Method for manufacturing electronic photography member

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method of a electronic photography member capable of suppressing peeling of a front surface layer.SOLUTION: A first step of performing surface treatment on a front surface layer forming surface of the base layer to set surface free energy of the front surface layer forming surface of the base layer to 30mJ / m2 or more and 120mJ / m2 or less; A T unit represented by the formula [R1SiO3 / 2] m (in the formula, R1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and at least one R1 among a plurality of R1 present in the T unit is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group); The method for producing a electronic photography member according to claim 1, further comprising: SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing an electrophotographic member. [Background technology]

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

[0003] PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer), a fluorine material, is widely used as a surface layer material of fixing members that has releasability at high temperatures (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-165773 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a base layer having a surface layer formed on the surface thereof, the base layer being provided with a compound of the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m In a manufacturing method of an electrophotographic member, the method includes a step of forming a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: 2 Less than or 120mJ / m 2 The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when a surface treatment exceeding the surface treatment is performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A surface treatment is performed on the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed, and the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 30 mJ / m 2 More than 120mJ / m 2 A first step of: The surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed has a formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by (wherein, R 1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 At least one R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group; and A method for producing an electrophotographic member having the above structure. <2> The polysiloxane compound is a compound represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Together with T units represented by the formula: [R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ] n D units represented by the formula (wherein R 2 and R 3 represents an organic group, and n represents an integer of 2 or more. <1> 10. A method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 9. <3> In the first step, the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 40 mJ / m 2 More than 100mJ / m 2 The following <1> or <2> 10. A method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 9. <4> The difference in surface free energy between the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed and the surface energy of the surface of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m 2 More than 70mJ / m 2 is <1> ~ <3> 10. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 9, wherein the electrophotographic member is a member for electrophotography. <5> In the first step, the surface treatment is an ultraviolet irradiation treatment. <1> ~ <3> 10. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 9, wherein the electrophotographic member is a member for electrophotography. <6> The wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment is 300 nm or less. <5> 10. A method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 9. <7> In the first step, the surface treatment is a plasma treatment. <1> ~ <4> 10. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 9, wherein the electrophotographic member is a member for electrophotography. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] <1> According to the present invention, a surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is provided with a compound represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m In a manufacturing method of an electrophotographic member, the method includes a step of forming a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: 2 Less than or 120mJ / m 2 The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when a surface treatment exceeding the above limit is performed. <2> According to the present invention, the polysiloxane compound has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The present invention provides a method for producing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when only T units represented by the following formula are contained: <3> According to the invention, the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed is set to 40 mJ / m 2 Less than or 100mJ / m 2 The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when the thickness is greater than 100 μm. <4> According to the present invention, the difference in surface free energy between the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed and the surface energy of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m in absolute value. 2 Less than or 70mJ / m 2The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when the thickness exceeds 1000 nm. <5> , <6> or <7> According to the present invention, a surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is provided with a compound represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m In a manufacturing method of an electrophotographic member, the method includes a step of forming a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: 2 Less than or 100mJ / m 2 The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can easily suppress peeling of the surface layer by ultraviolet irradiation treatment or plasma treatment, compared to when surface treatment exceeding the above-mentioned level is performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. These descriptions and examples are intended to illustrate the embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0010] In this specification, a numerical range indicated using "to" indicates a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. 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.

[0011] In this specification, the term "process" includes not only an independent process but also a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved.

[0012] In this specification, when an embodiment is described with reference to drawings, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of components in each drawing are conceptual, and the relative size relationships between components are not limited to these.

[0013] In this specification, each component may contain a plurality of corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component in the composition in this embodiment, if a plurality of substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the amount refers to the total amount of the plurality of substances present in the composition unless otherwise specified.

[0014] <Electrophotographic materials> The electrophotographic member according to the present embodiment includes an underlayer and a surface layer provided in contact with the underlayer, the surface layer having a structure represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by (wherein, R 1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 At least one R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. The adhesive strength between the surface layer and the underlayer is 0.5 N / mm or more.

[0015] In recent years, with growing awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), efforts have been made to develop materials that reduce environmental impact. One such effort is a technology that incorporates a polysiloxane compound as a release agent into the surface layer of electrophotographic members.

[0016] However, particularly when a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the above formula as a release agent is laminated on an underlying layer (such as a rubber layer or a resin layer), the adhesion between the surface layer and the underlying layer is low, and peeling of the surface layer occurs when the surface layer is used in an electrophotographic device.

[0017] In contrast, in the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment, the adhesive strength between the surface layer and the underlayer is set to 0.5 N / mm or more. Therefore, the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment is a member in which peeling of the surface layer is suppressed.

