Method for manufacturing electrophotographic member

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member includes: a first step of performing a surface treatment on a surface on which a surface layer is formed in a base layer, and setting the surface free energy of the surface on which the surface layer is formed in the base layer to 30 mJ / m2 to 120 mJ / m2; and a second step for forming, on the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed, a group containing a T unit represented by the formula [R1SiO3 / 2] m (wherein R1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and at least one of a plurality of R1 present in the T unit is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. ), and a surface layer of a polysiloxane compound.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an image forming apparatus (copier, facsimile, 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 is fixed to the recording medium to form an image.

[0003] As a material for a surface layer of a fixing member having a non-stick property at high temperatures, PFA (tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) as a fluorine material is widely used (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-165773 SUMMARY

[0005] The present application relates to a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member. 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The present application relates to a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member. 2 or more than 120 mJ / m 2 The present application relates to a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member.

[0006] Means for solving the above-described problems include the following modes.

[0007] <1>

[0008] A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member, comprising:

[0009] a first step of subjecting a surface layer formation surface in a base layer to surface treatment, and setting the surface free energy of the surface layer formation surface in the base layer to 30 mJ / m 2 or more and 120 mJ / m 2 or less; and

[0010] a second step of forming a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m in the formula, R 1represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 in at least one of R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.

[0011] <2>

[0012] The production method of the electrophotographic member according to <1>, wherein

[0013] The polysiloxane compound has a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ] n represents an organic group, n represents an integer of 2 or more. 2 and R 3

[0014] <3>

[0015] The production method of the electrophotographic member according to <1> or <2>, wherein

[0016] In the first process, a surface free energy of a surface of a formation surface of the surface layer in the base layer is set to 40 mJ / m 2 or more and 100 mJ / m 2 or less.

[0017] <4>

[0018] The production method of the electrophotographic member according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein

[0019] An absolute value of a difference between a surface free energy of a surface of a formation surface of the surface layer in the base layer and a surface free energy of a surface of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m 2 or more and 70 mJ / m 2 or less.

[0020] <5>

[0021] The production method of the electrophotographic member according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein

[0022] In the first process, the surface treatment is ultraviolet irradiation treatment.

[0023] <6>

[0024] The production method of the electrophotographic member according to <5>, wherein ​

[0025] The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment is a wavelength of 300 nm or less.

[0026] <7>

[0027] The manufacturing method of the electrophotographic member according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein

[0028] In the first step, the surface treatment is a plasma treatment.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] The manufacturing method of the electrophotographic member according to the invention relating to <1>, comprising a step of forming a surface layer of a polysiloxane compound containing a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m in a surface layer-forming face in a base layer, in the manufacturing method of the electrophotographic member, compared with a case where no surface treatment is performed on the surface layer-forming face in the base layer before the surface layer is formed, or a case where surface treatment is performed which sets the surface free energy to less than 30 mJ / m 2 or more than 120 mJ / m 2 , peeling of the surface layer can be inhibited.

[0031] The manufacturing method of the electrophotographic member according to the invention relating to <2>, compared with a case where the polysiloxane compound has only a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m , peeling of the surface layer can be inhibited.

[0032] The manufacturing method of the electrophotographic member according to the invention relating to <3>, compared with a case where the surface free energy of the surface layer-forming face in the base layer is set to less than 40 mJ / m 2 or more than 100 mJ / m 2 , peeling of the surface layer can be inhibited.

[0033] The manufacturing method of the electrophotographic member according to the invention relating to <4>, compared with a case where the absolute value of the difference between the surface free energy of the surface layer-forming face in the base layer and the surface free energy of the surface of the surface layer is less than 10 mJ / m 2 or more than 70 mJ / m 2 , peeling of the surface layer can be inhibited.

[0034] According to the invention according to <5>, <6>, or <7>, there is provided a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member, including a step of forming a surface layer of a polysiloxane compound containing a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m on a surface layer formation surface in a base layer, in the method for manufacturing the electrophotographic member, peeling of the surface layer is able to be simply inhibited by ultraviolet irradiation treatment or plasma treatment, as compared with a case where no surface treatment is performed on the surface layer formation surface in the base layer before the surface layer is formed, or a case where surface treatment is performed to set the surface free energy to less than 40 mJ / m 2 or more than 100 mJ / m 2 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the first embodiment of the fixing device of the present embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the fixing device of the present embodiment;

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the third embodiment of the fixing device of the present embodiment;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

[0040] SYMBOL EXPLANATION

[0041] 60 - fixing device, 62 - pressurizing belt, 63 - belt stroke guide, 64 - press pad, 64a - front pinch member, 64b - peel pinch member, 65 - holding member, 66 - halogen lamp, 67 - lubricant supply device, 68 - sliding member, 69 - temperature sensing element, 70 - peel member, 71 - separation claw, 72 - holding member, 80 - fixing device, 82 - sliding member, 84 - heating belt, 86 - fixing belt module, 88 - press roller, 89A - halogen heater, 89 - heating press roller, 90A - halogen heater, 90 - support roller, 92A - halogen heater, 92 - support roller, 94 - posture correction roller, 96 - support member, 98 - support roller, 100 - image forming apparatus, 200 - fixing device, 211 - press roller, 212 - electromagnetic induction heating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present application will be described. These descriptions and examples are illustrative of the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0043] In the present specification, a numerical range shown using "~" indicates a range including the numerical values before and after "~" as the minimum value and the maximum value, respectively.

[0044] In the numerical range described in the present embodiment in stages, the upper limit value or the lower limit value described in one numerical range can be replaced with the upper limit value or the lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. Also, in the numerical range described in the present embodiment, the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the numerical range can be replaced with the value shown in the examples.

[0045] In the present specification, the term "process" includes not only a separate process, but also even in a case where it cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, if the desired purpose of the process is achieved, it is included in the term.

[0046] In the present specification, when the embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, the structure of the embodiments is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings. Also, the size of the components in each drawing is conceptual, and the relative relationship of the size between the components is not limited thereto.

[0047] In the present specification, each component can include a plurality of corresponding substances. In a case where the amount of each component in the composition is mentioned in the present embodiment, in a case where a plurality of substances corresponding to each component exist in the composition, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the total amount of the plurality of substances existing in the composition.

[0048] <Electrophotographic member>

[0049] The electrophotographic member according to the present embodiment has a base layer and a surface layer provided in contact with the base layer, and the surface layer contains a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m wherein R 1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 in the T unit. At least one of R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.]

[0050] Also, the adhesive force between the surface layer and the base layer is 0.5 N / mm or more.

[0051] In recent years, with increasing awareness of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), materials aimed at reducing environmental burden are being developed. One such technology involves incorporating polysiloxane compounds as release agents into the surface layer of electrophotographic components.

[0052] However, in particular, if a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the above formula is laminated on a base layer (rubber layer, resin layer, etc.), the adhesion between the surface layer and the base layer is low, and the surface layer will peel off when used in an electrophotographic device.

[0053] In contrast, in the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment, the adhesive force between the surface layer and the substrate layer is set to 0.5 N / mm or more.

