Film, member, transfer device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A film, a member, a transfer device, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus. The film includes: a resin; and a siloxane compound having a structure A represented by formula [RSiO1.5] n (wherein R represents an organic group and n represents an integer of 2 or more). The present invention relates to a film which is characterized by having a plurality of structures (A) (wherein R represents a group containing an alkyl group), at least one of the plurality of R present in the structure (A) being a group containing an alkyl group, the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure (A) being 3.0 or less in absolute value, and the surface free energy of the film being 40 mJ / m2 or less.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In an image forming apparatus (copier, facsimile machine, printer, etc.) using an electrophotographic method, a toner image formed on the surface of an image holding member is transferred to the surface of a recording medium and fixed on the recording medium to form an image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "a water-repellent and oil-repellent film, comprising: a resin layer containing silicone having no fluorine atoms on the side chain group R1 bonded to the silicon atom (excluding organic silsesquioxanes of T2m+6 (m≥1) structure); and a water-repellent and oil-repellent layer, laminated on the resin layer, containing organic silsesquioxanes of T2m+6 (m≥1) structure having a hydrocarbon group R2 bonded to the silicon atom, at least a portion of the organic silsesquioxane being exposed on the surface, and the Hansen solubility parameter of the silicone being: the dispersion term δD is 10 MPa 1 / 2 Above and 15MPa 1 / 2 Below, the polarization term δP is 0MPa 1 / 2 Above and 5MPa 1 / 2 Below, the hydrogen bond term δH is 0MPa 1 / 2 Above and 5MPa 1 / 2 Hereinafter, the organosilisesquioxane is octamethylsilsesquioxane. ".

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses "an electronic photographic component having a substrate and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer contains a binder resin having an acrylic skeleton and a modified silicone compound having a polyether group and a hydroxyl group in one molecule, and the surface layer has a surface contact angle of n-hexadecane of 30° or more."

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6801474

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6305220 Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a film having a surface free energy exceeding 40 mJ / m 2 Compared with the film of the present invention, the film has excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, and the siloxane compound has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] nA structure A (wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than 2), and at least one R among the multiple Rs in structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A exceeds 3.0 in absolute value.

[0008] Means for solving the above-mentioned problems include the following.

[0009] <1> A film comprising:

[0010] Resins; and

[0011] A siloxane compound having the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2, and at least one of the multiple Rs in the structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A is 3.0 or less in absolute value,

[0012] The surface free energy of the film is 40 mJ / m 2 the following.

[0013] <2> The film according to <1>, wherein

[0014] The difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A is 1.5 or less in absolute value, and the surface free energy is 35 mJ / m 2 the following.

[0015] <3> The film according to <1> or <2>, wherein

[0016] The content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is 3 volume % or more.

[0017] <4> The film according to <3>, wherein

[0018] The content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is 6 volume % or more.

[0019] <5> The film according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein

[0020] The peel force of the surface of the film at 140° C. is 24 kPa or less.

[0021] <6> The film according to <5>, wherein

[0022] The peel force of the surface of the film at 140° C. is 18 kPa or less.

[0023] <7> A member comprising the film according to any one of <1> to <6> as a layer constituting an outer surface.

[0024] <8> A fixing device comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body,

[0025] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is formed of the member described in <7>.

[0026] <9> An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0027] Image holding body;

[0028] A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body;

[0029] An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body;

[0030] a developing device containing a developer containing a toner and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding body with the developer to form a toner image;

[0031] a transfer device for transferring the toner image to a surface of a recording medium; and

[0032] <8> The fixing device fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium.

[0033] <10> A transfer device comprising:

[0034] An intermediate transfer body, which is composed of the components described in <7> and has a toner image transferred to its outer peripheral surface;

[0035] a primary transfer device for primarily transferring a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding body to the surface of the intermediate transfer body; and

[0036] The secondary transfer device secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium.

[0037] <11> An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0038] Image holding body;

[0039] A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body;

[0040] An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body;

[0041] a developing device containing a developer containing a toner and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding body with the developer to form a toner image;

[0042] <10> The transfer device transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium; and

[0043] The fixing device fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium.

[0044] Effects of the Invention

[0045] According to the invention as set forth in <1>, there is provided a film having a surface free energy exceeding 40 mJ / m 2 Compared with the film of the present invention, the film has excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, and the siloxane compound has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n A structure A (wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than 2), and at least one R among the multiple Rs in structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A exceeds 3.0 in absolute value.

[0046] According to the invention of <2>, there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a case where the absolute value of the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A exceeds 35.

[0047] According to the invention according to <3>, there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film in which the content of the siloxane compound is less than 3% by volume.

[0048] According to the invention according to <4>, there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film in which the content of the siloxane compound is less than 6% by volume.

[0049] According to the invention according to <5>, there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film having a surface peeling force at 140° C. of less than 24 kPa.

[0050] According to the invention according to <6>, there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film having a surface peeling force at 140°C of less than 18 kPa.

[0051] According to the inventions of <7>, <8>, <9>, <10> and <11>, there are provided a component, a transfer device and an image forming device having an intermediate transfer body composed of the component, and a fixing device and an image forming device having a rotating body composed of the component, wherein the component is applied to a film containing a resin and a siloxane compound, or a film having a surface free energy exceeding 40 mJ / m 2 Compared with the film of the present invention, the maintenance of high oil repellency is excellent even when it is continuously used in a high temperature environment, and the siloxane compound has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n A structure A (wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than 2), and at least one R among the multiple Rs in structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A exceeds 3.0 in absolute value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of the fixing device involved in this embodiment;

[0054] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram showing an example of a second embodiment of the fixing device involved in this embodiment;

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram showing an example of a third embodiment of the fixing device involved in this embodiment;

[0056] Figure 4 It is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0057] Explanation of symbols

[0058] 60-fixing device, 62-pressure belt, 63-belt stroke guide, 64-pressing pad, 64a-front clamping component, 64b-peeling clamping component, 65-holding component, 66-halogen lamp, 68-sliding component, 69-temperature sensitive element, 70-peeling component, 71-separation claw, 72-holding component, 80-fixing device, 82-sliding component, 84-heating belt, 86-fixing belt assembly, 88-pressure roller, 89A-halogen heater, 89-heating pressing 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 device, 200-fixing device, 211-pressure roller, 212-electromagnetic induction heating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, the present embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described. These descriptions and examples illustrate the embodiment and do not limit the scope of the embodiment.

[0060] In the numerical ranges recorded in stages in this embodiment, the upper limit or lower limit recorded in one numerical range can 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 embodiment, the upper limit or lower limit of the numerical range can be replaced by the value shown in the embodiment.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the term "process" includes not only an independent process but also a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved.

[0062] In the present embodiment, when the embodiment is described with reference to the drawings, the structure of the embodiment is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings. In addition, the sizes of the components in each figure are conceptual, and the relative relationship between the sizes of the components is not limited thereto.

