Sliding member, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses a sliding member, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus, the sliding member includes: a plurality of first grooves extending in a sliding direction of a sliding object on a sliding surface on which the sliding object slides, forming a plurality of rows arranged at intervals in the sliding direction, a plurality of the rows are arranged at intervals in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the sliding direction, and the first grooves and the first grooves formed in the adjacent rows in the orthogonal direction are staggered in the sliding direction; a plurality of second grooves extending in directions different from the first grooves, connecting the first grooves adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction, and connecting the first grooves adjacent to each other while being offset from each other in the sliding direction; and a plurality of third grooves which extend in the sliding direction, connect the first grooves arranged in the sliding direction to each other, and have a cross-sectional area of at least a portion smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first grooves.

Description

Sliding component, fixing device and image forming device Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-181948 discloses a sliding member having a sliding surface that contacts the inner circumferential surface of a belt, clamping the belt in the middle and positioned opposite a pressure member. The direction in which the belt, rotating during the transmission of the recording medium, slides on the sliding surface is called the transmission direction. On the sliding surface, a plurality of first grooves extending in a direction intersecting the transmission direction are formed, and a plurality of second grooves are formed connecting adjacent two of the plurality of first grooves. The first and second grooves are formed in a non-grid shape. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a sliding member, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus that suppresses the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding member and the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface, compared to the case where the groove extends continuously along the sliding direction with a constant cross-sectional area on the sliding surface for sliding objects to slide.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sliding member is provided, comprising: a plurality of first grooves extending along a sliding direction of the sliding object on a sliding surface for sliding, forming a plurality of columns spaced apart in the sliding direction, and the columns being arranged in a plurality of columns spaced apart in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the sliding direction, and the first grooves being offset from the first grooves of the columns formed adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction in the sliding direction; a plurality of second grooves extending along directions different from the first grooves, and connecting the first grooves adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction, and connecting the first grooves that are offset and obliquely adjacent in the sliding direction; and a plurality of third grooves extending along the sliding direction, connecting the first grooves arranged in the sliding direction to each other, at least a portion of which has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first grooves.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component involved in the first aspect, at least a plurality of the second grooves respectively have a first oblique groove and a second oblique groove, the first oblique grooves extending in a direction inclined relative to the sliding direction and connecting first adjacent first grooves that are obliquely adjacent relative to the orthogonal direction to each other, the second oblique grooves extending in a direction symmetrical with respect to the sliding direction to the extending direction of the first oblique grooves and connecting second adjacent first grooves that are obliquely adjacent relative to the orthogonal direction to each other.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component involved in the second aspect, the first groove is connected to the corresponding first oblique groove and second oblique groove of the at least a few second grooves on both sides of the sliding direction.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component involved in any of the first to third aspects, the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the third groove is smaller than that of the first groove.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding member involved in the fourth aspect, the depth of the third groove is smaller than the depth of the first groove.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component involved in the fifth aspect, when the depth of the first groove is set to D1 and the depth of the third groove is set to D2, D2 / D1 is 0.02 or more and 0.35 or less.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component involved in the sixth aspect, the ratio of D2 / D1 is 0.07 or higher and 0.20 or lower.

[0011] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding member involved in any of the first to seventh aspects, when observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the second groove along the depth direction, the angle A between the wall surface of the second groove downstream of the sliding direction and the sliding direction is 21° or more and 45° or less.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding member involved in the eighth aspect, the angle A is 23° or more and 40° or less.

[0013] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding member involved in any of the first to ninth aspects, when observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the second groove along the depth direction, the angle B between the wall surface of the second groove on the upstream side of the sliding direction and the sliding direction is 10° or more and 35° or less.

[0014] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the sliding member involved in the tenth aspect, the angle B is 15° or more and 30° or less.

[0015] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a fixing device is provided, comprising: a first rotating body; a second rotating body disposed in contact with and connected to the first rotating body; a pressing member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body, which presses the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body; and a sliding member as described in any of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the sliding member is located between the pressing member and the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body, which is the object to be slid.

[0016] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: an image holding body; a latent image forming apparatus that forms a latent image on the surface of the image holding body; a developing apparatus that develops the latent image into a toner image using a developing agent; a transfer apparatus that transfers the developed toner image onto a recording medium; and a fixing apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, which fixes the toner image on the recording medium.

[0017] (Effect)

[0018] According to the first scheme, compared with the case where the groove extends continuously along the sliding direction with a constant cross-sectional area on the sliding surface for sliding objects to slide, it is possible to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the groove and the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0019] According to the second scheme, compared with the case where the second grooves connected to the first groove on both sides of the sliding direction extend in the orthogonal direction, the increase in sliding resistance between the object sliding on the sliding surface can be further suppressed.

[0020] According to the third scheme, compared with the case where the first groove is connected only to the first oblique groove and the second oblique groove corresponding to the second groove in one of the sliding directions, the increase in sliding resistance between the first groove and the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface can be further suppressed.

[0021] According to the fourth scheme, compared to the case where the cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the third groove is smaller than that of the first groove, it is easier to uniformly supply lubricant to the sliding object.

[0022] According to the fifth scheme, compared with the case where the depth of the third groove is greater than the depth of the first groove, it is easier to supply lubricant to the sliding object.

[0023] According to the sixth scheme, compared with the case where D2 / D1 is less than 0.02 or more than 0.35, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the object sliding on the sliding surface and the object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0024] According to the seventh scheme, compared with the case where D2 / D1 is less than 0.07 or more than 0.20, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the object sliding on the sliding surface and the object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0025] According to the eighth scheme, compared with the case where the angle A is less than 21° or more than 45°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the object sliding on the sliding surface and the object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0026] According to the ninth scheme, compared with the case where the angle A is less than 23° or more than 40°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance of the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0027] According to the tenth scheme, compared with the case where the angle B is less than 10° or more than 35°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the object sliding on the sliding surface and the object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0028] According to the eleventh scheme, compared with the case where the angle B is less than 15° or more than 30°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the object sliding on the sliding surface and the object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0029] According to the twelfth solution, compared with the case where the groove extends continuously along the sliding direction on the sliding surface of the sliding member for the object to slide, the life of the fixing device is extended.

[0030] According to the thirteenth solution, the lifespan of the image forming apparatus is extended compared to the case where the groove in the sliding member used in the fixing device extends continuously along the sliding direction on the sliding surface for sliding objects. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixing device according to the first embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the sliding piece according to the first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the sliding piece in the first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view viewed from direction 4A in Figure 4, showing the shape of the first groove and the third groove of the sliding piece in the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view viewed from direction 4B in Figure 4, showing the shape of the second groove of the sliding piece in the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing the sliding piece of the second embodiment;

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing the sliding piece of the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following describes an embodiment as an example of the present invention. These descriptions and embodiments are illustrative of the embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In the numerical ranges described in stages in this specification, the upper or lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced by the upper or lower limit value of other numerical ranges described in stages. Furthermore, in the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit value of that numerical range may be replaced by the values ​​shown in the embodiments.

