Fixing device and image formation device

Abstract

To provide a fixing device which is excellent in both low slidability and charging suppression.SOLUTION: A fixing device includes: a first rotor; a second rotor which is arranged in contact with the first rotor; a pressing member which is arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the second rotor, and presses the second rotor to the first rotor from the inner peripheral surface of the second rotor; a sliding member which is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotor and the pressing member; and a lubricant which is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotor and the sliding member, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the second rotor is configured by including a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material subjected to siloxane treatment, a sliding surface of the sliding member is configured by including a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material subjected to siloxane treatment, and the lubricant contains oil having a siloxane group as a main chain.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a belt having, "at least on the outermost surface side that comes into contact with a sliding member, a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin, and the molar ratio of siloxane structures in the siloxane-modified resin is 20 mol % or more."

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a transfer body used in an image forming method in which a toner image formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier is transferred onto a transfer body, the transfer body is heated and pressurized while being superimposed on a recording medium, and the recording medium is peeled off from the transfer body after cooling, thereby transferring and fixing the toner image onto the recording medium, the transfer body being characterized in that the transfer body is provided with a layer of rubber and a layer of siloxane-modified polyimide resin of uniform thickness provided in that order on a base material.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses "a multilayer endless tubular film having a surface layer, an elastic layer and a base layer, all of which are seamless, the surface layer being formed by centrifugal molding, the material of the surface layer being at least one selected from the group consisting of fluororubber, fluororesin, siloxane-modified polyimide and urethane rubber, the surface layer having a surface roughness (Rz) of 0.25 to 1.5 μm, the base layer being formed by centrifugal molding, and the material of the base layer being polyimide and / or polyamideimide." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-124559 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-219036 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5147998 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventionally, a fixing device (hereinafter also referred to as a specific fixing device) has been known which includes a first rotating body, a second rotating body arranged in contact with the first rotating body, a pressing member arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body against the first rotating body, a sliding member interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member, and a lubricant interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device in which, in a specific fixing device, when the inner surface of the second rotating body is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a polyimide resin), the fixing device has excellent both low sliding properties and anti-static properties compared to when the sliding surface of the sliding member is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a fluororesin). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Specific means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A first rotating body; a second rotor disposed in contact with the first rotor; a pressing member disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body; a sliding member interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotor and the pressing member; a lubricant interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotor and the sliding member; Equipped with The inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane, the sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane; The fixing device, wherein the lubricant contains an oil having a siloxane group as a main chain. <2> The conductive material is carbon black. <1> The fixing device according to claim 1 . <3> The content of the conductive material with respect to 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 5 parts by mass or more. <1> or <2> The fixing device according to claim 1 . <4> The content of the conductive material with respect to 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 10 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less. <3> The fixing device according to claim 1 . <5> The resin having a siloxane group is at least one of a siloxane-modified polyimide resin and a siloxane-modified polyamide-imide resin. <1> ~ <4> 13. The fixing device according to claim 12, <6> The surface resistivity of the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 1.0×10 7 The above-mentioned is Ω / □ or less <1> ~ <5> 13. The fixing device according to claim 12, <7> The surface resistivity of the sliding surface of the sliding member is 1.0×10 7 The above-mentioned is Ω / □ or less <1> ~ <6> 13. The fixing device according to claim 12, <8> The resin having a siloxane group is a resin particle. <1> ~ <7> 13. The fixing device according to claim 12, <9> The sliding surface of the sliding member is constituted by including a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, resin particles of the resin having a siloxane group, and the conductive material treated with the siloxane. <8> The fixing device according to claim 1 . <10> The resin particles are thermosetting silicone resin particles. <9> The fixing device according to claim 1 . <11> The inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is formed of at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyether ether ketone resin, and polyphenylene sulfide resin, resin particles of the resin having a siloxane group, and the siloxane-treated conductive material. <8> The fixing device according to claim 1 . <12> The resin particles are thermosetting silicone resin particles. <11> The fixing device according to claim 1 . <13> An image carrier; a latent image forming device for forming a latent image on a surface of an image carrier; a developing device for developing the latent image into a toner image using a developer; a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image onto a recording medium; Fixing the toner image on the recording medium; <1> ~ <12> a fixing device according to any one of the above items; An image forming apparatus comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0009] <1> , <2> , <8> , <9> , <10> , <11> or <12> According to the invention, in a specific fixing device, when the inner surface of the second rotating body is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a polyimide resin), a fixing device is provided that is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to when the sliding surface of the sliding member is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a fluororesin).

[0010] <3> According to the invention, a fixing device is provided which is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to a case in which the content of the conductive material per 100 mass parts of resin in the layer constituting the inner surface of the second rotating body is less than 5 mass parts. <4> According to the invention, a fixing device is provided which is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to when the content of the conductive material per 100 mass parts of resin in the layer constituting the inner surface of the second rotating body is less than 10 mass parts or more than 50 mass parts. <5> According to the invention, a fixing device is provided which is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, as compared with the case where the resin having a siloxane group is a silicone oil gum. <6> According to the invention, the surface resistivity of the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 1.0×10 7 As compared with the case where the resistance exceeds Ω / □, a fixing device excellent in both low sliding properties and anti-static properties is provided. <7> According to the invention, the surface resistivity of the sliding surface of the sliding member is 1.0×10 7 As compared with the case where the resistance exceeds Ω / □, a fixing device excellent in both low sliding properties and anti-static properties is provided. <13> According to the invention, in a specific fixing device, when the inner surface of the second rotating body is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a polyimide resin), an image forming apparatus is provided that is equipped with a fixing device that is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to a fixing device in which the sliding surface of the sliding member is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a fluororesin). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example. The description and examples are merely illustrative of the embodiment, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the present specification, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range. In addition, in the present specification, the upper or lower limit of the numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the examples.

[0013] Each component may contain multiple types of the corresponding substance. When referring to the amount of each component in a composition, if the composition contains multiple substances corresponding to each component, the amount refers to the total amount of those multiple substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0014] When describing the embodiments with reference to the drawings, components having substantially the same functions are given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted.

[0015] <Fixing device / image forming device> The fixing device according to this embodiment is a specific fixing device, and includes a first rotating body, a second rotating body arranged in contact with the first rotating body, a pressing member arranged on the inner surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body from the inner surface of the second rotating body against the first rotating body, a sliding member interposed between the inner surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member, and a lubricant interposed between the inner surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member. The inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material that has been treated with siloxane. The sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane. The lubricant comprises a siloxane-based backbone oil.

