Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

Providing a fixing device with suppressed image defects. 【Solution means】A fixing device having a base material, a fixing belt member having a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 and is disposed on the base material, a heating member disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, and a pressing roll member disposed so as to contact the outer surface of the fixing belt member. In Formula 1, R 1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a group represented by -C(=O)-CR 3 3, or a monovalent organic group having a reactive group. R 2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, a, b, d, and e are 0 or more and 1 or less, and c is more than 0 and 1 or less. (R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 ) a (R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 ) b (R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ) c (SiO 4 / 2 ) d (R 2 O 1 / 2 ) e Formula 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fixing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, an image is formed by bringing a fixing member into contact with a toner image transferred onto a recording medium, applying heat and pressure, and fixing the toner image to the recording medium.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fixing device for fixing an unfixed toner image supported on a recording material by heating and pressurizing the recording material, wherein the fixing device includes a fixing means having a pair of rollers, each consisting of a fixing roller and a pressure roller, which are rotatable in contact with each other and have a heating means inside at least one of them, and which are in contact with the unfixed toner image and which are in contact with the opposite side, respectively, for clamping and heating and pressurizing the recording material supporting the unfixed toner image, wherein the fixing roller has a core member and an elastic material formed on the surface side of the core member by an addition-type silicone rubber elastic material. The disclosed fixing device has layers, and the addition-type silicone rubber elastic material has a cured polysiloxane mixture having at least (a) a linear dimethylpolysiloxane with terminal vinyl group sealing having a viscosity of 80,000 poise or more at 25°C, and (b) a block copolymer having two or more vinyl groups and containing at least one of tetrafunctional or trifunctional resin segments and linear oil segments having at least 100 or more consecutive difunctional constituent units, with a viscosity of 10 poise or more at 25°C. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2617858 [Overview of the project]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A first problem of the present disclosure is to provide a fixing device and an image forming apparatus in which image defects in a fixed image are suppressed as compared with a fixing belt member having no surface layer that is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1. A second problem of the present disclosure is that the surface energy at 25°C is 40 mJ / m 1 , 1 / 2 , , , 3 , e To provide a fixing device and an image forming apparatus in which image defects in a fixed image are suppressed while maintaining the releasability with respect to a toner image as compared with a fixing device having a surface layer exceeding this, or a surface layer having a linear thermal expansion coefficient exceeding 130 ppm / °C at 150°C.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A base material, a fixing belt member having a surface layer that is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by the following Formula 1 and disposed on the base material, A heating member disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, A pressure roll member disposed so as to contact the outer surface of the fixing belt member, A fixing device having. (R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 ) a (R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 ) b (R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ) c (SiO 4 / 2 ) d (R 2 O 1 / 2 ) e Formula 1 (In Formula 1, R 1 Each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, -C(=O)-CR 3Represents a group represented by 3, or a monovalent organic group having a reactive group. Multiple R 1 These may be the same or different. R 2 R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Multiple R 2 These may be the same or different. R 3 R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. Multiple R 3 These may be the same or different. The monovalent organic group may be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an oxy group. The alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, and aryl group may have substituents. a, b, d, and e are each independently between 0 and 1, c is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1, and a + b + c + d + e = 1. <2> A substrate and a device placed on the substrate with a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The fixing belt member has a surface layer having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C, and A heating member is disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, A pressure roll member is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member, A fixing device having the following features. <3> The surface layer of the anchoring belt member has a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The following is: <1> The fixing device described above. <4> The surface layer of the anchoring belt member has a surface energy of 30 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The following is: <2> or <3> The fixing device described above. <5> The surface layer of the fixing belt member has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C. <1> or <3> The fixing device described above. <6> The surface layer of the fixing belt member has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 120 ppm / °C or less at 150°C. <2> or <5> The fixing device described above. <7> The aforementioned R 1 At least one of them is a methyl group or a phenyl group. <1> , <3> or <5> The fixing device described above. <8> The aforementioned R 1 At least one of them is a methyl group. <7> The fixing device described above. <9> Image holder and, A charging means for charging the surface of the image holder, A means for forming an electrostatic image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing means that contains an electrostatic image developer containing toner, and develops the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the image holder as a toner image using the electrostatic image developer, A transfer means for transferring the aforementioned toner image to a recording medium, <1> ~ <8> A fixing device according to any one of the items, wherein the fixing device fixes the toner image to the recording medium by passing the recording medium between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member heated by the heating member, and by bringing the surface layer into contact with the toner image on the recording medium and performing heating and pressurization, An image forming apparatus comprising: <10> After receiving a print signal, the pressure roll member is moved to a position where it contacts the outer surface of the fixing belt member, the heating member is heated to a predetermined temperature after the pressure roll member has moved, the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a lower speed than during image fixing, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drive, a print permission notification is issued, causing the recording medium to pass between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member, thereby heating and pressurizing to fix the toner image. <9> The image forming apparatus described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] <1> , <7> or <8> According to the invention, compared to a fixing device having a fixing belt member that does not have a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, a fixing device is provided in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed. <2> , <7> or <8> According to the invention, the surface energy at 25°C is 40 mJ / m 2 Compared to a fixing device having a surface layer that is greater than or has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of more than 130 ppm / °C at 150°C, a fixing device is provided that maintains release properties to the toner image while suppressing image defects in the fixed image. <3> or <4> According to the invention, the surface energy at 25°C is 40 mJ / m 2 Compared to a fixing device having a surface layer that is ultra-fine, a fixing device is provided that offers superior release properties from the toner image. <5> or <6> According to the invention, compared to a fixing device having a surface layer with a linear thermal expansion coefficient of more than 130 ppm / °C at 150°C, a fixing device is provided in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed.

[0008] <9> According to the invention, compared to a fixing device equipped with a fixing belt member that does not have a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, an image forming apparatus is provided in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed. Furthermore, the surface energy at 25°C is 40 mJ / m 2 Compared to a fixing apparatus having a surface layer that is greater than or has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of more than 130 ppm / °C at 150°C, an image forming apparatus is provided that suppresses image defects in the fixed image while maintaining the release properties of the fixing belt member from the toner image. <10> According to the invention, an image forming apparatus is provided in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed compared to cases where the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a lower speed than during image fixing before the temperature of the heating member reaches a predetermined temperature, cases where the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a speed greater than or equal to the driving speed during image fixing after the heating member has generated heat, and cases where a print permission notice is issued before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a fixing belt member used in the fixing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the fixing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the drive flow of the fuser device when a print start instruction is received in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below. These descriptions and embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0011] In this disclosure, the numerical range indicated using "~" represents a range that includes the numbers before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples. When embodiments are described in this disclosure with reference to the drawings, the configuration of such embodiments is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of the components in each figure are conceptual, and the relative relationships between the components are not limited thereto. In this disclosure, each component may contain multiple types of the corresponding substance. When referring to the amount of each component in a composition in this disclosure, if there are multiple types of the substance corresponding to each component in the composition, it means the total amount of those multiple types of substances present in the composition unless otherwise specified.

[0012] <Fusing device> • Fixing device according to the first embodiment A fixing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a substrate, a fixing belt member disposed on the substrate and having a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by the following formula 1, a heating member disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, and a pressure roll member disposed so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member. (R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 ) a (R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 ) b (R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ) c (SiO 4 / 2 ) d (R 2 O 1 / 2 ) e formula 1 (In formula 1, R 1 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group, and -C(=O)-CR 3 This represents a group represented by 3, or a monovalent organic group having a reactive group. However, multiple R 1 At least one of them is a monovalent organic group having a reactive group. 1 These may be the same or different. R 2 R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Multiple R 2These may be the same or different. R 3 R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. Multiple R 3 These may be the same or different. The monovalent organic group may be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an oxy group. The alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, and aryl group may have substituents. a, b, d, and e are each independently between 0 and 1, c is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1, and a + b + c + d + e = 1.

[0013] • Fixing device according to the second embodiment A fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate and a device disposed on the substrate with a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The device comprises a fixing belt member having a surface layer with a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C, a heating member disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, and a pressure roll member disposed so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member.

[0014] In image forming apparatuses, a fixing device has conventionally been used that fixes a toner image on a recording medium by contacting the toner image with a fixing belt member and applying heat and pressure. This fixing belt member is required to have release properties from the toner image. For this reason, the fixing belt member has a laminated structure, and the surface layer that is in direct contact with the toner image contains a component that enhances release properties, such as fluororesin (e.g., PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether)). However, in fixing belt members that contain fluororesin in the surface layer, a difference in thermal expansion coefficient occurs at the boundary between the area in contact with the recording medium (so-called paper-feeding area) and the area that is not in contact with the recording medium (so-called non-paper-feeding area). This difference in thermal expansion coefficient can cause wrinkle deformation (i.e., permanent stretch deformation) at the boundary of the fixing belt member. When wrinkle deformation occurs at the boundary of the fixing belt member, image defects such as gloss unevenness and defects caused by the wrinkle deformation can occur in the fixed image.

