Sliding member, image fixing device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a sliding member having excellent wear resistance on the sliding surface. The sliding member has a sliding layer containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and talc particles, the talc particles being exposed on the sliding surface, and the exposed portions of the talc particles having an average diameter of 0.1 μm or more and 15 μm or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a fixing device that fixes a toner image carried on a recording material, and that includes a rotating member, a belt member that is movable while in contact with the rotating member, a sliding member that is arranged so as to be in contact with the inside of the belt member, and a pressure member that presses the belt member against the rotating member via the sliding member to form a nip portion between the rotating member and the belt member through which the recording material passes, and that has a resin layer on the sliding surface side where the sliding member contacts the belt member, which is made of a blend of a heat-resistant resin and an interlayer peelable filler.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a low-friction member made of at least a lubricating material and a polyimide resin, having a surface roughness Rsk of 0.500 or more and a surface exposure rate of the lubricating material of 15.0% or more.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a fixing device that includes a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a pressing member that presses the second rotating body against the first rotating body, a sliding member that is interposed between the second rotating body and the pressing member, and a lubricant that is interposed between the second rotating body and the sliding member, wherein the sliding surface of the sliding member is configured to contain a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and a resin having a siloxane group, and the lubricant contains oil whose main chain is a siloxane group. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-091499 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 021716 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-034951 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a sliding member having excellent wear resistance on the sliding surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Specific means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> The sliding layer contains a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and talc particles, The talc particles are exposed on the sliding surface, and the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.1 μm or more and 15 μm or less. Sliding member. <2> The average diameter of the exposed portion of the talc particles is 0.5 μm or more and 8 μm or less. <1> The sliding member according to claim 1. <3> The area ratio of the exposed portion of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 2% or more and 10% or less. <1> or <2> The sliding member according to claim 1. <4> The area ratio of the exposed portion of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 3% or more and 8% or less. <1> or <2> The sliding member according to claim 1. <5> The maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 1.0 μm or more and 6.0 μm or less. <1> ~ <4> 10. The sliding member according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member is a sliding member having a diameter of 100 mm or more. <6> The skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 0 or more and 1.0 or less. <1> ~ <5> 10. The sliding member according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member is a sliding member having a diameter of 100 mm or more. <7> The skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 0 or more and 0.6 or less. <1> ~ <5> 10. The sliding member according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member is a sliding member having a diameter of 100 mm or more. <8> The average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.5 μm or more and 8 μm or less, the area ratio of the exposed portion of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 3% or more and 8% or less, The maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 3.0 μm or more and 5.6 μm or less. <1> ~ <7> 10. The sliding member according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member is a sliding member having a diameter of 100 mm or more. <9> The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polyether ether ketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyamide resin, and polyphenylsulfone resin. <1> ~ <8> 10. The sliding member according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member is a sliding member having a diameter of 100 mm or more. <10> a base layer and the sliding layer disposed on the base layer, The base layer is a fiber sheet. <1> ~ <9> 10. The sliding member according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member is a sliding member having a diameter of 100 mm or more. <11> A first rotating body; a second rotor disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor; a pressing member disposed inside the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from an inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body; disposed between the second rotating body and the pressing member, <1> ~ <10> and a sliding member according to any one of the above. Image fixing device. <12> an image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image; a transfer device that transfers the toner image onto a recording medium; fixing the toner image onto a recording medium; <11> and the image fixing device according to claim 1. Image forming device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] <1> , <9> or <10> According to this, a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.1 μm or more than 15 μm. <2> According to this, a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.5 μm or more than 8 μm. <3> According to this, a sliding member having superior wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided compared to a sliding member having an area ratio of exposed talc particles of less than 2% or more than 10%. <4> According to this, a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to sliding members in which the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 3% or more than 8%. <5> According to the present invention, a sliding member having a sliding surface with excellent wear resistance is provided, compared to a sliding member having a sliding surface with a maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of less than 1.0 μm or more than 6.0 μm. <6> According to the method, a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to a sliding member having a skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface exceeding 1.0. <7> According to the method, a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to a sliding member having a skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface exceeding 0.6. <8> According to the present invention, a sliding member having excellent wear resistance on the sliding surface is provided. <11> According to the present invention, an image fixing device is provided which has superior wear resistance of the sliding surface of the sliding member compared to an image fixing device having a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.1 μm or more than 15 μm. <12> According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided in which the sliding surface of the sliding member has superior wear resistance compared to an image forming apparatus equipped with an image fixing device that includes a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.1 μm or more than 15 μm. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a layer structure of the sliding member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the layer structure of the sliding member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image fixing device according to an exemplary 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

[0010]

[0023] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure. These descriptions and examples are intended to illustrate the embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0011] In the present disclosure, 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 stages in this disclosure, 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 disclosure, the upper or lower limit value of that numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the examples.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the term "step" includes not only an independent step but also a step that cannot be clearly distinguished from other steps as long as the purpose of the step is achieved.