[0016] The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes: An image carrier; a latent image forming device for forming a latent image on a surface of an image carrier; a developing device for developing the latent image into a toner image using a developer; a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image onto a recording medium; a fixing device that fixes the toner image on the recording medium; Equipped with. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment employs the fixing device according to the above embodiment.

[0017] The fixing device and image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment are excellent in both low friction and charge suppression due to the above-mentioned configuration. The reason for this is presumed to be as follows.

[0018] Conventionally, to form an image in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a facsimile, a toner image is transferred onto a recording medium such as recording paper, and then the recording medium onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressurized by a fixing device, thereby fixing the toner image to the surface of the recording medium.

[0019] Various types of fixing devices have been proposed in the past, and the above-mentioned specific fixing device is one of them.

[0020] In a specific fixing device, the second rotating body (e.g., fixing belt) tends to have a lower recording medium conveyance performance and paper wrinkles due to increased friction with the sliding member. In addition, due to an increase in frictional charge caused by rotation, an electrostatic attraction acts on the toner on the recording medium, and electrostatic offset, a phenomenon in which an unfixed transferred toner image is disturbed near the entrance of the fixing nip, is likely to occur.

[0021] In contrast, in the fixing device and image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane. The sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane. The lubricant includes an oil having a siloxane group as a main chain. In this way, the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body, the sliding surface of the sliding member, and the lubricant all include materials having siloxane bonds, so that they have high affinity with each other and are well blended. Therefore, the lubricant interposed between the second rotating body and the sliding member is prevented from being discharged and depleted, and low sliding is easily maintained. In addition, since the resin having a siloxane group and the conductive material treated with siloxane have good compatibility on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body, the conductive material is prevented from peeling off from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body as the conductive material slides. As a result, the chargeability is prevented from decreasing. As with the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body, since the resin having a siloxane group and the conductive material treated with siloxane have good compatibility on the sliding surface of the sliding member, the conductive material is prevented from peeling off from the sliding surface of the sliding member as the conductive material slides. As a result, the chargeability is further prevented from decreasing.

[0022] Hereinafter, an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to the present embodiment.

[0023] (Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes first to fourth electrophotographic process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (examples of image forming units) that output images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) based on color-separated image data. These process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20. These process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0024] Above each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (in FIG. 1), an intermediate transfer belt 20 serving as an intermediate transfer body is provided with its outer circumferential surface facing each of the process cartridges. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is wound around a drive roller 22 and a support roller 24 that are spaced apart from each other and are in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and is arranged while being tensioned, so that it travels endlessly in a direction from the first process cartridge 10Y to the fourth process cartridge 10K.

[0025] The support roller 24 is pressed in a direction away from the drive roller 22 by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown), and tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 20 wound between them. In addition, an intermediate transfer body cleaning device 20a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 facing the drive roller 22.

[0026] Since the first to fourth process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K have substantially the same configuration, the first process cartridge 10Y that forms a yellow image and is disposed upstream in the direction in which the intermediate transfer belt runs will be described here as a representative example. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first process cartridge 10Y are used to designate the same parts, but with magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) instead of yellow (Y), and descriptions of the second to fourth process cartridges 10M, 10C, and 10K will be omitted.

[0027] The first process cartridge 10Y has a photoconductor 1Y that acts as an image carrier. Around the photoconductor 1Y, a charging roller (one example of a charging device) 2Y that charges the surface of the photoconductor 1Y to a predetermined potential, a developing device 4Y that supplies the charged toner contained in the developer to the electrostatic latent image to develop the electrostatic latent image, and a photoconductor cleaning device 6Y that removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 1Y after the primary transfer are arranged in this order. These are integrally configured in a housing 11Y (casing). Similarly, the first process cartridges 10M to 10Y have each member integrally configured in a housing 11M to 11Y (casing).

[0028] Together with the first process cartridge 10Y, a primary transfer roller 5Y (an example of a primary transfer device) that transfers the developed toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 20, and an exposure device 3 that exposes the charged surface to a laser beam 3Y based on a color-separated image signal to form an electrostatic latent image are arranged to form an image forming section. The charging roller 2Y and the exposure device 3 correspond to an example of a latent image forming device.

[0029] The primary transfer roller 5Y is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 20, and is provided at a position facing the photoconductor 1Y. Furthermore, a bias power supply (not shown) that applies a primary transfer bias is connected to each of the primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. Each bias power supply varies the transfer bias applied to each primary transfer roller under the control of a control unit (not shown).

[0030] (Configuration of Fixing Device) 2, the fixing device 28 includes a heating roll 30 (an example of a first rotating body) and a pressure belt 40 (an example of a second rotating body), which are disposed opposite to each other. The pressure belt 40 is pressed against the heating roll 30 by a pressure pad 50 (an example of a pressing member) disposed inside the periphery thereof, and is guided along a belt running guide 52 while being pressed against the heating roll 30 to form a contact portion, and is driven by the driving force from the heating roll 30. A sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member) is interposed between the pressure belt 40 and the pressure pad 50. A lubricant 62 (an example of a lubricant) is interposed between the sliding sheet 60 and the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40. The lubricant 62 is supplied to the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40 by a lubricant supplying member 64 provided in a part of the belt running guide 52, for example, and is interposed between the sliding sheet 60 and the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40. In FIG. 2, T indicates a toner image.

[0031] - Heating roll 30 (an example of a first rotating body) - The heating roll 30 is configured by sequentially forming an elastic layer 30b and a release layer 30c on a hollow metal core 30a made of metal and having a heat source 31 such as a halogen lamp inside.

[0032] The metal core 30a is, for example, a cylindrical body made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The elastic layer 30b is, for example, made of HTV silicone rubber or fluororubber (JIS-A rubber hardness of about 45 degrees, rubber hardness is measured by a Teclock spring-type A-type hardness tester under a load of 1,000 gf in accordance with JIS K6301) with a thickness of about 2 mm to 5 mm. The release layer 30c is, for example, made of fluororubber, silicone rubber, fluororesin, etc. with a thickness of 20 μm to 50 μm. Of course, it is not limited to these and may be made of a conventionally known material.

[0033] The heating roll 30 is a fixing roll, and its speed is adjusted by a driving source (not shown), and it is rotated at a peripheral speed of, for example, 260 mm / sec. The outer diameter of the heating roll 30 is generally, for example, about 25 mm to 80 mm.

[0034] The surface temperature of the heating roll 30 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) that contacts the surface, and is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) so that the surface temperature is kept at 175° C., for example.