[0015] In contrast, the fixing device according to the first embodiment has a surface layer of fixing belt member which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by formula 1. Because the surface layer is a cured product of a siloxane compound represented by formula 1, the release properties of the surface layer are enhanced. Furthermore, the cured product of the siloxane compound represented by formula 1 does not exhibit a large difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the paper-feeding portion and the non-paper-feeding portion compared to fluororesin. Therefore, wrinkle deformation at the boundary of the fixing belt member is suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of image defects caused by wrinkle deformation of the fixing belt member is suppressed in the fixed image.

[0016] Furthermore, in the fixing device according to the second embodiment, the surface energy of the surface layer of the fixing belt member at 25°C is 40 mJ / m 2The following conditions apply, and the linear thermal expansion coefficient at 150°C is 130 ppm / °C or less. Having the surface energy within this range enhances the release properties of the surface layer, maintaining release properties for the toner image. Furthermore, having the linear thermal expansion coefficient within this range prevents a large difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the paper-feeding and non-paper-feeding areas. Therefore, wrinkle deformation at the boundary of the fixing belt member is suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of image defects caused by wrinkle deformation of the fixing belt member is suppressed in the fixed image.

[0017] Based on the above, it is presumed that the fixing apparatus according to the first and second embodiments of this disclosure suppresses image defects in the fixed image.

[0018] The first and second embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0019] [Fixing belt component] (Surface layer) The surface layer of the fixing belt member of the fixing device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "surface layer according to the first embodiment") is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by the following formula 1.

[0020] The surface layer of the fixing belt member of the fixing device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "surface layer according to the second embodiment") has a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The following applies, and the linear thermal expansion coefficient at 150°C is 130 ppm / °C or less. Furthermore, the surface layer according to the second embodiment preferably contains a silsesquioxane derivative as a means to control the surface energy and linear thermal expansion coefficient within the above range, and in particular, it is preferable to use a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by the following formula 1.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferable that both the surface layer according to the first embodiment and the surface layer according to the second embodiment have a low content of fluororesin (i.e., a resin containing fluorine atoms in its molecular structure). Specifically, it is preferable that the fluororesin content in the surface layer be 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. Moreover, it is preferable that the surface layer does not contain fluororesin.

[0022] • Siloxane compounds The siloxane compounds represented by Formula 1 below are polymer compounds called silsesquioxanes, which have a main chain skeleton consisting of Si-O bonds and can take on various skeletal structures. The siloxane compound SQ may have any of the following skeletal structures: cage-type (perfect cage-type or cage-type), ladder-type, or random. The siloxane compounds represented by Formula 1 may be one type or two or more types.

[0023] (R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 ) a (R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 ) b (R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ) c (SiO 4 / 2 ) d (R 2 O 1 / 2 ) e formula 1 In formula 1, R 1 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group, and -C(=O)-CR 3 This represents a group represented by 3, or a monovalent organic group having a reactive group. Multiple R 1 These may be the same or different. R 2 R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Multiple R 2 These may be the same or different. R 3 R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. Multiple R 3These may be the same or different. The monovalent organic group may be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an oxy group. The alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, and aryl group may have substituents. a, b, d, and e are each independently between 0 and 1, c is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1, and a + b + c + d + e = 1. Note that a, b, c, d, and e represent the average ratio of the moles of each constituent unit contained in one molecule of siloxane compound.

[0024] The siloxane compound represented by formula 1 is "R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 (hereinafter referred to as "Constituent Unit 1"), "R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 (hereinafter referred to as "Constituent Unit 2"), "R 1 SiO 3 / 2 (hereinafter referred to as "constituent unit 3"), "SiO 4 / 2 (hereinafter referred to as "Constituent Unit 4"), and "R 1 O 1 / 2 It has five constituent units, which are referred to as "constituent unit 5" (hereinafter referred to as "constituent unit 5").

[0025] Each of the constituent units 1 to 5 in Equation 1 may be of only one type, or it may be of two or more types. Furthermore, the order in which the constituent units are arranged is not limited to the order shown in Equation 1, and is not particularly limited.

[0026] The siloxane compound represented by formula 1 has three constituent units (i.e., "R" 1 SiO 3 / 2 It contains at least one constituent unit represented by ''. In other words, in Equation 1, c is a positive number greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. The siloxane compound represented by formula 1 more preferably contains both constituent unit 3 and constituent unit 2. That is, it is preferable that in formula 1, b and c are independently positive numbers greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1, and a, d, and e are positive numbers in the range of 0 or a+b+c+d+e=1. The siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 may be composed only of Structural Unit 3 (that is, c may be 1, and the other a, b, d, and e may all be 0).

[0027] -Structural Unit 1- Structural Unit 1 (that is, the structural unit represented by “R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 ”), the group represented by R 1 is at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, -C(=O)-CR 3 3, and a monovalent organic group having a reactive group (hereinafter also referred to as “polymerizable functional group”). R 1 of this structural unit is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a polymerizable functional group, an aryl group, and an alkyl group, and more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a polymerizable functional group, an aryl group, and an alkyl group. A plurality of R 1 in this structural unit may be the same or different from each other.

[0028] R 1 of this structural unit may be a hydrogen atom. When R 1 is a hydrogen atom, for example, when at least one of this structural unit and another structural unit has an organic group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms (hereinafter also simply referred to as an unsaturated organic group) containing a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond capable of undergoing a hydrosilylation reaction included in the polymerizable functional group, a crosslinking reaction can occur between these units.

[0029] R 1may be an alkyl group. The alkyl group may be either an aliphatic group or an alicyclic group, and may be either linear or branched. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 1 or more and 10 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, still more preferably 1 or more and 2 or less, and particularly preferably 1, that is, a methyl group is particularly preferred. Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, a decyl group, and the like.

[0030] R of this structural unit 1 may be an alkenyl group. The alkenyl group may be any of an aliphatic group, an alicyclic group, and an aromatic group, and may be either linear or branched. The number of carbon atoms in the alkenyl group is preferably 1 or more and 10 or less. Specific examples of the alkenyl group having 1 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms include an ethenyl (vinyl) group, an orthostyryl group, a metastyryl group, a parastyryl group, a 1-propenyl group, a 2-propenyl (allyl) group, a 1-butenyl group, a 1-pentenyl group, a 3-methyl-1-butenyl group, a phenylethenyl group, an allyl (2-propenyl) group, an octenyl (7-octen-1-yl) group, and the like.

[0031] R of this structural unit 1 may be an alkynyl group. The alkynyl group may be any of an aliphatic group, an alicyclic group, and an aromatic group, and may be either linear or branched. The number of carbon atoms in the alkynyl group is preferably 1 or more and 10 or less. Specific examples of the alkynyl group include an ethynyl group, a 1-propynyl group, a 1-butynyl group, a 1-pentynyl group, a 3-methyl-1-butynyl group, a phenylbutynyl group, and the like.

[0032] R of this structural unit 1 may be an aryl group. The number of carbon atoms in the aryl group is preferably 6 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 6 or more and 10 or less, and still more preferably 6, that is, a phenyl group is particularly preferred. Examples of the aryl group having 6 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms include a phenyl group, a 1-naphthyl group, a 2-naphthyl group, and the like.

[0033] R of this constituent unit 1 This may be an aralkyl group. The aralkyl group preferably has 7 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably 7 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of aralkyl groups with 7 to 20 carbon atoms include phenylalkyl groups such as benzyl groups.

[0034] R of this constituent unit 1 is -C(=O)-CR 3 3 is also acceptable. 3 R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. 3 It is preferable that it is a methyl group. 3 If you have multiple R 2 These may be the same or different.

[0035] R of this constituent unit 1 The polymerizable functional group may be a monovalent organic group having a reactive group (polymerizable functional group). Examples of polymerizable functional groups include those that can be thermoset or photocured. There are no particular limitations on polymerizable functional groups, but examples include vinyl groups, allyl groups, styryl groups, methacryloyl groups, acryloyl groups, acryloyloxy groups, methacryloyloxy groups, α-methylstyryl groups, vinyl ether groups, vinyl ester groups, acrylamide groups, methacrylamide groups, N-vinylamide groups, maleic acid ester groups, fumaric acid ester groups, N-substituted maleimide groups, isocyanate groups, oxetanyl groups, and epoxy groups. Among these, polymerizable functional groups having any of (meth)acryloyl groups, oxetanyl groups, and epoxy groups are preferred. The polymerizable functional group may further be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an oxy group.

[0036] As polymerizable functional groups having a (meth)acryloyl group, for example, groups represented by the following formula or groups containing this group are preferred.

[0037] [ka]

[0038] In the above formula, R 4 R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. 5 R represents an alkylene group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms. 4 As such, an alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred.

[0039] The oxetanyl group is not particularly limited, but examples include the (3-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)methyloxy group and the (3-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)oxy group. The polymerizable functional group having an oxetanyl group is preferably the group represented by the following formula, or a group containing this formula.

[0040] [ka]

[0041] In the above formula, R 6 R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. 7 R represents an alkylene group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. 6 The hydrogen atom, methyl group, ethyl group, etc. are preferred, and the ethyl group is more preferred. 7 Preferably, the alkylene group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and a propylene group is more preferable.

[0042] Polymerizable functional groups having epoxy groups are not particularly limited, but examples include alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms substituted with glycidoxy groups such as β-glycidoxyethyl, γ-glycidoxypropyl, and γ-glycidoxybutyl; and alkyl groups having 5 to 10 carbon atoms substituted with oxirane groups such as glycidyl, β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl, γ-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)propyl, β-(3,4-epoxycycloheptyl)ethyl, 4-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)butyl, and 5-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)pentyl.

