Fixing member, fixing device, and image forming device

Abstract

To provide a fixing member which suppresses gloss unevenness.SOLUTION: A fixing member is provided, comprising a surface layer that exhibits a sliding angle of 25 degrees or less at 150°C against Fischer-Tropsch wax having a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus (such as a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer) using an electrophotographic method, an unfixed toner image formed on a recording material is fixed by a fixing device to form an image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "a fixing member used for fixing a toner image containing at least wax, which has at least an elastic layer and a release layer on a substrate, the release layer being a layer formed by hardening a coating liquid containing at least trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and perfluoropolyether polyurethane (meth)acrylate, and when the static contact angle and sliding angle on the surface of the release layer are measured using a 100°C molten liquid of docosanoic acid docosyl or solid paraffin as the wax, the static contact angle is 70° or more and the sliding angle is less than 45°." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7222294 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a fixing member that suppresses gloss unevenness compared to a fixing member having a surface layer with a sliding angle of more than 25 degrees at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A fixing member having a surface layer that exhibits a sliding angle of 25 degrees or less at 150°C against Fischer-Tropsch wax having a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm). <2> The sliding angle is 15 degrees or less. <1> The fixing member according to claim 1. <3> The surface layer has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The present invention includes a siloxane compound having a structure A (wherein R represents an organic group and n represents an integer of 2 or more), in which at least one of the Rs present in the structure A is a group containing an alkyl group. <1> or <2> The fixing member according to claim 1. <4> The group containing an alkyl group is a trialkylsiloxy group. <3> The fixing member according to claim 1. <5> The alkyl group is a methyl group. <3> The fixing member according to claim 1. <6> the alkyl group is a methyl group, In the infrared spectrum of the siloxane compound, the peak at 1272 cm resulting from the Si-CH 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 is 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less. <3> The fixing member according to claim 1. <7> The siloxane compound has a random structure. <3> ~ <6> 10. The fixing member according to claim 1, <8> The content of the siloxane compound in the surface layer is 10% by volume or more. <3> ~ <7> The fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 10. <9> The surface layer contains a resin <3> ~ <8> The fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 10. <10> The resin is a silicone resin. <9> The fixing member according to claim 1. <11> 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 is <1> ~ <10> 10. A fixing device comprising the fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 9. <12> an image carrier; a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier; a latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier; a developing means for developing the latent image with toner to form a toner image; a transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium; A fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the recording medium, <11> a fixing means which is the fixing device according to An image forming apparatus comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] <1> According to the present invention, a fixing member is provided that suppresses gloss unevenness compared to a fixing member having a surface layer with a sliding angle of more than 25 degrees at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm). <2> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the sliding angle is greater than 15 degrees. <3> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the surface layer is made of a fluororesin. <4> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the group containing an alkyl group is a dialkylsiloxy group. <5> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided which suppresses uneven gloss and has excellent leading edge margin releasability of a recording medium, compared to when the group containing an alkyl group is a trialkylsiloxy group. <6> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided which suppresses uneven gloss and has excellent leading edge margin releasability of a recording medium, compared to when the group containing an alkyl group is a trialkylsiloxy group or when the ratio of the heights of the absorption peaks in the infrared spectrum of a siloxane compound is less than 0.2 or more than 0.4. <7> According to the invention relating to (1), a fixing member is provided which suppresses uneven gloss and has excellent leading edge margin releasability of a recording medium, compared to when the siloxane compound has a complete cage structure. <8> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the content of the siloxane compound in the surface layer is less than 10% by volume. <9> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided which contains a resin in the surface layer and suppresses gloss unevenness, compared to a fixing member having a surface layer with a sliding angle of more than 25 degrees at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm). <10> According to the invention, a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the resin is a fluororesin.

[0008] <11> , or <12> According to the invention, a fixing device or an image forming apparatus is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when a fixing member having a surface layer with a sliding angle of more than 25 degrees at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm) is used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a third embodiment. [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 INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment, which is an example of the present invention, will be described below. These descriptions and examples are for illustrating the embodiment, and do not limit the scope of the embodiment.

[0011] In the numerical ranges described in this embodiment in stages, the upper or lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in the numerical ranges described in this embodiment, the upper or lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the examples. In this embodiment, 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. When the present 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 sizes of the components in each drawing are conceptual, and the relative size relationships between the components are not limited to these. In this embodiment, each component may contain multiple types of corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component in the composition in this embodiment, if multiple types of substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the amount refers to the total amount of the multiple types of substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0012] [Fixing material] The fixing member according to this embodiment has a surface layer that has a sliding angle of 25 degrees or less at 150° C. with respect to Fischer-Tropsch wax having a melting point of 90° C. and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm).

[0013] The fixing member according to this embodiment has the above-described structure, and the reason for this is presumed to be as follows.

[0014] Recently, with the diversification of recording media, there has been an increasing demand for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses to form images on media with ultra-smooth surfaces, such as transparent films and high-gloss paper. In addition, when forming images on smooth surface media, the demand for higher image quality, such as glossiness, is becoming higher than ever before.

[0015] Conventionally, in fixing devices that have a large impact on glossiness, fluororesins such as perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA) have been used for the surface layer of the fixing member from the viewpoints of high releasability, heat resistance, flexibility, processability, etc. However, a surface layer made of fluororesin does not have sufficient toner releasability. Therefore, a toner containing a release agent is used, and when the toner is fixed, the release agent is melted and eluted onto the toner surface. This ensures toner releasability by separating the surface of the fixing member from the toner surface with the release agent.