[0054] Therefore, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment becomes a component in which the peeling of the surface layer is suppressed.

[0055] The following is a detailed description of the electrophotographic component involved in this embodiment.

[0056] (Structure of components used in electrophotography)

[0057] The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment includes a base layer and a surface layer disposed in contact with the base layer. For example, depending on the application of the electrophotographic component, the base layer may be an elastic layer, a resin substrate layer, etc.

[0058] As specific structures of the electrophotographic component involved in this embodiment, the following structures can be cited:

[0059] (1) It has a structure consisting of a substrate, an elastic layer as a base layer, and a surface layer in sequence.

[0060] (2) It has a structure that includes a resin substrate as a base layer and a surface layer.

[0061] (Adhesion between the surface layer and the substrate layer)

[0062] The adhesive force between the surface layer and the substrate layer is 0.5 N / mm or more, preferably 0.6 N / mm or more, more preferably 0.7 N / mm or more, and even more preferably 1.0 N / mm. However, due to limitations in the manufacturing method, the upper limit of the adhesive force between the surface layer and the substrate layer is, for example, 5 N / mm or less.

[0063] If the adhesion between the surface layer and the substrate layer is less than 0.5 N / mm, the surface layer is prone to peeling.

[0064] The adhesion between the surface layer and the substrate layer was measured as follows.

[0065] The electrophotographic component of the test object is cut to obtain a 10 mm wide strip specimen. A notch is made only on the surface layer of the obtained strip specimen to create a gripping margin. The surface layer is stretched using a tensile testing machine at a speed of 10 mm / min to determine the adhesive strength.

[0066] (Surface layer ripples)

[0067] The maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the corrugation curve of the surface layer is preferably less than 1 μm, and more preferably less than 0.8 μm.

[0068] If the maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the corrugation curve is less than 1 μm, the surface corrugation of the surface layer is low, the flatness of the surface layer is improved, and the gloss uniformity of the output image can be improved as a component for electrophotography.

[0069] Using a surface roughness measuring instrument, according to JIS B0601:2013 (ISO 4287:1997), the maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the surface layer corrugation curve was measured under the conditions of a cutoff value of 0.8 mm and an evaluation length of 10 mm.

[0070] (Surface free energy)

[0071] The surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate is preferably 30 mJ / m. 2 Above and 120mJ / m 2 Below, 40 mJ / m is preferred. 2 Above and 100mJ / m 2 The following is a further preferred option: 45 mJ / m 2 Above and 100mJ / m 2 the following.

[0072] If the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the base layer is set within the above range, it is easy to control the adhesion between the surface layer and the base layer within the above range.

[0073] As described later, methods for setting the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer within the above-mentioned range include, for example, surface treatment methods such as ultraviolet irradiation treatment or plasma treatment on the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer.

[0074] The absolute value of the difference between the surface free energy of the surface forming surface of the base layer and the surface free energy of the surface layer surface is preferably, for example, 5 mJ / m. 2 Above and 70mJ / m 2 Below, 10 mJ / m is preferred. 2Above and 70mJ / m 2 The following is a further optimization of 13 mJ / m 2 Above and 60mJ / m 2 the following.

[0075] If the difference between the surface free energy of the surface forming surface in the base layer and the surface free energy of the surface of the surface layer is set within the above range, it is easy to control the maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the corrugation curve of the surface layer within the above range.

[0076] The reason is speculated to be that when the surface layer is formed, the affinity between the surface layer forming surface in the base layer and the surface layer forming composition increases, thereby reducing the surface ripples of the surface layer.

[0077] The surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface and the surface of the surface layer in the base layer is measured as follows.

[0078] According to the OWRK (Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble) method, using water, diiodomethane, and n-dodecane with known surface free energies, water was added to the surface of the test object to determine the contact angle of water, diiodomethane was added to the film to determine the contact angle of diiodomethane, and n-dodecane was added to the film to determine the contact angle of n-dodecane. The free energy (mJ / m²) was then calculated. 2 ).

[0079] The contact angles were measured 5 seconds after water, diiodomethane, or n-dodecane were dropped onto the film.

[0080] Here, the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the base layer is measured either immediately before the surface layer is formed or after the surface layer is peeled off to expose the base layer surface.

[0081] (Substrate)

[0082] As a substrate, when the component for electrophotography is a roller component, examples include cylinders made of metals (aluminum, SUS, iron, copper, etc.), alloys, ceramics, FRM (fiber reinforced metal), etc.

[0083] When the electrophotographic component is an annular strip, the resin substrate described later is suitable as the substrate.

[0084] (Basal layer)

[0085] Elastic materials contained in the elastic layer of the base layer include, for example, acrylic rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, or rubbers made from a mixture of these.

[0086] Elastic materials contained in the rubber layer as the base layer can include silicone rubber, fluororubber, and fluorosilicone rubber.

[0087] The elastic layer serving as the base layer can be either a foamed layer or a non-foamed layer.

[0088] The resin material contained in the resin substrate as the base layer may include, for example, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyamide-imide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polyetherether ester resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyphenylene sulfone resin, polysulfone resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, silicone resin, or mixtures thereof.

[0089] (Surface layer)

[0090] The surface layer contains a polysiloxane compound. Specifically, for example, the surface layer may be a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound as a main component (e.g., a matrix material that serves as an adhesive material), or it may be a surface layer containing an adhesive resin and a polysiloxane compound. The surface layer may contain other additives.

[0091] Here, the surface layer containing polysiloxane compounds as the main component (e.g., the matrix material that becomes the adhesive material) refers to the layer containing only polysiloxane compounds, or the layer with the largest amount of polysiloxane compounds.

[0092] -Polysiloxane compounds-

[0093] Polysiloxane compounds are those having the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represents (where, in the formula, R) 1 The R represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a polysiloxane compound containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0094] Polysiloxane compounds, for example, preferably have the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit is represented and has the following characteristics: [R] 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ] n The D element represents (where, in the formula, R) 2 and R 3 This represents an organic group, and n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0095] Furthermore, from the perspective of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, multiple R-type elements exist in the D-unit. 2 and R 3 At least one R in 2 and R 3 For example, preferably, the groups contain at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0096] If a polysiloxane compound with T-units and D-units is used, the surface layer is made flexible, thereby easily suppressing the peeling of the surface layer.

[0097] In elements T and D, R in the formula 1 R 2 and R 3 Organic groups, for example, represent hydroxyl, silyloxy, hydrocarbon, hydrocarbon with one or more methylene groups substituted by carbonyl groups, hydrocarbon with one or more carbon atoms substituted by heteroatoms (oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur), or groups composed of combinations thereof.

[0098] As a user of R 1 R 2 and R 3 The organic group referred to is siloxy, for example, monoalkylsiloxy, dialkylsiloxy, trialkylsiloxy, etc., preferably dialkylsiloxy and trialkylsiloxy, more preferably trialkylsiloxy.

