Sliding member, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A sliding member, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus, in which a sliding surface is configured from a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and resin particles having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, the average particle diameter of the resin particles being 0.1 [mu] m to 10 [mu] m, and the average particle diameter of the resin particles being 0.1 [mu] m or more and 10 [mu] m or less. The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is 1.0 or less, and the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 2% or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sliding component, a fixing device and an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "an image fixing device, characterized in that it comprises: a heated fixing roller, which is rotatably arranged; an endless belt, which is arranged to be able to move in contact with the heated fixing roller; and a pressing pad, which is arranged on the inner side of the endless belt, and in a manner that a nip portion is formed between the endless belt and the heated fixing roller for allowing a recording sheet holding an unfixed toner image to pass through, the heated fixing roller is pressed via the endless belt, and modified silicone oil is interposed as a lubricant between the pressing pad and the endless belt."

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses "an image fixing device, which uses a pressing member arranged on the inner side of a film tubular body to press the film tubular body against a heated drive roller, forms a bite portion on the outer surface of the film tubular body for allowing a recording material to pass, and arranges a fluororesin on the sliding contact surface of the pressing member, and allows a lubricant to be interposed between the film tubular body and the inner surface of the film tubular body so that the film tubular body can move, characterized in that a fluororesin that has been lipophilically treated is used on the sliding contact surface of the pressing member, or a lipophilic agent is used together with the fluororesin."

[0004] In addition, Patent Document 3 discloses "a low friction component comprising a first fluororesin powder having a median particle size in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm and a second fluororesin powder having a median particle size in the range of 0.1 μm to 5 μm dispersed in a polyimide resin, wherein the surface roughness Rsk is greater than 0.500 and the surface exposure rate of the fluororesin is greater than 15.0%."

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-213984

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-249558

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6142385 Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding component having excellent sliding resistance maintenance performance compared with a sliding component having a sliding surface composed of glass cloth and a fluororesin impregnated in the glass cloth.

[0009] Specific means for solving the above-mentioned problems include the following aspects.

[0010] <1>

[0011] A sliding component, wherein

[0012] The sliding surface comprises a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and resin particles having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0013] The average particle size of the resin particles is 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0014] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is less than 1.0,

[0015] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 2% or more.

[0016] <2>

[0017] The sliding component according to <1>, wherein:

[0018] The resin particles have an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 4 μm or less.

[0019] <3>

[0020] The sliding component according to <1> or <2>, wherein:

[0021] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is 0.6 or less.

[0022] <4>

[0023] The sliding component according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein

[0024] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 3% or more.

[0025] <5>

[0026] The sliding component according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein

[0027] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, and polyphenylene sulfone resin.

[0028] <6>

[0029] The sliding component according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein

[0030] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resins and polyphenylene sulfide resins.

[0031] <7>

[0032] The sliding component according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein

[0033] The resin particles are thermally curable silicone resin particles.

[0034] <8>

[0035] The sliding component according to <7>, wherein:

[0036] The heat-curing silicone resin particles are modified heat-curing silicone resin particles.

[0037] <9>

[0038] The sliding component according to any one of <1> to <8>,

[0039] The content of the resin particles is 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0040] <10>

[0041] The sliding component according to <9>, wherein:

[0042] The content of the resin particles is 3% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0043] <11>

[0044] The sliding component according to any one of <1> to <10>,

[0045] The average particle size of the resin particles is 0.5 μm or more and 4 μm or less,

[0046] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is less than 0.6,

[0047] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 3% or more.

[0048] <12>

[0049] The sliding component according to any one of <1> to <11>,

[0050] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin and polyphenylsulfone resin.

[0051] The content of the resin particles is 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin,

[0052] The resin particles are thermally curable silicone resin particles.

[0053] <13>

[0054] A fixing device, comprising:

[0055] The first rotating body;

[0056] a second rotating body arranged in contact with the first rotating body;

[0057] a pressing member disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body toward the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body;

[0058] The sliding member according to any one of <1> to <12>, interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member; and

[0059] A lubricant is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member.

[0060] <14>

[0061] The fixing device according to <13>, wherein:

[0062] The inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body is formed of a resin having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group, and a thioether group.

[0063] <15>

[0064] The fixing device according to <13> or <14>, wherein:

[0065] The lubricant contains oil having a silicone group as the main chain.

[0066] <16>

[0067] An image forming device comprising:

[0068] Image holding body;

[0069] A latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the surface of the image holding body;

[0070] a developing device for developing the latent image on the toner image using a developer;

[0071] a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image to a recording medium; and

[0072] The fixing device according to any one of <13> to <15> fixes the toner image on the recording medium.

[0073] Effects of the Invention

[0074] According to the invention as set forth in <1>, a sliding component having excellent sliding resistance maintenance performance can be provided compared with a sliding component having a sliding surface formed of glass cloth and a fluororesin impregnated in the glass cloth.

[0075] According to the invention as set forth in <2>, a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared with a case where the average particle size of the resin particles is less than 0.5 μm or greater than 4 μm.

[0076] According to the invention pertaining to <3>, it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to a case where the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is greater than 0.6.

[0077] According to the invention pertaining to <4>, a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided, compared with a case where the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is less than 3%.

[0078] According to the invention pertaining to <5>, it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to the case where the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is a fluororesin.

[0079] According to the invention pertaining to <6>, it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to a case where the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is a polyphenylene sulfide resin.

[0080] According to the invention pertaining to <7>, a sliding member having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared to the case where the resin particles are fluororesin particles.

[0081] According to the invention pertaining to <8>, a sliding member having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided, compared with the case where the thermosetting silicone resin particles are unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles.

[0082] According to the invention as set forth in <9>, a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared with a case where the content of the resin particles is less than 1.0% by mass or more than 20.0% by mass based on the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0083] According to the invention as set forth in <10>, a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided, compared with a case where the content of the resin particles is less than 3% by mass or more than 25% by mass based on the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0084] According to the invention involved in <11>, a sliding component with excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared to the case where the average particle size of the resin particles is less than 0.5μm or greater than 4μm, the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is greater than 0.6, or the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is less than 3%.

[0085] According to the invention of <12>, a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided, compared with a case where the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is a fluororesin, a case where the resin particles are fluororesin particles, or a case where the content of the resin particles is less than 1.0 mass % or more than 20.0 mass % relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0086] According to the invention of <13>, compared with the case where a sliding member having a sliding surface composed of glass cloth and fluororesin impregnated in the glass cloth is used, a fixing device is provided which can suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body and form an image with reduced gloss unevenness.

[0087] According to the invention pertaining to <14>, compared with a case where the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body is made of a polyimide resin, a fixing device capable of suppressing an increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body and forming an image with reduced gloss unevenness is provided.

[0088] According to the invention pertaining to <15>, compared with a case where the lubricant is composed of fluoropolyether oil alone, it is possible to provide a fixing device capable of suppressing an increase in the rotational torque of the second rotating body and forming an image with reduced gloss unevenness.