[0063] In this embodiment, each component may contain a plurality of corresponding substances. In the case of referring to the amount of each component in the composition in this embodiment, when there are a plurality of substances corresponding to each component in the composition, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the total amount of the plurality of substances present in the composition.

[0064] <Film>

[0065] The film according to the present embodiment is a film containing a resin and a siloxane compound (hereinafter also referred to as a "siloxane compound SQ") having the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n A structure A (wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than 2), and at least one R among the multiple Rs in structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A is less than 3.0 in absolute value.

[0066] The film according to the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure and is excellent in maintaining high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high-temperature environment. The reason for this is presumably as follows.

[0067] Dimethyl silicone is a highly oil-repellent compound and has a higher dielectric constant than fluorine compounds. Therefore, compared with the case of using fluorine compounds, the use of dimethyl silicone not only imparts high oil repellency to the film, but is also advantageous in terms of strength stability.

[0068] Here, when dimethyl silicone is added to the film, the methyl groups are oriented on the film surface, thereby imparting high oil repellency.

[0069] However, when a film containing dimethyl silicone is exposed to high temperatures at which molecular motion becomes intense, the main chain of dimethyl silicone rotates, and the methyl groups migrate and penetrate into the resin, which may reduce the oil repellency.

[0070] In contrast, [RSiO 1.5 ] n The structure A is a multidimensional structure with high skeleton strength. Therefore, the heat resistance of the siloxane compound SQ is high, and under high temperature environment, the molecular motion is also reduced, and the alkyl group having at least one R in the structure A that imparts oil repellency is difficult to move. Thus, it is easy to maintain the orientation of the alkyl group on the film surface, and the high oil repellency is difficult to reduce. In order to impart sufficient high oil repellency, the surface free energy is set to 40mJ / m 2 the following.

[0071] In addition, by setting the difference of the solubility parameter (SP value) of the structure A of the resin and the siloxane compound SQ to an absolute value of less than 3.0, the compatibility of the resin and the siloxane compound SQ increases. Thus, the siloxane compound SQ shows a simulated depiction effect on the resin, and the siloxane compound SQ is difficult to move. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the orientation of the alkyl on the film surface, and even if the film is reused under a high temperature and high humidity environment, high oil repellency is also difficult to reduce.

[0072] Therefore, it is estimated that the film according to the present embodiment is a film that is excellent in maintaining high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high-temperature environment.

[0073] Hereinafter, the film according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0074] The film according to this embodiment contains a resin and a siloxane compound SQ, and the surface free energy of the surface is 40 mJ / m 2 the following.

[0075] From the viewpoint of high oil repellency, the surface free energy of the surface of the film according to the present embodiment is preferably 35 mJ / m 2 Below, more preferably 30mJ / m 2 the following.

[0076] The surface free energy of the film surface was measured by the following method.

[0077] According to the OWRK (Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kabel) method, water, diiodomethane and N-decane, whose surface free energies are known, are used to measure the contact angle of water by dropping water on the film, the contact angle of diiodomethane by dropping diiodomethane on the film, and the contact angle of N-decane by dropping N-decane on the film, and the surface free energy (mJ / m 2 ).

[0078] (Solubility Parameter)

[0079] The difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A (ie, the siloxane compound SQ) is 3.0 or less in absolute value, but is preferably 1.5 or less, for example, from the viewpoint of maintaining high oil repellency.

[0080] In order to make the absolute value of the difference between the solubility parameter (SP value) of the resin and the structure A within the above range, for example, it is preferable that the structure A ([RSiO 1.5 ] n ) is introduced into the resin-compatible group. That is, among the multiple Rs in the structure A, for example, preferably at least one R is a group containing an alkyl group, and at least one R is a group compatible with the resin.

[0081] The solubility parameter (SP value) is a value calculated by the Fedors method. Specifically, the solubility parameter (SP value) is calculated by the following formula based on, for example, the description in Polymer Eng. Sci., vol. 14, p. 147 (1974).

[0082] Formula: SP value = √(Ev / v) = √(ΣΔei / ΣΔvi)

[0083] (Where, Ev: evaporation energy (cal / mol), v: molar volume (cm 3 / mol), Δei: evaporation energy of each atom or atomic group, Δvi: molar volume of each atom or atomic group)

[0084] In addition, the solubility parameter (SP value) is expressed as (cal / cm 3 ) 1 / 2 As a unit, but by convention the unit is omitted and expressed as dimensionless.

[0085] (Siloxane compound SQ)

[0086] The siloxane compound SQ has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n A compound having a structure A (wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2) and having at least one R in the structure A containing an alkyl group.

[0087] In structure A, the organic group represented by R in the formula represents, for example, a hydroxyl group, a silaneoxy group, a hydrocarbon group, a hydrocarbon group in which one or more methylene groups are substituted by a carbonyl group, a hydrocarbon group in which one or more carbon atoms are substituted by a heteroatom (oxygen atom, nitrogen atom or sulfur atom), or a group formed by combining these.

[0088] Examples of the silyloxy group described above as the organic group represented by R include monoalkylsilyloxy, dialkylsilyloxy, and trialkylsilyloxy groups. Preferred are dialkylsilyloxy and trialkylsilyloxy groups, and more preferred are trialkylsilyloxy groups.

[0089] Examples of the hydrocarbon group described above as the organic group represented by R include an aliphatic hydrocarbon group and an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

[0090] Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include a linear, branched or alicyclic saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group and a linear, branched or alicyclic unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group.

[0091] The aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0092] The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a substituent such as a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, or an aryl group.

[0093] Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms (for example, preferably 6 to 14 carbon atoms). Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, and the like.

[0094] The aromatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a substituent such as a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an alkyl group, or an alkoxy group.

[0095] The organic group represented by R may have a reactive group. Examples of the reactive group include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a styryl group, a maleimide group, an epoxy group, and a (meth)acryloyl group.

[0096] A plurality of Rs in the structure A may be the same organic group or different organic groups.

[0097] However, among the multiple Rs in Structure A, at least one R is a group containing an alkyl group. Here, from the viewpoint of high oil repellency, the group containing an alkyl group is preferably, for example, an alkyl group itself or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. That is, among the multiple Rs in Structure A, at least one R is preferably, for example, an alkyl group or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group.

[0098] The alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkyl group having 1 carbon atom (i.e., a methyl group). 2 Hereinafter, for example, the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 1 or more and 4 or less.

[0099] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of maintaining high oil repellency, for example, among a plurality of Rs present in the structure A, at least one R is preferably a group compatible with the resin.

[0100] Furthermore, the compatible group may also serve as the above-mentioned "alkyl group present as at least one R among a plurality of Rs present in the structure A".

[0101] Here, the compatibility group with respect to the resin refers to a group that shows an interaction with a part or the entire structural unit of the resin based on hydrogen bonding, ionic interaction, dipole interaction, or the like.

[0102] Specific examples of the group compatible with the resin include the following groups.

[0103] When the resin is silicone rubber, examples of the compatible group include a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, and an amide group.