[0043] Polymerizable functional groups may be functional groups having a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon triple bond that can undergo a hydrosilylation reaction with a hydrogen atom bonded to a silicon atom (hydrosilyl group). Unsaturated organic groups can also function as polymerizable functional groups in the sense that, due to the presence of a hydrogen atom in the hydrosilyl group, they polymerize with that hydrogen atom through a hydrosilylation reaction to form a hydrosilylated structural portion. Specific examples of such unsaturated organic groups include the alkenyl group and alkynyl group mentioned above. While not particularly limited, examples of unsaturated organic groups include vinyl group, orthostyryl group, metastyryl group, parastyryl group, acryloyl group, methacryloyl group, acryloxy group, methacryloxy group, 1-propenyl group, 1-butenyl group, 1-pentenyl group, 3-methyl-1-butenyl group, phenylethenyl group, ethynyl group, 1-propynyl group, 1-butynyl group, 1-pentynyl group, 3-methyl-1-butynyl group, phenylbutynyl group, allyl(2-propenyl) group, and octenyl(7-octen-1-yl) group. Such unsaturated organic groups are preferably any of vinyl group, parastyryl group, allyl(2-propenyl) group, and octenyl(7-octen-1-yl) group, with vinyl group being more preferred.

[0044] Furthermore, the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 may contain two or more polymerizable functional groups. In this case, all polymerizable functional groups may be identical or different. Also, multiple polymerizable functional groups may be identical, while other different polymerizable functional groups are also included.

[0045] R 1 The alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, and alkynyl groups represented by these terms are aralkyl groups, aryl groups, and -C(=O)-CR groups. 3 3. Both the polymerizable functional group and the 3. polymerizable functional group may have substituents. Such substituents include halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and chlorine atoms; alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and isooctyl groups; hydroxyl groups; alkoxy groups; aryloxy groups; aralkyloxy groups; oxy groups (=O); cyano groups; and protected hydroxyl groups, at least one of these.

[0046] The protecting group of a protected hydroxyl group is not particularly limited, and known hydroxyl protecting groups can be used. For example, such protecting groups include acyl protecting groups represented by -C(=O)R (wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as a methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, s-butyl group, t-butyl group, and n-pentyl group; or a phenyl group with or without a substituent. The substituents of a phenyl group with a substituent include alkyl groups such as a methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, s-butyl group, isobutyl group, t-butyl group, n-pentyl group, n-hexyl group, n-heptyl group, n-octyl group, and isooctyl group; and fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, and bromine atoms. Examples of protecting groups include rogen atoms (such as alkoxy groups like methoxy and ethoxy groups), silyl protecting groups such as trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, and t-butyldiphenylsilyl groups; acetal protecting groups such as methoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, 1-ethoxyethyl, tetrahydropyran-2-yl, and tetrahydrofuran-2-yl groups; alkoxycarbonyl protecting groups such as t-butoxycarbonyl groups; and ether protecting groups such as methyl, ethyl, t-butyl, octyl, allyl, triphenylmethyl, benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, fluorenyl, trityl, and benzhydryl groups.

[0047] The siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 comprises one or more of these constituent units in combination. The siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 comprises at least some of these constituent units, for example, three R 1 Preferably, all of them are alkyl groups, and for example, all of the constituent units have three R 1 It is preferable that all of them are alkyl groups.

[0048] The value of a, which is the ratio of moles of the constituent unit in the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, is a positive number between 0 and 1. The lower limit of a is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.25 or higher, more preferably 0.3 or higher, and even more preferably 0.35 or higher. The lower limit of a may also be 0.4 or higher. The upper limit of a is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.5 or lower, and more preferably 0.45 or lower.

[0049] -Component Unit 2- Constituent unit 2 (that is, "R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 The R of the constituent unit represented by " 1 This includes hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and -C(=O)-CR groups. 3 3. At least one selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functional groups. 1 They may be the same or they may be different.

[0050] Alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, -C(=O)-CR 3 3. With respect to polymerizable functional groups, the various embodiments described for constituent unit 1 also apply to this constituent unit.

[0051] The siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 comprises one or more of these constituent units in combination. The siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 comprises at least some of these constituent units, for example, two R 1 Preferably, all of them are alkyl groups, and for example, all of the constituent units are two R 1 It is preferable that all of them are alkyl groups.

[0052] The ratio of moles of this constituent unit in the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, b, is a positive number between 0 and 1. The lower limit of b is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.25 or higher is preferred, 0.3 or higher is more preferred, and 0.35 or higher is even more preferred. The lower limit of b may also be 0.4 or higher. The lower limit of b is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.5 or lower is preferred, and 0.45 or lower is more preferred.

[0053] -Component Unit 3- Constituent unit 3 (that is, "R 1 SiO 3 / 2 The R of the constituent unit represented by " 1 This includes hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aralkyl groups, aryl groups, and -C(=O)-CR groups. 3 3. At least one selected from the group consisting of a monovalent organic group having a reactive group (polymerizable functional group). R in this constituent unit 1 They may be the same or they may be different.

[0054] Alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group, -C(=O)-CR 3 3. With respect to polymerizable functional groups, the various embodiments described for constituent unit 1 also apply to this constituent unit.

[0055] The siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 is comprised of one or more of these constituent units. For example, one of these constituent units R 1 Using as an alkyl group, the R of the other constituent unit 1 The polymerizable functional group may also be R of one of the constituent units. 1 Let this be a hydrogen atom, and the other one constituent unit be R 1 This may be an unsaturated organic group used as a polymerizable functional group.

[0056] c, which is the ratio of moles of the constituent unit in the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, is a positive number between 0 and 1. c is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably between 0.25 and 1, more preferably between 0.3 and 1, even more preferably between 0.35 and 1, and particularly preferably between 0.4 and 1. c may also be 0.5 or higher, 0.6 or higher, 0.7 or higher, 0.8 or higher, 0.9 or higher, 0.95 or higher, 0.99 or higher, or even 1.

[0057] -Component Unit 4- Constituent unit 4 (i.e., "SiO 4 / 2 The constituent unit represented by '' has a polysiloxane main skeleton. The proportion of this constituent unit in the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 is not particularly limited.

[0058] The ratio of moles of this constituent unit in the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, d, is a positive number between 0 and 1. The lower limit of d is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.25 or higher is preferred, 0.3 or higher is more preferred, and 0.35 or higher is even more preferred. The lower limit of d may also be 0.4 or higher. The upper limit of d is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.9 or lower is preferred.

[0059] -Component Unit 5- 5 constituent units (i.e., "R 2 O 1 / 2 The constituent unit represented by "" defines a unit containing an alkoxy group or a hydroxyl group in the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1. That is, R in this constituent unit 2 The group is either a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. The alkyl group may be either an aliphatic group or an alicyclic group, and may be either linear or branched. Preferably, the alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples of alkyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, pentyl, and hexyl groups.

[0060] The alkoxy group in this structural unit may, for example, be one that remains in the molecule during the synthesis of a siloxane compound represented by formula 1. Furthermore, the hydroxyl group in this structural unit may be a hydroxyl group that remains in the molecule after hydrolysis of the "alkoxy group" without polycondensation.

[0061] The value e, which represents the mole ratio of the constituent unit in the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, is a positive number between 0 and 1. The lower limit of e is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.2 or higher, more preferably 0.25 or higher, and even more preferably 0.3 or higher. The lower limit of e may also be 0.4 or higher. The upper limit of e is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.9 or lower.

[0062] The siloxane compound represented by formula 1 preferably comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of component 1, component 2, and component 4. That is, in formula 1, it is preferable that one or more of a, b, and d are positive numbers of 0 or greater.

[0063] The siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 may be in particulate form or non-particulate form such as a binder resin. When the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 is in particulate form, the particles may be resin particles consisting solely of the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "siloxane resin particles represented by Formula 1"), or they may be resin particles formed by mixing the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 with other resin components.

[0064] The average particle size of the siloxane resin particles represented by Formula 1 is preferably, for example, 0.01 μm or more and 10.00 μm or less, more preferably 0.10 μm or more and 5.00 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.20 μm or more and 3.00 μm or less. When the average particle size of the siloxane resin particles represented by Equation 1 is 0.01 μm or larger, the surface layer exhibits superior slipperiness, and both image misalignment due to paper slippage on the fixing surface and the occurrence of paper wrinkles are further suppressed. When the average particle size of the siloxane resin particles represented by Equation 1 is 10.0 μm or less, the increase in surface roughness of the surface layer is suppressed, and the occurrence of paper wrinkles is further suppressed.

[0065] The method for measuring the average particle size of siloxane resin particles represented by Equation 1 is as follows: A sample is obtained from the surface layer of the fixing belt member to be measured, with a cross-section obtained along the thickness direction. The cross-section of the sample is observed using an electron microscope, and the area value of the resin particles is determined by image analysis. The equivalent circle diameter is calculated from the area value. This calculation of the equivalent circle diameter is performed for 100 resin particles. The 50th percentile diameter (D50) at the volume-based cumulative frequency of the obtained equivalent circle diameters is then taken as the average particle size of the siloxane resin particles represented by Equation 1.