[0035] -Pressure belt 40 (an example of a second rotating body)- The inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40 is made of a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane. This resin is a heat-resistant resin. Hereinafter, the term "heat-resistant" means a property of not melting or decomposing even when the temperature of the fixing device (e.g., the fixing temperature) is reached. The same applies hereinafter.

[0036] The pressure belt 40 has an inner circumferential surface and has a resin substrate layer containing a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane.

[0037] The pressure belt 40 may be a single layer of a resin substrate layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40, or a laminate having a resin substrate layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40, an elastic layer provided on the resin substrate layer, and a release layer provided on the elastic layer, or a laminate having a resin substrate layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40 and a release layer provided on the resin substrate layer.

[0038] The resin substrate layer is a layer containing a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with a siloxane, and is preferably a layer containing a resin, resin particles of a resin having a siloxane group, and a conductive material treated with a siloxane.

[0039] The pressure belt 40 has an inner surface with a surface resistivity of 1.0×10 7 It is preferable that the resistance is Ω / □ or less, and 1.0×10 6 More preferably, it is 5.0×10 5 It is more preferable that the resistance is Ω / □ or less. The surface resistivity of the inner surface is 1.0×10 7 When it is Ω / □ or less, the electrostatic suppression is more excellent. There are no particular limitations on the method for setting the surface resistivity of the inner surface within the above range, but examples include a method in which the inner surface is made to contain resin, resin particles of a resin having a siloxane group, and a conductive material treated with siloxane. The surface resistivity of the inner peripheral surface can be measured by the same method as the method for measuring the surface resistivity of the sliding surface of the sliding sheet 60 described later.

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the resin having a siloxane group include those similar to the preferred embodiments of the resin having a siloxane group in the sliding member described below. Preferred embodiments of the siloxane-treated conductive material include those similar to the preferred embodiments of the siloxane-treated conductive material in the sliding member described below.

[0041] The content of conductive material per 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer (i.e., the resin substrate layer) that constitutes the inner surface of the second rotating body (e.g., the pressure belt 40) is preferably 5 parts by mass or more, preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 40 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less. When the content of the conductive material is 5 parts by mass or more, the conductivity is appropriately imparted, and the charging suppression is more excellent. Also, the affinity between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body, the sliding surface of the sliding member, and the lubricant is easily increased, and the sliding property is more excellent. When the content of the conductive material is 50 parts by mass or less, the second rotating body becomes brittle, and the peeling off of the conductive material is easily suppressed, and the charging suppression is more excellent.

[0042] Examples of the resin include polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyether ether ketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyether sulfone resin, polysulfone resin, polyphenyl sulfone resin, etc. The resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. Among these, the resin is preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, and polyphenylene sulfide resin, and more preferably polyimide resin. These resins (particularly polyimide resin) tend to have high wear resistance and high affinity with lubricants. Therefore, they are excellent in slidability and antistatic properties.

[0043] Examples of polyimide resins include imidized products of polyamic acids (precursors of polyimide resins), which are polymers of tetracarboxylic dianhydrides and diamine compounds. An example of the polyimide resin is a resin having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (I).

[0044] [ka]

[0045] In general formula (I), R 1 represents a tetravalent organic group, R 2 represents a divalent organic group. R 1 Examples of the tetravalent organic group represented by the formula (1) include an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cyclic aliphatic group, a group in which an aromatic group and an aliphatic group are combined, and groups in which these groups are substituted. Specific examples of the tetravalent organic group include residues of tetracarboxylic dianhydrides, which will be described later. R 2 Examples of the divalent organic group represented by the formula (I) include an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cyclic aliphatic group, a group in which an aromatic group and an aliphatic group are combined, and a group in which these groups are substituted. Specific examples of the diamine compound include residues of diamine compounds described below.

[0046] Specific examples of tetracarboxylic dianhydrides used as raw materials for polyimide resins include pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,3',4-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,6,7-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,5,6-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,2'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)sulfonic dianhydride, perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride, bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)ether dianhydride, and ethylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride.

[0047] Specific examples of diamine compounds used as raw materials for polyimide resins include 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 3,3'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, and 3,3'-dimethyl 4,4'-biphenyl. Diamine, benzidine, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylpropane, 2,4-bis(β-amino tertiary butyl)toluene, bis(p-β-amino-tertiary butylphenyl)ether, bis(p-β-methyl-δ-aminophenyl)benzene, bis-p-(1,1-dimethyl-5-amino-pentyl)benzene, 1-isopropyl-2,4- m-Phenylenediamine, m-Xylylenediamine, p-Xylylenediamine, Di(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane, Hexamethylenediamine, Heptamethylenediamine, Octamethylenediamine, Nonamethylenediamine, Decamethylenediamine, Diaminopropyltetramethylene, 3-Methylheptamethylenediamine, 4,4-Dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 2,11-Diaminododecane, 1,2-Bis-3-aminopropoxyethane , 2,2-dimethylpropylenediamine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,17-diaminoeicosadecane, 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 1,10-diamino-1,10-dimethyldecane, 12-diaminooctadecane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, piperazine, H 2 N(CH 2 ) 3 O(CH 2 ) 2 O(CH 2 )NH 2 , H 2 N(CH 2 ) 3 S(CH 2 ) 3 NH 2 , H2 N(CH 2 ) 3 N(CH 3 ) 2 (CH 2 ) 3 NH 2 etc.

[0048] The polyamide-imide resin includes a resin having an imide bond and an amide bond in the repeating unit. More specifically, the polyamide-imide resin may be a polymer of a trivalent carboxylic acid compound (also called tricarboxylic acid) having an acid anhydride group and a diisocyanate compound or a diamine compound.

[0049] As the tricarboxylic acid, trimellitic anhydride and its derivatives are preferable. In addition to the tricarboxylic acid, tetracarboxylic dianhydride, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, aromatic dicarboxylic acid, etc. may be used in combination.

[0050] Examples of the diisocyanate compound include 3,3'-dimethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 2,2'-dimethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, biphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, biphenyl-3,3'-diisocyanate, biphenyl-3,4'-diisocyanate, 3,3'-diethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 2,2'-diethylbiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethoxybiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, 2,2'-dimethoxybiphenyl-4,4'-diisocyanate, naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate, and naphthalene-2,6-diisocyanate. The diamine compound may be a compound having a structure similar to that of the above-mentioned isocyanate, but having an amino group instead of the isocyanato group. The resin substrate layer may contain other components in addition to the resin, such as a conductive material, a filler for improving mechanical strength, an antioxidant for preventing thermal deterioration, a surfactant, and a heat-resistant anti-aging agent.

