Intermediate transfer belt, transfer device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

An intermediate transfer belt, a transfer device, and an image forming apparatus, the intermediate transfer belt containing a resin, conductive carbon particles, and an alkyl silicone oil and a modified body thereof, in which regions having different contents of the alkyl silicone oil and the modified body thereof are formed on an outer peripheral surface, and when the silicon amount (Atomic%) of the outer peripheral surface is measured in the axial direction using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon content (Atomic%) is less than the silicon content (Atomic%) of the outer peripheral surface, and the silicon content (Atomic%) is less than the silicon content (Atomic%). The amount of silicon increases and decreases periodically in the axial direction, and the distance between peaks in the increase and decrease period of the amount of silicon is 0.1 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer device and an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus (copier, fax machine, printer, etc.) using an electrophotographic method, a toner image formed on the surface of an image holding body is transferred to the surface of a recording medium and fixed on the recording medium to form an image. In addition, in the transfer of such a toner image to the recording medium, a transfer device having a conductive belt such as an intermediate transfer belt is used.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device comprising: a recording material carrier for carrying and conveying a recording material; an image forming member for forming a toner image on the recording material carried on the recording material carrier; and a cleaning member for cleaning the recording material carrier, wherein the image forming device is characterized in that the cleaning member has a cleaning scraper, and when the pressing force of the cleaning scraper relative to the recording material carrier is set to be greater than 15 g / cm and less than 100 g / cm, a recording material carrier is used in which the initial surface roughness Rz of the recording material carrier is greater than 0.01 μm and less than 1.0 μm, and the average surface roughness Rz after 10,000 rotations in actual mechanical action is greater than 0.01 μm and less than 1.5 μm.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses an image forming device comprising: an image conveying body that carries and conveys a toner image directly or via a transfer material; and a cleaning member that contacts the surface of the image conveying body and slides and rubs the surface of the moving image conveying body to scrape the toner from the surface of the image conveying body. The image forming device is characterized in that a lubricant is added to a surface layer forming the surface of the image conveying body, and grooves are formed on the surface of the image conveying body along the moving direction of the surface of the image conveying body. When the average particle size of the lubricant is set to d and the depth of the protruding valley on the surface of the image conveying body measured in a direction approximately orthogonal to the moving direction of the surface of the image conveying body is set to Rvk, the relationship d>Rvk is satisfied.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-305879

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-106138 Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer belt, which contains resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified bodies, and has regions with different contents of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified bodies formed on the outer peripheral surface. When the silicon amount (Atomic %) of the outer peripheral surface is measured along the axial direction using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the peak-to-peak distance in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is less than 0.1 mm and exceeds 5.0 mm. Compared with the case, the lifting of a scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface for cleaning the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt can be suppressed.

[0008] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the following means.

[0009] <1> An intermediate transfer belt comprising a resin, conductive carbon particles, an alkyl silicone oil and a modified product thereof,

[0010] Regions having different contents of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified form are formed on the outer peripheral surface.

[0011] When the silicon amount (Atomic %) of the outer peripheral surface is measured along the axial direction using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the distance between peaks in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 5.0 mm.

[0012] <2> The intermediate transfer belt according to <1>, wherein

[0013] The distance between the peak tops is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm.

[0014] <3> The intermediate transfer belt according to <1> or <2>, wherein:

[0015] The difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 Atomic % and less than or equal to 5.0 Atomic %.

[0016] <4> The intermediate transfer belt according to <1>, wherein:

[0017] The distance between the peak tops is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm, and the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 Atomic % and less than or equal to 5.0 Atomic %.

[0018] <5> The intermediate transfer belt according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein

[0019] The difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is 0.03 logΩ / Y or less.

[0020] <6> The intermediate transfer belt according to <5>, wherein:

[0021] The difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is 0.02 logΩ / Y or less.

[0022] <7> A transfer device comprising:

[0023] The intermediate transfer belt according to any one of <1> to <6>;

[0024] a scraper that contacts with and cleans the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt;

[0025] a primary transfer device having a primary transfer member for primary transferring a toner image formed on a surface of an image holding member to an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt; and

[0026] The secondary transfer device includes a secondary transfer member arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and secondarily transferring the toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt to the surface of a recording medium.

[0027] <8> An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0028] Image holding body;

[0029] A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body;

[0030] An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body;

[0031] a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding member with the developer to form a toner image; and

[0032] <7> The transfer device transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] According to the invention involved in <1>, an intermediate transfer belt is provided, which contains a resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified form, and has regions with different contents of alkyl silicone oil and its modified form formed on the outer peripheral surface, and when the silicon amount (Atomic %) of the outer peripheral surface is measured along the axial direction using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the peak-to-peak distance in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is less than 0.1 mm and exceeds 5.0 mm, compared with the case where the scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface for cleaning the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt can be suppressed from lifting.

[0035] According to the invention of <2> or <4>, there is provided an intermediate transfer belt capable of suppressing the lifting of a blade that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with a case where the peak-to-peak distance exceeds 3.0 and is equal to or less than 5.0 mm.

[0036] According to the invention involved in <3> or <4>, an intermediate transfer belt is provided, which can suppress the lifting of a scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with the case where the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is less than 0.1 Atomic % or exceeds 5.0 Atomic %.

[0037] According to the invention involved in <5>, an intermediate transfer belt is provided, which can suppress the lifting of a scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with the case where the difference in surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom exceeds 0.03logΩ / Υ.

[0038] According to the invention involved in <6>, an intermediate transfer belt is provided, which can suppress the lifting of the scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with the case where the difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom exceeds 0.02logΩ / Υ and is less than 0.03logΩ / Υ.

[0039] According to the invention involved in <7> or <8>, a transfer device or an image forming device is provided, which has an intermediate transfer belt having an outer peripheral surface formed with a resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified product, and a region with different contents of alkyl silicone oil and its modified product formed on the outer peripheral surface, and when the silicon amount (Atomic %) is measured along the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the peak-to-peak distance in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is less than 0.1 mm or exceeds 5.0 mm, compared with the case of an intermediate transfer belt, the scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface for cleaning the outer peripheral surface can be suppressed from lifting up. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the contact condition between the intermediate transfer belt and the scraper involved in the present embodiment;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment;

[0043] Figure 3This is a graph for explaining the increase and decrease cycle of the amount of silicon on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment.

