Fixing member, fixing device, image forming apparatus, and method for forming an anti-sticking layer of a fixing member

Abstract

A fixing member, a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a method for forming a release layer of a fixing member, the fixing member having: a base material; and a release layer provided on the base material and containing a compound having a formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The polysiloxane compound and the inorganic particles each having an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm or more and 15 μm or less, wherein, in the formula, 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 a fixing component, a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a method for forming an anti-sticking layer on the fixing 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 fixing assembly for electrophotography, wherein a surface layer at least disposed on the outer peripheral surface contains a fluororesin composed of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA) with inorganic filler particles."

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses "a rotating body for a fixing device, comprising: a substrate; and a surface layer disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the substrate, and containing tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer and inorganic particles whose shape factor SF1 and shape factor SF2 satisfy specific conditions."

[0005] Patent document 3 discloses "a pressure component comprising: a substrate; and an outermost layer containing carbon nanotubes and an elastic material dispersed in a fluororesin material, wherein the elastic material is at least partially cross-linked."

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-086202

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-008109

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-173739 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a method for [R] having the following formula: 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m In the fixing component of the polysiloxane compound and inorganic particle anti-stick layer of the T unit, the fixing component with excellent anti-stick properties and wear resistance is compared with the case where the average particle size of the inorganic particles is less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm.

[0010] The means to solve the above problems include the following methods.

[0011] <1> A fixing component, comprising:

[0012] Substrate; and

[0013] An anti-stick layer, disposed on a substrate, and containing a layer having the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T unit represents polysiloxane compounds and inorganic particles with an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 15 μm or less, wherein, in the formula, R 1 The T unit represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R units in the T unit. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0014] <2> According to the fixing component described in <1>, wherein,

[0015] The average particle size of the inorganic particles is greater than 1 μm and less than 10 μm.

[0016] <3> According to the fixing component described in <1> or <2>, wherein,

[0017] The inorganic particles are at least one selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide, mica, and barium sulfate.

[0018] <4> According to the fixing component described in <3>, wherein,

[0019] The inorganic particles are molybdenum disulfide.

[0020] <5> The fixing component according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein,

[0021] The content of the inorganic particles relative to the anti-sticking layer is more than 0.9% by mass and less than 11% by mass.

[0022] <6> According to the fixing component described in <5>, wherein,

[0023] The content of the inorganic particles relative to the anti-sticking layer is more than 3% by mass and less than 7% by mass.

[0024] <7> The fixing component according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein,

[0025] The surface of the anti-stick layer has a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less relative to the recording medium.

[0026] <8> The fixing component according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein,

[0027] The Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer, measured from its surface side at 120°C, is greater than 1.0 HV and less than 4.0 HV.

[0028] <9> The fixing component according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein,

[0029] The elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer at 120°C, measured from the surface side, is 60% or more.

[0030] <10> The fixing component according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein,

[0031] The water contact angle of the surface of the anti-stick layer is greater than 90°.

[0032] <11> 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.

[0033] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a fixing component as described in any one of <1> to <10>.

[0034] <12> An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0035] Like a retainer;

[0036] A charging device that charges the surface of the image holder;

[0037] An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder;

[0038] 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;

[0039] The transfer apparatus transfers the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium; and

[0040] The fixing device described in <11> fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0041] <13> A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, which is the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component as described in any one of <1> to <10>, wherein,

[0042] The non-stick layer is formed by a scraping method.

[0043] <14> A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, which is the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component as described in any one of <1> to <10>, wherein,

[0044] The non-stick layer is formed by dip coating.

[0045] <15> A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, which is the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component as described in any one of <1> to <10>, wherein,

[0046] The non-stick layer is formed by spraying.

[0047] <16> A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, which is the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component as described in any one of <1> to <10>, wherein,

[0048] The anti-stick layer is formed by ring coating.

[0049] Invention Effects

[0050] According to the invention involved in <1>, a method is provided that includes the above formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m In the fixing component of the polysiloxane compound and inorganic particle anti-stick layer of the T unit, the fixing component with excellent anti-stick properties and wear resistance is compared with the case where the average particle size of the inorganic particles is less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm.

[0051] According to the invention described in <2>, a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and wear resistance is provided compared to cases where the average particle size of inorganic particles is less than 1 μm or greater than 10 μm.

[0052] According to the invention described in <3>, a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and wear resistance compared to the case where the inorganic particles are silicon dioxide particles is provided.

[0053] According to the invention described in <4>, a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and abrasion resistance compared to the case where the inorganic particles are mica or barium sulfate is provided.

[0054] According to the invention described in <5>, a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and abrasion resistance is provided compared to cases where the content of inorganic particles is less than 0.9% by mass or more than 11% by mass.

[0055] According to the invention described in <6>, a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and abrasion resistance is provided compared to cases where the content of inorganic particles is less than 3% by mass or more than 7% by mass.

[0056] According to the invention described in <7>, a fixing component is provided that exhibits superior anti-stick properties and wear resistance compared to cases where the coefficient of kinetic friction with the surface of the anti-stick layer is less than 0.2 or greater than 0.4.

[0057] According to the invention described in <8>, a fixing component is provided that exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance compared to cases where the Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer is less than 1.0 HV or greater than 4.0 HV.

[0058] According to the invention described in <9>, a fixing component is provided that has excellent anti-stick properties and wear resistance compared to the case where the elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer is less than 60%, and also has excellent followerness of the fixing component and image shift is suppressed.

[0059] According to the invention described in <10>, a fixing component is provided that exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance compared to a surface with a water contact angle of less than 90°.

[0060] According to the inventions involved in <11> or <12>, a fixing device or image forming apparatus is provided, wherein the fixing component is used in an image forming apparatus having the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the case where the fixing component with the polysiloxane compound and inorganic particle anti-stick layer of the T unit is used, the anti-stick properties and wear resistance are superior.

[0061] According to the invention involved in <13>, a method based on a scraping coating is provided, comprising the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component based on a blade coating method exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects.

[0062] According to the invention involved in <14>, a method based on a scraping coating is provided, comprising the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component based on dip coating exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects.

[0063] According to the invention involved in <15>, a method based on a scraping coating is provided, comprising the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] mCompared to the method of forming an anti-stick layer for a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method of forming an anti-stick layer for a fixing component based on spraying has superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects.