[0013] When embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. The size of the components in each drawing is conceptual, and the relative size relationships between the components are not limited thereto. Components having the same function and action are given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and their description may be omitted.

[0014] In the present disclosure, each component may contain multiple corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component in a composition in the present disclosure, if multiple substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the total amount of the multiple substances present in the composition is meant unless otherwise specified. In the present disclosure, the composition may contain multiple types of particles corresponding to each component. When multiple types of particles corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the particle size of each component means the value for a mixture of the multiple types of particles present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0015] <Sliding member> The sliding member according to this embodiment is a sheet-like member that is disposed between a rotating body and a pressing member that presses the rotating body. The sliding member according to this embodiment is used, for example, as a sliding member disposed in an image fixing device of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0016] The sliding member according to this embodiment has at least a sliding layer, the exposed surface of which is the sliding surface that slides against the non-sliding member. The sliding member according to this embodiment may be a single-layer body consisting of only a sliding layer, or may be a laminate having a base layer and a sliding layer disposed on the base layer.

[0017] 1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views showing examples of the layer structure of a slide member according to this embodiment, taken along the sliding direction and the thickness direction. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views intended to show the layer structure of the slide member, and do not show the materials contained in each layer.

[0018] 1 is a single-layer sheet consisting of only a sliding layer 82. The sliding layer 82 constitutes a sliding surface 84. 2 is a laminated sheet made up of a base layer 81 and a sliding layer 82 provided on the base layer 81. The sliding layer 82 forms a sliding surface 84.

[0019] The sliding member according to this embodiment has a sliding layer containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin. Fluorine resin sheets have been widely used as sliding members due to their excellent heat resistance and low friction resistance, but in recent years, reports have been published about the ecotoxicity and human toxicity of organic fluorine compounds, and restrictions on the production and use of organic fluorine compounds have been tightened worldwide. As restrictions on the production and use of organic fluorine compounds are coming into effect, there is an urgent need to develop sliding members that can replace fluororesin sheets. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a sliding member having a sliding layer containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin.

[0020] The sliding member according to this embodiment has a sliding layer containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and talc particles, the talc particles being exposed on the sliding surface, and the average diameter of the exposed talc particles being 0.1 μm or more and 15 μm or less. The sliding member having the above-described structure has excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface, and the mechanism behind this is presumed to be as follows.

[0021] First, the exposed talc particles on the sliding surface create minute irregularities on the sliding surface, reducing the frictional resistance of the sliding surface. Furthermore, because talc particles are cleavable, the exposed portions of the talc particles are gradually worn away during sliding, and the talc powder is transferred to the sliding member. The talc powder adhering to the surface of the sliding member suppresses the generation of wear powder from the sliding member. These actions improve the wear resistance of the sliding surface.

[0022] In the sliding member according to this embodiment, talc particles are exposed on the sliding surface, and the average diameter of the exposed talc particles is 0.1 μm or more and 15 μm or less. If the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles exceeds 15 μm, the talc particles tend to detach from the sliding surface and may not contribute to the wear resistance of the sliding surface. From the viewpoint of improving the wear resistance of the sliding surface, the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 15 μm or less, preferably 8 μm or less, and more preferably 7 μm or less. If the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.1 μm, the exposed portions of the talc particles may be too small to contribute to the wear resistance of the sliding surface. From the viewpoint of improving the wear resistance of the sliding surface, the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.1 μm or more, preferably 0.5 μm or more, and more preferably 1 μm or more.

[0023] In the sliding member according to this embodiment, the area ratio of the exposed talc particles to the sliding surface is preferably 2% or more and 10% or less. When the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 10% or less, the talc particles are less likely to fall off, and the wear resistance of the sliding surface is superior. From this viewpoint, the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles is more preferably 8% or less, and even more preferably 6% or less. When the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 2% or more, the amount of exposed talc particles is appropriate, and the wear resistance of the sliding surface is superior. From this viewpoint, the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles is more preferably 3% or more, and even more preferably 4% or more.