[0051] Here, an example has been given in which the first rotating body is a heating roll and the second rotating body is a pressure belt, but the present invention also includes an embodiment in which the first rotating body is a pressure roll and the second rotating body is a heating belt. When the first rotating body is a pressure roll, the configuration of the pressure roll is preferably the same as the configuration of the heating roll 30 described above. When the second rotating body is a heating belt, the configuration of the heating belt is preferably the same as the configuration of the pressure belt 40 described above. In particular, when the second rotating body is a heating belt, the second rotating body may be a single layer body of a resin substrate layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, or a laminate having a resin substrate layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, an elastic layer provided on the resin substrate layer, and a release layer provided on the elastic layer, or a laminate having a resin substrate layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt and a release layer provided on the resin substrate layer, or a laminate in which a metal layer and an elastic layer are provided on the resin substrate layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt, and a release layer is provided on the elastic layer.

[0052] The elastic layer will now be described. The elastic layer is comprised of a heat resistant elastic material. Examples of the heat-resistant elastic material include silicone rubber and fluororubber. Examples of silicone rubber include RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, HTV (High Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. Specific examples of silicone rubber include polydimethyl silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber, methyl phenyl silicone rubber, and fluoro silicone rubber. Examples of the fluororubber include vinylidene fluoride rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethylvinyl ether rubber, phosphazene rubber, and fluoropolyether.

[0053] The elastic layer may contain other components, such as fillers, conductive materials, softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.), and functional fillers (alumina, etc.).

[0054] The release layer will now be described. The release layer includes, for example, a heat resistant release material. Examples of the heat-resistant release material include fluororubber, fluororesin, silicone resin, and polyimide resin. Among these, fluororesins are preferable as the heat-resistant release material.Specific examples of fluororesins include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethylvinylether copolymer (MFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethylvinylether copolymer (EFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoropropylvinylether copolymer, and other tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymers (PFA).Further examples include tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), and the like. Among these, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers (PFA) such as tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether copolymer (MFA) and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethyl vinyl ether copolymer (EFA) are preferably used, particularly from the standpoint of heat resistance, mechanical properties, and the like. The thickness of the release layer is preferably set to 5 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 μm to 30 μm.

[0055] -Pressing pad 50 (an example of a pressing member)- The pressure pad 50 has two pressure parts 51a, 51b of different hardness along the traveling direction of the recording medium P. The pressure part 51a on the recording medium P entry side of the pressure pad 50 is made of a rubber-like elastic member, and the pressure part 51b on the recording medium P exit side is made of a hard pressure applying member such as metal, so that the pressure of the contact area is higher on the recording medium P exit side than on the recording medium P entry side. The pressure parts 51a, 51b are supported by a holder 51c, and press the heating roll 30 from the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40 via a sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member).

[0056] -Sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member)- The sliding surface of the sliding sheet 60 is composed of a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane. In other words, the sliding sheet 60 may be a resin sheet containing these components on the sliding surface side. When the sliding sheet 60 is a resin sheet containing the above components, it fits well and has excellent static electricity suppression even when it slides against the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body, the inner circumferential surface of which is composed of a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane.

[0057] The sliding sheet 60 has a surface resistivity of 1.0×10 7 It is preferable that the resistance is 5.0×10 6 More preferably, it is 5.0×10 5 It is more preferable that the surface resistivity of the sliding surface is 1×10 7 When it is Ω / □ or less, the electrostatic suppression is more excellent. The method for setting the surface resistivity of the sliding surface within the above range is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method in which the sliding surface is formed to contain a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, resin particles of a resin having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, and a siloxane-treated conductive material.

[0058] The surface resistivity of the sliding surface refers to the surface resistivity when a voltage of 500V is applied to the sliding surface of the sliding sheet 60 for 10 seconds, and is specifically determined by the following method. A microammeter (R8430A manufactured by Advantest Corporation) is used as the resistance measuring device, and a UR probe (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Analytech Co., Ltd.) is used as the probe, and the sliding surface of the sliding sheet 60 is measured at 6 points at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and 3 points at the center and both ends in the width direction, for a total of 18 points, with a voltage of 500V, an application time of 10 seconds, and a pressure of 1 kgf, and the average value is calculated. The measurements are performed in an environment with a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 55% RH.

[0059] The sliding sheet 60 only needs to have a sliding surface that contains a resin having a siloxane group and a siloxane-treated conductive material, and it is preferable that the sliding surface be composed of a resin substrate layer that contains a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, resin particles of a resin having a siloxane group other than the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, and a siloxane-treated conductive material.

[0060] The sliding sheet 60 may be a single layer consisting of only the resin substrate layer that constitutes the sliding surface, or may be a laminate including the resin substrate layer and another layer provided on the opposite side of the sliding surface of the resin substrate layer.

[0061] Examples of the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin include polyether ether ketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, polysulfone resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, etc. The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0062] Among the above, the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, and polyphenylsulfone resin, and more preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin and polyphenylene sulfide resin. These resins (particularly polyetheretherketone resin and polyphenylene sulfide resin) are preferred because they have high abrasion resistance, high toughness, and high elastic modulus.

[0063] The resin having a siloxane group may be, for example, a resin having a polysiloxane structure in the main chain or in the side chain. The resin having a siloxane group may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0064] Specific examples of resins having a siloxane group include siloxane-modified polyimide resins, siloxane-modified polyamideimide resins, thermosetting silicone resins, silicone oil gums, silicone elastomers, and siloxane-modified polyetherimides.

[0065] The thermosetting silicone resin is silicone resin particles that are cured by heat to have rubber-like elasticity. The thermosetting silicone resin tends to have high affinity with lubricants. Silicone gum is silicone oil with a molecular weight of 300,000 or more molded into pellets.

[0066] Among the above, the resin having a siloxane group is preferably at least one of a siloxane-modified polyimide resin and a siloxane-modified polyamideimide resin.

[0067] The resin having a siloxane group is preferably in the form of resin particles, more preferably thermosetting silicone resin particles. These components have a particularly high affinity with lubricants, and therefore are excellent in both slidability and antistatic properties.

[0068] The content of the resin having a siloxane group is preferably from 1.0 to 20.0% by mass, more preferably from 2.0 to 15.0% by mass, and even more preferably from 5.0 to 10.0% by mass, based on the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. By setting the content of the resin having a siloxane group within the above range, affinity for the lubricant and the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is increased, resulting in better sliding properties and anti-static properties.