[0104] When the resin is a polycarbonate resin, examples of the compatible group include an amide group, an alkyl group (such as a methyl group), and a carboxyl group.

[0105] When the resin is a polyimide resin, examples of the compatible group include an amide group, an alkyl group (such as a methyl group), and the like.

[0106] When the resin is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, examples of the compatible group include a carboxyl group, an amide group, and a hydroxyl group.

[0107] In the siloxane compound SQ, from the viewpoint of high oil repellency, the existence ratio of the alkyl group-containing group is, for example, preferably 10 mol % to 50 mol %, more preferably 25 mol % to 50 mol % relative to the siloxane compound SQ.

[0108] From the viewpoint of maintaining high oil repellency, the proportion of the compatible group with respect to the resin is preferably 1 mol % to 10 mol %, and more preferably 3 mol % to 10 mol %, based on the siloxane compound SQ.

[0109] In the case where the compatible group is a group other than an alkyl group, from the viewpoint of maintaining high oil repellency, the molar ratio of the presence ratio of the group containing the alkyl group to the presence ratio of the compatible group to the resin (presence ratio of the group containing the alkyl group / presence ratio of the compatible group to the resin) is, for example, preferably greater than 7 / 3 and less than 9 / 1, and more preferably greater than 7 / 3 and less than 5 / 5.

[0110] The method for measuring the abundance ratio of the alkyl group-containing group and the compatible group is as follows.

[0111] The peak was calculated from the peak height ratio corresponding to the alkyl group and the compatible group measured by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

[0112] The siloxane compound SQ is a polymer compound called silsesquioxane having various skeleton structures.

[0113] The siloxane compound SQ may have any framework structure of a cage structure (complete cage structure or cage structure), a ladder structure, or a random structure.

[0114] In the structure A, n in the formula represents an integer of 2 or more, and from the viewpoint of high-temperature oil repellency, for example, it is preferably an integer of 8 or more, and more preferably an integer of 8 or more and 10,000 or less.

[0115] (Content of Siloxane Compound SQ)

[0116] From the viewpoint of improving the oil repellency at high temperature, the content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is, for example, preferably 3% by volume or more, more preferably 6% by volume or more, and even more preferably 10% by volume or more.

[0117] However, from the viewpoint of the bending resistance of the resin, the upper limit of the content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is, for example, preferably 50% by volume or less, and more preferably 30% by volume.

[0118] (Binder resin)

[0119] As the resin (hereinafter also referred to as "binder resin"), for example, polyimide resin (PI resin), polyamideimide resin (PAI resin), polyetherketone resin (for example, aromatic polyetheretherketone resin, etc.), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin), polyetherimide resin (PEI resin), polyester resin, polystyrene resin, polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, silicone resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET resin), and mixed resins thereof, etc.

[0120] In addition, examples of the resin include chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), natural rubber, and mixed rubbers thereof.

[0121] Furthermore, the binder resin can be selected according to, for example, the application of the film.

[0122] For example, when the film is applied to a single-layer intermediate transfer belt, the binder resin is preferably an imide resin (i.e., a resin containing a structural unit having an imide bond, such as a polyimide resin), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, silicone resin, or the like.

[0123] For example, when the film is applied to the outermost layer of a fixing belt, the binder resin is preferably an imide resin (i.e., a resin containing a structural unit having an imide bond, such as a polyimide resin), a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, a silicone resin, or the like.

[0124] In addition, the film according to the present embodiment preferably does not contain fluorine atoms, for example. Specifically, for example, a resin containing no fluorine atoms (specifically, a resin other than a fluorine resin) is preferably used as the binder resin.

[0125] Here, polyimide will be described as a representative binder resin.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Examples of the polyimide resin include resins having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (I).

[0128] [Chemical formula 1]

[0129] In the general formula (I), R 1 Represents a 4-valent organic group, R 2 It represents a divalent organic group.

[0130] As R 1 The tetravalent organic group represented by may include an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, a group formed by combining an aromatic group and an aliphatic group, or a group substituted with these groups. Specifically, as the tetravalent organic group, for example, the residue of tetracarboxylic dianhydride described below may be mentioned.

[0131] As R 2The divalent organic group represented by may be an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, a group formed by combining an aromatic group and an aliphatic group, or a group substituted with these groups. Specifically, as the divalent organic group, for example, a residue of a diamine compound described below may be mentioned.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Specific examples of the diamine compound used as a raw material for 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'-dimethyl Benzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl propane, 2,4-bis(amino tert-butyl)toluene, bis(p-β-amino-tert-butylphenyl) ether, bis(p-β-methyl-δ-aminophenyl)benzene, bis-p-(1,1-dimethyl-5-amino-pentyl)benzene, 1-isopropyl-2,4-m-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, di(p-aminocyclohexyl) Methane, hexamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, diaminopropyltetramethylene, 3-methylheptylenediamine, 4,4-dimethylheptylenediamine, 2,11-diaminododecane, 1,2-bis-3-aminopropoxyethane, 2,2-dimethylpropylenediamine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylheptylenediamine, 3-methylheptylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,17-Diaminoethylhexadecane, 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.

[0134] The content of the resin is defined as the amount of the main component of the film. Here, the amount of the main component of the film refers to the amount of the largest component among the components contained in the film.

[0135] (Other additives)

[0136] Examples of other additives include known additives such as a conductive agent, a reinforcing agent, an antioxidant, a surfactant, and a heat-resistant antioxidant, depending on the application of the film.

[0137] Here, a conductive agent will be described as a representative additive.

[0138] As the conductive agent, for example, carbon black, metals (for example, aluminum and nickel), metal oxides (for example, yttrium oxide, tin oxide, etc.), carbon nanotubes, ion conductive substances (for example, potassium titanate, LiCl, etc.), etc. can be mentioned, among which carbon black is preferred.

[0139] These conductive agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0140] Examples of carbon black include Ketjen black, oil furnace black, channel black (ie, gas black), acetylene black, etc. As carbon black, surface-treated carbon black (hereinafter also referred to as "surface-treated carbon black") may be used.

[0141] Surface treated carbon black is obtained by imparting, for example, a carboxyl group, a quinone group, a lactone group, a hydroxyl group, etc. to its surface. Examples of surface treatment methods include air oxidation in which the carbon black is exposed to air in a high temperature atmosphere and reacts, a method in which the carbon black is reacted with nitrogen oxides or ozone at room temperature (e.g., 22° C.), and a method in which the carbon black is oxidized by air in a high temperature atmosphere and then oxidized by ozone at a low temperature.

[0142] The conductive agent may be, for example, channel black, and particularly, acidic carbon black having a pH of 5.0 or less.

[0143] Examples of the acidic carbon black include carbon blacks whose surfaces have been oxidized, for example, carbon blacks whose surfaces have been provided with carboxyl groups, quinone groups, lactone groups, hydroxyl groups, and the like.