[0018] Hereinafter, the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0019] (Configuration of electrophotographic member) The electrophotographic member according to this embodiment includes a base layer and a surface layer provided in contact with the base layer. The base layer may be, for example, an elastic layer or a resin substrate layer depending on the application of the electrophotographic member. Specific configurations of the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment include: (1) A configuration including a substrate, an elastic layer as a foundation layer, and a surface layer in this order; (2) A configuration including a resin substrate as a base layer and a surface layer in this order; etc.

[0020] (Adhesion strength between surface layer and base layer) The adhesive strength between the surface layer and the underlayer is 0.5 N / mm or more, preferably 0.6 N / mm or more, more preferably 0.7 N / mm or more, and even more preferably 1.0 N / mm. Note that the upper limit of the adhesive strength between the surface layer and the underlayer is, for example, 5 N / mm or less due to manufacturing process restrictions. If the adhesive strength between the surface layer and the underlayer is less than 0.5 N / mm, the surface layer is likely to peel off.

[0021] The adhesive strength between the surface layer and the underlayer is measured as follows. The electrophotographic member to be measured is cut to obtain a 10 mm wide strip sample. A notch is made only in the surface layer of the obtained strip sample to create a gripping area. The surface layer is pulled at a speed of 10 mm / min using a tensile tester, and the adhesive strength is measured.

[0022] (surface layer waviness) The maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the undulation curve of the surface layer is preferably 1 μm or less, and more preferably 0.8 μm or less. When the maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the undulation curve is 1 μm or less, the surface undulation of the surface layer is low, the flatness of the surface layer is increased, and the functionality as an electrophotographic member, such as improved gloss uniformity of output images, is improved.

[0023] The maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the waviness curve of the surface layer is measured using a surface roughness measuring instrument in accordance with JIS B0601:2013 (ISO 4287:1997) under conditions of a cutoff value of 0.8 mm and an evaluation length of 10 mm.

[0024] (surface free energy) The surface free energy of the surface layer forming surface of the underlayer is 30 mJ / m 2 More than 120mJ / m 2 Preferably less than 40mJ / m 2 More than 100mJ / m 2 Less than 45mJ / m is more preferable. 2 More than 100mJ / m 2 The following is even more preferred: When the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed is within the above range, it becomes easier to control the adhesive strength between the surface layer and the underlayer within the above range.

[0025] As a method for adjusting the surface free energy of the surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is formed to fall within the above range, for example, a method of subjecting the surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is formed to a surface treatment such as ultraviolet irradiation treatment or plasma treatment, as described below, can be mentioned.

[0026] The difference in surface free energy between the surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is formed and the surface energy of the surface of the surface layer is 5 mJ / m 2 More than 70mJ / m 2 Preferably less than 10 mJ / m 2 More than 70mJ / m 2 Less than 13 mJ / m is more preferable. 2 More than 60mJ / m 2 The following is even more preferred: When the difference in surface free energy between the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed and the surface energy of the surface of the surface layer is within the above range, it becomes easier to control the maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the waviness curve of the surface layer within the above range. This is presumably because, when the surface layer is formed, the affinity between the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed and the surface layer-forming composition increases, thereby reducing the waviness of the surface of the surface layer.

[0027] The surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer where the surface layer is formed and the surface of the surface layer is measured as follows. Based on the OWRK (Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble) method, water, diiodomethane, and N-dodecane, whose surface free energies are known, are used. Water is dropped onto the surface to be measured to measure the contact angle of water, diiodomethane is dropped onto the film to measure the contact angle of diiodomethane, and N-dodecane is dropped onto the film to measure the contact angle of N-dodecane. The free energy (mJ / m 2 ) is calculated. However, each contact angle is the value measured 5 seconds after water, diiodomethane or N-dodecane is dropped onto the film.

[0028] Here, the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is measured immediately before the surface layer is formed, or after the surface layer is peeled off to expose the surface of the underlayer.

[0029] (base material) When the electrophotographic member is a roll member, 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 electrophotographic member is an endless belt, a resin substrate, which will be described later, is used as the substrate.

[0030] (base layer) Examples of elastic materials contained in the elastic layer serving as a base layer include acrylic rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and rubber mixtures thereof. Examples of elastic materials contained in the rubber layer as the underlayer include silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, and fluorosilicone rubber. The elastic layer serving as the underlayer may be a foamed layer or a non-foamed layer.

[0031] Examples of resin materials contained in the resin substrate as the underlayer include polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polyetheretherester resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, polysulfone resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, silicone resin, and mixed resins thereof.