[0016] However, if the release agent is transferred to and remains on the surface of the fixing member, uneven glossiness called wax offset occurs. In particular, in the market for high-quality printing on transparent films or high-gloss paper, where high image quality is required, the visibility of uneven gloss, known as wax offset, increases, and improvement is desired.

[0017] Therefore, in the fixing member according to this embodiment, the sliding angle of the surface layer with respect to the Fischer-Tropsch wax at 150° C. is set to 25 degrees or less. This increases the releasability of the surface layer of the fixing member against the release agent, making it difficult for the release agent to remain on the surface of the fixing member, which in turn makes it difficult for gloss unevenness, known as wax offset, to occur, and makes gloss unevenness less visible even in high-quality printing on transparent film or high-gloss paper.

[0018] From the above, it is presumed that the fixing member according to this embodiment suppresses uneven gloss.

[0019] The configuration of the fixing member according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0020] The fixing member according to this embodiment includes, for example, a substrate, an elastic layer provided on the substrate, and a surface layer provided on the elastic layer. The surface layer has a sliding angle of 25 degrees or less at 150°C against Fischer-Tropsch wax having a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm).

[0021] The fixing member according to this embodiment is not limited to the above-described layer structure, and may have a layer structure in which, for example, a metal layer and its protective layer, and an adhesive layer are interposed between the substrate and the elastic layer, as necessary. Furthermore, the layer structure may be such that an adhesive layer is interposed between the elastic layer and the surface layer.

[0022] The components of the fixing member according to this embodiment will be described in detail below, with reference numerals omitted.

[0023] (Shape of fixing member) The fixing member according to this embodiment may be in the form of a roll or a belt.

[0024] (base material) When the fixing member is in the form of a roll, the substrate may be, for example, a cylindrical body made of metal (aluminum, SUS, iron, copper, etc.), alloy, ceramics, FRM (fiber reinforced metal), or the like. When the fixing member is in the form of a roll, the outer diameter and thickness of the substrate may be, for example, 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less, and, for example, if it is made of aluminum, the thickness is 0.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less, and if it is made of SUS (stainless steel) or iron, the thickness is 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0025] On the other hand, when the fixing member is belt-shaped, examples of the substrate include a metal belt (e.g., a metal belt made of nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) and a resin belt (e.g., a resin belt made of polyimide, polyamideimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, polybenzimidazole, etc.). The volume resistivity of the resin belt may be controlled by adding and dispersing a conductive powder or the like. Specific examples of the resin belt include polyimide belts in which carbon black is added and dispersed to control the volume resistivity. Other examples of the resin belt include belts made by assembling both ends of a long polyimide sheet like a puzzle and thermocompressing them using a thermocompression bonding member to form a belt.

[0026] When the fixing member is in the form of a belt, the thickness of the substrate is, for example, preferably 20 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 30 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably 40 μm to 130 μm.

[0027] The substrate may have a metal layer formed thereon, if necessary. When a metal layer is formed, the metal layer may be formed as a single layer or as a multilayer. The single layer metal layer may be a metal layer that generates heat by electromagnetic induction. Furthermore, the multilayer metal layer may have a three-layer structure, for example, consisting of a base metal layer, an electromagnetic induction metal layer, and a metal protective layer.

[0028] An adhesive may be applied to the surface of the substrate (including a substrate provided with a metal layer). That is, the adhesive may be used as needed, and the substrate (or the metal layer on the substrate) and the elastic layer may be laminated via the adhesive. The adhesive is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include adhesive compounds (adhesives) having hydrogen-bonded silyl groups (-SiH) to which hydrogen atoms are bonded.

[0029] (elastic layer) The elastic layer is preferably made of a heat-resistant elastic material that can restore its original shape even when deformed by the application of an external force of, for example, 100 Pa.

[0030] Examples of the heat-resistant elastic material include fluororesin, silicone resin, silicone rubber, fluororubber, fluorosilicone rubber, etc. As the heat-resistant elastic material, silicone rubber and fluororubber are preferred, and silicone rubber is more preferred, from the viewpoints of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, insulation, etc.

[0031] Examples of silicone rubber include RTV silicone rubber, HTV silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber, and specific examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber (MQ), methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ), methyl phenyl silicone rubber (PMQ), and fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ). An example of a commercially available silicone rubber is liquid silicone rubber SE6744 manufactured by Dow Corning Corporation.

[0032] As the silicone rubber, those that mainly use an addition reaction type as a crosslinking form are preferred. Also, various types of functional groups are known for silicone rubber, and preferred are dimethyl silicone rubber having a methyl group, methylphenyl silicone rubber having a methyl group and a phenyl group, and vinyl silicone rubber (vinyl group-containing silicone rubber) having a vinyl group. Note that vinyl silicone rubber having a vinyl group is more preferred, and silicone rubber having an organopolysiloxane structure having a vinyl group and a hydrogen organopolysiloxane structure having a hydrogen atom (SiH) bonded to a silicon atom is even more preferred.

[0033] Examples of fluororubbers include vinylidene fluoride rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethylvinyl ether rubber, phosphazene rubber, and fluoropolyether. Commercially available fluororubbers include, for example, Viton B-202 manufactured by DuPont Dow Elastomers.

[0034] The elastic layer preferably contains silicone rubber as a heat-resistant elastic material as a main component (i.e., 50% by mass or more of the elastic layer), more preferably 90% by mass or more, and even more preferably 99% by mass or more.