[0144] As acidic carbon black, from the viewpoint of improving the transferability to embossed paper, for example, carbon black having a pH of less than 4.5 is preferred, acidic carbon black having a pH of less than 4.0 is more preferred, acidic carbon black having a pH of less than 3.0 is further preferred, acidic carbon black having a pH of greater than 2.0 and less than 3.0 is particularly preferred, and acidic carbon black having a pH of greater than 2.0 and less than 2.8 is extremely preferred.

[0145] The pH of acidic carbon black is a value measured by the pH measurement method specified in JIS Z8802 (2011).

[0146] The content of the conductive agent relative to the film is, for example, preferably 10 mass % to 50 mass %, more preferably 12 mass % to 40 mass %, further preferably 14 mass % to 30 mass %, particularly preferably 15 mass % to 20 mass %.

[0147] The peeling force of the surface of the film according to the present embodiment at 140° C. is, for example, preferably 24 kPa or less, more preferably 18 kPa or less, and further preferably 15 kPa or less.

[0148] Since the peel strength at 140° C. of the surface of the film according to the present embodiment is within the above range, the film becomes a highly oil-repellent film even in a high-temperature environment.

[0149] Here, the peeling force of the film surface at 140° C. is measured as follows.

[0150] First, as preliminary preparation, A4-size P paper (manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.) was prepared, and a test paper on which a 100% black image was outputted on the entire surface was prepared using a copier (ApeosPort-V C3375) manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. Then, a 1 cm×1 cm square sample piece was collected from the film to be measured.

[0151] Next, the surface of the sample piece was attached to the probe of a viscosity tester (TA-500, manufactured by UBM) heated to 140°C, and the probe was brought close to the test paper at a speed of 0.1 mm / s. After pressing on the image surface of the test paper, the probe was kept at a pressing load of 3900 gf for 10 seconds, and the peeling force when lifted at a lifting speed of 10 mm / s was measured.

[0152] <Parts>

[0153] The component according to the present embodiment has the film according to the present embodiment described above as a layer constituting the outer peripheral surface.

[0154] The member according to the present embodiment may be any of a single-layer member of the film according to the present embodiment described above and a member in which the film according to the present embodiment described above is provided on a substrate.

[0155] When the component involved in the present embodiment is applied to an intermediate transfer body for an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic method, the component can be applied to a single layer of the film involved in the present embodiment or a laminate having the film as the outermost layer. In the laminate, the layers other than the film (for example, a base layer on which the film is provided, an elastic layer provided between the film and the base layer, etc.) can be applied to a known layer provided on the intermediate transfer body.

[0156] When the component involved in this embodiment is applied to a fixing component (heating component, pressure component, sliding component, etc.) for an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic method, the component can be applied to a component having a substrate, an elastic layer provided on the substrate, and a release layer provided on the elastic layer and composed of the film involved in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the substrate and the elastic layer can be a known substrate and elastic layer provided as a fixing component. In addition, the fixing component can have a known metal heating layer for electromagnetic induction heating between the substrate and the elastic layer.

[0157] The member according to the present embodiment may include, in addition to the intermediate transfer member and the fixing member, a paper conveying member for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the like.

[0158] <Transfer device>

[0159] The transfer device involved in this embodiment comprises: an intermediate transfer body, which is composed of the components involved in the above-mentioned embodiment and has a colorant image transferred on the outer peripheral surface; a primary transfer device, which transfers the colorant image formed on the surface of the image holding body to the surface of the intermediate transfer body; and a secondary transfer device, which transfers the colorant image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of the recording medium for the second time.

[0160] (Primary transfer device)

[0161] In the primary transfer device, the primary transfer member is disposed opposite to the image holder via the intermediate transfer belt. In the primary transfer device, the primary transfer member applies a voltage of opposite polarity to the charging polarity of the toner to the intermediate transfer belt, thereby primarily transferring the toner image to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body.

[0162] (Secondary transfer device)

[0163] In the secondary transfer device, the secondary transfer member is arranged on the toner image holding side of the intermediate transfer body. And the secondary transfer device includes, for example, the secondary transfer member and a back member arranged on the side of the intermediate transfer body opposite to the toner image holding side. In the secondary transfer device, the toner image on the intermediate transfer body is secondarily transferred to the recording medium by sandwiching the intermediate transfer body and the recording medium with the secondary transfer member and the back member and forming a transfer electric field.

[0164] The secondary transfer member may be a secondary transfer roller or a secondary transfer belt. In addition, the back member may be, for example, a back roller.

[0165] In addition, the transfer device involved in this embodiment may be a transfer device that transfers the toner image to the surface of the recording medium via a plurality of intermediate transfer bodies. That is, the transfer device may be, for example, a transfer device that transfers the toner image from the image holding body to the first intermediate transfer body, transfers the toner image from the first intermediate transfer body to the second intermediate transfer body, and then transfers the toner image from the second intermediate transfer body to the recording medium for a tertiary period.

[0166] The transfer device uses an intermediate transfer body composed of the members according to the present embodiment as at least one of the plurality of intermediate transfer bodies.

[0167] <Fixing unit>

[0168] The fixing member according to this embodiment,

[0169] A first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body.

[0170] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is constituted by the member according to the above-described present embodiment.

[0171] Hereinafter, with respect to the fixing device involved in the present embodiment, a fixing device including a heating roller and a pressure belt as a first embodiment, a fixing device including a heating belt and a pressure roller as a second embodiment, and a fixing device using an electromagnetic induction heating method including a conveyor belt and a pressure roller as a third embodiment will be described.

[0172] In addition, the fixing device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the first to third embodiments, and may be a fixing device including a heating roller or a heating belt and a pressure belt.

[0173] Then, in the fixing device according to the present embodiment, the components according to the present embodiment described above may be applied to any of the heating roller, the heating belt, the pressure roller, and the pressure belt.

[0174] (First Embodiment of Fixing Device)

[0175] refer to Figure 1 A first embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixing device according to the first embodiment (that is, the fixing device 60 ).

[0176] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 60 is composed of, for example, a rotationally driven 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.

[0177] The pressing pad 64 may be formed by pressing the pressure belt 62 and the heating roller 61 relative to each other. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 side may be pressed by the heating roller 61 or the heating roller 61 side may be pressed by the pressure belt 62.

[0178] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating device) is disposed inside the heating roller 61. The heating device is not limited to the halogen lamp, and other heat-generating members that generate heat may be used.

[0179] On the other hand, a temperature sensor 69 is disposed in contact with the surface of the heating roller 61. The lighting of the halogen lamp 66 is controlled based on the temperature measurement value of the temperature sensor 69, and the surface temperature of the heating roller 61 is maintained at a target setting temperature (for example, 150°C).

[0180] The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported by, for example, a pressing pad 64 and a belt stroke guide 63 disposed inside thereof, and is pressed against the heating roller 61 by the pressing pad 64 in a nip region N (nip portion).

[0181] The pressing pad 64 is disposed, for example, inside the pressure belt 62 in a state of being pressed by the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62 , and a nip region N is formed between the pressing pad 64 and the heating roller 61 .