[0040] In addition, each component may include multiple corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component, if multiple substances corresponding to each component exist, the amount of each component refers to the total amount of those multiple substances unless otherwise specified.

[0041] [First Implementation]

[0042] (structure)

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the fixing apparatus 28 of this embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIG1, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes first to fourth processing cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K for an electrophotographic method that outputs images of each color—yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)—based on color-separated image data. These processing cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged side-by-side, separated from each other, along the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20. Furthermore, these processing cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0045] Above each of the processing cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (in Figure 1), an intermediate transfer belt 20, serving as an intermediate transfer body, is positioned with its outer peripheral surface facing each processing cartridge. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is wound around a drive roller 22 that is separately arranged and a support roller 24 that is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and is arranged under tension, traveling in a ring shape from the first processing cartridge 10Y toward the fourth processing cartridge 10K.

[0046] Furthermore, the support roller 24 is pressed away from the drive roller 22 by an elastic component such as a spring (not shown), applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt 20 wound between the two. Additionally, an intermediate transfer body cleaning device 20a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 20a is opposite to the drive roller 22.

[0047] The first processing boxes 10Y to the fourth processing boxes 10K have substantially the same structure, so the first processing box 10Y, which forms a yellow image and is located upstream of the intermediate transfer belt, will be used as an example for description. Furthermore, the description of the second processing boxes 10M to the fourth processing boxes 10K is omitted because the same reference symbols are used instead of yellow (Y) for the parts identical to those in the first processing box 10Y, namely magenta (M), turquoise (C), and black (K).

[0048] The first processing cartridge 10Y has a photoreceptor 1Y that functions as an image holder. Around the photoreceptor 1Y are arranged sequentially a charging roller 2Y for charging the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y to a predetermined potential, a developing device 4Y for supplying charged toner included in the developing agent to the electrostatic latent image to develop the image, and a photoreceptor cleaning device 6Y for removing toner residue remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y after a single transfer. These components are integrally formed within a housing 11Y (frame). Similarly, the second processing cartridges 10M to the fourth processing cartridges 10K are also integrally formed within housings 11M to 11K (frames).

[0049] Furthermore, together with the first processing box 10Y, there is a primary transfer roller 5Y that transfers the developed toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 20, and an exposure device 3 that forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing a charged surface to light using a laser beam 3Y based on a color-separated image signal, thus constituting an image forming unit. In addition, the charging roller 2Y and the exposure device 3 are examples of the latent image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0050] Furthermore, the primary transfer roller 5Y is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 20, positioned opposite the photosensitive element 1Y. Moreover, each of the primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K is connected to a bias power supply (not shown) for applying a primary transfer bias. The transfer bias applied to each primary transfer roller is variable under the control of a control unit (not shown).

[0051] (Fixing device)

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the fixing device 28 includes a heating roller 30 and a pressure belt 40, which are arranged opposite to each other. The pressure belt 40 is pressed against the heating roller 30 by a pressing pad 50 disposed within its periphery, forming a contact portion, and is guided along the belt travel guide plate 52, driven by a driving force from the heating roller 30. Furthermore, the heating roller 30 is an example of the first rotating body of the present invention. Additionally, the pressure belt 40 is an example of the second rotating body of the present invention, and also an example of a sliding object. Furthermore, the pressing pad 50 is an example of a pressing member in this embodiment.

[0053] A sliding piece 160 is sandwiched between the pressure belt 40 and the pressing pad 50. Furthermore, a lubricant 62 is interposed between the sliding piece 160 and the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40. Additionally, the lubricant 62 is supplied to the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40, for example, through a lubricant supply member 64 provided on a portion of the belt travel guide plate 52, between the sliding piece 160 and the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40. Furthermore, T in FIG2 represents a toner image.

[0054] The heating roller 30 is, for example, constructed by sequentially forming an elastomer layer 30b and an anti-stick layer 30c in a hollow metal core 30a made of metal, which has a heating source 31 such as a halogen lamp inside.

[0055] The metal core 30a is, for example, a cylindrical body made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The elastomer layer 30b is, for example, made of HTV silicone rubber or fluororubber (the rubber hardness of JIS-A is about 45 degrees. Furthermore, the rubber hardness is measured using a spring-type A-type durometer manufactured by Teclock according to JIS K6301 with an additional load of 1,000 gf) with a thickness of about 2 mm and 5 mm. The anti-stick layer 30c is, for example, made of fluororubber, silicone rubber, fluororesin, etc., with a thickness of about 20 μm and 50 μm. However, the anti-stick layer 30c is not limited to these materials and may also be made of conventionally known materials.

[0056] The heating roller 30 functions as a fixing roller and is driven to rotate at a speed that is adjusted by a drive source (not shown), for example, at a circumferential speed of 260 mm / sec. The outer diameter of the heating roller 30 is generally, for example, between 25 mm and 80 mm.

[0057] The surface temperature of the heating roller 30 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) in contact with the surface and controlled by a control circuit (not shown) to make the surface temperature, for example, 175°C.

[0058] The pressure belt 40 is configured with an inner circumferential surface, for example, including polyimide resin, polyamide-imide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyethersulfone resin, polysulfone resin, polyphenylene sulfone resin, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding sheet 160 is preferably constructed with the sliding surface SS comprising a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. Specifically, the sliding sheet 160 in this embodiment is composed of a single layer of a resin substrate layer comprising a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. However, the sliding sheet 160 may be a laminate of a resin substrate layer and other layers disposed on the opposite side of the resin substrate layer to the sliding surface.

[0060] Examples of heat-resistant thermoplastic resins include polyimide resins, polyetheretherketone resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyetherimide resins, polyethersulfone resins, polysulfone resins, polyphenylene sulfone resins, polyamide resins, and fluoropolymers.

[0061] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is preferably selected from at least one resin chosen from polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, and polyphenylene sulfone resin, and more preferably from at least one resin chosen from polyetheretherketone resin and polyphenylene sulfide resin. These resins (especially polyetheretherketone resin and polyphenylene sulfide resin) have high wear resistance, high toughness, and high elastic modulus, and are therefore preferred.

