Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a fixing device that reduces surface layer damage to the fixing member and offers excellent toner release properties, even when fixing toner images with large or thick toner images on a recording medium. [Solution] An anchoring device comprising: an anchoring member comprising a base layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base layer, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound; a heating member for heating the anchoring member; and a pressing member disposed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the anchoring member, wherein the surface layer of the anchoring member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 45% or less in an ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "an elastic body formed by an addition-type silicone rubber elastic material, characterized in that 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 resinous organopolysiloxane with a viscosity of 10 poise or more at 25°C, having a block copolymer in the same molecule having a resin segment having two or more vinyl groups and containing at least one of tetrafunctional or trifunctional properties, and a linear oil segment having at least 100 or more consecutive difunctional constituent units." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2617858 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] This disclosure aims to provide a fixing device that reduces scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member and provides excellent toner release properties, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, compared to cases where "the surface layer of the fixing member is made of fluororesin" or "the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied in an ultra-micro load hardness test (= B / A × 100%) exceeds 45%." [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Specific means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A fixing member including a base material layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base material layer, and a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound disposed on the elastic layer; A heating member for heating the fixing member; A pressing member disposed so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member; Comprising; In the surface layer of the fixing member, in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003), the ratio of the indentation amount B when the load is released to the indentation amount A when the load is applied (= B / A×100%) is 45% or less, a fixing device. <2> A fixing member including a base material layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base material layer, and a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber disposed on the elastic layer; A heating member for heating the fixing member; A pressing member disposed so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member; Comprising, a fixing device. <3> The silsesquioxane compound contains a compound represented by the following formula 1, the fixing device according to <1> or <2>. (R , 3 , , 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 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. A plurality of R 1 may be the same as each other or different from each other. R2 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. <4> In formula 1, the reactive group is at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acryloyl group, oxetanyl group, epoxy group, methyl group and phenyl group. <3> The fixing device described above. <5> The elastic layer has an average thickness of 100 μm or more. <1> ~ <4> A fixing device as described in any one of the following. <6> The elastic layer has a JIS-A hardness of 50° or less. <1> ~ <5> A fixing device as described in any one of the following. <7> The average surface pressure in the nip portion formed at the contact point between the fixing member and the pressurizing member is 0.2 MPa or more. <1> ~ <6> A fixing device as described in any one of the following. <8> The surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 40% or less in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003), <1> ~ <7> A fixing device as described in any one of the following. <9> The surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 3% or more and 30% or less in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003), <8> The fixing device described above. <10> Image holder and, A charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing toner, and uses the developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder to form a toner image, A transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, The toner image is fixed to the surface of the recording medium. <1> ~ <9> A fixing device as described in any one of the following, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] <1> , <3> , <4> , <5> , <6> or <7> According to the invention, compared to the case where the surface layer of the fixing member is a fluororesin layer, a fixing device is provided that reduces scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member and has excellent toner release properties, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium. <2> , <3> , <4> , <5> , <6> or <7> According to the invention, compared to a case where the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied in an ultra-micro load hardness test (= B / A × 100%) exceeds 45%, a fixing device is provided in which scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced and the toner release is excellent, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium. <8> According to the invention, the surface layer of the fixing member is less prone to scratches on the surface layer and has excellent toner release properties, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, compared to cases where the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) exceeds 30%. <9> According to the invention, the surface layer of the fixing member is less prone to scratches on the surface layer and has excellent toner release properties, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, compared to cases where the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) is less than 3% or more than 30%. <10> According to the invention, compared to cases where "the surface layer of the fixing member is a fluororesin layer" or "the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied in an ultra-micro load hardness test (= B / A × 100%) exceeds 45%", a fixing device is provided in which scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced and the toner release is excellent, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of the fixing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second embodiment of the fixing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a third embodiment of the fixing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes an example of an embodiment of this disclosure. These descriptions and examples are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. In numerical ranges described stepwise within this specification, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described stepwise. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described within this specification, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples. Each component may contain multiple types of the relevant substance. When referring to the amount of each component in a composition, if there are multiple substances corresponding to each component in the composition, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the total amount of those multiple substances present in the composition. When describing embodiments with reference to the drawings, components having substantially the same function will be given the same reference numeral throughout the drawings, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0009] <Fusing device> The fixing device according to the first embodiment comprises a fixing member having a base layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base layer, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound; a heating member for heating the fixing member; and a pressing member disposed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member, wherein the surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 45% or less in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003).

[0010] The fixing device according to the second embodiment is a fixing device comprising a fixing member having a base layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base layer, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber, a heating member for heating the fixing member, and a pressing member disposed so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member. Hereinafter, matters common to the first and second embodiments will be referred to as this embodiment. Hereinafter, a fixing device comprising "a fixing member having a base layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base layer, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer, a heating member for heating the fixing member, and a pressing member disposed in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member" will be referred to as a specific fixing device.

[0011] In certain fuser devices employing a thermal pressure fixing method, fluororesin is conventionally used on the surface layer of the fuser member to provide toner release properties. However, with conventional fluororesin-containing surface layers, scratches can occur on the fuser member located at the edges or width edges of the recording medium when the recording medium is supplied to the nip formed at the contact point between the fuser member and the pressurizing member. This scratching during recording medium supply is particularly noticeable when the toner image to be fixed is thick or the recording medium has irregularities, as this necessitates increasing the surface pressure at the nip for better fixing. Fixing the toner image with scratches on the surface layer of the fuser member can lead to image quality defects. To suppress the occurrence of scratches during recording medium supply, reducing the surface pressure at the nip for better fixing properties reduces the deformation of the surface layer of the fuser member and thus reduces the occurrence of scratches on the fuser member. However, this tends to decrease toner fixing and toner release properties. Furthermore, the ability to follow the irregularities of the recording medium also tends to decrease.

[0012] Conventionally, a method has been proposed to make the scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member less noticeable by rubbing and polishing it with a roll or the like that which has inorganic particles attached to its surface (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-229792). However, this method has several drawbacks, including the need to set aside polishing periods periodically, the accumulation of wear particles which makes the polishing effect unstable, and the reduction in the film thickness of the surface layer of the fixing member due to polishing, which shortens the lifespan of the fixing member.

[0013] In contrast, the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment, having the above configuration, reduces surface layer damage to the fixing member and provides excellent toner release properties, even when fixing a recording medium with large irregularities (e.g., Lezack 66 paper) or a thick toner image (e.g., a 50% solid toner image of four colors). The mechanism of action is not entirely clear, but it is presumed to be as follows.

[0014] The fixing device according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the surface layer of the fixing member is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber, and the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of the surface layer of the fixing member in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) is 45% or less.

[0015] Silsesquioxane compounds, due to their structural characteristics, possess properties intermediate between inorganic silica and organic silicone. Therefore, surface layers containing the compound represented by Equation 1 possess both inorganic characteristics such as heat resistance and hardness, and organic characteristics such as flexibility and processability. Furthermore, the indentation ratio in the ultra-micro load hardness test is 45% or less. This combination imparts appropriate hardness and elasticity to the surface layer. As a result, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed even during recording medium supply and in response to stress concentration at the thickness of the recording medium and the corners of its cross-section. Consequently, surface layer scratches on the fixing member are reduced, and toner release properties are excellent.

[0016] In the fixing device according to the second embodiment, the surface layer of the fixing member is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber. This combination of silsesquioxane compound and rubber imparts appropriate hardness and elasticity to the surface layer. As a result, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed even when supplying the recording medium and when stress concentration occurs at the thickness of the recording medium or at the corners of the cross-section. Consequently, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent. Furthermore, the fixing device according to this embodiment does not require a reduction in surface pressure at the nip portion from the viewpoint of fixing performance in order to suppress the occurrence of scratches when the recording medium is supplied, and therefore also has excellent ability to follow the unevenness of the recording medium.

[0017] Furthermore, the fixing device according to this embodiment, having the above configuration, provides the surface layer of the fixing member with appropriate hardness and elasticity, thus exhibiting excellent toner fixing performance.

[0018] The following describes each component of the fixing device, but unless otherwise specified for the first or second embodiment, all matters are common to both the first and second embodiments.