[0099] As a user of R 1 R 2 and R 3 The hydrocarbon groups represented can be aliphatic hydrocarbon groups or aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0100] Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups include straight-chain, branched, or alicyclic saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, as well as straight-chain, branched, or alicyclic unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0101] As an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, for example, a hydrocarbon group having 1 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms is preferred, and a hydrocarbon group having 1 or more and 15 or less carbon atoms is more preferred.

[0102] Aliphatic hydrocarbon groups can be replaced by substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, and aryl groups.

[0103] Aromatic hydrocarbon groups can be categorized as hydrocarbon groups having 6 or more and 18 or fewer carbon atoms (e.g., preferably 6 or more and 14 or fewer carbon atoms). Examples of aromatic hydrocarbon groups include phenyl, naphthyl, and anthracene.

[0104] Aromatic hydrocarbon groups can be replaced by halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, etc.

[0105] R 1 R 2 and R 3 The organic group represented may be a reactive group. Examples of reactive groups include vinyl, allyl, styrene, maleimide, epoxy, oxetyl, and (meth)acryloyl groups. That is, siloxane compounds can be cured products resulting from the reaction of the above-mentioned reactive groups.

[0106] There are multiple Rs in both the T and D elements. 1 R 2 and R 3 They can be the same organic group or different organic groups.

[0107] Among them, there are multiple R in unit T. 1 At least one R in 1 These are groups that contain at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0108] Furthermore, there are multiple R values ​​in unit D. 2 and R 3 At least one R in 2 and R 3 For example, preferably, the groups contain at least one of alkyl and aryl groups. That is, multiple R groups exist in the D unit. 2 At least one R in 2 For example, groups containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups are preferred. Multiple R groups are present in the D unit. 3 At least one R in 3 For example, it is preferably a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0109] From the viewpoint of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, alkyl-containing groups are preferred, for example, the alkyl group itself or a silyloxy group containing an alkyl group. That is, multiple R groups are present in the T unit and the D unit. 1 R 2 and R 3 At least one of them is preferably an alkyl group or a silyl group containing an alkyl group.

[0110] From the viewpoint of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group with 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group with 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms, or an alkyl group with 1 carbon atom (i.e., methyl).

[0111] As a group containing an aryl group, for example, the aryl group itself or an aralkyl group is preferred.

[0112] Examples of aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl groups.

[0113] Examples of alkyl groups in aralkyl groups include straight-chain or branched alkyl groups having 1 or more but less than 4 carbon atoms. Examples of aryl groups in aralkyl groups include phenyl and naphthyl groups. Examples of aralkyl groups include benzyl, 1-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethyl, and 2-methyl-2-phenylethyl groups.

[0114] From the viewpoint of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, phenyl groups containing aryl groups are preferred.

[0115] From the viewpoint of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, for example, it is preferable to have a higher proportion of groups containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups compared to polysiloxane compounds.

[0116] In the T and D units, m and n in the formula represent integers of 2 or more, but from the viewpoint of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, for example, it is preferable to represent integers of 8 or more, and more preferably integers of 8 or more and 10,000 or less.

[0117] In the T and D units, the lower limit of the ratio m / n in the formula is preferably 100 / 0, more preferably 100 / 1 or higher. Furthermore, the upper limit of m / n is preferably 10 / 90 or lower, more preferably 20 / 80 or lower, and even more preferably 25 / 75 or lower.

[0118] If the ratio m / n is within the above range, it can suppress the peeling of the surface layer and also take into account the non-stick properties of the surface layer.

[0119] The following determination uses the ratio m / n, which is the ratio of m in element T to n in element D. This is achieved using a solid... 29 SiNMR, calculated based on the peak ratio of D-unit (high ppm side) to T-unit (low ppm side).

[0120] From the viewpoint of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, for example, the content of the polysiloxane compound relative to the surface layer is preferably 10% by volume or more, more preferably 30% by volume or more, and even more preferably 50% by volume or more.

[0121] The polysiloxane compound can be in particulate form. The volume average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less. In particular, the volume average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is preferably 2.5 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less.

[0122] If the volume average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is within the above range, the anti-stick properties of the surface layer can be easily improved.

[0123] In addition, polysiloxane compounds can be exemplified by polymers called silsesquioxanes (SQ) with various skeletal structures.

[0124] Polysiloxane compounds can be any of the following framework structures: cage structure (complete cage structure or cage structure), ladder structure, and random structure.

[0125] The volume average particle size of particulate polysiloxane compounds was determined as follows.

[0126] Samples were collected from the surface layer of the electrophotographic component. The sample was taken from a cut surface that was cut along the thickness direction of the surface layer as the observation surface.

[0127] The observation surface of the sample was observed and images were captured using a scanning electron microscope. In the images, the area of ​​each primary particle of the polysiloxane compound was determined by image analysis, and the equivalent circle diameter was calculated based on this area value. This calculation of the equivalent circle diameter was performed on 100 polysiloxane compound particles. Furthermore, the 50% diameter (D50v) of the cumulative frequency of the obtained equivalent circle diameter as a volume reference was set as the volume average particle size of the polysiloxane compound.

[0128] -Adhesive Resin-

[0129] To fix the polysiloxane compound to the surface layer, an adhesive resin can be used. Examples of adhesive resins include silicone resins, polyimide resins (PI resins), polyamide-imide resins (PAI resins), polyetherketone resins (e.g., aromatic polyetheretherketone resins), polyphenylene sulfide resins (PPS resins), polyetherimide resins (PEI resins), polyester resins, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, polycarbonate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins (PET resins), and mixtures thereof.

[0130] Examples of adhesive resins include, for example, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), natural rubber, and blends thereof.

[0131] From the viewpoint of improving the non-stick properties of the surface layer, silicone resin is preferred as the adhesive resin. Examples of silicone resins include pure silicone resin, silicone alkyd resin, silicone epoxy resin, silicone polyester resin, silicone acrylic resin, silicone phenolic resin, silicone polyurethane resin, and silicone melamine resin.

[0132] Furthermore, the surface layer of the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment is preferably free of fluorine atoms, for example. That is, the surface layer is preferably free of compounds containing fluorine atoms. Specifically, for example, a resin free of fluorine atoms (specifically, a resin other than a fluorinated resin) is preferably used as the bonding resin.

[0133] The content of the adhesive resin relative to the surface layer is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less.

[0134] -Other Additives-

[0135] As other additives, depending on the various applications of the electrophotographic component, appropriate choices can be made from known additives such as conductive agents, reinforcing agents, antioxidants, surfactants, and heat-resistant anti-aging agents. The content of the additive relative to the surface layer is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0136] (use)

[0137] Regarding the applications of the electrophotographic components involved in this embodiment, examples include fixing components (heating components, pressurizing components), transfer components (intermediate transfer components, primary transfer components, secondary transfer components, etc.), charging components (charging rollers, etc.), and conveying components (transfer rollers, conveyor belts, etc.).