[0182] The pressing pad 64 has, for example, a front nip member 64 a for ensuring a wide nip region N disposed on the entrance side of the nip region N, and a peeling nip member 64 b for applying strain to the heating roller 61 disposed on the exit side of the nip region N.

[0183] In order to reduce the sliding resistance between the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 62 and the pressing pad 64, for example, a sheet-like sliding member 68 is provided on the surface of the front sandwich member 64a and the peeling sandwich member 64b that contacts the pressure belt 62. Then, the pressing pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held by a metal holding member 65.

[0184] The sliding member 68 is provided, for example, so that its sliding surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 62 , and participates in retaining and supplying the oil between the sliding member 68 and the pressure belt 62 .

[0185] The structure is such that, for example, the belt stroke guide 63 is attached to the holding member 65 and the pressure belt 62 rotates.

[0186] The heating roller 61 is rotated in the direction of arrow S by, for example, a driving motor (not shown), and the pressure belt 62 is driven by the rotation to rotate in the direction of arrow R opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roller 61. Figure 1 The pressure belt 62 rotates in the clockwise direction and the pressure belt 62 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

[0187] Then, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) having an unfixed toner image is guided by, for example, a fixing entrance guide 56 and conveyed to the nip region N. Then, when the paper K passes through the nip region N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the nip region N.

[0188] In the fixing device 60 , for example, a wider nip region N is ensured by the concave front nip member 64 a following the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61 , compared with a configuration in which the front nip member 64 a is not provided.

[0189] Furthermore, in the fixing device 60 , for example, by arranging the peeling nip member 64 b to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61 , the strain of the heating roller 61 is locally increased in the exit region of the nip region N.

[0190] If the peeling nip member 64 b is arranged in this way, for example, when the fixed paper K passes through the peeling nip area, the paper K is easily peeled from the heating roller 61 due to the strain that is locally greatly formed.

[0191] As a peeling auxiliary device, a peeling member 70 is provided, for example, on the downstream side of the nip region N of the heating roller 61. The peeling member 70 is held by a holding member 72, for example, in a state where the separation claw 71 is close to the heating roller 61 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roller 61 (reverse direction).

[0192] (Second Embodiment of Fixing Device)

[0193] refer to Figure 2 A second embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixing device according to the second embodiment (that is, the fixing device 80 ).

[0194] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing device 80 is composed of, for example, a fixing belt assembly 86 including a heating belt 84 (an example of a first rotating body), and a pressure roller 88 (an example of a second rotating body) arranged to be pressed against the heating belt 84 (fixing belt assembly 86). Then, for example, a nip region N (nip portion) is formed at a contact portion between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt assembly 86) and the pressure roller 88. In the nip region N, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) is pressurized and heated, and a toner image is fixed thereon.

[0195] The fixing belt assembly 86 includes, for example: an annular heating belt 84; a heating and pressing roller 89, on which the heating belt 84 is wound on the side of the pressure roller 88, which is driven to rotate by the rotational force of a motor (not shown) and presses the heating belt 84 from its inner circumference toward the pressure roller 88; and a supporting roller 90, which supports the heating belt 84 from the inside at a position different from the heating and pressing roller 89.

[0196] The fixing belt assembly 86 is provided with, for example: a support roller 92, which is arranged on the outer side of the heating belt 84 and limits its winding path; a posture correction roller 94, which corrects the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating pressing roller 89 to the support roller 90; and a support roller 98, which applies tension to the heating belt 84 from the inner circumference on the downstream side of the sandwich area N formed by the heating belt 84 and the pressure roller 88.

[0197] Then, the fixing belt assembly 86 is provided, for example, so that the sheet-like sliding member 82 is interposed between the heating belt 84 and the heating and pressing roller 89 .

[0198] The sliding member 82 is provided, for example, so that its sliding surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 , and participates in retaining and supplying the oil between the heating belt 84 .

[0199] Here, the sliding member 82 is provided in a state where both ends thereof are supported by the supporting members 96 , for example.

[0200] A halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating device), for example, is provided inside the heating and pressing roller 89 .

[0201] The support roller 90 is a cylindrical roller formed of, for example, aluminum, and has a halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating device) disposed therein to heat the heating belt 84 from the inner peripheral surface side.

[0202] At both end portions of the support roller 90 , for example, spring members (not shown) are disposed to press the heating belt 84 outward.

[0203] The support roller 92 is a cylindrical roller formed of, for example, aluminum, and a release layer made of a fluorine resin having a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the surface of the support roller 92 .

[0204] The release layer of the support roller 92 is formed, for example, to prevent toner or paper powder from being deposited on the support roller 92 from the outer peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 .

[0205] For example, a halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating device) is disposed inside the support roller 92 to heat the heating belt 84 from the outer peripheral surface side.

[0206] That is, for example, the heating belt 84 is heated by the heating pressing roller 89 , the support roller 90 , and the support roller 92 .

[0207] The posture correction roller 94 is a cylindrical roller formed of, for example, 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 .

[0208] The posture correction roller 94 is provided with an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) for displacing the contact position of the heating belt 84 in the axial direction according to the measurement result of the end position measurement mechanism, so as to control the meandering of the heating belt 84 .

[0209] On the other hand, the pressure roller 88 is supported rotatably, and is provided to press the heating belt 84 at a position where it is wound around the heating pressure roller 89 by a biasing device such as a spring (not shown). Thus, as the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roller 89) of the fixing belt assembly 86 rotates in the arrow S direction, the pressure roller 88 is driven by the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roller 89) to rotate in the arrow R direction.

[0210] Then, the paper K with the unfixed toner image (not shown) is transported in the direction of arrow P and guided to the nip region N of the fixing device 80. Then, when the paper K passes through the nip region N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the nip region N.

[0211] In addition, in the fixing device 80, a method of using a halogen heater (halogen lamp) as an example of multiple heating devices is described, but it is not limited to this. In addition to the halogen heater, a radiation lamp heating element (a heating element that emits radiation (infrared rays, etc.)) and a resistance heating element (a heating element that generates Joule heat by passing an electric current through a resistor: for example, a heating element formed by forming a film with resistance on a ceramic substrate and calcining it, etc.) may also be used.

[0212] (Third Embodiment of Fixing Device)

[0213] refer to Figure 3 A third embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to a third embodiment (that is, a fixing device 200 ).

[0214] like Figure 3 As shown, the fixing device 200 is an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device including a conveyor belt 220 having a metal layer.

[0215] In the fixing device 200, a pressure roller (pressure member) 211 is arranged so as to pressurize a part of the conveyor belt 220. From the viewpoint of effective fixing, a contact area (nip) is formed between the conveyor belt 220 and the pressure roller 211, and the conveyor belt 220 is bent along the peripheral surface of the pressure roller 211. In addition, from the viewpoint of ensuring the releasability of the recording medium, a curved portion where the conveyor belt is curved is formed at the end of the contact area (nip).

[0216] The pressure roller 211 is configured by forming an elastic layer 211B made of silicone rubber or the like on a base material 211A, and further forming a release layer 211C made of a fluorine-based compound on the elastic layer 211B.