[0019] • Nip surface pressure The average surface pressure at the nip portion formed at the contact point between the fixing member and the pressurizing member is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of fixing performance, it is preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less, more preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 0.8 MPa or less, and even more preferably 0.3 MPa or more and 0.6 MPa or less.

[0020] The average surface pressure at the nip portion may be 0.2 MPa or higher. Compared to conventional fixing devices equipped with a fixing member whose surface layer is a fluororesin layer, the fixing device according to this embodiment suppresses the occurrence of scratches during recording medium supply even when the surface pressure at the nip portion is 0.2 MPa or higher, and also exhibits superior toner release properties. Furthermore, because the surface pressure at the nip portion can be set to 0.2 MPa or higher, it also exhibits superior ability to follow the unevenness of the recording medium.

[0021] [Fixing member] The fixing member has a laminated structure in which a base layer, an elastic layer, and a surface layer are laminated in that order. The fixing member is not limited to the above layer configuration, and may, if necessary, have a layer configuration in which, for example, a well-known metal layer for electromagnetic induction heating and its protective layer, as well as an adhesive layer, are interposed between the base layer and the elastic layer. Alternatively, it may have a layer configuration in which an adhesive layer is interposed between the elastic layer and the surface layer. The fixing member according to this embodiment may be in the shape of a roll or a belt.

[0022] (base material layer) When the fixing member is in the form of a roll, the base material layer may be a cylindrical body made of, for example, metal (aluminum, stainless steel, iron, copper, etc.), alloy, ceramics, FRM (fiber-reinforced metal), etc.

[0023] When the fixing member is in the form of a roll, the outer diameter and wall thickness of the base material layer are often, for example, an outer diameter of 10 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. For example, if it is made of aluminum, the thickness is 0.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less, and if it is made of SUS (stainless steel) or iron, the thickness is 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0024] When the fixing member is in the form of a belt, the base material layer may be, for example, a metal belt (e.g., a metal belt made of nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) or a resin belt (e.g., a heat-resistant resin belt made of polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, polybenzimidazole, etc.). Furthermore, the volume resistivity of the resin belt may be controlled by adding and dispersing conductive powder or the like. Specifically, examples of resin belts include polyimide belts in which carbon black is added and dispersed to control the volume resistivity. Another example of a resin belt is one in which the ends of a long polyimide sheet are assembled in a puzzle-like fashion and heat-sealed together using a heat-sealing member to form a belt. When the fixing member is belt-shaped, the thickness of the base material layer is preferably, for example, 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 40 μm or more and 120 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0025] A metal layer may be provided on the base layer as needed. If a metal layer is provided, the metal layer may be formed as a single layer or as multiple layers. A single-layer metal layer may be a metal layer that self-heats due to electromagnetic induction. A multi-layer metal layer may, for example, be formed as a three-layer structure consisting of a base metal layer, an electromagnetic induction metal layer, and a metal protective layer.

[0026] Furthermore, an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the base layer (including a base material on which a metal layer is provided). In other words, the adhesive may be used as needed, and the base layer (or the metal layer on the base material) and the elastic layer may be laminated with the adhesive in between. The adhesive is not particularly limited, but examples include adhesive compounds (adhesives) having hydrogen-bonded silyl groups (-SiH) to which hydrogen atoms are bonded.

[0027] (Elastic layer) The elastic layer is preferably composed of a heat-resistant elastic material that can be deformed by an external force of, for example, 100 Pa, and then restored to its original shape. Examples of heat-resistant elastic materials include fluororesins, silicone resins, silicone rubber, fluororubber, and fluorosilicone rubber. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and insulation, silicone rubber and fluororubber are preferred as heat-resistant elastic materials, with silicone rubber being more preferred.

[0028] 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).

[0029] Examples of commercially available silicone rubber include Dow Corning's liquid silicone rubber SE6744. 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. More preferably, vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups is preferred, and even more preferably, silicone rubber having an organopolysiloxane structure having vinyl groups and a hydrogen organopolysiloxane structure having hydrogen atoms (SiH) bonded to silicon atoms is preferred.

[0030] Examples of fluororubbers include vinylidene fluoride rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubber, phosphophazene rubber, and fluoropolyether.

[0031] Examples of commercially available fluororubber products include Viton B-202 manufactured by DuPont Dow elastmers. The elastic layer preferably contains silicone rubber as the main component as a heat-resistant elastic material (i.e., at least 50% by mass of the elastic layer). The silicone rubber content is more preferably 90% by mass or more, and even more preferably 99% by mass or more.

[0032] The elastic layer may contain not only a heat-resistant elastic material but also inorganic fillers for purposes such as reinforcement, heat resistance, and heat transfer. Examples of known inorganic fillers include, for example, fuzzy silica, crystalline silica, iron oxide, alumina, and metallic silicon.

[0033] In addition to the above, other well-known inorganic fillers include carbides (e.g., carbon black, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, etc.), titanium dioxide, silicon carbide, talc, mica, kaolin, calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, magnesium oxide, graphite, silicon nitride, boron nitride, cerium oxide, and magnesium carbonate. Among these, in terms of thermal conductivity, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, graphite, and boron nitride are the most important. Carbides are preferred.

[0034] The content of the inorganic filler can be determined by the required thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, etc. For example, it can be 1% to 20% by mass relative to the elastic layer, preferably 3% to 15% by mass, and more preferably 5% to 10% by mass.

[0035] The elastic layer may contain additives such as softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.), and functional fillers (alumina, etc.). The thickness of the elastic layer is preferably, for example, 30 μm or more and 600 μm or less, and 100 μm or more and 5 00 μm or less is more preferable.

[0036] The elastic layer may have an average thickness of 100 μm or more, 200 μm or more, 300 μm or more, or 400 μm or more. If the average thickness of the elastic layer of the fixing member is 100 μm or more, a difference in hardness and elasticity tends to occur between the elastic layer and the surface layer provided on top of the elastic layer. This makes it easier for the plastic deformation of the surface layer to occur more significantly when the recording medium is supplied. As a result, when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are more likely to occur. On the other hand, the fixing device according to this embodiment, having the configuration described above, even if the average thickness of the elastic layer of the fixing member is 100 μm or more, and even when fixing a toner image with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, the plastic deformation of the surface layer that occurs when supplying the recording medium is kept to a minimum, and scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are suppressed.

[0037] The JIS-A hardness of the elastic layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 15° to 65°, and more preferably 20° to 55°.

[0038] The elastic layer may have a JIS-A hardness of 50° or less. If the JIS-A hardness of the elastic layer of the fixing member is 50° or less, a difference in hardness between the elastic layer and the surface layer provided on top of the elastic layer is likely to occur, which makes it easier for the plastic deformation of the surface layer to occur when the recording medium is supplied to become larger. As a result, when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are more likely to occur. On the other hand, the fixing device according to this embodiment, having the configuration described above, even if the JIS-A hardness of the elastic layer of the fixing member is 50° or less, plastic deformation of the surface layer that occurs when supplying the recording medium is suppressed to a small extent, even when fixing a toner image with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, thereby suppressing scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member.

[0039] JIS-A hardness refers to the value measured using a Type A durometer specified in JIS K 7215 (1986), in accordance with the hardness test method shown in JIS K 7311 (1995).

[0040] The method for achieving the JIS-A hardness of the elastic layer within the above range is not particularly limited, but known methods include adjusting the molecular weight of the heat-resistant elastic material of the elastic layer; adjusting the degree of crosslinking by incorporating a crosslinking agent; and increasing hardness by including a high-hardness filler. Any of these methods may be used to achieve this.

[0041] The elastic layer may contain other components. Examples of other components include fillers, conductive materials, softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.), and functional fillers (alumina, etc.).

[0042] (Surface layer) In the first embodiment, the surface layer is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound. In the first embodiment, the composition preferably further contains rubber in addition to the silsesquioxane compound. In the second embodiment, the surface layer is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber.

