Film, film with elastic layer, transfer device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a film that is excellent in maintaining releasability even when it is used in repeated heating, compared with a case where when a peeling force at 25°C of a film for molten resin is defined as (A), and a peeling force at 140°C as (B), (A) exceeds 20 kPa or (B-A) exceeds 10 kPa.SOLUTION: A film is formed of non-fluorine-based material, and when a peeling force at 25°C (kPa) of the film for molten resin is defined as (A), and a peeling force at 140°C as (B), (A) is 0 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, and (B-A) is 10 kPa or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a film, a film with an elastic layer, a transfer device, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In an image forming apparatus (such as a copier, a facsimile, or a printer) using an electrophotographic method, a toner image formed on the surface of an image carrier is transferred to the surface of a recording medium and fixed on the recording medium to form an image.

[0003] In order to form a high-quality image, the transfer and fixing steps require good separation between the transfer or fixing member and the recording medium.

[0004] As a material for the surface layer of a fixing member that has releasability at high temperatures, a fluorine material, PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer), is widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-165773 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a film made of a non-fluorinated material, which, when the peel strength (kPa) of the film to a molten resin at 25°C is (A) and the peel strength at 140°C is (B), exhibits excellent retention of releasability even when used under repeated heating, compared to a film in which (A) exceeds 20 kPa or (BA) exceeds 10 kPa. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A film made of a non-fluorinated material, wherein (A) is the peel strength (kPa) of the film to a molten resin at 25°C and (B) is the peel strength at 140°C, (A) is 0 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, and (BA) is 10 kPa or less. <2> Formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The present invention includes at least a compound having a structure A represented by the following formula (wherein, R is an organic group, and n is an integer of 2 or more), or a dendrimer. <1> The film according to claim 1. <3> The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The content of the compound or dendrimer having the structure A represented by the formula (I) is 3% by mass or more. <2> The film according to claim 1. <4> The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The content of the compound or dendrimer having the structure A represented by the formula (I) is 6% by mass or more. <2> The film according to claim 1. <5> The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The compound having structure A represented by the formula: <2> ~ <4> 13. The film according to any one of claims 1 to 12. <6> The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. <2> ~ <5> 13. The film according to any one of claims 1 to 12. <7> The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n wherein R is a methyl group; <2> ~ <5> 13. The film according to any one of claims 1 to 12. <8> The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In the infrared spectrum of a compound having structure A represented by the formula: Si-CH 3 1272cm due to bond -1The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si-O-Si bond -1 More than 1150cm -1 The ratio of the heights of the following absorption peaks is 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less: <2> ~ <7> 13. The film according to any one of claims 1 to 12. <9> The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The compound having the structure A represented by the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n wherein R is a methyl group; <2> ~ <4> , and <8> 13. The film according to any one of claims 1 to 12. <10> An elastic layer; On the elastic layer, <1> ~ <9> The film according to any one of the above items, A film with an elastic layer. <11> The tensile modulus of the film at 25°C (N / m 2 ) and the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C (N / m 2 ) (the tensile modulus of the film at 25 ° C. / the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25 ° C.) is 10 or more and 3,000 or less, <10> The film with the elastic layer according to claim 1. <12> A first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, <10> A fixing device having the film with an elastic layer according to claim 1. <13> An image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on a charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with the developer to form a toner image; a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; Fixing the toner image on the surface of a recording medium; <12> a fixing device according to the above; An image forming apparatus comprising: <14> <10> an intermediate transfer body having the elastic layer-attached film according to claim 1, and a toner image is transferred onto an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer body; a primary transfer device for primarily transferring a toner image formed on a surface of an image carrier onto a surface of the intermediate transfer body; a secondary transfer device that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer body onto a surface of a recording medium; A transfer device comprising: <15> An image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on a charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with the developer to form a toner image; transferring the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; <14> A transfer device according to the present invention; a fixing device for fixing the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] <1> According to the invention, there is provided a film which is made of a non-fluorinated material and which, when the peel strength (kPa) of the film to a molten resin at 25°C is (A) and the peel strength at 140°C is (B), exhibits excellent retention of releasability even when used under repeated heating, compared to a film in which (A) exceeds 20 kPa or (BA) exceeds 10 kPa.

[0009] <2> According to the present invention, a compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The present invention provides a film that is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, as compared to a film that does not contain a compound having a structure A represented by the following formula (wherein R is an organic group and n is an integer of 2 or more) or a dendrimer.

[0010] <3> According to the present invention, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to a film in which the content of the compound or dendrimer having the structure A is less than 3 mass %.

[0011] <4> According to the present invention, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to a film in which the content of the compound or dendrimer having the structure A is less than 6 mass %.

[0012] <5> According to the present invention, the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In comparison with the case where the compound having Structure A represented by the following formula (1) has a perfect cage structure, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0013] <6> According to the present invention, the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In comparison with the case where R is an alkyl group having 7 or more carbon atoms, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0014] <7> According to the present invention, the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In comparison with the case where R is an alkyl group having two or more carbon atoms, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0015] <8> According to the present invention, the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The present invention provides a film which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, as compared with a film in which the ratio of the heights of the absorption peaks in the infrared spectrum of a compound having Structure A represented by the following formula (1) is less than 0.2 or more than 0.4.

[0016] <9> According to the present invention, the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The compound having the structure A represented by the formula: [RSiO1.5 ] n In comparison with the case where R is an alkyl group having two or more carbon atoms, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0017] <10> According to the present invention, a film with an elastic layer is provided which is more flexible than a film without an elastic layer.

[0018] <11> According to the invention, the tensile modulus of the film at 25° C. (N / m 2 ) and the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C (N / m 2 The present invention provides a film with an elastic layer that has excellent retention of releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to a film with an elastic layer in which the ratio (tensile modulus of the film at 25°C / tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C) is less than 50 or exceeds 3,000.

[0019] <12> , <13> , <14> , and <15> According to the invention, there are provided a fixing device and an image forming device equipped with a rotating body having a film with an elastic layer, which are made of a non-fluorinated material and have excellent retention of releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to a film with an elastic layer in which (A) exceeds 20 kPa or (BA) exceeds 10 kPa, where (A) is the peel strength (kPa) of the film against a molten resin at 25°C and (B) is the peel strength at 140°C., and the fixing device and an image forming device are provided with a rotating body having a film with an elastic layer, and a transfer device and an image forming device are provided with an intermediate transfer body having a film with an elastic layer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. These descriptions and examples are merely illustrative of the embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0022] In this specification, a numerical range indicated using "~" indicates a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In the numerical ranges described in the present embodiment, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in the present embodiment. In addition, in the numerical ranges described in the present embodiment, the upper or lower limit of the numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the examples.

[0023] In this specification, the term "process" includes not only an independent process but also a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved.

[0024] In this specification, when an embodiment is described with reference to the drawings, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the size of the members in each drawing is conceptual, and the relative relationship between the sizes of the members is not limited to this.