[0066] The content of the siloxane resin particles represented by Formula 1 is preferably 1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less relative to the surface layer, more preferably 1% by mass or more and 17.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less. When the content of siloxane resin particles represented by Equation 1 is 1% by mass or more, the slipperiness of the surface layer is improved, and both image misalignment due to paper slippage on the fixing surface and the occurrence of paper wrinkles are further suppressed. When the content of siloxane resin particles represented by Formula 1 is 20% by mass or less, the increase in surface roughness of the surface layer is suppressed, and the occurrence of paper wrinkles is further suppressed.

[0067] The content of the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 is preferably 1.0% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 17.5% by mass or less, relative to the surface layer. When the content of the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 is 1.0% by mass or more, the slipperiness of the surface layer is improved, and both image misalignment due to paper slippage on the fixing surface and the occurrence of paper wrinkles are further suppressed. When the content of the siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 is 20.0% by mass or less, the increase in surface roughness of the surface layer is suppressed, and the occurrence of paper wrinkles is further suppressed.

[0068] • Surface layer characteristics The surface layer according to the first embodiment is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1. Furthermore, the surface layer according to the second embodiment is preferably a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, as a means for controlling the surface energy and linear thermal expansion coefficient within the aforementioned range. The surface layer may be a cured product of a composition containing only a siloxane compound represented by formula 1 without any other resins (however, additives such as curing agents may be included), or it may be a cured product of a composition which is a mixture of another resin and a siloxane compound. When the composition is a mixture of another resin and a siloxane compound, the other resin is preferably a so-called binder resin. When the composition is a mixture of another resin and a siloxane compound, the siloxane compound is preferably a liquid compound or a particulate compound. Examples of other resins included in the composition include polyimide resin (PI resin), polyamide-imide resin (PAI resin), polyether ketone resin (e.g., aromatic polyether ether ketone resin), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin), polyetherimide resin (PEI resin), polyester resin, polystyrene resin, polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, silicone resin, and mixed resins thereof. Among the above, it is preferable that the other resin includes a silicone resin. Since silicone resin has bonding groups similar to those of the siloxane compound, it has excellent affinity for siloxane compounds. Therefore, the siloxane compound is strongly bonded to the silicone resin in the surface layer, and even when friction occurs between, for example, the fixing belt member and other members, the siloxane compound is less likely to detach from the surface layer. As a result, the interaction between the surface layer and the paper is maintained over a long period, and both image misalignment due to paper slippage on the fixing surface and the occurrence of paper wrinkles are further suppressed.

[0069] • Method for forming a surface layer The method for forming the surface layer is not particularly limited, and conventional methods can be applied. Below, a method for forming a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1 will be described as a method for forming the surface layer according to the first embodiment and the surface layer according to the second embodiment.

[0070] If the surface layer is a cured product of a composition containing only a siloxane compound and no other resins, for example, the surface layer may be formed on the substrate by immersing a cylindrical mold on which the base material of the fixing belt member is installed in a solution of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, and curing the coating film (for example, by irradiating with ultraviolet light).

[0071] If the surface layer is a cured product of a composition containing another liquid resin and a particulate siloxane compound, for example, a particulate siloxane compound may be added to another liquid resin, such as a silicone resin solution, and stirred to obtain a mixed solution. Using this mixed solution, a cylindrical mold on which the base material of the fixing belt member is installed may be immersed in the mixed solution to coat and cure the mixture, thereby forming the surface layer on the base material.

[0072] • Other additives The surface layer may further contain other additives. Examples of other additives include conductive particles (e.g., carbon black), low-friction particles (e.g., graphite), molybdenum disulfide, and silica particles. The content of each additive can be, for example, 1% to 5% by mass for conductive particles, 1% to 10% by mass for low-friction particles, and 1% to 20% by mass for silica particles. When the surface layer contains other additives, the content of the siloxane compound represented by formula 1 in the composition for constituting the surface layer (i.e., the cured product) is preferably 60% by mass or more, and more preferably 80% by mass. The content of the siloxane compound represented by formula 1 in the surface layer may be 100% by mass (i.e., without other additives).

[0073] • Surface energy of the surface layer The surface layer according to the second embodiment has a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The following, and furthermore, 30 mJ / m³ 2 The following is preferable: The surface layer according to the first embodiment has a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 Preferably, it is 30 mJ / m 2 The following is more preferable: In both the first and second embodiments, the lower limit of the surface energy of the surface layer at 25°C is not particularly limited, but is 1.0 mJ / m 2 The above is also acceptable, 5.0 mJ / m 2 It is preferable that the above conditions are met. By keeping the surface energy below the above upper limit, the release properties of the toner image on the surface layer are improved.

[0074] The surface energy is adjusted by the type and content of the siloxane compound when the surface layer is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1.

[0075] The surface energy of the surface layer at 25°C is measured by the following method. Using a contact angle meter manufactured by Kyowa Interface Chemical Co., Ltd., the surface contact angles of the surface layer with respect to three types of reagents (water, diiodomethane, and n-dodecane) are measured. The obtained contact angle values ​​are then used to calculate the surface free energy using analytical calculations with the extended Fowkes equation (this analytical calculation can be performed using commercially available analytical software).

[0076] • Linear thermal expansion coefficient of the surface layer The surface layer according to the second embodiment has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C, and more preferably 120 ppm / °C or less. The surface layer according to the first embodiment preferably has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C, and more preferably 120 ppm / °C or less. In both the first and second embodiments, the lower limit of the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the surface layer at 150°C is not particularly limited, but may be 10.0 ppm / °C or higher, and preferably 20.0 ppm / °C or higher. Because the linear thermal expansion coefficient is below the above upper limit, the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the paper-feeding and non-paper-feeding sections of the fixing belt member does not become large. Therefore, wrinkle deformation at the boundary of the fixing belt member is suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of image defects in the fixed image is suppressed.

[0077] The linear thermal expansion coefficient is adjusted by the type and content of the siloxane compound when the surface layer is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by formula 1.

[0078] The linear thermal expansion coefficient of the surface layer at 150°C is measured by the following method. First, a test specimen (10 mm wide, 4 mm thick, 20 mm long) is taken from the surface layer or anchoring belt member. Then, in accordance with JIS K7197 (1991), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is used to calculate the displacement from the TMA curve obtained under a non-vibrational compressive load (constant load) while varying the temperature of the test specimen from room temperature (e.g., 25°C) to 180°C.

[0079] • Surface roughness of the surface layer The surface roughness Ra of the outer surface of the surface layer, that is, the surface that comes into contact with the toner image, is preferably 1 μm or less, and more preferably 0.8 μm or less. Having a surface roughness Ra within this range improves adhesion.

[0080] The surface roughness Ra is determined as follows: A sample is cut from the surface layer (or a fixing belt member having a surface layer). The Ra is measured on the sample using a stylus-type surface roughness measuring instrument (e.g., Surfcom 1400A: manufactured by Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.). The measurement conditions are in accordance with JIS B0601-1994, with an evaluation length Ln = 2.5 mm, a reference length L = 0.8 mm, and a cutoff value of 0.008 mm.

[0081] • Film thickness of the surface layer The average thickness of the surface layer is preferably 30 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm to 20 μm. Having an average thickness of the surface layer below the above upper limit is preferable from the viewpoint of wear resistance.

[0082] (Base material and elastic layer) The fixing belt member has at least a surface layer on the base material. Furthermore, the fixing belt member may have an elastic layer between the base material and the surface layer.

[0083] The configuration of the fixing belt member provided in the fixing device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a fixing belt member according to this embodiment. The fixing belt member 110 shown in Figure 1 comprises a base layer 110A, an elastic layer 110B provided on the base layer 110A, and a surface layer 110C provided on the elastic layer 110B.

[0084] The layer configuration of the fixing belt member 110 according to this embodiment is not limited to the layer configuration shown in Figure 1, and it may not have an elastic layer 110B, nor may it have a base material layer 110A. The layer configuration of the fixing belt member 110 according to this embodiment may be a layer configuration in which a metal layer and its protective layer are interposed between the base material layer 110A and the elastic layer 110B, a layer configuration in which an adhesive layer is interposed between the base material layer 110A and the elastic layer 110B, a layer configuration in which an adhesive layer is interposed between the elastic layer 110B and the surface layer 110C, or a layer configuration that combines these layer configurations.

[0085] The components of the anchoring belt member according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. Reference numerals will be omitted in the description.

[0086] ·Base material layer Examples of the base layer include a resin layer containing a resin such as polyimide. The resin may also contain additives such as fillers.

[0087] Examples of polyimides include imidized polyamic acid (a precursor of polyimide), which is a polymer of tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine compound. Specifically, examples of polyimides include resins obtained by polymerizing equimolar amounts of tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine compound in a solvent to obtain a solution of polyamic acid, and then imidizing that polyamic acid.

[0088] Examples of tetracarboxylic dianhydrides include both aromatic and aliphatic compounds, but from the viewpoint of heat resistance, aromatic compounds are preferred.