[0044] Explanation of symbols

[0045] 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K-image forming unit, 10-primary transfer section, 11-photoreceptor, 12-charger, 13-laser exposure device, 14-developer, 15-intermediate transfer belt, 16-primary transfer roller, 17-photoreceptor cleaner, 20-secondary transfer section, 22-secondary transfer roller, 22A-secondary transfer roller cleaning member, 25-back roller, 26-power supply roller, 31-driving roller, 32-support roller, 33-tension applying roller, 34-cleaning back roller, 35-cleaning blade for intermediate transfer belt, 40-control section, 42-reference sensor, 43-image density sensor, 50-paper accommodating section, 51-paper supply roller, 52-conveying roller, 53-conveying guide, 55-conveying belt, 56-fixing inlet guide, 60-fixing device, 100-image forming device, K-paper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present embodiment will be described below. These descriptions and examples illustrate the embodiment and do not limit the scope of the embodiment.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] <Intermediate transfer belt>

[0052] The intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment contains resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified bodies, and has areas with different contents of alkyl silicone oil and its modified bodies formed on the outer peripheral surface. When the silicon amount (Atomic %) is measured along the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the distance between peaks in the increase and decrease period of the silicon amount is greater than 0.1 mm and less than 5.0 mm.

[0053] The outer peripheral surface is a surface to which the toner image is transferred. Furthermore, "alkyl silicone oil and modified products thereof" are also collectively referred to as "alkyl silicone oil".

[0054] In the intermediate transfer belt, it is known that the outer peripheral surface is set to a high release and the transfer efficiency is improved. However, when only the outer peripheral surface is set to a high release, in order to clean the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt, it sometimes causes the scraper in contact with the outer peripheral surface to be lifted. It is speculated that this is because the residual toner and the like that enter the contact part between the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and the scraper are reduced by improving the transfer efficiency, so sometimes the lubrication in the contact part is insufficient, and the movement of the edge of the scraper becomes unstable.

[0055] As described above, the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment contains an alkyl silicone oil with high mold release properties. Therefore, the non-electrostatic adsorption force of the toner relative to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt is reduced, and the toner is easily peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment has a high transfer efficiency.

[0056] Moreover, the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment has the following structure: areas with different contents of alkyl silicone oil are formed on its outer peripheral surface, and when the silicon content (Atomic %) is measured along the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the silicon content increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the distance between the peaks in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon content is greater than 0.1 mm and less than 5.0 mm. In this structure, since there are parts with more alkyl silicone oil and parts with less alkyl silicone oil on the outer peripheral surface, residual toner and the like appropriately enter the contact part between the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and the scraper, which can reduce the friction of the edge of the scraper and stabilize the movement of the edge of the scraper. As a result, it is speculated that the scraper can be suppressed from lifting. In addition, it is speculated that the cleanliness of the outer peripheral surface is also improved by stabilizing the movement of the edge of the scraper and suppressing the scraper from lifting.

[0057] Hereinafter, “the lifting of the blade that comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt in order to clean the outer peripheral surface” will be simply referred to as “blade lifting”.

[0058] [Way]

[0059] Hereinafter, a mode of the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0060] In the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of further suppressing blade lifting, the distance between peaks in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is, for example, preferably 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0061] In the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment, from the viewpoint of further suppressing blade lifting, the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is preferably 0.1 Atomic % to 5.0 Atomic %, more preferably 0.5 Atomic % to 5.0 Atomic %.

[0062] In the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment, from the viewpoint of further suppressing the scraper from being lifted, for example, it is preferred that the distance between the peaks in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than 0.1 mm and less than 3.0 mm, and the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than 0.1 Atomic % and less than 5.0 Atomic %.

[0063] Here, a method for measuring the silicon amount using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), a method for determining the distance between peak tops in the silicon amount increase / decrease cycle, and a method for determining the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the silicon amount increase / decrease cycle are described.

[0064] The measurement of the silicon amount based on XPS is performed using, for example, JPS-9000MX manufactured by JEOL Ltd., with the acceleration voltage set to 10 kV, the emission current set to 10 mA, the measurement energy set to 100% of the peak value of the element detected in the wide scan from 0 to 1100 eV, and the peak ratio of each element set to the Atomic % of each element. The silicon amount is defined by the peak of Si 2p3 / 2 appearing near 102 eV. Typically, the measurement in the axial direction of the conveyor belt is performed by moving the conveyor belt in the axial direction by 0.1 mm and repeating the same measurement.

[0065] In the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment, if the silicon amount on the outer peripheral surface is measured by the above method, and the relationship between the measured silicon amount and the axial direction (width direction) distance of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt is shown in a graph, it can be seen as follows: Figure 3 The amount of silicon shown increases and decreases periodically.

[0066] Here, Figure 3 This is a graph for explaining the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment. The vertical axis represents the silicon amount and the horizontal axis represents the axial direction (width direction) distance of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the distance X between adjacent peaks in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is obtained at 10 points, and the average value thereof is taken as the distance between the peaks in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount.

[0068] And, if Figure 3 As shown, the difference Y between the adjacent peak tops and peak bottoms in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount at 10 points is calculated, and the average value thereof is taken as the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount.

[0069] In the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment, the difference in surface resistivity between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is, for example, preferably 0.03 logΩ / Y or less, more preferably 0.02 logΩ / Y or less.

[0070] In addition, the difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is preferably as small as possible, and is most preferably 0.

[0071] In the intermediate transfer belt involved in the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of suppressing uneven image quality, for example, even if regions with different contents of alkyl silicone oil are formed on the peripheral surface, as described above, it is preferred that the difference in surface resistivity is small. If regions with different contents of alkyl silicone oil are formed on the peripheral surface, it is believed that the intermediate transfer belt has a conduction mechanism based on two paths: the charge retained by the alkyl silicone oil on the peripheral surface and the charge transferred on the interface of the alkyl silicone oil-belt matrix (resin component). The surface resistivity of such an intermediate transfer belt is the sum of the two conduction mechanisms of the above-mentioned charges, and it is particularly believed that the contribution of the charge transferred on the latter interface is large. Therefore, it is inferred that the intermediate transfer belt involved in the present embodiment has a small difference in surface resistivity even if regions with different contents of alkyl silicone oil are formed on the peripheral surface. In this way, the intermediate transfer belt involved in the present embodiment can also improve the transfer efficiency because the difference in surface resistivity of the peripheral surface is small.

