Electrophotographic member, fixing device, image forming apparatus, and method for forming surface layer of electrophotographic member

Abstract

An electrophotographic member, a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member, the electrophotographic member having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, wherein the surface layer contains a compound 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 at least one of R 1 in the T unit is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. 1 ​

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrophotographic component, a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a method for forming a surface layer of the electrophotographic component. Background Technology

[0002] In an image forming apparatus (copier, fax machine, printer, etc.) that uses an electrophotographic method, a toner image formed on the surface of an image holder is transferred to the surface of a recording medium and fixed onto the recording medium to form an image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "a roller for a fixing device, which is formed by sequentially stacking a first solid elastic layer, a foamed elastic layer, a second solid elastic layer and an anti-stick layer on a mandrel, wherein a highly thermally conductive filler is disposed in the second solid elastic layer".

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses "a fixing tape, wherein the value of the viscoelastic modulus R (%) satisfies 65.0 < R < 71.0".

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-150270

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-076709 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide an electrophotographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer, and having non-stick properties without using fluorine materials.

[0008] The means to solve the above problems include the following methods.

[0009] <1> An electrophotographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer, wherein,

[0010] The surface layer contains a substance having the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit polysiloxane compound represented by the formula, wherein, 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.

[0011] <2> The electronic photographic component according to <1>, wherein,

[0012] A group containing at least one of the alkyl and the aryl groups is a group containing an alkyl group.

[0013] <3> The electrophotographic component according to <1> or <2> has an intermediate layer disposed between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer.

[0014] <4> The electronic photographic component according to <3>, wherein,

[0015] The energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than that of the surface layer.

[0016] <5> The electronic photographic component according to <4>, wherein,

[0017] The energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is above 1 GPa and below 10 GPa.

[0018] The energy storage modulus of the surface layer is above 500 MPa and below 3 GPa.

[0019] <6> The electrophotographic component according to <4> or <5>, wherein,

[0020] The thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer is above 0.3 W / m·K.

[0021] <7> A fixing device comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body,

[0022] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is composed of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of <1> to <6>.

[0023] <8> An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0024] Like a retainer;

[0025] A charging device that charges the surface of the image holder;

[0026] An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder;

[0027] A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using the developer to form a toner image;

[0028] The transfer apparatus transfers the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium; and

[0029] <7> The fixing device fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0030] <9> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, which is the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of <1> to <6>, wherein,

[0031] The surface layer is formed by a scraping method.

[0032] <10> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, which is the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of <1> to <6>, wherein,

[0033] The surface layer is formed by dip coating.

[0034] <11> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, which is the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of <1> to <6>, wherein,

[0035] The surface layer is formed by spraying.

[0036] <12> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, which is the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of <1> to <6>, wherein,

[0037] The surface layer is formed by a ring coating method.

[0038] <13> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, which is the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of <1> to <6>, wherein,

[0039] The surface layer is formed by brushing.

[0040] Invention Effects

[0041] According to the invention described in <1>, an electronic photographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer is provided, and an electronic photographic component having non-stick properties without using fluorine materials is provided.

[0042] According to the invention described in <2>, an electrophotographic component is provided that has superior anti-stick properties compared to a case where the group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups is a phenyl group.

[0043] According to the invention described in <3>, an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the surface layer is directly disposed on the foamed elastic layer.

[0044] According to the invention described in <4>, an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is less than that of the surface layer.

[0045] According to the invention described in <5>, an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to cases where the energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer and the surface layer does not meet the above-mentioned range.

[0046] According to the invention described in <6>, an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress end temperature rise compared to cases where the thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer is less than 0.3 W / m·K.

[0047] According to the invention described in <7> or <8>, a fixing apparatus or image forming apparatus is provided for an electrophotographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer, and having non-stick properties without using fluorine materials.

[0048] According to the inventions involved in <9>, <10>, <11>, <12> or <13>, a method is provided for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component that does not use fluorine materials, has non-stick properties, and reduces coating defects based on a scraping method, dip coating method, spraying method, ring coating method, or brush coating method. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of the fixing device according to this embodiment;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0052] Symbol Explanation

[0053] 60-Fixing device, 61-Heating belt, 62-Pressure roller, 63-Electromagnetic induction heating device, 63A-Excitation coil, 64-Latch mechanism, 65-Sliding plate, 66-Pressing pad, 67-Supporting component, 68-Temperature sensor, 100-Image forming device. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example. These descriptions and examples illustrate the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0055] In this embodiment, within the numerical ranges recorded in stages, the upper or lower limit value recorded within one numerical range can be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of other numerical ranges recorded in stages. Furthermore, within the numerical ranges recorded in this embodiment, the upper or lower limit value of that numerical range can be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples.

[0056] In this embodiment, the term "process" includes not only independent processes, but also processes that achieve their desired purpose even when they cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes.

[0057] In this embodiment, the structure is not limited to the structure shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of the components in the drawings are conceptual, and the relative sizes of the components are not limited thereto.

[0058] In this embodiment, each component may contain multiple corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component in the composition in this embodiment, if multiple substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, it refers to the total amount of the multiple substances present in the composition, unless otherwise stated.

[0059] <Components for Electrophotography>

[0060] The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment has a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer.

[0061] Moreover, the surface layer contains the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit represents a polysiloxane compound. Hereinafter, this polysiloxane compound will also be referred to as "polysiloxane compound SQ".

[0062] In this 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.

[0063] In recent years, with the increasing awareness of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the development of materials that reduce environmental burden is underway. One such development requires materials other than fluorinated materials. Furthermore, fluorinated materials are those containing fluorine atoms.

[0064] Therefore, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment contains a polysiloxane compound SQ with anti-stick properties in the surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer. Thus, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment becomes an anti-stick electrophotographic component that does not use fluorine materials.

[0065] The following describes in detail the electronic photographic component according to this embodiment.

[0066] The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment has a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer.

[0067] Electrophotographic components may have an intermediate layer disposed between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer.