[0032] (Surface layer) The surface layer contains a polysiloxane compound. Specifically, for example, the surface layer may be a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound as a main component (for example, a matrix material serving as a binder), or may be a surface layer containing a binder resin and a polysiloxane compound. The surface layer may also contain other additives. Here, the surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound as a main component (for example, a matrix material serving as a binder) refers to a layer containing only a polysiloxane compound, or a layer containing the largest amount of polysiloxane compound.

[0033] -Polysiloxane compounds- The polysiloxane compound has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by (wherein, R 1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 At least one R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. The polysiloxane compound has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Together with T units represented by the formula: [R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ] n D units represented by the formula (wherein R 2 and R 3 represents an organic group, and n represents an integer of 2 or more.) is preferred. In order to improve the releasability of the surface layer, multiple R groups present in the D unit are 2 and R 3 At least one R 2 and R 3 is preferably a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. When a polysiloxane compound having T units and D units is used, flexibility is imparted to the surface layer, and peeling of the surface layer is easily suppressed.

[0034] In the T unit and the D unit, R in the formula 1 , R 2 and R 3 The organic group represents, 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.

[0035] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Examples of the siloxy group described in the organic group represented by the formula (I) include a monoalkylsiloxy group, a dialkylsiloxy group, and a trialkylsiloxy group, with a dialkylsiloxy group and a trialkylsiloxy group being preferred, and a trialkylsiloxy group being more preferred.

[0036] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 The hydrocarbon group described in the organic group represented by the formula (I) includes an aliphatic hydrocarbon group and an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] R 1, R 2 and R 3 The organic group represented by may have a reactive group. Examples of the reactive group include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a styryl group, a maleimide group, an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. In other words, the siloxane compound may be a cured product obtained by reaction of the reactive group.

[0040] Multiple Rs in T and D units 1 , R 2 and R 3 may be the same organic group or different organic groups. However, there are multiple R in the T unit. 1 At least one R 1 are groups containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. In addition, each of the multiple R 2 and R 3 At least one R 2 and R 3 Each of R is preferably a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. 2 At least one R 2 is preferably a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. 3 At least one R 3 is preferably a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.

[0041] Here, from the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the surface layer, the group containing an alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group itself or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. 1 , R 2 and R 3 At least one of the groups is preferably an alkyl group or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. From the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the surface layer, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkyl group having 1 carbon atom (that is, a methyl group).

[0042] The group containing an aryl group is preferably an aryl group itself or an aralkyl group. Examples of the aryl group include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group. Examples of the alkyl group in the aralkyl group include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of the aryl group in the aralkyl group include phenyl and naphthyl groups. Examples of the aralkyl group include benzyl, 1-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethyl, and 2-methyl-2-phenylethyl groups. From the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the surface layer, the group containing an aryl group is preferably a phenyl group.

[0043] The proportion of the group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group relative to the polysiloxane compound is preferably higher from the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the surface layer.

[0044] In the T unit and D unit, m and n in the formula represent integers of 2 or more, but from the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the surface layer, they preferably represent integers of 8 or more, and more preferably represent integers of 8 or more and 10,000 or less.

[0045] In the T unit and the D unit, the lower limit of the ratio m / n of m and n in the formula is preferably 100 / 0 or more, more preferably 100 / 1 or more, and the upper limit of m / n is preferably 10 / 90 or less, more preferably 20 / 80 or less, and even more preferably 25 / 75 or less. When the ratio m / n is within the above range, peeling of the surface layer is suppressed, and the releasability of the surface layer can be achieved at the same time. The ratio m / n, i.e. the ratio of T and D units, is determined as follows: 29 Calculation is based on the peak ratio of D units (high ppm side) and T units (low ppm side) by Si NMR.

[0046] From the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the surface layer, the content of the polysiloxane compound is preferably 10% by volume or more, more preferably 30% by volume or more, and even more preferably 50% by volume or more, relative to the surface layer.

[0047] The polysiloxane compound may be in the form of particles. The volume average particle diameter of the particulate polysiloxane compound is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less. In particular, the volume average particle diameter of the particulate polysiloxane compound is preferably 2.5 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less. When the volume average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is within the above range, the releasability of the surface layer is easily improved.

[0048] Examples of polysiloxane compounds include polymer compounds called silsesquioxanes (SQ) that have various skeletal structures. The polysiloxane compound 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.

[0049] The volume average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is measured as follows. A sample is taken from the surface layer of the electrophotographic member, and the observation surface of the sample is a cross section cut along the thickness direction of the surface layer. The observation surface of the sample is observed using a scanning electron microscope and an image is taken. In the image, the area of ​​each primary particle of the polysiloxane compound is measured by image analysis, and the circle-equivalent diameter is calculated from this area value. This circle-equivalent diameter calculation is performed for 100 particles of the polysiloxane compound. The 50% diameter (D50v) of the volume-based cumulative frequency of the obtained circle-equivalent diameters is then taken as the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound.