[0138] <Manufacturing Method of Electrophotographic Components>

[0139] The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to this embodiment includes:

[0140] The first step involves surface treatment of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer, and setting the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer to 30 mJ / m. 2 Above and 120mJ / m 2The following (especially, for example, preferably 40 mJ / m) 2 Above and 100mJ / m 2 (the following); and

[0141] The second step involves forming a surface layer containing a material with the formula: [R] on the surface layer of the base layer. 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represents (where, in the formula, R) 1 The R represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a surface layer of a polysiloxane compound containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0142] In the manufacturing method of the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment, the above method can be used to obtain an electrophotographic component that can suppress the peeling of the surface layer.

[0143] (First process)

[0144] In the first step, surface treatment is performed on the surface of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer, and the surface free energy of the surface of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer is set to 30 mJ / m. 2 Above and 120mJ / m 2 The following (e.g., preferably 40 mJ / m) 2 Above and 100mJ / m 2 (The following are examples of surface treatments).

[0145] As for the conditions for ultraviolet irradiation treatment, any condition that sets the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer within the aforementioned range is acceptable, but the following conditions can be exemplified, for example. In particular, for example, if the wavelength of the irradiated ultraviolet light is 300 nm or less, functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups can be added to the surface of the substrate layer, thereby making it easier to control the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer within the aforementioned range, which is therefore preferred.

[0146] -Ultraviolet irradiation treatment conditions-

[0147] • Light source: Light sources with ultraviolet wavelengths below 300nm (mercury lamps, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps, etc.)

[0148] • Irradiation intensity: 1mW / cm 2 Above and 500mW / cm 2 the following

[0149] • Irradiation time: 5 seconds or more but less than 3000 seconds.

[0150] For example, it is preferable to set the irradiation intensity of the surface free energy to 5 mW / cm. 2 The above-mentioned irradiation time is set to 50 seconds or more, and the irradiation intensity is further optimized to 10 mW / cm². 2 The above settings specify an irradiation time of 100 seconds or more.

[0151] As a condition for plasma treatment, it is sufficient to set the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer within the above-mentioned range, but the following conditions can be exemplified for example.

[0152] -Conditions for plasma treatment-

[0153] • Atmospheric gases: nitrogen, argon, helium, air

[0154] • Gas flow rate: 0 L / min or more and 500 L / min or less

[0155] • Gas pressure: ≥0.001MPa and ≤1.5MPa

[0156] • RF power: 0.1kW and above but less than 10kW

[0157] Processing time: 1 second to 600 seconds

[0158] In particular, in order to set the surface free energy to 40 mJ / m 2 Above and 100mJ / m 2 For example, the irradiation time is preferably set to 10 seconds or more.

[0159] The method for determining the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the base layer is as described above.

[0160] (Second process)

[0161] In the second process, a surface layer containing the formula [R] is formed on the surface of the substrate layer. 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represents (where, in the formula, R) 1 The R represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a surface layer of a polysiloxane compound containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0162] In the second step, for example, a coating liquid is applied to a substrate layer and heated to form a surface layer, the coating liquid containing: a bonding resin or its precursor; a polysiloxane compound; and a solvent for dissolving or dispersing the bonding resin or its precursor and the polysiloxane compound.

[0163] When the polysiloxane compound is a liquid or oily compound, a coating liquid containing the following can also be applied to the substrate and heated to form a surface layer: the polysiloxane compound; and a solvent for dissolving or dispersing the polysiloxane compound as needed.

[0164] In addition, depending on the type of polysiloxane compound, in addition to coating and heating with the coating liquid, a surface layer can also be formed by coating with the coating liquid and irradiating with ultraviolet light.

[0165] Here, when the bonding resin is a polyimide resin, the precursor of the bonding resin refers to polyamic acid, monomers that are polymeric components of the bonding resin, and components used to form the bonding resin (prepolymer and curing agent for curing it), etc.

[0166] The materials used for the base layer and surface layer in the manufacturing method of the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment are the same as those used in the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment.

[0167] <Fixing Device>

[0168] The fixing device according to this embodiment includes a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body. At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a fixing component having an electrophotographic component according to this embodiment.

[0169] The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment, applicable to a fixing component, is, for example, a component having a structure comprising a substrate, an elastic layer as a base layer, and a surface layer in sequence. A metal layer (e.g., a heating layer for electromagnetic induction heating) may be provided between the substrate and the base layer.

[0170] Hereinafter, regarding the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment, a fixing apparatus having a heating roller and a pressure belt as a first embodiment, a fixing apparatus having a heating belt and a pressure roller as a second embodiment, and a fixing apparatus having a heating belt and a heating roller using electromagnetic induction heating as a third embodiment will be described.

[0171] Furthermore, the fixing device involved in this embodiment is not limited to the first to third embodiments, and may also be a fixing device equipped with a heating roller or heating belt and a pressure belt.

[0172] Furthermore, in the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment can also be applied to any one of the heating roller, heating belt, pressure roller and pressure belt.

[0173] (First embodiment of the fixing device)

[0174] refer to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a first embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 60).

[0175] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 60 is configured, for example, to include a rotating heating roller 61 (an example of a first rotating body), a pressure belt 62 (an example of a second rotating body), and a pressing pad 64 (an example of a pressing member) that presses the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62.

[0176] Alternatively, the pressing pad 64 can be pressed only if the pressure belt 62 and the heating roller 61 are pressed relative to each other. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 side can be pressed by the heating roller 61, or the heating roller 61 side can be pressed by the pressure belt 62.

[0177] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating device) is installed inside the heating roller 61. The heating device is not limited to a halogen lamp, and other heating components may also be used.

[0178] On the other hand, a temperature sensing element 69 is disposed in contact with the surface of the heating roller 61, for example. The halogen lamp 66 is controlled to be lit based on the temperature measurement value based on the temperature sensing element 69, and the surface temperature of the heating roller 61 is maintained at a target set temperature (e.g., 150°C).

[0179] The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported, for example, by a pressing pad 64 disposed inside and a belt travel guide plate 63. Moreover, in the clamping area N (roller gap), the heating roller 61 is configured to be pressed by the pressing pad 64.

[0180] The pressing pad 64 is configured, for example, inside the pressure belt 62, in a state where it is pressurized by the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62, and a clamping area N is formed between it and the heating roller 61.

[0181] For example, the pressing pad 64 has a front clamping member 64a for ensuring the width of the clamping area N disposed on the inlet side of the clamping area N, and a peeling clamping member 64b for deforming the heating roller 61 disposed on the outlet side of the clamping area N.

[0182] To reduce the sliding resistance between the inner circumferential surface of the pressure band 62 and the pressure pad 64, for example, a sheet-like sliding member 68 is provided on the surfaces of the front clamping member 64a and the peeling clamping member 64b that contact the pressure band 62. Furthermore, the pressure pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held by a metal retaining member 65.

[0183] Additionally, the sliding member 68 is configured, for example, to have its sliding surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62, and to participate in maintaining and supplying the oil present between itself and the pressure belt 62.

[0184] The retaining component 65 is configured to have, for example, a travel guide plate 63 mounted thereon, and a pressure belt 62 rotating thereon.

[0185] A lubricant supply device 67 is installed on the travel guide plate 63 as a component for supplying lubricant (oil) to the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62.