[0068] Electrophotographic components may have a substrate at the bottom of the foamed elastic layer.

[0069] Electrophotographic components can be either roller-shaped or strip-shaped.

[0070] In particular, if the electrophotographic component has an intermediate layer, the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer. The foamed elastic layer has a large surface unevenness due to air bubbles. Therefore, if the surface layer is directly disposed on the foamed elastic layer, it is easy to impart unevenness to the surface layer caused by the surface unevenness of the foamed elastic layer. Therefore, if an intermediate layer is provided, the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer. As a result, if the electrophotographic component is applied to a fixing component, image unevenness caused by pressure unevenness due to the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer can be suppressed.

[0071] [Substrate]

[0072] Examples of substrates include cylindrical substrates made of metals (aluminum, SUS, iron, copper, etc.), alloys, ceramics, and FRM (fiber-reinforced metal).

[0073] The outer diameter and wall thickness of the cylindrical substrate are preferably, for example, 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. In the case of aluminum cylindrical substrate, the thickness is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less, and in the case of SUS (stainless steel) or iron cylindrical substrate, the thickness is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0074] Examples of substrates include metal strips and heat-resistant resin strips.

[0075] Examples of metal strips include those made of nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0076] Examples of heat-resistant resin tapes include polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, and polybenzimidazole.

[0077] Additionally, conductive powders can be added and dispersed in the heat-resistant resin tape to control the volume resistivity. Specifically, a polyimide resin tape with added and dispersed carbon black can be cited as an example. Furthermore, a heat-resistant resin tape can also be made by joining the two ends of a long strip of polyimide sheet in a jigsaw pattern and then hot-pressing it using a hot-pressing component to form a tape.

[0078] In addition, heat resistance refers to the property that the device will not melt or decompose even when the heating temperature of the fixing device (such as the fixing temperature) is reached.

[0079] The thickness of the conveyor belt substrate is preferably 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and even more preferably 40 μm or more and 130 μm or less.

[0080] A metal layer can be formed on the substrate as needed. When a metal layer is formed, it can be a single layer or multiple layers. A single-layer metal layer can be an electromagnetic induction metal layer that generates heat through electromagnetic induction. Furthermore, a multi-layer metal layer can be formed, for example, a three-layer structure consisting of a base metal layer, an electromagnetic induction metal layer, and a protective metal layer.

[0081] Alternatively, an adhesive can be applied to the surface of the substrate. That is, the substrate (or the metal layer on the substrate) and the elastic layer or surface layer can be laminated via an adhesive, as needed. Furthermore, the adhesive is not particularly limited, but examples include adhesive compounds having hydrogen-bonded silane groups (-SiH) with hydrogen atoms bonded to them.

[0082] [Foamed Elastic Layer]

[0083] The foamed elastic layer is preferably a layer that will return to its original shape even if it is deformed by applying an external force of 100 Pa.

[0084] Examples of elastic materials constituting the foamed elastic layer include 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 copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and their blends.

[0085] Among these, silicone rubber is preferred as an elastic material, considering factors such as heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and insulation.

[0086] Examples of silicone rubbers include RTV silicone rubber, HTV silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. More specifically, examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber (MQ), methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ), methyl phenyl silicone rubber (PMQ), and fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ).

[0087] As for silicone rubbers, for example, it is preferred that they are mainly crosslinked by addition reaction. Furthermore, silicone rubbers are known to have various types of functional groups, such as dimethyl silicone rubber having methyl, methylphenyl silicone rubber having methyl and phenyl, vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl (including vinyl silicone rubber), etc.

[0088] Furthermore, as a silicone rubber, a vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups is more preferred, and a silicone rubber having an organopolysiloxane structure having vinyl groups and a hydrogen organopolysiloxane structure having hydrogen atoms (SiH) bonded to silicon atoms is even more preferred.

[0089] The foamed elastic layer may contain other additives. Examples of other additives include fillers, softeners (paraffin waxes, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), anti-aging agents (amines, etc.), and vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.).

[0090] The thickness of the foamed elastic layer is preferably 30 μm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0091] [Middle Layer]

[0092] Examples of intermediate layers include polyimide resin (PI resin), polyamide-imide resin (PAI resin), polyetherketone resin (PEEK resin, such as aromatic polyetheretherketone resin), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin), polyetherimide resin (PEI resin), polyester resin, polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, silicone resin, polymethylpentene resin, and other resin layers.

[0093] The intermediate layer is preferably, for example, a PEEK resin or a PEI resin. Therefore, the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer.

[0094] The intermediate layer may contain other additives. Examples of other additives include fillers, softeners (paraffins, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), anti-aging agents (amines, etc.), and vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.).

[0095] The thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0096] [Surface layer]

[0097] The surface layer contains the polysiloxane compound SQ.

[0098] The surface layer can be a surface layer containing polysiloxane compound SQ as a main component (e.g., as a matrix material to serve as an adhesive), or it can be a surface layer containing polysiloxane compound SQ as an additive. The surface layer may contain other additives.

[0099] Here, the surface layer containing polysiloxane compound SQ as the main component (e.g., the matrix material that serves as the adhesive material) refers to the surface layer with the highest amount of polysiloxane compound.

[0100] (Polysiloxane compound SQ)

[0101] Polysiloxane compound SQ has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represented (where, in the formula, R) 1 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 A polysiloxane compound containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0102] Polysiloxane compound SQ can have the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit and formula represented: (R) 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ) n The represented D element (where, in the formula, R) 2 and R 3 (Indicates an organic group, n represents an integer greater than 2.) Polysiloxane compounds.

[0103] 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, it is preferred to have a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0104] If a polysiloxane compound SQ with T and D units is used, the surface layer is given flexibility.

[0105] In elements T and D, R in the formula 1 R 2 and R 3 Organic groups, for example, represent hydroxyl, siloxy, hydrocarbon, hydrocarbon with one or more methylene groups substituted by carbonyl, hydrocarbon with one or more carbon atoms substituted by heteroatoms (oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur), groups with reactive groups, or groups composed of combinations thereof.

