion of fibrous carbon.

[0132] Here, organic solvents that are insoluble or poorly soluble in fibrous carbon but soluble in elastic materials can be cited as dispersion media. For example, when silicone rubber is used as an elastic material, butyl acetate, toluene, heptane, benzene, and acetone can be cited as dispersion media.

[0133] Here, the content of fibrous carbon in the dispersion is preferably 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less (preferably 15% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less) relative to the total mass of the dispersion.

[0134] For example, it is preferable to perform high-pressure dispersion treatment on the obtained dispersion. By performing high-pressure dispersion treatment, the fibrous carbon in the dispersion disperses and separates into individual particles, and the length of the fibrous carbon in the dispersion is adjusted.

[0135] Here, the conditions for high-pressure dispersion are simply those that allow the fibrous carbon to be separated into individual particles and whose length can be adjusted to the desired value. For example, as a high-pressure dispersion process, it is preferable to set the temperature of the dispersion to 30°C or higher and 60°C or lower, and to carry out the process at a pressure of 20 MPa or higher and 100 MPa or lower (preferably 40 MPa or higher and 80 MPa or lower).

[0136] High-pressure homogenizers are used, for example, in high-pressure dispersion processes.

[0137] In addition, the length of the fibrous carbon in the dispersion is preferably adjusted to be about 0.5 μm or more and 100 μm or less (preferably 2 μm or more and 80 μm or less).

[0138] Here, the length of fibrous carbon in the dispersion can be measured by observation under an optical microscope or an electron microscope.

[0139] It is possible to control the maximum diameter of a specific aggregate based on the length of the fibrous carbon in the dispersion. Specifically, it has a tendency to produce aggregates with larger maximum diameters as the fibrous carbon is longer.

[0140] In the precursor liquid preparation process, an elastic material is added to the dispersion obtained as described above to prepare the precursor liquid.

[0141] The amount of elastic material added is, for example, preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less (preferably 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less) as the concentration of solid components relative to the total mass of the precursor liquid.

[0142] (Specific aggregate manufacturing process)

[0143] In a specific aggregate manufacturing process, a precursor liquid obtained in a precursor liquid preparation process is stirred by a planetary mixer, thereby manufacturing a specific aggregate in the system.

[0144] The mixer agitates the precursor liquid, thereby separating individual fibrous carbons in the precursor liquid, which gradually entangle and become lumpy, creating specific aggregates.

[0145] Here, the mixing conditions based on a planetary mixer are any conditions that can produce a specific aggregate with the maximum diameter intended.

[0146] For example, as stirring conditions, it is preferable to set the temperature of the precursor liquid to 25°C or higher and 40°C or lower, and to carry out the stirring under vacuum conditions for 10 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less.

[0147] It is possible to control the maximum diameter of a specific aggregate according to the mixing conditions. Specifically, it has the tendency to produce aggregates with a larger maximum diameter the longer the mixing time is carried out by a planetary mixer.

[0148] In the specific aggregate manufacturing process, all the fibrous carbon contained in the precursor liquid can become specific aggregates, or a portion of the fibrous carbon that has not formed specific aggregates may remain together with the specific aggregates (i.e., fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other).

[0149] Thus, a mixture containing elastic materials and specific aggregates is obtained.

[0150] Other components (such as non-entangled fibrous carbon and additives) can be added to the obtained mixture as needed to obtain a coating liquid for forming an elastic layer. Furthermore, the obtained mixture can be diluted with an organic solvent to adjust the viscosity of the coating liquid.

[0151] [Elastic layer (2)]

[0152] The elastic layer (i.e., elastic layer (2)) in the second embodiment of the fixing tape of the present invention comprises an elastic material and fibrous carbon, has a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m·K or more and 4.5 W / m·K or less, and a Young's modulus of 0.2 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less.

[0153] From the viewpoint of suppressing fouling, the elastic layer (2) preferably has a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m·K or more and 4.5 W / m·K or less, and a Young's modulus of 0.2 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less, more preferably a thermal conductivity of 2.0 W / m·K or more and 4.5 W / m·K or less, and a Young's modulus of 0.2 MPa or more and 0.6 MPa or less.

[0154] Similar to the elastic layer (1) described above, the elastic layer (2) preferably includes an elastic material and a specific aggregate of fibrous carbon, and more preferably includes a resin, a specific aggregate and fibrous carbon that are not entangled with each other.

[0155] Furthermore, the preferred manner in which the resin, specific aggregates, and non-entangled fibrous carbon are contained in the elastic layer (2) is the same as that in which they are contained in the elastic layer (1). Also, the content of the resin, specific aggregates, and non-entangled fibrous carbon is preferably the same as that in the elastic layer (1).

[0156] Furthermore, similar to the elastic layer (1) described above, the elastic layer (2) may also contain additives.

[0157] Moreover, the thickness of the elastic layer (2) is the same as that of the elastic layer (1) mentioned above.

[0158] Furthermore, the same method as that used for forming the elastic layer (1) applies as the method used for forming the elastic layer (2).

[0159] [Resin substrate layer]

[0160] In the fixing tape of the present invention, the resin substrate layer is a layer containing resin.

[0161] The resin content in the resin substrate layer is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, further preferably 70% by mass or more, especially preferably 80% by mass or more, and most preferably 90% by mass or more, relative to the total mass of the resin substrate layer.

[0162] [Resin]

[0163] The resin included in the resin substrate layer is preferably a heat-resistant resin, for example.

[0164] Examples of heat-resistant resins include polyimide, aromatic polyamide, and thermotropic liquid crystal polymers, which are high-heat-resistant and high-strength liquid crystal materials. In addition, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, polyetherketone, polysulfone, and polyamide-imide can also be used.

[0165] Among them, polyimide is preferred as a resin.