[0069] The siloxane-treated conductive material refers to a conductive material that has been surface-coated with a siloxane compound such as a resin having a siloxane group (e.g., silicone resin, etc.) or a silane-based coupling agent, and that has been given a siloxane group on the surface. From the viewpoint of achieving high stability even in long-term use of a fixing device, excellent sliding properties, and anti-static properties, the siloxane-treated conductive material is preferably a conductive material that has been surface-coated with a resin having a siloxane group, and that has been given a siloxane group on the surface.

[0070] Examples of silicone resins include methyl-based straight silicone resins (e.g., dimethylsiloxane resins), methylphenyl-based straight silicone resins, acrylic resin-modified silicone resins, ester resin-modified silicone resins, epoxy resin-modified silicone resins, alkyd resin-modified silicone resins, and rubber-based silicone resins. Among the above, the silicone resin is preferably methyl-based straight silicone resin, and more preferably dimethylsiloxane resin.

[0071] Examples of conductive materials include carbon black, metals such as aluminum and nickel, metal oxides such as yttrium oxide and tin oxide, ionic conductive materials such as potassium titanate and potassium chloride, and conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polysulfone, and polyacetylene. Of these, carbon black is preferred from the viewpoints of increasing affinity with resins having siloxane groups, suppressing the conductive material from peeling off from the sliding surface, and providing superior static charge suppression. Carbon black is also preferred from the viewpoints of excellent conductivity and being able to impart high conductivity even with a small content.

[0072] Examples of carbon black include Ketchen black, oil furnace black, channel black, acetylene black, surface-oxidized carbon black (hereinafter referred to as "oxidized carbon black"), etc. Among these, the oxidized carbon black is preferable from the viewpoint of electrical resistance stability over time. Oxidation-treated carbon black can be obtained by imparting, for example, a carboxyl group, a quinone group, a lactone group, a hydroxyl group, etc. to its surface. Examples of the surface treatment method include an air oxidation method in which the carbon black is reacted by contacting with air in a high-temperature atmosphere, a method in which the carbon black is reacted with nitrogen oxides or ozone at room temperature (e.g., 22°C), and a method in which the carbon black is oxidized by air in a high-temperature atmosphere and then oxidized with ozone at a low temperature.

[0073] The average primary particle size of the conductive material is preferably from 5 nm to 50 nm, more preferably from 10 nm to 30 nm, and particularly preferably from 15 nm to 25 nm. When the average primary particle size of the conductive material is 5 nm or more and 50 nm or less, the conductive material can be sufficiently dispersed in the sliding sheet 60, and therefore the surface smoothness with the second rotating body is improved, which is preferable.

[0074] The average primary particle size of the siloxane-treated conductive material in the sliding sheet 60 is measured by the following method. First, a measurement sample having a thickness of 100 nm is taken from the sliding sheet 60 by a microtome, and this measurement sample is observed by a TEM (transmission electron microscope). Then, the diameter of a circle equal to the projected area of ​​each of 50 arbitrary conductive materials is taken as the particle diameter, and the average value of the diameters is taken as the average primary particle diameter.

[0075] The content of the conductive material per 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer constituting the sliding surface of the sliding member (e.g., sliding sheet 60) is preferably 5 parts by mass or more, preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 40 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less. When the content of the conductive material is 5 parts by mass or more, the conductive material is appropriately provided with electrical conductivity, and is more excellent in suppressing static electricity. Also, the affinity between the sliding surface of the sliding member and the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and the lubricant is easily increased, and the slidability is more excellent. When the content of the conductive material is 50 parts by mass or less, the sliding member becomes brittle, and the conductive material is easily prevented from peeling off, and the static electricity suppression is more excellent.

[0076] The resin substrate layer constituting the sliding surface may contain other components in addition to the resin having a siloxane group and the siloxane-treated conductive material, such as a conductive material, a filler for improving mechanical strength, an antioxidant for preventing thermal deterioration, a surfactant, and a heat-resistant anti-aging agent.

[0077] -Lubricant 62 (an example of a lubricant)- The lubricant 62 includes an oil having a siloxane group as the main chain. The oil having a siloxane group as the main chain is an oil having a polysiloxane structure in the main chain, and includes silicone oil and various modified silicone oils. When the lubricant 62 is an oil having a siloxane group as the main chain, it tends to have high affinity with the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40, and as a result, the lubricant 62 has excellent sliding properties with the pressure belt 40.

[0078] Specific examples of the lubricant 62 include modified oils such as alkyl-modified silicone oil (dimethyl-modified silicone oil, etc.), amino-modified silicone oil, methylphenyl-modified silicone oil, epoxy-modified silicone oil, phenol-modified silicone oil, polyether-modified silicone oil, and fluorine-modified silicone oil, as well as greases containing these oils (silicone grease, etc.). Among these, from the viewpoint of further increasing the affinity with the inner surface of the pressure belt 40 and improving the sliding properties with the pressure belt 40, it is preferable that the lubricant 62 contains at least one of dimethyl silicone oil and amino-modified silicone oil.

[0079] The lubricant 62 may contain other components in addition to oil, as long as the effects of this embodiment are achieved. Examples of other components include grease, a heat conductive agent, an antioxidant, a surfactant, silicone particles, an organic metal salt, and a hindered amine.

[0080] (Image forming operation of image forming apparatus) The image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below, taking the operation of forming a yellow image in the first process cartridge 10Y as a representative example.

[0081] First, prior to the image forming operation, the surface of the photoconductor 1Y is charged to a potential of, for example, about −600V or more and −800V or less by the charging roller 2Y.

[0082] The photoconductor 1Y is formed, for example, by laminating a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate. This photosensitive layer, for example, is normally highly resistive, but when irradiated with a laser beam 3Y, the resistivity of the portion irradiated with the laser beam changes. A laser beam 3Y is output to the charged surface of the photoconductor 1Y via an exposure device 3 according to image data for yellow sent from a control unit (not shown). The laser beam 3Y is irradiated to the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photoconductor 1Y, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of a yellow print pattern on the surface of the photoconductor 1Y.

[0083] The electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photoconductor 1Y is rotated to a development position as the photoconductor 1Y travels. Then, at this development position, the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 1Y is made into a visible image (toner image) by the developing device 4Y.

[0084] The developing device 4Y contains a developer containing, for example, yellow toner and a carrier. The yellow toner is triboelectrically charged by being stirred inside the developing device 4Y, and has a charge of the same polarity (negative polarity) as the charge on the photoconductor 1Y. As the surface of the photoconductor 1Y passes through the developing device 4Y, the yellow toner electrostatically adheres only to the discharged latent image portion on the surface of the photoconductor 1Y, and the latent image is developed with the yellow toner. The photoconductor 1Y on which the yellow toner image has been formed continues to travel, and the toner image developed on the photoconductor 1Y is transported to the primary transfer position.