[0025] In the present specification, each component may contain a plurality of corresponding substances. In the present embodiment, when the amount of each component in the composition is mentioned, in the case where a plurality of substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the amount means the total amount of the plurality of substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0026] In this specification, the term "non-fluorine material" means "a material that does not contain fluorine atoms."

[0027] <Film> The film of the present embodiment is a film made of a non-fluorinated material, and when the peel strength (kPa) at 25°C against a molten resin is (A) and the peel strength at 140°C is (B), (A) is 0 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, and (BA) is 10 kPa or less.

[0028] The film of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, and is therefore a film that is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating. The reason for this is presumed to be as follows.

[0029] The film of this embodiment has a peel strength (A) (kPa) of 0 kPa to 20 kPa at 25° C. Therefore, the film of this embodiment has good releasability against molten resin at 25° C. Furthermore, the peel strength (B) (kPa) of the film of this embodiment against a molten resin at 140° C. is in a range with little variation from the peel strength (A) (kPa) at 25° C. Thus, the film of this embodiment has good releasability against a molten resin even at 140° C.

[0030] For this reason, it is presumed that the film of this embodiment will be a film that has excellent releasability retention even when used under repeated heating. For this reason, it is also assumed that when the film of this embodiment is used in an image forming apparatus, the image quality of the obtained image is improved.

[0031] The film of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0032] In the film of this embodiment, when the peel strength (kPa) at 25° C. against a molten resin is (A) and the peel strength at 140° C. is (B), (A) is 0 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, and (BA) is 10 kPa or less. When the peel strength of the film against molten resin at 25°C and 140°C is within the above range, the film has excellent retention of releasability even when used with repeated heating. The peel strength (A) of the film against molten resin at 25°C is preferably 0 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, more preferably 0 kPa or more and 15 kPa or less, and even more preferably 0 kPa or more and 10 kPa or less. In addition, (BA) is preferably 0 kPa or more and 10 kPa or less, and more preferably 0 kPa or more and 5 kPa or less.

[0033] The peel strength (kPa) of the film at 25° C. and 140° C. can be measured as follows.

[0034] First, prepare A4 size paper (manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.) as a preliminary preparation, and prepare a test paper with an image printed on the entire surface using a copier (ApeosPort-V C3375) manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. Also, take a sample piece of 10 mm x 10 mm square from the film to be measured. Next, the sample piece was attached with the elastic layer side of the film to the probe of a tack tester (TA-500, manufactured by UBM) that was either at room temperature (25°C) or preheated to 140°C, and was brought close to the test paper at a speed of 0.1 mm / s and pressed against the image side of the test paper with a pressing load of 5.0 kgf / cm. 2 The peel force is measured when the sample is pulled up at a speed of 10 mm / s. The resin constituting the image is a molten resin containing wax. The wax is Fischer-Tropsch wax "FNP-0090 (melting point 90°C, penetration 3 (1 / 10 mm): Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.), and the molten resin is a polyester resin, a polycondensate of dimethyl fumarate, a dicarboxylic acid, and propylene glycol, a dialcohol, and is made by applying resin particles with a weight average molecular weight of 25,000 and an average particle size of 4.7 μm. The melting point (melting temperature) is determined from a DSC curve obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) based on the "melting peak temperature" described in JIS K 7121:1987 "Method for measuring transition temperature of plastics" for determining the melting temperature. The penetration is a value measured in accordance with JIS K2235: 2022. Specifically, in accordance with JIS K2235: 2022, a standard plunger (0.1 mm) and a weight of 50 g are used under conditions of 25°C to measure the depth to which the plunger tip penetrates into the sample, and the measurement is performed for 10 samples, and the average value is taken as the penetration.

[0035] In order to maintain releasability even when subjected to repeated heating, the film should have a structure of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n It is preferable that the compound contains a dendrimer or a compound having a structure A represented by the following formula (wherein R is an organic group and n is an integer of 2 or more).

[0036] Compounds having structure A have the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n (wherein, R is an organic group, and n is an integer of 2 or more) and at least one R in the structure A has a group containing an alkyl group. Hereinafter, the compound having the structure A may be referred to as a "siloxane compound".

[0037] In Structure A, the organic group represented by R in the formula is, for example, a hydroxyl group, a siloxy group, a hydrocarbon group, a hydrocarbon group in which one or more methylene groups are replaced with a carbonyl group, a hydrocarbon group in which one or more carbon atoms are replaced with a heteroatom (oxygen atom, nitrogen atom, or sulfur atom), or a group combining these.

[0038] The siloxy group explained in relation to the organic group represented by R includes a monoalkylsiloxy group, a dialkylsiloxy group, a trialkylsiloxy group, and the like, with a dialkylsiloxy group and a trialkylsiloxy group being preferred, and a trialkylsiloxy group being more preferred.

[0039] The hydrocarbon group explained in relation to the organic group represented by R includes an aliphatic hydrocarbon group and an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

[0040] Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include linear, branched, or alicyclic saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and linear, branched, or alicyclic unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a substituent such as a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an amino group or an aryl group.

[0041] The aromatic hydrocarbon group may be a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 6 to 14 carbon atoms). Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, and an anthracenyl group. The aromatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a substituent such as a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group.

[0042] The organic group represented by R may have a reactive group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, a styryl group, a maleimide group, an epoxy group, or a (meth)acryloyl group.

[0043] The multiple R's present in structure A may be the same or different organic groups. good.

[0044] From the viewpoint of improving the maintenance of releasability even when used with repeated heating, Structure A (i.e., formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In particular, R is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and further preferably a methyl group.

[0045] Siloxane compounds are polymeric compounds called silsesquioxanes (SQ) that have various skeletal structures. The siloxane compound may have either a complete cage structure or a random structure, with the random structure being preferred. The random type structure includes a ladder type structure, which is a structural intermediate of the random type structure, and a cage type structure having a partially open ring structure. Regarding the structure of siloxane compounds, the complete cage structure is characterized in that a signal with a mass number derived from Q8 or Q10 isomer is detected in the mass spectrum measured by MALDI / MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometry), and a signal with a molecular weight equivalent to Q8 or Q10 is detected in the GPC measurement results, while the random structure is characterized in that an infinite number of signals are detected, unlike the cage structure (complete cage structure). This makes it possible to distinguish between the complete cage structure and the random structure.

[0046] In the infrared spectrum of a siloxane compound (a compound having structure A), 3 1272cm due to bond -1 The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si-O-Si bond -1 More than 1150cm -1 The ratio of the heights of the following absorption peaks (that is, the intensity ratio) is preferably 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less, from the viewpoint of improving the maintenance of releasability even when used under repeated heating. The ratio of the absorption peak heights indicates the amount of methyl groups, and by satisfying the above range, the retention of releasability is easily improved even when used with repeated heating. In order to set the height of the absorption peak within the above range, for example, the Si-CH 3 Methods for increasing the rate of binding include: Here, the height (i.e., intensity) of the absorption peak at each wave number in the infrared spectrum is measured as follows. A measurement sample is prepared by the KBr tablet method. The measurement sample is then subjected to infrared spectrophotometer (JASCO Corporation: FT-IR-410) with 300 integration times and a resolution of 4 cm. -1 Under the condition of 500 cm -1 More than 4,000cm -1The following range is measured. Then, baseline correction is performed in the offset portion where there is no absorbed light, and the height (i.e., intensity) of the absorption peak for each wave number is determined.