[0072] Here, a method for measuring the surface resistivity of a conveyor belt is described.

[0073] From the viewpoint of improving transferability, the common logarithm of the surface resistivity when a voltage of 500 V is applied to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt for 10 seconds is, for example, preferably greater than 9.5 (logΩ / sq.) and less than 15.0 (logΩ / sq.), more preferably greater than 10.0 (logΩ / sq.) and less than 14.0 (logΩ / sq.), and particularly preferably greater than 11.0 (logΩ / sq.) and less than 13.5 (logΩ / sq.).

[0074] In addition, the surface resistivity logΩ / sq. represents the unit of the surface resistivity by the logarithm of the resistance value per unit area, and is also expressed as log(Ω / sq.), logΩ / square, logΩ / Y, etc.

[0075] The surface resistivity of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt when a voltage of 500 V was applied for 10 seconds was measured by the following method.

[0076] A microammeter (R8430A manufactured by ADVANTEST CORPORATION) was used as a resistance measuring machine, and a UR probe (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Analytech Co., Ltd.) was used as a probe. The surface resistivity (logΩ / sq.) of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt was continuously scanned at 6 points at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the probe was continuously scanned in the width direction. The measurement was performed under a voltage of 500 V, an application time of 10 seconds, and a pressure of 1 kgf, and the average value was calculated. The measurement was performed in an environment of a temperature of 22° C. and a humidity of 55% RH.

[0077] [Structure of the intermediate transfer belt]

[0078] The intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment contains resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and modified products thereof, and may be a single-layer body or a laminated body as long as the outer peripheral surface has the structure described above.

[0079] When the intermediate transfer belt is a single-layer body, the single-layer body only needs to contain a resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and a modified product thereof, and its outer peripheral surface has the above-described structure.

[0080] Furthermore, when the intermediate transfer belt is a laminate, the laminate preferably has, for example, a substrate layer and a surface layer which is disposed on the substrate layer and is the outermost layer. In addition, the laminate may have other layers between the substrate layer and the surface layer. When the intermediate transfer belt is a laminate having a substrate layer and a surface layer, for example, the surface layer preferably contains resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified body, and its peripheral surface has the described structure. At this time, the substrate layer may have the following structure: it may contain resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified body, or it may contain resin and conductive carbon particles but not alkyl silicone oil and its modified body. Furthermore, the surface layer may be formed on the entire surface of the substrate layer, or it may be formed partially. Furthermore, the resin, conductive carbon particles, and alkyl silicone oil and its modified body contained in the substrate layer and the surface layer may be the same or different.

[0081] <Resin>

[0082] Examples of the resin contained in the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment include polyimide resins, polyamideimide resins, aromatic polyetherketone resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyetherimide resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, and polycarbonate resins.

[0083] (Polyimide resin)

[0084] 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.

[0085] Examples of the polyimide resin include resins having a structure represented by the following general formula (I).

[0086] [Chemical formula 1]

[0087]

[0088] In the general formula (I), R 1 Represents a 4-valent organic group, R 2 It represents a divalent organic group.

[0089] 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.

[0090] As R 2 The 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] (Polyamide-imide resin)

[0094] Examples of the polyamide-imide resin include resins having an imide bond and an amide bond repeatedly.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] (Aromatic polyetheretherketone resin)

[0100] Examples of the aromatic polyetheretherketone resin include a resin in which aromatic rings such as a benzene ring are linearly linked via an ether bond and a ketone bond, and in which ether bonds, ether bonds, and ketone bonds are arranged in this order.

[0101] (Polyphenylene sulfide resin)

[0102] Examples of the polyphenylene sulfide resin include resins in which groups having a benzene ring and sulfur atoms are alternately bonded.

[0103] Examples of the group having a benzene ring include p-phenylene, m-phenylene, o-phenylene, alkyl-substituted phenylene, phenyl-substituted phenylene, halogen-substituted phenylene, amino-substituted phenylene, and amide-substituted phenylene.

[0104] (Polyetherimide resin)

[0105] Examples of the polyetherimide resin include polymers of aromatic bis(ether dicarboxylic) acids and diamines.

[0106] Examples of the aromatic bis(ether dicarboxylic) acid include 2,2-bis[4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane and 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane.

[0107] Examples of the diamine include 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane and meta-phenylenediamine.

[0108] Among them, the resin contained in the intermediate transfer belt is preferably an imide resin such as polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyetherimide resin, etc., more preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide resin and polyamideimide resin, and further preferably contains polyimide resin.

[0109] Furthermore, the resin contained in the intermediate transfer belt may be one type or two or more types.

[0110] In the intermediate transfer belt as a single layer, from the viewpoints of mechanical strength and volume resistivity adjustment, the resin content in the single layer is, for example, preferably greater than 48 mass % and less than 91 mass %, more preferably greater than 55 mass % and less than 89 mass %, and further preferably greater than 65 mass % and less than 84 mass %.

[0111] In the intermediate transfer belt as a stack, from the viewpoint of mechanical strength and volume resistivity adjustment, the resin content in the surface layer is, for example, preferably greater than 48 mass % and less than 91 mass %, more preferably greater than 55 mass % and less than 89 mass %, and further preferably greater than 65 mass % and less than 84 mass %.

[0112] In the intermediate transfer belt as a laminate, from the viewpoint of mechanical strength and volume resistivity adjustment, the resin content in the substrate layer is, for example, preferably greater than 60 mass % and less than 95 mass %, more preferably greater than 70 mass % and less than 90 mass %, and further preferably greater than 70 mass % and 80 mass %.

[0113] <Conductive carbon particles>

[0114] Examples of the conductive carbon particles contained in the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment include carbon black.

[0115] Examples of carbon black include Ketjen black, oil furnace black, channel black, acetylene black, etc. As carbon black, surface-treated carbon black (hereinafter also referred to as "surface-treated carbon black") may be used.

[0116] 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.

[0117] The number average primary particle size of the conductive carbon particles is, for example, 2 nm to 40 nm, and is preferably 8 nm to 30 nm from the viewpoint of dispersibility, mechanical strength, volume resistivity, film-forming properties, and the like.