[0085] When the yellow toner image on the photoconductor 1Y is transported to the primary transfer position, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 5Y, and an electrostatic force from the photoconductor 1Y toward the primary transfer roller 5Y acts on the toner image, and the toner image on the photoconductor 1Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. The transfer bias applied at this time has a polarity (+) opposite to the polarity (-) of the toner, and in the first process cartridge 10Y, for example, the transfer bias is controlled to a constant current of about +10 μA by a control unit (not shown).

[0086] Further, the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C, and 5K subsequent to the second process cartridge 10M is controlled in the same manner.

[0087] In this manner, the intermediate transfer belt 20 onto which the yellow toner image has been transferred in the first process cartridge 10Y is transported successively through the second to fourth process cartridges 10M, 10C, and 10K, and the toner images of each color are similarly superimposed and multi-transferred thereon.

[0088] The intermediate transfer belt 20 onto which the toner images of all colors have been transferred in multiple layers through the first to fourth process cartridges reaches a secondary transfer section that is composed of the intermediate transfer belt 20, a support roller 24 that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a secondary transfer roller (an example of a secondary transfer device) 26 arranged on the image bearing surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 20. Meanwhile, the recording medium P is fed between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 via a supply mechanism, and a secondary transfer bias is applied to the support roller 24. The transfer bias applied at this time has a (-) polarity that is the same as the (-) polarity of the toner, and an electrostatic force from the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the recording medium P acts on the toner image, so that the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred onto the recording medium P. The secondary transfer bias at this time is determined according to the resistance detected by a resistance detection means (not shown) that detects the resistance of the secondary transfer section, and is controlled at a constant voltage. The intermediate transfer belt 20, the primary transfer roller 5Y, and the secondary transfer roller 26 correspond to an example of a transfer device.

[0089] Thereafter, the recording medium P is fed into the fixing device 28, where the heating rollers are rotated in the direction of the arrow. The recording medium P is inserted through a contact area formed by the pressure belt 40 and the heating roll 30 being pressed against each other. At this time, the recording medium P is inserted so that the surface of the recording medium P on which the unfixed toner image is formed faces the surface of the heating roll 30. When the recording medium P passes through this contact area, heat and pressure are applied to the recording medium P, so that the unfixed toner image is fixed to the recording medium P. After passing through the contact area, the fixed recording medium is peeled off from the heating roll 30 and discharged from the fixing device 28.

[0090] In this manner, the fixing process is completed, and the color image is permanently fixed onto the recording medium P. The recording medium P on which the color image has been fixed is conveyed toward the discharge section, and a series of color image forming operations is completed. EXAMPLES

[0091] Examples will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, all "parts" and "%" are based on mass. In Tables 1 to 3, the resin substrate layer is also referred to simply as substrate layer for convenience. In addition, the amounts of conductive material shown in Tables 1 to 3 are the number of parts (i.e., parts by mass) relative to 100 parts by mass of resin in the resin substrate layer that constitutes the inner surface of the pressure belt or 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer that constitutes the sliding surface of the sliding sheet (i.e., the sliding sheet).

[0092] <Preparation of pressure belt> (Preparation of Pressure Belt (1)) A silicone-based release agent was applied to the surface of an aluminum cylindrical core body, the surface of which had been formed with unevenness by shot blasting, and baked at 300°C for 1 hour. The surface was then dipped into an N-methylpyrrolidone solution containing a precursor of a siloxane-modified polyimide resin and the amount of conductive material shown in Table 1: siloxane-treated carbon black (dimethylsiloxane-treated, Daito Kasei Co., Ltd., SI-01), and dried at 100°C for 1 hour. This formed a resin substrate layer that constitutes the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt. Next, a fluororesin dispersion (specifically, a PTFE dispersion) was coated on the outer surface of the resin substrate layer, and then it was dried at 60°C for 10 minutes in a baking furnace, gradually heated to 380°C, baked for 20 minutes, and then cooled to room temperature to form a release layer. Thereafter, the resin substrate layer on which the release layer was formed was removed from the core and cut to the desired size by a cutter to obtain the pressure belt (1).

[0093] (Preparation of Pressure Belt (2)) A silicone-based release agent was applied to the surface of an aluminum cylindrical core body, the surface of which had been formed with an uneven shape by shot blasting, and baked at 300°C for 1 hour. The surface was then dipped into an N-methylpyrrolidone solution containing a precursor of a siloxane-modified polyamideimide resin and the amount of conductive material shown in Table 1: siloxane-treated carbon black (dimethylsiloxane-treated, Daito Kasei Co., Ltd., SI-01), and dried at 100°C for 1 hour. This formed a resin substrate layer that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt. Next, a fluororesin dispersion (specifically, a PTFE dispersion) was coated on the outer surface of the resin substrate layer, and then it was dried at 60°C for 10 minutes in a baking furnace, gradually heated to 380°C, baked for 20 minutes, and then cooled to room temperature to form a release layer. Thereafter, the resin substrate layer on which the release layer was formed was removed from the core and cut to a desired size by a cutter to obtain a pressure belt.

[0094] (Preparation of Pressure Belt (3)) A silicone-based release agent was applied to the surface of an aluminum cylindrical core body, the surface of which had been formed with unevenness by shot blasting, and baked at 300°C for 1 hour. The surface was then dipped into an N-methylpyrrolidone solution containing a siloxane-modified polyimide resin precursor and the amount of conductive material (siloxane-treated aluminum oxide particles) shown in Table 1, and dried at 100°C for 1 hour. This formed a resin substrate layer that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt. Next, a fluororesin dispersion (specifically, a PTFE dispersion) was coated on the outer surface of the resin substrate layer, and then it was dried at 60°C for 10 minutes in a baking furnace, gradually heated to 380°C, baked for 20 minutes, and then cooled to room temperature to form a release layer. Thereafter, the resin substrate layer on which the release layer was formed was removed from the core and cut to a desired size by a cutter to obtain a pressure belt.

[0095] (Preparation of Pressure Belts (4) to (5)) Each pressure belt was obtained with the same specifications as pressure belt (1), except that the amount of the conductive material relative to the resin substrate layer was set to the amount shown in Table 1.

[0096] (Preparation of pressure belt (6)) Pressure belts of each example were obtained in the same manner as pressure belt (1), except that the amount of conductive material was 6 parts by mass.