[0035] In addition to the heat-resistant elastic material, the elastic layer may contain an inorganic filler for the purposes of reinforcement, heat resistance, heat transfer, etc. Examples of inorganic fillers include known ones, and preferred examples include fumed silica, crystalline silica, iron oxide, alumina, metallic silicon, etc. In addition to the above, examples of inorganic filler materials include well-known inorganic fillers such as carbides (e.g., carbon black, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, etc.), titanium oxide, silicon carbide, talc, mica, kaolin, calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, magnesium oxide, graphite, silicon nitride, boron nitride, cerium oxide, and magnesium carbonate. Among these, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, graphite, boron nitride, and carbides are preferred from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity.

[0036] The content of the inorganic filler may be determined based on the required thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, etc., and may be, for example, 1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less relative to the elastic layer, preferably 3% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0037] The elastic layer may contain additives such as softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.), and functional fillers (alumina, etc.).

[0038] The thickness of the elastic layer is, for example, preferably 30 μm or more and 600 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0039] (Surface layer) -Sliding antennae- The sliding angle of the surface layer at 150°C (hereinafter also referred to as "FTW sliding angle") with respect to Fischer-Tropsch wax having a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm) is 25 degrees or less. If the FTW sliding angle is greater than 25 degrees, the release property of the surface layer of the fixing member against the release agent is low, and the release agent tends to remain on the surface of the fixing member, which tends to cause gloss unevenness called wax offset. Therefore, the FTW sliding angle is set to the above range. The FTW sliding angle is preferably 15 degrees or less, and more preferably 10 degrees or less. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset, the lower limit of the FTW sliding angle is, for example, preferably 1 degree or more, and more preferably 3 degrees or more.

[0040] The FTW sliding angle is measured as follows. A test piece of the surface layer is taken from the fixing member to be measured. Meanwhile, prepare Fischer-Tropsch wax "FNP-0090" (melting point 90°C, penetration 3 (1 / 10 mm): Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.). The surface temperature of the surface layer test piece is heated to 150°C, and with the wax melted at 150°C, 1.5 μl of molten wax is dropped onto the surface of the surface layer test piece. The sliding angle after 3 seconds is measured using a fully automatic contact angle meter DMo-902 (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) with a sliding method kit.

[0041] Here, the melting point of the Fischer-Tropsch wax is determined from a DSC curve obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using the "melting peak temperature" as described in the method for determining the melting temperature in JIS K7121:1987 "Method for measuring transition temperatures of plastics." The penetration of Fischer-Tropsch wax 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 50 g weight are used at 25°C to measure the depth to which the plunger tip penetrates into the sample, and this measurement is performed for 10 samples, and the average value is taken as the penetration.

[0042] As a method for adjusting the FTW sliding angle to the above range, a method of blending a siloxane compound, which will be described later, into the surface layer can be mentioned.

[0043] -Components of the surface layer- From the viewpoint of setting the FTW sliding angle within the above range, the surface layer preferably contains a siloxane compound. In particular, the surface layer preferably contains a siloxane compound represented by the formula: [RSiO1.5 ] n It is preferable that the siloxane compound has a structure A (wherein R represents an organic group and n represents an integer of 2 or more) in which at least one R among the multiple Rs in the structure A is a group containing an alkyl group (hereinafter also referred to as "siloxane compound SQ").

[0044] The surface layer may be a surface layer containing a siloxane compound SQ as a main component, or a surface layer containing a binder as a main component and a siloxane compound SQ as an additive. Here, the main component refers to the component that is present in the largest amount among the components that make up the surface layer.

[0045] 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 have been replaced with carbonyl groups, a hydrocarbon group in which one or more carbon atoms have been replaced with heteroatoms (oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, or sulfur atoms), or a group combining these.

[0046] The siloxy group explained in connection with 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.

[0047] The hydrocarbon group described in relation to the organic group represented by R includes an aliphatic hydrocarbon group and an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

[0048] Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include linear, branched, and alicyclic saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and linear, branched, and alicyclic unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] A plurality of R's present in the structure A may be the same organic group or different organic groups. However, among the multiple R's present in Structure A, at least one R' is a group containing an alkyl group. Here, from the viewpoint of setting the FTW sliding angle within the above range, the group containing an alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group itself or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. In other words, at least one of the multiple R's present in Structure A is preferably an alkyl group or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. The alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 1 carbon atom (i.e., a methyl group).From the viewpoint of keeping the FTW sliding angle within the above range, the alkyl group preferably has 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In particular, from the viewpoint of keeping the FTW sliding angle within the above range, the group containing an alkyl group is preferably a trialkylsiloxy group. In particular, from the viewpoint of keeping the FTW sliding angle within the above range, suppressing uneven glossiness, and improving the leading edge margin releasability of the recording medium, the group containing an alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group.

[0052] In the siloxane compound SQ, the proportion of groups containing alkyl groups is preferably 10 mol % or more and 50 mol % or less, more preferably 25 mol % or more and 50 mol % or less, relative to the siloxane compound SQ, from the viewpoint of keeping the FTW sliding angle within the above range.

[0053] The method for measuring the alkyl group-containing group is as follows. It is calculated from the height ratio of the peaks corresponding to the alkyl-containing group and the compatible group in infrared spectrophotometric (IR) measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement.

[0054] The siloxane compound SQ is preferably a polymer compound called silsesquioxane, which has various skeletal structures. The siloxane compound SQ may have any of the following skeleton structures: a cage structure (a complete cage structure or a cage structure), a ladder structure, and a random structure.