[0047] In Structure A, n in the formula represents an integer of 2 or more. From the viewpoint of easily forming a bulky structure, reducing the wettability of the film, and easily exhibiting releasability even at high temperatures, n preferably represents an integer of 8 or more, and more preferably represents an integer of 8 or more and 10,000 or less.

[0048] The dendrimer may be a siloxane dendrimer. For example, the siloxane dendrimer may be an acrylate / polytrimethylsiloxy methacrylate copolymer. The siloxane dendrimer may be purchased from Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.

[0049] Dendrimers also include dendrimers other than siloxane dendrimers. Dendrimers other than siloxane dendrimers include single dendritic hyperbranched polymers consisting of three layers: a central core, dendrons regularly branching from the core, and an outer surface layer. Polyfunctional compounds have been used to construct regularly branched moieties, such as 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes. Dendrimers other than siloxane dendrimers are synthesized by the divergent method, in which synthesis proceeds from the central core outward, or the convergent method, in which synthesis proceeds from the outer shell toward the core, using polyfunctional compounds such as 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzene.

[0050] For the film, the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n From the viewpoint of improving releasability, the content of the compound having the structure A represented by the following formula (wherein R is an organic group, and n is an integer of 2 or more) or the dendrimer is preferably 3% by mass or more, and more preferably 6% by mass or more. However, the upper limit of the content relative to the film is preferably 50% by mass or less, and more preferably 20% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of film-forming properties of the film, etc. When the upper limit of the content is within these ranges, the quality of the obtained image is likely to be improved when the film is used as a fixing member or a transfer member of an image forming apparatus.

[0051] The film also has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In addition to a compound having a structure A represented by the following formula (wherein R is an organic group, and n is an integer of 2 or more) or a dendrimer, it is preferable to contain a binder resin and other additives as necessary.

[0052] Examples of such resins include polyimide resins (PI resins), polyamideimide resins (PAI resins), polyetherketone resins (e.g., aromatic polyetheretherketone resins, etc.), polyphenylene sulfide resins (PPS resins), polyetherimide resins (PEI resins), polyester resins, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, polycarbonate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins (PET resins), and mixed resins thereof. Further examples include chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), natural rubber, and mixed rubbers thereof.

[0053] As the binder resin, from the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the film, a thermosetting silicone resin is suitable. Examples of the thermosetting silicone resin include pure silicone resin, silicone alkyd resin, silicone epoxy resin, silicone polyester resin, silicone acrylic resin, silicone phenol resin, silicone urethane resin, and silicone melamine resin.

[0054] In the film, the content of the binder resin is preferably from 50% by mass to 90% by mass, more preferably from 60% by mass to 90% by mass, and further preferably from 70% by mass to 90% by mass.

[0055] Examples of additives include well-known additives such as conductive agents, reinforcing agents, antioxidants, surfactants, and heat aging inhibitors, depending on the application of the film.

[0056] Here, a conductive agent will be described as a representative additive. Examples of conductive agents include carbon black, metals (e.g., aluminum and nickel), metal oxides (e.g., yttrium oxide and tin oxide), carbon nanotubes, and ion-conductive substances (e.g., potassium titanate and LiCl), among which carbon black is preferred. These conductive agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0057] Examples of carbon black include ketjen black, oil furnace black, channel black (i.e., gas black), acetylene black, etc. Carbon black having a treated surface (hereinafter also referred to as "surface-treated carbon black") may be used. Surface-treated carbon black can be obtained by imparting, for example, a carboxy group, a quinone group, a lactone group, a hydroxy 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 with air in a high-temperature atmosphere and then oxidized with ozone at a low temperature.

[0058] Among these, channel black is preferable as the conductive agent, and acidic carbon black having a pH of 5.0 or less is particularly preferable. Examples of acidic carbon black include carbon black whose surface has been subjected to an oxidation treatment, such as carbon black obtained by providing a carboxyl group, a quinone group, a lactone group, a hydroxyl group, or the like to the surface. As the acidic carbon black, from the viewpoint of improving transferability to textured paper, a carbon black having a pH of 4.5 or less is preferred, a more preferred acidic carbon black having a pH of 4.0 or less, an even more preferred acidic carbon black having a pH of 3.0 or less, an especially preferred acidic carbon black having a pH of 2.0 to 3.0, and an extremely preferred acidic carbon black having a pH of 2.0 to 2.8. The pH of the acidic carbon black is a value measured by the pH measurement method specified in JIS Z8802 (2011).

[0059] The content of the conductive agent in the film is preferably 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less.

[0060] In addition, the tensile modulus of the film at 25°C (N / m 2 ) is 1N / m from the viewpoint of providing flexibility to the film with an elastic layer, which will be described later. 2 More than 1,000N / m 2 It is preferable that the resistance is less than 5N / m 2 More than 300N / m 2 It is more preferable that:

[0061] The tensile modulus of a film can be measured as follows. A test piece measuring 2 mm x 30 mm is cut out from the film. The test piece is clamped at both ends in the long side direction with the upper and lower grips of a tensile testing machine (AUTOGRAPH AG-1S, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) with a distance of 20 mm between the grips. The test piece is pulled in the long side direction at a pulling speed of 100 mm / min in an environment of 25°C temperature and 50% relative humidity. The tensile modulus at 25°C (N / m 2 ) is calculated.

[0062] The thickness of the film is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of the present embodiment, and may be, for example, 0.01 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0063] (Film with elastic layer) From a practical viewpoint, the film is preferably a film with an elastic layer provided thereon (also referred to as a film with an elastic layer of the present embodiment).

[0064] (Elastic layer) The elastic layer may contain an elastic material, a conductive agent, and, if necessary, other additives other than the conductive agent.

[0065] Examples of the elastic material include isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene ternary copolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and blended rubbers thereof. Among them, polyurethane, silicone rubber, EPDM, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, NBR, and blended rubbers thereof are preferably used. These elastic materials may be foamed or non-foamed.

[0066] The content of the elastic material is the amount that constitutes the main component of the elastic layer. Here, the amount that constitutes the main component of the elastic layer means the amount of the component that is present in the largest amount among the components contained in the elastic layer.

[0067] The conductive agent may be the same as those exemplified for the film.

[0068] There is no particular restriction on the amount of conductive agent added, but in the case of the above-mentioned conductive agent, it is preferable that the amount is in the range of 1 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less, and more preferably in the range of 10 mass % or more and 30 mass % or less, relative to 100 mass % of the elastic material.

[0069] Examples of additives other than the conductive agent include the same additives as those exemplified for the film.

[0070] The content of additives other than the conductive agent in the elastic layer is, for example, 0.1 parts by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic material.

[0071] The tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25° C. is 0.1 N / m 2 More than 100N / m 2 It is preferable that the resistance is less than 0.1 N / m 2 More than 50N / m 2 More preferably, it is 0.1 N / m or less. 2 More than 10N / m 2 It is more preferable that the tensile modulus of elasticity of the elastic layer is as follows: The tensile modulus of elasticity of the elastic layer can be measured by the same method as that described for the film.