[0050] -Binder resin- A binder resin may be used to fix the polysiloxane compound to the surface layer. Examples of binder resins include silicone resins, polyimide resins (PI resins), polyamideimide resins (PAI resins), polyetherketone resins (e.g., aromatic polyetheretherketone resins), polyphenylene sulfide resins (PPS resins), polyetherimide resins (PEI resins), polyester resins, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, polycarbonate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins (PET resins), and mixed resins thereof. Examples of binder resins include chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), natural rubber, and mixed rubbers thereof.

[0051] As the binder resin, a silicone resin is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the surface layer. Examples of silicone resins include pure silicone resins, silicone alkyd resins, silicone epoxy resins, silicone polyester resins, silicone acrylic resins, silicone phenolic resins, silicone urethane resins, and silicone melamine resins. The surface layer of the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment preferably does not contain fluorine atoms. That is, the surface layer preferably does not contain a compound having fluorine atoms. Specifically, for example, it is preferable to use a resin that does not contain fluorine atoms (specifically, a resin other than a fluororesin) as the binder resin.

[0052] The content of the binder resin is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less, based on the surface layer.

[0053] -Other additives- The other additives can be appropriately selected from well-known additives such as conductive agents, reinforcing agents, antioxidants, surfactants, heat-resistant anti-aging agents, etc., depending on the various uses of the electrophotographic member. The content of the additives in the surface layer is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0054] (Application) Examples of uses of the electrophotographic member according to the present embodiment include fixing members (heating members, pressure members), transfer members (intermediate transfer members, primary transfer members, secondary transfer members, etc.), charging members (charging rolls, etc.), and transport members (transport rolls, transport belts, etc.).

[0055] <Method for manufacturing electrophotographic members> The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to this embodiment includes the steps of: The surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is to be formed is subjected to a surface treatment, and the surface free energy of the surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 30 mJ / m 2 More than 120mJ / m 2 Less than 40mJ / m 2 More than 100mJ / m 2 a first step of: The surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is formed is determined by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by (wherein, R 1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 At least one R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group; and It has.

[0056] In the method for producing an electrophotographic member according to this embodiment, an electrophotographic member capable of suppressing peeling of the surface layer can be obtained by the above-mentioned method.

[0057] (First step) In the first step, a surface treatment is performed on the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed, and the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 30 mJ / m 2 More than 120mJ / m 2 less than (preferably 40 mJ / m 2 More than 100mJ / m 2 Examples of surface treatments include ultraviolet irradiation treatment and plasma treatment.

[0058] The conditions for the ultraviolet irradiation treatment may be any conditions that cause the surface free energy of the surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is to be formed to fall within the above range, and examples thereof include the following conditions: In particular, when the wavelength of the irradiated ultraviolet light is 300 nm or less, functional groups such as hydroxyl groups, carbonyl groups, and carboxyl groups can be increased on the surface of the base layer, making it easier to control the surface free energy of the surface of the base layer on which the surface layer is to be formed to fall within the above range, which is preferable. -Ultraviolet irradiation treatment conditions- Light source: UV light source with wavelengths of 300 nm or less (mercury lamp, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, etc.) ·Irradiation intensity: 1mW / cm 2 More than 500mW / cm 2 below ·Irradiation time: 5 seconds or more and 3000 seconds or less. Surface free energy is measured at an irradiation intensity of 5 mW / cm 2 It is preferable that the irradiation time is 50 seconds or more, and the irradiation intensity is 10 mW / cm 2 It is more preferable that the irradiation time be 100 seconds or more.

[0059] The conditions for the plasma treatment may be any conditions that allow the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed to fall within the above range, and examples thereof include the following conditions. -Plasma treatment conditions- Atmospheric gas: nitrogen, argon, helium, air Gas flow rate: 0 L / min to 500 L / min Gas pressure: 0.001 MPa to 1.5 MPa RF power: 0.1kW to 10kW Processing time: 1 second to 600 seconds In particular, the surface free energy is 40 mJ / m 2 More than 100mJ / m 2 To achieve the above, it is preferable to set the irradiation time to 10 seconds or more.

[0060] The method for measuring the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed is as described above.