[0217] An opposing member 213 is disposed inside the conveyor belt 220 at a position opposing 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 peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 220 to locally increase the pressure, and a support body 13A that supports the pad 213B.

[0218] An electromagnetic induction heating device 212 having an electromagnetic induction coil (excitation coil) 212a built therein is provided at a position opposite to the pressure roller 211 (an example of a pressure member) with the conveyor belt 220 as the center. The electromagnetic induction heating device 212 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction coil, causing the generated magnetic field to change in the excitation circuit, thereby generating an eddy current in a metal layer (e.g., an electromagnetic induction metal layer) not shown in the figure of the conveyor belt 220. The eddy current is converted into heat (Joule heat) by the resistance of the metal layer not shown in the figure, and as a result, the surface of the conveyor belt 220 is heated.

[0219] In addition, the position of the electromagnetic induction heating device 212 is not limited to Figure 3 The position shown, for example, relative to the contact area of ​​the conveyor belt 220 , can be set on the upstream side of the rotation direction B, or can be set on the inner side of the conveyor belt 220 .

[0220] In the fixing device 200, the driving force is transmitted from the driving device to the gear fixed to the end of the conveyor belt 220, and the conveyor belt 220 rotates in the direction of arrow B. As the conveyor belt 220 rotates, the pressure roller 211 rotates in the opposite direction, that is, the direction of arrow C.

[0221] The recording medium 215 on which the unfixed toner image 214 is formed passes through the contact area (nip) between the conveyor belt 220 and the pressure roller 211 in the fixing device 200 in the direction of arrow A, and the unfixed toner image 214 is fixed to the recording medium 215 by applying pressure in a molten state.

[0222] <Image forming device>

[0223] Next, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0224] The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes:

[0225] An image holder; a charging device for charging the surface of the image holder; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder; a developing device for containing a developer containing a toner and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with the developer to form a toner image; a transfer device for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium; and a fixing device for fixing the toner image to the surface of the recording medium.

[0226] Then, the transfer device according to this embodiment is applied as the transfer device.

[0227] Furthermore, the fixing device according to the present embodiment is applied as the fixing device.

[0228] Here, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the transfer device and the fixing device can be boxed in a manner of being attached and detached from the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can be provided with the transfer device of the present embodiment and the fixing device of the present embodiment as components of the process box.

[0229] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0230] Figure 4 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0231] like Figure 4 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, an image forming apparatus of an intermediate transfer method generally called a tandem type, and includes: a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, which form toner images of each color component by an electrophotographic method; a primary transfer unit 10, which sequentially transfers (primary transfers) the toner 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, which transfers (secondary transfers) the overlapping toner images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 to a sheet of paper K as a recording medium; and a fixing device 60, which fixes the secondary transferred image on the sheet of paper K. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 40 for controlling the operation of each device (unit).

[0232] Each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a photoreceptor 11 that rotates in the direction of arrow A and is an example of an image holding member that holds a toner image formed on the surface.

[0233] Around the photosensitive body 11, as an example of a charging device, a charger 12 for charging the photosensitive body 11 is provided, and as an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device, a laser exposer 13 (the exposure beam is represented by the symbol Bm in the figure) for writing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive body 11 is provided.

[0234] In addition, around the photosensitive body 11, as an example of a developing device, there is provided a developer 14 that contains toners of each color component and uses the toners to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive body 11, and there is provided a primary transfer roller 16 that transfers the toner images of each color component formed on the photosensitive body 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 through the primary transfer section 10.

[0235] In addition, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 for removing residual toner on the photoreceptor 11 is provided around the photoreceptor 11, and the electrophotographic devices of the charger 12, the laser exposure device 13, the developer 14, the primary transfer roller 16, and the photoreceptor cleaner 17 are arranged in sequence along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a substantially straight line from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0236] The intermediate transfer belt 15 as an intermediate transfer body is composed of a film-like pressure belt with a resin such as polyimide or polyamide as a base layer and containing an appropriate amount of antistatic agent such as carbon black. 6 Ωcm or more and 10 14 The thickness is formed to be less than Ωcm, and the thickness is configured to be, for example, about 0.1mm.

[0237] The intermediate transfer belt 15 passes through various rollers. Figure 4 The various rollers include a driving roller 31 for rotating the intermediate transfer belt 15 driven by a motor (not shown) having excellent constant speed, a supporting roller 32 for supporting the intermediate transfer belt 15 extending substantially linearly along the arrangement direction of the photosensitive bodies 11, a tension applying roller 33 for applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functioning as a correction roller for preventing the intermediate transfer belt 15 from meandering, a back roller 25 provided in the secondary transfer section 20, and a cleaning back roller 34 provided in the cleaning section for scraping off residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0238] The primary transfer section 10 is composed of a primary transfer roller 16 disposed opposite to the photosensitive body 11 via an intermediate transfer belt 15. The primary transfer roller 16 is composed of a core body and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core body. The core body is a cylindrical rod made of metal such as iron and SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a mixed rubber of NBR, SBR and EPDM mixed with a conductive agent such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 107.5 Ωcm or more and 10 8.5 Sponge-like cylindrical roller with a thickness of less than Ωcm.

[0239] The primary transfer roller 16 is placed in pressure contact with the photosensitive body 11 via the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a voltage (primary transfer bias) having a polarity opposite to the charged polarity of the toner (negative polarity, the same below) is applied to the primary transfer roller 16. As a result, the toner images on the photosensitive bodies 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, forming overlapping toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0240] The secondary transfer section 20 includes a back roller 25 and a secondary transfer roller 22 disposed on the toner image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

[0241] In the back roller 25, the surface is composed of a mixed rubber tube of EPDM and NBR in which carbon is dispersed, and the inside is composed of EPDM rubber. Then, the surface resistivity is 10 7 Ω / Υ or more and 10 10 The back roller 25 is arranged on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and constitutes the counter electrode of the secondary transfer roller 22, and is contacted with a metal power supply roller 26 for stably applying a secondary transfer bias.

[0242] On the other hand, the secondary transfer roller 22 is composed of a core body and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core body. The core body is a cylindrical rod made of metal such as iron and SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a mixed rubber of NBR, SBR and EPDM mixed with a conductive agent such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 10 7.5 Ωcm or more and 10 8.5 Sponge-like cylindrical roller with a thickness of less than Ωcm.

[0243] The secondary transfer roller 22 is placed in pressure contact with the back roller 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15 . The secondary transfer roller 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between the secondary transfer roller 22 and the back roller 25 . The toner image is secondarily transferred onto the paper K transported to the secondary transfer unit 20 .

[0244] In addition, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided to be freely contactable and detachable with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 15. The intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 removes residual toner or paper powder on the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0245] The intermediate transfer belt 15 , the primary transfer section 10 (primary transfer roller 16 ), and the secondary transfer section 20 (secondary transfer roller 22 ) correspond to an example of a transfer device.