[0024] The method for measuring the average diameter and area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles on the sliding surface of the sliding member is as follows. The sliding surface of the sliding member is observed from directly above using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Images are taken at three or more locations at a magnification of 2000x. The images are then binarized using the image analysis software ImageJ to detect exposed talc particles. The equivalent circle diameters of 100 randomly selected exposed portions are determined, and the arithmetic mean of the equivalent circle diameters is taken as the average diameter of the exposed portions. The area ratio of the exposed portion at each observation point is determined, and the arithmetic mean of these area ratios is taken as the area ratio of the exposed portion.

[0025] The average diameter and area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles can be controlled by the particle size and content of the talc particles contained in the sliding layer. The preferred ranges of the particle size and content of the talc particles are described below.

[0026] From the viewpoint of achieving superior wear resistance of the sliding surface, the sliding surface of the sliding member according to this embodiment preferably has a maximum height Rz of the roughness curve (JIS B0601:2013) of 1.0 μm or more and 6.0 μm or less, more preferably 2.0 μm or more and 5.8 μm or less, and even more preferably 3.0 μm or more and 5.6 μm or less.

[0027] From the viewpoint of excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface, the sliding surface of the sliding member according to this embodiment preferably has a roughness curve skewness Rsk (JIS B0601:2013) of 0 or more and 1.0 or less, more preferably 0 or more and 0.6 or less, and even more preferably 0 or more and 0.45 or less. The value of skewness Rsk within this range is preferably as close to zero as possible.

[0028] The maximum height Rz and skewness Rsk of the roughness curve relating to the sliding surface of the sliding member are values ​​determined by the measurement method and calculation method specified in JIS B0601:2013. The roughness curve was measured using a contact surface roughness measuring instrument (Surfcom, Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.) in an environment with a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of 55%. The center of the sliding surface was scanned in the sliding direction at a scanning speed of 0.3 mm / sec, a measurement length of 4.0 mm, and a cutoff value of 2.67 μm. The measuring probe was conical with a 90° apex angle, a tip curvature radius of 5 μm, and a diamond tip material.

[0029] The maximum height Rz and skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface of the sliding member can be controlled by the particle size and content of talc particles contained in the sliding layer. The preferred ranges of the particle size and content of talc particles are described below.

[0030] From the viewpoint of excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface, the sliding member according to this embodiment has the following features: The average diameter of the exposed part of the talc particles on the sliding surface is 0.5 μm or more and 8 μm or less, The area ratio of the exposed talc particles on the sliding surface is 3% or more and 8% or less, It is preferable that the maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 3.0 μm or more and 5.6 μm or less. In this embodiment, the skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is preferably 0 or more and 0.45 or less.

[0031] The sliding layer and the base layer will be described in detail below.

[0032] [Sliding layer] The sliding layer contains a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and talc particles.

[0033] The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is preferably a resin having heat resistance that does not melt or decompose at the temperature (about 250° C.) that an image fixing device exhibits. The heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is preferably a resin in the form of a resin sheet that exhibits flexibility at the temperature (about 250° C.) of the image fixing device and can conform to the shapes of the pressing member and rotating body. Furthermore, the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is preferably a resin that has excellent toughness and abrasion resistance and low friction resistance in the form of a resin sheet.

[0034] From the above viewpoint, examples of heat-resistant thermoplastic resins include polyimide resins, polyamideimide resins, polyether ether ketone resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyethersulfone resins, polysulfone resins, and polyphenylsulfone resins.

[0035] From the above viewpoint, the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polyether ether ketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyamide resin, and polyphenylsulfone resin.

[0036] There is no limitation on the particle shape of the talc particles, and they may be spherical, elliptical, plate-like, or irregular.

[0037] The average primary particle size of the talc particles is preferably 0.2 μm or more and 20 μm or less, more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 15 μm or less, and even more preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, from the viewpoint of easily controlling the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles within an appropriate range.

[0038] The average primary particle size of talc particles is determined by measuring the long diameter of 100 randomly selected talc particles during observation with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and averaging the long diameters of the 100 particles. The sample used for SEM observation is talc particles, which are the material forming the sliding layer, or talc particles extracted from the sliding layer. There are no limitations on the method for extracting the talc particles from the sliding layer. Examples of such methods include immersing the sliding layer in an organic solvent to dissolve the resin and extract the talc particles; heating the sliding layer to about 800°C to remove the resin and extract the talc particles; etc.