[0064] According to the invention involved in <16>, a method based on a scraping coating is provided, comprising the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component based on the ring coating method exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects. Attached Figure Description

[0065] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of the first embodiment of the fixing device according to this embodiment;

[0067] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of a second embodiment of the fixing device according to this embodiment;

[0068] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0069] Symbol Explanation

[0070] 60-Fixing device, 62-Pressure belt, 63-Belt travel guide plate, 64-Pressing pad, 64a-Front clamping component, 64b-Peeling clamping component, 65-Holding component, 66-Halogen lamp, 68-Sliding component, 69-Thermal element, 70-Peeling component, 71-Separation claw, 72-Holding component, 80-Fixing device, 82-Sliding component, 84-Heating belt, 86-Fixing belt assembly, 88-Pressure roller, 89A-Halogen heater, 89-Heated pressing roller, 90A-Halogen heater, 90-Support roller, 92A-Halogen heater, 92-Support roller, 94-Posture correction roller, 96-Supporting component, 98-Support roller, 100-Image forming device. Detailed Implementation

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] <Fixing Components>

[0077] The fixing device according to this embodiment has a substrate and an anti-sticking layer disposed on the substrate.

[0078] Furthermore, the anti-stick layer also contains the following formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T unit represents a polysiloxane compound (hereinafter also referred to as "polysiloxane compound SQ") and inorganic particles with an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 15 μm or less.

[0079] In the formula for element T, 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 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0080] In recent years, with the increasing awareness of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), materials that reduce environmental burden are being developed. One such technology utilizes polysiloxane compounds.

[0081] However, the anti-stick layer containing the polysiloxane compound SQ has good anti-stick properties. However, its abrasion resistance is low.

[0082] Therefore, in the fixing component according to this embodiment, the anti-adhesion layer contains inorganic particles with an average particle size within the aforementioned range, along with the polysiloxane compound SQ. This increases the hardness of the anti-adhesion layer while minimizing the reduction in its anti-adhesion properties caused by the presence of inorganic particles.

[0083] Therefore, the fixing component involved in this embodiment becomes a fixing component with excellent anti-sticking and wear resistance.

[0084] The following describes in detail the fixing component involved in this embodiment.

[0085] The fixing component according to this embodiment has a substrate and an anti-adhesion layer. A functional layer such as an elastic layer may be provided between the substrate and the anti-adhesion layer.

[0086] The fixing component involved in this embodiment can be either roller-shaped or strip-shaped.

[0087] [Substrate]

[0088] Examples of substrates include cylindrical substrates made of metals (aluminum, SUS, iron, copper, etc.), alloys, ceramics, and FRM (fiber-reinforced metal).

[0089] 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.

[0090] Examples of substrates include metal strips and heat-resistant resin strips.

[0091] Examples of metal strips include those made of nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0092] Examples of heat-resistant resin tapes include polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, and polybenzimidazole.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The thickness of the 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Alternatively, an adhesive can be applied to the surface of the substrate. That is, an adhesive can be used as needed, and the substrate (or the metal layer on the substrate) and the elastic layer or anti-stick layer can be laminated via the adhesive. Furthermore, the adhesive is not particularly limited, but examples include adhesive compounds having hydrogen-bonded silane groups (-SiH) with hydrogen atoms bonded to them.

[0098] [Anti-stick coating]

[0099] The anti-stick layer contains polysiloxane compound SQ and inorganic particles.

[0100] The anti-stick layer can be a polysiloxane compound SQ containing as a main component (e.g., a matrix material that serves as an adhesive), or it can be a polysiloxane compound SQ containing as an additive. It may contain an anti-stick layer and other additives.

[0101] Here, the anti-stick layer containing polysiloxane compound SQ as the main component (e.g., the matrix material that becomes the adhesive material) refers to the anti-stick layer with the largest amount of polysiloxane compound.

[0102] (Polysiloxane compound SQ)

[0103] 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.

[0104] Polysiloxane compound SQ can have the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-unit and formula represented: (R) 2 R 3 SiO2 / 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.

[0105] In addition, there are multiple R 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.

[0106] 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 groups, hydrocarbon with one or more carbon atoms substituted by heteroatoms (oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur), or groups composed of combinations thereof.

[0107] As a user of R 1 R 2 and R 3 The siloxy group represented is described in the following examples: monoalkylsiloxy, dialkylsiloxy, trialkylsiloxy, etc., with dialkylsiloxy and trialkylsiloxy being preferred, and trialkylsiloxy being more preferred.

[0108] As a user of R 1 R 2 and R 3 The hydrocarbon groups represented can be aliphatic hydrocarbon groups or aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Aliphatic hydrocarbon groups can also be substituted with halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, aryl groups, and other substituents.

[0112] 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.

[0113] Aromatic hydrocarbon groups can be replaced by substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, alkyl groups, and alkoxy groups.

[0114] R 1 R 2 and R 3 The organic groups represented can be reactive groups. Examples of reactive groups include vinyl, allyl, styrene, maleimide, epoxy, and (meth)acryloyl groups. That is, siloxane compounds can be cured products formed by the reaction of the above-mentioned reactive groups.

[0115] There are multiple Rs in T and D elements. 1 R 2 and R 3 They can be the same organic group or different organic groups.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] There are multiple Rs in unit D. 2 At least one R in 2 For example, it is preferred to have a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] As a group containing an aryl group, for example, the aryl group itself or an aralkyl group is preferred.

[0124] Examples of aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl groups.

[0125] 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.

[0126] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties, phenyl groups containing aryl groups are preferred.

[0127] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties, the proportion of groups containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups is preferably higher than that of polysiloxane compound SQ.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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).

[0131] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties, the content of polysiloxane compound SQ relative to the non-stick layer is preferably 10% by volume or more, more preferably 30% by volume or more, and even more preferably 50% by volume or more.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] The volume average particle size of particulate polysiloxane compound SQ was determined as follows.

[0135] Samples were collected from the anti-adhesive layer. The sample was designed with the cut surface along the thickness direction of the anti-adhesive layer as the observation plane.

[0136] 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.

[0137] In addition, polysiloxane compounds SQ can exemplify polymeric compounds called sesquioxanes (SQ) with various skeletal structures.

[0138] 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.

[0139] (Inorganic particles)

[0140] Inorganic particles are applicable to inorganic particles with an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 15 μm or less.

[0141] If the average particle size of inorganic particles is less than 0.5 μm, the wear resistance will decrease.

[0142] If the average particle size of inorganic particles exceeds 15 μm, the anti-sticking property will decrease.

[0143] From the viewpoint of improving non-stick properties and wear resistance, the average particle size of inorganic particles is preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0144] The method for determining the average particle size of inorganic particles is as follows.

[0145] Cut out 1mm diameter pieces from the fixing component2 Test pieces of varying area were embedded in epoxy resin. The embedded material was cross-sectionally processed using a slicing machine to form a blocky cross-section visible in the thickness direction of the anti-adhesive. The specimen with the blocky cross-section was imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM observation was performed at a magnification sufficient to observe the filler dispersed in the molded body. The obtained SEM images were input into an image processing and analysis device for image analysis. One hundred inorganic particles from the anti-adhesive layer were randomly selected, and their circular equivalent diameters (μm) were calculated and arithmetically averaged. This arithmetic mean was then set as the average particle size of the inorganic particles.