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

[0187] Furthermore, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) with an unfixed toner image is guided and conveyed to the clamping region N by, for example, the fixing inlet guide 56. Moreover, as the paper K passes through the clamping region N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the clamping region N.

[0188] In the fixing device 60, for example, compared to a structure without a front clamping member 64a, a wider clamping area N is ensured by the concave shape of the front clamping member 64a, which mimics the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61.

[0189] Furthermore, in the fixing device 60, for example, it is configured such that the deformation of the heating roller 61 in the exit region of the clamping region N is locally increased by disengaging the peeling clamping member 64b protruding relative to the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61.

[0190] If the peeling clamping member 64b is configured in this way, then, for example, when the fixed paper K passes through the peeling clamping area, it is easy to peel off the paper K from the heating roller 61 due to the large deformation formed locally.

[0191] As an auxiliary device for peeling, for example, a peeling member 70 is provided on the downstream side of the clamping area N of the heating roller 61. The peeling member 70 is held by the holding member 72, for example, when the separating claw 71 is close to the heating roller 61 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the heating roller 61.

[0192] (Second embodiment of the fixing device)

[0193] refer to Figure 2 The second embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a second embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 80).

[0194] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing device 80 is configured, for example, to include a fixing belt assembly 86 equipped with a heating belt 84 (an example of a first rotating body) and a pressure roller 88 (an example of a second rotating body) that is pressed against the heating belt 84 (fixing belt assembly 86). Furthermore, for example, a clamping region N (roller gap) is formed at the contact portion between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt assembly 86) and the pressure roller 88. In the clamping region N, paper K (an example of a recording medium) is pressed and heated to fix the toning image.

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

[0196] The fixing belt assembly 86 includes, for example, a support roller 92 disposed outside the heating belt 84 and defining its circumferential path; a posture correction roller 94 for correcting the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating press roller 89 to the support roller 90; and a support roller 98 that applies tension to the heating belt 84 from the inner circumferential surface on the downstream side of the clamping area N formed by the heating belt 84 and the press roller 88.

[0197] Furthermore, the fixing belt module 86 is configured, for example, as a sheet-like sliding member 82 located between the heating belt 84 and the heating press roller 89.

[0198] The sliding member 82 is configured, for example, to have its sliding surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the heating band 84, and to participate in maintaining and supplying the oil present between itself and the heating band 84.

[0199] Here, the sliding member 82 is set up, for example, with its two ends supported by the support member 96.

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

[0201] The support roller 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roller made of aluminum, with a halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating device) installed inside, and the heating belt 84 is heated from the inner circumferential side.

[0202] For example, spring components (not shown) are provided at both ends of the support roller 90 to press the heating band 84 outward.

[0203] The support roller 92 is, for example, a cylindrical roller made of aluminum, and a 20 μm thick anti-stick layer made of resin is formed on the surface of the support roller 92.

[0204] The anti-stick layer of the support roller 92 is formed, for example, to prevent colorant or paper dust from the outer peripheral surface of the heating band 84 from accumulating on the support roller 92.

[0205] Inside the support roller 92, for example, a halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating device) is provided, and the heating belt 84 is heated from the outer peripheral surface side.

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

[0207] The posture correction roller 94 is, for example, a cylindrical roller made of aluminum, and an end position measuring mechanism (not shown) for measuring the end position of the heating belt 84 is arranged near the posture correction roller 94.

[0208] For example, the posture correction roller 94 is equipped with an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) that displaces the contact position of the heating band 84 in the axial direction based on the measurement results of the end position measuring mechanism, thereby controlling the serpentine movement of the heating band 84.

[0209] On the other hand, the pressure roller 88 is rotatably supported, for example, and is configured to press against the portion of the heating belt 84 wound around the heating press roller 89 by a force-applying device such as a spring (not shown). Thus, as the heating belt 84 (heating press roller 89) of the fixing belt module 86 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow S, the pressure roller 88 is driven by the heating belt 84 (heating press roller 89) to rotate and move in the direction of arrow R.

[0210] Furthermore, the paper K with an unfixed toner image (not shown) is conveyed in the direction of arrow P and guided to the clamping area N of the fixing device 80. Moreover, as the paper K passes through the clamping area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the clamping area N.

[0211] In addition, in the fixing device 80, a halogen heater (halogen lamp) is used as one example of multiple heating devices, but it is not limited to this. Other heating elements besides halogen heaters, such as radiant lamp heating elements (heating elements that emit radiation (infrared rays, etc.)) and resistive heating elements (heating elements that generate Joule heat by allowing current to flow through a resistor: for example, heating elements formed by forming a resistive film on a ceramic substrate and calcining it, etc.), can also be used.

[0212] (Third embodiment of the fixing device)

[0213] refer to Figure 3 The third embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a third embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 200).

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

[0215] In the fixing device 200, a pressure roller (pressure member) 211 is configured to apply pressure to a portion of the belt 220. From the viewpoint of effectively performing fixing, a contact area (roll gap) is formed between the belt 220 and the pressure roller 211, and the belt 220 is curved along the circumferential surface of the pressure roller 211. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring the peelability of the recording medium, a curved portion with a bend is formed at the end of the contact area (roll gap).

[0216] The pressure roller 211 is configured such that an elastic layer 211B made of silicone rubber or the like is formed on the substrate 211A, and an anti-stick layer 211C is formed on the elastic layer 211B.

[0217] On the inner side of the belt 220, an opposing member 213 is arranged opposite to the pressure roller 211. The opposing member 213 is made of metal, heat-resistant resin, heat-resistant rubber, etc., and has a pad 213B that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt 220 to locally increase the pressure and a support body 213A that supports the pad 213B.

[0218] At a position centered on belt 220 and opposite to pressure roller 211 (an example of a pressure component), an electromagnetic induction heating device 212 with a built-in electromagnetic induction coil (excitation coil) 212a is provided. The electromagnetic induction heating device 212 generates eddy currents in a metal layer (e.g., an electromagnetic induction metal layer) of belt 220 by applying an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction coil, thereby changing the magnetic field in the excitation circuit. This eddy current is converted into heat (Joule heating) through the resistance of the metal layer (not shown), resulting in surface heating of belt 220.

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

[0220] In the fixing device 200, the driving force is transmitted by the driving device to the gear fixed at the end of the belt 220, thereby causing the belt 220 to rotate in the direction of arrow B. As the belt 220 rotates, the pressure roller 211 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow C.

[0221] The recording medium 215, with the unfixed toner image 214 formed thereon, passes through the contact area (roll gap) between the belt 220 and the pressure roller 211 in the fixing device 200 in the direction of arrow A. The unfixed toner image 214 is subjected to pressure in a molten state to fix it onto the recording medium 215.

[0222] <Image forming apparatus>

[0223] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

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

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

[0226] Furthermore, the fixing device described in this embodiment is applicable as the fixing device.

[0227] In this embodiment, the transfer device and the fixing device can be cascaded together and detached from the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can be configured with the transfer device and the fixing device of this embodiment as processing cassettes.