[0055] The siloxane compound SQ may have either a complete cage structure or a random structure, but a random structure is preferred. When the siloxane compound SQ has a random structure, uneven glossiness is suppressed and the leading edge margin releasability of the recording medium is improved.

[0056] The random structure includes a ladder structure, which is a structural intermediate of the random structure, and a cage structure having a partially open ring structure. Regarding the structure of siloxane compounds, a complete cage structure is characterized by the detection of signals with mass numbers derived from Q8 or Q10 in the mass spectrum measured by MALDI / MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization mass spectrometry), and by the detection of signals with molecular weights corresponding to Q8 or Q10 in the GPC measurement results, while a random structure is characterized by the detection of countless signals, unlike a cage structure (complete cage structure).This makes it possible to distinguish between a complete cage structure and a random structure.

[0057] In the infrared spectrum of siloxane compounds, the 1272 cm -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. The ratio of the absorption peak heights indicates the amount of methyl groups. When the ratio of the absorption peak heights is within the above range, gloss unevenness is suppressed and the leading edge margin releasability of the recording medium is improved. In order to set the height of the absorption peak within the above range, for example, a method of increasing the ratio of Si-CH3 bonds to Si-O-Si bonds can be mentioned. 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. Then, the measurement sample is subjected to infrared spectrophotometer (manufactured by JASCO Corporation: FT-IR-410) with an accumulation count of 300 and a resolution of 4 cm. -1 Under the condition of 500 cm -1 More than 4,000cm -1 The following range is measured: Then, baseline correction is performed using an offset portion where no absorbed light is present, and the height (i.e., intensity) of the absorption peak for each wavenumber is determined.

[0058] In Structure A, n in the formula represents an integer of 2 or more, but from the viewpoint of high-temperature oil repellency, it preferably represents an integer of 8 or more, and more preferably represents an integer of 8 or more and 10,000 or less.

[0059] The content of the siloxane compound SQ is preferably 3% by volume or more, more preferably 6% by volume or more, and even more preferably 10% by volume or more, relative to the surface layer, from the viewpoint of keeping the FTW sliding angle in the above range.

[0060] The binder includes a heat-resistant release material (surface layer forming material). Examples of heat-resistant release materials include fluororubber, fluororesin, silicone resin, silicone rubber, polyimide resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, and polymethylpentene (PMP) resin. Among these, silicone resin and silicone rubber are preferred as the heat-resistant release material from the viewpoint of keeping the FTW sliding angle within the above range.

[0061] Examples of silicone resins include methyl-based straight silicone resins, methylphenyl-based straight silicone resins, acrylic resin-modified silicone resins, ester resin-modified silicone resins, epoxy resin-modified silicone resins, and alkyd resin-modified silicone resins.

[0062] Examples of silicone rubber include RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, HTV (High Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber, and specific examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber, methyl phenyl silicone rubber, and fluorosilicone rubber.

[0063] (Use of fixing material) The fixing member according to the present embodiment can be applied to, for example, either a heating belt or a pressure belt. The heating belt may be either a heating belt that is heated by electromagnetic induction or a heating belt that is heated by an external heat source. However, when the fixing member according to this embodiment is applied to a heating belt that heats by electromagnetic induction, it is preferable to provide a metal layer (heat-generating layer) that generates heat by electromagnetic induction between the substrate and the elastic layer.

[0064] [Fixing device] The fixing device according to the present embodiment has various configurations, and may include, for example, a first rotating body and a second rotating body disposed in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, and the fixing member according to the present embodiment is used as at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

[0065] Hereinafter, a fixing device including a heating belt and a pressure roll will be described as first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the fixing member according to the present embodiment can be applied to either the heating belt or the pressure roll. The fixing device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and may be a fixing device including a heating roll or a heating belt and a pressure belt. The fixing member according to the present embodiment may be applied to any of the heating roll, the heating belt, and the pressure belt. Furthermore, the fixing device according to this embodiment is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and may be an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device as in the third embodiment.

[0066] (First embodiment of fixing device) A description will be given of a fixing device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to the first embodiment.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment 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 pressure member) that presses the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62. The pressure pad 64 may be configured to relatively press the pressure belt 62 and the heating roll 61. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 may be pressed against the heating roll 61, or the heating roll 61 may be pressed against the pressure belt 62.

[0068] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating means) is disposed inside the heating roll 61. The heating means is not limited to a halogen lamp, and other heat-generating members may also be used.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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 the sandwiching region N (nip portion).

[0071] The pressure pad 64 is disposed, for example, inside the pressure belt 62 in a state where it is pressed against the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62, and forms a sandwiched region N between the pressure pad 64 and the heating roll 61. The pressure pad 64 has, for example, 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 apply distortion to the heating roll 61.

[0072] In order to reduce the sliding resistance between the inner peripheral 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 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 it and the pressure belt 62 .

[0073] For example, a belt running guide 63 is attached to the holding member 65, and the pressure belt 62 rotates. A lubricant supply 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 nip area N. Then, as the paper K passes through the nip area N, the toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the nip area N.

[0076] In the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment, for example, the front pinch member 64a having a concave shape conforming to the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61 ensures a wider pinch region N than in a configuration without the front pinch member 64a.

[0077] Furthermore, in the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment, for example, by arranging a peeling pinch member 64b so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61, the distortion of the heating roll 61 is locally increased in the exit region of the pinch region N.

[0078] 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.

[0079] As an auxiliary means for peeling, for example, a peeling member 70 is disposed downstream of the pinch 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 close to the heating roll 61 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roll 61 (counter direction), for example.