[0106] As in R 1 R 2 and R 3 Examples of siloxy groups described in the organic groups include monoalkylsiloxy, dialkylsiloxy, and trialkylsiloxy. Dialkylsiloxy and trialkylsiloxy are preferred as siloxy groups, and trialkylsiloxy is more preferred.

[0107] As a user of R 1 R 2 and R 3 The hydrocarbon groups represented can be aliphatic hydrocarbon groups or aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0108] 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.

[0109] As an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, it is preferred, for example, to be a hydrocarbon group with 1 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and more preferably a hydrocarbon group with 1 or more and 15 or less carbon atoms.

[0110] Aliphatic hydrocarbon groups can also be substituted with halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, aryl groups, and other substituents.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Aromatic hydrocarbon groups can be replaced by substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, alkyl groups, and alkoxy groups.

[0113] R 1 R 2 and R 3 The organic groups represented may be reactive groups. Examples of reactive groups include vinyl, allyl, styrene, maleimide, epoxy, and (meth)acryloyl groups. That is, the polysiloxane compound SQ can be a cured product in which the above-mentioned reactive groups have undergone reaction.

[0114] There are multiple Rs in T and D elements. 1 R2 and R 3 They can be the same organic group or different organic groups.

[0115] Among them, there are multiple R in unit T. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0116] Furthermore, there are multiple R values ​​in unit D. 2 and R 3 At least one R in 2 and R 3 For example, it is preferable to have groups containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups respectively.

[0117] That is, there are multiple R in unit T. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0118] Multiple R existing in D unit 2 At least one R in 2 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0119] There are multiple Rs in unit D. 3 At least one R in 3 For example, it is preferred to have a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0120] From the viewpoint of improving anti-sticking properties, the alkyl-containing group is preferably, for example, the alkyl group itself or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. That is, multiple R groups are present in the T and D units. 1 R 2 and R 3 At least one of them is preferably an alkyl group or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group.

[0121] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties, 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).

[0122] As a group containing an aryl group, for example, the aryl group itself or an aralkyl group is preferred.

[0123] Examples of aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl groups.

[0124] 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.

[0125] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties, phenyl groups containing aryl groups are preferred.

[0126] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties, the presence of groups containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups is preferred, for example, to be more abundant.

[0127] In the T and D units, m and n in the formula represent integers of 2 or more, but from the viewpoint of improving anti-sticking properties, for example, it is preferable to represent integers of 8 or more, and more preferably to represent integers of 8 or more and less than 10,000.

[0128] In the T and D units, the upper limit of the ratio m / n in the formula is preferably 100 / 0 or less, more preferably 100 / 1 or less. Furthermore, the lower limit of m / n is preferably 10 / 90 or more, more preferably 20 / 80 or more, and even more preferably 25 / 75 or more.

[0129] The following measurement determines the ratio m / n, i.e., the ratio of T-units to D-units. This is done using solids. 29 Si NMR, calculated based on the peak ratio of D-units (high ppm side) to T-units (low ppm side).

[0130] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties, the content of polysiloxane compound SQ 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.

[0131] The polysiloxane compound SQ can be in particulate form. The volume average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound SQ 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 SQ is preferably 2.5 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less.

[0132] If the volume average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound SQ is within the above range, its anti-sticking properties can be easily improved.

[0133] The volume average particle size of particulate polysiloxane compound SQ was determined as follows.

[0134] Samples were collected from the surface layer. The sample was designed with the cut surface along the thickness direction of the surface layer as the observation plane.

[0135] 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 SQ was determined by image analysis, and the circular equivalent diameter was calculated based on this area value. This circular equivalent diameter calculation was performed on 100 polysiloxane compound SQ particles. Furthermore, the 50% diameter (D50v) of the cumulative frequency of the obtained circular equivalent diameter as a volume reference was set as the volume average particle size of the polysiloxane compound SQ.

[0136] In addition, polysiloxane compounds SQ can exemplify polymeric compounds called sesquioxanes (SQ) with various skeletal structures.

[0137] The polysiloxane compound SQ can be any of the following framework structures: cage structure (complete cage structure or cage structure), ladder structure, and random structure.

[0138] (Adhesive material)

[0139] The surface layer may contain a binder material for immobilizing the polysiloxane compound SQ.

[0140] Examples of adhesive materials include silicone resin, silicone rubber, polyimide resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, and polymethylpentene (PMP) resin.

[0141] Among them, silicone resin or silicone rubber are preferred as anti-stick materials.

[0142] Examples of silicone resins include methyl linear silicone resins, methyl phenyl linear silicone resins, acrylic resin-modified silicone resins, ester resin-modified silicone resins, epoxy resin-modified silicone resins, and alkyd resin-modified silicone resins.

[0143] Examples of silicone rubbers include RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, HTV (High Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. More specifically, examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber, methyl phenyl silicone rubber, and fluorosilicone rubber.

[0144] (Other additives)

[0145] Other additives can be incorporated into the surface layer. Examples of such additives include conductive agents, softeners (such as paraffins), processing aids (such as stearic acid), and anti-aging agents (such as amines).

[0146] The thickness of the surface layer is preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0147] (Methods for forming the surface layer)

[0148] Methods for forming a surface layer include coating methods such as scraping, dipping, spraying, ring coating, and brushing.

[0149] The surface layer is formed by applying a coating liquid containing the above-mentioned components and, if necessary, a solvent onto the substrate using the above-described coating method, followed by drying or drying and curing.

[0150] Here, the substrate may be, for example, a single layer corresponding to the foamed elastic layer, or a laminate containing the foamed elastic layer.

[0151] In the blade coating process, spiral streaks (also known as "spiral marks") are produced due to the spread of the coating liquid by the metal plate (i.e., the scraper). In dip coating or ring coating, axial film thickness differences are produced due to liquid dripping. In the spray coating process, pear-skin-like surface unevenness is produced due to coating inhomogeneity. Thus, surface coating defects are easily generated.