[0228] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0229] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0230] like Figure 4As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, an image forming apparatus of the intermediate transfer method commonly referred to as a series type. It includes: a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K that form toner images of each color component using an electrophotographic method; a primary transfer unit 10 that sequentially transfers (primarily 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 (secondarily transfers) the overlapping toner images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 together to a paper K, which serves as a recording medium; and a fixing device 60 that fixes the image transferred in the secondary transfer onto the paper K. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (unit).

[0231] Each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K of the image forming apparatus 100 has a photoreceptor 11 that rotates in the direction of arrow A, serving as an example of an image holder that holds a tonal image formed on a surface.

[0232] Around the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a charging device, a charger 12 is provided to charge the photoreceptor 11, and as an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device, a laser exposure device 13 (the exposure beam is represented by the symbol Bm in the figure) is provided to write an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11.

[0233] Furthermore, around the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a developing apparatus, a developer 14 is provided that contains toners of various color components and uses the toners to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11, and a primary transfer roller 16 is provided that transfers the toner images of various color components formed on the photoreceptor 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 through the primary transfer section 10.

[0234] Furthermore, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove residual toner from the photoreceptor 11, and the electrophotographic devices, including the charger 12, laser exposer 13, developer 14, primary transfer roller 16, and photoreceptor cleaner 17, are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a generally 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).

[0235] The intermediate transfer belt 15, serving as the intermediate transfer medium, is composed of a thin-film pressure belt with a resin base layer and containing an appropriate amount of antistatic agent such as carbon black. Furthermore, its volume resistivity is 10... 6 Ωcm or more and 10 14 It is formed in a manner of less than Ωcm, and its thickness is, for example, about 0.1mm.

[0236] Intermediate transfer belt 15 passes through various roller edges Figure 4 Arrow B indicates that the roller is cyclically driven (rotated) at a speed that meets the desired purpose. These rollers include a drive roller 31 that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15 driven by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant speed; a support roller 32 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15, which extends in a substantially straight line along the arrangement direction of each photoreceptor 11; a tension application roller 33 that functions as a correction roller to apply tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and prevent it from serpentinizing; a back roller 25 provided on the secondary transfer section 20; and a cleaning back roller 34 provided on the cleaning section for scraping off residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0237] The primary transfer section 10 consists of a primary transfer roller 16 positioned opposite the photosensitive element 11, separated by an intermediate transfer belt 15. The primary transfer roller 16 comprises a core and a sponge layer fixed around the core as an elastic layer. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metals such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a mixed rubber of NBR, SBR, and EPDM, incorporating conductive agents such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 10⁻⁶. 7.5 Ωcm or more and 10 8.5 Sponge-like cylindrical rollers with a diameter of less than Ωcm.

[0238] Furthermore, the primary transfer roller 16 is pressed onto the photoreceptor 11 across the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a voltage (primary transfer bias voltage) with the opposite polarity to the polarity of the toner (designated as negative polarity, the same below) is applied to the primary transfer roller 16. As a result, the toner images on each photoreceptor 11 are sequentially electrostatically adsorbed onto the intermediate transfer belt 15, forming overlapping toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0239] The secondary transfer section 20 is configured to have a back roller 25 and a secondary transfer roller 22 disposed on the toner image holding side of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0240] In the back roller 25, the surface is composed of a mixed rubber tube of EPDM and NBR with carbon dispersed in it, and the interior is composed of EPDM rubber. Furthermore, its surface resistivity is 10... 7 Ω / Υ or higher and 10 10 Formed in a manner with an Ω / Υ or less, and a hardness set to, for example, 70° (Asker C: Manufactured by KOBUNSHI KEIKI CO.,LTD., the same below). The back roller 25 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to form the opposing electrode of the secondary transfer roller 22, and is in contact with a metal power supply roller 26 that stably applies a secondary transfer bias voltage.

[0241] On the other hand, the secondary transfer roller 22 consists of a core and a sponge layer fixed around the core as an elastic layer. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metals such as iron and SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a mixed rubber of NBR, SBR, and EPDM with conductive agents such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 10. 7.5 Ωcm or more and 10 8.5 Sponge-like cylindrical rollers with a diameter of less than Ωcm.

[0242] Furthermore, the secondary transfer roller 22 is press-fitted onto the back roller 25 across the intermediate transfer belt 15. In addition, the secondary transfer roller 22 is grounded, thereby forming a secondary transfer bias between it and the back roller 25, and the toner is transferred onto the paper K conveyed to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0243] Furthermore, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided that can freely contact and separate from the intermediate transfer belt 15. The intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 removes residual toner or paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0244] In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer section 10 (primary transfer roller 16) and the secondary transfer section 20 (secondary transfer roller 22) are equivalent to an example of a transfer device.

[0245] On the other hand, a reference sensor (originating position sensor) 42 is provided upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y. This reference sensor 42 generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for obtaining the image forming time of each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The reference sensor 42 is configured to identify a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generate a reference signal. Based on the indication from the control unit 40 based on the identification of this reference signal, each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K begins to form an image.

[0246] Furthermore, an image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is provided on the downstream side of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0247] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the conveying device for conveying paper K includes a paper receiving section 50 for receiving paper K, a paper feed roller 51 for taking out and conveying the paper K stacked in the paper receiving section 50 at a predetermined time, a conveying roller 52 for conveying the paper K delivered by the paper feed roller 51, a conveying guide device 53 for conveying the paper K conveyed by the conveying roller 52 into the secondary transfer section 20, a conveyor belt 55 for conveying the paper K after secondary transfer by the secondary transfer roller 22 to the fixing device 60, and a fixing inlet guide member 56 for guiding the paper K to the fixing device 60.

[0248] Next, the basic image generation process of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

[0249] In the image forming apparatus of 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 an image generation operation is performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0250] In the image processing device, various image processing techniques are applied to the input image data, including shadow correction, position offset correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, border removal, color editing, and motion editing. The processed image data is converted into grayscale data of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and then output to the laser exposure unit 13.

[0251] In the laser exposure unit 13, based on the input pigment grayscale data, for example, an exposure beam Bm emitted from a semiconductor laser is applied 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 unit 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K into tonal images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0252] The toner image formed on the photoreceptors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10 where each photoreceptor 11 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 15. More specifically, in the primary transfer section 10, the primary transfer roller 16 applies a voltage (primary transfer bias voltage) with the opposite polarity to the charging polarity (negative polarity) of the toner to the substrate of the intermediate transfer belt 15, thereby sequentially overlapping the toner image onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform a primary transfer.

[0253] After the toner image is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves, conveying the toner image to the secondary transfer section 20. When the toner image reaches the secondary transfer section 20, the feed roller 51 rotates in the conveying device at the same time as the toner image arrives at the secondary transfer section 20, supplying paper K of the target size from the paper receiving section 50. The paper K supplied by the feed roller 51 is conveyed by the transfer roller 52 and passes through the transfer guide device 53 to reach the secondary transfer section 20. Before reaching the secondary transfer section 20, the paper K temporarily stops, and the alignment roller (not shown) rotates in sync with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 15 holding the toner image, thereby aligning the position of the paper K with the position of the toner image.

