Slide member, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a slide member that is excellent in maintaining slide resistance.SOLUTION: A slide member has a plurality of first grooves provided in a center part in a width direction of a slide surface at an interval in a width direction of the first grooves. The angle formed by the first grooves and a slide direction is 45° or more and 90° or less. When a cut surface, which is obtained by cutting the slide member along a direction perpendicular to the first grooves and a thickness direction, is observed, the angle A formed by the slide direction and a wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the slide direction, in the first groove, is 21° or more and 45° or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "a fixing device having a rotating member, a belt member that rotates together with the rotating member, and a nip forming member that forms a nip portion with the rotating member via the belt member, and passing a sheet through the nip portion. A sliding member interposed between the belt member and the nip forming member, wherein the sliding member has a sliding surface on the surface that slides with the inner peripheral surface of the belt member, a sliding contact surface that slidably contacts the inner peripheral surface of the belt member, and a concave groove that is a groove recessed from the sliding contact surface, and the concave groove has an inclined surface that inclines such that the sliding downstream direction of the belt member becomes shallower with respect to the sliding contact surface at the groove bottom. A sliding member for a fixing device characterized by this."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem of the present invention is that a plurality of first grooves are provided at intervals in the width direction at the center of the width direction of the sliding surface, the angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less, and when observing a cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, compared with a sliding member in which the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in a plurality of first grooves is less than 21° or more than 45°, to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A plurality of first grooves are provided at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface, with intervals in the width direction of the first grooves. The angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less. When observing a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, a sliding member in which, in the first groove, the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction is 21° or more and 45° or less. <2> The sliding member according to <1>, wherein when observing a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, in the first groove, the angle B formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction is 10° or more and 35° or less. <3> The sliding member according to <1> or <2>, wherein the plurality of grooves along the width direction of the sliding surface are provided at intervals in the sliding direction as the first groove. <4> A plurality of second grooves are provided at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface, with intervals in the width direction of the second grooves. The sliding member according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the angle formed by the first groove and the second groove is 45° or more and 90° or less. <5> The sliding member according to <4>, wherein the first groove is provided continuously along the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the second groove is provided intermittently along the sliding direction. <6> The sliding member according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the cross-sectional area of the first groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction to the downstream side in the sliding direction. <7> The sliding member according to <4>, wherein the cross-sectional area of the second groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction to the downstream side in the sliding direction. <8> The sliding member according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the angle A is 23° or more and 40° or less. <9> The sliding member according to <2>, wherein the angle B is 15° or more and 30° or less. <10> The sliding member according to <2>, wherein the absolute value of the difference between the angle A and the angle B is 5° or more and 30° or less. <11> The sliding member according to <10>, wherein the absolute value of the difference between the angle A and the angle B is 7° or more and 25° or less. <12> A first rotating body, A second rotating body disposed in contact with the first rotating body, A pressing member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body, The sliding member according to any one of <1> to <11>, interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member, A lubricant interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member, A fixing device comprising: <13> An image carrier, A latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, A developing device for developing the latent image into a toner image using a developer, A transfer device for transferring the toner image developed on the recording medium, The fixing device according to <12>, for fixing the toner image on the recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising:

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention according to <1> or <3>, a plurality of first grooves are provided at intervals in the width direction of the first groove at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface, and the angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less. When observing a cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, compared with a sliding member in which the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove is less than 21° or more than 45°, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance.

[0007] According to the invention according to <2>, when observing a cut surface obtained by cutting a sliding member along a direction perpendicular to and in the thickness direction of the first groove, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where an angle B between the wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove is less than 10° or more than 35°. According to the invention according to <4>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where a plurality of second grooves having an angle of 45° or more and 90° or less with respect to the first groove are not provided at intervals in the width direction of the second groove at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface. According to the invention according to <5>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where the first groove is continuously provided along a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction or the second groove is intermittently provided along the sliding direction. According to the invention according to <6>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where the cross-sectional area of the first groove does not change from the upstream side in the sliding direction toward the downstream side in the sliding direction. According to the invention according to <7>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where the cross-sectional area of the second groove does not change from the upstream side in the sliding direction toward the downstream side in the sliding direction. According to the invention according to <8>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where the angle A is less than 23° or more than 40°. According to the invention according to <9>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where the angle B is less than 15° or more than 30°.

[0008] According to the invention according to <10>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where the absolute value of the difference between the angle A and the angle B is less than 5° or more than 30°. According to the invention according to <11>, a sliding member with low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance can be provided as compared with the case where the difference between angle A and angle B is less than 7° or more than 25° in absolute value.

[0009] According to the invention according to <12> or <13>, a plurality of first grooves are provided at intervals in the width direction of the first grooves at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface, and the angle formed by the first grooves and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less. When observing a cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first grooves and along the thickness direction, compared with the case where a sliding member is applied in which the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in a plurality of the first grooves is less than 21° or more than 45°, a fixing device provided with a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments which are examples of the present invention will be described. These descriptions and examples are illustrative of the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention. In the numerical ranges described step by step in this specification, the upper limit value or the lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper limit value or the lower limit value of another numerically described range. Further, in the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the examples.

[0012] Each component may contain a plurality of corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component, when there are a plurality of substances corresponding to each component, unless otherwise specified, it means the total amount of the plurality of substances.

[0013] When describing the embodiments with reference to the drawings, members having substantially the same function may be given the same reference numeral throughout the drawings, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

[0014] <Sliding member> In the sliding member according to this embodiment, a plurality of first grooves are provided at intervals in the width direction of the first groove at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface. The angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less. When observing a cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along a direction perpendicular to and in the thickness direction of the first groove, the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove is 21° or more and 45° or less. Note that the "direction perpendicular to the first groove" indicates a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first groove.