[0062] In order to reduce the sliding resistance of the sliding surface, the resin substrate layer constituting the sliding surface may also include well-known additives such as carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and resin particles with siloxane groups (thermosetting silicone resin particles, silicone oil, silicone elastomers, siloxane-modified polyetherimide particles, etc.). In addition, the resin substrate layer constituting the sliding surface may also include conductive agents, fillers for improving mechanical strength, antioxidants for preventing thermal degradation, surfactants, heat-resistant and anti-aging agents, etc.

[0063] Furthermore, examples of lubricants 62 include fluorinated oils, silicone oils, and synthetic lubricating greases made by mixing solid substances and liquids. Examples of fluorinated oils include perfluoropolyether oils and modified perfluoropolyether oils. Examples of silicone oils include dimethyl silicone oils, dimethyl silicone oils with added organometallic salts, dimethyl silicone oils with added hindered amines, dimethyl silicone oils with added organometallic salts and hindered amines, methylphenyl silicone oils, amino-modified silicone oils, amino-modified silicone oils with added organometallic salts, amino-modified silicone oils with added hindered amines, carboxyl-modified silicone oils, silanol-modified silicone oils, and sulfonic acid-modified silicone oils. Examples of synthetic lubricating greases include silicone oil greases (i.e., greases including the aforementioned silicone oils) and fluorinated greases (i.e., greases including the aforementioned fluorinated oils).

[0064] In addition to oil, lubricant 62 may also include other components. Examples of other components include heat transfer agents, antioxidants, surfactants, silicone particles, organometallic salts, hindered amines, etc.

[0065] In addition to resin, the resin substrate layer may also include other components. Examples of other components include conductive agents, fillers for improving mechanical strength, antioxidants for preventing thermal degradation, surfactants, and heat-resistant anti-aging agents.

[0066] Here, an example is given where the first rotating body is a heating roller 30 and the second rotating body is a pressure belt 40, but the case also includes a configuration where the first rotating body is a pressure roller and the second rotating body is a heating belt. When the first rotating body is a pressure roller, the structure of the pressure roller is preferably the same as that of the heating roller 30 described above. When the second rotating body is a heating belt, the structure of the heating belt is preferably the same as that of the pressure belt 40 described above. Specifically, when the second rotating body is a heating belt, it can be a single layer of resin substrate forming the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, or a laminate having a resin substrate forming the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, an elastic layer disposed on the resin substrate layer, and an anti-stick layer disposed on the elastic layer; or a laminate having a resin substrate forming the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt and an anti-stick layer disposed on the resin substrate layer; or a laminate having a metal layer disposed on the resin substrate forming the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, an elastic layer disposed thereon, and an anti-stick layer disposed on the elastic layer.

[0067] The elastic layer is composed of a heat-resistant elastic material. Examples of heat-resistant elastic materials include silicone rubber and fluororubber. Examples of silicone rubbers include RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, HTV (High Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber; specifically, examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber, methyl phenyl silicone rubber, and fluorosilicone rubber. Examples of fluororubbers include vinylidene fluoride-based rubbers, ethylene tetrafluoride / propylene-based rubbers, ethylene tetrafluoride / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubbers, phosphazene-based rubbers, and fluoropolyethers.

[0068] In addition, the elastic layer may also include other components. Examples of other components include fillers, conductive agents, softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), anti-aging agents (amine-based, etc.), vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.), and functional fillers (alumina, etc.).

[0069] The anti-stick layer may include, for example, heat-resistant anti-stick materials. Examples of heat-resistant anti-stick materials include fluororubber, fluororesins, silicone resins, and polyimide resins. Among these, fluororesins are preferred. Specifically, examples of fluororesins include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether copolymer (MFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethyl vinyl ether copolymer (EFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoropropyl vinyl ether copolymer, and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA). Other examples include tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF). In particular, considering heat resistance and mechanical properties, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers (PFA), such as tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether copolymer (MFA) and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethyl vinyl ether copolymer (EFA), are suitable. The thickness of the anti-stick layer is preferably set to 5 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably to 10 μm to 30 μm.

[0070] The pressing pad 50 has two pressing portions 51a and 51b with different hardness along the travel direction of the recording medium P. The pressing portion 51a on the side where the recording medium P protrudes is made of a rubber-like elastic component, and the pressing portion 51b on the side where the recording medium P exits is made of a hard pressure-applying component such as metal. The pressure in the contact area is set so that the pressure on the side where the recording medium P exits is higher than that on the side where the recording medium P protrudes. The pressing portions 51a and 51b are supported by a bracket 51c and press the heating roller 30 from the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40 via a sliding piece 160.

[0071] Furthermore, the sliding piece 160 is an example of a sliding component in this embodiment. Next, the specific structure of the sliding piece 160 will be described.

[0072] (Sliding piece)

[0073] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, which is an enlarged view of Figure 3, the sliding piece 160 of this embodiment has a plurality of first grooves TA, second grooves TB, and third grooves TC formed on the sliding surface SS. Furthermore, in the figures following Figure 3, arrow SD indicates the sliding direction, and arrow WD indicates the width direction of the sliding piece 160. The width direction WD of the sliding piece 160 is an example of the orthogonal direction of the present invention. Additionally, in Figure 3, C represents the central portion of the sliding surface SS in the width direction. Furthermore, in Figure 3, E represents the two ends of the sliding surface SS in the width direction.

[0074] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first groove TA is a groove extending along the sliding direction SD. More specifically, multiple first grooves TA are arranged at intervals along the sliding direction SD to form a column, and multiple columns are arranged at intervals along the width direction WD. In addition, in two adjacent columns along the width direction WD, the first grooves TA of one column are offset relative to the first grooves TA of the other column along the sliding direction SD.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the specific shape of the first groove TA can be set as follows. When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding piece 160 along the direction perpendicular to the first groove TA and in the thickness direction, the depth of the first groove TA is preferably 15 μm or more and 45 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less. In addition, when observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding piece 160 along the direction perpendicular to the first groove TA and in the thickness direction, the width of the first groove TA is preferably 50 μm or more and 190 μm or less, more preferably 60 μm or more and 180 μm or less, and even more preferably 70 μm or more and 160 μm or less.

[0076] Furthermore, when observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding piece 160 along the direction perpendicular to the first groove TA and in the thickness direction, the spacing P1 of the first groove TA (i.e., the interval of the first groove TA) is preferably 200 μm or more and 900 μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or more and 700 μm or less, and even more preferably 400 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0077] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second groove TB extends along the width direction WD. More specifically, the second groove TB connects the first groove TA adjacent in the width direction WD and the first groove TA that is staggered and adjacent in the sliding direction SD. Therefore, the first groove TA and the second groove TB form a rectangular groove on the sliding surface SS.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the specific shape of the second groove TB can be set as follows. When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding piece 160 along the direction perpendicular to the second groove TB and in the thickness direction, the angle A between the wall surface of each second groove TB downstream of the sliding direction SD and the sliding direction SD is 21° or more and 45° or less. Angle A is preferably 23° or more and 40° or less, more preferably 25° or more and 30° or less. When angle A is less than 21°, the lubricant 62 retained in the second groove TB is difficult to supply to the contact portion between the sliding surface SS and the slidable surface, and the sliding resistance easily increases. When angle A exceeds 45°, the coefficient of friction between the sliding surface and the slidable surface increases, and the sliding resistance easily increases.