[0039] The content of the talc particles is preferably 1% by mass to 10% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass to 8% by mass, and even more preferably 4% by mass to 6% by mass, based on the mass of the sliding layer.

[0040] In the sliding member 80A shown in FIG. 1, the thickness of the sliding layer is preferably 50 μm or more and 120 μm or less, more preferably 60 μm or more and 110 μm or less, and even more preferably 70 μm or more and 100 μm or less. In the sliding member 80B shown in FIG. 2, the thickness of the sliding layer is preferably 5 μm or more and 60 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and even more preferably 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less. The thickness of the sliding layer was measured at 10 roughly uniform locations using an eddy current film thickness meter and the arithmetic average value was calculated.

[0041] The sliding layer preferably contains fluororesin in an amount of 5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0% by mass (i.e., no fluororesin is contained). Since there is a high possibility that restrictions on the production and use of organic fluorine compounds will become stricter in the future, the content of the fluorine resin is preferably within the above range.

[0042] [Base layer] The base layer is preferably a highly heat-resistant layer that does not melt even at high temperatures. The base layer may be, for example, a heat-resistant fiber sheet. Examples of heat-resistant fibers include glass fiber, carbon fiber, ceramic fiber (e.g., alumina fiber, silica fiber), heat-resistant resin fiber (e.g., aramid fiber, polypropylene fiber), and metal fiber (e.g., carbon steel fiber, stainless steel fiber, plated steel fiber). The heat-resistant fiber sheet may be a woven fabric (e.g., plain weave) or a nonwoven fabric.

[0043] Typical examples of the base layer include woven glass fiber fabric (glass cloth) and nonwoven glass fiber fabric (glass mat).

[0044] In the sliding member 80B shown in FIG. 2, the thickness of the base layer is preferably 100 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 110 μm or more and 180 μm or less, and even more preferably 120 μm or more and 150 μm or less. The thickness of the base layer was measured at 10 roughly uniform locations using an eddy current film thickness meter and calculated as the arithmetic average.

[0045] If necessary, an adhesive layer may be provided between the base layer and the sliding layer.

[0046] [Method of manufacturing a sliding member] 1 can be manufactured by extrusion molding a material into a sheet. For example, a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin and talc particles are melt-kneaded to manufacture a compound, and the compound is extrusion-molded to obtain a resin sheet (i.e., the sliding member).

[0047] The sliding member 80B shown in FIG. 2 can be manufactured by placing a resin sheet that will become a sliding layer on a base layer, and then applying pressure and heat from above and below this laminate to bond the layers together.

[0048] <Image fixing device> The image fixing device of this embodiment comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body, and is a device that fixes the toner image to the recording medium by passing the recording medium, on whose surface a toner image is formed, through the contact area between the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

[0049] The image fixing device of this embodiment includes a pressing member that is arranged inside the second rotating body and presses the second rotating body against the first rotating body from the inner surface of the second rotating body, and a sliding member of this embodiment that is arranged between the second rotating body and the pressing member.

[0050] In the image fixing device according to this embodiment, it is preferable that at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is a rotating body that applies heat to the recording medium.

[0051] Hereinafter, an example of an image fixing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an image fixing device 60 including a heating roll 61 (an example of a first rotating body) and a pressure belt 62 (an example of a second rotating body).

[0052] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating means) is disposed inside the heating roll 61. A temperature-sensing element 69 is disposed in contact with the surface of the heating roll 61. Based on the temperature measurement value by the temperature-sensing element 69, the lighting of the halogen lamp 66 is controlled, and the surface temperature of the heating roll 61 is maintained at the target set temperature.

[0053] The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported by a pressure pad 64 and a belt running guide 63 disposed inside.

[0054] The pressure pad 64 presses the pressure belt 62 against the heating roll 61. The pressure belt 62 is pressed against the heating roll 61 by the pressure pad 64, and a pinch region N (nip portion) is formed.

[0055] The pressure pad 64 includes a pinching member 64a and a pinching member 64b. The pinching member 64a is disposed on the entrance side of the pinching region N in order to ensure a wide pinching region N. The pinching member 64b is disposed on the exit side of the pinching region N in order to distort the heating roll 61 and make it easier to peel off the recording medium.

[0056] A sheet-like sliding member 68 (one example of a sliding member according to this embodiment) is disposed between the pressure pad 64 and the pressure belt 62 to reduce sliding resistance between the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62 and the pressure pad 64. The pressure pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held by a metal holding member 65. A belt running guide 63 is attached to the holding member 65. A lubricant supply device 67, which is a means for supplying lubricant to the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62, is attached to the belt running guide 63.