[0166] Examples of polyimides include, for instance, imides of polyamic acid (a precursor of polyimide resin), which is a polymer of tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine compound. More specifically, examples of polyimides include resins obtained by polymerizing an equimolar amount of tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine compound in a solvent to obtain a solution of polyamic acid, and then imidizing the polyamic acid.

[0167] As a tetracarboxylic dianhydride, any compound from the aromatic or aliphatic classes can be cited, but from the viewpoint of heat resistance, for example, an aromatic compound is preferred.

[0168] Examples of aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides include pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyl sulfone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,4,5,8-naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,6,7-naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyl ether tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-dimethyldiphenylsilane tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-tetraphenylsilane tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,3,4-furan tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride, and 4,4'-bis(3 Examples of anhydrides include: 4,4'-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylsulfone dianhydride, 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylpropane dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-perfluoroisopropylidene phthalic acid dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, 2,3,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, bis(phthalic acid)phenylphosphine oxide dianhydride, p-phenylene-bis(triphenylphthalic acid) dianhydride, m-phenylene-bis(triphenylphthalic acid) dianhydride, bis(triphenylphthalic acid)-4,4'-diphenyl ether dianhydride, and bis(triphenylphthalic acid)-4,4'-diphenylmethane dianhydride.

[0169] Examples of aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides include butanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,3-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,3,4-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,5-tricarboxycyclopentylacetic dianhydride, 3,5,6-tricarboxynorbornene-2-acetic dianhydride, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofurantetracarboxylic dianhydride, 5-(2,5-dioxotetrahydrofurfuryl)-3-methyl-3-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic dianhydride, and bicyclo[2,2,2]-oct-7-ene-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylic dianhydride. Aliphatic or alicyclic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides; 1,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-(2,5-dioxo-3-furanyl)-naphtho[1,2-c]furan-1,3-dione, 1,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-5-methyl-5-(tetrahydro-2,5-dioxo-3-furanyl)-naphtho[1,2-c]furan-1,3-dione, 1,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-8-methyl-5-(tetrahydro-2,5-dioxo-3-furanyl)-naphtho[1,2-c]furan-1,3-dione, and other aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides with aromatic rings.

[0170] Among them, the tetracarboxylic dianhydride is preferably an aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride, specifically, preferably pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyl ether tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, more preferably pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and especially preferably 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride.

[0171] In addition, tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides can be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0172] Furthermore, when two or more tetracarboxylic dianhydrides are combined, aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides or aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides can be used separately, or aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides and aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides can be combined.

[0173] On the other hand, the diamine compound is a diamine compound having two amino groups in its molecular structure. Examples of diamine compounds include aromatic and aliphatic compounds, but aromatic compounds are preferred, for example.

[0174] Examples of diamine compounds include p-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, 3,3-dimethyl-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, 5-amino-1-(4'-aminophenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylindene, 6-amino-1-(4'-aminophenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylindene, 4,4'-diaminobenzoylaniline, and 3,5-diamino-3'-trifluoromethane. Benzoyl benzoyl aniline, 3,5-diamino-4'-trifluoromethylbenzoyl benzoyl aniline, 3,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 2,7-diaminofluorene, 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane, 4,4'-methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline), 2,2',5,5'-tetrachloro-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, 2,2'-dichloro-4,4'-diamino-5,5'-dimethoxybiphenyl, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl] Aromatic diamines such as propane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene, 4,4'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, 1,3'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene, 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene, 4,4'-(p-phenyleneisopropylidene)bisaniline, 4,4'-(m-phenyleneisopropylidene)bisaniline, 2,2'-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, and 4,4'-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]octafluorobiphenyl Aromatic diamines such as diaminotetraphenylthiophene, which have two amino groups bonded to an aromatic ring and heteroatoms other than nitrogen atoms of the amino group; 1,1-m-phenylenediamine, 1,3-propanediamine, tetramethylenediamine, pentamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, 4,4-diaminoheptamethylenediamine, 1,4-cyclohexanediamine, isophoronediamine, tetrahydrodicyclopentadienediamine, hexahydro-4,7-methyleneindimethylenediamine, tricyclo[6,2,1,02,7]-undecylenedimethyldiamine, 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexylamine), and other aliphatic diamines and alicyclic diamines.

[0175] Among them, the diamine compound is preferably an aromatic diamine compound, specifically, for example, p-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, 3,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and especially preferably 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether and p-phenylenediamine.

[0176] In addition, diamine compounds can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0177] Furthermore, when two or more diamine compounds are combined and used together, aromatic diamine compounds or aliphatic diamine compounds can be used separately, or aromatic diamine compounds and aliphatic diamine compounds can be combined.

[0178] From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the polyimide is preferably an aromatic polyimide (specifically, an imide of a polymer of an aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride and an aromatic diamine compound, namely, a polyamic acid (a precursor of polyimide resin)).

[0179] Furthermore, as an aromatic polyimide, it is more preferably a polyimide having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (PI1).

[0180] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0181] (PI1)

[0182]

[0183] In the general formula (PI1), RP1 represents phenyl or biphenyl, and RP2 represents a divalent aromatic group.

[0184] Examples of divalent aromatic groups represented by RP2 include phenylene, naphthyl, biphenyl, and diphenyl ether. From the viewpoint of bending durability, phenylene or biphenyl is preferred as a divalent aromatic group.

[0185] The number average molecular weight of the polyimide is preferably 5,000 or more and 100,000 or less, more preferably 7,000 or more and 50,000 or less, and even more preferably 10,000 or more and 30,000 or less.

[0186] The number-average molecular weight of polyimide was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following measurement conditions.

[0187] • Column: TOSOH CORPORATION TSKgela-M (7.8mm ID×30cm)

[0188] • Eluent: DMF (dimethylformamide) / 30mM LiBr / 60mM phosphoric acid

[0189] • Flow rate: 0.6 mL / min

[0190] Injection volume: 60μL

[0191] • Detector: RI (Differential Refractive Index Detector)

[0192] From the viewpoint of thermal conductivity and mechanical strength, the film thickness of the resin substrate layer is preferably 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and especially preferably 70 μm or more and 120 μm or less.