[0079] Furthermore, when observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding piece 160 along the thickness direction perpendicular to the second groove TB, the angle B between the wall surface of each second groove TB on the upstream side of the sliding direction SD and the sliding direction SD is preferably 10° or more and 35° or less, more preferably 15° or more and 30° or less, and even more preferably 12° or more and 25° or less. When the angle B is 35° or less, the lubricant 62 retained in the second groove TB is easily supplied to the contact portion between the sliding surface SS and the slidable surface. As a result, the sliding resistance of the sliding piece 160 is reduced, and the maintenance of low sliding resistance is also easily improved.

[0080] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the third groove TC extends along the sliding direction SD in the same way as the first groove TA. More specifically, the third groove TC is a groove in which the first grooves TA, arranged in the sliding direction SD, are connected to each other. In other words, the first grooves TA and the third groove TC are formed alternately connected in the sliding direction SD.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the shapes of the first groove TA and the third groove TC are different. More specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third groove TC is smaller than that of the first groove TA. In this embodiment, the specific shape of the third groove TC can be set as follows. Observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding piece 160 along the direction perpendicular to the first groove TA and in the thickness direction, the depth of the first groove TA is set as D1, and the depth of the third groove TC is set as D2. Moreover, D2 / D1 is preferably 0.02 or more and 0.35 or less, more preferably 0.07 or more and 0.20 or less.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the first groove TA, the second groove TB, and the third groove TC are disposed at the central portion of the sliding plate 160 in the width direction. Additionally, the central portion of the sliding surface SS in the width direction refers to the area of ​​the sliding plate 160 whose length from the two edges of the sliding surface WD toward the center is 18% of the width of the sliding surface SS, which is defined as the two ends of the sliding surface SS in the width direction, and the area sandwiched between these two ends.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, angle A, angle B, the depth of the second groove TB, the width of the second groove TB, and the spacing P of the second groove TB are defined as follows.

[0084] Angle A is the angle (specifically, an acute angle) between the tangent line to the wall of the second groove TB downstream of the sliding direction SD at a position one-third of the depth of the second groove TB, and the sliding direction SD. Angle B is the angle (specifically, an acute angle) between the tangent line to the wall of the second groove TB upstream of the sliding direction SD at a position one-third of the depth of the second groove TB, and the sliding direction SD. The depth of the second groove TB is the length from the reference line corresponding to the sliding surface SS between adjacent second groove TBs to the bottom point of the deepest second groove TB. Furthermore, the reference line is defined as the arithmetic mean of ten measurements of the thickness of the sliding piece 160 at the center of the sliding surface SS between adjacent second groove TBs. The width of the second groove TB is the length between the edges of the grooves intersecting the reference line corresponding to the sliding surface SS between adjacent second groove TBs. The spacing P of the second groove TBs is the length between the bottom points of the deepest second groove TB among adjacent second groove TBs.

[0085] Furthermore, angle A, angle B, depth of the second groove TB, width of the second groove TB, and spacing P of the second groove TB are respectively set as the arithmetic mean obtained from the ten measurements.

[0086] In Figure 6, D represents the depth of the second groove TB, W represents the width of the second groove TB, and P represents the spacing P of the second groove TBs. Additionally, T1 is the wall surface of the second groove TB downstream of the sliding direction SD at one-third of its depth, R1 is a tangent line tangent to the wall surface of the second groove TB downstream of the sliding direction SD at one-third of its depth, T2 is the wall surface of the second groove TB upstream of the sliding direction SD at one-third of its depth, and R2 is a tangent line tangent to the wall surface of the second groove TB upstream of the sliding direction SD at one-third of its depth. Furthermore, R3 is the center of the sliding surface SS between adjacent second groove TBs, and R is the baseline corresponding to the sliding surface SS between adjacent second groove TBs.

[0087] Furthermore, the cross-sectional areas of the first groove TA and the third groove TC preferably decrease gradually from the upstream side of the sliding direction SD toward the downstream side of the sliding direction SD. By reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the first groove TA and the third groove TC, lubricant 62 can easily seep out from each groove. Therefore, the sliding resistance between the sliding surface SS and the inner circumferential surface of the pressure band 40 is easily reduced, and low sliding resistance is easily maintained.

[0088] Here, "the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove" refers to the cross-sectional area when the sliding piece 160 is cut along the direction perpendicular to the long side of the groove and in the thickness direction. "The cross-sectional area of ​​the groove gradually decreases from the upstream side of the sliding direction to the downstream side of the sliding direction" means that the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove on the downstream side of the sliding direction SD is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove on the upstream side of the sliding direction SD.

[0089] Furthermore, specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​each groove at the upstream end of the sliding direction SD is preferably 700 μm. 2 Above and 4300μm 2 The depth of each groove at the upstream end of the sliding direction SD is preferably 20 μm or more and 45 μm or less. The cross-sectional area of ​​each groove at the downstream end of the sliding direction SD is preferably 175 μm. 2 Above and 1430μm 2 The depth of each groove at the downstream end of the sliding direction SD is preferably 5 μm or more and 45 μm or less.

[0090] Furthermore, in order to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​each groove, it is preferable to adjust the depth of the groove. In addition, for grooves that are not located at the upstream or downstream end of the sliding direction SD of the sliding surface SS, the cross-sectional area and depth of the upstream or downstream end of the sliding direction SD of the groove are set to the cross-sectional area and depth of the portion closest to the upstream or downstream end of the sliding direction SD of the sliding surface SS.

[0091] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the method of setting grooves on the sliding surface SS. As an example, well-known methods such as stamping can be used.

[0092] (Image forming operation of image forming apparatus 100)

[0093] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the image forming operation will be described using the operation of forming a yellow image in the first processing box 10Y as an example.

[0094] First, before the image formation process, the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y is charged to a potential, for example, above -600V and below -800V, by the charging roller 2Y.

[0095] The photoreceptor 1Y is formed, for example, by laminating a photosensitive layer onto a conductive substrate. This photosensitive layer is typically high resistivity, but has the property that the resistivity of the portion irradiated by the laser beam 3Y changes when irradiated. Therefore, according to image data for yellow printed patterns sent by a control unit (not shown), the laser beam 3Y is output to the surface of the charged photoreceptor 1Y via the exposure apparatus 3. The laser beam 3Y irradiates the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of a yellow printed pattern on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y.