[0057] Examples of lubricants include silicone oils and modified silicone oils. Modified silicone oils include alkyl-modified silicone oils (such as dimethyl-modified silicone oils), amino-modified silicone oils, methylphenyl-modified silicone oils, epoxy-modified silicone oils, phenol-modified silicone oils, polyether-modified silicone oils, and fluorine-modified silicone oils.

[0058] The layer that forms the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 62 is preferably a resin layer that has excellent heat resistance, abrasion resistance, and toughness, and also has high affinity with silicone oils that serve as lubricants. From the above viewpoints, polyimide resin, polyamide-imide resin, polyether ether ketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyether sulfone resin, polysulfone resin, and polyphenyl sulfone resin can be used as the resin material for the resin layer that forms the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62. Among these, at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyimide resin, polyamide-imide resin, polyether ether ketone resin, and polyphenylene sulfide resin is preferred, and polyimide resin is more preferred.

[0059] The peeling member 70 is an auxiliary means for peeling the recording medium from the image fixing device 60, and is disposed downstream of the pinch region N. The peeling member 70 includes a peeling claw 71 and a holding member 72. The peeling claw 71 is held by the holding member 72 at a position close to the heating roll 61.

[0060] The heating roll 61 is driven to rotate by a drive motor (not shown). The heating roll 61 is rotated in the direction of arrow S by the drive motor, and the pressure belt 62 is driven by this rotation to rotate in the direction of arrow R. Paper K (an example of a recording medium) having an unfixed toner image thereon is guided by the fixing entrance guide 56 and transported to the nipping area N, and as it passes through the nipping area N, the toner image on the paper K is fixed by pressure and heat.

[0061] <Image forming device> The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment 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 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a recording medium, and an image fixing device according to the present embodiment that fixes the toner image to the recording medium. The image fixing device may be a cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

[0062] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes the image fixing device 60 described above.

[0063] Image forming apparatus 100 is an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus generally called a tandem type. Image forming apparatus 100 includes image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K that form toner images of each color by electrophotography, a primary transfer unit 10 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color 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, an image fixing device 60 that fixes the secondarily transferred images onto paper K, and a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (each unit).

[0064] The image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a substantially linear fashion in the following order from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15: 1Y (yellow unit), 1M (magenta unit), 1C (cyan unit), and 1K (black unit). Each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K includes a photoconductor 11 (an example of an image carrier). The photoconductor 11 rotates in the direction of arrow A.

[0065] Around the photosensitive member 11, a charger 12 (an example of a charging device), a laser exposure device 13 (an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device), a developer 14 (an example of a developing device), a primary transfer roll 16, and a photosensitive member cleaner 17 are arranged in sequence along the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 11.

[0066] The charger 12 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 11 . The laser exposure device 13 emits an exposure beam Bm to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 . The developing unit 14 contains toner of each color, and develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 with the toner, thereby forming a toner image on the photoreceptor 11 . The primary transfer roll 16 transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor 11 onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10 . The photoreceptor cleaner 17 removes residual toner from the photoreceptor 11 .

[0067] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is a belt made of a material in which an antistatic agent such as carbon black is added to a resin such as polyimide or polyamide. The intermediate transfer belt 15 has a volume resistivity of, for example, 1×10 6 Ω cm or more 1×10 14 It has a resistance of Ω·cm or less and a thickness of, for example, 0.1 mm.

[0068] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is supported by a drive roll 31, a support roll 32, a tensioning roll 33, a back roll 25, and a cleaning back roll 34, and is driven (rotated) in a circular manner in the direction of arrow B as the drive roll 31 rotates. The driving roll 31 is driven by a motor (not shown) that has excellent constant speed, and rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15 . The support roll 32 supports, together with the drive roll 31, the intermediate transfer belt 15 that extends substantially linearly along the arrangement direction of the four photosensitive members 11. The tension applying roll 33 applies a constant tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and also functions as a correction roll that suppresses meandering of the intermediate transfer belt 15 . The back roll 25 is provided in the secondary transfer unit 20 , and the cleaning back roll 34 is provided in a cleaning unit that scrapes off residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

[0069] The primary transfer roll 16 is disposed in pressure contact with the photoreceptor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween, forming the primary transfer section 10 . A voltage (primary transfer bias) of the opposite polarity to the charge polarity of the toner (negative polarity; the same applies below) is applied to the primary transfer roll 16. As a result, the toner images on the photoconductors 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15. The primary transfer roll 16 is a cylindrical roll that includes a shaft (for example, a cylindrical rod made of a metal such as iron or SUS) and an elastic layer (for example, a sponge layer of blended rubber containing a conductive agent such as carbon black) that is fixed to the periphery of the shaft. The primary transfer roll 16 has a volume resistivity of, for example, 1×10 7.5 Ω cm or more 1×10 8.5 Ω·cm or less.

