Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a fixing device that suppresses toner offset and has high wear resistance for the heating element. [Solution] A heating member having a base material and a surface layer provided on the base material; a pressurizing member that contacts the heating member and pressurizes the pressurizing member; and a peeling claw provided downstream of the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member in the rotational direction of the heating member, which contacts the heating member and peels the recording medium that has passed the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member away from the heating member, wherein the surface layer of the heating member is made of the formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 A fixing device comprising a layer having an organic group, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and containing inorganic particles with an average particle size of 7.0 μm or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In image forming devices using the electrophotographic method (such as photocopiers, facsimile machines, and printers), a toner image formed on the surface of an image holder is transferred to the surface of a recording medium and fixed onto the recording medium to form an image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "a fixing device comprising a fixing member having a core material and a coating layer covering the core material, wherein an abrasion-resistant additive with an average particle size of 1 μm or less is dispersed." Patent Document 1 also describes the provision of peeling claws for peeling the recording medium from the fixing member. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses "an elastic roller for fixing an unfixed toner image supported on a recording material to the recording material, comprising an elastic roller having a core member and an elastic layer formed on the surface side of the core member by an addition-type silicone rubber elastic material." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-310238 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 2617858 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventionally, fixing devices comprising a heating element, a pressurizing element, and a peeling claw (hereinafter also referred to as "specific fixing devices") are known. The heating element is a component having a base material and a surface layer provided on the base material. The pressurizing member is a component that comes into contact with the heating member and applies pressure to the pressurizing member. The peeling claw is provided downstream of the heating member in the rotational direction from the contact area with the heating member and the pressurizing member, and is a peeling claw that contacts the heating member and peels the recording medium that has passed the contact area with the heating member and the pressurizing member away from the heating member. The object of the present invention is that in a specific fixing device, the surface layer of the heating member is of formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The objective is to provide a fixing device having a layer with T units represented by [a specific formula], in which toner offset is suppressed and the heating element has high wear resistance compared to cases where inorganic particles are not included or where inorganic particles with an average particle size exceeding 7.0 μm are included. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the above problems include the following embodiments. <1> A heating element having a base material and a surface layer provided on the base material, A pressurizing member that contacts the heating member and pressurizes the heating member, A peeling claw is provided downstream of the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member in the rotational direction of the heating member, and contacts the heating member to peel the recording medium that has passed through the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member away from the heating member. Equipped with, The surface layer of the heating element is given by formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 A fixing device comprising a layer having an organic group, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and containing inorganic particles with an average particle size of 7.0 μm or less. <2> The content of the T unit in the surface layer is 20% by volume or more. <1> The fixing device described above. <3> The content of the T units in the surface layer is 30% by volume or more. <2> The fixing device described above. <4> The fixing device according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the content of the inorganic particles with respect to the surface layer is 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. <5> The fixing device according to <4>, wherein the content of the inorganic particles with respect to the surface layer is 10% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less. <6> The fixing device according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the inorganic particles are silicon carbide particles. <7> The fixing device according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein a surface layer containing a silicone material is provided on the surface of the contact portion of the peeling claw with the heating member. <8> An image carrier, A charging device for charging the surface of the image carrier, An electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier, A developing device that contains a developer containing toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with the developer to form a toner image, A transfer device that transfers the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, The fixing device according to any one of <1> to <7>, which fixes the toner image onto the surface of the recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising the above components.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention according to <1>, in a specific fixing device, the surface layer of the heating member is a layer having a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m and compared with the case where it does not contain inorganic particles or contains inorganic particles with an average particle size exceeding 7.0 μm, a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating member is high. According to the invention according to <2>, compared with the case where the content of the T unit with respect to the surface layer is less than 20% by volume, a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating member is high. <3> According to the invention, a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating element is high, compared to the case in which the content of T units in the surface layer is less than 30 volume percent. <4> According to the invention, a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is further suppressed and the heating element has higher wear resistance compared to cases where the inorganic particle content in the surface layer is less than 3% by mass or more than 20% by mass. <5> According to the invention, a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is further suppressed and the heating element has higher wear resistance compared to cases in which the inorganic particle content in the surface layer is less than 10% by mass or more than 15% by mass. <6> According to the invention, a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is further suppressed and the heating element has higher wear resistance compared to when the inorganic particles are carbon black. <7> According to the invention, compared to a case where a surface layer containing a silicone material is not provided on the surface of the contact portion of the peeling claw with the heating member, a fixing device is provided in which the generation of black spots is suppressed along with toner offset, and the wear resistance of the heating member is high. <8> According to the invention relating to this invention, in a specific fixing device, the surface layer of the heating member is, formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The present invention provides an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device that has a layer having T units represented by and does not contain inorganic particles, or contains inorganic particles with an average particle size exceeding 7.0 μm, which suppresses toner offset and provides a higher wear resistance of the heating element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes an embodiment that is an example of the present invention. These descriptions and examples are illustrative of embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0010] In the numerical ranges described in stages within this embodiment, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in the numerical ranges described within this embodiment, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples. In this embodiment, the term "process" includes not only independent processes but also any process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as its intended purpose is achieved. In this embodiment, when describing embodiments with reference to the drawings, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of the members in each figure are conceptual, and the relative relationships between the sizes of the members are not limited thereto. In this embodiment, each component may contain multiple types of the corresponding substance. In this embodiment, when referring to the amount of each component in the composition, if there are multiple types of the substance corresponding to each component in the composition, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the total amount of those multiple types of substances present in the composition.