[0152] However, if a coating liquid containing the above-mentioned components and, as needed, a solvent is used, and these coating methods are applied, a surface layer with reduced coating defects can be formed.

[0153] When a blade coating method is used, for example, the surface layer is formed as follows.

[0154] (1) Fix the substrate on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0155] (2) With the mold axis along the horizontal direction, while the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, the coater spraying the coating liquid moves relative to the mold along the mold axis at the target coating speed to continuously coat the coating liquid on the substrate.

[0156] (3) A metal plate (i.e., scraper) with a width shorter than that of the substrate is moved axially at the same speed as the coating speed of the coater in a state of contact with the coating liquid applied to the substrate, thereby spreading the coating liquid.

[0157] (4) Dry or dry and cure the applied coating liquid to form a surface layer.

[0158] When the dip coating method is applicable, the surface layer is formed, for example, as follows.

[0159] (1) Fix the substrate on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0160] (2) Fill a bottomed cylindrical container with coating liquid and immerse the substrate fixed to the cylindrical mold in the coating liquid.

[0161] (3) Lift the impregnated substrate and apply a coating liquid to the substrate.

[0162] (4) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form a surface layer.

[0163] When a spraying method is used, the surface layer is formed, for example, as follows.

[0164] (1) Fix the substrate on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0165] (2) With the mold axis along the horizontal direction, while the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, the coater spraying the coating liquid moves relative to the mold along the mold axis at the target coating speed to coat the substrate with the coating liquid.

[0166] (3) While spraying the coating liquid from the coating device, the coating device is repeatedly moved back and forth along the mold axis to stack the coating liquid and obtain a coating film.

[0167] (4) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form a surface layer.

[0168] When the ring coating method is applied, the surface layer is formed, for example, as follows.

[0169] (1) Fix the substrate on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0170] (2) With the mold axis aligned vertically, insert the substrate fixed to the cylindrical mold into the substrate insertion part of the annular coater coaxially with the substrate insertion part until it protrudes from the substrate insertion part. Then, while spraying the coating liquid from the side of the substrate insertion part of the annular coater, move the annular coater and the substrate relative to each other along the substrate axis to coat the substrate with the coating liquid.

[0171] Here, the annular coating apparatus is used, for example, on the bottom surface of a cylindrical metal device with a hole on its bottom surface, with a resin sheet having a hole coaxial with the hole fixed between the bottom surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the cylindrical metal device and the hole of the resin sheet form a substrate insertion part. Moreover, by flowing the coating liquid between the bottom surface of the annular coating apparatus and the resin sheet, the coating liquid is sprayed out from the side of the substrate insertion part.

[0172] (3) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form a surface layer.

[0173] When a brush coating method is used, a surface layer is formed, for example, as shown below.

[0174] (1) Fix the substrate on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0175] (2) With the mold axis along the horizontal direction, while the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, a brush with a width wider than the substrate and impregnated with coating liquid is brought into contact with the substrate and moved relative to the mold along the mold axis at a target coating speed to apply coating liquid to the substrate.

[0176] (3) Repeat the reciprocating movement of the brush along the mold axis to apply the coating liquid to obtain a coating film.

[0177] (4) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form a surface layer.

[0178] [Characteristics of each layer of components used in electrophotography]

[0179] (Energy storage modulus)

[0180] In the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment, the energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is preferably greater than that of the surface layer. Therefore, the surface properties of the surface layer are less susceptible to the influence of the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer.

[0181] Specifically, the range of energy storage modulus of each layer that makes the surface properties of the surface layer less susceptible to the influence of the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer is as follows.

[0182] The energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is preferably 1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less, and more preferably 3 GPa or more and 5 GPa or less.

[0183] The energy storage modulus of the surface layer is preferably 500 MPa or more and 5 GPa or less, more preferably 1 GPa or more and 3 GPa or less.

[0184] The energy storage modulus of each layer can be adjusted according to the selection of the type or grade of materials in each layer, as well as the amount of reinforcing filler or polysiloxane compound SQ added.

[0185] The method for determining the energy storage modulus of each layer is as follows.

[0186] Test pieces with a width of 4 mm and a length of 20 mm were cut from each layer. The test pieces were then placed on a dynamic viscoelasticity testing machine (RHEOVIBRON, manufactured by ORIENTEC CORPORATION). The storage modulus was then measured under the conditions of 30°C, 10 Hz, and 10 μm amplitude.

[0187] (thermal conductivity)

[0188] The thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer is preferably 0.3 W / m·K or more, and more preferably 0.5 W / m·K or more.

[0189] Electrophotographic components sometimes experience temperature increases due to heat generated during the fixing process. In particular, the temperature increase is more pronounced when electrophotographic components are used in fixing components.

[0190] Here, the temperature is less likely to rise excessively in the central part of the electrophotographic component, which is in direct or indirect contact with the recording medium. On the other hand, the temperature is more likely to rise excessively at the ends of the electrophotographic component, which are not in direct or indirect contact with the recording medium. This is because heat is transferred from the electrophotographic component to the recording medium.

[0191] Furthermore, the foamed elastic layer has the properties of heat storage and is not easily transferred due to its foaming process.

[0192] Therefore, the thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer is set within the aforementioned range. This facilitates the transfer of heat from the foamed elastic layer to the intermediate layer. Consequently, it is possible to suppress end-temperature rise in the electrophotographic component.

[0193] In addition, the end of an electrophotographic component refers to the end in the width direction of the component.

[0194] From the viewpoint of suppressing end-temperature rise of components for electrophotography, the thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer is preferably greater than that in the thickness direction of the foamed elastic layer.

[0195] The thermal conductivity λ of the intermediate layer can be adjusted according to the selection of the type or grade of materials for each layer, as well as the amount of reinforcing filler or polysiloxane compound SQ added.

[0196] The method for determining the thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer and the foamed elastic layer is as follows.