[0070] The secondary transfer roll 22 is disposed in pressure contact with the back roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween, forming the secondary transfer section 20 . The secondary transfer roll 22 forms a secondary transfer bias between itself and the back roll 25, and performs second transfer of the toner image onto the paper K (recording medium) conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20. The secondary transfer roll 22 is a cylindrical roll that includes a shaft (for example, a cylindrical rod made of a metal such as iron or SUS) and an elastic layer (for example, a sponge layer of blended rubber containing a conductive agent such as carbon black) that is fixed to the periphery of the shaft. The secondary transfer roll 22 has a volume resistivity of, for example, 1×10 7.5 Ω cm or more 1×10 8.5 Ω·cm or less.

[0071] The back roll 25 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and constitutes an opposing electrode to the secondary transfer roll 22 , forming a transfer electric field between itself and the secondary transfer roll 22 . The back roll 25 is configured by, for example, covering a rubber base material with a tube of blended rubber in which carbon is dispersed. The back roll 25 has a surface resistivity of, for example, 1×10 7 Ω / □ or more 1×10 10 The hardness is Ω / □ or less, and the hardness is, for example, 70° (Asker C: manufactured by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd., the same applies below). A metallic power supply roll 26 is arranged in contact with the backing roll 25. The power supply roll 26 applies a voltage (secondary transfer bias) of the same polarity as the charged polarity (negative polarity) of the toner, and forms a transfer electric field between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the backing roll 25.

[0072] An intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided on the intermediate transfer belt 15 downstream of the secondary transfer unit 20 so as to be able to move toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt 15. The intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 removes residual toner and paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after secondary transfer.

[0073] A reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 is disposed upstream of image forming unit 1Y. Reference sensor 42 generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for timing image formation in each image forming unit. Reference sensor 42 recognizes a mark provided on the back side of intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. Upon recognizing this reference signal, image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K start image formation in response to an instruction from control unit 40. An image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality is disposed downstream of the image forming unit 1K.

[0074] The image forming apparatus 100 includes, as conveyance means for conveying the paper K, a paper storage unit 50, a paper feed roll 51, a conveyance roll 52, a conveyance guide 53, a conveyance belt 55, and a fixing entrance guide 56. The paper storage section 50 stores paper K before image formation. The paper feed roll 51 takes out the paper K stored in the paper storage unit 50. The transport roll 52 transports the paper K picked up by the paper feed roll 51. The transport guide 53 sends the paper K transported by the transport roll 52 into the secondary transfer unit 20 . The conveyor belt 55 conveys the paper K onto which the image has been transferred in the secondary transfer unit 20 to the image fixing device 60. The fixing entrance guide 56 guides the paper K to the image fixing device 60 .

[0075] An image forming method using the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 100, image data output from an image reading device (not shown), a computer (not shown), etc. is image processed by an image processing device (not shown), and image forming operations are performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0076] 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, frame erasure, color editing, movement editing, etc. The image data that has undergone image processing is converted into color material gradation data of four colors, Y, M, C, and K, and output to the laser exposure device 13.

[0077] The laser exposure device 13 irradiates the exposure beam Bm onto the photoconductors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K in accordance with the input color material gradation data. The surface of each photoconductor 11 in the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is charged by a charger 12, and then scanned and exposed by a laser exposure device 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor 11 is developed into a toner image of each color by each image forming unit.

[0078] 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 the photoconductors 11 come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 15. 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 intermediate transfer belt 15 by the primary transfer roll 16, and the toner images are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in succession, overlapping each other.

[0079] The toner image that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported to the secondary transfer unit 20 as the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves. At the timing when the toner image reaches the secondary transfer section 20, the paper K stored in the paper storage section 50 is transported by the paper feed roll 51, the transport roll 52 and the transport guide 53, supplied to the secondary transfer section 20, and sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. Then, in the secondary transfer section 20 where a transfer electric field is formed, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred (secondary transfer) onto the paper K.