[0089] According to the invention of <16>, compared with the case where a sliding member having a sliding surface including glass cloth and fluororesin impregnated in the glass cloth is used, an image forming apparatus is provided which can suppress an increase in the rotational torque of the second rotating body of the fixing device and can form an image with reduced gloss unevenness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0091] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment;

[0092] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixing device according to the present embodiment.

[0093] Explanation of symbols

[0094] 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K-photoreceptor, 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K-charging roller, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K-laser beam, 3-exposure device, 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K-developing device, 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K-first transfer roller, 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K-photoreceptor cleaning device, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K-processing box, 20-intermediate transfer belt, 20a-intermediate transfer body cleaning device, 22-driving roller, 24-supporting roller, 26-secondary transfer roller, 28-fixing device, 30-heating roller, 40-pressure belt, 50-pressing pad, 52-belt travel guide, 60-sliding sheet, 62-lubricant, 64-lubricant supply component, 100-image forming device, P-recording medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. These descriptions and examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0096] In the numerical ranges recorded in this specification, the upper limit or lower limit recorded in one numerical range may be replaced by the upper limit or lower limit of the numerical range recorded in other stages. In addition, in the numerical ranges recorded in this specification, the upper limit or lower limit of the numerical range may be replaced by the value shown in the embodiment.

[0097] Each component may contain a plurality of corresponding substances.

[0098] When referring to the amount of each component in a composition, if there are a plurality of substances corresponding to each component in the composition, unless otherwise specified, the amount refers to the total amount of the plurality of substances present in the composition.

[0099] Please refer to the attached Figure 1 When describing the embodiments, components having substantially the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and duplicate description may be omitted.

[0100] <Sliding parts>

[0101] In the sliding component according to the present embodiment, the sliding surface is constituted by containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and resin particles having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0102] The average particle diameter of the resin particles is 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0103] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is 1.0 or less.

[0104] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 2% or more.

[0105] The sliding member according to the present embodiment is excellent in maintaining the sliding resistance due to the above-mentioned structure. The reason for this is presumably as follows.

[0106] Generally, fluororesins are used in sliding parts to obtain low friction and heat resistance. Specifically, fluororesin sheets, sheets made of woven fiber-shaped fluororesin, sheets made of glass cloth impregnated with fluororesin, sheets made of fluororesin particles dispersed in polyimide resin, etc. are used in sliding parts.

[0107] However, fluororesin will wear out in a short period of time. In addition, fluororesin has low strength and thus will deform significantly under tensile or compressive forces, which will increase the sliding resistance of the sliding surface.

[0108] Furthermore, in a sheet material obtained by impregnating a fluororesin into a glass cloth, when the fluororesin is worn, the sliding resistance of the sliding surface is dominated by the sliding resistance of the glass cloth, and the sliding resistance of the sliding surface increases with the passage of time.

[0109] Furthermore, in a sheet in which fluororesin particles are dispersed in a polyimide resin, if the fluororesin particles are worn or fall off, the sliding resistance of the sliding surface is dominated by the sliding resistance of the polyimide resin, causing an increase in the sliding resistance of the sliding surface with the passage of time.

[0110] In contrast, the sliding component according to the present embodiment contains resin particles having an average particle size of 0.1 μm to 10 μm inclusive and having a siloxane group in a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin, and the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface and the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface are set to 2% or more.

[0111] As a result, the exposed resin particles on the sliding surface exert lubrication capabilities, are less likely to fall off the sliding surface, and are stretched on the sliding surface to form a thin film.

[0112] From the above, it is presumed that the sliding member according to the present embodiment is excellent in maintaining the sliding resistance.

[0113] Hereinafter, the sliding member according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0114] In the sliding sheet, the sliding surface is constituted by containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than the fluororesin and resin particles having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0115] Specifically, the sliding sheet is composed of a single layer of a resin base material layer containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and resin particles having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. That is, the sliding sheet is a resin sheet containing these components.

[0116] The sliding sheet may be a laminate of a resin base material layer constituting a sliding surface and another layer provided on the side of the resin base material layer opposite to the sliding surface.

[0117] Examples of the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin include polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyethersulfone resin, polysulfone resin, and polyphenylsulfone resin.

[0118] Among these, the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyetherimide resins, and polyphenylene sulfone resins, and more preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resins and polyphenylene sulfide resins.

[0119] These resins (particularly, polyetheretherketone resin and polyphenylene sulfide resin) are preferred because they have high wear resistance, high toughness, and high elastic modulus.

[0120] Examples of the resin particles having a siloxane group include resins having a polysiloxane structure in a main chain or a side chain.

[0121] Specific examples of the resin particles having a siloxane group include particles of thermosetting silicone resin, silicone oil gel, silicone elastomer, and siloxane-modified polyetherimide.

[0122] Among these, the resin particles having a siloxane group are preferably, for example, thermosetting silicone resin particles. This component reduces the sliding resistance of the sliding surface and easily improves the maintenance of the sliding resistance.

[0123] Here, the thermosetting silicone resin particles are silicone resin particles that are cured by heat and have rubber-like elasticity. Unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles are preferred because, for example, the affinity with the lubricant is improved and the increase in the rotation torque of the pressure belt 40 is easily suppressed.

[0124] Silicone glue refers to silicone glue formed by molding silicone oil with a molecular weight of more than 300,000 into particles.

[0125] The average particle size of the resin particles having a siloxane group is 0.1 μm to 10 μm. From the viewpoint of improving the maintainability of sliding resistance, the average particle size is, for example, preferably 0.5 μm to 4 μm, and more preferably 1 μm to 3 μm.

[0126] The average particle size of the resin particles is measured as follows.

[0127] A sample having a cut surface cut along the thickness direction of the member is obtained from the sliding member to be measured.

[0128] The cut surface of the sample is observed by electron microscope, and the area value of the resin particles is obtained by image analysis, and the equivalent circle diameter is calculated from the area value. The calculation of the equivalent circle diameter is implemented for 100 resin particles. And the 50% diameter (D50) in the cumulative frequency of the obtained equivalent circle diameter based on volume is taken as the average particle size of the resin particles.

[0129] The content of the resin particles having a siloxane group is, for example, preferably 1.0 mass % to 20.0 mass % based on the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, more preferably 2.0 mass % to 15.0 mass %, further preferably 5.0 mass % to 10.0 mass %.

[0130] By setting the content of the resin having a siloxane group in the above range, it is easy to adjust the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface and the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface to the above range.

[0131] Therefore, the sliding sheet is provided with wear resistance and the sliding resistance is reduced, and the maintenance of the sliding resistance is easily improved.

[0132] The resin substrate layer constituting the sliding surface may contain other components in addition to the resin, such as a conductive agent, a filler for improving mechanical strength, an antioxidant for preventing thermal degradation, a surfactant, a heat-resistant anti-aging agent, and the like.