[0061] (Second process) In the second step, a compound having the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by (wherein, R 1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 At least one R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. In the second step, for example, a coating liquid containing a binder resin or a precursor thereof, a polysiloxane compound, and a solvent for dissolving or dispersing the binder resin or the precursor thereof and the polysiloxane compound is applied onto the underlayer and heated to form a surface layer. When the polysiloxane compound is a liquid or oily compound, the surface layer can be formed by applying a coating liquid containing the polysiloxane compound and, if necessary, a solvent for dissolving or dispersing the polysiloxane compound onto the underlayer and heating the coating liquid. Depending on the type of polysiloxane compound, the surface layer can be formed by applying a coating liquid and irradiating it with ultraviolet light, in addition to applying a coating liquid and heating.

[0062] Here, the precursor of the binder resin refers to polyamic acid when the binder resin is a polyimide resin, and refers to a monomer that is a polymerization component of the binder resin, a component for forming the binder resin (a prepolymer and a curing agent that hardens it), etc.

[0063] In the method for producing an electrophotographic member according to this embodiment, the materials used for the underlayer and the surface layer are the same as those used for the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment.

[0064] <Fixing device> The fixing device according to this embodiment comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, and at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a fixing member having an electrophotographic member according to this embodiment. The electrophotographic member according to this embodiment, which is applied to the fixing member, may be, for example, a member having a configuration including a substrate, an elastic layer as a base layer, and a surface layer in this order. A metal layer (for example, a heat generating layer for electromagnetic induction heating) may be provided between the substrate and the base layer.

[0065] The following describes the fixing device according to this embodiment: as a first embodiment, a fixing device equipped with a heating roll and a pressure belt; as a second embodiment, a fixing device equipped with a heating belt and a heating roll; and as a third embodiment, a fixing device of an electromagnetic induction heating type equipped with a heating belt and a heating roll. The fixing device according to this embodiment is not limited to the first to third embodiments, and may be a fixing device including a heating roll or a heating belt and a pressure belt. In the fixing device according to the present embodiment, the electrophotographic member according to the present embodiment may be applied to any of the pressure roll, the heating belt, the pressure roll, and the pressure belt.

[0066] (First embodiment of fixing device) A first embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first embodiment of the fixing device (that is, fixing device 60).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 60 is configured to include, for example, a rotating heating roll 61 (an example of a first rotating body), a pressure belt 62 (an example of a second rotating body), and a pressure pad 64 (an example of a 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 device) is disposed inside the heating roll 61. The heating device 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 placed 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 transported to the nip area N. Then, as the paper K passes through the nip area N, the unfixed 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, for example, the front pinch member 64a has a concave shape that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61, thereby ensuring a wider pinch region N than in a configuration without the front pinch member 64a.

[0077] In addition, the fixing device 60 is configured such that, for example, by arranging a peeling and pinching member 64b that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61, the distortion of the heating roll 61 is locally increased in the exit area of ​​the pinching area 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 device 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 second embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the fixing device (that is, fixing device 80).

[0081] 2, the fixing device 80 includes, for example, a fixing belt module 86 equipped with a heating belt 84 (an example of a first rotating body), and a pressure roll 88 (an example of a second rotating body) arranged to press against the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86). A nip region N (a nip portion) is formed at the contact portion between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roll 88. 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 to correct the attitude of the heating belt 84 from the heating pressure roll 89 to the support roll 90, and a support roll 98 to apply tension to the heating belt 84 from its inner surface downstream of the clamping area N formed by the heating belt 84 and the pressure roll 88.

[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 device) 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 device) disposed inside, 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 resin 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 heating device) 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 device such as a spring (not shown). As a result, as the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89) of the fixing belt module 86 rotates 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 an unfixed toner image (not shown) is transported in the direction of arrow P and guided to a pinch area N of the fixing device 80. Then, as the paper K passes through the pinch area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the pinch area N.

[0091] In the fixing device 80, a form in which a halogen heater (halogen lamp) is used as an example of a plurality of heating devices 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 third embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the third embodiment of the fixing device (that is, fixing device 200).

[0093] As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing device 200 is an electromagnetic induction type fixing device that includes a belt 220 having a metal layer. In fixing device 200, pressure roll (pressure member) 211 is disposed so as to pressurize a portion of belt 220, and from the viewpoint of efficient fixing, a contact area (nip) is formed between belt 220 and pressure roll 211, and belt 220 is curved to fit the circumferential surface of 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 is further formed on the elastic layer 211B.

[0095] An opposing member 213 is disposed inside the belt 220 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 belt 220 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 (an example of a pressure member) across the belt 220. 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 generates eddy currents in a metal layer (e.g., an electromagnetic induction metal layer) (not shown) of the belt 220. The eddy currents are converted into heat (Joule heat) by the electrical resistance of the metal layer (not shown), and as a result, the surface of the belt 220 generates heat. The position of the electromagnetic induction heating device 212 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 3, and may be installed, for example, upstream of the contact area of ​​the belt 220 in the rotation direction B, or may be installed inside the belt 220.