[0011] <Fusing device> The fixing device according to this embodiment comprises a heating member, a pressurizing member, and a peeling claw. The heating element is a component having a base material and a surface layer provided on the base material. The pressurizing member is a component that comes into contact with the heating member and applies pressure to the pressurizing member. The peeling claw is provided downstream of the heating member in the rotational direction from the contact area with the heating member and the pressurizing member, and is a peeling claw that contacts the heating member and peels the recording medium that has passed the contact area with the heating member and the pressurizing member away from the heating member. The surface layer of the heating element is given by formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1The layer has an organic group, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 2. It also contains inorganic particles with an average particle size of 7.0 μm or less.

[0012] The fixing device according to this embodiment, with the above configuration, is a fixing device that suppresses toner offset and has high wear resistance of the heating element. The reason for this is presumed to be as follows.

[0013] In recent years, with the growing awareness of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the development of materials that reduce the burden on the environment is progressing. One such technology is the use of polysiloxane compounds.

[0014] In a fixing device, using a polysiloxane compound as the surface layer of the heating element and employing a surface layer having the above-mentioned T unit improves the release properties of the surface. As a result, toner offset becomes less likely to occur. Toner offset refers to the phenomenon in which toner, after being fixed to the recording medium, adheres to the fixing element. On the other hand, surface layers having the above T units have low wear resistance. In particular, in fixing devices equipped with peeling claws, the surface layer is prone to wear because the heating member rotates while the peeling claws are in contact with the surface layer of the heating member. Therefore, there is a need to improve the wear resistance of the heating member (i.e., the surface layer).

[0015] Therefore, in the fixing member according to this embodiment, inorganic particles with an average particle size within the above range are included in the surface layer having the above T unit. This improves the hardness of the surface layer and enhances wear resistance, while making it less likely for the release properties of the surface layer to be reduced due to the inclusion of inorganic particles.

[0016] Therefore, it is presumed that the fixing device according to this embodiment will have suppressed toner offset and high wear resistance of the heating element.

[0017] The details of the fixing device according to this embodiment are described below.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to this embodiment. The fixing device 60 shown in Figure 1 comprises a heating roll 62 (an example of a heating member), a pressure roll 63 (an example of a pressure member), and a peeling claw 64. A heating source 66 for heating the heating roll 62 is provided inside the heating roll 62. A cleaning device 68 is provided around the heating roll 62 to clean the surface of the heating roll 62.