[0072] The thickness of the elastic layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0073] (Relationship between film and elastic layer) The film and the elastic layer are preferably made of a material having a tensile modulus of elasticity at 25° C. (N / m 2 ) and the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C (N / m 2 The ratio of the tensile modulus of the film at 25°C (N / m) to the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C (tensile modulus of the film at 25°C) is preferably 10 to 3,000. 2 ) and the tensile modulus of elastic layer at 25℃ (N / m 2) in the above range, a film excellent in maintaining flexibility even when used with repeated heating can be easily obtained, and when the film with an elastic layer provided thereon is used as a fixing member or a transfer member of an image forming apparatus, the image quality of the obtained image can be easily improved.

[0074] The method for producing the film of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and the film can be produced, for example, by applying a coating liquid for forming a film onto an elastic layer and drying the coating liquid.

[0075] <Fixing device> The fixing device of this embodiment is A first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body has the film with the elastic layer of this embodiment.

[0076] The fixing device of this embodiment will be described below in the following three embodiments: as a first embodiment, a fixing device equipped with a heating roll and a pressure belt; as a second embodiment, a fixing device equipped with a heating belt and a heating roll; and as a third embodiment, a fixing device of an electromagnetic induction heating type equipped with a heating belt and a heating roll. The fixing device of the present embodiment is not limited to those of the first to third embodiments, and may be a fixing device including a heating roll or a heating belt and a pressure belt. In the fixing device of this embodiment, the film with an elastic layer of this embodiment may be applied to any of the heating roll, the heating belt, the pressure roll, and the pressure belt. In particular, when the film with an elastic layer of the present embodiment is applied to a heating roll or heating belt, it is preferable because the roll or belt has excellent performance in terms of the leading edge margin of the recording medium (for example, paper).

[0077] (First embodiment of fixing device) A first embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first embodiment of the fixing device (that is, fixing device 60).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 60 is configured to include, for example, a rotating heating roll 61 (an example of a first rotating body), a pressure belt 62 (an example of a second rotating body), and a pressure pad 64 (an example of a pressing member) that presses the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62. The pressing pad 64 may be configured to press the pressure belt 62 and the heating roll 61 relatively. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 side may be pressed against the heating roll 61, or the heating roll 61 side may be pressed against the pressure belt 62.

[0079] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating device) is disposed inside the heating roll 61. The heating device is not limited to a halogen lamp, and other heat-generating members may be used.

[0080] On the other hand, for example, a temperature sensor 69 is arranged in contact with the surface of the heating roll 61. Based on the temperature measurement value by this temperature sensor 69, the lighting of the halogen lamp 66 is controlled, and the surface temperature of the heating roll 61 is maintained at a target set temperature (for example, 150°C).

[0081] The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported by, for example, a pressure pad 64 and a belt running guide 63 disposed inside the pressure belt 62. The pressure belt 62 is disposed so as to be pressed against the heating roll 61 by the pressure pad 64 in a sandwiching region N (nip portion).

[0082] The pressure pad 64 is disposed, for example, inside the pressure belt 62 in a state where it is pressed by the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62, and forms a sandwiching region N between the pressure pad 64 and the heating roll 61. The pressure pad 64, for example, has a front clamping member 64a arranged on the entrance side of the clamping area N to ensure a wide clamping area N, and a peeling clamping member 64b arranged on the exit side of the clamping area N to impart distortion to the heating roll 61.

[0083] In order to reduce the sliding resistance between the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62 and the pressure pad 64, for example, a sheet-like sliding member 68 is provided on the surfaces of the front clamping member 64a and the peeling clamping member 64b that come into contact with the pressure belt 62. The pressure pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held by a holding member 65 made of metal. The sliding member 68 is provided, for example, so that its sliding surface comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62 , and is involved in the retention and supply of oil present between the sliding member 68 and the pressure belt 62 .

[0084] For example, a belt running guide 63 is attached to the holding member 65, and the pressure belt 62 rotates. A lubricant supplying device 67 is attached to the belt running guide 63 as a means for supplying a lubricant (oil) to the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 62.

[0085] The heating roll 61 is rotated in the direction of arrow S by, for example, a drive motor (not shown), and the pressure belt 62 is driven by this rotation to rotate in the direction of arrow R, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roll 61. That is, for example, while the heating roll 61 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, the pressure belt 62 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

[0086] Then, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) having the unfixed toner image thereon is guided, for example, by the fixing entrance guide 56 and conveyed to the pinch region N. Then, when the paper K passes through the pinch region N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the pinch region N.

[0087] In the fixing device 60, for example, the front pinch member 64a having a concave shape conforming to the outer circumferential surface of the heating roll 61 ensures a wider pinch region N than in a configuration without the front pinch member 64a.

[0088] In addition, in the fixing device 60, for example, by arranging the peeling and pinching member 64b so as to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the heating roll 61, the distortion of the heating roll 61 is locally increased in the exit area of ​​the pinching region N.

[0089] By arranging the peeling and pinching member 64b in this manner, for example, when the paper K after fixing passes through the peeling and pinching area, it passes through a locally large distortion, making it easier for the paper K to peel off from the heating roll 61.

[0090] As an auxiliary device for peeling, for example, a peeling member 70 is disposed downstream of the pinching region N of the heating roll 61. The peeling member 70 is held by a holding member 72 in a state in which a peeling claw 71 is adjacent to the heating roll 61 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roll 61 (counter direction), for example.

[0091] (Second embodiment of fixing device) A second embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the fixing device (that is, fixing device 80).

[0092] 2, the fixing device 80 includes, for example, a fixing belt module 86 equipped with a heating belt 84 (an example of a first rotating body), and a pressure roll 88 (an example of a second rotating body) arranged to press against the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86). For example, a pinch region N (nip portion) is formed at the contact portion between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roll 88. In the pinch region N, a sheet K (an example of a recording medium) is pressurized and heated, and a toner image is fixed.

[0093] The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, an endless heating belt 84, a heating pressure roll 89 around which the heating belt 84 is wound on the pressure roll 88 side and which is rotated by the rotational force of a motor (not shown) and presses the heating belt 84 from its inner surface against the pressure roll 88 side, and a support roll 90 which supports the heating belt 84 from the inside at a position different from the heating pressure roll 89. The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, a support roll 92 arranged on the outside of the heating belt 84 to define its rotational path, a posture correction roll 94 to correct the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating pressure roll 89 to the support roll 90, and a support roll 98 to apply tension to the heating belt 84 from its inner surface downstream of the clamping area N formed by the heating belt 84 and the pressure roll 88.

[0094] The fixing belt module 86 is provided, for example, between the heating belt 84 and the heating pressure roll 89 so that a sheet-like sliding member 82 is interposed. The sliding member 82 is provided, for example, so that its sliding surface comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt 84 , and is involved in the retention and supply of oil present between the sliding member 82 and the heating belt 84 . Here, the sliding member 82 is provided in a state in which both ends thereof are supported by supporting members 96, for example.