[0197] Flat test pieces were cut from each layer. The test pieces were then placed on the probe of an ai-Phase Mobile thermal conductivity measuring device (manufactured by ai-Phase Co., Ltd.). A 50 gf ingot was then placed, and the thermal diffusivity was measured at 1.41 V, with the 3 Hz–100 Hz frequency band divided into 10 segments, for a measurement time of 2 seconds. The thermal conductivity was then calculated based on the specific heat, density, and thermal diffusivity of the test pieces.

[0198] (Applications of components used in electrophotography)

[0199] Examples of electronic photographic components involved in this embodiment include transfer components, fixing components, and recording media transmission components.

[0200] Transfer components can include intermediate transfer components, primary transfer components, and secondary transfer components.

[0201] Examples of fixing components include heating components and pressurizing components. Furthermore, the heating component can be either a heating band that heats by electromagnetic induction or a heating component that heats from an external heat source. However, when applying a heating component that heats by electromagnetic induction to the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment, it is preferable, for example, to provide a metal layer (heating layer) that heats up through electromagnetic induction.

[0202] <Fixing Device>

[0203] The fixing apparatus 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.

[0204] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is composed of the electrophotographic component described in this embodiment.

[0205] The fixing apparatus according to this embodiment can include known fixing apparatuses that have a heating roller or heating belt as a first rotating body and a pressure roller or pressure belt as a second rotating body. The fixing apparatus according to this embodiment can also include known fixing apparatuses using electromagnetic induction heating methods, etc.

[0206] Furthermore, in the fixing apparatus of this embodiment, the fixing component described above can also be applied to any one of the heating roller, heating belt, pressure roller, and pressure belt.

[0207] Hereinafter, as an example of a fixing device according to an embodiment, reference will be made. Figure 1 A fixing device using electromagnetic induction heating will be described.

[0208] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 60 includes a heating belt 61 (an example of the first rotating body) with a metal heating layer, a pressure roller 62 (an example of the second rotating body), an electromagnetic induction heating device 63 (an example of the heating device), a latching mechanism 64, and a temperature sensor 68.

[0209] Furthermore, the electrophotographic component described in this embodiment is applied to the pressure roller 62.

[0210] Inside the heating band 61 are a sliding plate 65, a pressing pad 66, and a support component 67.

[0211] A sliding plate 65 is disposed between the pressing pad 66 and the heating band 61. The sliding plate 65 reduces the sliding resistance between the heating band 61 and the pressing pad 66.

[0212] The pressing pad 66 is configured such that when it moves to the pressing position where the heating belt 61 is pressurized, it presses against the pressure roller 62 side via the heating belt 61.

[0213] The support component 67 is configured to support the pressing pad 66.

[0214] The electromagnetic induction heating device is a device that heats the metal heating layer of the heating band 61 through electromagnetic induction.

[0215] The electromagnetic induction heating device 63 is equipped with multiple excitation coils 63A that generate a magnetic field by being powered by a fixing power supply.

[0216] The electromagnetic induction heating device 63 alters the magnetic field generated from the excitation coil 63A via an excitation circuit. This generates eddy currents in the metal heating layer of the heating band 61. These eddy currents are converted into Joule heat through the resistance of the metal heating layer, thus heating the metal heating layer. Consequently, the heating band 61 is heated.

[0217] The latching mechanism 64 is a mechanism that enables the pressure roller 62 to move between the separated position and the pressure roller 62.

[0218] When the pressure roller 62 is in the separated position, the drive object of the drive device (motor, etc., not shown) is switched to the heating belt 61. Moreover, the heating belt 61 is driven to rotate by the drive device.

[0219] On the other hand, when the pressure roller 62 moves to the pressure position via the latching mechanism 64, the drive object of the drive device (motor, etc., not shown) switches to the pressure roller 62, and the pressure roller 62 is driven to rotate by the drive device. At this time, as the pressure roller 62 rotates, the heating belt 61 is also driven to rotate.

[0220] Temperature sensor 68 is disposed around heating belt 61. Temperature sensor 68 measures the surface temperature of heating belt.

[0221] In the fixing device 60, for example, before fixing begins, while the heating belt 61, which is separated from the pressure roller 62, is being rotated, the electromagnetic induction heating device 63 performs an action to heat the metal heating layer of the heating belt 61, and then the action to bring the heating belt 61 into contact with the pressure roller 62 is performed to start fixing.

[0222] Specifically, for example, in the fixing device 60, when image formation begins, before fixing begins, the heating belt 61 is rotated with the pressure roller 62 in the separated position. Here, the rotational speed of the heating belt 61 is set to be lower than the rotational speed during fixing.

[0223] Next, a magnetic field is generated from the excitation coil 63A of the electromagnetic induction heating device 63, causing the metal heating layer of the heating band 61 to heat up. This heats the heating band 61.

[0224] Next, the pressure roller 62 moves to the pressure position via the latching mechanism 64, and applies pressure to the pressing pad 66 via the heating belt 61 and the sliding plate 65.

[0225] Then, with the heating belt 61 and pressure roller 62 under pressure, the paper P (an example of a recording medium) with the toner image transferred is conveyed to the contact area between the heating belt 61 and pressure roller 62. Thus, the toner image is fixed onto the paper P.

[0226] After the fixing action is completed, the pressure roller 62 moves to the separation position via the latching mechanism 64.

[0227] <Image forming apparatus>

[0228] Next, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

[0229] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes:

[0230] An image holder; a charging device that charges the surface of the image holder; an electrostatic latent image forming apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holder; a developing apparatus that contains a developer containing a toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using the developer to form a toner image; a transfer apparatus that transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium; and a fixing apparatus that fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0231] Furthermore, the fixing device described in this embodiment is applicable as the fixing device.

[0232] In this embodiment, the fixing devices can be cascaded and detached from the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can be configured to include the fixing devices of this embodiment as processing cassettes.

[0233] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0234] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0235] like Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 involved in this embodiment is, for example, an image forming apparatus of the intermediate transfer method, which is generally referred to as a series type.

[0236] The image forming apparatus 100 includes multiple image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, an intermediate transfer belt 15, a primary transfer unit 10, a secondary transfer unit 20, and a fixing device 60. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (or unit).