[0146] Inorganic particles can be categorized as particles of metals, acid metal salts, metal sulfides, metal oxides, inorganic nitrides, carbon materials, minerals, etc.

[0147] Examples of metals include aluminum, iron, copper, nickel, gold, silver, platinum, cobalt, zinc, lead, tin, titanium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, and alloys of two or more of them.

[0148] Examples of acid metal salts include barium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, aluminum borate, and potassium titanate.

[0149] Examples of metal sulfides include molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, and zinc sulfide.

[0150] Examples of metal oxides include silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, tin oxide, magnesium oxide, and iron oxide.

[0151] Examples of inorganic nitrides include boron nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, and titanium nitride.

[0152] Examples of carbon materials include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon fibers, graphite (natural graphite, artificial graphite, etc.), and fullerenes.

[0153] As minerals, examples include mica, talc, and montmorillonite (also known as hydropyrite, soapstone, magnesia, bedeite, and montmorillonite).

[0154] The inorganic particles are more preferably selected from at least one particle chosen from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide, mica, and barium sulfate, and even more preferably molybdenum disulfide particles. Using layered compound particles with pyrolytic properties, such as molybdenum disulfide particles, improves the lubricity of the anti-stick layer surface. As a result, wear resistance is easily improved.

[0155] The content of inorganic particles relative to the anti-sticking layer is preferably 0.9% by mass or more and 11% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or more and 7% by mass or less.

[0156] If the content of inorganic particles is 0.9% by mass or more, the wear resistance can be easily improved.

[0157] If the content of inorganic particles is below 11% by mass, the reduction in anti-sticking properties can be easily suppressed.

[0158] (Adhesive material)

[0159] The anti-stick layer may contain a bonding material for immobilizing polysiloxane compound SQ and inorganic particles.

[0160] As an adhesive material, heat-resistant non-stick materials can be cited as an example.

[0161] Examples of heat-resistant, non-stick materials include fluororubber, fluororesin, silicone resin, silicone rubber, polyimide resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, and polymethylpentene (PMP) resin.

[0162] Among them, silicone resin or silicone rubber are preferred as heat-resistant and non-stick materials.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] (Other additives)

[0167] Other additives can be incorporated into the non-stick layer. Examples of such additives include plasticizers (paraffins, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), and anti-aging agents (amines, etc.).

[0168] [Characteristics of the fixing component]

[0169] (Coefficient of kinetic friction)

[0170] In the fixing component according to this embodiment, the coefficient of dynamic friction of the surface of the anti-stick layer relative to the recording medium is preferably 0.20 or more and 0.40 or less, and more preferably 0.22 or more and 0.34 or less.

[0171] If the coefficient of dynamic friction is above 0.20, the wear resistance and roller followerness will be improved.

[0172] If the coefficient of kinetic friction is below 0.40, the reduction in wear resistance is suppressed. Furthermore, image shift is also suppressed.

[0173] The coefficient of kinetic friction can be adjusted, for example, according to the type and amount of inorganic particles.

[0174] The coefficient of kinetic friction is determined using the pin-on-disk method. Details are as follows.

[0175] Test pieces that maintain the layer structure from the substrate to the release layer are obtained from the fixing component of the test object.

[0176] Recording media were placed on the disc of the wear testing machine (RHESCA CO.,LTD. FPR-2100). The recording media used was 97 μm thick with a basis weight of 90 g / m², pre-dried at 100°C for 30 minutes. 2 Recording media.

[0177] The test piece is secured to the indenter on the pin side using polyimide tape. This brings the anti-stick surface of the test piece into contact with the recording medium.

[0178] A vertical resistance of 0.5 kg / cm was applied at the contact point between the test piece and the recording medium. 2 .

[0179] The recording medium is moved at a speed of 54.8 mm / s along the surface of the contact area between the test piece and the recording medium.

[0180] The dynamic friction force between the test piece and the recording medium is measured, and the coefficient of dynamic friction is determined.

[0181] The operation was performed on 16 sample pieces, and the obtained coefficients of kinetic friction were arithmetically averaged.

[0182] In addition, the temperature and humidity were measured at 120°C and 55% relative humidity.

[0183] (Vickers hardness)

[0184] The Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer at 120°C, measured from the surface side of the anti-stick layer, is preferably 1.0 HV or higher and 4.0 HV or lower, more preferably 1.2 HV or higher and 3.8 HV or lower, and even more preferably 1.5 HV or higher and 3.5 HV or lower.

[0185] If the Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer is above 1.0HV, the wear resistance is improved.

[0186] If the Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer is below 4.0 HV, the reduction in anti-stick properties is suppressed.

[0187] The Vickers hardness of the anti-sticking layer can be adjusted according to the type and amount of inorganic particles.

[0188] The method for determining Vickers hardness is as follows.

[0189] Test pieces were obtained from the fixing component of the test object, showing the structure of the layer from the substrate to the anti-adhesive layer.

[0190] Vickers hardness was determined from the surface of the anti-stick layer of the test piece using nanoindentation. Specifically, the nanoindentation hardness (H) was measured by pressing a Vickers indenter into the anti-stick layer to a depth of 1.2 mN to a depth of 1.5 μm and holding for 10 seconds. IT Vickers hardness (HV) is calculated using the following formula. C ).

[0191] Formula: HV C =0.9269×H IT

[0192] This operation was performed using 7 specimens, and the obtained Vickers hardness was arithmetically averaged.

[0193] The measurement conditions are as follows.

[0194] Temperature and humidity were measured at 120℃ and 55% relative humidity.

[0195] (elastic deformation rate)

[0196] The elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer at 120°C, measured from the surface side of the anti-stick layer, is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 65% ​​or more, and even more preferably 70% or more.

[0197] If the elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer is above 60%, the wear resistance will be improved.

[0198] However, from the viewpoint of maintaining pressure when forming the gap between the rolls and the opposing component, the elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer is preferably 95% or less, more preferably 90% or less.

[0199] The elastic deformation rate of the anti-sticking layer can be adjusted according to the type and amount of inorganic particles.

[0200] The method for determining the elastic deformation rate is as follows.

[0201] Test pieces were obtained from the fixing component of the test object, showing the structure of the layer from the substrate to the anti-adhesive layer.

[0202] The elastic deformation rate was determined from the surface side of the anti-adhesive layer of the test piece using the nanoindentation method with a nanoindenter.

[0203] Specifically, a sapphire needle is pressed into the anti-adhesive layer to a depth of 1.5 μm with a force of 1.2 mN. The displacement up to the load peak and the displacement return after the load is released are measured, and the ratio of these two values ​​is set as the elastic deformation rate.