[0133] In the sliding component involved in this embodiment, the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is 1.0 or less. From the viewpoint of improving the maintainability of sliding resistance, the surface roughness Rsk is preferably 0.6 or less, and more preferably 0.5 or less. However, from the viewpoint of the retention amount of lubricant and the hook resistance with the mating material caused by the shape, the lower limit of the surface roughness Rsk is, for example, 0.2 or more.

[0134] The above range of the surface roughness Rsk represents an absolute value. The surface roughness Rsk is the inclination Rsk of the roughness curve in the sliding direction on the sliding surface.

[0135] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface was measured in accordance with JIS B0601 (2001). Specifically, the surface roughness Rsk was measured under the following conditions using a surface roughness meter (SURFCOM1500SD, manufactured by TOKYO SEIMITSU CO., LTD.).

[0136] ·Measurement type: Roughness measurement

[0137] Measuring length: 1.0mm

[0138] Cut-off wavelength: 0.025mm

[0139] ·Measurement range: ±32.0μm

[0140] ·Measurement speed: 0.03mm / s

[0141] Cut-off type: 2RC (phase non-compensated)

[0142] Tilt correction: Least squares straight line correction

[0143] ·λs cutoff 300

[0144] ·λs cutoff value: 0.0833μm

[0145] In the sliding part involved in this embodiment, the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 2% or more. From the viewpoint of improving the maintainability of sliding resistance, the surface exposure rate of the resin particles is preferably 3% or more, and more preferably 5% or more. However, from the viewpoint of the wear resistance of the sliding surface, the upper limit of the surface exposure rate of the resin particles is, for example, 10% or less.

[0146] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles is measured in the following manner.

[0147] A sample having a sliding surface is obtained from a sliding member to be measured.

[0148] The sliding surface of the sample was observed by electron microscope at a magnification of 2000 times, and the area value of the exposed resin particles was obtained by image analysis. The ratio of the area value of the exposed resin particles to the area value of the observation field was calculated. The ratio of the area value of the resin particles was calculated in 5 fields of view. And the arithmetic mean of the ratio of the area value of the resin particles was set as the surface exposure rate of the resin particles.

[0149] Here, the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface and the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface are adjusted by, for example, the average particle size and content of the resin particles.

[0150] <Fixing device / Image forming device>

[0151] The fixing device involved in this embodiment is a specific fixing device, which includes: a first rotating body; a second rotating body, which is arranged in contact with the first rotating body; a pressing member, which is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and presses the second rotating body toward the first rotating body from the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body; a sliding member, which is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member; and a lubricant, which is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member. Hereinafter, the fixing device including these components is also referred to as a "specific fixing device".

[0152] Furthermore, in the fixing device according to the present embodiment, the sliding member according to the present embodiment described above is applied as the sliding member.

[0153] The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes:

[0154] Image holding body;

[0155] A latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the surface of the image holding body;

[0156] a developing device for developing the latent image on the toner image using a developer;

[0157] a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image to a recording medium; and

[0158] The fixing device fixes the toner image on the recording medium.

[0159] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the fixing device according to the present embodiment described above is applied as the fixing device.

[0160] In the fixing device and the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, if the sliding member according to the present embodiment is used as the sliding member, for example, an increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body of the fixing device can be suppressed and an image with reduced gloss unevenness can be formed.

[0161] In particular, in the fixing device and image forming device involved in this embodiment, from the viewpoint of suppressing the increase of the rotational torque of the second rotating body and reducing gloss unevenness, the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body is preferably composed of a resin having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group and a thioether group.

[0162] From the same viewpoint, the lubricant preferably contains, for example, oil having a siloxane group as a main chain.

[0163] Here, in the past, when forming an image in an electronic photographic system image forming device such as a printer, copier, or fax machine, after transferring the toner image onto a recording medium such as recording paper, a fixing device is used to heat and pressurize the recording medium to which the toner image is transferred, thereby fixing the toner image on the surface of the recording medium.

[0164] Conventionally, various types of fixing devices have been proposed, and the above-mentioned specific fixing device is known as one of them.

[0165] In a specific fixing device, a fluororesin is used in a sliding member to obtain low friction and heat resistance. Specifically, a fluororesin sheet, a sheet made of woven fluororesin fibers, or a sheet made of glass cloth impregnated with fluororesin is used in the sliding member.

[0166] However, fluororesin wears out in a short period of time. Also, fluororesin has low strength and thus deforms significantly under tensile or compressive forces, which causes an increase in the rotational torque of the second rotating body.

[0167] Furthermore, since a sheet made of woven fiber-shaped fluororesin or a sheet made of glass cloth impregnated with fluororesin may have irregularities on the surface, stress concentrates on the convex portions, causing uneven gloss in the obtained image.

[0168] Furthermore, in a specific fixing device, as a lubricant, for example, PTFE grease containing perfluoropolyether oil or the like is used.

[0169] However, the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and the sliding surface of the sliding member have low affinity with the lubricant, and the thin film of the lubricant is difficult to be interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and the sliding surface of the sliding member over time. This also becomes the cause of the increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body.

[0170] In contrast, in the fixing device and the image forming device according to the present embodiment, at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group, and a thioether group exists on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body. The inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body having these polar groups has a high affinity with an oil having a siloxane group as a main chain suitable as a lubricant.

[0171] Furthermore, since siloxane groups derived from the resin particles having siloxane groups are present on the sliding surface of the sliding component, the sliding surface of the sliding component also has a high affinity for oil having siloxane groups as main chains used as a lubricant.

[0172] This can suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body and form an image with reduced gloss unevenness.

[0173] Furthermore, since the sliding surface of the sliding member is made of a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin, it is difficult to wear in a short period of time. Thus, the increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body is reduced.

[0174] Hereinafter, an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0175] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixing device according to the present embodiment.

[0176] (Structure of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0177] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes first to fourth process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (an example of an image forming unit) of an electrophotographic system for outputting images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors based on color-separated image data. These process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other along the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20. In addition, these process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0178] The intermediate transfer belt 20 as an intermediate transfer body is disposed above each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K so that its outer peripheral surface faces the respective process cartridges ( Figure 1 The intermediate transfer belt 20 is wound around a driving roller 22 and a support roller 24 that are arranged separately from each other and in contact with the inner circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and is arranged while being given tension so as to travel in a loop in a direction from the first process cartridge 10Y toward the fourth process cartridge 10K.

[0179] The support roller 24 is pressed away from the driving roller 22 by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown), thereby applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt 20 wound therebetween. An intermediate transfer body cleaning device 20a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 so as to face the driving roller 22.

[0180] The first to fourth process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K have substantially the same structure, and therefore the first process cartridge 10Y disposed on the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt in the traveling direction for forming a yellow image will be described as a representative. In addition, the same reference numerals as those in the first process cartridge 10Y are added with magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) instead of yellow (Y), and the description of the second to fourth process cartridges 10M, 10C, and 10K will be omitted.