[0237] Here, image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are image forming units that form tonal images of each color component by electrophotography.

[0238] The primary transfer unit 10 is a transfer unit that sequentially transfers (one-time transfer) the color component toner images formed by each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K to the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0239] The secondary transfer section 20 is a transfer section that transfers the overlapping toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 to the recording medium, i.e., the paper K.

[0240] The fixing device 60 is a device for fixing the image transferred in the second step onto the paper K.

[0241] 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 as an example of an image holder that holds the tonal image formed on the surface.

[0242] An example of a charging device is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to charge the photoreceptor 11. An example of an electrostatic latent image forming apparatus is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to write an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 (in the figure, the symbol Bm represents the exposure beam).

[0243] Around the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a developing apparatus, a developing unit 14 is provided that contains toners for each color component and uses the toners to make the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 visible.

[0244] A primary transfer roller 16 is provided around the photoreceptor 11. The primary transfer roller 16 transfers the color component toner images formed on the photoreceptor 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 through the primary transfer section 10.

[0245] A photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove residual toner on the photoreceptor 11.

[0246] Around the photoreceptor 11, along the direction of rotation of the photoreceptor 11, an electrophotographic device consisting of a cable 12, a laser exposure unit 13, a developer 14, a primary transfer roller 16, and a photoreceptor cleaner 17 is arranged in sequence.

[0247] These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a roughly linear pattern from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0248] Intermediate transfer belt 15 passes through various rollers along Figure 2 The direction of arrow B shown is driven cyclically (rotated) at a speed consistent with the objective.

[0249] The rollers include a drive roller 31, a support roller 32, a tension application roller 33, a back roller 25, and a cleaning back roller 34.

[0250] The drive roller 31 is a roller that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15 by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant speed performance.

[0251] The support roller 32 is a roller that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15, which extends in a generally straight line along the arrangement direction of each photosensitive element 11.

[0252] The tension application roller 33 is a roller provided in the secondary transfer section 20 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a correction roller to prevent the intermediate transfer belt 15 from snaking.

[0253] The cleaning back roller 34 is a roller provided in the cleaning section that scrapes off residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0254] The primary transfer section 10 is composed of a primary transfer roller 16 that is arranged opposite to the photosensitive body 11 across an intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] Furthermore, the secondary transfer roller 22 is pressed onto the back roller 25 across the intermediate transfer belt 15. Consequently, the secondary transfer roller 22 is grounded and a secondary transfer bias is formed between it and the back roller 25, so that the toner image is transferred onto the paper K conveyed to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0258] Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in a manner that allows it to freely contact / separate from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0259] The intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is a cleaner that removes residual toner or paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0260] 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.

[0261] On the other hand, a reference sensor (original position sensor) 42 is provided on the upstream side of the yellow image forming unit 1Y.

[0262] The reference sensor 42 is a sensor that generates a reference signal to serve as a reference for obtaining the image formation timing in each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K.

[0263] The reference sensor 42 identifies the mark set on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. Each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is configured to start image forming based on the instruction from the control unit 40 based on the identification of the reference signal.

[0264] An image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is provided on the downstream side of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0265] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper receiving section 50, a paper feeding roller 51, a conveyor roller 52, a conveyor guide 53, a conveyor belt 55, and a fixing inlet guide 56.

[0266] The paper receiving section 50 is a receiving section that holds the paper K as a conveying device for conveying the paper K.

[0267] The paper feed roller 51 is a roller that takes out and conveys the paper K stored in the paper container 50 at a preset time.

[0268] The conveyor roller 52 is a roller that conveys the paper K drawn out by the paper feed roller 51.

[0269] The conveying guide 53 is a guide that feeds the paper K conveyed by the conveying roller 52 into the secondary transfer section 20.

[0270] Conveyor belt 55 is used to transport the paper K, which has been transferred twice by the secondary transfer roller 22, to the fixing device 60.

[0271] The fixing inlet guide 56 is a guide that guides the paper K to the fixing device 60.

[0272] Next, the basic imaging process of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0273] In the image forming apparatus 100 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 image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are used to perform imaging operations.

[0274] 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 then converted into grayscale data of four colors: Y, M, C, and K, and output to the laser exposure unit 13.

[0275] 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 the photoreceptors 11 of each 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 Y, M, C, and K colors.

[0276] 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) of opposite polarity to the 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.

[0277] 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 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section 20, the feed roller 51 rotates in the conveying device at the same timing as the toner image's arrival 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 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.

[0278] In the secondary transfer section 20, the secondary transfer roller 22 is pressed onto 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 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. Furthermore, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred onto the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20, which is pressed by the secondary transfer roller 22 and the back roller 25.

[0279] Then, the paper K with the electrostatically transferred toner image is directly conveyed in a state where it is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roller 22. The paper K is 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 in the fixing device 60. 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 heat and pressure. Then, the paper K with the fixed image is conveyed to the paper discharge receiving section (not shown) provided in the discharge section of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0280] 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. The residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the cleaning back roller 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35.

[0281] The above describes this embodiment, but it is not intended to be limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications, alterations, and improvements are possible.

[0282] Example

[0283] The present embodiment will be further described in 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".

[0284] <Example 1>

[0285] First, prepared 20mm aluminum substrate.

[0286] Next, a foamed elastic layer is formed on the outer periphery of the aluminum substrate as follows.

[0287] To 100 parts of silicone rubber (RBB-6650-50, manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd.), 3 parts of crosslinking agent (C-25B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), 0.25 parts of catalyst (C-25A, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), 8 parts of chemical foaming agent (KE-P-26, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), and 0.5 parts of colorant (KE-COLOR, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) were added, and the resulting mixture was kneaded using rollers. The mixture was then compressed and molded on an aluminum substrate and ground to form a 5 mm thick foamed elastic layer.

[0288] Next, an intermediate layer is formed on the outer periphery of the foamed elastic layer as follows.

[0289] After applying a primer (PRIMER-No.31-A / B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) to the foamed elastic layer, a 20μm thick carbon fiber combined with a PEEK resin tube (thermal conductivity 0.5W / m·K, storage modulus 5GPa) is wrapped around it, thus forming the intermediate layer.