[0204] This operation was performed on seven specimens, and the obtained elastic deformation rates were arithmetically averaged.

[0205] (Water contact angle)

[0206] The water contact angle of the surface of the anti-stick layer is preferably 90° or more, more preferably 95° or more, and even more preferably 100° or more.

[0207] If the water contact angle is greater than 90°, the anti-sticking property is improved.

[0208] The water contact angle can be adjusted, for example, according to the type and amount of polysiloxane compound SQ.

[0209] The method for measuring the water contact angle is as follows.

[0210] A sample with an anti-stick layer was obtained.

[0211] At 25°C and 50% humidity, 10 μl of pure water was dropped onto the surface of the anti-stick layer of the sample using a contact angle meter (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., model: CA-X-FACE). The droplet was photographed 3 seconds after the drop was added using an optical microscope. Then, the water contact angle θ was calculated from the obtained photograph using the θ / 2 method.

[0212] The operation was performed using 5 sample pieces, and the resulting water contact angles were arithmetically averaged.

[0213] (Method for forming the anti-stick layer)

[0214] Methods for forming an anti-stick coating include coating methods such as scraping, dipping, spraying, ring coating, and brushing.

[0215] The non-stick layer is formed by applying a coating liquid containing the above-mentioned components and, if necessary, a solvent onto a substrate (or, in the case of a functional layer such as an elastic layer on the substrate) using the above-described coating method, followed by drying or drying and curing. In the case of polysiloxane compounds having reactive groups, after drying, the reactive groups are reacted by heating or ultraviolet irradiation, and then cured to form the non-stick layer.

[0216] In the method of forming the anti-stick layer, the coating method is preferably a scraping method, dip coating method, spraying method or ring coating method.

[0217] In the blade coating method, spiral streaks (also known as "spiral marks") are produced due to the spreading of the coating liquid by the metal plate (i.e., the scraper). In the dip coating or ring coating method, axial film thickness differences are produced due to liquid dripping. In the spray coating method, pear-skin-like surface unevenness is produced due to uneven coating. Thus, coating defects in the anti-stick layer are easily generated.

[0218] However, if a coating liquid containing the above-mentioned components and, as needed, a solvent is used, and these coating methods are applied, an anti-stick layer with reduced coating defects can be formed.

[0219] When a scraping method is used, an anti-stick layer is formed, for example, as shown below.

[0220] (1) Fix the substrate (or substrate with functional layer) on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0221] (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.

[0222] (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.

[0223] (4) Dry or dry and cure the coating film of the applied coating liquid to form an anti-stick layer.

[0224] When the dip coating method is used, an anti-stick layer is formed, for example, as follows.

[0225] (1) Fix the substrate (or substrate with functional layer) on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0226] (2) Fill a bottomed cylindrical container with coating liquid and immerse the substrate fixed to the cylindrical mold in the coating liquid.

[0227] (3) Lift the impregnated substrate and apply a coating liquid to the substrate.

[0228] (4) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form an anti-stick layer.

[0229] When a spraying method is used, an anti-stick layer is formed, for example, as shown below.

[0230] (1) Fix the substrate (or substrate with functional layer) on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0231] (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.

[0232] (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.

[0233] (4) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form an anti-stick layer.

[0234] When the ring coating method is applied, an anti-stick layer is formed, for example, as follows.

[0235] (1) Fix the substrate (or substrate with functional layer) on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0236] (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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] (3) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form an anti-stick layer.

[0239] Alternatively, when a brush application method is used, an anti-stick layer can be formed, for example, as shown below.

[0240] (1) Fix the substrate (or substrate with functional layer) on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the substrate.

[0241] (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.

[0242] (3) Repeat the reciprocating movement of the brush along the mold axis to apply the coating liquid to obtain a coating film.

[0243] (4) Dry or dry and cure the coating liquid to form an anti-stick layer.

[0244] (Uses of the fixing component)

[0245] The fixing component described in this embodiment can also be applied to either the heating component or the pressurizing component. Furthermore, the heating component can be either a heating component that heats by electromagnetic induction or a heating component that heats from an external heat source.

[0246] However, when the fixing component involved in this embodiment is applied to a heating component that heats by electromagnetic induction, it is preferable to provide a metal layer (heating layer) that heats by electromagnetic induction.

[0247] If the fixing component described in this embodiment is applied to the heating component, the image forming surface contamination of the recording medium is suppressed due to its high anti-stick properties.

[0248] If the fixing member according to this embodiment is applied to the pressure member, backside contamination of the recording medium is suppressed due to its high anti-stick properties. Furthermore, followerliness is improved, and image shift is suppressed.

[0249] <Fixing Device>

[0250] The fixing device according to this embodiment includes:

[0251] A first rotating body and a second rotating body configured to contact the outer surface of the first rotating body.

[0252] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is composed of the fixing component described in this embodiment.

[0253] Hereinafter, regarding the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment, the fixing apparatus having a heating roller and a pressure belt will be described with reference to the first embodiment, and the fixing apparatus having a heating belt and a heating roller will be described with reference to the second embodiment.

[0254] Furthermore, the fixing device involved in this embodiment is not limited to the first to second embodiments, and may be a fixing device equipped with a heating roller and a pressure roller or a fixing device equipped with a heating belt and a pressure belt.

[0255] 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.

[0256] Furthermore, the fixing device described in this embodiment can also be applied to well-known fixing devices such as those using electromagnetic induction heating.

[0257] (First embodiment of the fixing device)

[0258] refer to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the first embodiment of the fixing device.

[0259] refer to Figure 1 An example of the fixing device involved in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the fixing device according to this embodiment.

[0260] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 60 is configured, for example, to include a rotating heating roller 61, a pressure belt 62, and a pressing pad 64 that presses the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62.

[0261] The heating roller 61 is an example of the first rotating body. The pressure belt 62 is an example of the second rotating body.

[0262] The pressing pad 64 is a pad that presses the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62, and is an example of a pressing component.

[0263] Alternatively, the pressing pad 64 can be pressed only if the pressure belt 62 and the heating roller 61 are pressed relative to each other. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 side can be pressed by the heating roller 61, or the heating roller 61 side can be pressed by the pressure belt 62.

[0264] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating device) is installed inside the heating roller 61. The heating device is not limited to a halogen lamp; other heating components can be used.

[0265] On the other hand, a thermistor 69 is disposed, for example, in contact with the surface of the heating roller 61. Based on the temperature measurement value of the thermistor 69, the halogen lamp 66 is controlled to be lit, and the surface temperature of the heating roller 61 is maintained at a target set temperature (e.g., 150°C).