[0193] [Formation of the resin substrate layer]

[0194] A coating liquid for forming a substrate layer, comprising resin and additives as needed, is prepared. The obtained coating liquid for forming a substrate layer is applied to a cylindrical substrate and dried to obtain a resin substrate layer.

[0195] Alternatively, when the resin is polyimide, a coating liquid for forming a substrate layer is prepared, comprising polyamic acid (a precursor of polyimide resin) and additives to be used as needed. The obtained coating liquid for forming a substrate layer is coated onto a cylindrical substrate and calcined (i.e., imidized) to obtain a resin substrate layer.

[0196] (Anti-stick layer)

[0197] The fixing tape involved in this invention has an anti-sticking layer on the elastic layer.

[0198] The anti-stick layer is a layer that inhibits the adhesion of the toner image, which is in a molten state during fixing, to the side (outer peripheral surface) that is in contact with the recording medium.

[0199] The non-stick layer requires, for example, heat resistance or non-stick properties. From this perspective, heat-resistant release materials are preferred among the materials constituting the non-stick layer; specifically, fluororubber, fluororesin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, etc.

[0200] Among them, fluoropolymer resin is preferred as a heat-resistant release material.

[0201] Specifically, examples of fluoropolymers include tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), polyethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), and fluoroethylene (PVF).

[0202] Surface treatment can be applied to the elastic layer side of the anti-stick layer. Surface treatment can be wet or dry, such as liquid ammonia treatment, excimer laser treatment, or plasma treatment.

[0203] The thickness of the anti-stick layer is preferably 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0204] The anti-stick layer can be formed using any known method, such as coating.

[0205] Alternatively, a tubular anti-adhesive layer can be prepared in advance and wrapped around the outer periphery of the elastic layer to form an anti-adhesive layer. Alternatively, an adhesive layer (e.g., an adhesive layer containing an epoxy-based silane coupling agent) can be formed on the inner surface of the tubular anti-adhesive layer and then wrapped around its outer periphery.

[0206] The film thickness of the fixing tape involved in this invention is preferably 0.06 mm or more and 0.90 mm or less, more preferably 0.15 mm or more and 0.70 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.10 mm or more and 0.60 mm or less.

[0207] [Uses of fixing belt components]

[0208] The fixing belt involved in this invention is also applicable to, for example, any of the heating belts and pressure belts. Furthermore, the heating belt can be any of the heating belts that heat by electromagnetic induction or that heat by an external heat source.

[0209] However, when a heating belt that heats the fixing belt involved in the present invention by means of electromagnetic induction is used, it is preferable, for example, to provide a metal layer (heating layer) that generates heat by electromagnetic induction between the substrate layer and the elastic layer.

[0210] <Fixing Device>

[0211] The fixing apparatus according to the present invention has various structures. For example, a fixing apparatus can be illustrated as follows: it includes a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed on the outer surface of the first rotating body, and a recording medium on which a toner image is formed is inserted through a contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body to fix the toner image. Furthermore, at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is fitted with a fixing belt according to the present invention.

[0212] Hereinafter, regarding the fixing apparatus according to the present invention, a fixing apparatus having a heating roller and a pressure belt will be described as a first embodiment, a fixing apparatus having a heating belt and a heating roller will be described as a second embodiment, and a fixing apparatus having a heating belt and a heating roller using electromagnetic induction heating will be described as a third embodiment. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the fixing belt according to the present invention can also be applied to either a heating belt or a pressure belt.

[0213] Furthermore, the fixing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the first to third times, and may also be a fixing apparatus equipped with a heating roller or heating belt and a pressure belt. Moreover, the fixing belt according to the present invention can also be applied to either a heating belt or a pressure belt.

[0214] (First embodiment of the fixing device)

[0215] refer to Figure 2 The first embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a first embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 60).

[0216] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing device 60 is configured, for example, to include a rotating heating roller 61 (an example of a first rotating body), a pressure belt 62 (an example of a second rotating body), and a pressing pad 64 (an example of a pressing member) that presses the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62.

[0217] Alternatively, the pressure pad 64 can be pressed simply by applying pressure to the pressure belt 62 relative to the heating roller 61. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 side can be pressed by the heating roller 61, or the heating roller 61 side can be pressed by the pressure belt 62.

[0218] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating mechanism) is installed inside the heating roller 61. The heating mechanism is not limited to a halogen lamp; other heating components may also be used.

[0219] On the other hand, a temperature sensing element 69 is disposed in contact with the surface of the heating roller 61, for example. Based on the temperature measurement value measured by the temperature sensing element 69, the halogen lamp 66 is controlled to be lit, thereby maintaining the surface temperature of the heating roller 61 at the set temperature (e.g., 150°C).

[0220] The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported, for example, by a pressing pad 64 disposed inside and a belt travel guide plate 63. Moreover, in the clamping area N (roller gap), it is configured to press the heating roller 61 by the pressing pad 64.

[0221] The pressing pad 64 is configured, for example, inside the pressure belt 62, to be pressurized by the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62, and a clamping region N is formed between it and the heating roller 61.

[0222] For example, the pressing pad 64 has a front clamping member 64a for ensuring a wider clamping area N on the inlet side of the clamping area N, and a peeling clamping member 64b for deforming the heating roller 61 on the outlet side of the clamping area N.

[0223] To reduce the sliding resistance between the inner circumferential surface of the pressure band 62 and the pressing pad 64, a sheet-like sliding member 68 is provided, for example, on the surface of the pressure band 62 that contacts the front clamping member 64a and the peeling clamping member 64b. Furthermore, the pressing pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held in place by a metal retaining member 65.