[0015] Due to the above configuration, the sliding member according to this embodiment is a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. The reason is presumably as follows.

[0016] Conventionally, in a sliding member, a technique is known in which a plurality of grooves along the width direction or inclined are provided at intervals in the width direction of the sliding surface. When grooves are provided, the lubricant accumulates in the grooves, so that the lubricant is stably supplied to the contact portion between the sliding surface of the sliding member and the surface to be slid, and the sliding resistance is reduced. However, in recent years, in addition to further reducing the sliding resistance, maintaining a low sliding resistance has been required.

[0017] On the other hand, in the sliding member according to the present embodiment, when observing a cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along a direction perpendicular to and along the thickness direction of the first groove, among the plurality of first grooves, the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction is 21° or more and 45° or less. By setting the angle A within the above range, while suppressing an increase in the friction coefficient with the surface to be slid due to the provision of the groove, the lubricant accumulated in the groove is stably supplied to the contact portion between the sliding surface of the sliding member and the surface to be slid.

[0018] From the above, it is presumed that the sliding member according to the present embodiment is a sliding member excellent in low sliding resistance and maintainability of low sliding resistance.

[0019] Hereinafter, details of the sliding member according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0020] (Groove) In the sliding member according to the present embodiment, for example, a plurality of grooves along the width direction of the sliding member are provided at intervals in the sliding direction as the first grooves at the central portion in the width direction of the sliding surface (see FIG. 3).

[0021] The central portion in the width direction of the sliding surface means a region where the lengths from both edges in the width direction of the sliding member toward the center are each 18% of the width of the sliding surface as both end portions in the width direction of the sliding surface, and a region sandwiched between the both end portions.

[0022] The plurality of first grooves along the width direction of the sliding surface may be provided at the central portion in the width direction of the sliding surface. Specifically, the plurality of first grooves along the width direction of the sliding surface may be provided at the central portion and both end portions in the width direction of the sliding surface (see FIG. 3), or may be provided only at the central portion in the width direction of the sliding surface (see FIG. 4). When a plurality of first grooves along the width direction of the sliding surface are provided only at the central portion in the width direction of the sliding surface, it is preferable to provide inclined grooves connected to the first grooves at the central portion in the width direction at both end portions in the width direction of the sliding surface (see FIG. 4). The inclined grooves are preferably provided to be inclined in the width direction so that the connecting portion is on the upstream side in the sliding direction (see FIG. 4). By providing the inclined grooves, it becomes difficult for the lubricant to escape from the central portion in the width direction of the sliding surface to both end portions, and the maintainability of low sliding resistance is enhanced.

[0023] Here, in FIGS. 3 and 4, SS is the sliding surface, TA is the first groove, TC is the inclined groove, C is the central portion in the width direction of the sliding surface, E is both end portions in the width direction of the sliding surface, and the arrow SD indicates the sliding direction.

[0024] When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along the direction perpendicular to the first groove (the sliding direction in the embodiment of FIG. 3) and in the thickness direction, the angle A formed between the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the plurality of first grooves is 21° or more and 45° or less. The angle A is preferably 23° or more and 40° or less, and more preferably 25° or more and 30° or less. When the angle A is less than 21°, it becomes difficult for the lubricant staying in the first groove to be supplied to the contact portion between the sliding surface and the surface to be slid, and the sliding resistance increases. When the angle A exceeds 45°, the friction coefficient with the surface to be slid increases, and the sliding resistance increases.

[0025] When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along the direction perpendicular to the first groove and in the thickness direction, the angle B formed between the wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the plurality of first grooves is preferably 10° or more and 35° or less, more preferably 15° or more and 30° or less, and even more preferably 12° or more and 25° or less. When the angle B is 35° or more, the lubricant staying in the first groove is easily supplied to the contact portion between the sliding surface and the surface to be slid, the sliding resistance is reduced, and the maintainability of low sliding resistance is also improved. When the angle B is 10° or less, it is difficult for the friction coefficient with the surface to be slid on to increase, the sliding resistance is reduced, and the maintainability of low sliding resistance is also improved.

[0026] From the viewpoints of low sliding resistance and improvement of the maintainability of low sliding resistance, the absolute value of the difference between the angle A and the angle B is preferably 5° or more and 30° or less, more preferably 7° or more and 25° or less, and still more preferably 10° or more and 20° or less.

[0027] When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along the direction perpendicular to and the thickness direction of the first groove, from the viewpoints of low sliding resistance and improvement of the maintainability of low sliding resistance, the depth of the first groove is preferably 15 μm or more and 45 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less, and still more preferably 25 μm or more and 38 μm or less. When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along the direction perpendicular to and the thickness direction of the first groove, from the viewpoints of low sliding resistance and improvement of the maintainability of low sliding resistance, the width of the first groove is preferably 70 μm or more and 190 μm or less, more preferably 85 μm or more and 180 μm or less, and still more preferably 100 μm or more and 170 μm or less. When observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along the direction perpendicular to and the thickness direction of the first groove, from the viewpoints of low sliding resistance and improvement of the maintainability of low sliding resistance, the pitch of the first groove (that is, the interval between the first grooves) is preferably 200 μm or more and 900 μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or more and 700 μm or less, and still more preferably 400 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0028] Here, when observing the cut surface obtained by cutting the sliding member along the direction perpendicular to and the thickness direction of the first groove, the angle A, the angle B, the depth of the first groove, the width of the first groove, and the pitch of the first groove are defined as follows (see FIG. 5).