[0096] The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 1Y rotates to the developing position as the photoreceptor 1Y moves. Then, at the developing position, the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1Y is visualized (toner image) by the developing apparatus 4Y.

[0097] Within the developing apparatus 4Y, for example, a developing agent comprising a yellow toner and a carrier is contained. The yellow toner becomes triboelectrically charged due to agitation within the developing apparatus 4Y, possessing a charge of the same polarity (negative polarity) as the charged portion on the photoreceptor 1Y. As the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y passes through the developing apparatus 4Y, the yellow toner electrostatically adheres only to the de-charged latent image portion on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y, and the latent image is developed by the yellow toner. The photoreceptor 1Y, with the yellow toner image formed, continues to travel, and the toner image developed on the photoreceptor 1Y is transferred to a primary transfer position.

[0098] When the yellow toner image on the photoreceptor 1Y is transferred to the primary transfer position, a primary transfer bias voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 5Y. An electrostatic force from the photoreceptor 1Y toward the primary transfer roller 5Y acts on the toner image, transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor 1Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. The applied transfer bias voltage is of the opposite polarity (+) to the toner's polarity (-), for example, controlled by a constant current of approximately +10 μA in the first processing cartridge 10Y by a control unit (not shown).

[0099] In addition, the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C, and 5K after the second processing box 10M is also controlled in the same way.

[0100] In this way, the intermediate transfer belt 20, which has been transferred with yellow toner image by the first processing box 10Y, is sequentially conveyed through the second to fourth processing boxes 10M, 10C, and 10K, and the toner images of each color are superimposed and transferred multiple times.

[0101] The intermediate transfer belt 20, which has undergone multiple transfers of toner images of all colors through the first to fourth processing boxes, reaches the secondary transfer section, which consists of the intermediate transfer belt 20, a support roller 24 in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a secondary transfer roller 26 disposed on the image holding side of the intermediate transfer belt 20. Meanwhile, the recording medium P is fed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 via a supply mechanism, and a secondary transfer bias is applied to the support roller 24. The applied transfer bias is of the same polarity (-) as the toner, and an electrostatic force from the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the recording medium P acts on the toner image, transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 onto the recording medium P. Furthermore, the secondary transfer bias is determined based on the resistance detected by a resistance detection unit that detects the resistance of the secondary transfer section, and is controlled by a constant voltage. The intermediate transfer belt 20, the primary transfer roller 5Y, and the secondary transfer roller 26 constitute an example of a transfer apparatus.

[0102] Subsequently, the recording medium P is fed into the fixing device 28 and inserted into the contact area formed by the heating roller 30, which is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow, and the pressure belt 40. At this time, the recording medium P is inserted with the surface of the recording medium P containing the unfixed toner image facing the surface of the heating roller 30. As the recording medium P passes through this contact area, heat and pressure are applied to the recording medium P to fix the unfixed toner image onto the recording medium P. After fixing, the recording medium P is peeled off from the heating roller 30 and discharged from the fixing device 28 after passing through the contact area.

[0103] Thus, the fixing process is completed, and the image is permanently fixed on the recording medium P. The recording medium P, now fixed with the color image, is moved towards the ejection section, ending the series of color image formation actions.

[0104] Next, the function and effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0105] (Functions and Effects)

[0106] Regarding the sliding piece 160 of this embodiment, the first grooves TA are formed in multiple rows spaced apart in the sliding direction SD. Furthermore, multiple rows of the first grooves TA are arranged in multiple rows spaced apart in the width direction WD, which is orthogonal to the sliding direction SD, and in adjacent rows, the first grooves TA of one row are staggered relative to the first grooves TA of the other row in the sliding direction SD. Additionally, the second grooves TB extend in a direction different from the sliding direction SD and connect adjacent first grooves TA in the width direction WD, and connect adjacent first grooves TA that are staggered and obliquely adjacent in the sliding direction SD. Moreover, at least a portion of the third grooves TC, with a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first grooves TA, connect the first grooves TA arranged in the sliding direction SD.

[0107] Therefore, according to the sliding plate 160 of this embodiment, the lubricant 62 supplied to the sliding surface SS accumulates in the first groove TA and the second groove TB, and overflows from the third groove TC, making it easily supplied to the pressure belt 40. Furthermore, compared to the case where the grooves extend continuously along the sliding direction SD with a constant cross-sectional area on the sliding surface SS on which the pressure belt 40 slides, the sliding plate 160 of this embodiment can suppress the sliding resistance between itself and the pressure belt 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and suppress the increase of the sliding resistance.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the sliding plate 160 of this embodiment, the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the third groove TC is smaller than that of the first groove TA. Therefore, according to the sliding plate 160 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the third groove TC is smaller than that of the first groove TA, it is easier to uniformly supply lubricant 62 to the pressure belt 40.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the sliding plate 160 of this embodiment, the depth of the third groove TC is smaller than the depth of the first groove TA. In other words, according to the sliding plate 160 of this embodiment, the third groove TC is shallower than the first groove TA. Therefore, according to the sliding plate 160 of this embodiment, compared to the case where the depth of the third groove TC is greater than the depth of the first groove TA, it is easier to supply lubricant 62 to the pressure belt 40.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sliding piece 160 can more easily suppress the sliding resistance between itself and the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and suppress the increase of sliding resistance, compared to cases where D2 / D1 is less than 0.02 or more than 0.35.

[0111] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sliding piece 160 can more easily suppress the sliding resistance between itself and the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and suppress the increase of sliding resistance, compared to cases where D2 / D1 is less than 0.07 or more than 0.20.

[0112] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sliding piece 160, compared to cases where the angle A is less than 21° or more than 45°, can more easily suppress the sliding resistance between itself and the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and suppress the increase of the sliding resistance.

[0113] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sliding piece 160 is more likely to suppress the sliding resistance between itself and the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and to suppress the increase of sliding resistance, compared to cases where the angle A is less than 23° or more than 40°.

[0114] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sliding piece 160 is more likely to suppress the sliding resistance between itself and the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and to suppress the increase of sliding resistance, compared to cases where the angle B is less than 10° or more than 35°.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sliding plate 160 is more likely to suppress the sliding resistance between itself and the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and to suppress the increase of sliding resistance, compared to cases where the angle B is less than 15° or more than 30°.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lifespan of the fixing device 28 is extended compared to the case where the groove extends continuously along the sliding direction SD on the sliding surface SS on the sliding plate 160 where the pressure band 40 slides.