[0089] Examples of aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides include pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenylsulfone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,4,5,8-naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,6,7-naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyl ether tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-dimethyldiphenylsilane tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-tetraphenylsilane tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,3,4-furan tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride, 4,4 Examples include '-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylsulfone dianhydride, 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylpropane dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-perfluoroisopropylidene diphthalic acid dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, 2,3,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, bis(phthalic acid)phenylphosphine oxide dianhydride, p-phenylene-bis(triphenylphthalic acid) dianhydride, m-phenylene-bis(triphenylphthalic acid) dianhydride, bis(triphenylphthalic acid)-4,4'-diphenyl ether dianhydride, and bis(triphenylphthalic acid)-4,4'-diphenylmethane dianhydride.

[0090] Examples of aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides include butanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,3-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,3,4-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,5-tricarboxycyclopentylacetic acid dianhydride, 3,5,6-tricarboxynorbonane-2-acetic acid dianhydride, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofurantetracarboxylic dianhydride, 5-(2,5-dioxotetrahydrofuryl)-3-methyl-3-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid dianhydride, and bicyclo[2,2,2]-octo-7-e Examples include aliphatic or alicyclic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides such as n-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylic dianhydrides; and aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides having aromatic rings such as 1,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-2,5-dioxo-3-furanyl)-naphtho[1,2-c]furan-1,3-dione, 1,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-5-methyl-5-(tetrahydro-2,5-dioxo-3-furanyl)-naphtho[1,2-c]furan-1,3-dione, and 1,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-8-methyl-5-(tetrahydro-2,5-dioxo-3-furanyl)-naphtho[1,2-c]furan-1,3-dione.

[0091] Among these, aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides are particularly well-suited as tetracarboxylic dianhydrides. Specifically, for example, pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenylether tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride are well-suited. Furthermore, pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, and 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride are particularly well-suited, especially 3,3',4,4'-bi Phenylate tetracarboxylic dianhydride is a good choice.

[0092] Furthermore, tetracarboxylic dianhydrides may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. Furthermore, when using two or more tetracarboxylic dianhydrides in combination, aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides or aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides may be used individually, or aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides and aliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides may be used in combination.

[0093] On the other hand, diamine compounds are diamine compounds that have two amino groups in their molecular structure. Diamine compounds can be either aromatic or aliphatic compounds, but aromatic compounds are preferred.

[0094] Examples of diamine compounds include p-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, 3,3-dimethyl-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, 5-amino-1-(4'-aminophenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylindan, and 6-amino-1-(4'-aminophenyl)-1,3 ,3-trimethylindan, 4,4'-diaminobenzanilide, 3,5-diamino-3'-trifluoromethylbenzanilide, 3,5-diamino-4'-trifluoromethylbenzanilide, 3,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 2,7-diaminofluorene, 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane, 4,4'-methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline), 2,2',5,5'-tetrachloro-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, 2,2'-dichloro-4,4'-diamino-5,5'-dimethyl Toxybiphenyl, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene, 4,4'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)-biphenyl, 1,3'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene, 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene Aromatic diamines such as 4,4'-(p-phenyleneisopropylidene)bisaniline, 4,4'-(m-phenyleneisopropylidene)bisaniline, 2,2'-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane, and 4,4'-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-octafluorobiphenyl; aromatic diamines such as diaminotetraphenylthiophene having two amino groups bonded to an aromatic ring and heteroatoms other than the nitrogen atom of the amino groups;1,1-Metaxylylenediamine, 1,3-Propanediamine, Tetramethylenediamine, Pentamethylenediamine, Octamethylenediamine, Nonameethylenediamine, 4,4-Diaminoheptamethylenediamine, 1,4-Diaminocyclohexane, Isophoronediamine, Tetrahydrodicyclopentadienylenediamine, Hexahydro-4,7-Methanoindanidinemethylenediamine, Tricyclo[6,2,1,0; 2.7 Examples include aliphatic diamines such as ]-undecylendimethyldiamine and 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexylamine), as well as alicyclic diamines.

[0095] Among these, aromatic diamine compounds are particularly good as diamine compounds. Specifically, for example, p-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 3,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone are good, with 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether and p-phenylenediamine being particularly good.

[0096] Furthermore, the diamine compounds may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, when using two or more diamine compounds in combination, aromatic diamine compounds or aliphatic diamine compounds may be used individually, or aromatic diamine compounds and aliphatic diamine compounds may be used in combination.

[0097] Among these, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, aromatic polyimides (specifically, imidides of polyamic acids (precursors of polyimides), which are polymers of aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides and aromatic diamine compounds) are preferred as polyimides. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the aromatic polyimide is a polyimide having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (PI1).

[0098] [ka]

[0099] In the general formula (PI1), RP1 represents a phenyl group or a biphenyl group, and RP2 represents a divalent aromatic group. Examples of divalent aromatic groups represented by RP2 include phenylene groups, naphthyl groups, biphenyl groups, and diphenyl ether groups. From the viewpoint of bending durability, phenylene groups and biphenyl groups are preferred as divalent aromatic groups.

[0100] The number-average molecular weight of polyimide is preferably 5,000 to 100,000, more preferably 7,000 to 50,000, and even more preferably 10,000 to 30,000.

[0101] The number-average molecular weight of polyimide is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following measurement conditions. • Column: Tosoh TSKgelα-M (7.8mm ID x 30cm) • Eluent: DMF (dimethylformamide) / 30 mM iBr / 60 mM phosphoric acid ·Flow rate: 0.6mL / min ·Injection volume: 60μL • Detector: RI (Differential Refractive Index Detector)

[0102] Examples of fillers include carbon materials such as acetylene black, graphite, graphitized carbon black, and ungraphitized carbon black; and metal nitrides such as aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, boron nitride, cerium oxide, and magnesium carbonate.

[0103] The substrate layer may further contain other additives besides the polyimide and filler mentioned above. Examples of other additives include softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), and vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.).

[0104] The thickness of the substrate layer is preferably 30 μm to 200 μm, and particularly preferably 50 μm to 150 μm, from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity and mechanical strength.

[0105] The base layer is obtained by preparing a coating solution for forming the base layer containing polyimide (which may also contain additives such as fillers), applying the coating solution for forming the base layer onto a cylindrical mold, and drying it.

[0106] • Elastic layer The elastic layer contains an elastic material. In addition to the elastic material, the elastic layer may also contain well-known additives.

[0107] Examples of elastic materials include fluororesins, silicone resins, silicone rubber, fluororubber, and fluorosilicone rubber. Among these, silicone rubber and fluororubber are preferred as elastic materials from the viewpoint of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and insulation, with silicone rubber being more preferred.

[0108] Examples of silicone rubber include RTV silicone rubber, HTV silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. Specifically, examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber (MQ), methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ), methylphenyl silicone rubber (PMQ), and fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ).

[0109] As for the silicone rubber, those with an addition reaction type as the crosslinking mechanism are preferred. Furthermore, various types of functional groups are known for silicone rubber, and dimethyl silicone rubber having methyl groups, methylphenyl silicone rubber having methyl and phenyl groups, and vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups (vinyl group-containing silicone rubber) are preferred. Furthermore, as the silicone rubber, vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups is more preferred, and silicone rubber having an organopolysiloxane structure having vinyl groups and a hydrogen organopolysiloxane structure having hydrogen atoms (SiH) bonded to silicon atoms is even more preferred.

[0110] Examples of fluororubbers include vinylidene fluoride rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubber, phosphophazene rubber, and fluoropolyether.

[0111] The elastic material preferably has silicone rubber as its main component (i.e., contains 50% or more by mass of silicone rubber relative to the total mass of the elastic material). The silicone rubber content is more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 99% by mass or more, and may be 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the elastic material used in the elastic layer (1).

[0112] Possible additives in the elastic layer include fillers, softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), and vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.). It may contain additives such as the following.

[0113] The elastic layer can be formed by applying known methods, such as a coating method. When using silicone rubber as the elastic material for the elastic layer, for example, first, a coating solution for forming the elastic layer is prepared, which contains liquid silicone rubber that hardens into silicone rubber upon heating. Next, the coating solution for forming the elastic layer is applied to the substrate layer to form a coating film, and the coating film is vulcanized as needed to form an elastic layer on the substrate layer. In the vulcanization of the coating film, for example, the vulcanization temperature is 150°C to 250°C, and the vulcanization time is 30 minutes to 120 minutes.

[0114] The average thickness of the elastic layer is preferably 300 μm or more, and more preferably 1 μm to 20 μm. A thickness of the elastic layer above the lower limit improves the adhesion of the toner image.

[0115] [Configuration of the fixing device] The fixing device according to this embodiment (i.e., the first and second embodiments) includes a fixing belt member, a heating member disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, and a pressure roll member disposed in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member. The recording medium is passed between the fixing belt member heated by the heating member and the pressure roll member, and the surface layer of the fixing belt member is brought into contact with the toner image on the recording medium to perform heating and pressurization, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording medium.

[0116] The following describes an example of the configuration of the fixing device according to this embodiment, with reference to the drawings.

[0117] An example of the configuration of the fixing device will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 410). As shown in Figure 2, the fixing device 410 has a pressurizing section 414 and a heating section 430 facing the pressurizing section 414.