[0029] The angle A means the angle (specifically, an acute angle) formed by the tangent line in contact with the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction at the position of 1 / 3 of the depth of the first groove and the sliding direction. The angle B means the angle (specifically an acute angle) formed by the tangent line in contact with the wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction at a position that is one-third of the depth of the first groove and the sliding direction. The depth of the first groove means the length from the reference line corresponding to the sliding surface between adjacent first grooves to the bottom point of the deepest first groove. Note that the reference line is a line that is the arithmetic mean value obtained by measuring the thickness of the sliding member at the center of the sliding surface between adjacent first grooves ten times. The width of the first groove means the length between the edges of the groove that intersects with the reference line corresponding to the sliding surface between adjacent first grooves. The pitch of the first groove means the length between the bottom points of the deepest first grooves in adjacent first grooves.

[0030] And the angle A, the angle B, the depth of the first groove, the width of the first groove, and the pitch of the first groove are each the arithmetic mean value obtained by measuring ten points.

[0031] Here, the reference signs in FIG. 5 indicate the following matters. SS: Sliding surface TA: First groove A: Angle A B: Angle B D: Depth of the first groove W: Width of the first groove P: Pitch of the first groove SD: Sliding direction T1: Wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction at a position that is one-third of the depth of the first groove R1: Tangent line in contact with the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction at a position that is one-third of the depth of the first groove T2: Wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction at a position that is one-third of the depth of the first groove R2: Tangent line in contact with the wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction at a position that is one-third of the depth of the first groove R3: Center of the sliding surface between adjacent first grooves R: Reference line corresponding to the sliding surface between adjacent first grooves

[0032] Here, in the sliding member according to the present embodiment, the aspect of the first groove is not limited to the above aspect. The first groove may be inclined in the sliding direction (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction may be 45° or more and 90° or less. Note that the "angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction" is the acute angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the first groove and the sliding direction. The reference signs in FIG. 6 indicate the following matters. However, the reference signs other than these are the same as those shown in FIG. 3. D1: Longitudinal direction of the first groove θ1: Angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction

[0033] In the sliding member according to the present embodiment, in addition to the first groove, a plurality of second grooves intersecting the groove of the first groove may be provided at intervals in the width direction at the center of the sliding surface (see FIGS. 7 to 8). In the sliding member, friction powder is generated by the sliding of solids and is likely to accumulate in the first groove. On the other hand, by providing the second groove, the wear powder is easily discharged from the first groove. Therefore, the maintainability of low sliding resistance is enhanced. The second groove is preferably the same suitable range as the first groove in terms of the depth of the first groove, the width of the first groove, and the pitch of the first groove. The angle formed by the first groove and the second groove (see θ2 in FIGS. 7 and 8) is preferably 45° or more and 90° or less. The "angle formed by the first groove and the second groove" indicates the acute angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the first groove and the longitudinal direction of the second groove.

[0034] Here, the groove pattern shown in FIG. 7 shows a pattern in which a first groove continuously provided along the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and a second groove continuously provided along the sliding direction are provided. In the groove pattern shown in FIG. 7, the wear powder generated by the sliding of solids is easily discharged. Therefore, the maintainability of low sliding resistance is enhanced. In the groove pattern shown in FIG. 7, the angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 90°, and the angle formed by the first groove and the second groove is 90°.

[0035] The groove pattern shown in FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which a first groove continuously provided along a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and a second groove intermittently provided along the sliding direction are provided. In the groove pattern shown in FIG. 8, the lubricant is easily supplied from the first groove to the contact portion between the sliding surface and the surface to be slid, and a discharge path for wear debris is also ensured. Therefore, the sliding resistance is low and the maintainability of the low sliding resistance is likely to be improved. In the groove pattern shown in FIG. 8, the second grooves adjacent to each other across the first groove are provided stepwise in the groove width direction. Specifically, the second grooves provided between adjacent first grooves are provided in a ladder shape. That is, the first groove and the second groove are provided so that the sliding surface regions surrounded by the first groove and the second groove are arranged in a staggered pattern. In the groove pattern shown in FIG. 8, the angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 90°, and the angle formed by the first groove and the second groove is 90°. Also, the pitch of the second groove on one side with the first groove as a boundary (see P1 in FIG. 8) and the pitch of the second groove on the other side with the first groove as a boundary (see P2 in FIG. 8) are preferably in the same range as the pitch of the first groove. The step difference length of the second grooves adjacent to each other across the first groove (see P3 in FIGS. 7 and 8) is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.25 mm or less.

[0036] The reference signs in FIGS. 7 to 8 indicate the following matters. However, the reference signs other than these are the same as those shown in FIG. 3. D1: Longitudinal direction of the first groove D2: Longitudinal direction of the second groove θ1: Angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction θ2: Angle formed by the first groove and the second groove P1: Pitch of the second groove on one side with the first groove as a boundary P2: Pitch of the second groove on the other side with the first groove as a boundary P3: Step difference length of the second grooves adjacent to each other across the first groove TB: Second groove

[0037] It is preferable that the cross-sectional area of the first groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction toward the downstream side in the sliding direction. It is preferable that the cross-sectional area of the second groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction toward the downstream side in the sliding direction. Due to the decrease in the cross-sectional area of at least one of the first groove and the second groove, the lubricant easily enters the sliding surface. Therefore, it is easy to improve the low sliding resistance and the maintainability of the low sliding resistance.

[0038] Here, the "cross-sectional area of the groove" is the cross-sectional area when the sliding member is cut along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove and in the thickness direction. "The cross-sectional area of the groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction toward the downstream side in the sliding direction" means either of the following (1) and (2). (1) In one groove, the cross-sectional area of the groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction. (2) In a plurality of grooves, the cross-sectional area of the groove located on the downstream side in the sliding direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the groove located on the upstream side in the sliding direction.