[0290] Next, a surface layer is formed on the outer periphery of the intermediate layer as follows.

[0291] SQ1: TOAGOSEI CO., LTD. "OX-SQ-SI20" (with formula: [R]) is coated to a thickness of 50 μm using a blade coating method. 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represented (where R is the unit of interest) 1 =Methyl and oxetane(butyl) and formula: (R) 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ) n The D-unit represented (where R is the unit of measurement) 2 and R 3 A polysiloxane compound (=methyl) is cured by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to form a surface layer.

[0292] Through the above operations, components for electronic photography were obtained.

[0293] <Example 2>

[0294] SQ3: Use KONISHI CHEMICAL IND CO., LTD. "SR-23" (only has the formula: [R 1 SiO3 / 2 ] m The T-element represented (where R is the unit of interest) 1 The electrophotographic component was obtained by heating at 200°C for 4 hours instead of irradiating with ultraviolet (UV) light, using a polysiloxane compound (phenyl) instead of ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0295] <Example 3>

[0296] Except for the absence of an intermediate layer, the electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0297] <Example 4>

[0298] As an intermediate layer, a silicone rubber layer with a storage modulus of 3 MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m·K was formed. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0299] <Example 5>

[0300] As an intermediate layer, a PEI resin layer with a storage modulus of 1 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m·K was formed. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0301] <Example 6>

[0302] As the intermediate layer, carbon fiber with a storage modulus of 10 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.8 W / m·K was used in combination with PEEK resin tube. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0303] <Example 7>

[0304] As the intermediate layer, carbon fiber with a storage modulus of 12.5 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.9 W / m·K was used in combination with PEEK resin tube. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0305] <Example 8>

[0306] As the intermediate layer, a PEEK resin tube with a storage modulus of 3 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m·K is used. As the surface layer, SQ4: Grant Industries, Inc. "Gransil PSQ", which has only the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represented (where R is the unit of interest) 1=methyl) polysiloxane compound particles are made into a 30% volume fraction and heated at 200°C for 4 hours to obtain a film (storage modulus 0.5 GPa), thereby obtaining a component for electrophotography.

[0307] <Example 9>

[0308] As a surface layer, a film (storage modulus 5 GPa) was obtained by dispersing SQ4 in PEEK resin to a concentration of 30% by volume and then heating it to 400°C and injection molding it. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 8.

[0309] <Comparative Example 1>

[0310] As the surface layer, a silicone rubber layer (storage modulus 3 MPa) was used. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 3.

[0311] <Characteristic Evaluation>

[0312] The following characteristics of the electrophotographic components in each example were measured using the methods described above.

[0313] • Energy storage modulus of each layer

[0314] Thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer

[0315] <Real-world evaluation>

[0316] As a pressure roller of the fixing device, the electrophotographic components of each example are mounted on the image forming apparatus for evaluation (manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. "ApeosC5571").

[0317] Then, the following evaluation was performed using an image forming apparatus.

[0318] (Coloring agent staining: Evaluation of its non-stick properties)

[0319] After printing a solid black image on both sides of plain paper (C2 paper, manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation), the amount of toner contamination on the back of the white paper (toner contamination on the back of the paper caused by toner adhering to the pressure components) was evaluated by passing it through white paper.

[0320] The evaluation criteria are as follows. Additionally, the amount of toner residue on the back of the white paper is determined visually.

[0321] If the staining cannot be visually identified without magnification, it is determined that the staining of the colorant is within the acceptable range.

[0322] A: No colorant residue was produced.

[0323] B: Toner stains within permissible limits

[0324] C: Toner stains outside the permissible range

[0325] (Image non-uniformity: Evaluation of image non-uniformity caused by pressure non-uniformity due to the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer)

[0326] A solid black image was printed on both sides of plain paper (C2 paper, manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation), and image uniformity was evaluated.

[0327] The evaluation criteria are as follows. Additionally, image non-uniformity is evaluated visually, and if its degree is comparable to the concentration non-uniformity that also occurs in the current product and is not caused by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer, then image non-uniformity is set within the acceptable range.

[0328] A: No image unevenness was generated.

[0329] B: Produces image non-uniformity within permissible limits.

[0330] C: Produces image inhomogeneity outside the permissible range

[0331] (Uneven gloss at the tip: indicates an evaluation of tip temperature suppression)

[0332] With the paper feed direction set to portrait, 50 solid black images were printed consecutively on A4 paper, followed by solid black images on A3 paper. The gloss unevenness at the ends and center of the paper was evaluated.

[0333] The evaluation criteria are as follows. Additionally, the gloss of the paper's ends and center was measured using a MICROGLOSS gloss meter at 60°. If the gloss difference between the ends and center of the paper was within 2°, the gloss unevenness was considered to be within the acceptable range.

[0334] A: Uneven gloss production

[0335] B: Uneven gloss within acceptable limits

[0336] C: Uneven gloss outside the permissible range

[0337] <Materials Used>

[0338] The details of the materials used in each example are as follows.

[0339] ·SQ1: TOAGOSEI CO., LTD. "OX-SQ-SI20", with the formula: [R 1 SiO3 / 2 ] m The T-element represented (where R is the unit of interest) 1 =Methyl and oxetane(butyl) and formula: (R) 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ) n The D-unit represented (where R is the unit of measurement) 2 and R 3 =methyl) polysiloxane compounds

[0340] ·SQ2: KONISHI CHEMICAL IND CO., LTD. “SR-13H”, only has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represented (where R is the unit of interest) 1 =methyl) polysiloxane compounds

[0341] •SQ3: Konishi Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd. "SR-23", which only has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-element represented (where R is the unit of interest) 1 =phenyl) polysiloxane compounds

[0342] •SQ4: Grant Industries, Inc. "Gransil PSQ", only has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit represented (in the formula, R) 1 =methyl) polysiloxane compound particles with a volume average particle size of 4-6 μm.