[0118] When the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment is a laminate, for example, the number average primary particle size of the conductive carbon particles contained in the surface layer is preferably smaller than the number average primary particle size of the conductive carbon particles contained in the base layer.

[0119] The number average primary particle size of the conductive carbon particles is measured by the following method.

[0120] First, a measurement sample with a thickness of 100 nm was collected from each layer of the obtained conveyor belt by a slicer, and the measurement sample was observed by a TEM (transmission electron microscope). Then, the diameter of a circle equal to the projected area of ​​each of 50 conductive carbon particles (i.e., equivalent circle diameter) was set as the particle size, and the average value thereof was set as the number average primary particle size.

[0121] Furthermore, the conductive carbon particles contained in the intermediate transfer belt may be of one type or of two or more types.

[0122] In the intermediate transfer belt as a single layer, from the viewpoint of ensuring strength and adjusting volume resistivity, the content of conductive carbon particles in the single layer is, for example, preferably greater than 8 mass % and less than 45 mass %, more preferably greater than 10 mass % and less than 38 mass %, and further preferably greater than 13 mass % and less than 30 mass %.

[0123] In the intermediate transfer belt as a stack, from the viewpoint of ensuring strength and adjusting volume resistivity, the content of conductive carbon particles in the surface layer is, for example, preferably greater than 8 mass % and less than 45 mass %, more preferably greater than 10 mass % and less than 38 mass %, and further preferably greater than 13 mass % and less than 30 mass %.

[0124] In the intermediate transfer belt as a stack, from the viewpoint of dispersibility, mechanical strength and volume resistivity adjustment, the content of conductive carbon particles in the substrate layer is, for example, preferably from 5 mass % to 40 mass %, more preferably from 10 mass % to 30 mass %, and further preferably from 20 mass % to 30 mass %.

[0125] <Alkyl silicone oil and its modified form>

[0126] The alkyl silicone oil and its modified product contained in the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment refers to an oil having a siloxane bond having an alkyl group and a modified product of the oil. Specific examples of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified product include dimethyl silicone oil and its modified product.

[0127] The modified form of dimethyl silicone oil refers to a compound in which at least a part of the methyl groups in dimethyl silicone oil are substituted with an organic group.

[0128] The organic group possessed by the modified dimethyl silicone oil is not particularly limited as long as it is a group having carbon atoms. Examples of the organic group include polyether groups, polyol groups, polyester groups, acryloyl groups, fatty acid ester groups, phenyl groups, fluorine groups, alkyl groups, and aralkyl groups.

[0129] Among them, from the viewpoint of improving the releasability on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt, for example, a polyether group is preferred.

[0130] Specifically, as a modified form of dimethyl silicone oil, for example, polyether-modified dimethyl silicone oil is preferable.

[0131] Furthermore, the modified form of dimethyl silicone oil may be a side chain-type modified silicone oil in which an organic group is bonded as a side chain of dimethyl silicone oil, a single-end-type modified silicone oil in which an organic group is bonded to one end of dimethyl silicone oil, a dual-end-type modified silicone oil in which organic groups are respectively bonded to both ends of dimethyl silicone oil, or a side chain dual-end-modified silicone oil in which organic groups are respectively bonded to the side chain and both ends of dimethyl polysiloxane.

[0132] The viscosity (kinematic viscosity) of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified form at 25° C. is not particularly limited, and for example, 1 mm 2 / s or more and 100mm 2 / s or less, preferably 10 mm from the viewpoint of uniform dispersion 2 / s or more and 50mm 2 / s or less.

[0133] The viscosity of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified product was measured using a B-8L viscometer manufactured by TOKYO KEIKI INC.

[0134] In the intermediate transfer belt as a single layer, the content of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified product in the single layer is, for example, preferably from 1 mass % to 7 mass %, more preferably from 3 mass % to 5 mass %.

[0135] In the intermediate transfer belt as a laminate, the content of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified product in the surface layer is, for example, preferably from 1 mass % to 7 mass %, more preferably from 3 mass % to 5 mass %.

[0136] In the intermediate transfer belt as a laminate, the content of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified form in the base layer is not particularly limited and may be less than the content of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified form in the surface layer or may be zero.

[0137] <Other ingredients>

[0138] The intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment may contain other components in addition to the resin, the conductive carbon particles, and the alkyl silicone oil and its modified form.

[0139] Other components include, for example, conductive agents other than conductive carbon particles, silicone oils other than alkyl silicone oils and modified forms thereof, fillers for increasing the strength of the conveyor belt, antioxidants for preventing thermal degradation of the conveyor belt, surfactants for increasing fluidity, heat-resistant anti-aging agents, and the like.

[0140] <Characteristics of the intermediate transfer belt>

[0141] (Thickness of intermediate transfer belt)

[0142] From the viewpoint of the mechanical strength of the conveyor belt, the thickness of the intermediate transfer belt is, for example, preferably 60 μm or more and 120 μm or less, and more preferably 80 μm or more and 120 μm or less.

[0143] In addition, the film thickness of each layer was measured as follows.

[0144] Specifically, a cross section of the intermediate transfer belt in the thickness direction is observed with an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope, the thickness of the layer to be measured is measured at 10 locations, and the average value is defined as the thickness.

[0145] (Volume resistivity of intermediate transfer belt)

[0146] From the viewpoint of improving transferability, the common logarithm of the volume resistivity when a voltage of 500 V is applied to the intermediate transfer belt for 10 seconds is, for example, preferably greater than 9.0 (logΩ·cm) and less than 13.5 (logΩ·cm), more preferably greater than 9.5 (logΩ·cm) and less than 13.2 (logΩ·cm), and particularly preferably greater than 10.0 (logΩ·cm) and less than 12.5 (logΩ·cm).

[0147] The volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer belt when a voltage of 500 V was applied for 10 seconds was measured by the following method.

[0148] A microammeter (R8430A manufactured by ADVANTEST CORPORATION) was used as a resistance measuring machine, and a UR probe (manufactured by Nittoseiko Analytech Co., Ltd.) was used as a probe. The volume resistivity (logΩ·cm) was measured at 6 points at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the intermediate transfer belt, and at 3 points in the center and both ends in the width direction, a total of 18 points, with a voltage of 500 V, an application time of 10 seconds, and a pressure of 1 kgf, and the average value was calculated. The measurement was performed in an environment of a temperature of 22° C. and a humidity of 55% RH.