[0224] In addition, the sliding member 68 is configured, for example, to have its sliding surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62, and participates in the retention and supply of oil in the presence of the pressure belt 62.

[0225] The retaining component 65 is, for example, equipped with a travel guide plate 63, and is configured to rotate the pressure belt 62.

[0226] The heating roller 61 rotates, for example, in the direction of arrow S via a drive motor (not shown), and the pressure belt 62, driven by this rotation, rotates in the direction of arrow R, opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roller 61. That is, for example, the heating roller 61 rotates in the direction of arrow S. Figure 2 The pressure belt 62 rotates counterclockwise while the pressure belt 62 rotates clockwise.

[0227] Furthermore, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) with an unfixed toner image is guided, for example, by the fixing inlet guide 56 and conveyed to the clamping area N. Moreover, as the paper K passes through the clamping area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the clamping area N.

[0228] In the fixing device 60, for example, compared to a structure without a front clamping member 64a, a wider clamping area N is ensured by the front clamping member 64a, which has a concave shape similar to the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61.

[0229] Furthermore, in the fixing device 60, for example, by configuring the peeling clamping member 64b to protrude relative to the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61, the deformation of the heating roller 61 locally increases in the exit region of the clamping region N.

[0230] If the peeling clamping member 64b is configured in this way, for example, when the fixed paper K passes through the peeling clamping area, it undergoes a deformation that results in a larger local deformation, thus making it easier to peel the paper K from the heating roller 61.

[0231] As an auxiliary mechanism for peeling, a peeling member 70 is provided, for example, on the downstream side of the clamping area N of the heating roller 61. The peeling member 70 is held by a holding member 72, for example, when the peeling claw 71 approaches the heating roller 61 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the heating roller 61.

[0232] (Second embodiment of the fixing device)

[0233] refer to Figure 3 The second embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a second embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 80).

[0234] like Figure 3As shown, the fixing device 80 is configured, for example, to include a fixing belt module 86 equipped with a heating belt 84 (an example of a first rotating body) and a pressure roller 88 (an example of a second rotating body) that presses against the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86). Furthermore, for example, a clamping region N (roller gap) is formed at the contact portion between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roller 88. In the clamping region N, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) is pressed and heated, and the toner image is fixed.

[0235] The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, an annular heating belt 84, a heating pressing roller 89 on which the heating belt 84 is wound on the side of the pressure roller 88 and is driven by the rotational force of a motor (not shown) to push the heating belt 84 from its inner circumferential surface toward the side of the pressure roller 88, and a support roller 90 that supports the heating belt 84 from the inside at a different position than the heating pressing roller 89.

[0236] The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, a support roller 92 disposed on the outside of the heating belt 84 and defining its surrounding path, a posture correction roller 94 for correcting the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating press roller 89 to the support roller 90, and a support roller 98 that applies tension to the heating belt 84 from the inner circumference on the downstream side of the clamping area N formed by the heating belt 84 and the pressure roller 88.

[0237] Furthermore, the fixing belt module 86 is configured, for example, to have a sheet-like sliding member 82 inserted between the heating belt 84 and the heating press roller 89.

[0238] The sliding member 82 is configured, for example, to have its sliding surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the heating band 84, and to participate in the retention and supply of oil in the presence of the heating band 84.

[0239] Here, the sliding member 82 is configured, for example, to be supported at both ends by the support member 96.

[0240] A halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating mechanism) is provided inside the heated pressing roller 89.

[0241] The support roller 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roller made of aluminum, and is equipped with a halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating mechanism) inside, and heats the heating belt 84 from the inner circumferential side.

[0242] For example, spring components (not shown) are provided at both ends of the support roller 90 to press the heating band 84 outward.

[0243] The support roller 92 is, for example, a cylindrical roller made of aluminum, and an anti-sticking layer made of fluororesin with a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the surface of the support roller 92.

[0244] The anti-stick layer of the support roller 92 is formed, for example, to prevent colorant or paper dust from the outer periphery of the heating belt 84 from accumulating on the support roller 92.

[0245] A halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating mechanism) is provided inside the support roller 92, and the heating belt 84 is heated from the outer peripheral side.

[0246] That is, for example, it becomes a structure in which the heating belt 84 is heated by heating the pressing roller 89, the support roller 90 and the support roller 92.

[0247] The posture correction roller 94 is, for example, a cylindrical roller made of aluminum, and an end position measuring mechanism (not shown) for measuring the end position of the heating belt 84 is arranged near the posture correction roller 94.

[0248] The posture correction roller 94 is provided with, for example, an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) that displaces the contact position of the heating belt 84 in the axial direction based on the measurement results of the end position measuring mechanism, and is configured to control the serpentine movement of the heating belt 84.

[0249] On the other hand, the pressure roller 88 is supported to rotate freely, and is configured to be pressed by the portion of the heating belt 84 wound around the heating press roller 89 via a force-applying mechanism such as a spring (not shown). As a result, the heating belt 84 (heating press roller 89) of the fixing belt module 86 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow S, and the pressure roller 88 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow R, driven by the heating belt 84 (heating press roller 89).

[0250] Furthermore, the paper K with an unfixed toner image (not shown) is conveyed in the direction of arrow P and guided to the clamping area N of the fixing device 80. Moreover, as the paper K passes through the clamping area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the clamping area N.

[0251] In addition, in the fixing device 80, a halogen heater (halogen lamp) was used as an example of a plurality of heating mechanisms, but it is not limited to this. Other heating elements besides halogen heaters, such as radiant lamp heating elements (heating elements that emit radiation (infrared rays, etc.)) and resistive heating elements (heating elements that generate Joule heat by allowing current to flow through a resistor: for example, heating elements that form a resistive film on a ceramic substrate and calcinate it, etc.), can also be used.

[0252] (Third embodiment of the fixing device)

[0253] refer to Figure 4 The third embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a third embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 200).