[0118] The pressurizing section 414 has a cylindrical roll member 412 (an example of a pressurizing roll member), is positioned opposite the heating section 430, and is pressed against the outer surface of the heating belt 432 of the heating section 430 and rotated by a drive device (not shown).

[0119] In the pressurized section 414, the roll member 412 is a so-called soft roll having a shaft portion 416 made of a metal material such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum, an elastic layer 418 covering the shaft portion 416, and a release layer 420 coated or applied to the elastic layer 418. The release layer 420 is made of a material that is insulating and has excellent release properties, such as PFA.

[0120] In the pressurizing section 414, the roll member 412 is grounded, and the shaft portion 416 of the roll member 412 is grounded with the pressurizing section side resistor 422 in between. By grounding the pressurizing section 414 with the pressurizing section side resistor 422 in between in this way, current leakage (leakage current) from the electrodes of the planar heating element 440 (an example of a heating element) in the heating section 430 is suppressed.

[0121] In the pressurizing section 414, the roll member 412 is pressed against the heating section 430 by a pressing member (not shown) made of an elastic material such as a coil spring. This pressing member is, for example, attached at one end to the shaft 416 and at the other end to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0122] The heating section 430 includes a heating belt 432 (an example of a fixing belt member), a planar heating element 440 as a heating element that heats the heating belt 432 from the inner circumferential surface side inside the heating belt 432, a holding member 434 that holds the planar heating element 440, and a frame member 452 that supports the holding member 434. In this case, the holding member 434 is supported by the frame member 452 and has a structure that can withstand the pressure from the pressurizing section 414. A lubricant such as lubricating grease may be applied to the inner surface of the heating belt 432 that is in contact with the planar heating element 440.

[0123] In the heating section 430, circular support members (not shown) are provided at both ends of the heating belt 432 in the longitudinal direction to support the heating belt 432. A heating member gear (not shown) is provided on this support member to rotate the heating belt 432, and one end of this heating member gear is connected to a drive device (not shown), such as a motor, inside the main body of the image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the heating member gear may not be provided for the heating belt 432, and the heating belt 432 may be driven to rotate by being pressed against the rotating roll member 412.

[0124] In the heating section 430, the planar heating element 440, which serves as a heat-generating component, is formed, for example, as a long plate-like body along the longitudinal direction of the heating section 430, and has an electrically insulating base material, an insulating layer made of a polyimide-based heat-resistant resin, a pair of electrodes for power supply, and a resistive heating element, for example, made of stainless steel, which generates heat when power is supplied from these electrodes. The electrodes and the resistive heating element are connected by a power supply unit, and the electrodes, power supply unit, and resistive heating element are embedded in the insulating layer. The electrodes of the planar heating element 440 are grounded with the heating section side resistor 462 in between.

[0125] In the heating section 430, the holding member 434 is made of a resin material such as LCP (liquid crystal polymer), which has high heat resistance, and a groove 436 for holding the planar heating element 440 is formed along the longitudinal direction on the side facing the pressurizing section 414.

[0126] The holding member 434, while holding the planar heating element 440 in the groove 436, is pressed by the pressurizing section 414, thereby forming a pressing region 470.

[0127] In the heating section 430, the frame member 452 is made of, for example, a metal material and supports the holding member 434. Both ends of the frame member 452 are fixed to support members (not shown), so that the holding member 434 can withstand pressure from the pressurizing section 414. The heating section 430 may also be equipped with a thermistor or the like for temperature detection.

[0128] In the fixing device 410 described above, a pressing region 470 is formed by the roll member 412 of the pressurizing section 414 and the unit consisting of the planar heating element 440, holding member 434 and frame member 452 of the heating section 430, with the heating belt 432 sandwiched between them. Then, by passing the recording medium holding the unfixed toner image through the pressing region 470, heat and pressure are applied to fix the unfixed toner image to the recording medium.

[0129] <Image forming apparatus> Next, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment comprises an image holder, a charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, a latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the charged surface of the image holder, a developing device for developing the latent image with toner to form a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image to a recording medium, and a fixing device for fixing the toner image to the recording medium. The fixing device in this embodiment is then applied as the fixing device.

[0130] Here, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the fixing device may be made into a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. In other words, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is The reactor cartridge may include the fixing device described in this embodiment as a component of the cartridge.

[0131] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0132] As shown in Figure 3, 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 comprises a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K in which toner images of each color component are formed by an electrophotographic method; a primary transfer unit 10 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color component formed by each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K onto an intermediate transfer belt 15; a secondary transfer unit 20 that transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 onto a recording medium, paper K; and a fixing device 60 that fixes the secondary transferred image onto the paper K. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (each part).

[0133] This fixing device 60 is the first embodiment of the fixing device described above. The image forming apparatus 100 may also be configured to include the second embodiment of the fixing device described above.

[0134] Each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K of the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a photoreceptor 11 that rotates in the direction of arrow A, as an example of an image holder that holds the toner image formed on its surface.

[0135] Around the photoreceptor 11, a charger 12 is provided as an example of a charging means for charging the photoreceptor 11, and a laser exposure unit 13 (indicated by the symbol Bm in the figure) is provided as an example of a latent image forming means for writing an electrostatic latent image onto the photoreceptor 11.

[0136] Furthermore, surrounding the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a developing means, is a developer 14 which contains toners for each color component and visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 using the toner, and a primary transfer roll 16 which transfers the toner images for each color component formed on the photoreceptor 11 to an intermediate transfer belt 15 in a primary transfer unit 10.

[0137] Furthermore, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove any residual toner on the photoreceptor 11, and the electrophotographic devices, including the charger 12, laser exposure unit 13, developer unit 14, primary transfer roll 16, and photoreceptor cleaner 17, are sequentially arranged along the rotational direction of the photoreceptor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a substantially straight line from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0138] The intermediate transfer belt 15, which is an intermediate transfer material, is a film-like pressure belt with a resin such as polyimide or polyamide as the base layer and containing an appropriate amount of an antistatic agent such as carbon black. Its volume resistivity is 10 6 Ωcm or more 10 14 It is formed to be less than or equal to Ωcm, and its thickness is, for example, about 0.1 mm.

[0139] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven (rotated) in a circulating manner at a speed appropriate to the purpose in direction B shown in Figure 3 by various rolls. These various rolls include a drive roll 31 that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15 by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant-speed performance, a support roll 32 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15 which extends substantially linearly along the arrangement direction of each photoreceptor 11, a tension-applying roll 33 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a correction roll to prevent the intermediate transfer belt 15 from meandering, a back roll 25 provided in the secondary transfer section 20, and a cleaning back roll 34 provided in the cleaning section that scrapes off residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0140] The primary transfer section 10 consists of a primary transfer roll 16 positioned opposite the photoreceptor 11, with an intermediate transfer belt 15 in between. The primary transfer roll 16 consists of a core and a sponge layer, which is an elastic layer fixed around the core. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metal such as iron or stainless steel. The sponge layer is made of a blend of NBR, SBR, and EPDM rubber containing a conductive material 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 diameter of Ωcm or less.

[0141] The primary transfer roll 16 is then pressed against the photoreceptor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 in between, and a voltage (primary transfer bias) with the opposite polarity to the toner's charge polarity (negative polarity; the same applies hereafter) is applied to the primary transfer roll 16. As a result, the toner images on each photoreceptor 11 are sequentially electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the intermediate transfer belt 1 A superimposed toner image is formed on surface 5.

[0142] The secondary transfer section 20 comprises a back roll 25 and a secondary transfer roll 22 positioned on the toner image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0143] The back roll 25 has a surface made of a blend of EPDM and NBR rubber with dispersed carbon, and the inside is made of EPDM rubber. Its surface resistivity is 10 7 Ω / □ or more 10 10 It is formed to be less than or equal to Ω / □, and its hardness is set to, for example, 70° (Asker C: manufactured by Polymer Instruments, the same applies hereafter). This back roll 25 is positioned on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and constitutes the opposing electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and is in contact with a metal power supply roll 26 to which the secondary transfer bias is stably applied.

[0144] On the other hand, the secondary transfer roll 22 consists of a core and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metal such as iron or stainless steel. The sponge layer is made of a blend of NBR, SBR, and EPDM rubber containing conductive materials 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 diameter of Ωcm or less.

[0145] The secondary transfer roll 22 is then pressed against the back roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 in between, and the secondary transfer roll 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between itself and the back roll 25, thereby secondary transferring the toner image onto the paper K that is transported to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0146] Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, so as to be able to move toward and away from the intermediate transfer belt 15. This cleaner removes residual toner and paper dust from the intermediate transfer belt 15 after secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0147] The intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer section 10 (primary transfer roll 16), and the secondary transfer section 20 (secondary transfer roll 22) are examples of transfer means.

[0148] Meanwhile, upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 is provided that generates a reference signal, which serves as a reference for determining the image forming timing in each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. This reference sensor 42 recognizes a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. Based on the recognition of this reference signal, each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is configured to start image forming according to instructions from the control unit 40. Furthermore, an image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is located downstream of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0149] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes, as a means for transporting paper K, a paper storage section 50 for storing paper K, a paper feed roll 51 for taking out and transporting the paper K accumulated in the paper storage section 50 at a predetermined timing, a transport roll 52 for transporting the paper K fed out by the paper feed roll 51, a transport guide 53 for sending the paper K transported by the transport roll 52 to the secondary transfer section 20, a transport belt 55 for transporting the paper K that has been secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roll 22 to the fixing device 60, and a fixing inlet guide 56 for guiding the paper K to the fixing device 60.