[0039] Specifically, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area B of the groove at the downstream end in the sliding direction on the sliding surface in contact with the surface to be slid is smaller than the cross-sectional area A of the groove at the upstream end in the sliding direction. The ratio (A / B) of the cross-sectional area A of the groove to the cross-sectional area B of the groove is preferably 1 or more and 9 or less, and more preferably 2 or more and 4 or less.

[0040] To adjust the cross-sectional area of each groove, it is preferable to adjust the depth of the groove. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of each groove at the upstream end in the sliding direction is preferably 700 μm 2 or more and 4300 μm 2 or less. The depth of each groove at the upstream end in the sliding direction is preferably 20 μm or more and 45 μm or less. The cross-sectional area of each groove at the downstream end in the sliding direction is preferably 175 μm 2 or more and 1430 μm 2 or less. The depth of each groove at the downstream end in the sliding direction is preferably 5 μm or more and 45 μm or less.

[0041] In addition, when the groove is not located at the upstream end or the downstream end in the sliding direction, the cross-sectional area and depth of each groove shall be the cross-sectional area and depth of the groove closest to the upstream end or the downstream end in the sliding direction.

[0042] As a method of providing a groove on the sliding surface, a well-known method such as press molding is adopted.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the sliding member according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. The sliding sheet according to the present embodiment preferably has a sliding surface composed of a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. Specifically, the sliding sheet according to the present embodiment is composed of a single layer of a resin base material layer containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin. However, the sliding sheet may be a laminate of a resin base material layer and other layers provided on the side opposite to the sliding surface of the resin base material layer.

[0044] Examples of the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin include polyimide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyphenyl sulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, polysulfone resin, polyphenyl sulfone resin, polyamide resin, fluororesin, and the like.

[0045] Among these, as the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, and polyphenyl sulfone resin is preferable, and at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone resin and polyphenylene sulfide resin is more preferable. These resins (particularly, polyetheretherketone resin and polyphenylene sulfide resin) are preferable because they have high wear resistance, high toughness, and a high elastic modulus.

[0046] The resin base material layer constituting the sliding surface may contain well-known additives such as carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and resin particles having a siloxane group (particles such as thermosetting silicone resin particles, silicone oil gum, silicone elastomer, and siloxane-modified polyetherimide) for the purpose of reducing the sliding resistance of the sliding surface. The resin base material layer constituting the sliding surface may also contain other components such as a conductive agent, a filler for improving mechanical strength, an antioxidant for preventing thermal deterioration, a surfactant, and a heat aging inhibitor.

[0047] <Fixing device / Image forming apparatus> The fixing device according to the present embodiment includes a first rotating body, a second rotating body disposed in contact with the first rotating body, a pressing member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the two rotating bodies and pressing the second rotating body from the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body to the first rotating body, a sliding member interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member, and a lubricant interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member. And, as the sliding member, the sliding member according to the present embodiment is applied to the fixing device according to the present embodiment.

[0048] The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment an image carrier, a latent image forming device that forms a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, a developing device that develops the latent image into a toner image using a developer, a transfer device that transfers the toner image developed on a recording medium, a fixing device that fixes the toner image on the recording medium, and is provided with. And, as the fixing device, the fixing device according to the present embodiment is applied to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0049] Hereinafter, an example of the fixing device and the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of the fixing device according to the present embodiment.

[0051] (Configuration of the Image Forming Apparatus) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes electrophotographic first to fourth process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (an example of an image forming unit) that output images of respective colors 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 at intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20. Note that these process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0052] Above each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K (in FIG. 1), an intermediate transfer belt 20 as an intermediate transfer member is provided so that its outer peripheral surface faces each process cartridge. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is wound around a driving roller 22 and a support roller 24 that are arranged at intervals and in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 to apply tension, and is endlessly run in the direction from the first process cartridge 10Y to the fourth process cartridge 10K.

[0053] Note that the support roller 24 is pressed in a direction away from the driving roller 22 by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown), and tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 20 wound between the two. Further, an intermediate transfer member cleaning device 20a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 so as to face the driving roller 22.

[0054] 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 disposed on the upstream side in the intermediate transfer belt running direction will be representatively described here. In addition, the same reference numerals with magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) attached instead of yellow (Y) are assigned to the same parts as the first process cartridge 10Y, and the descriptions of the second to fourth process cartridges 10M, 10C, and 10K are omitted.

[0055] The first process cartridge 10Y has a photoreceptor 1Y that acts as an image holding member. Around the photoreceptor 1Y, a charging roller (an example of a charging device) 2Y that charges the surface of the photoreceptor 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 photoreceptor cleaning device 6Y that removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y after primary transfer are sequentially disposed. These are integrally configured within a housing 11Y (a casing). Similarly, in the first process cartridges 10M to 10Y, each member is integrally configured within housings 11M to 11Y (casing).

[0056] And 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 forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing the charged surface with a laser beam 3Y based on the color-separated image signal are arranged, constituting an image forming unit. Note that the charging roller 2Y and the exposure device 3 correspond to an example of a latent image forming device.

[0057] Note that the primary transfer roller 5Y is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 20 and provided at a position facing the photoreceptor 1Y. Further, a bias power source (not shown) for applying a primary transfer bias is connected to each of the primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. Each bias power source varies the transfer bias applied to each primary transfer roller under the control of a control unit (not shown).

[0058] (Configuration of Fixing Device) As shown in FIG. 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), and the heating roll 30 and the pressure belt 40 are provided facing each other. The pressure belt 40 is pressed against the heating roll 30 by a pressing pad 50 (an example of a pressing member) disposed inside its circumference, and while being in pressure contact to form a contact portion, it is guided along a belt running guide 52 and is driven by receiving a 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 pressing pad 50. And 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 supply member 64 provided, for example, on a part of the belt running guide 52, and is interposed between the sliding sheet 60 and the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 40. Here, in FIG. 2, T indicates a toner image.