[0254] The fixing device 200 is a fixing device that uses electromagnetic induction of the tape 220 when the tape 220 has a metal layer. Furthermore, in the fixing device 200, the tape 220 serves as the fixing tape according to the present invention.

[0255] like Figure 4 As shown, a pressure roller (pressure member) 211 is arranged to apply pressure to a portion of the belt 220. From the viewpoint of effectively fixing the image, a contact area (roll gap) is formed between the belt 220 and the pressure roller 211, and the belt 220 is bent along the circumferential surface of the pressure roller 211. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring the peelability of the recording medium, a curved portion with a bend is formed at the end of the contact area (roll gap).

[0256] The pressure roller 211 is configured such that an elastic layer 211B made of silicone rubber or the like is formed on the substrate 211A, and an anti-stick layer 211C made of fluorine compound is formed on the elastic layer 211B.

[0257] On the inner side of the belt 220, an opposing member 213 is arranged opposite to the pressure roller 211. The opposing member 213 is made of metal, heat-resistant resin, heat-resistant rubber, etc., and has a pad 213B that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt 220 to locally increase the pressure and a support body 213A that supports the pad 213B.

[0258] An electromagnetic induction heating device 212, containing an electromagnetic induction coil (excitation coil) 212a, is positioned opposite the pressure roller 211 (an example of a pressure component) with the belt 220 at its center. The electromagnetic induction heating device 212 generates eddy currents in a metal layer (e.g., an electromagnetic induction metal layer) of the belt 220 by applying an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction coil and altering the generated magnetic field using an excitation circuit. These eddy currents are converted into heat (Joule heating) through the resistance of the metal layer (not shown), resulting in surface heating of the belt 220.

[0259] Furthermore, the location of the electromagnetic induction heating device 212 is not limited to... Figure 4 The position shown can be, for example, located upstream of the contact area of ​​the band 220 in the rotation direction B, or located inside the band 220.

[0260] In the fixing device 200, the driving force is transmitted to the gear fixed to the end of the belt 220 by the driving device, and the belt 220 rotates on its own in the direction of arrow B. Along with the rotation of the belt 220, the pressure roller 211 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow C.

[0261] The recording medium 215, which has formed an unfixed toner image 214, passes through the contact area (roll gap) between the belt 220 and the pressure roller 211 in the fixing device 200 in the direction of arrow A. The unfixed toner image 214 is fixed onto the recording medium 215 by applying pressure in a molten state.

[0262] <Image Forming Apparatus>

[0263] Next, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

[0264] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises: an image holder; a charging mechanism for charging the surface of the image holder; an electrostatic latent image forming mechanism for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holder; a developing mechanism for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using a developing agent containing a toner, thereby forming a toner image; a transfer mechanism for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium; and a fixing mechanism for fixing the toner image onto the recording medium.

[0265] Furthermore, the fixing device involved in this invention is applicable as a fixing mechanism.

[0266] In this invention, the fixing device can be configured as a box-type unit for easy attachment and removal from the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatus of this invention, as a processing box structure, can include the fixing device described in this invention.

[0267] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0268] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus involved in the present invention.

[0269] like Figure 5 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present invention is, for example, an image forming apparatus of the intermediate transfer method commonly referred to as a series type, comprising: a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K that form tonal images of each color component by electrophotography; a primary transfer unit 10 that sequentially transfers (primarily transfers) the tonal images of each color component formed by each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to an intermediate transfer belt 15; a secondary transfer unit 20 that transfers (secondarily transfers) the overlapping tonal images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 together to a recording medium, i.e., paper K; and a fixing device 60 that fixes the secondary transferred image onto the paper K. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 has a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (unit).

[0270] The fixing device 60 is the first embodiment of the fixing device described above. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a structure incorporating the second embodiment of the fixing device described above.

[0271] Each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K of the image forming apparatus 100, as an example of an image holder that holds a tonal image formed on a surface, has a photoreceptor 11 that rotates in the direction of arrow A.

[0272] Around the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a charging mechanism, there is a charger 12 that charges the photoreceptor 11, and as an example of a latent image forming mechanism, there is a laser exposure unit 13 (in the figure, the symbol Bm represents the exposure beam) that writes an electrostatic latent image onto the photoreceptor 11.

[0273] Furthermore, a developer 14 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 as an example of a developing mechanism. This developer contains toners of various color components and visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 through the toners. A primary transfer roller 16 is also provided to transfer the toner images of various color components formed on the photoreceptor 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 through the primary transfer section 10.

[0274] Furthermore, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove residual toner from the photoreceptor 11, and an electrophotographic device consisting of a belt conveyor 12, a laser exposer 13, a developer 14, a primary transfer roller 16, and the photoreceptor cleaner 17 is arranged sequentially along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a generally linear order from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0275] The intermediate transfer body, or intermediate transfer tape 15, is a thin-film pressure tape consisting of a base layer of a resin such as polyimide or polyamide and containing an appropriate amount of an antistatic agent such as carbon black. Furthermore, it is configured such that its volume resistivity is 10⁶ Ωcm or more and 10¹⁴ Ωcm or less, and its thickness is, for example, about 0.1 mm.

[0276] Intermediate transfer belt 15 passes through various roller edges Figure 5 The direction B shown is cyclically driven (rotated) at a speed corresponding to the purpose. As various rollers, there is a drive roller 31 that is driven by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant speed to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 15, a support roller 32 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15 which extends in a generally straight line along the arrangement direction of each photosensitive element 11, a tension-applying roller 33 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and prevents the intermediate transfer belt 15 from serpentinizing, a back roller 25 provided in the secondary transfer section 20, and a cleaning back roller 34 provided in the cleaning section that scrapes off residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0277] The primary transfer section 10 consists of a primary transfer roller 16 positioned opposite the photosensitive element 11, separated by an intermediate transfer belt 15. The primary transfer roller 16 comprises a core and a sponge layer attached around the core as an elastic layer. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metals such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is a sponge-like cylindrical roller formed from a mixture of NBR, SBR, and EPDM rubber mixed with conductive agents such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 107.5 Ωcm or higher and 108.5 Ωcm or lower.