[0343] [Table 1]

[0344]

[0345] As can be seen from the above results, the electronic photographic component of this embodiment is an electronic photographic component that does not use fluorine materials and has anti-stick properties compared with the electronic photographic component of the comparative example.

[0346] <Examples 101-105>

[0347] A coating film with the same composition as in Example 1 was formed by applying a coating liquid according to the coating method in Table 2. The coating film was then dried and cured, thereby forming a surface layer. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as the example of the composition of the coating liquid suitable for forming the surface layer.

[0348] (Feature evaluation / Real-world evaluation >)

[0349] The evaluation results of the characteristic evaluation / actual machine evaluation of the electrophotographic components in each example were the same as those of Example 1.

[0350] (Surface coating defects)

[0351] The following evaluation was performed on the coating defects of the surface layer of the electrophotographic components in each example.

[0352] -Spiral Mark-

[0353] The surface of the surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0354] A: The spiral stripes are not visible.

[0355] B: Spiral stripes are slightly visible.

[0356] -Drooping-

[0357] The surface layer film thickness difference Δ was measured from both ends to a position 40 mm axially inward and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0358] A: The film thickness difference Δ is greater than 0 μm and less than 5 μm.

[0359] B: The film thickness difference Δ is greater than 5μm and less than 10μm.

[0360] -Surface unevenness-

[0361] The surface of the surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0362] A: You can't see any bumps or unevenness on the pear skin at all.

[0363] B: The slight unevenness on the pear skin is visible.

[0364] -Coating stripes-

[0365] The surface of the surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0366] A: The coating streaks are completely invisible.

[0367] B: Coating streaks are slightly visible.

[0368] [Table 2]

[0369]

[0370] As can be seen from the above results, if the coating liquid of the surface layer composition of this embodiment is used to form the surface layer by means of scraping, dipping, spraying, ring coating or brushing, a surface layer with reduced coating defects can be formed.

[0371] This implementation includes the following methods.

[0372] (1) An electrophotographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer, wherein,

[0373] The surface layer contains a substance having the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit polysiloxane compound represented by the formula, wherein, 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.

[0374] (2) The electrophotographic component according to (1), wherein,

[0375] A group containing at least one of the alkyl and the aryl groups is a group containing an alkyl group.

[0376] (3) The electrophotographic component according to (1) or (2) has an intermediate layer disposed between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer.

[0377] (4) The electrophotographic component according to (3), wherein,

[0378] The energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than that of the surface layer.

[0379] (5) The electrophotographic component according to (4), wherein,

[0380] The energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is above 1 GPa and below 10 GPa.

[0381] The energy storage modulus of the surface layer is above 500 MPa and below 3 GPa.

[0382] (6) The electrophotographic component according to (4) or (5), wherein,

[0383] The thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer is above 0.3 W / m·K.

[0384] (7) A fixing device comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body,

[0385] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is composed of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of (1) to (6).

[0386] (8) An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0387] Like a retainer;

[0388] A charging device that charges the surface of the image holder;

[0389] An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder;

[0390] A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using the developer to form a toner image;

[0391] The transfer apparatus transfers the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium; and

[0392] (7) The fixing device fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0393] (9) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, which is the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0394] The surface layer is formed by a scraping method.

[0395] (10) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component is any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0396] The surface layer is formed by dip coating.

[0397] (11) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component is any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0398] The surface layer is formed by spraying.

[0399] (12) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component is any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0400] The surface layer is formed by a ring coating method.

[0401] (13) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component is any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0402] The surface layer is formed by brushing.

[0403] The effects of the above methods are as follows.

[0404] According to the invention involved in (1), an electronic photographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer is provided, and an electronic photographic component having non-stick properties without using fluorine materials is provided.

[0405] According to the invention involved in (2), an electrophotographic component with superior anti-stick properties is provided compared to the case where the group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups is a group containing phenyl groups.

[0406] According to the invention involved in (3), an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the surface layer is directly disposed on the foamed elastic layer.

[0407] According to the invention involved in (4), an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is less than that of the surface layer.

[0408] According to the invention involved in (5), an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to cases where the energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer and the surface layer does not meet the above range.

[0409] According to the invention involved in (6), an electrophotographic component is provided that can suppress end temperature rise compared to the case where the thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer is less than 0.3 W / m·K.

[0410] According to the invention involved in (7) or (8), a fixing apparatus or image forming apparatus is provided for an electrophotographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed on the foamed elastic layer, and having non-stick properties without using fluorine materials.

[0411] According to the inventions involved in (9), (10), (11), (12) or (13), a method is provided for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component that does not use fluorine materials, has anti-stick properties, and reduces coating defects based on a scraping method, dip coating method, spraying method, ring coating method or brush coating method.

[0412] 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. An electrophotographic component comprising a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer disposed thereon, wherein, The surface layer contains a substance having the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit polysiloxane compound represented by the formula, wherein, 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 electrophotographic component according to claim 1, wherein, A group containing at least one of the alkyl and the aryl groups is a group containing an alkyl group.

3. The electrophotographic component according to claim 1 or 2, having an intermediate layer disposed between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer.

4. The electrophotographic component according to claim 3, wherein, The energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than that of the surface layer.

5. The electrophotographic component according to claim 4, wherein, The energy storage modulus of the intermediate layer is above 1 GPa and below 10 GPa. The energy storage modulus of the surface layer is above 500 MPa and below 3 GPa.

6. The electrophotographic component according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The thermal conductivity λ in the thickness direction of the intermediate layer is above 0.3 W / m·K.

7. A fixing device comprising a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, wherein, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is constituted by an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising: Like a retainer; A charging device that charges the surface of the image holder; An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder; A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder using the developer to form a toner image; The transfer device transfers the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium; and The fixing apparatus of claim 7 fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium.

9. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The surface layer is formed by a scraping method.

10. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The surface layer is formed by dip coating.

11. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The surface layer is formed by spraying.

12. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The surface layer is formed by a ring coating method.

13. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The surface layer is formed by brushing.

Images