[0095] Inside the heating and pressing roll 89, for example, a halogen heater 89A (one example of a heating device) is provided.

[0096] The support roll 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and has a halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating device) disposed therein so as to heat the heating belt 84 from the inner circumferential surface side. At both ends of the support roll 90, for example, spring members (not shown) are provided to press the heating belt 84 outward.

[0097] The support roll 92 is a cylindrical roll made of, for example, aluminum, and a release layer made of fluororesin having a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the surface of the support roll 92. The release layer of the support roll 92 is formed, for example, to prevent toner and paper powder from the outer circumferential surface of the heating belt 84 from accumulating on the support roll 92 . Inside the support roll 92, for example, a halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating device) is disposed, and the heating belt 84 is heated from the outer circumferential surface side.

[0098] That is, for example, the heating belt 84 is heated by a heating pressure roll 89 and a supporting roll 90 and a supporting roll 92 .

[0099] The posture correction roll 94 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and an end position measuring mechanism (not shown) that measures the end position of the heating belt 84 is disposed near the posture correction roll 94. The posture correction roll 94 is provided with, for example, an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) that displaces the contact position in the axial direction of the heating belt 84 in accordance with the measurement results of the end position measuring mechanism, and is configured to control the meandering of the heating belt 84.

[0100] On the other hand, the pressure roll 88 is, for example, supported rotatably and is provided so as to be pressed against the portion where the heating belt 84 is wound around the heating pressure roll 89 by a biasing device such as a spring (not shown). As a result, as the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89) of the fixing belt module 86 rotates in the direction of arrow S, the pressure roll 88 rotates in the direction of arrow R, following the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89).

[0101] Then, the paper K having an unfixed toner image (not shown) is transported in the direction of arrow P and guided to a pinch area N of the fixing device 80. Then, when the paper K passes through the pinch area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by pressure and heat acting on the pinch area N.

[0102] In the fixing device 80, a form in which a halogen heater (halogen lamp) is applied as an example of a plurality of heating devices has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a radiant lamp heating element (a heating element that emits radiation (infrared rays, etc.)) other than a halogen heater, or a resistive heating element (a heating element that generates Joule heat by passing a current through a resistor: for example, a film having resistance formed on a ceramic substrate and then fired) may also be applied.

[0103] (Third embodiment of fixing device) A fixing device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixing device according to the third embodiment (that is, fixing device 200).

[0104] As shown in FIG. 3, fixing device 200 is an electromagnetic induction type fixing device including belt 220 having a metal layer. In the fixing device 200, a pressure roll (pressure member) 211 is disposed so as to pressurize a part of the belt 220, and from the viewpoint of efficient fixing, a contact area (nip) is formed between the belt 220 and the pressure roll 211, and the belt 220 is curved in a shape that follows the circumferential surface of the pressure roll 211. Also, from the viewpoint of ensuring the peelability of the recording medium, a bent portion where the belt is bent is formed at the end of the contact area (nip).

[0105] The pressure roll 211 is configured such that an elastic layer 211B made of silicone rubber or the like is formed on a base material 211A, and a release layer 211C made of a fluorine-based compound is further formed on the elastic layer 211B.

[0106] An opposing member 213 is disposed on the inner side of the belt 220 at a position opposing the pressure roll 211. The opposing member 213 is made of metal, heat-resistant resin, heat-resistant rubber, or the like, and has a pad 213B that comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the belt 220 to locally increase pressure, and a support 213A that supports the pad 213B.

[0107] An electromagnetic induction heating device 212 incorporating an electromagnetic induction coil (excitation coil) 212a is provided at a position facing the pressure roll 211 (an example of a pressure member) with the belt 220 at the center. The electromagnetic induction heating device 212 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction coil, thereby changing the generated magnetic field with an excitation circuit and generating an eddy current in a metal layer (not shown) of the belt 220 (for example, an electromagnetic induction metal layer). This eddy current is converted into heat (Joule heat) by the electrical resistance of the metal layer (not shown), and as a result, the surface of the belt 220 generates heat. The position of the electromagnetic induction heating device 212 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 3, and may be installed, for example, on the upstream side of the contact area of ​​the belt 220 in the rotation direction B, or may be installed on the inside of the belt 220.

[0108] In the fixing device 200, a driving force is transmitted from a driving device to a gear fixed to the end of the belt 220, causing the belt 220 to rotate by itself in the direction of arrow B, and as the belt 220 rotates, the pressure roll 211 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow C. The recording medium 215 on which the unfixed toner image 214 is formed is passed through a contact area (nip) between the belt 220 and the pressure roll 211 in the fixing device 200 in the direction of arrow A, and the unfixed toner image 214 is fixed to the recording medium 215 by applying pressure to the molten toner image 214.

[0109] <Transfer device> Next, the transfer device of this embodiment will be described. The transfer device of this embodiment is an intermediate transfer body having the elastic layer-attached film of the present embodiment and having a toner image transferred onto an outer peripheral surface thereof; a primary transfer device that primarily transfers a toner image formed on a surface of an image carrier onto a surface of an intermediate transfer body; a secondary transfer device that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer body onto the surface of a recording medium; Equipped with.

[0110] (Primary transfer device) In the primary transfer device, the primary transfer member is disposed opposite to the image carrier with the intermediate transfer belt interposed therebetween. In the primary transfer device, the primary transfer member applies a voltage of a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner to the intermediate transfer belt, thereby primarily transferring the toner image to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member.

[0111] (Secondary transfer device) In the secondary transfer device, the secondary transfer member is disposed on the toner image carrying side of the intermediate transfer body. The secondary transfer device includes, for example, a backing member disposed on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer body to the toner image carrying side together with the secondary transfer member. In the secondary transfer device, the intermediate transfer body and the recording medium are sandwiched between the secondary transfer member and the backing member to form a transfer electric field, whereby the toner image on the intermediate transfer body is secondarily transferred to the recording medium. The secondary transfer member may be a secondary transfer roll or a secondary transfer belt. The backing member may be, for example, a backing roll.

[0112] The transfer device of the present embodiment may be a transfer device that transfers a toner image onto a surface of a recording medium via a plurality of intermediate transfer bodies. In other words, the transfer device may be, for example, a transfer device that performs primary transfer of a toner image from an image carrier to a first intermediate transfer body, secondary transfer of the toner image from the first intermediate transfer body to a second intermediate transfer body, and then tertiary transfer of the toner image from the second intermediate transfer body to a recording medium. A transfer device applies an intermediate transfer body formed of the elastic layer-attached film of the present embodiment to at least one of a plurality of intermediate transfer bodies.

[0113] <Image forming device> The image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes: The image carrier includes an image holder, a charging device that charges the surface of the image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier, a developing device that contains a developer containing toner and uses the developer to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier to form a toner image, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to the surface of a recording medium, and a fixing device that fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium. As the transfer device, the transfer device of this embodiment is applied. As the fixing device, the fixing device of the present embodiment is applied.