[0278] Furthermore, the primary transfer roller 16 is pressed against the photoreceptor 11 across the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a voltage of polarity (negative polarity, the same applies below) and opposite polarity (primary transfer bias voltage) of the toner is applied to the primary transfer roller 16. As a result, the toner images on each photoreceptor 11 are sequentially electrostatically attracted by the intermediate transfer belt 15, thereby forming overlapping toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0279] The secondary transfer section 20 is configured to have a back roller 25 and a secondary transfer roller 22 disposed on the toner image holding side of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0280] The surface of the back roller 25 is made of a flexible tube of a mixture of EPDM and NBR rubber with dispersed carbon, and the interior is made of EPDM rubber. Furthermore, its surface resistivity is set to be 107 Ω / □ or higher and 1010 Ω / □ or lower, and its hardness is set to, for example, 70° (AskerC: Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd., hereinafter the same). This back roller 25 is positioned on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to form the opposing electrode of the secondary transfer roller 22, and is in contact with a metal power supply roller 26 that stably applies a secondary transfer bias voltage.

[0281] On the other hand, the secondary transfer roller 22 is composed of a core and a sponge layer attached around the core as an elastic layer. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metals such as iron and SUS. The sponge layer is a sponge-like cylindrical roller formed of a mixed rubber of NBR, SBR and EPDM mixed with conductive agents such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 107.5 Ωcm or more and 108.5 Ωcm or less.

[0282] Furthermore, the secondary transfer roller 22 is pressed and disposed on the back roller 25 across the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the secondary transfer roller 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between itself and the back roller 25, thereby transferring the toner image onto the paper K conveyed to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0283] Furthermore, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35, which removes residual toner or paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, is configured to be able to contact or separate freely relative to the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0284] In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer section 10 (primary transfer roller 16) and the secondary transfer section 20 (secondary transfer roller 22) are equivalent to an example of a transfer mechanism.

[0285] On the other hand, a reference sensor (originating position sensor) 42 is provided upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y to generate a reference signal that serves as a reference for acquiring the image forming timing of each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. This reference sensor 42 identifies a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. Each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is configured to start image forming according to a command from the control unit 40 based on the identification of this reference signal.

[0286] Furthermore, an image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is provided on the downstream side of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0287] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the conveying mechanism for conveying paper K includes a paper receiving section 50 for receiving paper K, a paper feed roller 51 for taking out and conveying paper K accumulated in the paper receiving section 50 at a preset time, a conveying roller 52 for conveying paper K delivered by the paper feed roller 51, a conveying guide 53 for conveying paper K conveyed by the conveying roller 52 into the secondary transfer section 20, a conveyor belt 55 for conveying paper K that has been conveyed after secondary transfer by the secondary transfer roller 22 to the fixing device 60, and a fixing inlet guide 56 for guiding paper K to the fixing device 60.

[0288] Next, the basic imaging process of the image forming apparatus involved in the present invention will be described.

[0289] In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, image data output from an image reading device (not shown) or a personal computer (PC) (not shown) is processed by an image processing device (not shown) and then image processing is performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0290] In the image processing device, various image processing techniques are applied to the input reflectivity data, including shadow correction, position offset correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, border removal or color editing, and motion editing. The image data after image processing is converted into grayscale data of the four colors Y, M, C, and K, and then output to the laser exposure unit 13.

[0291] In the laser exposure unit 13, based on the input pigment grayscale data, for example, an exposure beam Bm emitted from a semiconductor laser is used to illuminate each photoreceptor 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. In each photoreceptor 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, after the surface is charged by the charger 12, the surface is scanned and exposed by the laser exposure unit 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K into tonal images of Y, M, C, and K respectively.

[0292] The toner image formed on the photoreceptors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10 where each photoreceptor 11 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 15. More specifically, in the primary transfer section 10, the toner image is sequentially superimposed onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 by applying a voltage of polarity (negative polarity) and opposite polarity (primary transfer bias voltage) of the toner to the substrate of the intermediate transfer belt 15 through the primary transfer roller 16, thus performing a primary transfer.

[0293] After the toner image is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves and the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer section 20. When the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer section 20, the paper feed roller 51 rotates in the conveying mechanism in accordance with the timing of the toner image's arrival at the secondary transfer section 20, and paper K of the desired size is supplied from the paper receiving section 50. The paper K supplied by the paper feed roller 51 is conveyed by the conveying roller 52 and reaches the secondary transfer section 20 via the conveying guide 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer section 20, the paper K is temporarily stopped, and a position alignment roller (not shown) rotates in accordance with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 15 holding the toner image, thereby aligning the position of the paper K with the position of the toner image.

[0294] In the secondary transfer section 20, the secondary transfer roller 22 is pressurized by the back roller 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper K, which is being fed according to a timer, is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roller 22. At this time, if a voltage of the same polarity (negative polarity) of the toner is applied from the power supply roller 26 (secondary transfer bias voltage), a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roller 22 and the back roller 25. Moreover, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred to the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20, which is pressurized by the secondary transfer roller 22 and the back roller 25.

[0295] Then, the paper K with the electrostatically transferred toner image is directly conveyed in a state where it has been peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roller 22, and conveyed to the conveyor belt 55 located downstream of the secondary transfer roller 22 in the paper conveying direction. The conveyor belt 55 conveys the paper K to the fixing device 60 at an optimal conveying speed corresponding to the fixing device 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper K conveyed to the fixing device 60 is fixed by the fixing device 60 through heat and pressure, thereby fixing it onto the paper K. Then, the paper K with the fixed image is conveyed to the paper discharge receiving section (not shown) provided in the discharge section of the image forming apparatus.