[0043] • Silsesquioxane compounds Silsesquioxane compounds are given by formula (R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ) n This is a general term for compounds having the constituent unit 3' represented by the formula, 1 R represents an organic group, and n represents a positive number greater than or equal to 2. Multiple R groups exist within the constituent unit 3'. 1 These may be the same organic group or different organic groups. The silsesquioxane compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0044] In the three constituent units, R 1 Examples of organic groups represented by include polymerizable functional groups, hydroxyl groups, siloxy groups, hydrocarbon groups, hydrocarbon groups in which one or more methylene groups are replaced by carbonyl groups, hydrocarbon groups in which one or more carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, or sulfur atoms), or groups that combine these.

[0045] Examples of siloxy groups include monoalkylsiloxy groups, dialkylsiloxy groups, and trialkylsiloxy groups. Among these, dialkylsiloxy groups and trialkylsiloxy groups are preferred, with trialkylsiloxy groups being more preferred.

[0046] Examples of hydrocarbon groups include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and aromatic hydrocarbon groups. Among the above, hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms are preferred as aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 15 carbon atoms are more preferred. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or alicyclic. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, or aryl groups.

[0047] Examples of aromatic hydrocarbon groups include phenyl groups, naphthyl groups, and anthracenyl groups. Among these, aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms are preferred, and aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 14 carbon atoms are more preferred. Aromatic hydrocarbon groups may be substituted with substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, alkyl groups, and alkoxy groups.

[0048] As for polymerizable functional groups, R in the compound represented by formula 1 described later is 1 Similar embodiments to the polymerizable functional group represented by can be cited.

[0049] The three-dimensional structure of a silsesquioxane compound may be cage-like, ladder-like, or random. Cage-like silsesquioxane compounds are a concept that encompasses both "incomplete cage-like" compounds, where part of the silsesquioxane skeleton has a cage-like structure, and "complete cage-like" compounds, where the entire silsesquioxane skeleton has a cage-like structure.

[0050] Compound represented by formula 1 The compounds represented by Formula 1 below are a type of silsesquioxane compound that can take on various skeletal structures, with the main chain skeleton consisting of Si-O bonds. The compounds represented by Formula 1 may be one type or two or more types.

[0051] (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

[0052] In formula 1, R 1 This includes hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aralkyl groups, aryl groups, and -C(=O)-CR groups. 3This 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.

[0053] 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 the compound.

[0054] The 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").

[0055] 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.

[0056] The 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 0 and less than or equal to 1. The 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 compound represented by formula 1 may consist only of three constituent units (i.e., c may be 1, and a, b, d, and e may all be 0).

[0057] In Formula 1, the reactive group is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acryloyl group, oxetanyl group, epoxy group, methyl group, and phenyl group; more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functional group, aryl group, and alkyl group; and even more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acryloyl group, oxetanyl group, epoxy group, methyl group, and phenyl group.

[0058] Multiple R in constituent units 1-3 in Equation 1 1 These may be the same or different.

[0059] -Component Unit 1- Constituent unit 1 (that is, "R 1 3SiO 1 / 2 R in the constituent unit represented by " 1 The groups represented are hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aralkyl groups, aryl groups, and -C(=O)-CR 3 3. At least one selected from the group consisting of a monovalent organic group having a reactive group (hereinafter also referred to as a "polymerizable functional group"). 1It is preferable that it has 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 it has at least one selected from the group consisting of a polymerizable functional group, an aryl group, and an alkyl group. Multiple R in this structural unit 1 These may be the same or different.

[0060] R of this constituent unit 1 R may be a hydrogen atom. 1 When the atom is a hydrogen atom, for example, if at least one of the constituent units and another constituent unit comprises an organic group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms (hereinafter also simply referred to as an unsaturated organic group) that contains a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond capable of hydrosilylation and is included in the polymerizable functional group, then a crosslinking reaction can occur between these units.

[0061] R of this constituent unit 1 The alkyl group may 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 alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, even more preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 1 carbon atom, i.e., a methyl group. Specific examples of alkyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms include methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, nonyl group, decyl group, etc.

[0062] R of this constituent unit 1 The group may be an alkenyl group. The alkenyl group may be an aliphatic group, an alicyclic group, or an aromatic group, and may be linear or branched. The number of carbon atoms in the alkenyl group is preferably 1 to 10. Specific examples of alkenyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms include ethenyl (vinyl) group, orthostyryl group, metastyryl group, parastyryl group, 1-propenyl group, 2-propenyl (allyl) group, 1-butenyl group, 1-pentenyl group, 3-methyl-1-butenyl group, phenylethenyl group, allyl (2-propenyl) group, octenyl (7-octen-1-yl) group, and the like.

[0063] R of this constituent unit 1 The group may be an alkynyl group. The alkynyl group may be an aliphatic group, an alicyclic group, or an aromatic group, and may be linear or branched. Preferably, the alkynyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples of alkynyl groups include ethynyl group, 1-propynyl group, 1-butynyl group, 1-pentynyl group, 3-methyl-1-butynyl group, and phenylbutynyl group.

[0064] R of this constituent unit 1 This may be an aryl group. The aryl group preferably has 6 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 6 carbon atoms, i.e., a phenyl group. Examples of aryl groups with 6 to 20 carbon atoms include a phenyl group, a 1-naphthyl group, a 2-naphthyl group, and the like.

[0065] 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. 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.

[0066] R of this constituent unit 1The 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 be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an oxy group.

[0067] As polymerizable functional groups having a (meth)acryloyl group, for example, groups represented by the following formula or groups containing this group are preferred. [ka] 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.

[0068] 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. [ka] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The polymerizable functional group may be a functional group having a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon triple bond that can undergo a hydrosilylation reaction with a hydrogen atom (hydrosilyl group) bonded to a silicon atom. The unsaturated organic group can also function as a polymerizable functional group in the sense that, due to the presence of the hydrogen atom in the hydrosilyl group, it polymerizes with the hydrogen atom by a hydrosilylation reaction to form a hydrosilylation structural moiety. Specific examples of such unsaturated organic groups include the alkenyl groups and alkynyl groups described above. Although not particularly limited, for example, vinyl group, ortho-styryl group, meta-styryl group, para-styryl 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, etc. are exemplified. Such unsaturated organic groups are preferably any of, for example, vinyl group, para-styryl group, allyl (2-propenyl) group, and octenyl (7-octen-1-yl) group, and more preferably vinyl group.

[0071] In addition, in the whole compound represented by Formula 1, it may contain two or more kinds of polymerizable functional groups. In that case, all the polymerizable functional groups may be the same as each other or different. Also, a plurality of polymerizable functional groups may be the same and further contain different polymerizable functional groups.

[0072] R 1 The alkyl group, alkenyl group, and alkynyl group represented by -C(=O)-CR 33. 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The compound represented by Formula 1 comprises one or more of these structural units in combination. In the compound represented by Formula 1, at least some of these structural units are such that, for example, all three Rs 1 are preferably all alkyl groups. Also, for example, it is preferable that all of these structural units have all three Rs 1 as all alkyl groups.

[0075] a, which is the ratio of the number of moles of the structural unit in the compound represented by Formula 1, is a positive number of 0.00 or more and 1.00 or less. The lower limit value of a is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.25 or more, more preferably 0.30 or more, and even more preferably 0.35 or more. The lower limit value of a may be 0.40 or more. The upper limit value of a is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.50 or less, and more preferably 0.45 or less.

[0076] - Structural Unit 2 - R in Structural Unit 2 (that is, the structural unit represented by “R 1 2SiO 2 / 2 ”) is at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, -C(=O)-CR 1 3, and a polymerizable functional group. R 3 in this structural unit may be the same or different. 1 For the alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, -C(=O)-CR

[0077] 3, and the polymerizable functional group, the various embodiments described for Structural Unit 1 are also applicable to this structural unit. 3 For the alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, -C(=O)-CR

[0078] The compound represented by Formula 1 comprises one or more of these structural units in combination. In the compound represented by Formula 1, at least some of these structural units are such that, for example, both of the two Rs 1 are preferably all alkyl groups. Also, for example, it is preferable that all of these structural units have both of the two Rs 1It is preferable that all of them are alkyl groups.

[0079] The ratio of the number of moles of this constituent unit in the compound represented by Formula 1, b, is a positive number between 0.00 and 1.00. 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 0.40 or higher. The lower limit of b is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.50 or lower is preferred, and 0.45 or lower is more preferred.