[0114] In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the transfer device and the fixing device may each be a cartridge that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus. In other words, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment may include the transfer device of the present embodiment and the fixing device of the present embodiment as components of a process cartridge.

[0115] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0116] 4, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is, for example, an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus generally called a tandem type, and includes a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K in which toner images of each color component are formed by an electrophotographic method, a primary transfer section 10 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color component formed by each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K onto an intermediate transfer belt 15, a secondary transfer section 20 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 onto a recording medium, paper K, and a fixing device 60 that fixes the secondarily transferred image onto the paper K. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a control section 40 that controls the operation of each device (each section).

[0117] Each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a photoconductor 11 that rotates in the direction of arrow A as an example of an image carrier that carries a toner image formed on its surface.

[0118] Around the photoconductor 11, there is provided a charger 12 as an example of a charging device that charges the photoconductor 11, and there is provided a laser exposure device 13 (the exposure beam is indicated by the symbol Bm in the figure) as an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device that writes an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11.

[0119] In addition, around the photoconductor 11, there is provided a developing device 14 as an example of a developing device, which contains toner of each color component and makes the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11 visible using the toner, and there is provided a primary transfer roll 16 which transfers the toner image of each color component formed on the photoconductor 11 to an intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer section 10.

[0120] Furthermore, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 that removes residual toner on the photoreceptor 11 is provided around the photoreceptor 11, and electrophotographic devices including a charger 12, a laser exposure device 13, a developer 14, a primary transfer roll 16, and the photoreceptor cleaner 17 are sequentially arranged along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a substantially linear fashion in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0121] The intermediate transfer belt 15, which is an intermediate transfer body, is made of a film-like pressure belt having a resin base layer and containing an appropriate amount of an antistatic agent such as carbon black. 6 Ωcm or more 10 14 It is formed to have a resistivity of Ωcm or less, and its thickness is, for example, about 0.1 mm.

[0122] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven (rotated) in a circular manner by various rolls at a speed suited to the purpose in the direction B shown in Fig. 4. The various rolls include a drive roll 31 driven by a motor (not shown) excellent in constant speed performance to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 15, a support roll 32 supporting the intermediate transfer belt 15 extending in a substantially straight line along the arrangement direction of the photoconductors 11, a tensioning roll 33 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a correction roll to prevent the intermediate transfer belt 15 from meandering, a back roll 25 provided in the secondary transfer unit 20, and a cleaning back roll 34 provided in a cleaning unit that scrapes off residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0123] The primary transfer section 10 is composed of a primary transfer roll 16 arranged opposite the photoconductor 11 with an intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween. The primary transfer roll 16 is composed of a core body and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed to the periphery of the core body. The core body is a cylindrical rod made of a metal such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a blend rubber of NBR, SBR and EPDM mixed with a conductive agent such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 10 7.5 Ωcm or more 10 8.5 It is a sponge-like cylindrical roll with a surface resistance of less than Ωcm.

[0124] The primary transfer roll 16 is arranged in pressure contact with the photoconductor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween, and furthermore, a voltage (primary transfer bias) of the opposite polarity to the charge polarity of the toner (negative polarity; the same applies below) is applied to the primary transfer roll 16. As a result, the toner images on the photoconductors 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0125] The secondary transfer unit 20 includes a back roll 25 and a secondary transfer roll 22 that is disposed on the toner image bearing surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

[0126] The back roll 25 is made of a tube of EPDM and NBR blend rubber with carbon dispersed on the surface, and the inside is made of EPDM rubber. 7 Ω / □ or more 10 10 The hardness is set to, for example, 70° (Asker C: manufactured by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd., the same applies below.) The back roll 25 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to constitute an opposing electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and is in contact with a metallic power supply roll 26 to which a secondary transfer bias is stably applied.

[0127] On the other hand, the secondary transfer roll 22 is composed of a core body and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core body. The core body is a cylindrical rod made of a metal such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is made of a blend rubber of NBR, SBR and EPDM mixed with a conductive agent such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 10 7.5 Ωcm or more 10 8.5 It is a sponge-like cylindrical roll with a surface resistance of less than Ωcm.

[0128] The secondary transfer roll 22 is placed in pressure contact with the back roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween, and further, the secondary transfer roll 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25, thereby secondarily transferring the toner image onto the paper K transported to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0129] In addition, downstream of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 that removes residual toner and paper dust on the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 is provided so as to be freely movable toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0130] The intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer section 10 (the primary transfer roll 16), and the secondary transfer section 20 (the secondary transfer roll 22) correspond to an example of a transfer device.

[0131] Meanwhile, upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, there is provided a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 that generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for timing image formation in each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. This reference sensor 42 generates a reference signal by recognizing a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is configured to start image formation in response to an instruction from the control unit 40 based on the recognition of this reference signal. Further, an image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality is disposed downstream of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0132] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, as a transport device for transporting paper K, there are provided a paper storage section 50 for storing paper K, a paper feed roll 51 for taking out and transporting paper K accumulated in the paper storage section 50 at a predetermined timing, a transport roll 52 for transporting paper K fed by the paper feed roll 51, a transport guide 53 for sending paper K transported by the transport roll 52 to the secondary transfer section 20, a transport belt 55 for transporting paper K transported after secondary transfer by the secondary transfer roll 22 to the fixing device 60, and a fixing entrance guide 56 for guiding paper K to the fixing device 60.

[0133] Next, a basic image forming process of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, image data output from an image reading device (not shown) or a personal computer (PC) (not shown), etc., is subjected to image processing by an image processing device (not shown), and then image formation is performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0134] The image processing device performs image processing on the input image data, such as shading correction, positional deviation correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, and various image editing such as frame erasure, color editing, and movement editing. The image data that has undergone image processing is converted into color material gradation data of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and is output to the laser exposure device 13.

[0135] In the laser exposure device 13, an exposure beam Bm emitted from, for example, a semiconductor laser is irradiated onto the photoconductor 11 of each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K in accordance with the input color material gradation data. In each of the photoconductors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, the surface is charged by the charger 12, and then the surface is scanned and exposed by the laser exposure device 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image of each color, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), by each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0136] The toner images formed on the photoconductors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10 where each photoconductor 11 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 15. More specifically, in the primary transfer section 10, a voltage (primary transfer bias) of the opposite polarity to the charging polarity (negative polarity) of the toner is applied to the base material of the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the primary transfer roll 16, and the toner images are sequentially superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform the primary transfer.

[0137] After the toner images are sequentially primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves to transport the toner images to the secondary transfer unit 20. When the toner images are transported to the secondary transfer unit 20, in the transport device, the paper feed roll 51 rotates in accordance with the timing at which the toner images are transported to the secondary transfer unit 20, and paper K of the desired size is supplied from the paper storage unit 50. The paper K supplied by the paper feed roll 51 is transported by the transport roll 52 and reaches the secondary transfer unit 20 via the transport guide 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer unit 20, the paper K is temporarily stopped, and a positioning roll (not shown) rotates in accordance with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 15 on which the toner images are held, thereby aligning the position of the paper K with the position of the toner image.