[0181] The first processing box 10Y has a photosensitive body 1Y that functions as an image holder. A charging roller (an example of a charging device) 2Y that charges the surface of the photosensitive body 1Y to a predetermined potential, a developing device 4Y that supplies the charged toner contained in the developer to the electrostatic latent image and develops the electrostatic latent image, and a photosensitive body cleaning device 6Y that removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive body 1Y after the primary transfer are sequentially arranged around the photosensitive body 1Y. These are integrally formed in a housing 11Y (frame). Similarly, the first processing boxes 10M to 10Y are integrally formed in housings 11M to 11Y (frames).

[0182] In addition, together with the first processing box 10Y, there are provided a primary transfer roller 5Y (an example of a primary transfer device) for transferring the developed toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 20, and an exposure device 3 for exposing the charged surface by a laser beam 3Y based on a color-separated image signal to form an electrostatic latent image, thereby constituting an image forming unit.

[0183] The charging roller 2Y and the exposure device 3 correspond to an example of a latent image forming device.

[0184] In addition, the primary transfer roller 5Y is arranged inside the intermediate transfer belt 20 and is set at a position opposite to the photoreceptor 1Y. Furthermore, each of the primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K is connected to a bias power supply (not shown) for applying a primary transfer bias. Each bias power supply can change the transfer bias applied to each primary transfer roller by control by a control unit (not shown).

[0185] (Structure of Fixing Device)

[0186] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing device 28 includes a heating roller 30 (an example of a first rotating body) and a pressure belt 40 (an example of a second rotating body), and the heating roller 30 and the pressure belt 40 are arranged opposite to each other. The pressure belt 40 is pressed against the heating roller 30 by a pressing pad 50 (an example of a pressing member) disposed inside the periphery thereof, and is pressed to form a contact portion, and is guided along a belt travel guide 52, and is driven by receiving a driving force from the heating roller 30.

[0187] The sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member) is interposed between the pressure belt 40 and the pressing pad 50. Furthermore, a lubricant 62 (an example of a lubricant) is interposed between the sliding sheet 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 40. The lubricant 62 is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 40 by, for example, a lubricant supply member 64 provided at a part of the belt travel guide 52, and is interposed between the sliding sheet 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 40.

[0188] Here, Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , T represents a toner image.

[0189] -Heating roller 30 (an example of a first rotating body)-

[0190] The heating roller 30 is configured by sequentially forming an elastic layer 30 b and a release layer 30 c on a metal hollow core 30 a having a heat source 31 such as a halogen lamp inside.

[0191] The metal core 30a is composed of a cylindrical metal body such as aluminum or stainless steel. The elastomer layer 30b is composed of HTV silicone rubber or fluororubber (JIS-A rubber hardness is about 45 degrees, and the rubber hardness is measured by a spring-type A-type hardness meter made by Teclock and an additional load of 1,000gf in accordance with JIS K6301) with a thickness of about 2mm to 5mm. The anti-sticking layer 30c is composed of fluororubber, silicone rubber, fluororesin, etc. with a thickness of 20μm to 50μm. Of course, it is not limited to these and can also be composed of previously known materials.

[0192] The heating roller 30 is a fixing roller whose speed is adjusted by a driving source (not shown) and is rotationally driven at a peripheral speed of, for example, 260 mm / sec. The outer diameter of the heating roller 30 is generally, for example, about 25 mm or more and 80 mm or less.

[0193] The surface temperature of the heating roller 30 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) in contact with the surface, and is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) so that the surface temperature becomes, for example, 175°C.

[0194] -Pressure belt 40 (an example of the second rotating body)-

[0195] The inner surface of the pressure belt 40 is formed of a resin having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group, and a thioether group. The resin is a heat-resistant resin. In addition, "heat resistance" refers to the property that it will not melt or decompose even when the temperature of the fixing device (for example, the fixing temperature) is reached. The same applies to the following.

[0196] Specifically, the pressure belt 40 has a resin base material layer constituting the inner peripheral surface and containing a resin having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group, and a thioether group.

[0197] The pressure belt 40 can be a single-layer body of a resin base material layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40, or a laminate having a resin base material layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40, an elastic layer arranged on the resin base material layer, and a release layer arranged on the elastic layer, or a laminate having a resin base material layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40 and a release layer arranged on the resin base material layer.

[0198] The resin base material layer will be described.

[0199] Specific examples of the resin having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group, and a sulfide group include polyimide resins, polyamideimide resins, polyetheretherketone resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyethersulfone resins, polysulfone resins, and polyphenylsulfone resins.

[0200] Among these, as the resin, for example, at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a polyimide resin, a polyamide-imide resin, a polyetheretherketone resin, and a polyphenylene sulfide resin is preferred, and a polyimide resin is more preferred.

[0201] These resins (particularly polyimide resins) have high wear resistance and high affinity with lubricants, so that it is easy to suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the pressure belt 40 .

[0202] As a polyimide resin, the imidation product of the polyamic acid (precursor of a polyimide resin) which is a polymer of a tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine compound is mentioned, for example.

[0203] Examples of the polyimide resin include resins having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (I).

[0204] [Chemical formula 1]

[0205]

[0206] In the general formula (I), R 1 represents a tetravalent organic group, R 2 It represents a divalent organic group.

[0207] As R 1 The tetravalent organic group represented by the present invention includes an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cyclic aliphatic group, a group formed by combining an aromatic group and an aliphatic group, or a substituted group thereof. Specifically, the tetravalent organic group includes, for example, a residue of tetracarboxylic dianhydride described below.

[0208] As R 2 The divalent organic group represented by the compound may be an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cyclic aliphatic group, a group formed by combining an aromatic group and an aliphatic group, or a substituted group thereof. Specifically, the divalent organic group may be a residue of a diamine compound described below.

[0209] Specific examples of the tetracarboxylic dianhydride used as a raw material for the polyimide resin include pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,3',4-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,6,7-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,5,6-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,2'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)sulfonic acid dianhydride, perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride, bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)ether dianhydride, and ethylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride.

[0210] Specific examples of the diamine compound used as a raw material of the polyimide resin include 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 3,3'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylenediamine, benzidine, 3,3'-dimethylbiphenylamine, Aniline, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl propane, 2,4-bis(β-aminotert-butyl)toluene, bis(p-β-aminotert-butylphenyl)ether, bis(p-β-methyl-δ-aminophenyl)benzene, bis-p-(1,1-dimethyl-5-aminopentyl)benzene, 1-isopropyl-2,4-m-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, di(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane, Hexamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, diaminopropyltetramethylene, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 4,4-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 2,11-diaminododecane, 1,2-bis-3-aminopropoxyethane, 2,2-dimethylpropylenediamine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylene Diamine, 2,17-diaminoeicosane, 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 1,10-diamino-1,10-dimethyldecane, 12-diaminooctadecane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, piperazine, H2N(CH2)3O(CH2)2O(CH2)NH2, H2N(CH2)3S(CH2)3NH2, H2N(CH2)3N(CH3)2(CH2)3NH2, etc.

[0211] Examples of the polyamide-imide resin include resins having an imide bond and an amide bond in a repeating unit.