[0080] (Second embodiment of fixing device) A description will be given of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Fig. 2, which is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] 2, the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment includes, for example, a fixing belt module 86 having 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 (the fixing belt module 86). Then, for example, a nip region N (a nip portion) is formed where the heating belt 84 (the fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roll 88 come into contact with each other. In the nip region N, a sheet of paper K (an example of a recording medium) is pressurized and heated, and a toner image is fixed thereon.

[0082] 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 driven to rotate 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 outside the heating belt 84 to define its circulation path, an attitude correction roll 94 that corrects the attitude of the heating belt 84 from the heating pressure roll 89 to the support roll 90, and a support roll 98 that applies tension to the heating belt 84 from its inner surface downstream of the clamping region N, which is the region where the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roll 88 come into contact.

[0083] The fixing belt module 86 is provided, for example, such that a sheet-like sliding member 82 is interposed between the heating belt 84 and the heating pressure roll 89 . 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 it and the heating belt 84 . Here, the sliding member 82 is provided in a state where both ends thereof are supported by support members 96, for example.

[0084] Inside the heating pressure roll 89, for example, a halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating means) is provided.

[0085] The support roll 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and has a halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating means) disposed therein, which heats the heating belt 84 from the inner peripheral surface side. At both ends of the support roll 90, for example, spring members (not shown) are arranged to press the heating belt 84 outward.

[0086] The support roll 92 is a cylindrical roll made of, for example, aluminum, and has a release layer made of fluororesin and having a thickness of 20 μm formed on the surface of the support roll 92. The release layer of the support roll 92 is formed to prevent, for example, toner and paper dust from the outer peripheral 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 heat source) is disposed, and the heating belt 84 is heated from the outer peripheral surface side.

[0087] That is, for example, the heating belt 84 is heated by the heating pressure roll 89 and the support rolls 90 and 92 .

[0088] 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 measurement mechanism, and is configured to control the meandering of the heating belt 84.

[0089] 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 means 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 and moves in the direction of arrow S, the pressure roll 88 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow R, following the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89).

[0090] Then, the paper K having the 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, where the unfixed toner image is fixed by pressure and heat acting on the pinch area N.

[0091] In the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment, a form in which a halogen heater (halogen lamp) is used as an example of a heat source has been described, but this 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 resistance heating element (a heating element that generates Joule heat by passing an electric current through a resistor: for example, a ceramic substrate on which a resistive film is formed and then fired) may also be used.

[0092] (Third embodiment of fixing device) A description will be given of a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Fig. 3, which is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The fixing device 200 according to the third embodiment is an electromagnetic induction type fixing device that includes a heating belt 110 having a metal layer as a fixing member. 3, a pressure roll (pressure member) 211 is disposed so as to pressurize a portion of the heating belt 110, and a contact area (nip) is formed between the heating belt 110 and the pressure roll 211 from the viewpoint of efficient fixing, and the heating belt 110 is curved to fit the circumferential surface of the pressure roll 211. Also, from the viewpoint of ensuring the releasability of the recording medium, a bent portion is formed at the end of the contact area (nip) where the belt is bent.

[0094] 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.

[0095] An opposing member 213 is disposed inside the heating belt 110 at a position facing 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 heating belt 110 to locally increase pressure, and a support 213A that supports the pad 213B.

[0096] An electromagnetic induction heating device 212 incorporating an electromagnetic induction coil (excitation coil) 212a is provided at a position facing the pressure roll 211 across the heating belt 110. The electromagnetic induction heating device 212 applies an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction coil, changing the generated magnetic field with an excitation circuit and generating eddy currents in a metal layer (not shown) of the heating belt 110 (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 heating belt 110 generates heat. The position of the electromagnetic induction heating device 212 is not limited to the position shown in Figure 3, and may be installed, for example, upstream of the contact area of ​​the heating belt 110 in the rotation direction B, or may be installed inside the heating belt 110.

[0097] In the fixing device 200 of the third embodiment, a driving force is transmitted from a driving device to a gear fixed to the end of the heating belt 110, causing the heating belt 110 to rotate on its own in the direction of arrow B, and as the heating belt 110 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 the contact area (nip) between the heating belt 110 and the pressure roll 211 in the fixing device 200 in the direction of arrow A, and the unfixed toner image 214 is in a molten state and pressure is applied to fix it to the recording medium 215.

[0098] [Image forming equipment] Next, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus of this embodiment includes an image carrier, a charging unit that charges the surface of the image carrier, a latent image forming unit that forms a latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier, a developing unit that develops the latent image with toner to form a toner image, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image to a recording medium, and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image to the recording medium. The fixing device of this embodiment is used as the fixing unit.

[0099] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0100] 4, image forming apparatus 100 according to this 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 that form toner images of each color component by electrophotography, a primary transfer unit 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 unit 20 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner images transferred onto intermediate transfer belt 15 onto paper K, which is a recording medium, and a fixing device 60 that fixes the secondarily transferred image onto paper K. Image forming apparatus 100 also has a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (each unit).

[0101] This fixing device 60 is the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to include the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment, or may be configured to include the fixing device 200 according to the third embodiment.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Around the photosensitive member 11, there is provided a charger 12 as an example of a charging means for charging the photosensitive member 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 a latent image forming means for writing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 11.

[0104] In addition, around the photosensitive member 11, there is provided a developing device 14 as an example of a developing means, which contains toner of each color component and makes the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 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 photosensitive member 11 to an intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer section 10.