[0080] -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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The compound represented by Formula 1 comprises one or more of these constituent units in combination. 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.

[0083] c, which is the ratio of moles of this constituent unit in the compound represented by Formula 1, is a positive number between 0.00 and 1.00. c is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably between 0.25 and 1, more preferably between 0.30 and 1, even more preferably between 0.35 and 1, and particularly preferably between 0.40 and 1.00. c may also be 0.50 or higher, 0.60 or higher, 0.70 or higher, 0.80 or higher, 0.90 or higher, 0.95 or higher, 0.99 or higher, or even 1.

[0084] -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 compound represented by Formula 1 is not particularly limited.

[0085] The ratio of moles of this constituent unit in the compound represented by Formula 1, d, is a positive number between 0.00 and 1.00. The lower limit of d is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.25 or higher is preferred, 0.30 or higher is more preferred, and 0.35 or higher is even more preferred. The lower limit of d may also be 0.40 or higher. The upper limit of d is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.90 or lower is preferred.

[0086] -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 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.

[0087] The alkoxy group in this structural unit may, for example, be one that remains in the molecule during the synthesis process of the 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. The value e, which represents the mole ratio of the constituent unit in the compound represented by Formula 1, is a positive number between 0.00 and 1.00. The lower limit of e is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.20 or higher, more preferably 0.25 or higher, and even more preferably 0.30 or higher. The lower limit of e may also be 0.40 or higher. The upper limit of e is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferably 0.90 or lower.

[0088] The 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.

[0089] The content of the compound represented by formula 1 in the total silsesquioxane compound is preferably 80% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, and even more preferably 95% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less.

[0090] The silsesquioxane compound may be in particulate form or non-particulate form such as a binder resin, but it is preferable that it be in non-particulate form (hereinafter also referred to as a non-particulate silsesquioxane resin compound).

[0091] The content of particulate silsesquioxane compounds (hereinafter also referred to as silsesquioxane resin particles) is preferably less than 0.0% or 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.0% or 0.3% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.0% or 0.2% by mass or less, relative to the surface layer.

[0092] When the silsesquioxane resin particle content is less than 0.5% by mass, unevenness in the hardness and elasticity of the surface layer of the fixing member is suppressed. Therefore, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed even when supplying the recording medium and when stress concentration occurs at the thickness of the recording medium or at the corners of the cross-section. As a result, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent.

[0093] When the silsesquioxane compound is a non-particulate silsesquioxane resin compound, the content of the silsesquioxane compound is preferably 10% to 90% by mass, more preferably 15% to 85% by mass, and even more preferably 15% to 70% by mass, relative to the surface layer.

[0094] When the non-particulate silsesquioxane resin compound content is between 10% and 90% by mass, the surface layer is given appropriate hardness and elasticity. Therefore, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed even when supplying the recording medium, and even when stress concentration occurs at the thickness of the recording medium or at the corners of the cross-section. As a result, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent.

[0095] Rubber As for rubber, for example, Examples include polyurethane rubbers such as ester-based polyurethanes and ether-based polyurethanes; silicone rubbers such as polydimethylsilicone rubber (silicone rubber whose main chain is a dimethylorganopolysiloxane structure), methyl vinyl silicone rubber, methylphenyl silicone rubber, and fluorosilicone rubber; fluororubbers such as vinylidene fluoride rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubber, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoromethyl vinyl ether rubber, phosphophazene rubber, and fluoropolyether; chloroprene rubber; butadiene rubber; natural rubber; nitrile rubber; acrylic rubber; isoprene rubber; styrene rubber; ethylene propylene diene rubber; ethylene vinyl acetate rubber; chlorinated polyethylene rubber; epichlorohydrin rubber; polysulfide rubber; styrene butadiene rubber; chloroprene rubber; acrylonitrile rubber; butyl rubber; and ethylene propylene rubber.

[0096] Among the above, the rubber preferably contains at least one of silicone rubber and fluororubber, more preferably contains silicone rubber, and even more preferably contains polydimethylsilicone rubber.

[0097] By making the surface layer of the fixing member a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and at least one of silicone rubber and fluororubber (more preferably silicone rubber, and even more preferably polydimethylsilicone rubber), the silsesquioxane compound and the rubber become mutually compatible or form a micro-island structure. As a result, variations in the release properties of the minute toner melted in the fixing section tend to be reduced. Furthermore, minute variations in the strength and elasticity of the surface layer of the fixing member also tend to decrease.

[0098] The rubber content in the surface layer is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and even more preferably 30% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less.

[0099] When the rubber content is 10% by mass or more, the combination of the silsesquioxane compound and rubber imparts appropriate hardness and elasticity to the surface layer. As a result, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed even when supplying the recording medium and when stress concentration occurs at the thickness of the recording medium or at the corners of the cross-section. Consequently, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent. When the rubber content is 90% by mass or less, excessive elasticity in the surface layer, which can lead to a decrease in hardness, is suppressed. As a result, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed even when supplying the recording medium, and even when stress concentration occurs at the thickness of the recording medium or at the corners of the cross-section. Consequently, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent.

[0100] The mass ratio (silsesquioxane compound / rubber) of the silsesquioxane compound content (mass%) to the rubber content (mass%) in the surface layer is preferably 0.1 to 19.0, more preferably 0.2 to 5.7, and even more preferably 0.3 to 4.0.

[0101] When the mass ratio (silsesquioxane compound / rubber) is 0.1 or higher, excessive elasticity in the surface layer, which can lead to a decrease in hardness, is suppressed. As a result, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed both during the supply of the recording medium and in response to stress concentration at the thickness of the recording medium and at the corners of the cross-section. Consequently, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent.

[0102] When the mass ratio (silsesquioxane compound / rubber) is 19.0 or less, excessive hardness of the surface layer is suppressed. As a result, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed both during the supply of the recording medium and in response to stress concentration at the thickness of the recording medium and the corners of the cross-section. Consequently, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent.

[0103] The composition may further contain other materials besides the silsesquioxane compound and rubber. If the composition is a mixture of another resin and the silsesquioxane compound, the other resin is preferably a so-called binder resin.

[0104] When the composition is a mixture of another resin and a silsesquioxane compound, the silsesquioxane compound is preferably in particulate form. Examples of other resins included in the composition include polyimide resins (PI resins), polyamide-imide resins (PAI resins), polyetherketone resins (e.g., aromatic polyetheretherketone resins), polyphenylene sulfide resins (PPS resins), polyetherimide resins (PEI resins), polyester resins, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, polycarbonate resins, silicone resins, and mixtures thereof.

[0105] The surface layer preferably contains 30% by mass or less of fluororesin relative to the surface layer, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less. The fluororesin content may also be 0% by mass. When the fluororesin content is 20% by mass or less, the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) can be easily adjusted to the aforementioned range. Furthermore, this is preferable from the viewpoint of environmentally friendly manufacturing.

[0106] • Ultra-micro load hardness In the first embodiment, the surface layer has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (=B / A × 100%) in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) of 45% or less, preferably 40% or less, and more preferably 3% or more and 30% or less.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the surface layer preferably has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 45% or less, more preferably 40% or less, and even more preferably 3% or more and 30% or less, in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003).

[0108] When the above ratio in the ultra-micro load hardness test is 45% or less, the surface layer is given appropriate hardness and elasticity. As a result, plastic deformation of the surface layer is suppressed even when supplying the recording medium and when stress concentration occurs at the thickness of the recording medium or at the corners of the cross-section. Consequently, scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced, and the toner release properties are excellent. From the viewpoint of conforming to uneven surfaces, a smaller ratio is preferable, and there is no particular lower limit. From the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in fixing ability and glossiness due to a reduction in the pressure required to deform and melt the toner, the above ratio is preferably 3% or more.

[0109] The method for achieving the above ratio within the above range in the ultra-micro load hardness test is not particularly limited, but one example is a method in which the surface layer is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber (more preferably a compound represented by formula 1 and silicone rubber).