[0212] More specifically, examples of the polyamide-imide resin include polymers of a trivalent carboxylic acid compound (also referred to as tricarboxylic acid) having an acid anhydride group and a diisocyanate compound or a diamine compound.

[0213] As the tricarboxylic acid, for example, trimellitic anhydride and its derivatives are preferred. In addition to the tricarboxylic acid, tetracarboxylic dianhydride, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, aromatic dicarboxylic acid, etc. may be used in combination.

[0214] Examples of the diisocyanate compound include 3,3'-dimethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 2,2'-dimethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, biphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, biphenyl-3,3'-diisocyanate, biphenyl-3,4'-diisocyanate, 3,3'-diethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 2,2'-diethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethoxybiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 2,2'-dimethoxybiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate, and naphthalene-2,6-diisocyanate.

[0215] Examples of the diamine compound include compounds having the same structure as the above-mentioned isocyanate and having an amino group instead of an isocyanate group.

[0216] The resin base material layer may contain other components in addition to the resin, such as a conductive agent, a filler for improving mechanical strength, an antioxidant for preventing thermal degradation, a surfactant, a heat-resistant anti-aging agent, and the like.

[0217] Here, an example is given in which the first rotating body is a heating roller and the second rotating body is a pressure belt, but this also includes a form in which the first rotating body is a pressure roller and the second rotating body is a heating belt.

[0218] When the first rotating body is a pressure roller, the structure of the pressure roller is preferably the same as the structure of the above-mentioned heating roller 30, for example.

[0219] When the second rotating body is a heating belt, the structure of the heating belt is preferably the same as the structure of the above-mentioned pressure belt 40, for example.

[0220] In particular, when the second rotating body is a heating belt, it may be a single-layer body of a resin base material layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, or a laminate having a resin base material layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, an elastic layer arranged on the resin base material layer, and a release layer arranged on the elastic layer, or a laminate having a resin base material layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt and a release layer arranged on the resin base material layer, or a laminate having a metal layer arranged on the resin base material layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, an elastic layer arranged on the metal layer, and a release layer arranged on the elastic layer.

[0221] The elastic layer will be described.

[0222] The elastic layer is composed of a heat-resistant elastic material.

[0223] Examples of the heat-resistant elastic material include silicone rubber and fluororubber.

[0224] Examples of the silicone rubber include RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, HTV (High Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. Specifically, examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber, methyl phenyl silicone rubber, and fluorosilicone rubber.

[0225] Examples of the fluororubber include vinylidene fluoride rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubber, phosphazene rubber, and fluoropolyether.

[0226] The elastic layer may also contain other components, such as fillers, conductive agents, softeners (paraffins, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), anti-aging agents (amines, etc.), vulcanizers (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.), functional fillers (alumina, etc.), etc.

[0227] The release layer will be described.

[0228] The release layer contains, for example, a heat-resistant release material.

[0229] Examples of the heat-resistant release material include fluororubber, fluororesin, silicone resin, and polyimide resin.

[0230] Among these, as heat-resistant anti-adhesive material, for example, fluororesin is preferred. As fluororesin, specifically, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can be cited; tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether copolymer (MFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethyl vinyl ether copolymer (EFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoropropyl vinyl ether copolymer and other tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA) etc. can be cited. And, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) etc. can be cited.

[0231] Among these, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether copolymer (MFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethyl vinyl ether copolymer (EFA) and other tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers (PFA) are used in particular from the viewpoints of heat resistance and mechanical properties.

[0232] The thickness of the release layer is, for example, preferably set to 5 μm to 100 μm, more preferably set to 10 μm to 30 μm.

[0233] -Pressure pad 50 (an example of a pressure member)-

[0234] The pressing pad 50 has two pressing parts 51a and 51b with different hardnesses along the direction in which the recording medium P travels. The pressing part 51a on the recording medium P entry side of the pressing pad 50 is made of a rubber elastic member, and the pressing part 51b on the recording medium P discharge side is made of a hard pressure imparting member such as metal, so that the pressure of the contact area is higher on the recording medium P discharge side than on the recording medium P entry side. The pressing parts 51a and 51b are supported by a bracket 51c, and press the heating roller 30 from the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 40 via a sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member).

[0235] - Sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member) -

[0236] The sliding member according to the present embodiment is applied to the sliding sheet 60 .

[0237] -Lubricant 62 (an example of lubricant)-

[0238] The lubricant 62 contains oil having a silicone group as a main chain.

[0239] The oil having a siloxane group as the main chain is an oil having a polysiloxane structure in the main chain, and examples thereof include silicone oil and various modified silicone oils.

[0240] Here, the oil having a siloxane group as the main chain is preferably an oil having a structure having a polar group in the side chain. If the oil has a polar group, it has a high affinity with the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 40 and can easily suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the pressure belt 40.

[0241] As the polar group, there can be mentioned an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phenyl group, an epoxy group, a mercapto group, a methacrylic group, a phenol group, a polyether group, and a fluoro group. Among these, an amino group is preferred as the polar group, for example, because it has a high affinity with the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 40 and is easy to suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the pressure belt 40.

[0242] Specific examples of the lubricant 62 include modified oils such as alkyl-modified silicone oil (dimethyl-modified silicone oil, etc.), amino-modified silicone oil, methylphenyl-modified silicone oil, epoxy-modified silicone oil, phenol-modified silicone oil, polyether-modified silicone oil, and fluorine-modified silicone oil.

[0243] Among these, amino-modified silicone oil, for example, is preferred as the lubricant 62 because it has high affinity with the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 40 and can easily suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the pressure belt 40 .

[0244] The lubricant 62 may contain other components in addition to the oil. Examples of other components include grease (silicone grease, etc.), a heat transfer agent, an antioxidant, a surfactant, silicone particles, an organic metal salt, and a hindered amine.

[0245] (Image Forming Operation of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0246] Hereinafter, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. In addition, the image forming operation will be described by taking an operation of forming a yellow image in the first process cartridge 10Y as a representative example.

[0247] First, before the image forming operation is performed, the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y is charged to a potential of, for example, about -600 V or more and -800 V or less by the charging roller 2Y.

[0248] The photoreceptor 1Y is formed by laminating a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate, for example. The photosensitive layer is usually high in resistance, but has a property that the resistivity of the portion irradiated with the laser beam changes when irradiated with the laser beam 3Y. Therefore, according to the yellow image data sent from the control unit (not shown), the laser beam 3Y is output to the charged surface of the photoreceptor 1Y via the exposure device 3. The laser beam 3Y is irradiated to the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of the yellow print pattern on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y.

[0249] The electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photoreceptor 1Y rotates to a developing position as the photoreceptor 1Y travels. Then, at the developing position, the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1Y is turned into a visible image (toner image) by the developing device 4Y.