[0019] In the fixing device 60, the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 63 are arranged to rotate freely. The heating roll 62 is connected to a drive source (e.g., a motor, etc.) not shown via a power transmission member (gear, etc.) not shown. The power generated by the drive source (e.g., a motor, etc.) is transmitted to the heating roll 62 by the power transmission member (gear, etc.). As a result, the heating roll 62 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow C. The pressure roll 63 is positioned by being pressed against the heating roll 62 by a spring or the like (not shown). The pressure roll 63 rotates in conjunction with the rotational drive of the heating roll.

[0020] The peeling claw 64 is positioned downstream of the contact point between the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 63 in the rotational direction of the heating roll 62 (i.e., downstream in the direction of paper P transport). The peeling claw 64 contacts the heating roll 62 and peels the paper P that has passed the contact point between the heating member and the pressure member away from the heating roll 62. This prevents the paper P from becoming entangled in the heating roll 62. To perform this function, the tip of the peeling claw 64 is pressed against the surface of the heating roll 62 by a spring or the like (not shown).

[0021] In the fixing unit 60, the cleaning device 68 cleans toner, paper dust, and other contaminants adhering to the surface of the heating roll 62. In this state, the paper (an example of a recording medium) P on which the unfixed toner image has been transferred enters the contact area between the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 63, which are heated by the heating source 66, via a transport mechanism (not shown). The toner image transferred to the paper P is heated and pressurized at the contact point between the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 63. This fixes the toner image to the paper P. When the fixed paper P is wrapped around the heating roll 62, the paper P is peeled off from the heating roll 62 by the peeling claws 64.

[0022] The main components of the fixing device 60 will be described in detail below.

[0023] (Heated roll) The heating roll 62 is a roll having a base material and a surface layer provided on the base material.

[0024] -Base material- Examples of base materials include cylindrical base materials composed of metals (aluminum, stainless steel, iron, copper, etc.), alloys, ceramics, FRM (fiber-reinforced metal), etc. The outer diameter and wall thickness of the cylindrical base material should, for example, be between 10 mm and 100 mm in outer diameter. In the case of an aluminum cylindrical base material, the thickness should be, for example, between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, and in the case of a SUS (stainless steel) or iron cylindrical base material, the thickness should be, for example, between 0.1 mm and 12 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the substrate. In other words, the adhesive may be used as needed, and the substrate and the surface layer may be laminated via the adhesive. The adhesive is not particularly limited, but examples include adhesive compounds having hydrogen-bonded silyl groups (-SiH) to which hydrogen atoms are bonded.

[0026] -Surface layer- The surface layer is given by formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The layer has T units represented by [a specific formula] and contains inorganic particles with an average particle size of 7.0 μm or less.

[0027] --Formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m T units represented by -- The unit T is given by the formula:[R1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m It is expressed as, in the formula, R 1 represents an organic group, and m represents an integer greater than or equal to 2. In the T unit, in particular, there are multiple R units within the T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 It is preferable that the group comprises at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group, and more preferably a group comprising an alkyl group. 1 The fact that the group contains at least one alkyl group and an aryl group enhances the release properties of the surface layer. As a result, toner offset is more easily suppressed.

[0028] The surface layer has the formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m Along with the T units represented by the formula: (R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ) n The D unit is expressed as (however, in the formula, R 2 and R 3 ) may have an organic group, and n is an integer of 2 or more. If D units are present, a flexible surface layer can be obtained. Furthermore, from the perspective of suppressing toner offset, multiple R units exist within a D unit. 2 and R 3 Of these, at least one R 2 and R 3 It is preferable that the group comprises at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group, and more preferably that it comprises an alkyl group.

[0029] In units T and D, R in the formula 1 , R 2 and R 3 The organic groups include, for example, 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.