[0296] On the other hand, after the transfer of paper K is completed, the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported to the cleaning section along with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the cleaning back roller 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35.

[0297] The above describes the implementation method, but it is not intended to be limited to the above implementation method. Various modifications, alterations, and improvements are possible.

[0298] Example

[0299] The present invention will be further illustrated below with examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0300] <Example 1>

[0301] (Formation of the resin substrate layer)

[0302] A coating solution containing polyamic acid (solid content concentration: 18% by mass) was applied to a cylindrical mold, and the resulting coating was calcined at 380°C, thereby forming a cylindrical resin substrate layer (film thickness: 80 μm).

[0303] (Formation of the elastic layer)

[0304] A dispersion (hereinafter referred to as "CNT 15% dispersion") was prepared by mixing butyl acetate and carbon nanotubes (manufactured by SHOWA DENKO KK) at a mass ratio of 15:85. The obtained dispersion was subjected to high-pressure dispersion treatment using a high-pressure homogenizer (manufactured by SANMARU MACHINERY CO.,LTD. HC3) (conditions: liquid temperature 45°C, 50 MPa, 3 cycles (i.e., 3 valve passes)).

[0305] Next, relative to 50 parts by mass of the high-pressure dispersed dispersion, 50 parts by mass of silicone rubber stock solution (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. X-34-1053, solid content concentration: 60% by mass, solvent: butyl acetate) were added to prepare a precursor liquid. The obtained precursor liquid was stirred for 10 minutes using a planetary mixer (AICOH ACM-5LVT) at a liquid temperature of 30°C and under vacuum.

[0306] Through the above, a coating liquid for forming an elastic layer was obtained, which contains 20% by mass of aggregates (i.e., specific aggregates) of carbon nanotubes entangled together in a solid composition.

[0307] Next, the obtained elastic layer forming coating liquid is applied to the substrate layer to form a coating film, and the coating film is heated at 100°C for 30 minutes to form an elastic layer with a film thickness of 450 μm.

[0308] (Form of the anti-stick layer)

[0309] A 35μm thick PFA tubing (made by Gunze Limited) was wrapped around an elastic layer and heated at 200°C for 120 minutes to form an anti-stick layer made of fluoropolymer tubing.

[0310] After the above processes, the fixing tape is obtained.

[0311] <Examples 2 and 3>

[0312] The method for forming the elastic layer was changed to the following method, except that the fixing tape was made in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0313] That is, in the formation of the elastic layer in Example 1, the high-pressure dispersion process was set to 2 cycles, and the stirring time of the planetary mixer on the precursor liquid was changed to 45 minutes (Example 2) or 60 minutes (Example 3). Otherwise, the elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0314] <Examples 4-8>

[0315] The method for forming the elastic layer was changed to the following method, except that the fixing tape was made in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0316] That is, in the formation of the elastic layer in Example 1, the amount of dispersion liquid after high pressure dispersion treatment and the amount of silicone rubber stock liquid were changed as follows, and the elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0317] Example 4: 0.4 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment and 99.6 parts by weight of silicone rubber stock solution.

[0318] Example 5: 14.75 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment and 70 parts by weight of silicone rubber stock solution.

[0319] Example 6: 74.3 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment and 34.5 parts by weight of the silicone rubber stock solution.

[0320] Example 7: 80 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment and 30 parts by weight of silicone rubber stock solution.

[0321] Example 8: 50 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment and 15.28 parts by weight of silicone rubber stock solution.

[0322] <Examples 9-12>

[0323] The method for forming the elastic layer was changed to the following method, except that the fixing tape was made in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0324] That is, in the formation of the elastic layer in Example 1, a precursor liquid was prepared by changing the amount of dispersion liquid after high-pressure dispersion treatment and the amount of silicone rubber stock liquid. Then, after stirring the precursor liquid with a planetary mixer, and adding the CNT 15% dispersion liquid used in Example 1 in the following amounts, a coating liquid for forming the elastic layer was further used by stirring with a planetary mixer at a liquid temperature of 30°C and normal pressure for 1 minute. Otherwise, the elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0325] Example 9: 33.15 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment, 65 parts by weight of silicone rubber stock solution, and 1.48 parts by weight of CNT 15% dispersion.

[0326] Example 10: 28.25 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment, 100 parts by weight of silicone rubber stock solution, and 42.35 parts by weight of CNT 15% dispersion.

[0327] Example 11: 21.2 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment, 60.1 parts by weight of the silicone rubber stock solution, and 21.2 parts by weight of the CNT 15% dispersion.

[0328] Example 12: 43.6 parts by weight of the dispersion after high-pressure dispersion treatment, 65 parts by weight of silicone rubber stock solution, and 2.3 parts by weight of CNT 15% dispersion.

[0329] <Comparative Example 1>

[0330] The method for forming the elastic layer was changed to the following method, except that the fixing tape was made in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0331] Specifically, 50 parts by mass of the non-high-pressure dispersed dispersion (CNT 15% dispersion) used in the formation of the elastic layer in Example 1 were mixed with 50 parts by mass of silicone rubber stock solution (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., X-34-1053, solid content concentration: 60% by mass, solvent: butyl acetate) to prepare a precursor solution. The planetary mixer was used to stir the obtained precursor solution for 1 minute, thereby obtaining a coating solution for forming the elastic layer. Using this coating solution for forming the elastic layer, an elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that...

[0332] <Comparative Example 2>

[0333] The method for forming the elastic layer was changed to the following method, except that the fixing tape was made in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0334] The silicone rubber stock solution (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., X-34-1053, solid content concentration: 60% by mass, solvent: butyl acetate) was used directly as the coating solution for forming the elastic layer. Otherwise, the elastic layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0335] <Comparative Example 3>

[0336] The method for forming the elastic layer was changed to the following method, except that the fixing tape was made in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0337] That is, in the formation of the elastic layer in Example 1, the precursor liquid obtained by using a dispersion with two cycles of high pressure dispersion treatment was stirred for 80 minutes at a liquid temperature of 30°C and under vacuum conditions using a planetary mixer (AICOH ACM-5LVT).