[0250] The developing device 4Y contains a developer including, for example, a yellow toner and a carrier. The yellow toner is frictionally charged by being stirred inside the developing device 4Y, and has a charge of the same polarity (negative polarity) as the charge on the photoreceptor 1Y. By passing the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y through the developing device 4Y, the yellow toner is electrostatically attached only to the latent image portion on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y from which the charge is removed, and the latent image is developed by the yellow toner. The photoreceptor 1Y on which the yellow toner image is formed continues to travel, and the toner image developed on the photoreceptor 1Y is transported to the primary transfer position.

[0251] When the yellow toner image on the photoreceptor 1Y is transferred to the primary transfer position, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 5Y, and an electrostatic force from the photoreceptor 1Y toward the primary transfer roller 5Y acts on the toner image, and the toner image on the photoreceptor 1Y is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 20. The transfer bias applied at this time has a polarity (+) opposite to the polarity (-) of the toner, and is, for example, controlled to be about +10 μA by a control unit (not shown) at a constant current in the first process cartridge 10Y.

[0252] Furthermore, the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C, and 5K of the second process cartridge 10M and subsequent ones is controlled in the same manner.

[0253] In this manner, the intermediate transfer belt 20 to which the yellow toner image has been transferred by the first process cartridge 10Y is sequentially conveyed by the second to fourth process cartridges 10M, 10C, and 10K, and toner images of respective colors are superimposed in a similar manner to perform multiple transfers.

[0254] The intermediate transfer belt 20 to which the toner images of all colors have been transferred multiple times through the first to fourth process cartridges arrives at a secondary transfer section composed of the intermediate transfer belt 20, a support roller 24 in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a secondary transfer roller (an example of a secondary transfer device) 26 disposed on the image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 20. On the other hand, the recording medium P is supplied between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 via a supply mechanism, and a secondary transfer bias is applied to the support roller 24. The transfer bias applied at this time has a (-) polarity which is the same as the polarity (-) of the toner, and an electrostatic force from the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the recording medium P acts on the toner image, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred to the recording medium P. In addition, the secondary transfer bias at this time is determined based on the resistance detected by a resistance detection member (not shown) for detecting the resistance of the secondary transfer section, and is controlled at a constant voltage.

[0255] The intermediate transfer belt 20 , the primary transfer roller 5Y, and the secondary transfer roller 26 correspond to an example of a transfer device.

[0256] After that, the recording medium P is fed into the fixing device 28 and inserted through the contact area formed by the heating roller 30 and the pressure belt 40 which are rotated and driven in the direction of the arrow and are in pressure contact. At this time, the recording medium P is inserted through so that the surface of the recording medium P on which the unfixed toner image is formed faces the surface of the heating roller 30. When the recording medium P passes through the contact area, heat and pressure are applied to the recording medium P, whereby the unfixed toner image is fixed on the recording medium P. After passing through the contact area, the fixed recording medium is peeled off from the heating roller 30 and discharged from the fixing device 28.

[0257] The fixing process is performed in this way, and the color image is permanently fixed to the recording medium P. The recording medium P on which the color image is fixed is conveyed to the discharge portion, and a series of color image forming operations are completed.

[0258] Example

[0259] Hereinafter, examples will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following description, "parts" and "%" are based on mass unless otherwise specified.

[0260] <Pressure belt production>

[0261] (Pressure belt (1) production)

[0262] A silicone-based anti-sticking agent was applied to the surface of an aluminum cylindrical core having a concavo-convex shape formed on the surface by shot peening, and after sintering at 300° C. for 1 hour, an N-methylpyrrolidone solution of a polyimide (PI) precursor was dip-coated on the surface and dried at 100° C. for 1 hour. Thus, a resin base material layer constituting the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt was formed.

[0263] Next, a fluororesin dispersion (specifically, a PTFE dispersion) is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the resin base material layer, and then dried in a firing furnace at 60°C for 10 minutes, gradually heated to 380°C, fired for 20 minutes, and then cooled to room temperature to form a release layer.

[0264] Thereafter, the resin base material layer on which the release layer was formed was extracted from the core body and cut into a target size by a cutter, thereby obtaining a pressurizing belt (1).

[0265] (Pressure belt (2) production)

[0266] A silicone-based anti-sticking agent was applied to the surface of an aluminum cylindrical core having a concavo-convex shape formed on the surface by shot peening, and after sintering at 300° C. for 1 hour, a varnish prepared by dissolving a polyamide-imide resin in N-methylpyrrolidone was dip-coated on the surface and dried at 120° C. for 1 hour. Thus, a resin base material layer constituting the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt was formed.

[0267] Next, a fluororesin dispersion (specifically, a PTFE dispersion) is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the resin base material layer, and then dried in a firing furnace at 60°C for 10 minutes, gradually heated to 320°C, fired for 20 minutes, and then cooled to room temperature to form a release layer.

[0268] Thereafter, the resin base material layer on which the release layer was formed was extracted from the core body and cut into a target size by a cutter, thereby obtaining a pressurizing belt (2).

[0269] (Pressure belt (3) production)

[0270] Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin pellets (450G manufactured by Victrex) are put into a material supply hopper in a single-screw extruder, the barrel temperature is set to 360°C, the temperature of the tubular die from which the resin is discharged is set to 380°C, and the resin is melted and extruded while being picked up by a pick-up machine. The inner circumference of the cylindrical molten resin is then brought into contact with the surface of a 30 mm cylindrical shaping die, and the cooled film is picked up into a cylindrical shape while cooling air is blown toward the outer circumference. The film is cut by a cutter, thereby obtaining a pressurized belt (3).

[0271] (Pressure belt (4) production)

[0272] Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin pellets (A900 manufactured by TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.) are put into a material supply hopper in a single-screw extruder, the barrel temperature is set to 260°C, the temperature of the tubular die from which the resin is discharged is set to 300°C, and the resin is melted and extruded while being picked up by a picker. The inner circumference of the cylindrical molten resin is then brought into contact with the surface of a 30 mm cylindrical shaping die, and the cooled film is picked up into a cylindrical shape while cooling air is blown toward the outer circumference, and cut by a cutter, thereby obtaining a pressurized belt (4).

[0273] <Production of sliding sheets>

[0274] (Production of Sliding Sheet (1))

[0275] A polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin (Victrex450G (manufactured by Victrex Corporation)) was melted by heating at 380°C using a twin-screw extruder melt-kneading machine (twin-screw melt-kneading extruder L / D60 (manufactured by PARKER CORPORATION)). 10 parts by mass of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., average particle size = 2 μm) were supplied from the side of the kneading machine using a side feeder to 100 parts by mass of the molten PEEK resin, and melt-kneaded. The kneaded molten material was placed in a water tank for cooling and solidification, and cut into a target size to obtain mixed resin particles containing silicone resin particles.

[0276] The obtained mixed resin pellets were put into a single screw extruder, and the molten mixed resin was extruded into a sheet from a T-die (melt discharge gap 200 μm) heated to 380°C, and then rolled on a cooling roll at 190°C for cooling. The cooled sheet was shaped between a roll heated to 250°C with a 100-mesh SUS metal mesh wound on its surface and a roll with heat-resistant silicone rubber on its surface at a pressure of 40 MPa to obtain a concave-convex sheet. The concave-convex sheet was cut into a specified size to prepare a sliding sheet (1).