[0149] <Method for manufacturing intermediate transfer belt>

[0150] The method for manufacturing the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that can manufacture the intermediate transfer belt so that the outer peripheral surface has the structure described above.

[0151] As an example of a method for manufacturing an intermediate transfer belt, there can be cited a method that goes through the following steps: a coating liquid preparation step of preparing a coating liquid containing a resin or its precursor, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and a solvent; a coating film forming step of applying the coating liquid on the periphery of a coated material by a spiral coating method to form a coating film; and a drying step of drying the coating film while raising the temperature of the coated material.

[0152] In this method, the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment can be obtained as a single-layer body.

[0153] The intermediate transfer belt manufacturing method may include other steps in addition to the coating liquid preparation step, the coating film formation step and the drying step. Other steps include, for example, a calcination step of calcining the coating film dried in the drying step when a resin precursor is used.

[0154] (Coating liquid preparation process)

[0155] In the coating liquid preparation step, a coating liquid containing a resin or a precursor thereof, conductive carbon particles, an alkyl silicone oil, and a solvent is prepared.

[0156] For example, when the resin is a polyimide resin and the conductive carbon particles are carbon black, a coating liquid is prepared in which carbon black is dispersed and polyamic acid and alkyl silicone oil as polyimide resin precursors are dissolved in a solvent.

[0157] As a method for preparing the coating liquid, from the viewpoint of crushing aggregates of the conductive carbon particles and improving the dispersibility of the conductive carbon particles, for example, a dispersion treatment using a pulverizer such as a ball mill or a jet mill is preferred.

[0158] Furthermore, in the coating liquid preparation step, from the viewpoint of improving the dispersibility of the conductive carbon particles, for example, it is preferred to add alkyl silicone oil to the solvent in which the conductive carbon particles are dispersed after the conductive carbon particles are dispersed.

[0159] The solvent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately determined according to the type of resin used as the resin, etc. For example, when the resin is a polyimide resin or a polyamideimide resin, it is preferable to use a polar solvent described later as the solvent.

[0160] Examples of the polar solvent include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N,N-diethylacetamide (DEAc), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), hexamethylenephosphoramide (HMPA), N-methylcaprolactam, N-acetyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (N,N-dimethylimidazolidinone, DMI). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0161] (Coating film forming step)

[0162] In the coating film forming step, the coating liquid is applied to the outer periphery of the material to be coated by a spiral coating method to form a coating film.

[0163] Examples of the material to be coated include cylindrical or columnar molds, etc. The material to be coated may be a material obtained by subjecting the outer peripheral surface of the mold to a release agent treatment.

[0164] As the coating method of the coating liquid, a spiral coating (flow coating) method was used.

[0165] The spiral coating method is performed, for example, as follows.

[0166] First, the rotation axis direction of the coated material is set to be along the horizontal direction, and the coated material is rotated around the axis. The coating liquid is discharged from the dispensing part of the dispensing machine to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating coated material to apply the coating liquid to the outer peripheral surface of the coated material. At this time, the coating is applied while the dispensing part of the dispensing machine is moved from one end to the other end of the rotation axis direction of the rotating coated material, and the coating liquid is applied (coated) to the outer peripheral surface of the coated material in a spiral shape to form a coating film.

[0167] Here, by adjusting the coating conditions in the spiral coating method, specifically, adjusting the rotation speed of the coated material and the moving speed of the dispensing unit of the dispenser, the peak interval in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt can be controlled.

[0168] (Drying process)

[0169] In the drying step, the coating film formed in the coating film forming step is dried. The drying step removes the solvent contained in the coating film to obtain a layer.

[0170] Examples of a method for drying the coating film include a method of supplying hot air to the coating film and a method of heating a coated material.

[0171] (Calcination process)

[0172] As described above, the method for manufacturing the intermediate transfer belt may include a calcination step. In the calcination step, the coating film dried in the drying step is heated to be calcined. For example, when the resin is a polyimide resin, the polyamic acid anhydride contained in the coating film is imidized by the calcination step to obtain a polyimide.

[0173] The heating temperature in the calcining step is, for example, in the range of 150° C. to 450° C., preferably in the range of 200° C. to 430° C. The heating time in the calcining step is, for example, in the range of 20 minutes to 180 minutes, preferably in the range of 60 minutes to 150 minutes.

[0174] In addition, if it is a multi-layer intermediate transfer belt, a base layer can be formed on the surface of the coated material by a known method, and a surface layer can be formed on the surface of the base layer by the above-mentioned method (including a coating liquid preparation process, a coating film formation process and a drying process), thereby obtaining the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment.

[0175] Furthermore, if it is a multi-layer intermediate transfer belt, a base layer can be formed on the surface of the coated material by a known method, and a surface layer containing resin, conductive carbon particles and alkyl silicone oil can be formed on the surface of the base layer by a known method, and then a part of the surface layer is removed along the circumferential direction to form a plurality of grooves parallel or approximately parallel to the axial direction of the conveyor belt, thereby obtaining the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment.

[0176] <Transfer device>

[0177] The transfer device involved in this embodiment comprises: the intermediate transfer belt involved in this embodiment; a scraper that contacts with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and cleans the outer peripheral surface; a primary transfer device that has a primary transfer component that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image retaining body to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt; and a secondary transfer device that has a secondary transfer component that is configured to contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and transfers the toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt to the surface of the recording medium for the second time.

[0178] [Scraper]

[0179] The scraper comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and cleans the outer peripheral surface.

[0180] The scraper cleans toner (also referred to as residual toner) remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt after the toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt is secondarily transferred to the surface of the recording medium.

[0181] The scraper is used while being supported by, for example, a rigid plate-shaped support member.

[0182] The scraper may be a known scraper used for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt. The scraper may be a rubber scraper such as urethane rubber.

[0183] Here, regarding the contact condition of the scraper to the intermediate transfer belt, use Figure 1 Provide explanation.

[0184] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the contact condition between the intermediate transfer belt and the scraper. Figure 1 In the figure, BE represents an intermediate transfer belt, CB represents a scraper, and CBS represents a supporting member that supports the scraper.

[0185] From the perspective of achieving good cleaning properties, Figure 1 The pressing force NF of the blade CB pressed against the intermediate transfer belt BE is preferably, for example, 1 N·m or more and 6 N·m or less, and more preferably 1.5 N·m or more and 5 N·m or less.