[0246] On the other hand, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 is provided on the upstream side of the yellow image forming unit 1Y. The reference sensor generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for obtaining the timing of image formation in each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The reference sensor 42 is configured to recognize a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generate a reference signal. In response to an instruction from the control unit 40 based on the recognition of the reference signal, each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K starts image formation.

[0247] Furthermore, an image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is disposed on the downstream side of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0248] In addition, in the image forming apparatus involved in the present embodiment, as a conveying device for conveying paper K, there is a paper accommodating portion 50 for accommodating paper K, a paper supply roller 51 for taking out and conveying the paper K stacked in the paper accommodating portion 50 at a predetermined time, a conveying roller 52 for conveying the paper K delivered by the paper supply roller 51, a conveying guide 53 for conveying the paper K conveyed by the conveying roller 52 to the secondary transfer portion 20, a conveying belt 55 for conveying the paper K conveyed after secondary transfer by the secondary transfer roller 22 to the fixing device 60, and a fixing entrance guide 56 for guiding the paper K to the fixing device 60.

[0249] Next, a basic image forming process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0250] In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, 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 forming operations are performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0251] In the image processing device, the input image data is subjected to image processing such as shading correction, position shift correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame removal or various image editing such as color editing and motion editing. The image data subjected to image processing is converted into color material grayscale data of four colors, Y, M, C, and K, and output to the laser exposure device 13.

[0252] In the laser exposure device 13, according to the input color material grayscale data, for example, an exposure beam Bm emitted from a semiconductor laser is irradiated to 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 device 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image of each color of Y, M, C, and K by each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0253] The toner images formed on the photosensitive bodies 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10 where each photosensitive body 11 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 15. More specifically, in the primary transfer section 10, a voltage (primary transfer bias) having a polarity opposite to the charged polarity (negative polarity) of the toner is applied to the substrate of the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the primary transfer roller 16, and the toner images are sequentially superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform primary transfer.

[0254] After the toner images are transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves and the toner images are output to the secondary transfer section 20. When the toner images are transported to the secondary transfer section 20, in the transport device, the paper feed roller 51 rotates in synchronization with the timing when the toner images are transported to the secondary transfer section 20, and paper K of a target size is supplied from the paper storage section 50. The paper K supplied by the paper feed roller 51 is transported by the transport roller 52 and reaches the secondary transfer section 20 via the transport guide 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer section 20, the paper K stops temporarily, and the registration roller (not shown) rotates in synchronization with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 15 holding the toner images, thereby aligning the position of the paper K with the position of the toner images.

[0255] In the secondary transfer section 20, the secondary transfer roller 22 is pressed against the back roller 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper K that is transported in time is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roller 22. At this time, if a voltage (secondary transfer bias) having the same polarity as the charging polarity (negative polarity) of the toner is applied from the power supply roller 26, a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roller 22 and the back roller 25. Then, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred onto the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20 that is pressed by the secondary transfer roller 22 and the back roller 25.

[0256] Then, the paper K to which the toner image is electrostatically transferred is conveyed as it is in a state of being peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roller 22, and is conveyed to the conveying belt 55 provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roller 22 in the paper conveying direction. The conveying belt 55 conveys the paper K to the fixing device 60 in accordance with the optimal conveying speed in the fixing device 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper K conveyed to the fixing device 60 is fixed on the paper K by receiving a fixing process with heat and pressure by the fixing device 60. Then, the paper K on which the fixed image is formed is conveyed to a paper discharge storage portion (not shown) provided in a discharge portion of the image forming apparatus.

[0257] On the other hand, after the transfer to the paper K is completed, the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported to the cleaning section as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates, and is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the cleaning back roller 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaning member 35 .

[0258] As mentioned above, although this embodiment was demonstrated, it is not limited to the said embodiment, Various deformation|transformation, change, and improvement are possible.

[0259] Example

[0260] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following Examples.

[0261] <Examples 1 and 2, Examples 8 and 9: Examples where the resin is silicone rubber>

[0262] A coating liquid was prepared in which a siloxane compound of the type shown in Table 1 was added to a liquid silicone rubber (X34-2086, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., ASK-C; 52°) in an amount shown in Table 1 in the film.

[0263] The obtained coating liquid is applied onto a metal plate and vulcanized to obtain a film made of silicone rubber (SR).

[0264] <Example 3, Comparative Examples 3 and 4: Examples where the resin is a polycarbonate resin>

[0265] The siloxane compound of the type shown in Table 1 was weighed in such a manner that the amount added in the final film became Table 1, and was dispersed in tetrahydrofuran (THF, FUJIFILM Wako PureChemical Corporation) as a solvent by stirring with a stirrer chip to obtain a siloxane compound dispersion. At this time, THF was weighed in such a manner that the solid content of the resin, siloxane compound and THF described later became 15% by mass. Then, for the siloxane compound dispersion, a polycarbonate resin (TEIJIN, TS-2040) as a resin was weighed in such a manner that the additive became the content of Table 1, and a coating liquid was obtained by stirring with a stirrer chip. Then, the coating liquid was applied to a metal plate, and vacuum dried after natural drying, thereby obtaining a polycarbonate resin (PC) film.

[0266] <Example 5, Comparative Examples 1 and 2: Examples where the resin is a polyimide resin>

[0267] A coating solution was prepared in which a siloxane compound of the type shown in Table 1 was added to a 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI) solution (resin content, 20 mass %) of a polyimide precursor composed of 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and p-phenylenediamine (PDA) in an amount shown in Table 1 to achieve an addition amount in the film.

[0268] The obtained coating liquid is applied onto a metal plate and vulcanized to obtain a polyimide resin (PI) film.

[0269] <Examples 4, 6 and 7: Examples where the resin is polyethylene terephthalate resin>

[0270] A film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the resin was changed to a polyethylene terephthalate resin (manufactured by Aldrich, CO. LTD.: product 429252) and the amount of the siloxane compound added (see Table 1).

[0271] <Evaluation>

[0272] (Solubility Parameter)

[0273] The difference (absolute value) in solubility parameter between the resin and the structure A of the siloxane compound SQ was measured by the method described above (expressed as "SP value difference between the resin and SQ" in the table).

[0274] (Surface free energy)

[0275] The surface free energy of the film surface of each example (expressed as "surface free E" in the table) was measured according to the method described above.

[0276] (Peel force)

[0277] -Initial stage-

[0278] The peeling force of the film surface of each example at 140° C. was measured according to the method described above.

[0279] -After Use-

[0280] The film of each example was attached to a heating roll heated to 140° C. and subjected to 30,000 rotations of sliding friction with a counter roll pressed with a load of 100 N to perform an accelerated test of continuous use in a high temperature environment.

[0281] Then, the peeling force of the film surface of each example at 140° C. was measured according to the method described above.

[0282] In addition, the abbreviations shown in Table 1 are as follows.