[0266] The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported, for example, by a pressing pad 64 disposed inside and a belt travel guide plate 63. Moreover, it is configured such that the pressing pad 64 presses the heating roller 61 in the clamping area N (roller gap).

[0267] The pressing pad 64 is configured, for example, inside the pressure belt 62, in a state where it is pressurized by the heating roller 61 via the pressure belt 62, and a clamping area N is formed between it and the heating roller 61.

[0268] For example, the pressing pad 64 has a front clamping member 64a for ensuring the width of the clamping area N disposed on the inlet side of the clamping area N, and a peeling clamping member 64b for deforming the heating roller 61 disposed on the outlet side of the clamping area N.

[0269] A sheet-like sliding member 68 is provided on the surface of the front clamping member 64a and the peeling clamping member 64b that contacts the pressure band 62. The sliding member 68 reduces the sliding resistance between the inner circumferential surface of the pressure band 62 and the pressing pad 64. Furthermore, the pressing pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held by a metal retaining member 65.

[0270] Additionally, the sliding member 68 is configured, for example, to have its sliding surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62. The sliding member 68 participates in the retention and supply of oil present between itself and the pressure belt 62.

[0271] For example, a travel guide plate 63 is installed in the retaining component 65. The pressure belt 62 is guided by the travel guide plate 63 and becomes a rotating structure.

[0272] A lubricant supply device 67 is installed in the travel guide plate 63 to supply lubricant (oil) to the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62.

[0273] The heating roller 61 rotates, for example, in the direction of arrow S via a drive motor (not shown). Driven by the rotation of the heating roller 61, the pressure belt 62 rotates in the direction of arrow R, opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roller 61. That is, for example, the heating roller 61 rotates in the direction of arrow R. Figure 1 It rotates clockwise in the middle and counterclockwise relative to the pressure belt 62.

[0274] Furthermore, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) with an unfixed toner image is guided and conveyed to the clamping region N by, for example, the fixing inlet guide 56. As the paper K passes through the clamping region N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the clamping region N.

[0275] In the fixing device 60, for example, compared to a structure without a front clamping member 64a, a wide clamping area N is ensured by the front clamping member 64a, which mimics the concave shape of the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61.

[0276] Furthermore, in the fixing device 60, a peeling clamping member 64b is provided, for example, in a manner that protrudes relative to the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 61. By means of the peeling clamping member 64b, the strain of the heating roller 61 is locally increased in the exit region of the clamping region N.

[0277] If the peeling clamping member 64b is configured in this way, then, for example, when the fixed paper K passes through the peeling clamping area, the paper K is easily peeled off from the heating roller 61 because it passes through a locally larger deformed area.

[0278] As an auxiliary device for peeling, for example, a peeling member 70 is provided on the downstream side of the clamping area N of the heating roller 61. The peeling member 70 is held by the holding member 72, for example, in a state where the separating claw 71 is close to the heating roller 61 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roller 61.

[0279] (Second embodiment of the fixing device)

[0280] refer to Figure 2 The second embodiment of the fixing device will be described. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a second embodiment of the fixing device.

[0281] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing device 80 includes, for example, a fixing belt assembly 86 equipped with a heating belt 84 and a pressure roller 88 disposed on the heating belt 84 (i.e., the fixing belt assembly 86). Furthermore, a clamping region N (roll gap) is formed, for example, at the contact portion between the heating belt 84 (i.e., the fixing belt assembly 86) and the pressure roller 88. In the clamping region N, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) is pressurized and heated, and the toner image is fixed.

[0282] Heating belt 84 is an example of the first rotating body. Pressure roller 88 is an example of the second rotating body.

[0283] The fixing belt assembly 86 includes, for example, an annular heating belt 84, a heating press roller 89, and a support roller 90.

[0284] The heating and pressing roller 89 is a roller with a heating belt 84 wound around the side of the pressure roller 88, which is driven to rotate by the rotational force of a motor (not shown) and presses the heating belt 84 from its inner circumference towards the pressure roller 88.

[0285] The support roller 90 is a roller that supports the heating belt 84 from the inside at a position different from the heating pressing roller 89.

[0286] The fixing belt assembly 86 is provided with, for example, a support roller 92, a posture correction roller 94, and a support roller 98.

[0287] The support roller 92 is a roller that is positioned outside the heating belt 84 and has a defined path around it.

[0288] The posture correction roller 94 is a roller for correcting the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating pressing roller 89 to the support roller 90.

[0289] The support roller 98 is a roller that applies tension to the heating belt 84 from the inner circumferential surface on the downstream side of the clamping area N formed by the heating belt 84 and the pressure roller 88.

[0290] Furthermore, the fixing belt assembly 86 is configured, for example, to have a sheet-like sliding member 82 inserted between the heating belt 84 and the heating press roller 89.

[0291] The sliding member 82 is configured, for example, to have its sliding surface in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the heating band 84. The sliding member 82 participates in the retention and supply of oil present between itself and the heating band 84.

[0292] Here, the sliding member 82 is configured, for example, to be supported at both ends by the support member 96.

[0293] Inside the heated pressing roller 89, for example, a halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating device) is provided.

[0294] The support roller 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roller. A halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating device) is disposed inside the support roller 90. The halogen heater 90A heats the heating belt 84 from the inner circumferential side.

[0295] For example, spring components (not shown) are provided at both ends of the support roller 90 to press the heating band 84 outward.

[0296] The support roller 92 is, for example, a cylindrical roller. An anti-stick layer is formed on the surface of the support roller 92.

[0297] The anti-stick layer of the support roller 92 is formed, for example, to prevent colorant or paper dust from the outer periphery of the heating belt 84 from accumulating on the support roller 92.

[0298] Inside the support roller 92, for example, a halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating device) is provided. The halogen heater 92A heats the heating belt 84 from the outer peripheral side.

[0299] That is, for example, it becomes a structure in which the heating belt 84 is heated by heating the pressing roller 89, the support roller 90 and the support roller 92.

[0300] The posture correction roller 94 is, for example, a cylindrical roller. An end position measuring mechanism (not shown) for measuring the end position of the heating belt 84 is disposed near the posture correction roller 94.

[0301] For example, the posture correction roller 94 is equipped with an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) that displaces the contact position of the heating belt 84 in the axial direction based on the measurement results of the end position measuring mechanism. The posture correction roller 94 is configured to control the serpentine movement of the heating belt 84.

[0302] On the other hand, the pressure roller 88 is supported to be freely rotatable. The pressure roller 88 is pressed against the portion of the heating belt 84 wound around the heating pressure roller 89 by a force-applying device such as a spring (not shown).

[0303] The heating belt 84 (i.e., the heating press roller 89) of the fixing belt assembly 86 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow S. As a result, the pressure roller 88 is driven by the heating belt 84 (i.e., the heating press roller 89) and rotates and moves in the direction of arrow R.