[0186] Furthermore, the amount d of bite of the blade CB into the intermediate transfer belt BE is preferably, for example, not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 2.0 mm, and more preferably not less than 0.6 mm and not more than 1.8 mm.

[0187] Furthermore, an angle WA (Working Angle) at the contact portion between the intermediate transfer belt BE and the blade CB is, for example, preferably 5° or more and 30° or less, and more preferably 10° or more and 20° or less.

[0188] Here, the pressing force NF of the scraper is calculated by the following formula.

[0189] Formula: Pressing force NF = k × d

[0190] Where k is the inherent spring constant of the scraper, and d is the amount of bite of the scraper relative to the intermediate transfer belt (reference Figure 1 ).

[0191] The blade-specific spring constant k is obtained by applying displacement to the cleaning blade and measuring the load with a load cell.

[0192] The amount d of bite of the scraper into the conveyor belt is obtained by calculating the displacement amount of the intermediate transfer belt when the scraper fixed to the supporting member is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt.

[0193] [Primary transfer device]

[0194] The primary transfer device includes a metallic primary transfer roller that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and applies an electric field to the intermediate transfer belt, and primarily transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holding member to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt.

[0195] The metal primary transfer roller is disposed opposite to the image holder via the intermediate transfer belt. In the primary transfer device, the metal primary transfer roller applies a voltage of opposite polarity to the charging polarity of the toner to the intermediate transfer belt, thereby primary transferring the toner image to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt.

[0196] Examples of the primary transfer roller include metal members such as iron, copper, brass, stainless steel (SUS), sulfur-clad steel (SUM), aluminum, and nickel. The primary transfer roller may be a metal hollow roller or a metal solid roller.

[0197] The outer diameter of the primary transfer roller may be, for example, in the range of 4 mm to 28 mm.

[0198] The circumferential width of the nip region where the intermediate transfer belt is nipped between the primary transfer roller and the image holding member is, for example, in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0199] [Secondary transfer device]

[0200] The secondary transfer device is a device that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt to the surface of the recording medium.

[0201] The secondary transfer device includes, for example, a secondary transfer roller disposed on the outer peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt, that is, the side on which the toner image is held, and a back roller disposed on the inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt, that is, the side opposite to the side on which the toner image is held. In the secondary transfer device, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt is secondarily transferred to the recording medium by sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt and the recording medium with the secondary transfer roller and the back roller and forming a transfer electric field.

[0202] <Image forming device>

[0203] The image forming device involved in the present embodiment comprises: 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 charged surface of the image holder; a developing device for accommodating a developer containing a colorant and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder by the developer to form a colorant image; and the transfer device involved in the above-mentioned present embodiment.

[0204] The image forming device involved in this embodiment is applicable to the following well-known image forming devices: a device having a fixing component for fixing a toner image transferred to the surface of a recording medium; a device having a cleaning component for cleaning the surface of an image holder before charging after transferring the toner image; a device having a destaticizing component for destaticizing the surface of an image holder by irradiating it with destaticizing light after transferring the toner image and before charging; and a device having an image holder heating component for increasing the temperature of the image holder and lowering the relative temperature, etc.

[0205] In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, a portion including the image holding member may be a cartridge structure (process cartridge) that is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus.

[0206] Hereinafter, an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, the main parts shown in the drawings will be described, and the description of the others will be omitted.

[0207] Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0208] like Figure 2 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 (an example of a toner image forming apparatus) that form toner images of each color component by an electrophotographic method; a primary transfer unit 10 that 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 that transfers (secondary transfers) the superimposed toner images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 to a sheet of paper K as a recording medium; and a fixing device 60 that fixes the secondary transferred image to the sheet of paper K. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (unit). Here, the intermediate transfer belt according to the present embodiment is used as the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0209] 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 holds a toner image formed on the surface.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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).

[0213] The intermediate transfer belt 15 passes through various rollers. Figure 2 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 on the secondary transfer unit 20, and a cleaning back roller 34 provided in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and facing an intermediate transfer belt cleaning blade 35 for cleaning the outer peripheral surface.

[0214] The primary transfer unit 10 is composed of a primary transfer roller 16 disposed opposite to the photoreceptor 11 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. The primary transfer roller 16 is disposed in pressure contact with the photoreceptor 11 via the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a voltage (primary transfer bias) having a polarity opposite to the charging 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 photoreceptors 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, and overlapping toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0215] 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 .

[0216] The back roller 25 is formed to have a surface resistivity of 1×10 7 Ω / Υ or more and 1×10 10The 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 arranged in contact with a metal power supply roller 26 for stably applying a secondary transfer bias.

[0217] On the other hand, the secondary transfer roller 22 has a volume resistivity of 10 7.5 Ωcm or more and 10 8.5 The secondary transfer roller 22 is placed in pressure contact with the back roller 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the secondary transfer roller 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between the back roller 25 and the toner image is secondarily transferred onto the paper K transported to the secondary transfer unit 20.

[0218] Further, an intermediate transfer belt cleaning blade 35 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15 so as to be contactable and releasable. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning blade 35 removes residual toner or paper powder on the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

[0219] In addition, a secondary transfer roller cleaning member 22A is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer section 20 of the secondary transfer roller 22 to remove residual toner or paper powder on the secondary transfer roller 22 after the secondary transfer and clean the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15. The secondary transfer roller cleaning member 22A is exemplified by a cleaning blade, but may also be a cleaning roller.

[0220] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to include a secondary transfer belt (an example of a secondary transfer member) instead of the secondary transfer roller 22 .

[0221] On the other hand, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 is disposed on the upstream side of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, and 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. In addition, an image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is disposed on the downstream side of the black image forming unit 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, and each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K starts image formation in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 40 based on the recognition of the reference signal.

[0222] In addition, in the image forming device involved in the present embodiment, as a conveying component 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.

[0223] Next, use Figure 2 The image forming apparatus shown in the figure will be used to describe the basic image forming process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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 contacts 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 outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform primary transfer.

[0228] After the toner images are transferred to the outer peripheral 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, the paper feed roller 51 in the transport member rotates in synchronization with the timing of the toner images being 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 performing registration between the position of the paper K and the position of the toner images.

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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. On the conveying belt 55, the paper K is conveyed to the fixing device 60 at an optimum 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.