[0080] The paper K onto which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22 and is transported to the image fixing device 60 by the transport belt 55 . The paper K conveyed to the image fixing device 60 is heated and pressed by the image fixing device 60, and the unfixed toner image is fixed. Through the above steps, an image is formed on the recording medium by the image forming apparatus 100. [Example]

[0081] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using examples, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these examples. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" are based on mass. In the following description, synthesis, processing, production, etc. were carried out at room temperature (25°C ± 3°C) unless otherwise specified.

[0082] <Manufacturing of sliding members> [Example 1] Polyether ether ketone resin and talc particles (average particle size 5 μm, Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) were pelletized to obtain a compound containing 5 mass % of talc particles, which was extrusion molded at a die temperature of 380°C and quenched to obtain a resin sheet (i.e., a sliding member).

[0083] [Comparative Example 1] A resin sheet (that is, a sliding member) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the talc particles were changed to synthetic swelling mica (Topy Industries, Ltd.).

[0084] Comparative Example 2 A resin sheet (that is, a sliding member) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the talc particles were changed to montmorillonite (Kunipia-F, Kunimine Industries Co., Ltd.).

[0085] [Comparative Examples 3 to 4, Examples 2 to 7] A resin sheet (that is, a sliding member) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the average particle size of the talc particles used was changed.

[0086] [Examples 8 to 9] Resin sheets (ie, sliding members) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of talc particles in the compound was changed as shown in Table 1.

[0087] [Example 10] Resin sheets (ie, sliding members) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thickness was changed as shown in Table 1.

[0088] [Example 11] Resin sheets (ie, sliding members) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thickness was changed as shown in Table 1.

[0089] [Example 12] A resin sheet (that is, a sliding member) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the polyether ether ketone resin was changed to a polyphenylene sulfide resin and the die temperature for extrusion molding was changed to 300°C.

[0090] [Example 13] A resin sheet (that is, a sliding member) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the polyether ether ketone resin was changed to a polyamide resin and the die temperature for extrusion molding was changed to 320°C.

[0091] [Example 14] A resin sheet (that is, a sliding member) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the polyether ether ketone resin was changed to a polyetherimide resin and the die temperature for extrusion molding was changed to 250°C.

[0092] [Example 15] A resin sheet (i.e., sliding layer) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thickness was changed as shown in Table 1. A glass cloth (trade name: P0.05×1260, basis weight 44.0 g / m) was applied to this resin sheet. 2 A laminated sheet (i.e., a sliding member) was obtained by laminating a 60 μm thick sheet (manufactured by Arisawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd.).

[0093] [Example 16] A resin sheet (i.e., sliding layer) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 12, except that the thickness was changed as shown in Table 1. A glass cloth (trade name: P0.05×1260, basis weight 44.0 g / m) was applied to this resin sheet. 2 A laminated sheet (i.e., a sliding member) was obtained by laminating a 60 μm thick sheet (manufactured by Arisawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd.).

[0094] <Performance evaluation> [Wear resistance of sliding surfaces of sliding components] The sliding member of each example was placed against a polyimide sheet, and a friction and wear test was carried out using a friction and wear tester FPR-2100 (Rhesca Corporation). The friction and wear test conditions were a load of 0.5 MPa, a temperature of 200°C, a linear velocity of 450 m / sec, and one hour. The mass of the sliding member was measured before and after the friction and wear test, and the mass change rate ((mass before test - mass after test) / mass before test, percentage) was calculated and classified as follows. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0095] A: Mass change rate 0.5% or less B: Mass change rate 1.0% or less C: Mass change rate 2.0% or less D: Mass change rate over 2.0%

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] The abbreviations in Table 1 have the following meanings. PEEK: Polyetheretherketone PPS: Polyphenylene sulfide PA: Polyamide PEI: Polyetherimide

[0098] The sliding member, image fixing device, and image forming apparatus of the present disclosure include the following aspects.