[0105] Furthermore, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove residual toner from the photoreceptor 11, and electrophotographic devices including a charger 12, a laser exposure device 13, a developing device 14, a primary transfer roll 16, and the photoreceptor cleaner 17 are arranged in this order along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a substantially linear fashion from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0106] The intermediate transfer belt 15, which is an intermediate transfer body, is a film-like pressure belt that has a base layer of resin such as polyimide or polyamide and contains an appropriate amount of 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 set to, for example, about 0.1 mm.

[0107] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven (rotated) in a circular manner in the direction B shown in Fig. 4 at a speed suited to the purpose by various rolls. These rolls include a drive roll 31 that is driven by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant speed performance to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 15, a support roll 32 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15 that extends 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 that prevents the intermediate transfer belt 15 from meandering, a backing roll 25 provided in the secondary transfer unit 20, and a cleaning backing roll 34 provided in a cleaning unit that scrapes off residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0108] The primary transfer unit 10 is composed of a primary transfer roll 16 arranged opposite the photoreceptor 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 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 resistance of less than Ωcm.

[0109] The primary transfer roll 16 is arranged in pressure contact with the photosensitive member 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 each photosensitive member 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0110] The secondary transfer unit 20 is configured to include 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 .

[0111] 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 hereinafter.) The back roll 25 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and constitutes an opposing electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and is in contact with a metal power supply roll 26 to which a secondary transfer bias is stably applied.

[0112] 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 resistance of less than Ωcm.

[0113] The secondary transfer roll 22 is placed in pressure contact with the back roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween, and the secondary transfer roll 22 is further grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between it and the back roll 25, thereby secondarily transferring the toner image onto the paper K being transported to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0114] In addition, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and is capable of being freely attached and detached to remove residual toner and paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and to clean the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0115] The intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer section 10 (primary transfer roll 16), and the secondary transfer section 20 (secondary transfer roll 22) correspond to an example of a transfer unit.

[0116] Meanwhile, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 is disposed upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, generating a reference signal that serves as a reference for timing image formation in each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. An image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality is disposed downstream of the black image forming unit 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.

[0117] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is equipped with a transport means for transporting paper K, which includes 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 unwound 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.

[0118] Next, the basic image forming process of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, image data output from an image reading device (not shown) or a personal computer (PC) (not shown) 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.

[0119] 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 operations such as frame erasure, color editing, and movement editing. The image data that has undergone image processing is converted into color material gradation data for four colors, Y, M, C, and K, and is output to the laser exposure device 13.

[0120] In accordance with the input color material gradation data, the laser exposure device 13 irradiates the photoconductor 11 of each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K with an exposure beam Bm emitted from, for example, a semiconductor laser. After the surface of the photoconductor 11 of each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is charged by the charger 12, 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 of Y, M, C, and K by each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0121] 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 charge 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.

[0122] After the toner images are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves, and the toner images are transported to the secondary transfer unit 20. When the toner images are transported to the secondary transfer unit 20, the transport means rotates the paper feed roll 51 in synchronization 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 synchronization with the movement 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.

[0123] In the secondary transfer unit 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 conveyed 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 charge 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 onto the paper K all at once in the secondary transfer unit 20, which is pressed by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25.

[0124] Thereafter, the paper sheet K onto which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is transported as 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 sheet K to the fixing device 60 at an optimal transport speed for the fixing device 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper sheet K transported to the fixing device 60 is fixed onto the paper sheet K by being subjected to a fixing process using heat and pressure by the fixing device 60. The paper sheet K on which the fixed image has been formed is then transported to an ejected paper storage unit (not shown) provided in the ejection unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0125] 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.

[0126] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible, and it goes without saying that they can be realized within the scope of satisfying the requirements of the present invention. [Example]

[0127] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In the following description, "parts" and "%" are all by mass unless otherwise specified.

[0128] Example 1 A solution of polyimide precursor (polyimide varnish "U Varnish-S" manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was spirally coated onto a 30 mm diameter mold and baked in a stepwise heating process up to 380°C. The stepwise heating process involved raising the temperature from 25°C to 120°C, maintaining it at 120°C for 1 hour, raising the temperature from 120°C to 250°C, maintaining it at 250°C for 1 hour, raising the temperature from 250°C to 380°C, maintaining it at 380°C for 1 hour, and then lowering the temperature from 380°C to 25°C. As a result, a tubular polyimide substrate (hereinafter referred to as PI substrate) consisting of a single polyimide resin layer with an outer diameter of 30 mm, a film thickness of 60 μm, and a width of 400 mm was obtained.

[0129] Using a liquid honing machine (Fuji Seiki LH-8TTHiS), the surface of the PI substrate was roughened to a surface roughness Ra of 0.5 μm to 1.0 μm. The honing conditions were abrasive grain #320, spray pressure 0.3 MPa, spray distance 100 mm, and treatment time 1.5 minutes. The abrasive grains on the roughened PI substrate surface were then washed away with ion-exchanged water, and the moisture on the PI substrate surface was removed with compressed air.

[0130] Next, the PI substrate was placed in a plating jig, and an electroless nickel plating layer (metallic underlayer) with a thickness of 0.5 μm was formed by electroless plating. Next, after forming an electroless copper plating layer (metallic base layer), electrodes were set on both ends of the plating jig, and electrolytic plating was performed using a copper sulfate plating solution to form an electrolytic copper plating layer (metallic heating layer) with a thickness of 10 μm. Next, electrodes were set on both ends of the plating jig, and electrolytic nickel plating was performed using an electrolytic plating solution to form an electrolytic nickel plating layer (metallic protective layer) with a thickness of 10 μm.