[0059] - 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 metal hollow core metal core 30a having a heating source 31 such as a halogen lamp inside, for example.

[0060] The metal core 30a is formed of, for example, a metal cylindrical body such as aluminum or stainless steel. The elastic layer 30b is formed of, for example, HTV silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc. (rubber hardness of about 45 degrees on the JIS - A scale, and the rubber hardness was measured in accordance with JIS K6301 by adding a load of 1,000 gf using a spring - type A - type hardness meter manufactured by Teclock) with a thickness of about 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The release layer 30c is formed of, for example, fluororubber, silicone rubber, fluororesin, etc. with a thickness of 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less. Of course, it is not limited to these, and it may be configured with conventionally known materials.

[0061] The heating roll 30 has its speed adjusted by a drive source (not shown) for the fixing roll and is rotationally driven, for example, at a peripheral speed of 260 mm / sec. The outer diameter of the heating roll 30 is generally about 25 mm or more and 80 mm or less, for example.

[0062] The surface temperature of the heating roll 30 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) in contact with the surface and is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) so that the surface temperature becomes, for example, 175°C.

[0063] -Pressurized belt 40 (an example of the second rotating body)- The inner peripheral surface of the pressurized belt 40 is composed of, for example, a polyimide resin, a polyamide-imide resin, a polyether-ether-ketone resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polyether sulfone resin, a polysulfone resin, a polyphenyl sulfone resin, etc.

[0064] The resin base layer may contain other components in addition to the resin. Examples of the other components include a conductive agent, a filler for improving mechanical strength, an antioxidant for preventing thermal degradation, a surfactant, a heat-resistant aging inhibitor, etc.

[0065] Here, an example where the first rotating body is a heating roll and the second rotating body is a pressurized belt has been given, but a mode where the first rotating body is a pressurized roll and the second rotating body is a heating belt is also included. When the first rotating body is a pressurized roll, the configuration of the pressurized 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 pressurized belt 40 described above. In particular, when the second rotating body is a heating belt, it may be a single-layer body of a resin base material layer constituting the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt, or a laminate having a resin base material layer constituting the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt, an elastic layer provided on the resin base material layer, and a release layer provided on the elastic layer, or a laminate having a resin base material layer constituting the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt and a release layer provided on the resin base material layer, or a laminate in which a metal layer is provided on a resin base material layer constituting the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt, an elastic layer is provided thereon, and a release layer is provided on the elastic layer.

[0066] The elastic layer will be described. The elastic layer is composed 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. Specifically, polydimethylsilicone rubber, methylvinylsilicone rubber, methylphenylsilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, etc. can be mentioned. Examples of fluororubber include vinylidene fluoride-based rubber, ethylene tetrafluoride / propylene-based rubber, ethylene tetrafluoride / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubber, phosphazene-based rubber, fluoropolyether, etc. As the fluororubber, vinylidene fluoride-based rubber, ethylene tetrafluoride / propylene-based rubber, etc. Examples of fluororubber include vinylidene fluoride-based rubber, ethylene tetrafluoride / propylene-based rubber, ethylene tetrafluoride / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubber, phosphazene-based rubber, fluoropolyether, etc.

[0067] The elastic layer may contain other components. Examples of other components include fillers, conductive agents, softening agents (such as paraffin-based), processing aids (such as stearic acid), anti-aging agents (such as amine-based), vulcanizing agents (such as sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides), functional fillers (such as alumina), etc.

[0068] The release layer will be described. The release layer contains, for example, a heat-resistant release material. Examples of the heat-resistant release material include fluororubber, fluororesin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, etc. Among these, as the heat-resistant release material, a fluororesin is preferable. Specific examples of the fluororesin include, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether copolymer (MFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethyl vinyl ether copolymer (EFA), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoropropyl vinyl ether copolymer, and other tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers (PFA). Further, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), and the like can be mentioned. Among these, particularly from the viewpoints of heat resistance, mechanical properties, etc., 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. The thickness of the release layer is preferably set to 5 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 10 μm to 30 μm.

[0069] - Pressing pad 50 (an example of a pressing member)- The pressing pad 50 has two pressing parts 51a and 51b with different hardnesses along the traveling direction of the recording medium P. The pressing part 51a on the side where the recording medium P enters in the pressing pad 50 is composed of a rubber-like elastic member, and the pressing part 51b on the side where the recording medium P is discharged is composed of a hard pressure-applying member such as metal, so that the pressure in the contact area is made higher on the side where the recording medium P is discharged than on the side where the recording medium P enters. The pressing parts 51a and 51b are supported by a holder 51c and press the heating roll 30 from the inner peripheral surface of the pressurizing belt 40 via a sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member).

[0070] - Sliding sheet 60 (an example of a sliding member)- The sliding sheet 60 is applied with the sliding member according to the present embodiment.

[0071] - Lubricant 62 (an example of a lubricant)- Examples of the lubricant 62 include fluorine oil, silicone oil, synthetic lubricating grease obtained by mixing a solid substance and a liquid, and the like. Examples of the fluorine oil include perfluoropolyether oil, modified perfluoropolyether oil, and the like. Examples of the silicone oil include dimethyl silicone oil, dimethyl silicone oil with an organometallic salt added, dimethyl silicone oil with a hindered amine added, dimethyl silicone oil with an organometallic salt and a hindered amine added, methylphenyl silicone oil, amino-modified silicone oil, amino-modified silicone oil with an organometallic salt added, amino-modified silicone oil with a hindered amine added, carboxy-modified silicone oil, silanol-modified silicone oil, sulfonic acid-modified silicone oil, and the like. Examples of the synthetic lubricating grease include silicone grease (i.e., grease containing the above silicone oil), fluorine grease (i.e., grease containing the above fluorine oil), and the like.