[0304] Furthermore, the paper K with an unfixed toner image (not shown) is conveyed along the direction of arrow P and guided to the clamping area N of the fixing device 80. Then, as the paper K passes through the clamping area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the clamping area N.

[0305] Furthermore, in the fixing device 80, as an example of having multiple heating devices, a halogen heater (halogen lamp) was described. However, it is not limited to this; other heating elements besides halogen heaters, such as radiant lamp heating elements (heating elements that emit radiation (infrared rays, etc.)) and resistive heating elements (heating elements that generate Joule heat by allowing current to flow through a resistor: for example, heating elements formed by forming a resistive film on a ceramic substrate and then calcining them), can also be used.

[0306] <Image forming apparatus>

[0307] Next, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

[0308] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes:

[0309] 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.

[0310] Furthermore, the fixing device described in this embodiment is applicable as the fixing device.

[0311] 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.

[0312] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0313] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0314] like Figure 3 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 involved in this embodiment is, for example, an image forming apparatus of the intermediate transfer method commonly referred to as a series type.

[0315] 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).

[0316] Here, image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are image forming units that form tonal images of each color component by electrophotography.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] The fixing device 60 is a device for fixing the image transferred in the second step onto the paper K.

[0320] 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.

[0321] 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 onto the photoreceptor 11 (in the figure, the symbol Bm represents the exposure beam).

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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.

[0324] A photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove residual toner on the photoreceptor 11.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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).

[0327] Intermediate transfer belt 15 passes through various rollers along Figure 3 The direction of arrow B shown is driven cyclically (rotated) at a speed that meets the purpose.

[0328] 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.

[0329] The drive roller 31 is a roller that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15 by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant speed performance.

[0330] 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.

[0331] 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.

[0332] The cleaning back roller 34 is a roller provided in the cleaning section that scrapes off residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] 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.

[0337] 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.

[0338] 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.

[0339] 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.

[0340] On the other hand, a reference sensor (original position sensor) 42 is provided on the upstream side of the yellow image forming unit 1Y.

[0341] 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.

[0342] 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.

[0343] An image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is provided on the downstream side of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0344] 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.

[0345] The paper receiving section 50 is a receiving section that holds the paper K as a conveying device for conveying the paper K.

[0346] 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.

[0347] The conveyor roller 52 is a roller that conveys the paper K drawn out by the paper feed roller 51.

[0348] The conveying guide 53 is a guide that feeds the paper K conveyed by the conveying roller 52 into the secondary transfer section 20.

[0349] 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.

[0350] The fixing inlet guide 56 is a guide that guides the paper K to the fixing device 60.

[0351] Next, the basic imaging process of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0352] 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 is performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0353] In the image processing device, various image processing techniques are applied to the input image data, including shadow correction, position offset correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, border removal, color editing, and motion editing. The processed image data is converted into grayscale data of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and then output to the laser exposure unit 13.

[0354] 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 yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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 in sync with the timing of 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. The paper K pauses before reaching the secondary transfer section 20. An alignment roller (not shown) rotates in sync with the movement timing 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] The above describes the implementation method, but it is not intended to be limited to the above implementation method. Various modifications, alterations, and improvements are possible.

[0361] Example

[0362] 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".

[0363] <Example 1>

[0364] A ring-shaped polyimide resin (hereinafter referred to as "PI") substrate was prepared, which has a diameter of 30 mm, a width of 243 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm.

[0365] Next, a coating liquid with the following composition was applied to the PI substrate and irradiated with ultraviolet light to form a 30μm anti-stick layer.

[0366] The composition of the coating liquid is as follows.

[0367] • Adhesive material: Polysiloxane compound: TOAGOSEI CO., LTD. "OX-SQ-SI20", with the formula: [R 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 =methyl) polysiloxane compound: 90 parts

[0368] • Inorganic particles: Molybdenum disulfide particles (SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD. "Moly Powder PA", average particle size = 5 μm): 5 parts

[0369] • Conductive material: Carbon black (Denka Company Limited, "DENKA BLACK"): 5 parts

[0370] Through the above operations, a ring-shaped belt was obtained.

[0371] <Examples 2-16, Comparative Examples 1-5>

[0372] The following items were modified according to Table 1, and the annular belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. However, in the examples in Table 1 where SQ2 or SQ3 was used as the adhesive material, instead of irradiating with ultraviolet light, the material was heated at 120°C for 10 minutes and then further heated at 170°C for 10 minutes, thereby forming the non-stick layer.

[0373] • Types and amounts of adhesive materials (amount is relative to the content of the release liner)

[0374] • Types and amounts of inorganic particles (amount is relative to the content of the anti-sticking layer)

[0375] <Example 17>

[0376] A ring-shaped polyimide resin (hereinafter referred to as "PI") substrate was prepared, which has a diameter of 30 mm, a width of 243 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm.

[0377] A tube with a thickness of 20 μm was obtained by extrusion molding a mixture of 70 parts by weight of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin as a binder, 20 parts by weight of polysiloxane compounds of the types shown in Table 1, 5 parts by weight of inorganic particles, and 5 parts by weight of conductive material.

[0378] The obtained tube was coated onto a PI substrate and calcined at 200°C for 1 hour to form an anti-sticking layer.

[0379] <Characteristic Evaluation>

[0380] The following characteristics of the annular bands in each example were determined using the methods described above.

[0381] • The coefficient of dynamic friction of the anti-stick layer surface relative to the recording medium

[0382] • Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer at 120°C, measured from the surface side.

[0383] • Elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer at 120°C, measured from the surface side of the anti-stick layer.

[0384] • Water contact angle of the surface of the anti-stick layer

[0385] <Real-world evaluation>

[0386] As a pressure belt for the fixing device, the annular belt of each example is installed in the image forming apparatus for evaluation (FUJIFILM Business Innovation "Apeos C3530").

[0387] The following evaluation was conducted using an image forming apparatus.

[0388] (Evaluation of contamination on the back of the paper)

[0389] The image forming apparatus was evaluated by outputting 1000 solid black images on A4 paper. The back-side contamination of the paper was then evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0390] A+: The proportion of paper with contamination on the back side is confirmed to be less than 0.5%.

[0391] A: The confirmed percentage of paper with contamination on the back is between 0.5% and 1%.

[0392] B: The proportion of paper with contamination on the back side was confirmed to be between 1% and 5%.

[0393] C: The proportion of paper with contamination on the back side is confirmed to be over 5%.

[0394] (Roller follower evaluation)

[0395] In the image forming apparatus used for evaluation, the fixing unit was driven without paper feeding, allowing the pressure belt and heating roller to idle. The slip ratio was calculated using the following formula based on the rotational speeds of the pressure belt and heating roller at this time. Then, the evaluation was conducted according to the following criteria.