[0138] In the secondary transfer section 20, the secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the back roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper K, which has been transported in time, is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. At this time, when a voltage (secondary transfer bias) of the same polarity as the charging polarity (negative polarity) of the toner is applied from the power supply roll 26, a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. Then, the unfixed toner images held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 are electrostatically transferred collectively onto the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20, which is pressed by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25.

[0139] Thereafter, the paper K onto which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is transported as it is after being peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22, and is transported to a transport belt 55 provided downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the paper transport direction. The transport belt 55 transports the paper K to the fixing device 60 at an optimal transport speed for the fixing device 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper K transported to the fixing device 60 is fixed onto the paper K by being subjected to a fixing process using heat and pressure by the fixing device 60. The paper K on which the fixed image has been formed is then transported to an ejected paper storage section (not shown) provided in the ejection section of the image forming apparatus.

[0140] On the other hand, after the transfer to the paper K is completed, the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported to the cleaning section as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates, and is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the cleaning back roll 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35.

[0141] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible. EXAMPLES

[0142] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present embodiment is not limited to only the following examples. In the following, "parts" refers to "parts by mass" unless otherwise specified.

[0143] <Example 1> An endless belt-shaped polyimide (PI) substrate having a diameter of 168 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm was prepared. Next, butyl acetate was added to a liquid thermosetting silicone rubber composition (KE-1950-35A / B, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) in an amount of 15% by mass and mixed to prepare a coating liquid for forming an elastic layer. This coating liquid for forming an elastic layer was applied to the prepared PI substrate by a blade coating method to a thickness of 500 μm. After that, it was heated and dried at 110° C. for 20 minutes in a hot air drying oven to obtain an elastic layer cured on the PI substrate, and a coating liquid of a resin composition containing the additives in Table 1 was applied to the elastic layer and dried to obtain an evaluation sample. The composition of the coating liquid is as follows. Binder resin: Thermosetting silicone rubber composition X34-3160 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) (84 parts) Additive: PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted compound (Sigma-Aldrich Co. / cage-type silsesquioxane monomer / absorption peak height ratio of infrared spectrum (Si-CH 3 1272cm due to bond -1 The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si-O-Si bond -1 More than 1150cm -1 Ratio of the height of the following absorption peaks = 0.022 (3 parts) Solvent: Butyl acetate (13 parts)

[0144] <Example 2> An evaluation sample was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of the PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted product was 6 parts.

[0145] <Example 3> An evaluation sample was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of the PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted product was 30 parts.

[0146] <Examples 4 to 6> The PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted compound was prepared by the method using polymethylsilsesquioxane X-52-854 (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. / random type silsesquioxane monomer / absorption peak height ratio of infrared spectroscopy (Si-CH 3 1272cm due to bond -1The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si-O-Si bond -1 More than 1150cm -1 Except for changing the ratio of the heights of the following absorption peaks to 0.326) and changing the content thereof, an evaluation sample was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The infrared spectrum intensity ratio was determined by measuring the infrared spectrum of the sample by the KBr method and performing spectrum analysis, as described above.

[0147] <Example 7> An evaluation sample was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substitute was changed to a dendrimer made from methyl 3,5-dimethoxybenzoate (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as the raw material and the amount added was 10 parts. The peel strength of the evaluation sample film at 25° C. and 140° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, according to the method described above. The tensile modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of the elastic layer and the modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of the film were measured in the same manner as in Example 1, according to the method already described, and the ratio therebetween was calculated.

[0148] <Example 8> A sample for evaluation was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituent was changed to the siloxane dendrimer DOWSIL FA-4001 (manufactured by Dow Chemical Japan Co., Ltd.) and the content was 10 parts.

[0149] <Example 9> An evaluation sample was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of the PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substitution product was 30 parts and the elastic layer was made from silicone rubber composition KE-111 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0150] <Comparative Example 1> An evaluation sample was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substitute was changed to polyester modified silicone resin KR-5235 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0151] <Comparative Example 2> An evaluation sample was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the PSS-octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituent was changed to polyester modified silicone resin KR-5235 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), the content was changed to 6 parts, and the elastic layer was made from silicone rubber composition KE-1600 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0152] <Evaluation> The peel strengths of the evaluation samples of the Examples and Comparative Examples were measured at 25°C and 140°C according to the method described above. The tensile modulus of the elastic layer of the evaluation samples at 25°C and the modulus of the film at 25°C were also measured according to the method described above. The ratios of these values ​​were also calculated. Furthermore, the evaluation sample was used as the fixing member (i.e., heating member) of the fixing device of an image forming apparatus (modified Revoria Press PC1120, manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.), a black solid image was formed on paper (Lezac 66), the offset area of ​​the formed image was calculated, and the maintenance of the release property was evaluated based on the image quality. The offset area was calculated as the ratio of the area of ​​the image void to the entire image. The evaluation was performed according to the following criteria.

[0153] A: Offset area 0% B: Offset area 1% to 10% C: Offset area 11% to 30% D: Offset area 30% to 80%

[0154] Furthermore, the peelability of the leading edge of the paper was evaluated by forming and printing a solid black image with adjusted leading edge margin in the paper feed direction using Shiraoi paper (manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. / weight (thickness) = 52 gsm) and using the following criteria. A: No paper jams occurred up to 1mm leading edge margin B: No paper jams occurred up to 2 mm of leading edge margin C: No paper jams occurred up to 3 mm of leading edge margin D: Paper jam occurs at 3mm leading edge margin

[0155] The results are shown in Table 1.

[0156] [Table 1]

[0157] The results in Table 1 show that the film of this example exhibits excellent retention of releasability even when used under repeated heating. Furthermore, when the film of this embodiment is used as a fixing member (that is, a heating member) of a fixing device in an image forming apparatus, it is found that the leading edge peelability of the paper is excellent and the image quality of the obtained image is also excellent.