[0097] In the fixing device 200, a driving force is transmitted from a driving device to a gear fixed to the end of the belt 220, causing the belt 220 to rotate by itself in the direction of arrow B, and as the belt 220 rotates, the pressure roll 211 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow C. The recording medium 215 on which the unfixed toner image 214 is formed is passed through the contact area (nip) between the belt 220 and the pressure roll 211 in the fixing device 200 in the direction of arrow A, and the unfixed toner image 214 is in a molten state and pressure is applied to fix it to the recording medium 215.

[0098] <Image forming device> An image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes: The image carrier includes an image carrier, a charging device that charges the surface of the image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier, a developing device that contains a developer containing toner and uses the developer to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier to form a toner image, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to the surface of a recording medium, and a fixing device that fixes the toner image to the surface of the recording medium. The fixing device according to this embodiment is used as the fixing device.

[0099] In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the transfer device and the fixing device may each be a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. In other words, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may include the transfer device according to the present embodiment and the fixing device according to the present embodiment as components of a process cartridge.

[0100] 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.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 4, the 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 transfers) the toner images of each color component formed by each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K onto an intermediate transfer belt 15, and a superimposed toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a secondary transfer unit 20 that transfers (secondarily transfers) the image all at once onto a recording medium, that is, paper K, and a fixing device 60 that fixes the secondarily transferred image onto the paper K. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (each unit).

[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 device 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 an electrostatic latent image forming device 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, which is an example of a developing device, and 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 also 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 made of a film-like pressure belt with a resin base layer containing 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 by various rolls in the direction of arrow B shown in Fig. 4 at a speed suited to the purpose. These rolls include a drive roll 31 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 extending in a substantially straight line along the arrangement direction of the photoconductors 11, a tensioning roll 33 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a correction roll 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 disposed 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 108.5 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 furthermore, the secondary transfer roll 22 is 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, downstream of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided so as to be freely movable toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt 15, which removes residual toner and paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

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

[0116] Meanwhile, upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, there is provided a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 that generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for timing image formation in each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. This reference sensor 42 generates a reference signal by recognizing a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is configured to start image formation in response to an instruction from the control unit 40 based on the recognition of this reference signal. Further, an image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality is disposed downstream of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0117] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is equipped with a conveying device for conveying paper K, which includes a paper storage section 50 for storing paper K, a paper feed roll 51 for taking out and conveying paper K accumulated in the paper storage section 50 at a predetermined timing, a conveying roll 52 for conveying paper K fed out by the paper feed roll 51, a conveying guide 53 for sending paper K conveyed by the conveying roll 52 to the secondary transfer section 20, a conveying belt 55 for conveying paper K conveyed 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: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (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, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (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 device 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. Then, the paper sheet K on which the fixed image has been formed is 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 present embodiment has been described above, it should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible. [Example]

[0127] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present embodiment is not limited to only the following examples. In the following, "parts" means "parts by mass" unless otherwise specified.

[0128] Example 1 An endless belt-shaped polyimide resin (hereinafter referred to as "PI") substrate having a diameter of 168 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm was prepared. Next, butyl acetate was added to a liquid thermosetting silicone rubber composition (X34-3160A / B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) in an amount of 15% by mass and mixed to prepare a coating solution for forming an elastic layer. This coating solution for forming an elastic layer was applied to the prepared PI substrate using a blade coating method to a thickness of 500 μm. The resulting mixture was then dried in a hot air drying oven at 120°C for 30 minutes to form an elastic layer on the PI substrate. Next, the surface treatment shown in Table 1 was performed on the surface of the elastic layer (that is, the surface on which the surface layer was formed). Next, a coating solution having the following composition was applied onto the elastic layer and heated at 120° C. for 10 minutes to form a surface layer of 30 μm.

[0129] The composition of the coating solution is as follows: Polysiloxane compound: Konishi Chemical Co., Ltd. "SR-13H", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by the formula (wherein R 1 Polysiloxane compound having only methyl groups: 90 parts Solvent: butyl acetate: 10 parts

[0130] By the above operations, an electrophotographic member was obtained.

[0131] <Examples 2 to 10, Comparative Example 1> An electrophotographic member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the following changes were made according to Table 1. Surface treatment applied to the surface of the elastic layer (i.e., the surface on which the surface layer is formed) Polysiloxane compounds However, when the polysiloxane compound SQ3 was used instead of SQ2, the heating conditions for the coating film of the coating liquid were changed to 170° C. for 10 minutes. When the polysiloxane compound was replaced with SQ1 instead of SQ2, the heat treatment of the coating film of the coating solution was performed by ultraviolet irradiation (irradiation intensity: 15 mW / cm 2 , irradiation time: 1200 seconds).