[0231] On the other hand, after the transfer to the paper K is completed, the residual toner and the like remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 are transported to the intermediate transfer belt cleaning blade 35 as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates, and are removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning blade 35 .

[0232] As mentioned above, although this embodiment was demonstrated, it is not limited to the said embodiment, Various deformation|transformation, change, and improvement are possible.

[0233] Example

[0234] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In the following description, "parts" and "%" are based on mass unless otherwise specified.

[0235] [Example 1]

[0236] <Preparation of coating liquid A>

[0237] 39.6 g (22 phr) of oxidized gas black (channel black, Orion Engineered Carbons SA, FW200, number average primary particle size: 13 nm) as conductive carbon particles were added to 1000 g of a wholly aromatic polyimide varnish (solid content ratio: 18% by mass, manufactured by UNITIKA Ltd., Uimide KX, solvent: NMP) and the mixture was passed through a high pressure collision disperser (manufactured by Genas Co., Ltd.) at a pressure of 200 MPa. The orifice was opened, and the two slurries were dispersed by causing them to collide 20 times to obtain a dispersion. 5.0 g of polyether-modified dimethyl silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: KP-126, viscosity at 25°C: 10 mm) was added to the obtained dispersion. 2 / s) and stirred to obtain coating liquid A.

[0238] <Production of Conveyor Belt A1>

[0239] -Preparation of the material to be coated-

[0240] A cylindrical mold made of SUS material having an outer diameter of 278 mm and a length of 400 mm was prepared, and a silicone mold release agent (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: SEPA-COAT SP) was applied to the outer peripheral surface and dried (mold release agent treatment).

[0241] The cylindrical mold treated with a release agent is used as the coating material.

[0242] - Film formation -

[0243] While rotating the cylindrical mold (material to be coated) treated with a release agent at a speed of 42 rpm in the circumferential direction, the coating liquid A was ejected from the end of the cylindrical mold by a dispensing machine with a diameter of 1.0 mm, and the coating was performed by crimping with a uniform pressure by a metal scraper provided on the mold. The dispensing machine unit was moved at a speed of 200 mm / min along the axial direction of the cylindrical mold, and the coating liquid A1 was applied to the cylindrical mold in a spiral shape to form a coating film.

[0244] -Drying of coating film-

[0245] Then, the mold and the coating film were dried in a drying oven in an air atmosphere at 140° C. for 15 minutes while being rotated at 10 rpm.

[0246] After drying, the solvent evaporates from the coating film, whereby the coating film becomes a self-supporting polyamic acid resin molded article.

[0247] -Calcination-

[0248] Next, the polyamic acid resin molded product was placed in an oven at a final temperature of 320° C. for 4 hours to obtain a single-layer intermediate transfer belt A1. The intermediate transfer belt A1 had a film thickness of 80 μm.

[0249] [Examples 2 to 7]

[0250] Intermediate transfer belts A2 to A7 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the rotation speed of the cylindrical mold and the moving speed of the dispenser were changed as shown in Table 1 below when forming the coating film.

[0251] [Example 8]

[0252] An intermediate transfer belt B1 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the coating liquid B was used, in which the amount of the alkyl silicone oil in the coating liquid A was changed to 3.0 g.

[0253] [Example 9]

[0254] The alkyl silicone oil in the coating liquid A was replaced with polyether-modified dimethyl silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: KP-109, viscosity at 25° C.: 10 mm 2 An intermediate transfer belt C1 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the coating liquid C1 had a value of 1:1.

[0255] [Example 10]

[0256] The alkyl silicone oil in the coating liquid A was replaced with dimethyl silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: KF-96, viscosity at 25°C: 10 mm 2 An intermediate transfer belt C2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the coating liquid C2 had a value of 1:1.

[0257] [Comparative Example 1]

[0258] The intermediate transfer belt mounted on Apeos C8180 (manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.) was taken out and processed by cutting into a shape that can be mounted on Apeos C7070 to obtain an intermediate transfer belt C1.

[0259] [Comparative Examples 2 to 3]

[0260] Intermediate transfer belts C2 to C3 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the rotation speed of the cylindrical mold and the moving speed of the dispenser were changed as shown in Table 1 below when forming the coating film.

[0261] [Measurement of Intermediate Transfer Belt]

[0262] The silicon content (Atomic %) of each of the obtained intermediate transfer belts was measured along the axial direction and on the outer peripheral surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy by the above-mentioned method.

[0263] Thereby, whether the amount of silicon increases or decreases periodically along the axial direction, the distance between peaks in the increase or decrease cycle of the amount of silicon, and the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase or decrease cycle of the amount of silicon are determined.

[0264] Then, the difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount was determined by the method described above.

[0265] Table 1 shows the results.

[0266] In Table 1, if the amount of silicon increases or decreases periodically in the axial direction, it is expressed as "Y", and if the amount of silicon does not increase or decrease periodically in the axial direction, it is expressed as "N".

[0267] [Manufacture of transfer device and image forming device]

[0268] The intermediate transfer belt obtained in each example and the following blade were installed in a transfer device of Apeos C7070 (manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.), thereby obtaining an image forming apparatus equipped with a transfer device.

[0269] As the scraper, a scraper obtained by attaching a rubber scraper made of polyurethane rubber and having a free length of 8.0 mm, a width of 334 mm, and a thickness of 1.9 mm to a metal bracket was used.

[0270] Furthermore, as the contact conditions between the intermediate transfer belt and the blade, the pressing force NF (Normal Force) was set to 2.7 gf / mm and the angle W / A was set to 18°.

[0271] Then, the following evaluations were performed using this image forming apparatus.

[0272] [evaluate]

[0273] (1. Evaluation of scraper lifting)

[0274] Using the obtained image forming apparatus, 1000 sheets of A4-size white paper were continuously printed in an atmosphere of 28° C. and 85 RH%, and blade lifting was evaluated.

[0275] -Evaluation Criteria-

[0276] G1: No scraper lift occurs

[0277] G2: Stripes appear on printed material due to the scraper lifting

[0278] G3: The image forming device stops intermittently during continuous printing due to the scraper lifting

[0279] G4: Printing is not possible due to the scraper being lifted

[0280] (2. Evaluation of transfer efficiency)

[0281] The obtained image forming device outputs a black solid 100% bar graph image, performs a hard stop in the secondary transfer process, measures the toner weight a on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt (the toner weight before the secondary transfer), further measures the toner weight b transferred to the paper, and calculates the transfer efficiency using the following formula.