[0158] The present embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) A film made of a non-fluorinated material, wherein (A) is the peel strength (kPa) of the film to a molten resin at 25°C and (B) is the peel strength at 140°C, (A) is 0 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, and (BA) is 10 kPa or less. (((2))) Formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The film according to (((1))), comprising at least a compound having a structure A represented by the following formula (wherein, R is an organic group, and n is an integer of 2 or more), or a dendrimer. (((3))) The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The film according to (((2))), wherein the content of the compound or dendrimer having structure A represented by the following formula (1) is 3 mass % or more. (((4))) The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The film according to (((2))), wherein the content of the compound or dendrimer having the structure A represented by the following formula (1) is 6 mass % or more. (((5))) The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] nThe film according to any one of (((2))) to (((4))), wherein the compound having Structure A represented by the following formula (I) has a random structure. (((6))) The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The film according to any one of (((2))) to (((5))), wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. (((7))) The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The film according to any one of (((2))) to (((5))), wherein R is a methyl group. (((8))) The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In the infrared spectrum of a compound having structure A represented by the formula: Si-CH 3 1272cm due to bond -1 The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si-O-Si bond -1 More than 1150cm -1 The film according to any one of (((2))) to (((7))), having a ratio of the heights of the following absorption peaks of 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less: (((9))) The formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The compound having the structure A represented by the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The film according to any one of (((2))) to (((4))) and (((8))), wherein R is a methyl group. (((10))) An elastic layer; The film according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))) provided on the elastic layer; A film with an elastic layer. (((11))) The tensile modulus of the film at 25°C (N / m 2 ) and the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C (N / m 2The film with an elastic layer according to (((10))), wherein the ratio (tensile modulus of the film at 25°C / tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C) is 10 or more and 3,000 or less. (((12))) A first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body, A fixing device, wherein at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body has the film with an elastic layer described in (((10))). (((13))) An image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on a charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with the developer to form a toner image; a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; a fixing device according to (((12))) for fixing the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((14))) an intermediate transfer body having the elastic layer-attached film according to (((10))) and having a toner image transferred onto an outer peripheral surface thereof; a primary transfer device for primarily transferring a toner image formed on a surface of an image carrier onto a surface of the intermediate transfer body; a secondary transfer device that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer body onto a surface of a recording medium; A transfer device comprising: (((15))) An image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on a charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with the developer to form a toner image; a transfer device according to (((14))) for transferring the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; a fixing device for fixing the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0159] The advantages of the above aspect are as follows. The invention pertaining to (((1))) provides a film which is made of a non-fluorinated material and which, when the peel strength (kPa) of the film to a molten resin at 25°C is (A) and the peel strength at 140°C is (B), exhibits excellent retention of releasability even when used under repeated heating, compared to a film in which (A) exceeds 20 kPa or (BA) exceeds 10 kPa.

[0160] According to the invention (((2))), a compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The present invention provides a film that is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, as compared to a film that does not contain a compound having a structure A represented by the following formula (wherein R is an organic group and n is an integer of 2 or more) or a dendrimer.

[0161] According to the invention related to (((3))), there is provided a film which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to a film in which the content of the compound having Structure A or the dendrimer is less than 3 mass%.

[0162] According to the invention related to (((4))), there is provided a film which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to a film in which the content of the compound having Structure A or the dendrimer is less than 6 mass%.

[0163] According to the invention related to (((5))), the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In comparison with the case where the compound having Structure A represented by the following formula (1) has a perfect cage structure, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0164] According to the invention related to (((6))), the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] nIn comparison with the case where R is an alkyl group having 7 or more carbon atoms, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0165] According to the invention related to (((7))), the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In comparison with the case where R is an alkyl group having two or more carbon atoms, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0166] According to the invention related to (((8))), the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The present invention provides a film which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used with repeated heating, as compared with a film in which the ratio of the heights of the absorption peaks in the infrared spectrum of a compound having Structure A represented by the following formula (1) is less than 0.2 or more than 0.4.

[0167] According to the invention related to (((9))), the compound of the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The compound having the structure A represented by the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n In comparison with the case where R is an alkyl group having two or more carbon atoms, a film is provided which is excellent in maintaining releasability even when used under repeated heating.

[0168] According to the invention related to (((10))), a film with an elastic layer is provided which is superior in flexibility compared to a film in which no elastic layer is provided.

[0169] According to the invention related to (((11))), the tensile modulus of the film at 25°C (N / m 2 ) and the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C (N / m 2 The present invention provides a film with an elastic layer that has excellent retention of releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to a film with an elastic layer in which the ratio (tensile modulus of the film at 25°C / tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C) is less than 50 or exceeds 3,000.

[0170] According to the inventions relating to (((12))), (((13))), (((14))), and (((15))), there are provided a fixing device and an image forming device equipped with a rotating body having a film with an elastic layer, which is made of a non-fluorinated material and has excellent retention of releasability even when used with repeated heating, compared to the use of a film with an elastic layer in which (A) exceeds 20 kPa or (BA) exceeds 10 kPa, where (A) is the peel strength (kPa) of the film against a molten resin at 25°C and (B) is the peel strength at 140°C. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 60 Fixing device 62 Pressure Belt 63 Belt guide 64 Pressure Pad 64a Front clamping member 64b Peeling and clamping member 65 Retaining member 66 Halogen lamp 67 Lubricant supply device 68 Sliding members 69 Thermosensor 70 Peeling member 71 Peeling Claw 72 Retaining member 80 Fixing device 82 Sliding member 84 Heating Belt 86 Fuser Belt Module 88 Pressure Roll 89A halogen heater 89 Heated pressure roll 90A halogen heater 90 Support Roll 92A halogen heater 92 Support Roll 94 Posture Correction Roll 96 Support member 98 Support Roll 100 Image forming device 200 Fixing device 211 Pressure Roll 212 Electromagnetic induction heating device

Claims

1. A film made of a non-fluorine-containing material, wherein, when the peel strength (kPa) of the film to a molten resin at 25°C is (A) and the peel strength at 140°C is (B), (A) is 0 kPa or more and 20 kPa or less, and (B-A) is 10 kPa or less.

2. Formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ The film according to claim 1 , comprising at least a compound having a structure A represented by the following formula (wherein, R is an organic group, and n is an integer of 2 or more), or a dendrimer.

3. The formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ The film according to claim 2, wherein the content of the compound having the structure A represented by the formula (I) or the dendrimer is 3% by mass or more.

4. The formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ The film according to claim 2, wherein the content of the compound having the structure A represented by the formula (I) or the dendrimer is 6% by mass or more.

5. The formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ 3. The film of claim 2, wherein the compound having the structure A represented by the formula: is a random structure.

6. The formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ The film according to claim 2 , wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

7. The formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ 3. The film according to claim 2, wherein R is a methyl group.

8. The formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ In the infrared spectrum of the compound having the structure A represented by the formula: ３ 1272 cm due to bond －１ The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si—O—Si bond －１ 1150cm or more －１ The film according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the heights of the following absorption peaks is 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less:

9. The formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ The compound having the structure A represented by the formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ 3. The film according to claim 2, wherein R is a methyl group.

10. An elastic layer; The film according to any one of claims 1 to 9 provided on the elastic layer; A film with an elastic layer.

11. The tensile modulus of the film at 25° C. (N / m ２ ) and the tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C (N / m ２ The film with an elastic layer according to claim 10, wherein the ratio (tensile modulus of the film at 25°C / tensile modulus of the elastic layer at 25°C) is 10 or more and 3,000 or less.

12. A first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with an outer surface of the first rotating body, A fixing device, wherein at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body has the film with an elastic layer according to claim 10 .

13. An image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on a charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that contains a developer containing a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with the developer to form a toner image; a transfer device for transferring the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; The fixing device according to claim 12, which fixes the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

14. an intermediate transfer member having the elastic layer-attached film according to claim 10 and having an outer peripheral surface onto which a toner image is transferred; a primary transfer device for primarily transferring a toner image formed on a surface of an image carrier onto a surface of the intermediate transfer body; a secondary transfer device that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer body onto a surface of a recording medium; A transfer device comprising:

15. An image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on a charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that contains a developer including a toner and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with the developer to form a toner image; A transfer device according to claim 14 for transferring the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; a fixing device for fixing the toner image onto a surface of a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

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