[0117] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has a longer lifespan compared to the case where the groove extends continuously along the sliding direction SD on the sliding surface SS of the sliding plate 160 used in the fixing apparatus 28 for the pressure band 40 to slide.

[0118] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG7. Furthermore, in the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for structures identical to those in the first embodiment, thereby omitting detailed descriptions. Also, FIG7 corresponds to FIG4 in the description of the first embodiment.

[0119] (Sliding piece)

[0120] The sliding piece 260 is an example of a sliding component in this embodiment. As shown in FIG7, the sliding piece 260 of this embodiment has a plurality of first grooves TA, second grooves TB, and third grooves TC formed on the sliding surface SS. In addition, in this embodiment, the second groove TB has a first oblique groove TB1, which extends in a direction inclined relative to the sliding direction SD and connects the first grooves TA that are obliquely adjacent to each other in the width direction WD. In addition, the second groove TB has a second oblique groove TB2 that is axially symmetrical to the first oblique groove TB1 in the sliding direction SD.

[0121] As shown in Figure 7, the first inclined groove TB1 and the second inclined groove TB2 are alternately arranged in the width direction WD. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, the first inclined groove TB1 and the second inclined groove TB2 form a flow path that narrows towards the downstream side of the first groove TA formed in the sliding direction SD.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG7, the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 are arranged along the sliding direction SD at positions aligned along the width direction WD. In other words, in this embodiment, the first second groove having the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 and the second second groove not having the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 are alternately arranged in the sliding direction SD. Thus, the first groove TA, the second groove TB, and the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 of the second groove TB form two adjacent right-angled pentagonal grooves with right angles on the sliding surface SS.

[0123] Furthermore, the other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. Next, the function and effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0124] (Functions and Effects)

[0125] With regard to the sliding piece 260 of this embodiment, at least a few second grooves TB have a first inclined groove TB1 and a second inclined groove TB2. The first inclined groove TB1 extends in a direction inclined relative to the sliding direction SD and connects the first grooves TA that are inclined to each other with respect to the width direction WD. The second inclined groove TB2 extends in a direction that is axially symmetrical with respect to the sliding direction SD with respect to the extension direction of the first inclined groove TA and connects the first grooves TA that are inclined to each other with respect to the width direction WD.

[0126] Therefore, according to the sliding piece 260 of this embodiment, the lubricant 62 is easily guided to the first groove TA via the first inclined groove TB1 and the second inclined groove TB2. In particular, according to the sliding piece 260 of this embodiment, foreign matter entering the second groove TB is easily guided and moved by the first inclined groove TB1 and the second inclined groove TB2, so the lubricant 62 is less likely to remain in the second groove TB. Thus, compared with the case where the second groove TB, which is connected to the first groove TA on both sides of the sliding direction SD, extends along the width direction WD, the sliding piece 260 of this embodiment can further suppress the sliding resistance between the sliding piece 260 and the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS, and suppress the increase of the sliding resistance.

[0127] Furthermore, according to the sliding piece 260 of this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by using the same structure.

[0128] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG8. Furthermore, in the description of the third embodiment, detailed descriptions of structures identical to those in the first or second embodiment are omitted by using the same reference numerals as in the first or second embodiment. Additionally, FIG8 corresponds to FIG4 in the description of the first embodiment.

[0129] (Sliding piece)

[0130] The sliding piece 360 ​​is an example of a sliding component in this embodiment. As shown in FIG8, the sliding piece 360 ​​of this embodiment has a plurality of first grooves TA, second grooves TB, and third grooves TC formed on the sliding surface SS. In addition, in this embodiment, the second groove TB also has a first oblique groove TB1 and a second oblique groove TB2.

[0131] As shown in Figure 8, the first inclined groove TB1 and the second inclined groove TB2 are alternately arranged in the width direction WD. Thus, as shown in Figure 8, the first inclined groove TB1 and the second inclined groove TB2 form a flow path that narrows towards the downstream side of the first groove TA formed in the sliding direction SD.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG8, the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 are alternately staggered in the width direction WD and arranged in the sliding direction SD. In other words, in this embodiment, the second groove TB having the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 is staggered in the width direction WD and arranged in the sliding direction SD. In other words, in this embodiment, the second groove TB connected to the first groove TA has the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 respectively. Thus, the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 of the first groove TA and the second groove TB form a hexagonal groove on the sliding surface SS.

[0133] Furthermore, the other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. Next, the function and effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0134] (Functions and Effects)

[0135] In the sliding piece 360 ​​of this embodiment, the first groove TA is connected to the corresponding first oblique groove TB1 and second oblique groove TB2 of the second groove TB on both sides of the sliding direction SD. Therefore, according to the sliding piece 360 ​​of this embodiment, compared with the case where the first groove TA is connected only on one side of the sliding direction SD and the corresponding first oblique groove TB1 and second oblique groove TB2 of the second groove TB, the sliding resistance of the pressure band 40 sliding on the sliding surface SS can be further suppressed, and the increase of sliding resistance can be suppressed.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the sliding piece 360 ​​of this embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be obtained by using the same structure.

[0137] [Other variations]

[0138] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, a first groove TA, a second groove TB, and a third groove TC are formed on the sliding surface SS of the sliding plates 160, 260, and 360 as a whole. The technology of the present invention is not limited to this; any structure described above can be used as long as at least a portion of the sliding surface SS is employed. That is, sliding plates 160, 260, and 360 that employ the structure of the present invention in a portion of the sliding surface SS fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the same applies to the fixing apparatus 28 employing the sliding plates 160, 260, and 360, and the image forming apparatus 100 employing the fixing apparatus 28.

[0139] Furthermore, while the above description illustrates an example where all first grooves TA have the same shape, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The first groove TA can also have various shapes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Similarly, the second groove TB and the third groove TC can also have various shapes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0140] [Example]

[0141] The following describes the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" all refer to mass.

[0142] <Experimental Conditions>

[0143] Using a twin-shaft melt-mixing extruder (Twin-shaft melt-mixing extruder L / D60 (manufactured by Parker Corporation)), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin (Victrex 450G (manufactured by Victrex Corporation)) was heated to 380°C to melt it. From the side of the mixer, using a side feeder, 10 parts by weight of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. "KMP590", average particle size = 2μm) were fed to 100 parts by weight of the molten PEEK resin for melt mixing. The mixed melt was placed in a water tank for cooling and solidification, and then cut to the target size to obtain mixed resin particles containing silicone resin particles.