[0282] Transfer efficiency (%) = b / a × 100

[0283] -Evaluation Criteria-

[0284] G1: The transfer efficiency is 95% or more.

[0285] G2: The transfer efficiency is 90% or more and less than 95%.

[0286] G3: The transfer efficiency is less than 90%.

[0287] (3. Evaluation of Cleanliness)

[0288] The obtained image forming apparatus output 1000 sheets of a full-surface grid pattern with a concentration converted to 1% on A4-sized plain paper under an ambient environment of 28°C and 85RH%, and then evaluated the degree of striped cleaning defects produced after the untransferred solid 100% entered the contact portion between the intermediate transfer belt and the scraper.

[0289] -Evaluation Criteria-

[0290] G1: No cleaning failure occurred.

[0291] G2: The degree of poor cleaning cannot be visually identified

[0292] G3: Poor cleaning is clearly seen.

[0293]

[0294] It can be seen from the results shown in Table 1 that the intermediate transfer belt of this embodiment can suppress the scraper from lifting up.

[0295] Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention and their effects will be described.

[0296] (1) An intermediate transfer belt comprising a resin, conductive carbon particles, an alkyl silicone oil and a modified product thereof,

[0297] Regions having different contents of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified form are formed on the outer peripheral surface.

[0298] When the silicon amount (Atomic %) of the outer peripheral surface is measured along the axial direction using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the distance between peaks in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 5.0 mm.

[0299] (2) The intermediate transfer belt according to (1), wherein:

[0300] The distance between the peak tops is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm.

[0301] (3) The intermediate transfer belt according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0302] The difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 Atomic % and less than or equal to 5.0 Atomic %.

[0303] (4) The intermediate transfer belt according to (1), wherein:

[0304] The distance between the peak tops is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm, and the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 Atomic % and less than or equal to 5.0 Atomic %.

[0305] (5) The intermediate transfer belt according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein

[0306] The difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is 0.03 logΩ / Y or less.

[0307] (6) The intermediate transfer belt according to (5), wherein:

[0308] The difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is 0.02 logΩ / Y or less.

[0309] (7) A transfer device comprising:

[0310] The intermediate transfer belt according to any one of (1) to (6);

[0311] a scraper that contacts with and cleans the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt;

[0312] a primary transfer device having a primary transfer member for primary transferring a toner image formed on a surface of an image holding member to an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt; and

[0313] The secondary transfer device includes a secondary transfer member arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and secondarily transferring the toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt to the surface of a recording medium.

[0314] (8) An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0315] Image holding body;

[0316] A charging device for charging the surface of the image holding body;

[0317] An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holding body;

[0318] a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding member with the developer to form a toner image; and

[0319] (7) The transfer device transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium.

[0320] According to the invention involved in (1), there is provided an intermediate transfer belt, which contains a resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified form, and has regions with different contents of alkyl silicone oil and its modified form formed on the outer peripheral surface, and when the silicon amount (Atomic %) of the outer peripheral surface is measured along the axial direction using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the peak-to-peak distance in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is less than 0.1 mm and exceeds 5.0 mm, compared with the case where the scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface for cleaning the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt can be suppressed from lifting.

[0321] According to the invention of (2) or (4), an intermediate transfer belt is provided which can suppress the lifting of a scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with a case where the peak-to-peak distance exceeds 3.0 and is equal to or less than 5.0 mm.

[0322] According to the invention of (3) or (4), an intermediate transfer belt is provided, which can suppress the lifting of a scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with the case where the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is less than 0.1 Atomic % or exceeds 5.0 Atomic %.

[0323] According to the invention involved in (5), an intermediate transfer belt is provided, which can suppress the lifting of the scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with the case where the difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom exceeds 0.03logΩ / Υ.

[0324] According to the invention involved in (6), an intermediate transfer belt is provided, which can suppress the lifting of the scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt for cleaning the outer peripheral surface, compared with the case where the difference between the surface resistivity at the top of the peak and the surface resistivity at the bottom of the peak exceeds 0.02logΩ / Υ and is less than 0.03logΩ / Υ.

[0325] According to the invention involved in (7) or (8), a transfer device or an image forming device is provided, which has an intermediate transfer belt having an outer peripheral surface formed with a resin, conductive carbon particles, alkyl silicone oil and its modified product, and a region with different contents of alkyl silicone oil and its modified product formed on the outer peripheral surface, and when the silicon amount (Atomic %) is measured along the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the peak-to-peak distance in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is less than 0.1 mm or exceeds 5.0 mm, compared with the case of an intermediate transfer belt, the scraper that contacts the outer peripheral surface for cleaning the outer peripheral surface can be suppressed from lifting.

[0326] 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. An intermediate transfer belt comprising a resin, conductive carbon particles, an alkyl silicone oil and a modified product thereof, Regions having different contents of the alkyl silicone oil and its modified form are formed on the outer peripheral surface. When the silicon amount of the outer peripheral surface is measured along the axial direction using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the silicon amount increases and decreases periodically along the axial direction, and the distance between peaks in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is 0.1 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

2. The intermediate transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between the peak tops is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm.

3. The intermediate transfer belt according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 Atomic % and less than or equal to 5.0 Atomic %.

4. The intermediate transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between the peak tops is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm, and the difference between the peak top and the peak bottom in the increase / decrease cycle of the silicon amount is greater than or equal to 0.1 Atomic % and less than or equal to 5.0 Atomic %.

5. The intermediate transfer belt according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is 0.03 logΩ / Y or less.

6. The intermediate transfer belt according to claim 5, wherein: The difference between the surface resistivity at the peak top and the surface resistivity at the peak bottom in the increase and decrease cycle of the silicon amount is 0.02 logΩ / Y or less.

7. A transfer device comprising: The intermediate transfer belt according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a scraper, contacting with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and cleaning the outer peripheral surface; a primary transfer device having a primary transfer member for primary transferring a toner image formed on a surface of an image holding member to an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt; and The secondary transfer device includes a secondary transfer member arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt and secondarily transferring the toner image transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt to the surface of a recording medium.

8. 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; and The transfer device according to claim 7 transfers the toner image to the surface of a recording medium.

Images