[0150] Next, the basic image formation 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 processed by an image processing device (not shown), and then image formation is performed by image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0151] The image processing device performs various image processing operations on the input image data, including shading correction, positional shift correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame removal, color editing, and movement editing. The processed image data is converted into four-color chromatic data (Y, M, C, K) and output to the laser exposure unit 13.

[0152] In the laser exposure unit 13, according to the input color tone data, an exposure beam Bm emitted from, for example, a semiconductor laser is irradiated onto each of the photoreceptors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. After the surface of each photoreceptor 11 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 unit 13, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The formed electrostatic latent image is then developed as toner images of the respective colors Y, M, C, and K by the respective image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

[0153] The toner images formed on the photoreceptors 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 photoreceptor 11 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 15. More specifically, in the primary transfer section 10, a primary transfer roll 16 applies a voltage (primary transfer bias) with the opposite polarity to the toner's charge polarity (negative polarity) to the substrate of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the toner images are sequentially superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform primary transfer.

[0154] After the toner image is sequentially transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves and the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer section 20. When the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer section 20, the transport mechanism rotates the paper feed roll 51 in time with the transport of the toner image to the secondary transfer section 20, and paper K of the desired size is supplied from the paper storage section 50. The paper K supplied by the paper feed roll 51 is transported by the transport roll 52 and reaches the secondary transfer section 20 via the transport guide 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer section 20, the paper K is temporarily stopped, and the position of the paper K and the position of the toner image are aligned by rotating the alignment roll (not shown) in time with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 15 holding the toner image.

[0155] In the secondary transfer section 20, the secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the back roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper K, which has been transported in sync with the timing, is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. 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. The unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is then transferred by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. In the secondary transfer section 20, which is pressurized, the material is electrostatically transferred onto the paper K all at once.

[0156] Subsequently, the paper K on which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is peeled off the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22 and transported to the transport belt 55 located downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the paper transport direction. The transport belt 55 transports the paper K to the fuser 60 at an optimal transport speed for the fuser 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper K transported to the fuser 60 is fixed to the paper K by the fuser 60 through a fixing process using heat and pressure. The paper K with the fixed image then transported to the paper discharge and storage section (not shown) located in the discharge section of the image forming apparatus.

[0157] Meanwhile, after the transfer to paper K is completed, any 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.

[0158] • Control of image forming apparatus In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, it is preferable to sufficiently heat the fixing belt member with a heating member before fixing the toner image on the recording medium, from the viewpoint of improving the fixing performance of the toner image. For this reason, it is preferable to control the drive of the fixing device after receiving the print signal by, for example, the following method.

[0159] After receiving a print signal, the pressure roll member is moved to a position where it contacts the outer surface of the fixing belt member. After the pressure roll member moves, the heating member is heated to a predetermined temperature. After the heating member reaches the predetermined temperature, the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a lower speed than during image fixing. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drive, a print permission notification is issued, causing the recording medium to pass between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member, where heating and pressurizing are performed to fix the toner image.

[0160] The control method described above will now be explained in detail. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the drive flow of the fuser device when a print start instruction is received in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0161] In step 200, the control unit in the image forming apparatus receives a print signal, i.e., a print start instruction. The receipt of the print start instruction triggers the start of drive control of the fuser unit.

[0162] In step 202, the pressure roll member (roll member 412 in Figure 2) is moved to a position where it is in contact with the outer surface (i.e., the outer surface of the surface layer) of the fixing belt member (heating belt 432 in Figure 2).

[0163] In step 204, the heating element (planar heating element 440 in Figure 2) is heated. At this time, it is preferable to heat the heating element sufficiently. Specifically, it is preferable to heat the surface of the heating element that is in contact with the fixing belt member until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 100°C).

[0164] In step 206, it is determined whether the temperature of the surface of the heating element that is in contact with the fixing belt member has reached a predetermined temperature. If this determination is negative, the process returns to step 204 and the heating element continues to generate heat. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 208.

[0165] In step 208, the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a slower speed than when the image is fixed. By driving them at a slower speed than when the image is fixed, the fixing belt member is sufficiently heated by the heating member. Driving them at a slower speed than when the image is fixed means driving the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member at a speed slower than the driving speed when the recording medium is passed between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member to fix the toner image. Specifically, it is preferable to drive the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member at a speed of half or less of the driving speed when the toner image is fixed, and it is even more preferable to drive them at a speed of one-third or less of the driving speed when the toner image is fixed.

[0166] In step 210, it is determined whether a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the start of low-speed driving of the anchoring belt member and the pressure roll member. If this determination is negative, the process returns to step 208 to continue low-speed driving; if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 212.

[0167] In step 212, a print permission notification is sent to the control unit. By going through steps 200 to 212 described above, the fixing belt member is sufficiently heated, and the fixing of the toner image is improved. When the print permission notification is sent, the image forming apparatus forms a toner image on the recording medium, and the recording medium with the toner image is passed between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member, where it is heated and pressurized. As a result, the toner image is fixed onto the recording medium.

[0168] Although this embodiment has been described above, it is not intended to be interpreted as being limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements may be made. [Examples]

[0169] The embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but this embodiment is not limited to the following examples. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" all refer to mass.

[0170] [Manufacturing of fixing belt components] <Example 1> A siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, specifically a cage-type silsesquioxane compound having a methacryloyl group (SQ1, manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., "TM-100"), was prepared and used as the surface layer coating 1.

[0171] On a φ168 polyimide substrate, an elastic layer of X34-3160-A / B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., was formed to an average film thickness of 500 μm. Next, the surface layer coating 1 was applied as a surface layer and cured by ultraviolet light to form a surface layer on the elastic layer to an average film thickness of 25 μm. In this way, the fixing belt member of Example 1 was obtained.

[0172] <Examples 2 and 3> An anchoring belt member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that SQ1 (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., "TM-100") used in the surface layer of the anchoring belt member was replaced with the compound shown below. Example 2: A siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, a cage-type silsesquioxane compound having an oxetanyl group (SQ2, manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., "SI-20"). Example 3: A siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, a cage-type silsesquioxane compound having an oxetanyl group (SQ3, manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., "TX-100")

[0173] <Example 4> The siloxane compound represented by the above formula 1 is, [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] c Among the three constituent units, R 1 A silsesquioxane compound having a dimethylsilyloxy group (PSS-Octakis(dimethylsilyloxy) substituted, SQ4, manufactured by Nikko Rica Co., Ltd., product name "MSP-SN08", particulate) and a silicone resin solution (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., KS700) were mixed so that the mass ratio of SQ4 to the silicone resin was 15.0% by mass to prepare a surface coating 4.

[0174] In Example 1, a fixing belt member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the surface layer coating 1 used on the surface layer of the fixing belt member was changed to the surface layer coating 4 described above.

[0175] <Example 5> Polycarbonate resin (PC, trade name TS-2040, manufactured by Teijin Limited) was mixed and stirred with tetrahydrofuran (THF, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation), which is a solvent, so that the resin solid content became 15% by mass to prepare a resin solution. Particles of the siloxane compound SQ5 shown below were dispersed in this resin solution using a sand grinder as a dispersing device so that the mass ratio of SQ5 to the polycarbonate resin was 20.0% by mass, to obtain a coating material 5 for the surface layer. In Example 1, a fixing belt member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the coating material 1 for the surface layer used for the surface layer of the fixing belt member was changed to the above coating material 5 for the surface layer. · SQ5: Polymethylsilsesquioxane (trade name MSP-N030, manufactured by Ewa Co., Ltd., particle diameter 0.3 μm)

[0176] <Example 6> In Example 4, SQ4 (manufactured by Nikko Rika Co., Ltd., "MSP-SN08") used for the surface layer of the fixing belt member was changed to the compound SQ5 shown below, and the fixing belt member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the mass ratio of SQ5 to the silicone resin was changed to 1.0% by mass. · SQ5: Polymethylsilsesquioxane (trade name MSP-N030, manufactured by Ewa Co., Ltd., particle diameter 0.3 μm)

[0177] <Comparative Example 1> In Example 1, a fixing belt member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the surface layer of the fixing belt member was changed to a cured layer of PFA resin (manufactured by Toray DuPont, "451HP").

[0178] <Comparative Example 2> A polycarbonate resin (PC, manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, product name "Yupizeta") and silicone particles having no siloxane bonding group (trade name KMP-605, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., particle diameter 2.0 μm) were mixed so that the mass ratio of the silicone particles was 7% by mass to obtain a coating material B2 for the surface layer.

[0179] In Example 1, a fixing belt member was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the surface layer of the fixing belt member was changed to the cured layer of the surface layer coating B2 described above.