[0144] The obtained mixed resin particles are fed into a uniaxial extrusion apparatus, and the molten mixed resin is extruded in sheet form from a T-die (melt ejection gap 200 μm) heated to 380°C. The sheet is then wound onto a cooling roller at 190°C for cooling. The cooling sheet is shaped on the surface of the die roller under a pressure of 40 MPa between a die roller heated to 250°C and a heat-resistant silicone rubber roller, resulting in a sheet with multiple grooves spaced apart along the length of the sheet in the central portion and at both ends in the width direction WD. The embossed sheet is then cut to a specified size.

[0145] Thus, a sliding piece is obtained by applying multiple grooves spaced apart in the sliding direction SD and along the width direction WD to the central and end portions of the sliding surface SS in the width direction WD, which serves as the sliding surface SS. Furthermore, when observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding piece along the sliding direction SD and the thickness direction, the groove shape is V-shaped and set to the dimensions shown in Table 1. Then, by changing the shape of the grooves according to the surface shape of the mold roller, sliding pieces for each example are obtained.

[0146] Furthermore, the depth D1 and spacing P1 of the first groove TA and the depth D2 of the third groove TC in Table 1 are shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 above. Additionally, the angle A, angle B, and depth D of the second groove TB in Table 1 are shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 above. Furthermore, in all the embodiments and comparative examples shown in Table 1, the length of the first groove TA is uniformly set to 440 μm.

[0147] Furthermore, the oblique angle of the second groove TB in Table 1 refers to the angle at which the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 are tilted relative to the sliding direction SD. In other words, the oblique angle values ​​of the first oblique groove TB1 and the second oblique groove TB2 relative to the sliding direction SD are respectively.

[0148] That is, Embodiments 1, 5, and 6 are embodiments using the sliding sheet 160 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 2 is an embodiment using the sliding sheet 260 of the second embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments 3 and 4 are embodiments using the sliding sheet 360 of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Furthermore, in all embodiments and comparative examples, the shapes of the plurality of first grooves TA formed on the sliding sheet are all set to be the same. That is, in all embodiments and comparative examples, the shapes of the plurality of second grooves TB and third grooves TC are also set to be the same.

[0150] <Evaluation Methods>

[0151] Each of the sliding plates was mounted on the fixing unit of the "RevoriaPress EC1100" image forming apparatus manufactured by Fujifilm Commercial Innovation Co., Ltd. The following evaluation was performed using this image forming apparatus.

[0152] (Initial sliding resistance)

[0153] The initial sliding resistance in Table 1 is determined based on the coefficient of friction between the sliding plate and the sliding part of the fixing unit, measured before the paper passes through the fixing device (i.e., before image formation). The coefficient of friction is determined based on the current value of the motor driving the heating roller, which serves as the drive roller of the fixing device. More specifically, a calibration curve relating the motor current value to the coefficient of friction is pre-plotted, and the coefficient of friction is calculated based on the current value according to the calibration curve.

[0154] Furthermore, the target friction coefficient is set to 0.08, and the initial sliding resistance is evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria.

[0155] A++: The coefficient of friction is less than 60% of the target coefficient of friction.

[0156] A+: The coefficient of friction is less than 70% of the target coefficient of friction.

[0157] A: The coefficient of friction is less than 80% of the target coefficient of friction.

[0158] B+: The coefficient of friction is 80% or more but less than 90% of the target coefficient of friction.

[0159] B: The coefficient of friction exceeds 90% of the target coefficient of friction but is below 100%.

[0160] C: The coefficient of friction exceeds 100% of the target coefficient of friction but is below 120%.

[0161] D: The coefficient of friction exceeds 120% but is below 140% of the target coefficient of friction.

[0162] E: The coefficient of friction exceeds 140% of the target coefficient of friction.

[0163] (Sliding resistance maintenance)

[0164] The sliding resistance maintenance in Table 1 was measured as follows: Image formation was performed using an image forming apparatus, and the coefficient of friction between the sliding plate of the fixing unit and the sliding part of the fixing component was measured when 1,200,000 sheets of paper were passed through the fixing unit. The method for measuring the coefficient of friction was the same as that for evaluating the "initial sliding resistance".

[0165] Furthermore, the sliding resistance maintenance is evaluated using the following criteria.

[0166] A++: The coefficient of friction is less than 40% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08).

[0167] A+: The coefficient of friction is less than 50% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08).

[0168] A: The coefficient of friction is less than 60% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08).

[0169] B+: The coefficient of friction exceeds 60% but is less than 70% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08).

[0170] B: The coefficient of friction exceeds 70% but is less than 80% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08).

[0171] C: The coefficient of friction exceeds 80% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08) but is less than 100%.

[0172] D: The coefficient of friction exceeds 100% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08) but is less than 120%.

[0173] E: The coefficient of friction exceeds 120% of the target coefficient of friction (=0.08).

[0174] [Table 1]

[0175]

[0176] Based on the above results, it can be seen that the sliding plate of this embodiment has superior initial sliding resistance and sliding resistance maintenance compared with the sliding plate of the comparative example.

[0177] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will obviously be able to conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, and these are of course also within the technical scope of this invention.

[0178] (Postscript)

[0179] ((1))

[0180] A sliding component, wherein:

[0181] A plurality of first grooves extend along the sliding direction of the sliding object on the sliding surface for sliding, forming a plurality of columns spaced apart in the sliding direction, and the columns are spaced apart in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the sliding direction, and the first grooves are offset from the first grooves of the columns formed in the orthogonal direction in the sliding direction.

[0182] A plurality of second grooves, each extending in a direction different from the first groove, connect adjacent first grooves in the orthogonal direction to each other, and connect first grooves that are offset and obliquely adjacent in the sliding direction to each other; and

[0183] A plurality of third grooves, which extend along the sliding direction, connect the first grooves arranged in the sliding direction to each other, and at least a portion of the third grooves have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first grooves.

[0184] ((2))

[0185] According to the sliding component described in (1), wherein,

[0186] At least a few of the second grooves have a first inclined groove and a second inclined groove, the first inclined groove extending in a direction inclined relative to the sliding direction and connecting first adjacent first grooves that are inclined relative to the orthogonal direction to each other, the second inclined groove extending in a direction symmetrical with respect to the sliding direction to the extension direction of the first inclined groove and connecting second adjacent first grooves that are inclined relative to the orthogonal direction to each other.

[0187] ((3)))

[0188] According to the sliding component described in ((2)), wherein,

[0189] The first groove is connected to the first oblique groove and the second oblique groove of the corresponding at least a few second grooves on both sides of the sliding direction.

[0190] ((4))

[0191] The sliding component according to any one of ((1)) to ((3)) is wherein,

[0192] The cross-sectional area of ​​the third groove is smaller than that of the first groove.

[0193] ((5))

[0194] According to the sliding component described in (4), wherein,

[0195] The depth of the third groove is less than the depth of the first groove.