[0132] Example 11 An endless belt-shaped polyimide resin (hereinafter referred to as "PI") substrate having a diameter of 168 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm was prepared. Next, the surface of the PI substrate (that is, the surface on which the surface layer was formed) was subjected to the surface treatment shown in Table 1. Then, a surface layer was formed on the PI substrate in the same manner as in Example 3 to obtain an electrophotographic member.

[0133] Example 12 An endless belt-shaped polyether ether ketone resin (hereinafter referred to as "PEEK") substrate having a diameter of 168 mm, a width of 400 mm, and a film thickness of 80 μm was prepared. Next, the surface treatment shown in Table 1 was performed on the surface of the PEEK base material (that is, the surface on which the surface layer was formed). Then, a surface layer was formed on the PI substrate in the same manner as in Example 3 to obtain an electrophotographic member.

[0134] Example 13 An electrophotographic member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the coating liquid for the surface layer having the following composition according to Table 1 was changed as follows: -Coating liquid- Polysiloxane compound (SQ1: Toagosei Co., Ltd. "OX-SQ-SI20"), formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ]m (wherein R 1 = methyl group and oxetanyl group) and a compound of the formula: (R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 D units represented by n (wherein R 2 and R 3 A coating solution in which a polysiloxane compound having a methyl group) and a silicone resin (KR-255 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) as a binder resin were mixed in a 50% ratio.

[0135] <Surface treatment> (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (1)) Light source: UB2007-2 low-pressure mercury lamp (manufactured by Sen Engineering Co., Ltd.) with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184 nm to 254 nm ·Irradiation intensity: 15mW / cm 2 Irradiation time: 1300 seconds

[0136] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (2)) Light source: UB2007-2 low-pressure mercury lamp (manufactured by Sen Engineering Co., Ltd.) with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184 nm to 254 nm ·Irradiation intensity: 8mW / cm 2 Irradiation time: 1300 seconds

[0137] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (3)) Light source: UB2007-2 low-pressure mercury lamp (manufactured by Sen Engineering Co., Ltd.) with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184 nm to 254 nm ·Irradiation intensity: 15mW / cm 2 Irradiation time: 1600 seconds

[0138] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (4)) Light source: UB2007-2 low-pressure mercury lamp (manufactured by Sen Engineering Co., Ltd.) with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184 nm to 254 nm ·Irradiation intensity: 40mW / cm2 Irradiation time: 2000 seconds

[0139] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (5)) Light source: UB2007-2 low-pressure mercury lamp (manufactured by Sen Engineering Co., Ltd.) with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184 nm to 254 nm ·Irradiation intensity: 50mW / cm 2 Irradiation time: 2000 seconds

[0140] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (6)) Light source: UB2007-2 low-pressure mercury lamp (manufactured by Sen Engineering Co., Ltd.) with ultraviolet wavelengths from 184 nm to 254 nm ·Irradiation intensity: 6.4mW / cm 2 Irradiation time: 2000 seconds

[0141] (Ultraviolet irradiation treatment (7)) Light source: UV-LED lamp "ALE / 1.3" (KLV Corporation) with ultraviolet wavelengths from 365 nm to 405 nm ·Irradiation intensity: 500mW / cm 2 Irradiation time: 1000 seconds

[0142] (Plasma treatment (8)) Device: ULD-200 (K Brush Co., Ltd.) Atmospheric gas: Nitrogen Gas flow rate: 150L / min Gas pressure: 0.5MPa RF power: 2kW Processing time: 300 seconds

[0143] <Characteristics evaluation> The electrophotographic members of each example were measured for the following properties by the methods already described. Adhesion strength between the surface layer and the elastic layer acting as the base layer Surface free energy of the surface layer formed on the elastic layer as the base layer Surface free energy of the surface layer Maximum cross-sectional height Wt of the waviness curve on the surface of the surface layer

[0144] <Surface layer peeling evaluation> Using the electrophotographic members of each example, the degree of peeling of the surface layer was evaluated as follows. The electrophotographic member of each example was attached to a fixing device of a printing machine (Revoria Press PC1120) manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd., and the surface of the member after printing on paper (P paper) was visually evaluated. The evaluation criteria are as follows: A to C are considered usable. A: No peeling of the surface layer after 1 million sheets. B: No peeling of the surface layer after 500,000 sheets, but peeling of the surface layer of less than 1% of the surface area of ​​the component after 1,000,000 sheets. C: No peeling of the surface layer after 500,000 sheets, but peeling of the surface layer of 1% to 10% of the surface area of ​​the component after 1,000,000 sheets. D: Peeling of the surface layer of 10% or more of the surface area of ​​the component occurred between 10,000 and 500,000 sheets. E: Peeling of the surface layer of 10% or more of the surface area of ​​the component occurred before 10,000 sheets were passed.