[0097] (Preparation of pressure belt (c1)) In the method for producing pressure belt (1), the "N-methylpyrrolidone solution containing a siloxane-modified polyamideimide resin precursor and siloxane-treated carbon black (dimethylsiloxane-treated product, manufactured by Daito Kasei Co., Ltd., SI-01)" was changed to an "N-methylpyrrolidone solution containing only an unmodified polyimide resin precursor", and the pressure belts of each example were obtained in the same manner as pressure belt (1).

[0098] <Preparation of sliding sheet> (Preparation of sliding sheet (1)) Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin (Victrex450G, manufactured by Victrex) was melted at 380°C in a twin-screw melt kneader (twin-screw melt kneader L / D60, manufactured by Parker Corporation). 10 parts by mass of thermosetting silicone resin particles (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., "KMP590") and 15 parts by mass of siloxane-treated carbon black (dimethylsiloxane-treated product, manufactured by Daito Kasei Co., Ltd., SI-01) were fed into 100 parts by mass of the molten PEEK resin from the side of the kneader using a side feeder, melt-kneaded, and the kneaded molten material was placed in a water tank and cooled to solidify, and then cut to the desired size to obtain mixed resin pellets containing silicone resin particles. The obtained mixed resin pellets were put into a single screw extruder, and the molten mixed resin was extruded into a sheet from a T-die mold (melt discharge gap 200 μm) heated to 380° C., and cooled by wrapping it around a cooling roll at 190° C. This cooled sheet was shaped at 250° C. and a pressure of 40 MPa using a roll with a 100 mesh SUS wire mesh wrapped around its surface to obtain a rugged sheet. The rugged sheet was cut to a predetermined size to obtain a sliding sheet (1).

[0099] (Preparation of sliding sheet (2)) A sliding sheet was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of sliding sheet (1), except that unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., "R200") were used instead of the thermosetting silicone resin particles (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., "KMP590") in the preparation method of sliding sheet (1).

[0100] (Preparation of sliding sheet (3)) A sliding sheet was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of sliding sheet (1), except that in place of the siloxane-treated carbon black (dimethylsiloxane-treated product, manufactured by Daito Kasei Co., Ltd., SI-01), a conductive material: siloxane-treated aluminum oxide particles in the amount shown in Table 1 was used.

[0101] (Preparation of sliding sheet (4)) A sliding sheet was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the sliding sheet (1), except that the amount of the conductive material was 4 parts by mass.

[0102] (Preparation of sliding sheets (5) to (6)) Each sliding sheet was obtained in the same manner as in the production method of sliding sheet (1), except that the amount of conductive material was set to the amount shown in Table 1.

[0103] (Preparation of sliding sheet (c1)) A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin sintered body was skived (a process in which a thin film is peeled off with a sharp blade) to a thickness of 200 μm to obtain a sliding sheet (C1).

[0104] (Preparation of sliding sheet (c2)) The polyimide resin was melted at 380°C in a twin-screw melt kneader (twin-screw melt kneader L / D60 (manufactured by Parker Corporation)), the molten polyimide resin was fed from the side of the kneader using a side feeder, melt-kneaded, and the kneaded molten material was placed in a water tank where it was cooled and solidified, and then cut to the desired size to obtain mixed resin pellets containing silicone resin particles. The obtained mixed resin pellets were put into a single screw extrusion device, and the molten mixed resin was extruded into a sheet shape from a T-die mold (melt discharge gap 200 μm) heated to 380° C., and cooled by wrapping it around a cooling roll at 190° C. This cooled sheet was shaped at 250° C. and a pressure of 40 MPa using a roll with a 100 mesh SUS wire netting wrapped around its surface to obtain a rugged sheet. The rugged sheet was cut to a predetermined size to obtain a sliding sheet.

[0105] (Preparation of sliding sheet (c3)) Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin (Victrex 450G, manufactured by Victrex) was melted at 380°C in a twin-screw melt kneader (twin-screw melt kneader L / D60, manufactured by Parker Corporation). 20 parts by mass of resin particles having siloxane groups (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., product name KMP590) of the type and amount shown in Table 1 and untreated carbon black (manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., acetylene black) were fed into 100 parts by mass of the molten PEEK resin from the side of the kneader using a side feeder, melt-kneaded, and the kneaded molten material was placed in a water tank and cooled to solidify, and then cut to the desired size to obtain mixed resin pellets containing silicone resin particles. The obtained mixed resin pellets were put into a single screw extruder, and the molten mixed resin was extruded into a sheet from a T-die mold (melt discharge gap 200 μm) heated to 380° C., and cooled by wrapping it around a cooling roll at 190° C. This cooled sheet was shaped at 250° C. and 40 MPa pressure using a roll with a 100 mesh SUS wire mesh wrapped around its surface to obtain a rugged sheet. The rugged sheet was cut to a predetermined size to obtain a sliding sheet (1).

[0106] <Lubricant> Lubricant (1): Dimethyl silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "KF96") Lubricant (2): Amino-modified silicone oil (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "KF8009") Lubricant (3): Dimethyl silicone oil-containing silicone grease ("G503" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0107] <Examples 1 to 10, Comparative Examples 1 to 3> The pressure belt, sliding sheet, and lubricant in the combinations shown in Tables 1 to 3 were installed in the fixing device of an image forming apparatus "modified APEOS PORT Print C5570" manufactured by FUJIFILM Business Innovation Co., Ltd.

[0108] This apparatus was used as the image forming apparatus of each example, and the following evaluations were carried out.

[0109] <Evaluation of paper wrinkles> A solid image (solid blue, 100% density) was continuously output on A4 paper for 1000 kPV. Evaluation was performed according to the following criteria based on the cumulative number of sheets of paper output when paper wrinkles occurred, which occurs when the sliding property is reduced. A: Even with a cumulative total of 300,000 sheets of paper, no deformation or wrinkles were observed. B: When wrinkles occurred, the cumulative number of sheets was between 200,000 and 300,000. C: The cumulative number of sheets when wrinkles occurred was between 100,000 and 200,000. D: The cumulative number of sheets when wrinkles occurred was between 50,000 and 100,000. E: The cumulative number of sheets when wrinkles occurred was less than 50,000.

[0110] <Evaluation of static electricity suppression> After leaving the image forming apparatus in an environment of 10°C and 5% RH for 24 hours, solid images were continuously output on A4 paper. Then, based on the uneven density in the solid images that occurs when the electrostatic charge increases, and based on the cumulative number of sheets of paper output, the electrostatic charge suppression was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. A: The cumulative number of sheets was 300,000 and no uneven image density was observed. B: When uneven image density occurs, the cumulative number of sheets is between 200,000 and 300,000. C: The cumulative number of sheets when uneven image density occurred is between 100,000 and 200,000. D: When uneven image density occurs, the cumulative number of sheets is between 50,000 and 100,000. E: The cumulative number of sheets when uneven image density occurred is less than 50,000.