[0072] In addition to oil, the lubricant 62 may contain other components. Examples of the other components include grease (such as silicone grease), heat conductor, antioxidant, surfactant, silicone particles, organometallic salt, hindered amine, and the like.

[0073] (Image forming operation of the image forming apparatus) Hereinafter, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that the image forming operation will be described by taking the operation of forming a yellow image in the first process cartridge 10Y as an example.

[0074] First, prior to the image forming operation, the surface of the photoreceptor 1Y is charged to a potential of, for example, about -600 V or more and -800 V or less by the charging roller 2Y.

[0075] The photosensitive member 1Y is formed by laminating a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate, for example. This photosensitive layer is usually highly resistant, for example, but has the property that when irradiated with the laser beam 3Y, the specific resistance of the portion irradiated with the laser beam changes. Therefore, the laser beam 3Y is output via the exposure device 3 according to the yellow image data sent from a control unit (not shown) to the surface of the charged photosensitive member 1Y. The laser beam 3Y irradiates the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive member 1Y, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of the yellow printing pattern on the surface of the photosensitive member 1Y.

[0076] The electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photosensitive member 1Y is rotated to the developing position as the photosensitive member 1Y travels. Then, at this developing position, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 1Y is visualized (toner image) by the developing device 4Y.

[0077] In the developing device 4Y, for example, a developer containing yellow toner and carrier is accommodated. The yellow toner is triboelectrically charged by being agitated inside the developing device 4Y and has a charge of the same polarity (negative polarity) as the charged charge on the photosensitive member 1Y. As the surface of the photosensitive member 1Y passes through the developing device 4Y, the yellow toner electrostatically adheres only to the discharged latent image portion on the surface of the photosensitive member 1Y, and the latent image is developed by the yellow toner. The photosensitive member 1Y on which the yellow toner image is formed continues to travel, and the toner image developed on the photosensitive member 1Y is conveyed to the primary transfer position.

[0078] When the yellow toner image on the photosensitive member 1Y is conveyed to the primary transfer position, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 5Y, and an electrostatic force from the photosensitive member 1Y toward the primary transfer roller 5Y acts on the toner image, and the toner image on the photosensitive member 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 is, for example, constant current controlled to about +10 μA by a control unit (not shown) in the first process cartridge 10Y.

[0079] Also, the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C, and 5K after the second process cartridge 10M is similarly controlled.

[0080] In this way, the intermediate transfer belt 20 onto which the yellow toner image has been transferred by the first process cartridge 10Y is sequentially conveyed through the second to fourth process cartridges 10M, 10C, and 10K, and the toner images of each color are similarly overlapped and multi-transferred.

[0081] The intermediate transfer belt 20 onto which the toner images of all colors have been multi-transferred through the first to fourth process cartridges reaches a secondary transfer unit composed of the intermediate transfer belt 20, a support roller 24 in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a secondary transfer roller (an example of a secondary transfer device) 26 disposed on the image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 20. On the other hand, 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 polarity as the polarity (-) of the toner, and an electrostatic force directed from the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the recording medium P acts on the toner image, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred onto the recording medium P. Note that the secondary transfer bias at this time is determined according to the resistance detected by resistance detection means (not shown) that detects the resistance of the secondary transfer unit, and is controlled at a constant voltage. Note that the intermediate transfer belt 20, the primary transfer roller 5Y, and the secondary transfer roller 26 correspond to an example of a transfer device.

[0082] Thereafter, the recording medium P is fed into the fixing device 28 and is inserted into a contact area formed by the pressure contact of a heating roll 30 that is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow and a pressure belt 40. 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 being fixed, the recording medium is peeled off from the heating roll 30 after passing through the contact area and is discharged from the fixing device 28.

[0083] In this way, the fixing process is performed and the image is permanently fixed on the recording medium P. The recording medium P on which the fixing of the color image is completed is carried out toward the discharge unit, and a series of color image forming operations are terminated.

Examples

[0084] 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.

[0085] <Examples 1 to 22, Comparative Examples 1 to 3> Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin (Victrex 450G (manufactured by Victrex)) was melted by heating at 380°C using a twin-screw extrusion melt kneader (twin-screw melt kneading extruder L / D60 (manufactured by Parker Corporation)). Into 100 parts by mass of the melted PEEK resin, 10 parts by mass of unmodified thermosetting silicone resin particles ("KMP590", average particle size = 2 μm, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) were supplied from the side of the kneader using a side feeder, melt kneaded, and the kneaded melt was put into a water tank for cooling and solidification, cut into the desired size, and mixed resin pellets containing silicone resin particles were obtained. The obtained mixed resin pellets were put into a single-screw extrusion device, and the melted mixed resin was extruded in a sheet form from a T-die mold (melt discharge gap: 200 μm) heated to 380°C, wound around a cooling roll at 190°C for cooling, and the cooled sheet was heated to 250°C and passed between a mold roll and a heat-resistant silicone rubber roll at a pressure of 40 Mpa to impart the shape of the surface of the mold roll, and a sheet having a plurality of grooves along the width direction with intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sheet formed at the center and both ends in the width direction of the sheet was obtained. Then, the uneven sheet was cut into a predetermined size. In this way, a sliding sheet was obtained, the sliding surface of which had a plurality of grooves along the width direction with intervals in the sliding direction formed at the center and both ends in the width direction of the sliding surface. Note that the shape of the groove was V-shaped and had the dimensions shown in Table 1 when observing the cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding sheet along the sliding direction and the thickness direction. Then, the shape of the groove was changed according to the surface shape of the mold roll to obtain the sliding sheets of each example.