[0254] In the secondary transfer section 20, the secondary transfer roller 22 is pressurized by the back roller 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper K, which is being conveyed on time, is held between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roller 22. At this time, if a voltage (secondary transfer bias voltage) of 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. Moreover, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred to the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20, which is pressurized by the secondary transfer roller 22 and the back roller 25.

[0255] Then, the paper K with the electrostatically transferred toner image is conveyed intact from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roller 22 and conveyed to the conveyor belt 55 located downstream of the secondary transfer roller 22 in the paper conveying direction. The conveyor belt 55 conveys the paper K to the fixing device 60 at the optimal conveying speed. The unfixed toner image on the paper K conveyed to the fixing device 60 is fixed onto the paper K by the fixing device 60 through a fixing process using heat and pressure. Furthermore, the paper K with the fixed image is conveyed to the paper discharge receiving section (not shown) located in the discharge section of the image forming apparatus.

[0256] On the other hand, after the transfer of paper K is completed, the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is conveyed to the cleaning section as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates, and is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the cleaning back roller 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35.

[0257] The above description of this embodiment is not intended to limit the interpretation of this embodiment, and various modifications, alterations and improvements are possible.

[0258] Example

[0259] The present embodiment will be described in further detail below through examples, but the present embodiment is not limited to the following examples. In addition, unless otherwise specified, "parts" means "parts by mass".

[0260] <Example 1>

[0261] A ring-shaped polyimide resin (hereinafter referred to as "PI") substrate was prepared, which has a diameter of 168 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm.

[0262] Next, butyl acetate was added at 15% by mass to a liquid thermosetting silicone rubber composition (X34-3160A / B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) and mixed to prepare a coating solution for forming an elastic layer. This coating solution was applied to the prepared PI substrate using a doctor blade coating method to achieve a thickness of 500 μm. Then, it was dried in a hot air drying oven at 120°C for 30 minutes to form an elastic layer on the PI substrate.

[0263] Next, the surface treatments shown in Table 1 were performed on the surface of the elastic layer (i.e., the surface layer forming surface).

[0264] Next, a coating liquid with the following composition is applied to the elastic layer and heated at 120°C for 10 minutes to form a 30μm surface layer.

[0265] The composition of the coating liquid is as follows.

[0266] • Polysiloxane compound: Konishi Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd. "SR-13H", which only has the following properties: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T element represents (where R is an element in the formula). 1 =methyl) polysiloxane compounds: 90 parts

[0267] Solvent: Butyl acetate: 10 parts

[0268] Through the above operations, components for electronic photography were obtained.

[0269] <Examples 2-10, Comparative Example 1>

[0270] The following items were modified according to Table 1, and the electronic photographic components were otherwise obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0271] • Surface treatment performed on the surface of the elastic layer (i.e., the surface layer forming surface).

[0272] Types of polysiloxane compounds

[0273] However, when SQ3 is used instead of SQ2 in the case of polysiloxane compound, the heating conditions for the coating film of the coating liquid are set to 170°C for 10 minutes.

[0274] When SQ1 is used instead of SQ2 in the case of polysiloxane compound, the heat treatment of the coating film is changed to ultraviolet irradiation (irradiation intensity: 15mW / cm). 2 Irradiation time: 1200 seconds.

[0275] <Example 11>

[0276] A ring-shaped polyimide resin (hereinafter referred to as "PI") substrate was prepared, which has a diameter of 168 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm.

[0277] Next, the surface treatments shown in Table 1 were performed on the surface of the PI substrate (i.e., the surface layer forming surface).

[0278] Moreover, a surface layer was formed on the PI substrate in the same manner as in Example 3 to obtain an electrophotographic component.

[0279] <Example 12>

[0280] A ring-shaped polyimide resin (hereinafter referred to as "PEEK") substrate was prepared, which has a diameter of 168 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm.

[0281] Next, the surface treatments shown in Table 1 were performed on the surface of the PEEK substrate (i.e., the surface layer forming surface).

[0282] Moreover, a surface layer was formed on the PI substrate in the same manner as in Example 3 to obtain an electrophotographic component.

[0283] <Example 13>

[0284] The surface layer coating liquid with the following composition was changed to the following items according to Table 1, and the electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 3.

[0285] -Coating liquid-

[0286] • The polysiloxane compound (SQ1: TOAGOSEI CO.,LTD. "OX-SQ-SI20") has the following formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ]m represents the T element (where R is a given element). 1 =Methyl and oxoheterobutyl) and from the formula: (R 2 R 3 SiO2 / 2 )n represents the D unit (where R is a variable in the formula) 2 and R 3 A coating liquid is prepared by mixing a polysiloxane compound (methyl) with a silicone resin (KR-255 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) in a 50% ratio.

[0287] <Surface Treatment>

[0288] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (1))

[0289] • Light source: Low-pressure mercury lamp "UB2007-2 (manufactured by SEN ENGINEERING CO.,LTD.)" with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184nm to 254nm.

[0290] • Irradiation intensity: 15mW / cm 2

[0291] • Irradiation time: 1300 seconds

[0292] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (2))

[0293] • Light source: Low-pressure mercury lamp "UB2007-2 (manufactured by SEN ENGINEERING CO.,LTD.)" with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184nm to 254nm.

[0294] • Irradiation intensity: 8mW / cm 2

[0295] • Irradiation time: 1300 seconds

[0296] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (3))

[0297] • Light source: Low-pressure mercury lamp "UB2007-2 (manufactured by SEN ENGINEERING CO.,LTD.)" with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184nm to 254nm.

[0298] • Irradiation intensity: 15mW / cm 2

[0299] • Irradiation time: 1600 seconds

[0300] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (4))

[0301] • Light source: Low-pressure mercury lamp "UB2007-2 (manufactured by SEN ENGINEERING CO.,LTD.)" with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184nm to 254nm.

[0302] • Irradiation intensity: 40mW / cm 2

[0303] • Irradiation time: 2000 seconds

[0304] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (5))

[0305] • Light source: Low-pressure mercury lamp "UB2007-2 (manufactured by SEN ENGINEERING CO.,LTD.)" with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184nm to 254nm.

[0306] • Irradiation intensity: 50mW / cm 2

[0307] • Irradiation time: 2000 seconds

[0308] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (6))

[0309] • Light source: Low-pressure mercury lamp "UB2007-2 (manufactured by SEN ENGINEERING CO.,LTD.)" with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184nm to 254nm.

[0310] • Irradiation intensity: 6.4 mW / cm 2

[0311] • Irradiation time: 2000 seconds

[0312] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (7))

[0313] • Light source: UV-LED lamp with an ultraviolet wavelength of 365nm to 405nm "ALE / 1.3 (manufactured by KLV Co., Ltd.)"

[0314] • Irradiation intensity: 500mW / cm 2

[0315] • Irradiation time: 1000 seconds

[0316] (Plasma treatment (8))

[0317] • Device: “ULD-200 (manufactured by K.BRASCH&CO.,LTD.)”