[0110] The measurement of the aforementioned ratio (=B / A × 100%) conforms to the ultra-low load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003). In this case, the key is the characteristics of the surface layer in relation to the amount of deformation (e.g., strain) of the surface layer due to paper thickness and burrs on the paper edges, so the indentation deformation is kept constant and compared within the range of 3 μm to 10 μm. Furthermore, in order to minimize the influence of layers located below the surface layer of the fixing member (i.e., the base layer and elastic layer) during evaluation, measurements are taken using a sample with a layer thickness 10 times the indentation amount. Here, the value used is when the indentation amount is 4 μm and the layer thickness of the evaluation sample is 40 μm.

[0111] • Surface structure in the surface layer The surface layer may or may not have a sea-island structure. The size of the sea-island structure can be controlled, for example, by adjusting the solvent in the coating solution used to form the surface layer; or by selecting materials to significantly adjust the free energy of mixing (i.e., the change in free energy during the process of mixing multiple pure substances to create a solution).

[0112] The sea-island structure in the surface layer is preferably fine, more preferably has a small average spacing between islands, and even more preferably has an average spacing of less than 1 μm.

[0113] The method for confirming the sea-island structure and the method for measuring the "average distance between islands" are as follows. Sections are prepared from the surface layer of the fixing member, and the prepared sections are stained with osmium tetroxide or ruthenium tetroxide in a desiccator. The stained sections are observed with a transmission electron microscope. The sea and island parts of the sea-island structure are distinguished by the difference in density caused by the degree of staining of the resin with osmium tetroxide, and this is used to confirm the presence or absence of the sea-island structure. Then, using a Luzex image analyzer, the shortest distance from the outer perimeter of one island (i.e., the interface with the sea) to the outer perimeter of another island is determined for any 100 island parts, and the arithmetic mean of these distances is taken as the "average spacing between islands."

[0114] When the average distance between the sea area and the island area is small, scratches are less likely to remain even with local stress at the paper edge or in areas where metallic pigments are applied (more specifically, for example, hysteresis loss is reduced). In particular, when the average distance between the sea and island areas is less than 1 μm, the occurrence of local toner offset is further suppressed, and the occurrence of image defects due to a reduction in partial hysteresis loss is further reduced.

[0115] The thickness of the surface layer is preferably, for example, 5 μm to 200 μm, and more preferably 10 μm to 100 μm.

[0116] • Method for forming a surface layer The method for forming the surface layer is not particularly limited, and conventional methods can be applied. The surface layer may be formed on the substrate by, for example, immersing a cylindrical mold on which the fixing belt substrate is installed in a solution of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and a rubber precursor, and curing the coating film (for example, curing the resin component by irradiating it with ultraviolet light and vulcanizing the rubber by heating).

[0117] (Applications of fixing members) The fixing member according to this embodiment can be applied to either a heating belt or a pressure belt, for example. The heating belt may be either a heating belt heated by electromagnetic induction or a heating belt heated by an external heat source. However, when applying the fixing member according to this embodiment to a heating belt heated by electromagnetic induction, it is preferable to provide a metal layer (heating layer) that generates heat by electromagnetic induction between the base material and the elastic layer.

[0118] [Heating component] The heating element heats the fixing element. The heating element is not particularly limited as long as it is a component that applies heat to the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium via the heating of the fixing element, and may be positioned on the inner circumferential surface side of the fixing element or on the outer circumferential surface side of the fixing element.

[0119] Preferably used heating elements include halogen lamps, heated roll fusers, oven fusers, electromagnetic induction heating devices, and resistance heating elements.

[0120] Generally, a heated roll type fixing device is used as a heated roll fixing device, in which a pair of fixing rolls are pressed against each other. In a pair of fixing rolls, for example, a heating roll and a pressure roll are provided facing each other and pressed together to form a nip. The heating roll has a hollow metal core with a heater lamp inside, and an oil-resistant, heat-resistant elastic layer (elastic layer) and a surface layer made of fluororesin or the like are sequentially formed on it. The pressure roll has a hollow metal core with a heater lamp inside, and an oil-resistant, heat-resistant elastic layer and a surface layer are sequentially formed on it, as needed. The toner image is fixed by passing the recording medium on which the toner image has been formed through the nip area formed by these heating rolls and pressure rolls.

[0121] [Pressurizing component] The pressurizing member is positioned so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the fixing member. The pressurizing member may have, for example, a laminated structure in which a base layer, an elastic layer, and a release layer are laminated in that order.

[0122] The pressurizing member may, if necessary, have a layer configuration in which, for example, a well-known metal layer for electromagnetic induction heating and its protective layer, as well as an adhesive layer, are interposed between the base layer and the elastic layer. Alternatively, it may have a layer configuration in which an adhesive layer is interposed between the elastic layer and the surface layer.

[0123] The pressurizing member according to this embodiment may be in the shape of a roll or a belt. If the pressurizing member is in the form of a roll, the pressurizing member may, for example, have a heating element such as a halogen lamp inside and include a metal shaft portion extending in the depth direction of the device, a cylindrical elastic layer through which the shaft portion passes, and a release layer covering the elastic layer. The shaft portion is composed of a cylindrical metal body, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0124] As for the elastic layer, a preferred embodiment is one that is the same as the elastic layer in the aforementioned fixing member.

[0125] The release layer is composed of, for example, fluororubber, silicone rubber, fluororesin, or silicone resin with a thickness of 20 μm to 50 μm. Of course, it is not limited to these, and may be composed of conventionally known materials.

[0126] When the pressurizing member is belt-shaped (hereinafter referred to as the pressurizing belt), the pressurizing member is composed of, for example, at least a resin. This resin is a heat-resistant resin. "Heat-resistant" means that it does not melt or decompose even when the temperature of the fixing device is reached (e.g., the fixing temperature). The same applies hereafter.

[0127] The pressure belt may be a single layer of resin substrate, a laminate having a resin substrate layer, an elastic layer provided on the resin substrate layer, and a release layer provided on the elastic layer, or a laminate having a resin substrate layer and a release layer provided on the resin substrate layer. The resin substrate layer may optionally contain a conductive material in addition to the resin.

[0128] A preferred embodiment of the resin contained in the resin substrate layer is one that is the same as that used in the substrate layer of the fixing member.

[0129] Below, the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described as follows: as the first embodiment, a fixing apparatus equipped with a heating roll and a pressure belt; as the second embodiment, a fixing apparatus equipped with a heating belt and a heating roll; and as the third embodiment, an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing apparatus equipped with a heating belt and a heating roll.

[0130] Furthermore, the fixing device according to this embodiment is not limited to the first to third embodiments, and may be a fixing device equipped with a heating roll or heating belt and a pressure belt.

[0131] (First embodiment of the fixing device) A first embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 60).

[0132] As shown in Figure 1, the fixing device 60 is configured to include, for example, a rotating heating roll 61 (an example of a first rotating body), a pressure belt 62 (an example of a second rotating body), and a pressure pad 64 (an example of a pressing member) that presses the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62. The pressure pad 64 only needs to be relatively pressurized, for example, by the pressure belt 62 and the heating roll 61. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 may be pressed against the heating roll 61, or the heating roll 61 may be pressed against the pressure belt 62.

[0133] A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating device) is installed inside the heating roll 61. The heating device is not limited to a halogen lamp; other heat-generating components may be used.

[0134] Meanwhile, a temperature-sensing element 69 is positioned in contact with the surface of the heating roll 61. Based on the temperature measured by this temperature-sensing element 69, the illumination of the halogen lamp 66 is controlled to maintain the surface temperature of the heating roll 61 at a target set temperature (e.g., 150°C). The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported, for example, by an internally positioned pressure pad 64 and a belt travel guide 63. In the clamping region N (nip portion), it is pressed against the heating roll 61 by the pressure pad 64.

[0135] The pressure pad 64 is positioned, for example, inside the pressure belt 62, and is pressed against the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62, forming a clamping area N between it and the heating roll 61.

[0136] The pressing pad 64 includes, for example, a front clamping member 64a positioned on the entrance side of the clamping area N to secure a wide clamping area N, and a peeling clamping member 64b positioned on the exit side of the clamping area N to impart distortion to the heating roll 61.