[0180] [Measurement of physical properties] For the surface layer of the anchoring belt member obtained in each example, the "surface energy at 25°C" and the "coefficient of linear thermal expansion at 150°C" were measured. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0181] [Evaluation Test] A modified APEOS PORT PrintC5570 (manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.) was prepared as an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device that fixes the toner image by passing the recording medium between a fixing belt member heated by a heating element and a pressure roll member, and by bringing the fixing belt member into contact with the toner image on the recording medium to heat and pressurize it. The fixing belt member obtained in each example was mounted on the fixing belt member of the fixing device of this modified machine. While outputting an image on A4 paper in the SEF (short edge feed) direction, a solid black image was output on A3 paper every 100 kPV. The same evaluation was carried out up to 1500 kPV, and the image quality and the deformation state of the surface of the fixing belt member were checked. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0182] [Table 1]

[0183] The results shown in Table 1 indicate that, compared to the comparative example, the embodiment maintains the release properties of the fixing belt member from the toner image, and suppresses the occurrence of image defects caused by wrinkle deformation of the fixing belt member.

[0184] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. << <1> >> A base material, and a fixing belt member having a surface layer disposed on the base material and which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by the following formula 1, A heating member is disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, A pressure roll member is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member, A fixing device having the following features. (R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 ) a (R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 ) b (R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ) c (SiO 4 / 2 ) d (R 2 O 1 / 2 ) e formula 1 (In formula 1, R 1 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, aryl group, and -C(=O)-CR 3 Represents a group represented by 3, or a monovalent organic group having a reactive group. Multiple R 1 These may be the same or different. R 2 R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Multiple R 2 These may be the same or different. R 3 R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. Multiple R 3 These may be the same or different. The monovalent organic group may be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an oxy group. The alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, and aryl group may have substituents. a, b, d, and e are each independently between 0 and 1, c is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1, and a + b + c + d + e = 1. << <2> >> A substrate and a device placed on the substrate with a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The fixing belt member has a surface layer having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C, and A heating member is disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, A pressure roll member is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member, A fixing device having the following features. << <3> >> The surface layer of the anchoring belt member has a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The following is << <1> The fixing device described in >>. << <4> >> The surface layer of the anchoring belt member has a surface energy of 30 mJ / m² at 25°C. 2 The following is << <2> >> or << <3> The fixing device described in >>. << <5> >> The surface layer of the fixing belt member has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C. <1> >> or << <3> The fixing device described in >>. << <6> >> The surface layer of the fixing belt member has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 120 ppm / °C or less at 150°C. <2> >> or << <5> The fixing device described in >>. << <7> >> The aforementioned R 1 At least one of them is a methyl group or a phenyl group. <1> >><< <3> >> or << <5> The fixing device described in >>. << <8> >> The aforementioned R 1 At least one of them is a methyl group. <7> The fixing device described in >>. << <9> >> Image holder and, A charging means for charging the surface of the image holder, A means for forming an electrostatic image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing means that contains an electrostatic image developer containing toner, and develops the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the image holder as a toner image using the electrostatic image developer, A transfer means for transferring the aforementioned toner image to a recording medium, A fixing device according to any one of <<<1>>> to <<<8>>>, wherein the recording medium is passed between the fixing belt member heated by the heating member and the pressure roll member, and the surface layer is brought into contact with the toner image on the recording medium to perform heating and pressing, thereby fixing the toner image on the recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising the same. <<<10>>> After receiving a print signal, the pressure roll member is moved to a position in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member, and after the movement of the pressure roll member, the heating member is heated to a predetermined temperature. After the temperature of the heating member reaches the predetermined temperature, the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a lower speed than during image fixing. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drive, a print permission notification is issued, and the recording medium is passed between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member to perform heating and pressing to fix the toner image. The image forming apparatus according to <<<9>>>.

[0185] According to the invention according to <<<1>>>, <<<7>>> or <<<8>>>, compared with a fixing device having a fixing belt member that does not have a surface layer that is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1, a fixing device in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed is provided. According to the invention according to <<<2>>>, <<<7>>> or <<<8>>>, compared with a fixing device having a surface layer with a surface energy of more than 40 mJ / m at 25°C or a surface layer with a linear thermal expansion coefficient of more than 130 ppm / °C at 150°C, a fixing device in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed while maintaining releasability with respect to the toner image is provided. 2 超である表面層、又は150℃における線熱膨張率が130ppm / ℃超である表面層を有する定着装置に比べ、トナー画像に対する離型性を保持しつつ、定着される画像における画像欠陥が抑制された定着装置が提供される。 According to the invention according to <<<3>>> or <<<4>>>, compared with a fixing device having a surface layer with a surface energy of more than 40 mJ / m at 25°C 2 超である表面層を有する定着装置に比べ、トナー画像に対する離型性に優れた定着装置が提供される。 << <5> >> or << <6> According to the invention described above, a fixing device is provided that suppresses image defects in the fixed image compared to a fixing device having a surface layer whose linear thermal expansion coefficient at 150°C is greater than 130 ppm / °C.

[0186] << <9> According to the invention described above, compared to a fixing device equipped with a fixing belt member that does not have a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by formula 1, an image forming apparatus is provided in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed. Furthermore, the surface energy at 25°C is 40 mJ / m 2 Compared to a fixing apparatus having a surface layer that is greater than or has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of more than 130 ppm / °C at 150°C, an image forming apparatus is provided that suppresses image defects in the fixed image while maintaining the release properties of the fixing belt member from the toner image. << <10> According to the invention described above, an image forming apparatus is provided in which image defects in the fixed image are suppressed compared to cases where the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a lower speed than during image fixing before the temperature of the heating member reaches a predetermined temperature, cases where the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a speed greater than or equal to the driving speed during image fixing after the heating member has generated heat, and cases where a print permission notice is issued before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0187] 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Image Forming Unit 10 Primary Transfer Section 11 Photoreceptor 12 Chargers 13. Laser exposure unit 14. Developer 15 Intermediate transfer belt 16 Primary transfer roll 17 Photoconductor Cleaner 20 Secondary transfer section 22 Secondary transfer roll 25 Back Roll 26 Power supply roll 31 Drive Roll 32 support rolls 33 Tension-applying roll 34 Cleaning back roll 35 Intermediate Transfer Belt Cleaner 40 Control Unit 42 Reference Sensor 43 Image density sensor 50 Paper storage compartments 51 Paper feed roll 52 Conveyor Rolls 53 Conveyor Guide 55 Conveyor belt 56 Fixing entrance guide 60 Fixing device 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Fixing belt member 110A base material layer 110B Elastic layer 110C surface layer 410 Fixing device 412 Roll Member 414 Pressurized section 416 Shaft 418 Elastic layer 420 Release layer 422 Pressure-side resistor 430 Heating section 432 Heating belt 434 Retaining member 436 Groove 440 Planar heating element 452 Frame members 462 Heating section side resistor 470 Pressing area

Claims

1. A base material, and a fixing belt member having a surface layer disposed on the base material and which is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane compound represented by the following formula 1, A heating member is disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, A pressure roll member is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member, A fixing device having the following features. (R １ ３ SiO １／２ ) ａ (R １ ２ SiO ２／２ ) ｂ (R １ SiO ３／２ ) ｃ (SiO ４／２ ) ｄ (R ２ O １／２ ) ｅ Formula 1 (In formula 1, R １ Each of these independently consists of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, and -C(=O)-CR ３ ３ This represents a group represented by or a monovalent organic group having a reactive group. Multiple R １ These may be the same or different. R ２ R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Multiple R ２ These may be the same or different. R ３ R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. Multiple R ３ These may be the same or different. The monovalent organic group may be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an oxy group. The alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aralkyl group, and aryl group may have substituents. a, b, d, and e are each independently between 0 and 1, c is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1, and a + b + c + d + e = 1.

2. A substrate and a material placed on the substrate having a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. ２ The fixing belt member has a surface layer having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C, and A heating member is disposed on the inner surface side of the fixing belt member, A pressure roll member is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member, A fixing device having the following features.

3. The surface layer of the fixing belt member has a surface energy of 40 mJ / m² at 25°C. ２ The fixing device according to claim 1, which is as follows:

4. The surface layer of the fixing belt member has a surface energy of 30 mJ / m² at 25°C. ２ The fixing device according to claim 2 or claim 3, which is as follows:

5. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the surface layer of the fixing belt member has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 130 ppm / °C or less at 150°C.

6. The fixing device according to claim 2 or claim 5, wherein the surface layer of the fixing belt member has a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 120 ppm / °C or less at 150°C.

7. The aforementioned R １ The fixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the groups is a methyl group or a phenyl group.

8. The aforementioned R １ The fixing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the members is a methyl group.

9. Image holder and, A charging means for charging the surface of the image holder, A means for forming an electrostatic image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing means that contains an electrostatic image developer containing toner, and develops the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the image holder as a toner image using the electrostatic image developer, A transfer means for transferring the aforementioned toner image to a recording medium, A fixing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fixing device fixes the toner image to the recording medium by passing the recording medium between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member heated by the heating member, and by bringing the surface layer into contact with the toner image on the recording medium and performing heating and pressurization, An image forming apparatus comprising:

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, after receiving a print signal, the pressure roll member is moved to a position in contact with the outer surface of the fixing belt member, the heating member is heated to a predetermined temperature after the movement of the pressure roll member, the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member are driven at a lower speed than during image fixing after the temperature of the heating member reaches a predetermined temperature, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drive, a print permission notification is issued, thereby passing the recording medium between the fixing belt member and the pressure roll member to heat and pressurize and fix the toner image.

Images