[0318] • Atmospheric gas: Nitrogen

[0319] • Gas flow rate: 150L / min

[0320] • Gas pressure: 0.5 MPa

[0321] RF power: 2kW

[0322] Processing time: 300 seconds

[0323] <Characteristic Evaluation>

[0324] The following characteristics of the electrophotographic components in each example were measured using the methods described above.

[0325] • Adhesion between the surface layer and the elastic layer that serves as the base layer

[0326] • Surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the elastic layer of the base layer

[0327] Surface free energy of the surface layer

[0328] • The maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the surface corrugation curve of the surface layer

[0329] <Evaluation of surface layer peeling>

[0330] Using the electrophotographic components of each example, the degree of surface layer peeling was evaluated as follows.

[0331] The electrophotographic components of each example were installed on the fixing unit of a FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. Revoli Press PC1120 printing press, and the surface of the components after printing on paper (P paper) was visually evaluated.

[0332] The evaluation criteria are as follows. Additionally, grades A through C are considered usable.

[0333] A: After transmitting 1 million images, there is no peeling of the surface layer.

[0334] B: After 500,000 sheets are transferred, there is no peeling of the surface layer. After 1 million sheets are transferred, peeling occurs in the surface layer, which is less than 1% of the component's surface area.

[0335] C: After 500,000 sheets are transferred, there is no peeling of the surface layer. After 1 million sheets are transferred, peeling occurs in the surface layer of more than 1% and less than 10% of the component surface area.

[0336] D: When transmitting more than 10,000 sheets but less than 500,000 sheets, peeling occurs in the surface layer covering more than 10% of the component's surface area.

[0337] E: When 10,000 sheets are transferred, peeling occurs in the surface layer covering more than 10% of the component's surface area.

[0338] <Polysiloxane compounds>

[0339] The details of the polysiloxane compounds used in each example are as follows.

[0340] ·SQ1: TOAGOSEI CO.,LTD. "OX-SQ-SI20", has the following formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ]m represents the T element (where R is a given element).1 = methyl and oxyethyl) and from the formula: (R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 )n represents the D unit (where R is a variable in the formula) 2 and R 3 =methyl) polysiloxane compounds

[0341] ·SQ2: Konishi Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd. "SR-13H", which only has the following formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T element represents (where R is an element in the formula). 1 =methyl) polysiloxane compounds

[0342] ·SQ3: Konishi Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd. "SR-23", which only has the following formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T element represents (where R is an element in the formula). 1 =phenyl) polysiloxane compounds

[0343]

[0344] As can be seen from the above results, compared with the comparative example, the peeling of the surface layer was suppressed in this embodiment.

[0345] This implementation includes the following methods. (1)

[0347] A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component, comprising:

[0348] The first step involves surface treatment of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer, and setting the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer to 30 mJ / m. 2 Above and 120mJ / m 2 The following; and

[0349] The second step involves forming a surface layer containing a component with the formula: [R] on the surface layer of the substrate layer. 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The surface layer of the polysiloxane compound represented by the T unit, wherein, in the formula, R 1 The T unit represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups. (2)

[0351] According to the manufacturing method of the electrophotographic component described in (1), wherein,

[0352] The polysiloxane compound has the following formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit is represented and has the following characteristics: [R] 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ] n The D element represents the expression, where R is the expression for the expression. 2 and R 3 This represents an organic group, and n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2. (3)

[0354] According to the manufacturing method of the electrophotographic component described in (1) or (2), wherein,

[0355] In the first step, the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer is set to 40 mJ / m. 2 Above and 100mJ / m 2 the following. (4)

[0357] The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0358] The absolute value of the difference between the surface free energy of the surface forming surface of the surface layer in the base layer and the surface free energy of the surface of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m. 2 Above and 70mJ / m 2 the following. (5)

[0360] The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0361] In the first step, the surface treatment is ultraviolet irradiation treatment. (6)

[0363] According to the manufacturing method of the electrophotographic component described in (5), wherein,

[0364] The ultraviolet light used in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment has a wavelength of less than 300 nm. (7)

[0366] The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0367] In the first step, the surface treatment is plasma treatment.

[0368] The effects of the above methods are as follows.

[0369] According to the invention described in (1), a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component is provided, comprising the following steps: forming a surface layer in a substrate layer containing a component having the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The surface layer of the polysiloxane compound representing the T unit, in the manufacturing method of this electrophotographic component, is characterized by either not performing surface treatment on the surface of the surface layer in the substrate layer before forming the surface layer, or setting the surface free energy to less than 30 mJ / m. 2 or more than 120 mJ / m 2 Compared to surface treatments, it can suppress the peeling of the surface layer.

[0370] According to the invention involved in (2), a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component is provided, which has only the following properties with a polysiloxane compound: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the case of the T-cell, it can suppress the peeling of the surface layer.

[0371] According to the invention involved in (3), a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component is provided, wherein the surface free energy of the surface forming surface in the substrate layer is set to be less than 40 mJ / m 2 or more than 100mJ / m 2 Compared to the previous case, it can suppress the peeling of the surface layer.

[0372] According to the invention involved in (4), a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component is provided, wherein the absolute value of the difference between the surface free energy of the surface forming surface of the surface layer in the substrate layer and the surface free energy of the surface of the surface layer is less than 10 mJ / m. 2 or more than 70mJ / m 2 Compared to the previous case, it can suppress the peeling of the surface layer.

[0373] According to the inventions involved in (5), (6) or (7), a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component is provided, comprising the following steps: forming a surface layer in a substrate layer containing a component having the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The surface layer of the polysiloxane compound representing the T unit, in the manufacturing method of this electrophotographic component, is characterized by either not performing surface treatment on the surface of the surface layer in the substrate layer before forming the surface layer, or setting the surface free energy to less than 40 mJ / m. 2 or more than 100mJ / m 2Compared to surface treatments, surface layer peeling can be easily suppressed by ultraviolet irradiation or plasma treatment.

[0374] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component, comprising: The first step involves surface treatment of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer, and setting the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer to 30 mJ / m. 2 Above and 120mJ / m 2 The following; and The second step involves forming a surface layer containing a component with the formula: [R] on the surface layer of the substrate layer. 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The surface layer of the polysiloxane compound represented by the T unit, wherein, in the formula, R 1 The T unit represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

2. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to claim 1, wherein, The polysiloxane compound has the following formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit is represented and has the following characteristics: [R] 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ] n The D element represents the expression, where R is the expression for the expression. 2 and R 3 This represents an organic group, and n represents an integer greater than or equal to 2.

3. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the first step, the surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface in the substrate layer is set to 40 mJ / m. 2 Above and 100mJ / m 2 the following.

4. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The absolute value of the difference between the surface free energy of the surface forming surface of the surface layer in the base layer and the surface free energy of the surface of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m. 2 Above and 70mJ / m 2 the following.

5. A method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In the first step, the surface treatment is ultraviolet irradiation treatment.

6. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to claim 5, wherein, The ultraviolet light used in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment has a wavelength of less than 300 nm.

7. The method for manufacturing an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In the first step, the surface treatment is plasma treatment.

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