[0137] To reduce the sliding resistance between the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62 and the pressure pad 64, for example, a sheet-like sliding member 68 is provided on the surfaces of the front clamping member 64a and the peeling clamping member 64b that are in contact with the pressure belt 62. The pressure pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held together by a metal retaining member 65.

[0138] The sliding member 68 is provided, for example, so that its sliding surface contacts the inner circumferential surface of the pressure belt 62, and is involved in retaining and supplying the oil present between it and the pressure belt 62. For example, a belt travel guide 63 is attached to the holding member 65, and the pressure belt 62 rotates within it. The heating roll 61 rotates in the direction of arrow S by, for example, a drive motor (not shown), and the pressure belt 62 rotates in the direction of arrow R, opposite to the direction of rotation of the heating roll 61, in accordance with this rotation. That is, for example, while the heating roll 61 rotates clockwise in Figure 1, the pressure belt 62 rotates counterclockwise. Then, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) having an unfixed toner image is guided, for example, by a fuser entrance guide 56 and transported to the sandwiching area N. As the paper K passes through the sandwiching area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the sandwiching area N.

[0139] In the fixing device 60, for example, a concave front clamping member 64a that conforms to the outer surface of the heating roll 61 ensures a wider clamping area N compared to a configuration without the front clamping member 64a. Furthermore, the fixing device 60 is configured such that, for example, the peeling and clamping member 64b is positioned to protrude from the outer surface of the heating roll 61, thereby increasing the localized distortion of the heating roll 61 in the exit region of the clamping region N.

[0140] By arranging the peeling and clamping member 64b in this manner, for example, when the fixed paper K passes through the peeling and clamping region, it will pass through a locally large amount of strain, making it easier for the paper K to peel off from the heating roll 61.

[0141] As an auxiliary device for peeling, for example, a peeling member 70 is provided downstream of the clamping area N of the heating roll 61. The peeling member 70 is held by a holding member 72 in a position where the peeling claws 71 are in close proximity to the heating roll 61 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roll 61 (counter direction).

[0142] (Second embodiment of the fixing device) A second embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 80). As shown in Figure 2, the fixing device 80 is configured to include, for example, a fixing belt module 86 equipped with a heating belt 84 (an example of a first rotating body) and a pressure roll 88 (an example of a second rotating body) pressed against the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86). A pinching region N (nip portion) is formed at the contact point between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roll 88. In the pinching region N, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) is pressurized and heated to fix the toner image.

[0143] The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, an endless heating belt 84, a heating and pressing roll 89 around which the heating belt 84 is wrapped on the pressure roll 88 side and which is rotationally driven by the rotational force of a motor (not shown) and presses the heating belt 84 toward the pressure roll 88 side from its inner circumferential surface, and a support roll 90 which supports the heating belt 84 from the inside at a position different from the heating and pressing roll 89.

[0144] The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, a support roll 92 positioned outside the heating belt 84 to define its circumferential path, a posture correction roll 94 that corrects the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating pressure roll 89 to the support roll 90, and a support roll 98 that applies tension to the heating belt 84 from its inner circumferential surface downstream of the clamping region N formed by the heating belt 84 and the pressure roll 88.

[0145] The fixing belt module 86 is provided such that, for example, a sheet-like sliding member 82 is interposed between the heating belt 84 and the heating pressure roll 89. The sliding member 82 is provided such that, for example, its sliding surface is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt 84, and is involved in holding and supplying the oil present between it and the heating belt 84. Here, the sliding member 82 is provided such that, for example, both ends are supported by support members 96.

[0146] Inside the heated pressing roll 89, for example, a halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating device) is provided.

[0147] The support roll 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and inside A halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating device) is installed to heat the heating belt 84 from the inner circumferential side. Spring members (not shown) are provided at both ends of the support roll 90, for example, to press the heating belt 84 outwards. The support roll 92 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and a release layer made of fluororesin with a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the surface of the support roll 92. The release layer on the support roll 92 is formed, for example, to prevent toner or paper dust from the outer surface of the heating belt 84 from accumulating on the support roll 92. Inside the support roll 92, for example, a halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating device) is provided to heat the heating belt 84 from the outer surface side. In other words, for example, the heating belt 84 is heated by the heating and pressing roll 89, the support roll 90, and the support roll 92.

[0148] The posture correction roll 94 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and an end position measuring mechanism (not shown) for measuring the end position of the heating belt 84 is located near the posture correction roll 94.

[0149] The posture correction roll 94 is equipped with, for example, an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) that displaces the contact position of the heating belt 84 in the axial direction according to the measurement results of the end position measuring mechanism, and is configured to control the meandering of the heating belt 84.

[0150] On the other hand, the pressure roll 88 is, for example, rotatably supported and pressed against the portion of the heating belt 84 that is wound around the heating pressure roll 89 by a biasing device such as a spring (not shown). As a result, as the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89) of the fixing belt module 86 rotates in the direction of arrow S, the pressure roll 88 rotates in the direction of arrow R, following the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89).

[0151] The paper K, which has an unfixed toner image (not shown), is then transported in the direction of arrow P and guided to the clamping area N of the fixing device 80. As the paper K passes through the clamping area N, the unfixed toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the clamping area N.

[0152] In the fixing device 80, a halogen heater (halogen lamp) was described as one example of a heating device, but the device is not limited to this. Other heating elements such as radiant lamps (heating elements that emit radiation (infrared rays, etc.)) and resistive heating elements (heating elements that generate Joule heat by passing an electric current through a resistor: for example, those made by forming a resistive film on a ceramic substrate and firing it) may also be used.

[0153] (Third embodiment of the fixing device) A third embodiment of the fixing device will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the third embodiment of the fixing device (i.e., fixing device 200).

[0154] As shown in Figure 3, the fixing device 200 is an electromagnetic induction type fixing device equipped with a belt 220 in which the belt 220 has a metal layer.

[0155] In the fixing device 200, a pressure roll (pressure member) 211 is positioned to apply pressure to a portion of the belt 220, and a contact area (nip) is formed between the belt 220 and the pressure roll 211 for efficient fixing, and the belt 220 is curved to conform to the circumferential surface of the pressure roll 211. Furthermore, a bent portion is formed at the end of the contact area (nip) where the belt bends, in order to ensure the release of the recording medium.

[0156] The pressure roll 211 is constructed by forming an elastic layer 211B made of silicone rubber or the like on a base material 211A, and further forming a release layer 211C made of a fluorine-based compound on the elastic layer 211B.

[0157] Inside the belt 220, an opposing member 213 is positioned opposite the pressure roll 211. The opposing member 213 is made of metal, heat-resistant resin, heat-resistant rubber, etc., and has a pad 213B that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt 220 to locally increase pressure, and a support 213A that supports the pad 213B.

[0158] An electromagnetic induction heating device 212, which incorporates an electromagnetic induction coil (excitation coil) 212a, is provided at a position opposite the pressure roll 211 (an example of a pressure member) with respect to the belt 220. The electromagnetic induction heating device 212 changes the magnetic field generated by applying an alternating current to the electromagnetic induction coil in an excitation circuit, thereby generating eddy currents in a metal layer (not shown) of the belt 220 (for example, an electromagnetic induction metal layer). These eddy currents are converted into heat (Joule heat) by the electrical resistance of the metal layer (not shown), resulting in the surface of the belt 220 heating up.

[0159] The position of the electromagnetic induction heating device 212 is not limited to the position shown in Figure 3. For example, it may be installed upstream of the contact area of ​​the belt 220 in the rotation direction B, or it may be installed inside the belt 220.

[0160] In the fixing device 200, a driving force is transmitted by a drive device to a gear fixed to the end of the belt 220, causing the belt 220 to rotate on its own in the direction of arrow B, and as the belt 220 rotates, the pressure roll 211 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow C. The recording medium 215 on which the unfixed toner image 214 is formed is passed in the direction of arrow A through the contact area (nip) between the belt 220 and the pressure roll 211 in the fixing device 200, and the unfixed toner image 214 is fixed to the recording medium 215 by pressure applied while in a molten state.