[0145] <Polysiloxane compounds> Details of the polysiloxane compounds used in each example are as follows: SQ1: Toagosei Co., Ltd. "OX-SQ-SI20", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ]m (wherein R 1 = methyl group and oxetanyl group) and a compound of the formula: (R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 D units represented by n (wherein R 2 and R 3 (=methyl group) and a polysiloxane compound having ·SQ2: Konishi Chemical Co., Ltd. “SR-13H”, formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by the formula (wherein R 1 Polysiloxane compounds containing only methyl groups ·SQ3: Konishi Chemical Co., Ltd. “SR-23”, formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by the formula (wherein R 1 Polysiloxane compounds containing only phenyl groups

[0146] [Table 1]

[0147] From the above results, it can be seen that the peeling of the surface layer is suppressed in this example compared to the comparative example.

[0148] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) A surface treatment is performed on the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed, and the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 30 mJ / m 2 More than 120mJ / m 2 A first step of: The surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed has a formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by (wherein, R 1 represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R 1 At least one R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group; and A method for producing an electrophotographic member having the above structure. (((2))) The polysiloxane compound is a compound represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Together with T units represented by the formula: [R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ] n D units represented by the formula (wherein R 2 and R 3represents an organic group, and n represents an integer of 2 or more. <2> 10. A method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 9. (((3))) In the first step, the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 40 mJ / m 2 More than 100mJ / m 2 A method for producing an electrophotographic member according to (((1))) or (((2))) below. (((4))) The difference in surface free energy between the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed and the surface energy of the surface of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m 2 More than 70mJ / m 2 The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to any one of the following (((1))) to (((3))): (((5))) The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein in the first step, the surface treatment is an ultraviolet irradiation treatment. (((6))) The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to (((5))), wherein the wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment is 300 nm or less. (((7))) The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein in the first step, the surface treatment is a plasma treatment.

[0149] The effects of the above aspects are as follows. According to the invention (((1))), the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is provided with a compound of the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m In a manufacturing method of an electrophotographic member, the method includes a step of forming a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: 2 Less than or 120mJ / m 2The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when a surface treatment exceeding the above limit is performed. According to the invention (((2))), the polysiloxane compound has the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The present invention provides a method for producing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when only T units represented by the following formula are contained: According to the invention (((3))), the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed is set to 40 mJ / m 2 Less than or 100mJ / m 2 The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when the thickness is greater than 100 μm. According to the invention (((4))), the difference in surface free energy between the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed and the surface energy of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m in absolute value. 2 Less than or 70mJ / m 2 The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can suppress peeling of the surface layer compared to when the thickness exceeds 1000 nm. According to the invention of (((5))), (((6))) or (((7))), a compound having the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m In a manufacturing method of an electrophotographic member, the method includes a step of forming a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: 2 Less than or 100mJ / m 2 The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic member that can easily suppress peeling of the surface layer by ultraviolet irradiation treatment or plasma treatment, compared to when surface treatment exceeding the above-mentioned level is performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 60 Fixing device 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 100 Image forming device 200 Fixing device 211 Pressure Roll 212 Electromagnetic induction heating device

Claims

1. A surface treatment is performed on the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed, and the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 30 mJ / m ２ 120mJ / m or more ２ A first step of: The surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed has a formula: [R １ SiO ３／２ ] ｍ T units represented by the formula (wherein R １ represents an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a plurality of R １ At least one R １ is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group; and A method for producing an electrophotographic member having the above structure.

2. The polysiloxane compound is represented by the formula: [R １ SiO ３／２ ] ｍ and T units represented by the formula: [R ２ R ３ SiO ２／２ ] ｎ D units represented by the formula (wherein R ２ and R ３ 2. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein: represents an organic group; and n represents an integer of 2 or more.

3. In the first step, the surface free energy of the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is to be formed is set to 40 mJ / m ２ 100mJ / m or more ２ 2. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The difference in surface free energy between the surface of the underlayer on which the surface layer is formed and the surface energy of the surface of the surface layer is 10 mJ / m in absolute value. ２ 70mJ / m or more ２ 2. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the following is true:

5. 2. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the surface treatment in the first step is an ultraviolet irradiation treatment.

6. 6. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 5, wherein the wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated in the ultraviolet irradiation treatment is 300 nm or less.

7. 2. The method for producing an electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the surface treatment in the first step is a plasma treatment.

Images