[0338] Through the above, a coating liquid for forming an elastic layer was obtained, comprising 20% ​​by mass of aggregates (i.e., specific aggregates) of multiple carbon nanotubes entangled together.

[0339] Next, the obtained elastic layer forming coating liquid is applied to the substrate layer to form a coating film, and the coating film is heated at 100°C for 30 minutes to form an elastic layer with a film thickness of 450 μm.

[0340] <Measurement of thermal conductivity>

[0341] The thermal conductivity of the elastic layers obtained in each example was measured according to the method described above.

[0342] <Measurement of Young's Modulus>

[0343] The Young's modulus of the elastic layers obtained in each example was measured according to the method described above.

[0344] <Evaluation of Stains>

[0345] The fixing tapes obtained in each example are installed in the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus (FUJI XEROX: Versant 3100 Press).

[0346] Using this image forming apparatus, 300,000 solid images with 100% Cin and 100% image density were output on A4 paper. Furthermore, as a fixing condition, the output speed (printing speed) was set to 60 sheets per minute (marked as "60ppm" in the table) or 120 sheets per minute (marked as "120ppm"). And, as A4 paper, three types were used: plain paper (P paper manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.), thick paper (JD coated paper 157 manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.), and embossed paper with a significantly textured surface (Le'sac 66 manufactured by Tokushu Tokai Paper Co., Ltd.).

[0347] In addition, after the above output, the fixing tape was removed, the surface of the removed fixing tape was observed with the naked eye, and the contamination was evaluated.

[0348] Staining was evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0349] A(◎): No contamination was observed in the fixing tape.

[0350] B(〇): Slight (more than 1 and less than 3) stains are seen in the fixing tape.

[0351] C(△): Staining is seen in localized areas (4 to 7 locations) of the fixing zone.

[0352] D(×): Multiple (more than 8) stains are seen in the fixing tape.

[0353]

[0354] As can be seen from the above results, the fixing tape of this embodiment can suppress contamination even when using a recording medium with a large surface unevenness, such as embossed paper, compared with the fixing tape of the comparative example.

[0355] It can be seen that the fixing tape of this embodiment can suppress smudging even if it is ordinary paper or thick paper.

[0356] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

[0357] Symbol Explanation

[0358] 60-Fixing unit, 62-Pressure belt, 63-Guide plate with travel range, 64-Pressing pad, 64a-Front clamping component, 64b-Peeling clamping component, 65-Holding component, 66-Halogen lamp, 68-Sliding component, 69-Temperature sensing element, 70-Peeling component, 71-Peeling claw, 72-Holding component, 80-Fixing unit, 82-Sliding component, 84-Heating belt, 86-Fixing belt module, 88-Pressure roller, 89A-Halogen lamp Heater, 89-Heating press roller, 90A-Halogen heater, 90-Support roller, 92A-Halogen heater, 92-Support roller, 94-Posture correction roller, 96-Support component, 98-Support roller, 100-Image forming apparatus, 110-Fixing belt, 110A-Substrate, 110B-Elastic layer, 110C-Anti-stick layer, 200-Fixing device, 211-Pressure roller, 212-Electromagnetic induction heating device, 220-Belt.

Claims

1. A fixing tape, comprising sequentially a resin substrate layer, an elastic layer, and an anti-stick layer, wherein, The elastic layer comprises: Elastic materials; and An aggregate consisting of a plurality of fibrous carbon atoms entangled together, wherein the maximum diameter of the aggregate is more than 2% and less than 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer film.

2. The fixing tape according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic layer also contains fibrous carbon that is not entangled with each other.

3. The fixing tape according to claim 2, wherein, The content A of the aggregates and the content B of the non-entangled fibrous carbons satisfy the relationship A≥B on a mass basis.

4. The fixing tape according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The ratio of the content A of the aggregate to the total content of the aggregate and the content B of the fibrous carbon that are not entangled with each other is 0.50 or more and 0.95 or less on a mass basis.

5. The fixing tape according to claim 1, wherein, The content of the aggregate is more than 0.1% by mass and less than 40% by mass relative to the total mass of the elastic layer.

6. The fixing tape according to claim 5, wherein, The content of the aggregate is more than 10% by mass and less than 30% by mass relative to the total mass of the elastic layer.

7. The fixing tape according to claim 1, wherein, The Young's modulus of the elastic layer is above 0.2 MPa and below 1.0 MPa.

8. The fixing tape according to claim 1, wherein, The fibrous carbon is carbon nanotubes.

9. A fixing tape, comprising sequentially a resin substrate layer, an elastic layer, and an anti-stick layer, wherein, The elastic layer comprises: Elastic materials; and An aggregate, which is composed of a plurality of fibrous carbon atoms entangled together. The maximum diameter of the aggregate is more than 2% and less than 15% of the thickness of the elastic layer film. The thermal conductivity of the elastic layer is above 1.0 W / m•K and below 4.5 W / m•K, and the Young's modulus of the elastic layer is above 0.2 MPa and below 1.0 MPa.

10. A fixing device comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body. At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a fixing belt as described in any one of claims 1 to 9. A recording medium with a tonal image formed on its surface is inserted through the contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body to fix the tonal image.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising: Like a retainer; A charging mechanism that charges the surface of the image holder. An electrostatic latent image forming mechanism forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder; The developing mechanism develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using a developer containing a toner to form a toner image; The transfer mechanism transfers the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium; and A fixing mechanism for fixing the toner image onto the recording medium, and comprising the fixing device as described in claim 10.

Images