[0086] <Comparative Example 3: Sliding sheet impregnated with fluororesin in glass cloth) A fluororesin (product name: FGF400) impregnated glass cloth sheet manufactured by Chukyo Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd., which was obtained by immersing a glass cloth in a PTFE resin dispersion, drying at 150 °C, heating and baking at 380 °C, and then cooling, was used as the sliding sheet.

[0087] Note that the notations in Table 1 indicate the following matters. Angle A: When observing the cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding sheet along the sliding direction and the thickness direction, it is the angle formed by the wall surface of the groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove. Angle B: When observing the cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding sheet along the sliding direction and the thickness direction, it is the angle formed by the wall surface of the groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove.

[0088] Here, in Examples 20 to 22, the first groove and the second groove were provided as follows. · The first groove was provided such that the width and cross-sectional area of the first groove located at the downstream end in the sliding direction and the upstream end in the sliding direction became the values shown in Table 1, and gradually decreased from the upstream side in the sliding direction toward the downstream side in the sliding direction. · The second groove was provided such that the width and cross-sectional area of one second groove became the values shown in Table 1 at the downstream end in the sliding direction and the upstream end in the sliding direction, and gradually decreased from the upstream side in the sliding direction toward the downstream side in the sliding direction.

[0089] In Examples 20 to 21, the pitch of the second groove shown in Table 1 corresponded to the pitch of the second groove on one side with the first groove as the boundary (refer to "P1" in FIG. 8) and the pitch of the second groove on the other side with the first groove as the boundary (refer to "P2" in FIG. 8), and the step difference length of the adjacent second grooves with the first groove as the boundary was set to a dimension that was 1 / 2 of the pitch of the first groove shown in Table 1.

[0090] <Evaluation> The sliding sheets of each example were attached to the fixing device of the image forming apparatus "Revoria Press EC1100" manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. The following evaluations were performed using this image forming apparatus.

[0091] (Initial sliding resistance) The coefficient of friction of the sliding portion between the sliding sheet and the fixing member in the image forming apparatus was measured as follows. This measurement was performed before passing the paper through the fixing device (that is, before performing image formation). The current value of the motor that drives the heating roll, which is a driving roll of the fixing device, was measured. A calibration curve showing the relationship between the motor current value and the coefficient of friction was drawn in advance, and the coefficient of friction was calculated from the current value based on the calibration curve. Then, with the target coefficient of friction set to 0.08, the following evaluation criteria were used for evaluation. A++: The coefficient of friction is less than 60% of the target coefficient of friction A+: The coefficient of friction is less than 70% of the target coefficient of friction A: The coefficient of friction is less than 80% of the target coefficient of friction B+: The coefficient of friction is 80% or more and 90% or less of the target coefficient of friction B: The coefficient of friction is 90% or more and 100% or less of the target coefficient of friction C: The coefficient of friction exceeds 100% and is 120% or less of the target coefficient of friction D: The coefficient of friction exceeds 120% and is 140% or less of the target coefficient of friction E: The coefficient of friction exceeds 140% of the target coefficient of friction

[0092] (Sliding resistance maintainability) Image formation was performed using the image forming apparatus, and 1,200,000 sheets of paper were passed through the fixing device. Then, the coefficient of friction of the sliding portion between the sliding sheet and the fixing member in the image forming apparatus was measured in the same manner as in the evaluation of "initial sliding resistance". And the following evaluation criteria were used for evaluation. A++: The coefficient of friction is 40% or less of the above target coefficient of friction (=0.08) A+: The coefficient of friction is 50% or less of the above target coefficient of friction (=0.08) A: The coefficient of friction is 60% or less of the above target coefficient of friction (= 0.08). B+: The coefficient of friction exceeds 60% and is less than 70% of the above target coefficient of friction (= 0.08). B: The coefficient of friction exceeds 70% and is less than 80% of the above target coefficient of friction (= 0.08). C: The coefficient of friction is 80% or more and less than 100% of the above target coefficient of friction (= 0.08). D: The coefficient of friction is 100% or more and 120% or less of the above target coefficient of friction (= 0.08). E: The coefficient of friction exceeds 120% of the above target coefficient of friction (= 0.08).

[0093]

Table 1

[0094] From the above results, it can be seen that the sliding sheet of this example is excellent in low sliding resistance and the maintainability of low sliding resistance as compared with the sliding sheet of the comparative example.

[0095] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) A plurality of first grooves are provided at intervals in the width direction of the first grooves at the center of the width direction of the sliding surface, The angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less, When observing the cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove is 21° or more and 45° or less. A sliding member. (((2))) When observing the cross-section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, the angle B formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove is 10° or more and 35° or less. The sliding member according to (((1))). (((3))) The sliding member according to ((1)) or ((2)), wherein a plurality of grooves along the width direction of the sliding surface are provided at intervals in the sliding direction as the first grooves. (((4))) A plurality of second grooves are provided at intervals in the width direction of the second grooves at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface. The sliding member according to any one of ((1)) to ((3)), wherein an angle formed by the first groove and the second groove is 45° or more and 90° or less. (((5))) The first groove is intermittently provided along a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction, and the second groove is continuously provided along the sliding direction. The sliding member according to ((4)). (((6))) The cross-sectional area of the first groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction to the downstream side in the sliding direction. The sliding member according to any one of ((1)) to ((5)). (((7))) The cross-sectional area of the second groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction to the downstream side in the sliding direction. The sliding member according to ((4)). (((8))) The sliding member according to any one of ((1)) to ((7)), wherein the angle A is 23° or more and 40° or less. (((9))) The sliding member according to ((2)), wherein the angle B is 15° or more and 30° or less. (((10))) The sliding member according to ((2)), wherein a difference between the angle A and the angle B is 5° or more and 30° or less in absolute value. (((11))) The sliding member according to ((10)), wherein a difference between the angle A and the angle B is 7° or more and 25° or less in absolute value. (((12))) A first rotating body, A second rotating body disposed in contact with the first rotating body, A pressing member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body. The sliding member according to any one of ((1)) to ((11)) interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member, A lubricant interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body and the sliding member, A fixing device comprising the same. (((13))) An image carrier, A latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, A developing device for developing the latent image into a toner image using a developer, A transfer device for transferring the toner image developed on a recording medium, The fixing device according to ((12)) for fixing the toner image on the recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising the same.