[0396] Slip ratio = (Heating roller speed - Pressure belt speed) / Heating roller speed × 100

[0397] A+: The slip ratio of the heating roller relative to the pressure belt is less than 5%.

[0398] A: The slippage rate of the heating roller relative to the pressure belt is greater than 5% and less than 10%.

[0399] B: The slippage rate of the heating roller relative to the pressure belt is 10% or more but less than 20%.

[0400] C: The slip ratio of the heating roller relative to the pressure belt is over 20%.

[0401] (Image offset evaluation)

[0402] The image forming apparatus was evaluated by outputting 1000 chart images on A4 paper. Then, image shift caused by poor paper delivery was evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0403] A+: Confirmed that the percentage of paper with image offset is less than 0.5%.

[0404] A: The percentage of paper with image offset is confirmed to be between 0.5% and 1%.

[0405] B: Confirm that the percentage of paper with image offset is between 1% and 5%.

[0406] C: Confirm that the paper's image offset is more than 5%.

[0407] (Abrasion resistance)

[0408] The image forming apparatus was evaluated by outputting 100,000 black mid-tone images on A4 paper, and the film thickness of the anti-sticking agent on the pressure belt was measured. The abrasion resistance of the pressure belt was then evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0409] A+: The wear of the anti-stick layer of the pressure belt is less than 10μm.

[0410] A: The wear of the anti-stick layer of the pressure belt is greater than 10μm and less than 15μm.

[0411] B: The wear of the anti-stick layer of the pressure belt is greater than 15μm and less than 20μm.

[0412] C: The wear of the anti-stick layer of the pressure belt is over 20μm.

[0413] <Materials Used>

[0414] The details of the materials used in each example are as follows.

[0415] ·SQ1: TOAGOSEI CO., LTD. "OX-SQ-SI20", with the formula: [R 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 =methyl) polysiloxane compounds

[0416] ·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

[0417] •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

[0418] •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.

[0419] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 1: (SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD. "Moly Powder PA", average particle size = 5 μm)

[0420] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 2: (Particles obtained by granulating SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD. "Moly Powder PB" through a filter, with an average particle size of approximately 15 μm)

[0421] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 3: (Particles obtained by granulating SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD. "Moly Powder PB" through a filter, with an average particle size of 11 μm)

[0422] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 4: (Particles obtained by granulating SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD. "Moly Powder PB" through a filter, with an average particle size of 10 μm)

[0423] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 5: (SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD. "Moly Powder PS", average particle size = approximately 1 μm)

[0424] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 6: (DAIZO CORPORATION "A Powder", average particle size = 0.8 μm)

[0425] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 7: (SUMICO LUBRICANT CO., LTD. "Moly Powder PB", average particle size = 17 μm)

[0426] • Molybdenum disulfide particles 8: (DAIZO CORPORATION "M-5 Powder", average particle size = 0.4μm)

[0427] • Mica particles: (YAMAGUCHI MICA CO., LTD. "A-11", average particle size = 4 μm)

[0428] • Barium sulfate particles: (CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD. "B-2", average particle size = 2μm)

[0429] • Silica particles: (NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD. "SEPOSTA KE-S150", average particle size = 2μm)

[0430] Silicone resin: (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. "KR-5235")

[0431] • Carbon black (conductive material): (Denka Company Limited, "DENKA BLACK")

[0432] [Table 1-1]

[0433]

[0434] [Table 1-2]

[0435]

[0436] As can be seen from the above results, compared with the comparative example, the paper back side contamination in this embodiment is suppressed and the wear resistance is excellent.

[0437] Therefore, it can be seen that the fixing component of this embodiment has excellent anti-sticking and wear resistance.

[0438] Furthermore, it can be seen that the fixing component of this embodiment has excellent followerness and image shift is also suppressed.

[0439] <Examples 101-125, Comparative Examples 101-105>

[0440] An anti-stick layer was formed by applying a coating film of the anti-stick coating liquid according to the method described in Table 2, followed by drying and curing. Alternatively, an annular band was obtained in the same manner as in the examples of combinations suitable for forming anti-stick coating liquids.

[0441] However, in Table 2, in the coating method column, as a condition for the blade coating method, the example with a coating speed of 50 mm / min is marked as "A", and the example with a coating speed of 200 mm / min is marked as "B".

[0442] (Feature evaluation / Real-world evaluation)

[0443] The characteristics / actual evaluation of each example of the annular strip were evaluated, and the results obtained were the same as those of the example using the composition of the coating liquid for forming the anti-stick layer.

[0444] (Coating defects of the anti-stick layer)

[0445] The following evaluation was conducted on the coating defects of the anti-stick layer of the annular strip in each example.

[0446] -Spiral Mark-

[0447] The surface of the release liner was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0448] A+: The spiral stripes are completely invisible.

[0449] A: The spiral stripes are faintly visible.

[0450] B: The spiral stripes are clearly visible in some areas.

[0451] C: The spiral stripes are clearly visible overall.

[0452] -Drooping-

[0453] The thickness difference Δ of the anti-adhesion film was measured from both ends to a position 40 mm axially inward, and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0454] A+: Film thickness difference Δ is greater than 0 μm and less than 5 μm.

[0455] A: The film thickness difference Δ exceeds 5μm but is less than 10μm.

[0456] B: The film thickness difference Δ exceeds 10 μm but is less than 15 μm.

[0457] C: The film thickness difference Δ exceeds 15μm.

[0458] -Surface unevenness-

[0459] The surface of the release liner was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0460] A+: The unevenness on the pear skin is completely invisible.

[0461] A: The unevenness on the pear skin is faintly visible.

[0462] B: The unevenness on the pear skin is clearly visible.

[0463] C: The unevenness on the pear skin is clearly visible.

[0464] -Coating stripes-

[0465] The surface of the release liner was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0466] A+: No coating streaks are visible at all.

[0467] A: The coating stripes are faintly visible.

[0468] B: The coating stripes are clearly visible in some areas.

[0469] C: The coating stripes are clearly visible overall.

[0470] [Table 2]

[0471]

[0472] As can be seen from the above results, if the coating liquid containing the composition of the anti-stick layer of this embodiment is used to form the anti-stick layer by scraping, dipping, spraying or ring coating, an anti-stick layer with reduced coating defects can be formed compared with the comparative example or the case where the brush coating method is applied.

[0473] This implementation includes the following methods.

[0474] (1) A fixing component, comprising:

[0475] Substrate; and

[0476] An anti-stick layer, disposed on a substrate, and containing a layer having the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T unit represents polysiloxane compounds and inorganic particles with an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 15 μm or less, wherein, in the formula, R 1 The T unit represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R units in the T unit. 1 At least one R in 1 It is a group containing at least one of alkyl and aryl groups.