[0099] (Addendum) (((1))) The sliding layer contains a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and talc particles, The talc particles are exposed on the sliding surface, and the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.1 μm or more and 15 μm or less. Sliding member. (((2))) The sliding member according to (((1))), wherein the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.5 μm or more and 8 μm or less. (((3))) The sliding member according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 2% or more and 10% or less. (((4))) The sliding member according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 3% or more and 8% or less. (((5))) The sliding member according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein the maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 1.0 μm or more and 6.0 μm or less. (((6))) The sliding member according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), wherein the skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 0 or more and 1.0 or less. (((7))) The sliding member according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), wherein the skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 0 or more and 0.6 or less. (((8))) The average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.5 μm or more and 8 μm or less, the area ratio of the exposed portion of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 3% or more and 8% or less, The maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 3.0 μm or more and 5.6 μm or less. A sliding member according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))). (((9))) The sliding member according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))), wherein the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polyether ether ketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyamide resin, and polyphenylsulfone resin. (((10))) a base layer and the sliding layer disposed on the base layer, The base layer is a fiber sheet. A sliding member according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))). (((11))) A first rotating body; a second rotor disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor; a pressing member disposed inside the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from an inner peripheral surface of the second rotating body; and a sliding member according to any one of (((1))) to (((10))) that is disposed between the second rotating body and the pressing member. Image fixing device. (((12))) an image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image; a transfer device that transfers the toner image onto a recording medium; and an image fixing device according to (((11))) that fixes the toner image onto a recording medium. Image forming device.

[0100] According to (((1))), (((9))), or (((10))), a sliding member having a sliding surface with excellent wear resistance is provided, compared to a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.1 μm or more than 15 μm. According to (((2))), a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.5 μm or more than 8 μm. According to (((3))), a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to sliding members in which the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 2% or more than 10%. According to (((4))), a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to sliding members in which the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 3% or more than 8%. According to (((5))), a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to sliding members having a maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface of less than 1.0 μm or more than 6.0 μm. According to (((6))), a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to a sliding member having a skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface exceeding 1.0. According to (((7))), a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided, compared to a sliding member having a skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface exceeding 0.6. According to (((8))), a sliding member having excellent wear resistance of the sliding surface is provided. According to (((11))), an image fixing device is provided which has superior wear resistance of the sliding surface of the sliding member compared to an image fixing device having a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.1 μm or more than 15 μm. According to (((12))), an image forming apparatus is provided which has superior wear resistance of the sliding surface of the sliding member compared to an image forming apparatus equipped with an image fixing device that includes a sliding member in which the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is less than 0.1 μm or more than 15 μm. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 80A, 80B Sliding members 81 Base layer 82 Sliding layer 84 sliding surface

[0102] 60 Image fixing device 61 Heating Roll 62 Pressure Belt 63 Belt guide 64 Pressure pad 64a Clamping member 64b 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

[0103] 100 Image forming device 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K image forming units 11 Photoconductor (an example of an image carrier) 12 Charger (example of charging device) 13 Laser exposure device (an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device) 14 Developing unit (an example of a developing device) 15 Intermediate transfer belt 16 Primary transfer roll (an example of a transfer device) 22 Secondary transfer roll (an example of a transfer device) K Paper (an example of a recording medium)

Claims

1. The sliding layer contains a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and talc particles, the talc particles are exposed on the sliding surface, and the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.1 μm or more and 15 μm or less; Sliding member.

2. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.5 μm or more and 8 μm or less.

3. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 2% or more and 10% or less.

4. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein the area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 3% or more and 8% or less.

5. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein the maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 1.0 μm or more and 6.0 μm or less.

6. 6. The sliding member according to claim 5, wherein a skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 0 or more and 1.0 or less.

7. 6. The sliding member according to claim 5, wherein the skewness Rsk of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 0 or more and 0.6 or less.

8. the average diameter of the exposed portions of the talc particles is 0.5 μm or more and 8 μm or less; an area ratio of the exposed portions of the talc particles to the sliding surface is 3% or more and 8% or less, The maximum height Rz of the roughness curve of the sliding surface is 3.0 μm or more and 5.6 μm or less. The sliding member according to claim 1 .

9. 2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein the heat-resistant thermoplastic resin comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of polyether ether ketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetherimide resin, polyamide resin, and polyphenylsulfone resin.

10. a base layer and the sliding layer disposed on the base layer, The base layer is a fiber sheet. The sliding member according to claim 1 .

11. A first rotating body; a second rotor disposed in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the first rotor; a pressing member disposed inside the second rotating body and pressing the second rotating body against the first rotating body from an inner circumferential surface of the second rotating body; The sliding member according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is disposed between the second rotating body and the pressing member. Image fixing device.

12. an image carrier; a charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier; a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image; a transfer device that transfers the toner image onto a recording medium; and the image fixing device according to claim 11 that fixes the toner image onto a recording medium. Image forming device.

Images