[0131] Next, a liquid was prepared by mixing and stirring equal amounts of DY39-111 (Dow Toray Industries, Inc.)-A and B components, and this was applied to the surface of the nickel metal protective layer using a spiral coater. The solution was then air-dried at room temperature (30 minutes) and baked (170°C for 20 minutes) to form an adhesive layer with a thickness of 0.2 μm.

[0132] Next, a low-hardness silicone rubber (SE6744; Dow Toray Co., Ltd.) was diluted with butyl acetate to 15% by mass to obtain a coating solution for forming an elastic layer. The coating solution for forming an elastic layer was applied to the surface (i.e., the outer peripheral surface) of the adhesive layer using a spiral coater to a thickness of 200 μm to form a coating film. Next, the formed coating film was subjected to a self-smoothing treatment (40°C x 20 minutes) and primary vulcanization (120°C x 20 minutes) to form an elastic layer.

[0133] Next, 100 parts of silicone resin "DOWSIL RSN-0806 Resin (manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd.)" was mixed with [RSiO 1.5 ] n A mixed solution was prepared by mixing 12 parts of a siloxane compound SQ1 (Octakis(trimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane: Sigma-Aldrich Co.) in which R in Structure A is a trimethylsiloxy group. The resulting mixed solution was dip-coated onto the elastic layer to form a coating of the mixed solution, which was then baked at 200°C for 1 hour to form a 10µm thick surface layer.

[0134] Through the above steps, a fixing belt was obtained.

[0135] <Example 2> A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the blending amount of the siloxane compound SQ1 was changed to 6 parts.

[0136] Example 3 A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the blending amount of the siloxane compound SQ1 was changed to 20 parts.

[0137] Example 4 A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the blending amount of the siloxane compound SQ1 was changed to 28 parts.

[0138] <Example 5> Instead of the siloxane compound SQ1, [RSiO 1.5 ] n A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a siloxane compound SQ2 (PSS-Octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted: Sigma-Aldrich) in which R in Structure A is a dimethylsiloxy group was used.

[0139] Example 6 A composition obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin with 15 parts of siloxane compound SQ2 was extruded to obtain a tube with a thickness of 20 μm. The obtained tube was coated on the elastic layer and baked at 200°C for 1 hour to form a surface layer. A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except for this procedure.

[0140] Example 7 Instead of the siloxane compound SQ1, [RSiO 1.5 ] n A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the siloxane compound SQ3 (polymethylsilsesquioxane X-52-854 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) in which R in Structure A is a methyl group) was used, and the content thereof was changed.

[0141] <Comparative Example 1> A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a 30 μm thick PFA (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkoxyethylene) tube, the inner surface of which had been treated with an excimer laser, was coated on the elastic layer, and the tube was baked at 200°C for 2 hours to form a surface layer.

[0142] <Evaluation> (characteristic) The fixing belt of each example was measured for the following properties according to the methods already described. FTW sliding angle on the surface of the surface layer (sliding angle at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm))

[0143] (uneven gloss) The fixing belt of each example was mounted as a heating belt in the fixing device of an image forming apparatus (Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. "Apeos C4570"). This image forming device prints A3JD coated 127 (127g / m 2 100 sheets of 100% black solid images were printed on one side of the sheet. The formed black solid images were then observed, and the unevenness of the image gloss was visually evaluated and compared. The evaluation criteria were as follows: A: Very good B: Good C: Normal D: Bad

[0144] (Removability of the leading edge margin of the paper) The fixing belt of each example was mounted as a heating belt in the fixing device of an image forming apparatus (Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. "Apeos C4570"). Using this image forming apparatus, a black solid image was formed on Shiraoi paper (manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.; weight (thickness) = 52 gsm) with the leading edge margin on the upstream side in the paper feed direction adjusted. The paper leading edge peelability was then evaluated according to the following criteria. A: No paper jams occurred up to a 1mm margin at the leading edge B: No paper jams occurred up to a 2mm margin at the leading edge C: No paper jams occurred up to 3mm of the leading edge margin D: Paper jam occurs at 3mm leading edge margin

[0145] The abbreviations shown in Table 1 are as follows: ·SQ1:[RSiO 1.5 ] nIn the structure A, R is a trimethylsiloxy group in the siloxane compound (Octakis(trimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane: Sigma-Aldrich) / Complete cage structure / Absorption peak height ratio in the infrared spectrum (1272 cm due to the Si-CH3 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 absorption peak below = 0.015 ·SQ2:[RSiO 1.5 ] n In the structure A of the siloxane compound, R is a dimethylsiloxy group (PSS-Octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted: Sigma-Aldrich) / Complete cage type / Infrared absorption peak height ratio (1272 cm due to the Si-CH 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 absorption peak below = 0.022 ·SQ3:[RSiO 1.5 ] n In the structure A, R is a methyl group in the siloxane compound SQ3 (polymethylsilsesquioxane X-52-854 (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) / random structure / infrared absorption peak height ratio (1272 cm due to the Si-CH 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) = 0.326

[0146] [Table 1]

[0147] From the above results, it can be seen that in this example, uneven gloss is suppressed compared to the comparative example. In particular, it can be seen that in Example 7, gloss unevenness and peelability at the leading edge margin of the paper are suppressed compared to the other Examples.