[0277] (Production of Sliding Sheet (2))

[0278] A sliding sheet (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the sliding sheet (1) except that the amount of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) was 15 parts by mass.

[0279] (Production of Sliding Sheet (3))

[0280] A polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin (TORELINA A900 (manufactured by TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.)) was melted by heating at 300°C using a twin-screw extruder melt-kneading machine (twin-screw melt-kneading extruder L / D60 (manufactured by PARKER CORPORATION)), and 10 parts by mass of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., average particle size = 2 μm) were supplied from the side of the kneading machine using a side feeder to 100 parts by mass of the molten PPS resin, and melt-kneaded. The kneaded molten material was placed in a water tank, cooled and solidified, and cut into a target size to obtain mixed resin pellets containing silicone resin particles.

[0281] The obtained mixed resin pellets were put into a single screw extruder, and the molten mixed resin was extruded into a sheet from a T-die (melt discharge gap 200 μm) heated to 300° C., and then rolled on a cooling roll at 160° C. for cooling. The cooled sheet was shaped at a pressure of 40 MPa between a roll heated to 250° C. and wound with a 100-mesh SUS metal wire mesh and a roll with heat-resistant silicone rubber on the surface to obtain a concave-convex sheet. The concave-convex sheet was cut into a specified size to prepare a sliding sheet (3).

[0282] (Production of Sliding Sheet (4))

[0283] A sliding sheet (2) was obtained in the same manner as in the sliding sheet (1) except that the amount of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) was 20 parts by mass.

[0284] (Production of Sliding Sheet (C1))

[0285] A sliding sheet (C1) was obtained in the same manner as in the sliding sheet (1), except that 10 parts by mass of acrylic modified silicone particles ("CHALINER180S" manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., average particle size = 30 μm) were used instead of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0286] (Production of Sliding Sheet (C2))

[0287] A sliding sheet (C2) was obtained in the same manner as the sliding sheet (1), except that acrylic-modified silicone resin particles ("CHALINE R200" manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., average particle size = 2 μm) were crushed instead of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), and 10 parts by mass of particles having an average particle size of 0.08 μm were used.

[0288] (Production of Sliding Sheet (C3))

[0289] A sliding sheet (C3) was obtained in the same manner as the sliding sheet (1), except that 25 parts by mass of particles having an average particle size of 0.08 μm were crushed acrylic modified silicone resin particles (“CHALINE R200” manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., average particle size = 2 μm) instead of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles (“KMP590” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0290] (Production of Sliding Sheet (C4))

[0291] A sliding sheet (C4) was obtained in the same manner as the sliding sheet (1), except that 5 parts by mass of particles having an average particle size of 0.08 μm were crushed acrylic modified silicone resin particles (“CHALINE R200” manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., average particle size = 2 μm) instead of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles (“KMP590” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0292] (Production of sliding sheet (C5): using PTFE)

[0293] A sliding sheet (C5) was obtained in the same manner as the sliding sheet (1), except that 10 parts by mass of polytetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE) particles ("Microdispers-3000" manufactured by Techno Chemical Corporation, average particle size = 3 μm) were used instead of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0294] (Production of sliding sheet (C6): a sheet obtained by impregnating glass cloth with fluororesin)

[0295] A glass cloth sheet impregnated with a fluororesin (product name: FGF400) manufactured by Chukoh Chemical Industries, Ltd. was prepared by impregnating a PTFE resin dispersion into the glass cloth, drying the mixture at 150° C., heating and firing the mixture at 380° C., and cooling the mixture to form a sliding sheet (C6).

[0296] <Lubricant>

[0297] Lubricant (1): dimethyl silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name "KF96")

[0298] Lubricant (2): amino-modified silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name "KF8009")

[0299] Lubricant (3): Silicone grease containing dimethyl silicone oil ("G503" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0300] Lubricant (C1): Fluoropolyether oil ("DEMNUM S100" manufactured by DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.)

[0301] Lubricant (C2): PTFE grease containing fluorinated polyether oil ("HP300" manufactured by Mitsui-Dupont Fluorochemical Co., Ltd.)

[0302] <Examples 1 to 7, Comparative Examples 1 to 8>

[0303] The pressure belt, the sliding sheet, and the lubricant were attached in the combination shown in Table 1 to the fixing device of an image forming apparatus "APEOS PORT Print C5570 modified machine" manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.

[0304] The following evaluations were performed using this apparatus as the image forming apparatus of each example.

[0305] <Evaluation>

[0306] (Torque increase of pressure belt)

[0307] The torque increase of the pressure belt was measured as follows.

[0308] It is known that the torque required to drive the fixing roller is related to the current value of the motor driving the fixing roller. Therefore, the motor current value was measured as a substitute characteristic of the torque (unit: A). The increase in the current value of the fixing roller driving motor was evaluated as the torque increase of the pressure belt.

[0309] If the driving torque increases too much, a load is imposed on the driving gear of the fixing roller as a driving source, which causes practical problems. In particular, as a phenomenon indicating a bad situation, paper wrinkles are generated on the paper used to obtain the image, or abnormal sounds are generated by the gears.

[0310] Here, it is known that if the motor current value becomes twice that of the initial value, the above-mentioned quality problem will occur.

[0311] In this evaluation, 300,000 sheets of paper were passed through the fixing device as the life of the fixing device. If the motor current value was less than 2 times, it was judged as no problem (marked as "0"), and if it was more than 2 times, it was judged as having a problem (marked as "×").

[0312] The above results are shown in Table 1. In addition, the details of the abbreviations in Table 1 are as follows.

[0313] PI: Polyimide resin

[0314] PAI: Polyamide-imide resin

[0315] PEEK: Polyetheretherketone resin

[0316] PPS: Polyphenylene sulfide resin

[0317] PPSU: Polyphenylsulfone resin

[0318] PEI: Polyetherimide resin

[0319] PTFE: polytetrafluoroethylene resin

[0320] KMP590: Unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP-590" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., average particle size = 2 μm)

[0321] R180S: acrylic modified silicone particles ("CHALINER180S" manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., average particle size = 30 μm)

[0322] R200: acrylic modified silicone particles ("CHALINER200" manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., average particle size = 2 μm)

[0323] Microdispers-3000: polytetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE) particles ("Microdispers-3000" manufactured by Techno Chemical Corporation, average particle size = 3 μm)

[0324] DSO: dimethyl silicone oil ("KF96" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0325] ASO: amino-modified silicone oil ("KF8009" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0326] DSO-G: Silicone grease containing dimethyl silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name "G503")

[0327] FPEO: Fluoropolyether oil ("DEMNUM S100" manufactured by DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.)

[0328] FPEO-PTFEG: PTFE grease containing fluorinated polyether oil ("HP300" manufactured by Mitsui-Dupont Fluorochemical Co., Ltd.)