[0477] (2) The fixing component according to (1), wherein,

[0478] The average particle size of the inorganic particles is greater than 1 μm and less than 10 μm.

[0479] (3) The fixing component according to (1) or (2), wherein,

[0480] The inorganic particles are at least one selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide, mica, and barium sulfate.

[0481] (4) The fixing component according to (3), wherein,

[0482] The inorganic particles are molybdenum disulfide.

[0483] (5) The fixing component according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0484] The content of the inorganic particles relative to the anti-sticking layer is more than 0.9% by mass and less than 11% by mass.

[0485] (6) The fixing component according to (5), wherein,

[0486] The content of the inorganic particles relative to the anti-sticking layer is more than 3% by mass and less than 7% by mass.

[0487] (7) The fixing component according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0488] The surface of the anti-stick layer has a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less relative to the recording medium.

[0489] (8) The fixing component according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0490] The Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer, measured from its surface side at 120°C, is greater than 1.0 HV and less than 4.0 HV.

[0491] (9) The fixing component according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein,

[0492] The elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer at 120°C, measured from the surface side, is 60% or more.

[0493] (10) The fixing component according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein,

[0494] The water contact angle of the surface of the anti-stick layer is greater than 90°.

[0495] (11) 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,

[0496] At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a fixing component as described in any one of (1) to (10).

[0497] (12) An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0498] Like a retainer;

[0499] A charging device that charges the surface of the image holder;

[0500] An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder;

[0501] 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;

[0502] The transfer apparatus transfers the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium; and

[0503] (11) The fixing device fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0504] (13) A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component is any one of (1) to (10), wherein,

[0505] The non-stick layer is formed by a scraping method.

[0506] (14) A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component is any one of (1) to (10), wherein,

[0507] The non-stick layer is formed by dip coating.

[0508] (15) A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component is any one of (1) to (10), wherein,

[0509] The non-stick layer is formed by spraying.

[0510] (16) A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component is any one of (1) to (10), wherein,

[0511] The anti-stick layer is formed by ring coating.

[0512] The effects of the above methods are as follows.

[0513] According to the invention involved in (1), a method is provided that contains the above formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the case where the average particle size of the inorganic particles in the anti-stick layer of the polysiloxane compound and inorganic particles of the T unit is less than 0.5 μm or greater than 15 μm, the fixing component exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance.

[0514] According to the invention involved in (2), a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and wear resistance is provided compared with the case where the average particle size of inorganic particles is less than 1 μm or more than 10 μm.

[0515] According to the invention involved in (3), a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and wear resistance compared to the case where the inorganic particles are silicon dioxide particles is provided.

[0516] According to the invention involved in (4), a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and wear resistance compared to the case where the inorganic particles are mica or barium sulfate is provided.

[0517] According to the invention involved in (5), a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and abrasion resistance is provided compared with the case where the content of inorganic particles is less than 0.9% by mass or more than 11% by mass.

[0518] According to the invention involved in (6), a fixing component with superior anti-sticking and abrasion resistance is provided compared with cases where the content of inorganic particles is less than 3% by mass or more than 7% by mass.

[0519] According to the invention involved in (7), a fixing component is provided that has excellent anti-stick properties and wear resistance compared to cases where the coefficient of dynamic friction with the surface of the anti-stick layer is less than 0.2 or greater than 0.4.

[0520] According to the invention involved in (8), a fixing component with superior anti-stick properties and wear resistance is provided compared with the case where the Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer is less than 1.0HV or more than 4.0HV.

[0521] According to the invention involved in (9), a fixing component is provided that has excellent anti-stick properties and wear resistance compared to the case where the elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer is less than 60%, and also has excellent followerness of the fixing component and image shift is suppressed.

[0522] According to the invention involved in (10), a fixing component with superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance compared to the case where the water contact angle of the surface of the anti-stick layer is less than 90° is provided.

[0523] According to the invention involved in (11) or (12), a fixing device or image forming apparatus is provided, wherein the fixing component is used in an image forming apparatus having the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the case where the fixing component with the polysiloxane compound and inorganic particle anti-stick layer of the T unit is used, the anti-stick properties and wear resistance are superior.

[0524] According to the invention involved in (13), a method based on a scraping coating is provided, which contains the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component based on a blade coating method exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects.

[0525] According to the invention involved in (14), a method based on a scraping coating is provided, which contains the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component based on dip coating exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects.

[0526] According to the invention involved in (15), a method based on a scraping coating is provided, which contains the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the method of forming an anti-stick layer for a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method of forming an anti-stick layer for a fixing component based on spraying has superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects.

[0527] According to the invention involved in (16), a method based on a scraping coating is provided, which contains the above formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Compared to the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component using polysiloxane compounds of the T-unit and inorganic particles with an average particle size of less than 0.5 μm or more than 15 μm, the method for forming an anti-stick layer of a fixing component based on the ring coating method exhibits superior anti-stick properties and abrasion resistance, and reduces coating defects.

[0528] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fixing component, comprising: Substrate; and An anti-stick layer, disposed on a substrate, and containing a layer having the formula: [R] 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The T-units represent polysiloxane compounds and inorganic particles with an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 15 μm or less, wherein... In the formula, R 1 The T unit represents an organic group, m represents an integer greater than 2, and there are multiple R units 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 fixing component according to claim 1, wherein, The average particle size of the inorganic particles is greater than 1 μm and less than 10 μm.

3. The fixing component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inorganic particles are at least one selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide, mica, and barium sulfate.

4. The fixing component according to claim 3, wherein, The inorganic particles are molybdenum disulfide.

5. The fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The content of the inorganic particles relative to the anti-sticking layer is more than 0.9% by mass and less than 11% by mass.

6. The fixing component according to claim 5, wherein, The content of the inorganic particles relative to the anti-sticking layer is more than 3% by mass and less than 7% by mass.

7. The fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The surface of the anti-stick layer has a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less relative to the recording medium.

8. The fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The Vickers hardness of the anti-stick layer, measured from its surface side at 120°C, is greater than 1.0 HV and less than 4.0 HV.

9. The fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The elastic deformation rate of the anti-stick layer at 120°C, measured from the surface side, is 60% or more.

10. The fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The water contact angle of the surface of the anti-stick layer is greater than 90°.

11. 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. At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a fixing component as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 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 11 fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium.

13. A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The non-stick layer is formed by a scraping method.

14. A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The non-stick layer is formed by dip coating.

15. A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The non-stick layer is formed by spraying.

16. A method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component, wherein the method for forming an anti-adhesion layer of a fixing component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The anti-stick layer is formed by ring coating.

Images