[0161] <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, an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image holder, a developing device that contains a developer containing toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder with the developer to form a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium, and a fixing device for fixing the toner image to the surface of a recording medium. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, either the transfer apparatus according to this embodiment is applied as the transfer apparatus, or the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment is applied as the fixing apparatus. Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the transfer apparatus according to this embodiment may be applied as the transfer apparatus, and the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment may be applied as the fixing apparatus.

[0162] In this embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the transfer device and the fixing device may each be made into cartridges that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. In other words, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment may include the transfer device and the fixing device according to this embodiment as components of the process cartridge.

[0163] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, is an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus, generally called a tandem type, and comprises a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K in which toner images of each color component are formed by an electrophotographic method, and each image forming unit The image forming apparatus 100 comprises a primary transfer unit 10 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color component formed by 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). 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.

[0164] Around the photoreceptor 11, a charger 12 is provided as an example of a charging device to charge the photoreceptor 11, and a laser exposure unit 13 (indicated by the symbol Bm in the figure) is provided as an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device to write an electrostatic latent image onto the photoreceptor 11. Furthermore, surrounding the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a developing device, is a developing unit 14 which contains toners for each color component and visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 using the toners, 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. 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).

[0165] 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. Specifically, the intermediate transfer belt 15 may be an intermediate transfer body made of the member according to the above embodiment. In this case, the volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer belt 15 is 10 6 Ωcm or more 10 14 It is formed to be less than or equal to Ωcm, and its thickness is preferably, for example, about 0.1 mm.

[0166] 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 4 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.

[0167] 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 body and a sponge layer, which serves as an elastic layer, fixed around the core body. The core body is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. This is a cylindrical rod. The sponge layer is made of a blend of NBR, SBR, and EPDM rubber containing conductive agents 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.

[0168] 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 charge polarity of the toner (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 superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15. 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.

[0169] 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. On the other hand, the secondary transfer roll 22 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 agent such as carbon black, and has a volume resistivity of 10 7.5 Ωcm or more 10 8.5 It is a sponge-like cylindrical roll with a diameter of Ωcm or less.

[0170] 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. 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. 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 a transfer apparatus.

[0171] 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.

[0172] Furthermore, an image density sensor 43 for image quality adjustment is located downstream of the black image forming unit 1K.

[0173] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the transport device for transporting the paper K includes a paper storage section 50 for storing the 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, and a secondary transfer section 20 for transporting the paper K transported by the transport roll 52. The system includes a transport guide 53 that feeds the paper into the fuser, a transport belt 55 that transports the paper K, which has been secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roll 22, to the fuser 60, and a fuser inlet guide 56 that guides the paper K to the fuser 60. Next, the basic image formation process of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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. 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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 device 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.

[0178] 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) with the same polarity as the charge polarity (negative polarity) of the toner is applied from the power supply roll 26, a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. Then, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred all at once onto the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20, which is pressed by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. Subsequently, the paper K on which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22 and transported as is to the transport belt 55 located downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the paper transport direction. The transport belt 55 is connected to the fixing device 60. The paper K is transported to the fuser unit 60 at the optimal transport speed. The unfixed toner image on the paper K transported to the fuser unit 60 is fixed to the paper K by the fuser unit 60 using heat and pressure. The paper K with the fixed image formed is then transported to the paper discharge and storage unit (not shown) located in the discharge section of the image forming apparatus.

[0179] 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. 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 are possible. [Examples]

[0180] Examples are described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" all refer to mass.

[0181] <Manufacturing of fixing belts> • Preparation of fixing belts 1-4 and 13-17 A surface layer forming solution was prepared containing the types and amounts of silsesquioxane compounds shown in Table 1, 10% by mass of heptane, and 60% by mass of dimethylorganopolysiloxane (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., X34-1053-A / B). On a φ168 polyimide substrate layer, X34-2086-A / B, also from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., was formed as an elastic layer to the JIS-A hardness and average thickness shown in Table 1. Subsequently, the surface layer forming solution was coated onto the elastic layer to a thickness of 30 μm, and then the surface layer was cured through a heating process to obtain a fixed belt.

[0182] • Fabrication of fixing belt 5: Example using fluororubber A surface layer forming solution was prepared containing the types and amounts of silsesquioxane compounds shown in Table 1, 10% by mass of heptane, and the amount of peroxide vulcanization type G-952 (manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.) shown in Table 1. On a polyimide base material layer with a diameter of φ168, as an elastic layer, X34-2086-A / B manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. was formed to have the JIS-A hardness (referred to as rubber hardness in the table) and average thickness shown in Table 1. Subsequently, a surface layer forming solution was coated on the elastic layer to a film thickness of 30 μm as a surface layer, and then the surface layer was cured through a heating process to obtain a fixing belt.

[0183] · Preparation of fixing belt 6 In the preparation of fixing belt 1, except that the average thickness of the elastic layer was set to the specifications shown in Table 1, fixing belt 6 was obtained with the same specifications as fixing belt 1.

[0184] · Preparation of fixing belt 7 In the preparation of fixing belt 1, except that the JIS-A hardness (referred to as rubber hardness in the table) of the elastic layer was set to the specifications shown in Table 1, fixing belt 7 was obtained with the same specifications as fixing belt 1.

[0185] · Preparation of fixing belts 8 to 20 In the preparation of fixing belt 1, except that the type and amount of the silsesquioxane compound and the type and amount of the rubber were set to the specifications shown in Table 1, each fixing belt was obtained with the same specifications as fixing belt 1.

[0186] When the surface of the surface layer in fixing belts 1 to 20 was observed by the above-mentioned measurement method, it was found that all fixing belts had a sea-island structure. Specifically, in the surface layers of fixing belts 3, 5 to 12, 15, and 17 to 19, the average interval between the island parts was in the range exceeding 0.7 μm and less than 1 μm, and in the surface layers of fixing belts 1, 2, 4, 13, 14, 16, and 20, the average interval between the island parts was 0.7 μm.

[0187] The amount of the silsesquioxane compound in the fixing belt of each example is shown in Table 1.

[0188] The abbreviations shown in Table 1 are as follows. - Silsesquioxane compound - · SQ1: "R 1 SiO 3 / 2 "n Among the structural units 3, a silsesquioxane compound in which R is a methyl group (manufactured by Kojima Chemical Co., Ltd., SR-13H) · SQ2: A cage-type silsesquioxane compound having an oxetanyl group (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., OX-SQ SI-20) · SQ3: A cage-type silsesquioxane compound having a methacryloyl group (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., TM-100) · SQ4: A cage-type silsesquioxane compound having an oxetanyl group (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., TX-100) · SQ5: A silsesquioxane compound having an acryloyl group (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., TA-100) · SQ6: In the compound represented by Formula 1, R in the structural units 1 to 3 1 A silsesquioxane compound in which the group represented by has a phenyl group · SQ7: A ladder-type silsesquioxane compound having an oxetanyl group · SQ8: A random-type silsesquioxane compound having an oxetanyl group

[0189] · Preparation of the fixing belt C1 for comparative example On a polyimide base material layer with a diameter of φ168, as an elastic layer, X34-2086-A / B manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. was formed so as to have the JIS-A hardness and average thickness shown in Table 1. Subsequently, on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer, as a fluororesin surface layer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether resin (PFA resin, 451-HPJ) manufactured by Mitsui-DuPont Fluoro Chemical Co., Ltd. was tube-shaped into a PFA tube with a thickness of 35 μm and an outer diameter of φ166 mm by extrusion molding, and then depressurized and expanded. After coating on the above elastic layer, it was heated at a predetermined temperature and then cooled to room temperature to form a surface layer, and the fixing belt C1 for comparative example was obtained.

[0190] All of the silsesquioxane compounds of SQ1 to SQ8 correspond to the compound represented by Formula 1.

[0191] In Table 1, "monolayer" in the "morphology" column for silsesquioxane compounds refers to the silsesquioxane compound being included in a non-particulate form, such as a binder resin. In Table 1, "Indentation Ratio B / A" refers to the ratio (=B / A × 100%) of the indentation amount B when the load is released to the indentation amount A when the load is applied in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) on the surface layer of the fixing member. In Table 1, "Mass ratio (Si / rubber)" refers to the mass ratio of the silsesquioxane compound to the rubber in the surface layer of the fixing member. In Table 1, "average surface pressure of the nip" refers to the average surface pressure at the nip formed at the contact point between the fixing belt and the pressure roll.