[0111] [Table 1]

[0112] [Table 2]

[0113] [Table 3]

[0114] From the above results, it was found that the image forming apparatus of this embodiment suppresses the occurrence of paper wrinkles and image density unevenness compared to the image forming apparatus of the comparative example. In other words, it was found that the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is superior in both low friction and charge suppression compared to the image forming apparatus of the comparative example.

[0115] The present embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) A first rotating body, a second rotor disposed in contact with the first rotor; a pressing member disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body; a sliding member interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotor and the pressing member; a lubricant interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotor and the sliding member; Equipped with The inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane, the sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane; The fixing device, wherein the lubricant contains an oil having a siloxane group as a main chain. (((2))) The fixing device according to (((1))), wherein the conductive material is carbon black. (((3))) The fixing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the content of the conductive material per 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 5 parts by mass or more. (((4))) The fixing device according to (((3))), wherein the content of the conductive material per 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer constituting the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 10 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less. (((5))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein the resin having a siloxane group is at least one of a siloxane-modified polyimide resin and a siloxane-modified polyamideimide resin. (((6))) the surface resistivity of the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 1.0×10 7 The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), wherein the resistivity is Ω / □ or less. (((7))) The surface resistivity of the sliding surface of the sliding member is 1.0×10 7 The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein the resistivity is Ω / □ or less. (((8))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))), wherein the resin having a siloxane group is in the form of resin particles. (((9))) The fixing device described in (((8))), wherein the sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to contain a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, resin particles of the resin having a siloxane group, and the siloxane-treated conductive material. (((10))) The fixing device according to (((9))), wherein the resin particles are thermosetting silicone resin particles. (((11))) The fixing device described in (((8))), wherein the inner surface of the second rotating body is composed of at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyether ether ketone resin, and polyphenylene sulfide resin, resin particles of the resin having a siloxane group, and the siloxane-treated conductive material. (((12))) The fixing device according to (((11))), wherein the resin particles are thermosetting silicone resin particles. (((13))) an image carrier; and a latent image forming device for forming a latent image on a surface of an image carrier; a developing device for developing the latent image into a toner image using a developer; a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image onto a recording medium; a fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((12))) above, which fixes the toner image on the recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0116] According to the invention pertaining to (((1))), (((2))), (((8))), (((9))), (((10))), (((11))) or (((12))), in a specific fixing device, when the inner surface of the second rotating body is made only of a resin that does not have siloxane groups (for example, a polyimide resin), a fixing device is provided which is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to when the sliding surface of the sliding member is made only of a resin that does not have siloxane groups (for example, a fluororesin).

[0117] According to the invention related to (((3))), a fixing device is provided which is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to a case in which the content of the conductive material per 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer constituting the inner surface of the second rotating body is less than 5 parts by mass. According to the invention related to (((4))), a fixing device is provided which is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to when the content of the conductive material per 100 mass parts of resin in the layer constituting the inner surface of the second rotating body is less than 10 mass parts or more than 50 mass parts. According to the invention related to (((5))), a fixing device is provided which is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, as compared with the case where the resin having a siloxane group is a silicone oil gum. According to the invention related to (((6))), the surface resistivity of the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 1.0×10 7 As compared with the case where the resistance exceeds Ω / □, a fixing device excellent in both low sliding properties and anti-static properties is provided. According to the invention related to (((7))), the surface resistivity of the sliding surface of the sliding member is 1.0×10 7 As compared with the case where the resistance exceeds Ω / □, a fixing device excellent in both low sliding properties and anti-static properties is provided. According to the invention pertaining to (((13))), in a specific fixing device, when the inner surface of the second rotating body is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a polyimide resin), an image forming apparatus is provided that is equipped with a fixing device that is excellent in both low sliding properties and static electricity suppression, compared to a fixing device in which the sliding surface of the sliding member is made only of a resin that does not have a siloxane group (e.g., a fluororesin). [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K photoconductor 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K Charging roller 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K laser beam 3. Exposure equipment 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K developing device 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K Primary transfer roller 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K Photoconductor Cleaning Device 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K process cartridges 20 Intermediate transfer belt 20a Intermediate transfer body cleaning device 22 Drive roller 24 Support roller 26 Secondary transfer roller 28 Fixing device 30 Heating Roll 40 Pressure Belt 50 Pressure Pad 52 Belt guide 60 Sliding Sheet 62 Lubricants 64 Lubricant supply member 100 Image forming device P Recording medium

Claims

1. A first rotating body; a second rotor disposed in contact with the first rotor; a pressing member disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body; a sliding member interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotor and the pressing member; a lubricant interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotor and the sliding member; Equipped with The inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane, the sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to include a resin having a siloxane group and a conductive material treated with siloxane; The fixing device, wherein the lubricant contains an oil having a siloxane group as a main chain.

2. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive material is carbon black.

3. 2 . The fixing device according to claim 1 , wherein the content of the conductive material with respect to 100 parts by mass of resin in the layer that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 5 parts by mass or more.

4. 4. The fixing device according to claim 3, wherein the content of the conductive material with respect to 100 parts by weight of resin in the layer that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 10 parts by weight or more and 50 parts by weight or less.

5. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the resin having a siloxane group is at least one of a siloxane-modified polyimide resin and a siloxane-modified polyamide-imide resin.

6. The surface resistivity of the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is 1.0×10 ７ 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance is Ω / □ or less.

7. The surface resistivity of the sliding surface of the sliding member is 1.0×10 ７ 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance is Ω / □ or less.

8. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the resin having a siloxane group is in the form of resin particles.

9. 9. The fixing device according to claim 8, wherein the sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to contain a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, resin particles of the resin having a siloxane group, and the conductive material treated with siloxane.

10. 10. The fixing device according to claim 9, wherein the resin particles are thermosetting silicone resin particles.

11. 9. The fixing device according to claim 8, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body is configured to include at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyether ether ketone resin, and polyphenylene sulfide resin, resin particles of the resin having a siloxane group, and the siloxane-treated conductive material.

12. 12. The fixing device according to claim 11, wherein the resin particles are thermosetting silicone resin particles.

13. An image carrier; a latent image forming device for forming a latent image on a surface of an image carrier; a developing device for developing the latent image into a toner image using a developer; a transfer device for transferring the developed toner image onto a recording medium; The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which fixes the toner image on the recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

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