[0096] The effects of the above aspects are as follows. According to the invention according to ((1)) or ((3)), a plurality of first grooves are provided at intervals in the width direction of the first groove at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface, and the angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less. When observing a cross section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, compared with a sliding member in which the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove is less than 21° or more than 45°, it is to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance.

[0097] According to the invention according to ((2)), when observing a cross section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicularly to the first groove and along the thickness direction, compared with the case where the angle B formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the upstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the first groove is less than 10° or more than 35°, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. According to the invention according to ((4)), compared with the case where a plurality of second grooves having an angle of 45° or more and 90° or less with the first groove are not provided at intervals in the width direction of the second groove at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. According to the invention according to ((5)), when the first groove is continuously provided along a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, or when the second groove is intermittently provided along the sliding direction, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. According to the invention according to ((6)), compared with the case where the cross-sectional area of the first groove does not change from the upstream side in the sliding direction to the downstream side in the sliding direction, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. According to the invention according to ((7)), compared with the case where the cross-sectional area of the second groove does not change from the upstream side in the sliding direction to the downstream side in the sliding direction, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. According to the invention according to ((8)), compared with the case where the angle A is less than 23° or more than 40°, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. According to the invention according to ((9)), compared with the case where the angle B is less than 15° or more than 30°, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance.

[0098] According to the invention according to ((10)), compared with the case where the absolute value of the difference between the angle A and the angle B is less than 5° or more than 30°, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance. According to the invention according to ((11)), compared with the case where the absolute value of the difference between the angle A and the angle B is less than 7° or more than 25°, it is possible to provide a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance.

[0099] According to the invention according to ((12)) or ((13)), a plurality of first grooves are provided at the center in the width direction of the sliding surface at intervals in the width direction of the first groove, and the angle formed by the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less. When observing a cross section obtained by cutting the sliding member perpendicular to the first groove and along the thickness direction, compared with the case where a sliding member is applied in which the angle A formed by the wall surface of the first groove on the downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction in the plurality of first grooves is less than 21° or more than 45°, a fixing device is provided that includes a sliding member having low sliding resistance and excellent maintainability of low sliding resistance.

Explanation of Signs

[0100] 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Photoconductor 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K Charging Roller 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K Laser Beam 3 Exposure Device 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 Cartridge 20 Intermediate Transfer Belt 20a Intermediate Transfer Body Cleaning Device 22 Driving Roller 24 Support Roller 26 Secondary Transfer Roller 28 Fixing Device 30 Heating Roll 40 Pressing Belt 50 Pressing Pad 52 Belt Travel Guide 60 Sliding Sheet 62 Lubricant 64 Lubricant Supply Member 100 Image Forming Apparatus P Recording Medium

Claims

1. A plurality of first grooves are provided at a center portion in a width direction of the sliding surface at intervals in the width direction of the first grooves, The angle between the first groove and the sliding direction is 45° or more and 90° or less, a sliding member in which, when a cut surface of the sliding member is cut in a direction perpendicular to the first groove and along the thickness direction, an angle A between a wall surface of the first groove on a downstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction is 21° or more and 45° or less.

2. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein, when a cut surface of the sliding member is cut in a direction perpendicular to the first groove and along a thickness direction, an angle B between a wall surface of the first groove on an upstream side in the sliding direction and the sliding direction is 10° or more and 35° or less.

3. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein the first groove comprises a plurality of grooves arranged along the width direction of the sliding surface and spaced apart in the sliding direction.

4. A plurality of second grooves are provided at a center portion in a width direction of the sliding surface at intervals in the width direction of the second grooves, 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the first groove and the second groove is equal to or greater than 45 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees.

5. 5. The sliding member according to claim 4, wherein the first groove is provided continuously along a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the second groove is provided discontinuously along the sliding direction.

6. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove gradually decreases from an upstream side in the sliding direction to a downstream side in the sliding direction.

7. 5. The sliding member according to claim 4, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the second groove gradually decreases from the upstream side in the sliding direction to the downstream side in the sliding direction.

8. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein the angle A is equal to or greater than 23 degrees and equal to or less than 40 degrees.

9. 3. The sliding member according to claim 2, wherein the angle B is equal to or greater than 15 degrees and equal to or less than 30 degrees.

10. 3. The sliding member according to claim 2, wherein a difference between the angle A and the angle B is equal to or greater than 5 degrees and equal to or less than 30 degrees in absolute value.

11. 11. The sliding member according to claim 10, wherein a difference between the angle A and the angle B is equal to or greater than 7 degrees and equal to or less than 25 degrees in absolute value.

12. 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; The sliding member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body and the pressing member; a lubricant interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the second rotor and the sliding member; A fixing device comprising:

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 claim 12, which fixes the toner image on the recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images