[0192] <Fabrication of fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus; Examples 1-21 and Comparative Example 1> Each fixing belt was mounted on the fixing unit of a Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. image forming machine (Revoria Press PC1120). This fixing unit has the configuration shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, this image forming machine has the configuration shown in Figure 4. The average surface pressure at the nip portion formed at the contact point between the fixing belt and the pressure roll in each example is shown in Table 1.

[0193] <Evaluation of paper penetration damage> Using the image forming apparatus and J-paper (manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.) for each example, initial image quality defects (offset and paper intrusion scratches) were evaluated using halftone images. The evaluation criteria were as follows: After printing 100 sheets of 200gsm thick A4 size paper in portrait mode, a solid image with 50% of each of the four toner colors was printed on A3 size paper, and it was checked whether gloss changes or image defects occurred at the paper edge running position on the A4 size paper. S: No image distortion or gloss degradation was observed visually. A: A slight decrease in gloss was observed visually. B: A decrease in gloss was observed in one location by visual inspection, but it is within an acceptable range. C: A decrease in gloss was observed in 2-3 places upon visual inspection, but it was within an acceptable range. D: Image distortion was observed visually.

[0194] <Evaluation of toner release properties> The toner release properties were evaluated using the image forming apparatus for each example as follows: A solid black image was formed on Mirror Coat Platinum 256gsm paper (manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.), and the evaluation was performed by visual observation. The evaluation criteria were as follows: S: No offset defects are visible in the image. A: Some unevenness in gloss is visible in the image, but it is within an acceptable range. B: A slight offset defect is visible in the image, but it is within acceptable limits. C: A slight offset defect is visible in the image, but it is within acceptable limits. D: An offset defect is visible in the image.

[0195] <Evaluation of paper surface conformability> Using the image forming apparatus in each example, images were printed on A4 paper with 50% image density using four different toners at a paper feeding speed of 177 mm / s, including the uneven surface of the paper. Afterward, the fixed image was rubbed with a non-woven fabric wiper, and the degree of fixation was evaluated according to the following criteria. For the A4 paper used, embossed paper with a large surface unevenness (Lezac 66, manufactured by Tokushu Tokai Paper Co., Ltd.) was used. S: The image is fixed to the uneven surface of the paper. A: The image is fixed to the uneven surface of the paper, but there is one area where the fixation is poor when rubbed, although this is within acceptable limits. B: The image is fixed to the uneven surface of the paper, but when rubbed, two areas show poor fixation, although this is within acceptable limits. C: The image is fixed to the uneven surface of the paper, but when rubbed, there are 3 to 4 areas where the fixation is poor, although this is within an acceptable range. D: The image is not fixed to the uneven surface of the paper.

[0196] [Table 1]

[0197] From the above results, it was found that the fixing device of this embodiment has a reduced surface layer damage on the fixing member and excellent toner releasability even when the unevenness of the recording medium is large, compared with the fixing device of the comparative example. Also, it was found that the paper following property is excellent.

[0198] This embodiment includes the following aspects. ((1)) A fixing member including a base material layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base material layer, and a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound disposed on the elastic layer; A heating member for heating the fixing member; A pressing member disposed so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member; Comprising, The surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio (= B / A×100%) of the indentation amount B at the time of load release to the indentation amount A at the time of load application in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) of 45% or less, a fixing device. ((2)) A fixing member including a base material layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base material layer, and a surface layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber disposed on the elastic layer; A heating member for heating the fixing member; ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1 / 2 ) e formula 1 (In formula 1, R 1 This includes hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aralkyl groups, aryl groups, and -C(=O)-CR groups. 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. (((4))) The fixing apparatus according to (((3))) wherein the reactive group in formula 1 is at least one selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acryloyl group, an oxetanyl group, an epoxy group, a methyl group, and a phenyl group. (((5))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))) above, wherein the elastic layer has an average thickness of 100 μm or more. (((6))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))) above, wherein the elastic layer has a JIS-A hardness of 50° or less. (((7))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))) above, wherein the average value of the surface pressure at the nip portion formed at the contact portion between the fixing member and the pressurizing member is 0.2 MPa or more. (((8))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))) above, wherein the surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 40% or less in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003). (((9))) The fixing device according to (((8))) wherein the surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 3% or more and 30% or less in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003). (((10))) Image holder and, A charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing toner, and uses the developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder to form a toner image, A transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, A fixing device according to any one of the above (((1))) to (((9))) for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0199] According to the inventions of (((1))), (((3))), (((4))), (((5))), (((6))) or (((7))), compared to the case where the surface layer of the fixing member is a fluororesin layer, a fixing device is provided in which scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced and the toner release properties are excellent, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium. According to the inventions of (((2))), (((3))), (((4))), (((5))), (((6))), or (((7))), compared to the case where the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied in an ultra-micro load hardness test (= B / A × 100%) exceeds 45%, a fixing device is provided in which scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced and the toner release is excellent, even when fixing a toner image with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium. According to the invention of (((8))), the surface layer of the fixing member is provided with reduced damage to the surface layer of the fixing member and excellent toner release properties, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, compared to when the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) exceeds 30%. According to the invention of (((9))), the surface layer of the fixing member is provided with reduced damage to the surface layer of the fixing member and excellent toner release properties, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium, compared to cases where the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003) is less than 3% or more than 30%. According to the invention of (((10))), compared to cases where "the surface layer of the fixing member is a fluororesin layer" or "the ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied in an ultra-micro load hardness test (= B / A × 100%) exceeds 45%", a fixing device is provided in which scratches on the surface layer of the fixing member are reduced and the toner release is excellent, even when fixing toner images with large irregularities or thickness on the recording medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0200] 60 Fixing device 62 Compression belt 63 Belt Drive Guide 64 Pressure Pads 64a Front clamping member 64b Peeling and clamping member 65 Retaining member 66 Halogen lamps 68 Sliding member 69 Temperature sensing element 70 Release Member 71. Detachable nails 72 Retaining member 80 Fixing device 82 Sliding member 84. Heated belt 86 Fixing belt module 88 Pressure Roll 89A Halogen Heater 89. Heated pressing roll 90A halogen heater 90 support rolls 92A Halogen Heater 92 Support Roll 94 Posture Correction Roll 96 Support member 98 Support Roll 100 Image forming apparatus 200 Fixing device 211 Pressure Roll 212 Electromagnetic induction heating device

Claims

1. A fixing member comprising a base layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base layer, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound, A heating member for heating the fixing member, A pressing member is positioned so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member, Equipped with, The fixing device is characterized in that the surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 45% or less in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003).

2. A fixing member comprising a base layer, an elastic layer disposed on the base layer, and a surface layer disposed on the elastic layer which is a cured product of a composition containing a silsesquioxane compound and rubber, A heating member for heating the fixing member, A pressing member is positioned so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member, A fixing device equipped with the following features.

3. The fixing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the silsesquioxane compound comprises a compound represented by the following formula 1. (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 This includes hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aralkyl groups, aryl groups, 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.

4. The fixing device according to claim 3, wherein the reactive group in formula 1 is at least one selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acryloyl group, an oxetanyl group, an epoxy group, a methyl group, and a phenyl group.

5. The fixing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elastic layer has an average thickness of 100 μm or more.

6. The fixing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elastic layer has a JIS-A hardness of 50° or less.

7. The fixing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the average value of the surface pressure in the nip portion formed at the contact portion between the fixing member and the pressurizing member is 0.2 MPa or more.

8. The fixing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 40% or less in the ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003).

9. The fixing device according to claim 8, wherein the surface layer of the fixing member has a ratio of the amount of indentation B when the load is released to the amount of indentation A when the load is applied (= B / A × 100%) of 3% or more and 30% or less in an ultra-micro load hardness test (JIS Z 2255:2003).

10. Image holder and, A charging device for charging the surface of the image holder, An electrostatic latent image forming apparatus for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, A developing apparatus that contains a developer containing toner, and uses the developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder to form a toner image, A transfer device for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, A fixing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images