[0196] (6))

[0197] According to the sliding component described in (5), wherein,

[0198] When the depth of the first groove is set to D1 and the depth of the third groove is set to D2, D2 / D1 is greater than 0.02 and less than 0.35.

[0199] ((7))

[0200] According to the sliding component described in (6), wherein,

[0201] The ratio of D2 to D1 is greater than 0.07 and less than 0.20.

[0202] ((8))

[0203] The sliding member according to any one of ((1)) to ((7)) is wherein,

[0204] When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the second groove along the depth direction, the angle A between the wall of the second groove on the downstream side of the sliding direction and the sliding direction is more than 21° and less than 45°.

[0205] (9))

[0206] According to the sliding component described in (8),

[0207] The angle A is greater than 23° and less than 40°.

[0208] ((10))

[0209] The sliding member according to any one of ((1)) to ((9)) is wherein,

[0210] When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the second groove along the depth direction, the angle B between the wall of the second groove on the upstream side of the sliding direction and the sliding direction is more than 10° and less than 35°.

[0211] ((11))

[0212] According to the sliding component described in (10), wherein,

[0213] The angle B is greater than 15° and less than 30°.

[0214] ((12))

[0215] A fixing device, comprising:

[0216] First body of revolution;

[0217] The second rotating body is connected to and configured with the first rotating body;

[0218] A pressing component, disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body, presses the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body; and

[0219] The sliding member as described in any one of ((1)) to ((11)) is located between the pressing member and the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body that is the object to be slid.

[0220] ((13))

[0221] An image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0222] Like a retainer;

[0223] A latent image forming apparatus that forms a latent image on the surface of an image holder;

[0224] A developing apparatus that uses a developing agent to develop the latent image into a toner image;

[0225] A transfer apparatus that transfers the developed toner image onto a recording medium; and

[0226] The fixing device described in (12) fixes the toner image on the recording medium.

[0227] According to the sliding component ((1)), compared with the case where the groove extends continuously along the sliding direction with a constant cross-sectional area on the sliding surface for sliding object to slide, it is possible to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding component and the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0228] According to the sliding component ((2)), compared with the case where the second groove, which is connected to the first groove on both sides of the sliding direction, extends in the orthogonal direction, it can further suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0229] According to the sliding component ((3)), compared with the case where the first groove is connected only to the first oblique groove and the second oblique groove corresponding to the second groove in the sliding direction, the increase in sliding resistance between the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface can be further suppressed.

[0230] According to the sliding component ((4)), compared to the case where the cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the third groove is smaller than that of the first groove, it is easier to uniformly supply lubricant to the sliding object.

[0231] According to the sliding component ((5)), compared with the case where the depth of the third groove is greater than the depth of the first groove, it is easier to supply lubricant to the sliding object.

[0232] According to the sliding component ((6)), compared with the case where D2 / D1 is less than 0.02 or more than 0.35, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0233] According to the sliding component ((7)), compared with the case where D2 / D1 is less than 0.07 or more than 0.20, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0234] According to the sliding component ((8)), compared with the case where the angle A is less than 21° or more than 45°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0235] According to the sliding component ((9)), compared with the case where the angle A is less than 23° or more than 40°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance of the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0236] According to the sliding component ((10)), compared with the case where the angle B is less than 10° or more than 35°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0237] According to the sliding component ((11)), compared with the case where the angle B is less than 15° or more than 30°, it is easier to suppress the increase of sliding resistance between the sliding object sliding on the sliding surface.

[0238] According to the fixing device (12), compared with the case where the groove extends continuously along the sliding direction on the sliding surface of the sliding member for the object to slide, the life of the fixing device is extended.

[0239] According to the image forming apparatus ((13)), the lifespan of the image forming apparatus is extended compared to the case where the groove in the sliding member used in the fixing apparatus extends continuously along the sliding direction on the sliding surface for sliding objects to slide.

Claims

1. A sliding component, characterized in that, It comprises: a plurality of first grooves extending along the sliding direction of the sliding object on a sliding surface for sliding, forming a plurality of columns spaced apart in the sliding direction, and the columns being arranged in a plurality of columns spaced apart in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the sliding direction, and the first grooves being offset from the first grooves of the columns formed adjacent to the columns formed in the orthogonal direction in the sliding direction; and a plurality of second grooves extending in directions different from the first grooves, and connecting the first grooves adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction, and connecting the first grooves that are offset and obliquely adjacent in the sliding direction. And a plurality of third grooves, the third grooves extending along the sliding direction, connecting the first grooves arranged in the sliding direction to each other, at least a portion of which has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first groove.

2. The sliding component according to claim 1, wherein, At least a few of the second grooves have a first inclined groove and a second inclined groove, the first inclined groove extending in a direction inclined relative to the sliding direction and connecting first adjacent first grooves that are inclined relative to the orthogonal direction to each other, the second inclined groove extending in a direction symmetrical with respect to the sliding direction to the extension direction of the first inclined groove and connecting second adjacent first grooves that are inclined relative to the orthogonal direction to each other.

3. The sliding component according to claim 2, wherein, The first groove is connected to the first oblique groove and the second oblique groove of the corresponding at least a few second grooves on both sides of the sliding direction.

4. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the third groove is smaller than that of the first groove.

5. The sliding component according to claim 4, wherein, The depth of the third groove is less than the depth of the first groove.

6. The sliding member according to claim 5, wherein, When the depth of the first groove is set to D1 and the depth of the third groove is set to D2, D2 / D1 is greater than 0.02 and less than 0.

35.

7. The sliding member according to claim 6, wherein, The ratio of D2 to D1 is greater than 0.07 and less than 0.

20.

8. The sliding member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the second groove along the depth direction, the angle A between the wall of the second groove on the downstream side of the sliding direction and the sliding direction is more than 21° and less than 45°.

9. The sliding member according to claim 8, wherein, The angle A is greater than 23° and less than 40°.

10. The sliding member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the second groove along the depth direction, the angle B between the wall of the second groove on the upstream side of the sliding direction and the sliding direction is more than 10° and less than 35°.

11. The sliding member according to claim 10, wherein, The angle B is greater than 15° and less than 30°.

12. A fixing device, characterized in that, It comprises: a first rotating body; a second rotating body, the second rotating body being connected to and disposed with the first rotating body; and a pressing member disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body, which presses the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body. And a sliding member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the sliding member being located between the pressing member and the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body that is the sliding object.

13. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The device comprises: an image holder; a latent image forming apparatus that forms a latent image on the surface of the image holder; a developing apparatus that develops the latent image into a toner image using a developing agent; a transfer apparatus that transfers the developed toner image onto a recording medium; and a fixing apparatus according to claim 12 that fixes the toner image on the recording medium.

Images