[0329]

[0330] As can be seen from the above results, in the present example, the slide resistance of the sliding member is better maintained than in the comparative example.

[0331] Furthermore, it can be seen that in the present embodiment, the increase in the rotation torque of the pressure belt is suppressed compared to the comparative example.

[0332] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (1)

[0334] A sliding component, wherein

[0335] The sliding surface comprises a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and resin particles having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0336] The average particle size of the resin particles is 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0337] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is less than 1.0,

[0338] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 2% or more. (2)

[0340] The sliding component according to (1), wherein

[0341] The resin particles have an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 4 μm or less. (3)

[0343] The sliding component according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0344] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is 0.6 or less. (4)

[0346] The sliding component according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein:

[0347] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 3% or more. (5)

[0349] The sliding component according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0350] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, and polyphenylene sulfone resin. (6)

[0352] The sliding component according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein:

[0353] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resins and polyphenylene sulfide resins. (7)

[0355] The sliding component according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein:

[0356] The resin particles are thermally curable silicone resin particles. (8)

[0358] The sliding component according to (7), wherein:

[0359] The heat-curing silicone resin particles are modified heat-curing silicone resin particles. (9)

[0361] The sliding component according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0362] The content of the resin particles is 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. (10)

[0364] The sliding component according to (9), wherein:

[0365] The content of the resin particles is 3% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. (11)

[0367] The sliding component according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein:

[0368] The average particle size of the resin particles is 0.5 μm or more and 4 μm or less,

[0369] The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is less than 0.6,

[0370] The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 3% or more. (12)

[0372] The sliding component according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein:

[0373] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin and polyphenylsulfone resin.

[0374] The content of the resin particles is 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin,

[0375] The resin particles are thermally curable silicone resin particles. (13)

[0377] A fixing device, comprising:

[0378] The first rotating body;

[0379] a second rotating body arranged in contact with the first rotating body;

[0380] a pressing member disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body toward the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body;

[0381] The sliding member according to any one of (1) to (12), interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member; and

[0382] A lubricant is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member. (14)

[0384] The fixing device according to (13), wherein

[0385] The inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body is formed of a resin having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group, and a thioether group. (15)

[0387] The fixing device according to (13) or (14), wherein:

[0388] The lubricant contains oil having a silicone group as the main chain. (16)

[0390] An image forming device comprising:

[0391] Image holding body;

[0392] A latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the surface of the image holding body;

[0393] a developing device for developing the latent image on the toner image using a developer;

[0394] a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image to a recording medium; and

[0395] The fixing device according to any one of (13) to (15) fixes the toner image on the recording medium.

[0396] The effects of the above method are as follows.

[0397] According to the invention as set forth in (1), it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to a sliding component having a sliding surface composed of glass cloth and a fluororesin impregnated in the glass cloth.

[0398] According to the invention pertaining to (2), a sliding component having excellent sliding resistance maintenance performance can be provided compared to a case where the average particle size of the resin particles is less than 0.5 μm or greater than 4 μm.

[0399] According to the invention pertaining to (3), it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to a case where the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is greater than 0.6.

[0400] According to the invention pertaining to (4), compared with a case where the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is less than 3%, a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided.

[0401] According to the invention pertaining to (5), it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to the case where the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is a fluororesin.

[0402] According to the invention pertaining to (6), it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to a case where the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is a polyphenylene sulfide resin.

[0403] According to the invention pertaining to (7), it is possible to provide a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance compared to the case where the resin particles are fluororesin particles.

[0404] According to the invention pertaining to (8), compared with the case where the thermosetting silicone resin particles are unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles, a sliding member having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided.

[0405] According to the invention as set forth in (9), a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared with a case where the content of the resin particles is less than 1.0% by mass or more than 20.0% by mass based on the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0406] According to the invention as set forth in (10), a sliding component having excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared with a case where the content of the resin particles is less than 3% by mass or more than 25% by mass based on the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0407] According to the invention involved in (11), a sliding component with excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared to the case where the average particle size of the resin particles is less than 0.5 μm or greater than 4 μm, the surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is greater than 0.6, or the surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is less than 3%.

[0408] According to the invention involved in (12), a sliding component with excellent maintenance of sliding resistance can be provided compared with the case where the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is a fluororesin, the resin particles are fluororesin particles, or the content of the resin particles is less than 1.0 mass% or more than 20.0 mass% relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

[0409] According to the invention described in (13), compared with the case where a sliding member having a sliding surface composed of glass cloth and fluororesin impregnated in the glass cloth is used, a fixing device is provided that can suppress the increase in the rotational torque of the second rotating body and can form an image with reduced gloss unevenness.

[0410] According to the invention as set forth in (14), compared with a case where the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body is formed of a polyimide resin, a fixing device is provided which can suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body and can form an image with reduced gloss unevenness.

[0411] According to the invention as set forth in (15), compared with a case where the lubricant is composed of fluoropolyether oil alone, a fixing device is provided which can suppress an increase in the rotation torque of the second rotating body and can form an image with reduced gloss unevenness.

[0412] According to the invention involved in (16), compared with the case where a sliding component is used in which the sliding surface includes glass cloth and fluororesin impregnated in the glass cloth, an image forming device is provided that can suppress the increase in the rotational torque of the second rotating body of the fixing device and can form an image with reduced gloss unevenness.

[0413] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sliding component, wherein: The sliding surface comprises a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and resin particles having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. The average particle size of the resin particles is 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is less than 1.0, The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 2% or more.

2. The sliding component according to claim 1, wherein: The resin particles have an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 4 μm or less.

3. The sliding component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is 0.6 or less.

4. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 3% or more.

5. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, and polyphenylene sulfone resin.

6. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resins and polyphenylene sulfide resins.

7. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The resin particles are thermally curable silicone resin particles.

8. The sliding component according to claim 7, wherein: The heat-curing silicone resin particles are modified heat-curing silicone resin particles.

9. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The content of the resin particles is 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

10. The sliding component according to claim 9, wherein: The content of the resin particles is 3% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin.

11. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The average particle size of the resin particles is 0.5 μm or more and 4 μm or less, The surface roughness Rsk of the sliding surface is less than 0.6, The surface exposure rate of the resin particles on the sliding surface is 3% or more.

12. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin and polyphenylsulfone resin. The content of the resin particles is 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less relative to the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, The resin particles are thermally curable silicone resin particles.

13. A fixing device comprising: The first rotating body; a second rotating body arranged in contact with the first rotating body; a pressing member disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body toward the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body; The sliding member according to any one of claims 1 to 12, interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member; and A lubricant is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member.

14. The fixing device according to claim 13, wherein: The inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body is formed of a resin having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an imide group, a ketone group, and a thioether group.

15. The fixing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The lubricant contains oil having a silicone group as the main chain.

16. An image forming apparatus comprising: Image holding body; A latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the surface of the image holding body; a developing device for developing the latent image on the toner image using a developer; a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image to a recording medium; and The fixing device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, which fixes the toner image on the recording medium.

Images