[0283] ·SQ1: In [RSiO 1.5 ] n In the structure A, at least one of the multiple R in the structure A is C9H 17 Siloxane compound SQ wherein at least one R is a compatible group (hydroxyl) (specific compound name is PSS-Trisilanol-isooctyl substituted (PSS-Trisilanol-isooctyl substituted): Aldrich, CO.LTD.560391)

[0284] ·SQ2: In [RSiO 1.5 ] n In the structure A, at least one of the multiple R in the structure A is C9H 17 Siloxane compound SQ wherein at least one R is a compatible group (carboxyl group) (specific compound name PSS-Trisilanol-isooctyl substituted (PSS-Trisilanol-isooctyl substituted: the hydroxyl group of Aldrich, CO.LTD.560391 is replaced by a carboxyl group)

[0285] ·SQ3: In [RSiO 1.5 ] n In the structure A, there are multiple R in the structure A, at least one R is a methyl group and at least one R is a compatible group (amide group) siloxane compound SQ (specific compound name PSS-trisilanol-isooctyl substituted (PSS-Trisilanol-isooctyl substituted): the hydroxyl group of Aldrich, CO.LTD.560391 is replaced by an amide group, and C9H 17 substituted with methyl)

[0286] ·SQ4: In [RSiO1.5 ] n In the structure A, there are multiple R in the structure A, at least one R is a methyl group and does not have a compatible group of siloxane compound SQ (specific compound name PSS-octamethyl substitution: Aldrich, CO.LTD.526835)

[0287] [Table 1]

[0288]

[0289] From the above results, it is understood that the film of this example is a film that is excellent in maintaining high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high-temperature environment, compared with the film of the comparative example.

[0290] Furthermore, compared with the film of the comparative example, the film of the present example can impart high oil repellency to the outer peripheral surface of the component even in a high temperature environment by being applied as a layer constituting the outer peripheral surface of the component.

[0291] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (1)

[0293] A membrane comprising:

[0294] Resins; and

[0295] A siloxane compound having the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2, and at least one of the multiple Rs in the structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A is 3.0 or less in absolute value,

[0296] The surface free energy of the film is 40 mJ / m 2 the following.

[0297] (2) The film according to (1), wherein

[0298] The difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A is 1.5 or less in absolute value, and the surface free energy is 35 mJ / m 2 the following.

[0299] (3) The film according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0300] The content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is 3 volume % or more.

[0301] (4) The film according to (3), wherein

[0302] The content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is 6 volume % or more.

[0303] (5) The film according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein

[0304] The peel force of the surface of the film at 140° C. is 24 kPa or less.

[0305] (6) The film according to (5), wherein

[0306] The peel force of the surface of the film at 140° C. is 18 kPa or less. (7)

[0308] A component having the film according to any one of (1) to (6) as a layer constituting an outer surface. (8)

[0310] A fixing device comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body, wherein at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is constituted by the component described in (7).

[0311] (9) An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0312] Image holding body;

[0313] A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body;

[0314] an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body;

[0315] a developing device containing a developer containing a toner and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding body with the developer to form a toner image;

[0316] a transfer device for transferring the toner image to a surface of a recording medium; and

[0317] (8) The fixing device fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium. (10)

[0319] A transfer device comprising:

[0320] An intermediate transfer body, which is composed of the components described in (7) and has a toner image transferred to its outer peripheral surface;

[0321] a primary transfer device for primarily transferring a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding body to the surface of the intermediate transfer body; and

[0322] The secondary transfer device secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium. (11)

[0324] An image forming device comprising:

[0325] Image holding body;

[0326] A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body;

[0327] An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body;

[0328] a developing device containing a developer containing a toner and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding body with the developer to form a toner image;

[0329] (10) The transfer device transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium; and

[0330] The fixing device fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium.

[0331] The effects of the above method are as follows.

[0332] According to the invention described in (1), there is provided a film having a surface free energy exceeding 40 mJ / m 2 Compared with the film of the present invention, the film has excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, and the siloxane compound has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n A structure A (wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than 2), and at least one R among the multiple Rs in structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A exceeds 3.0 in absolute value.

[0333] According to the invention as set forth in (2), there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film in which the absolute value of the difference between the solubility parameter (SP value) of the resin and the structure A exceeds 35.

[0334] According to the invention pertaining to (3), there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film in which the content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is less than 3% by volume.

[0335] According to the invention pertaining to (4), there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film in which the content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is less than 6% by volume.

[0336] According to the invention as set forth in (5), there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film having a surface peeling force at 140° C. of less than 24 kPa.

[0337] According to the invention as set forth in (6), there is provided a film having excellent maintenance of high oil repellency even when used continuously in a high temperature environment, compared with a film having a surface peeling force at 140° C. of less than 18 kPa.

[0338] According to the inventions described in (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11), there are provided a component, a transfer device and an image forming device having an intermediate transfer body formed by the component, and a fixing device and an image forming device having a rotating body formed by the component, wherein the component is applied to a film containing a resin and a siloxane compound, or a film having a surface free energy exceeding 40 mJ / m 2 Compared with the film of the present invention, the maintenance of high oil repellency is excellent even when it is continuously used in a high temperature environment, and the siloxane compound has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n A structure A (wherein R in the formula represents an organic group and n represents an integer greater than 2), and at least one R among the multiple Rs in structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between the resin and the structure A exceeds 3.0 in absolute value.

[0339] 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 film comprising: Resin; and A siloxane compound having the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n wherein at least one of the multiple Rs in the structure A is a group containing an alkyl group, and the difference in solubility parameter, i.e., SP value, between the resin and the structure A is 3.0 or less in absolute value, wherein R in the formula represents an organic group, and n represents an integer greater than 2, The surface free energy of the film is 40 mJ / m 2 the following.

2. The film according to claim 1, wherein The difference in solubility parameter, i.e., SP value, between the resin and the structure A is less than 1.5 in absolute value, and the surface free energy is 35 mJ / m 2 the following.

3. The film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is 3 volume % or more.

4. The film according to claim 3, wherein The content of the siloxane compound relative to the film is 6 volume % or more.

5. The film according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The peel force of the surface of the film at 140° C. is 24 kPa or less.

6. The film according to claim 5, wherein The peel force of the surface of the film at 140° C. is 18 kPa or less. 7 . A component comprising the film according to claim 1 as a layer constituting an outer surface.

8. A fixing device comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is formed of the member according to claim 7 .

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: Image holding body; A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body; An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body; a developing device containing a developer containing a toner and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding body with the developer to form a toner image; a transfer device for transferring the toner image to a surface of a recording medium; and The fixing device according to claim 8 fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium.

10. A transfer device comprising: An intermediate transfer body, comprising the member according to claim 7, having a toner image transferred to its outer peripheral surface; a primary transfer device for primarily transferring a toner image formed on the surface of the image holding body to the surface of the intermediate transfer body; and The secondary transfer device secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising: Image holding body; A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body; An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body; a developing device containing a developer containing a toner and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding body with the developer to form a toner image; The transfer device according to claim 10, which transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium; and The fixing device fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium.

Images