[0148] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) A fixing member having a surface layer that exhibits a sliding angle of 25 degrees or less at 150°C against Fischer-Tropsch wax having a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm). (((2))) The fixing member according to (((1))), wherein the sliding angle is 15 degrees or less. (((3))) The surface layer has the formula: [RSiO 1.5 ] n The fixing member according to (((1))) or (((2))) contains a siloxane compound having Structure A (wherein, R represents an organic group and n represents an integer of 2 or more), and at least one R among the multiple Rs present in Structure A is a group containing an alkyl group. (((4))) The fixing member according to (((3))), wherein the group containing an alkyl group is a trialkylsiloxy group. (((5))) The fixing member according to (((3))), wherein the group containing an alkyl group is a methyl group. (((6))) the alkyl group is a methyl group, In the infrared spectrum of the siloxane compound, the peak at 1272 cm resulting from the Si-CH bond -1 The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si-O-Si bond -1 More than 1150cm -1 The fixing member according to (((3))), wherein the ratio of the heights of the following absorption peaks is 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less: (((7))) The fixing member according to any one of (((3))) to (((6))), wherein the siloxane compound has a random structure. (((8))) The fixing member according to any one of (((3))) to (((7))), wherein the content of the siloxane compound in the surface layer is 10% by volume or more. (((9))) The fixing member according to any one of (((3))) to (((8))), wherein the surface layer contains a resin. (((10))) The fixing member according to (((9))), wherein the resin is a silicone resin. (((11))) 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 is any one of (((1))) to (((10))) 2. A fixing device comprising the fixing member according to claim 1. (((12))) an image carrier; a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier; a latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier; a developing means for developing the latent image with toner to form a toner image; a transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium; a fixing unit that fixes the toner image on the recording medium, the fixing unit being the fixing device described in (((11))); An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0149] The effects of the above embodiment are as follows. According to the invention (((1))), a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to a fixing member having a surface layer with a sliding angle of more than 25 degrees at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm). According to the invention related to (((2))), a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the sliding angle is greater than 15 degrees. According to the invention (((3))), a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the surface layer is made of a fluororesin. According to the invention related to (((4))), a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the group containing an alkyl group is a dialkylsiloxy group. According to the invention related to (((5))), a fixing member is provided which suppresses uneven gloss and has excellent leading edge margin releasability of a recording medium, compared to when the group containing an alkyl group is a trialkylsiloxy group. According to the invention related to (((6))), a fixing member is provided which suppresses uneven gloss and has excellent leading edge margin releasability of a recording medium, compared to when the group containing an alkyl group is a trialkylsiloxy group or when the ratio of the heights of the absorption peaks in the infrared spectrum of a siloxane compound is less than 0.2 or more than 0.4. According to the invention (((7))), a fixing member is provided which suppresses uneven gloss and has excellent leading edge margin releasability of a recording medium, compared to when the siloxane compound has a complete cage structure. According to the invention related to (((8))), a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the content of the siloxane compound in the surface layer is less than 10% by volume. According to the invention (((9))), a fixing member is provided which contains a resin in the surface layer and suppresses gloss unevenness, compared to a fixing member having a surface layer with a sliding angle of more than 25 degrees at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm). According to the invention (((10))), a fixing member is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when the resin is a fluororesin.

[0150] According to the inventions (((11))) or (((12))), a fixing device or an image forming apparatus is provided in which gloss unevenness is suppressed compared to when a fixing member having a surface layer with a sliding angle of more than 25 degrees at 150°C for Fischer-Tropsch wax with a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm) is used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 62 Pressure Belt 63 Belt guide 64 Pressure pad 64a Front clamping member 64b Peeling clamping member 65 Retaining member 66 Halogen lamp 67 Lubricant supply device 68 Sliding member 69 Thermosensor 70 Peeling member 71 Peeling Nail 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 200 Fixing device 211 Pressure Roll 212 Electromagnetic induction heating device 100 Image forming device

Claims

1. A fixing member having a surface layer having a sliding angle of 25 degrees or less at 150°C with respect to Fischer-Tropsch wax having a melting point of 90°C and a penetration of 3 (1 / 10 mm).

2. 2. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the sliding angle is 15 degrees or less.

3. The surface layer has the formula: [RSiO １．５ ] ｎ 2. The fixing member according to claim 1, comprising a siloxane compound having a structure A of the formula: (wherein, R represents an organic group, and n represents an integer of 2 or more), wherein at least one of the Rs present in the structure A is a group containing an alkyl group.

4. 4. The fixing member according to claim 3, wherein the group containing an alkyl group is a trialkylsiloxy group.

5. 4. The fixing member according to claim 3, wherein the group containing an alkyl group is a methyl group.

6. the alkyl group is a methyl group, In the infrared spectrum of the siloxane compound, Si—CH ３ 1272 cm resulting from the bond －１ The height of the absorption peak at 1000 cm originating from the Si—O—Si bond －１ 1150cm or more －１ 4. The fixing member according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the heights of the following absorption peaks is 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less:

7. 4. The fixing member according to claim 3, wherein the siloxane compound has a random structure.

8. 4. The fixing member according to claim 3, wherein the content of the siloxane compound in the surface layer is 10% by volume or more.

9. The fixing member according to claim 3 , wherein the surface layer comprises a resin.

10. 10. The fixing member according to claim 9, wherein the resin is a silicone resin.

11. 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 is the fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. an image carrier; a charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier; a latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier; a developing means for developing the latent image with toner to form a toner image; a transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium; a fixing unit that fixes the toner image on the recording medium, the fixing unit being the fixing device according to claim 11; An image forming apparatus comprising:

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