[0030] R1 , R 2 and R 3 Examples of siloxy groups represented by the organic group described include monoalkylsiloxy groups, dialkylsiloxy groups, and trialkylsiloxy groups, with dialkylsiloxy groups and trialkylsiloxy groups being preferred, and trialkylsiloxy groups being more preferred.

[0031] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Examples of hydrocarbon groups described using the organic group represented by include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0032] Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups include linear, branched, or alicyclic saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and linear, branched, or alicyclic unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. As the aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is preferred, and a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is more preferred. Aliphatic hydrocarbon groups may be substituted with substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, or aryl groups.

[0033] Aromatic hydrocarbon groups include hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 6 to 14 carbon atoms). Examples of aromatic hydrocarbon groups include phenyl groups, naphthyl groups, and anthracenyl groups. Aromatic hydrocarbon groups may be substituted with substituents such as halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, alkyl groups, and alkoxy groups.

[0034] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 The organic group represented by may have a reactive group. Examples of reactive groups include vinyl groups, allyl groups, styryl groups, maleimide groups, epoxy groups, and (meth)acryloyl groups. In other words, in the surface layer, the T units may be linked together by the reaction of reactive groups with each other.

[0035] Multiple R units exist within the T and D units. 1 , R2 and R 3 These may be the same organic group or different organic groups. However, each of the multiple R units within the T unit 1 , R 2 and R 3 Of these, at least one R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Each of these groups is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Furthermore, each of the multiple R units present within the D unit 1 , R 2 and R 3 Of these, at least one R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Preferably, each of these groups contains at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. In other words, there are multiple R units within a T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 This group is a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Multiple R units exist within the D unit. 2 Of these, at least one R 2 Each of these groups is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Multiple R units exist within the D unit. 3 Of these, at least one R 3 Preferably, the group is one that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Here, from the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group itself or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. In other words, at least one of the multiple R groups present in structure A is preferably an alkyl group or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. From the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkyl group having 1 carbon atom (i.e., a methyl group).

[0036] The preferred group containing the aryl group is either the aryl group itself or an aralkyl group. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl groups and naphthyl groups. The alkyl group in the aralkyl group can be, for example, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The aryl group in the aralkyl group can be a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, etc. Examples of aralkyl groups include a benzyl group, a 1-phenylethyl group, a 2-phenylethyl group, and a 2-methyl-2-phenylethyl group. From the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset, a phenyl group is preferred as the group containing the aryl group.

[0037] From the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset, it is preferable that the proportion of groups containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group be high.

[0038] In the T and D units, m and n in the formula represent integers of 2 or more, but from the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset, it is preferable that they represent integers of 8 or more, and more preferably that they represent integers between 8 and 10,000.

[0039] In T and D units, the lower limit of the ratio of m to n in the formula, m / n, is preferably 100 / 0 or greater, and more preferably 100 / 1 or greater. The upper limit of m / n is preferably 10 / 90 or less, more preferably 20 / 80 or less, and even more preferably 25 / 75 or less. The ratio m / n, that is, the ratio of units in T and D, is measured as follows: Solid 29 The result is calculated using Si NMR, based on the peak ratio between D units (high ppm side) and T units (low ppm side).

[0040] The content of T units in the surface layer is preferably 20% by volume or more, and more preferably 30% by volume or more. When the content of T units in the surface layer is 20% by volume or more, the release properties are improved and toner offset is more easily suppressed. However, from the viewpoint of durability, the content of T units in the surface layer is preferably 80% by volume or less, and more preferably 70% by volume or less.

[0041] The method for measuring the content in units of T relative to the surface layer is as follows: A sample of the surface layer is obtained from the heated component to be measured. The sample is loaded into the measurement rotor of the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (solid-state NMR) analyzer. Then, the radionuclides... 29 The Si content is measured using the DD (Dipolar Decoupling) / MAS (Magic Angle Spinning) method with 64 integration cycles and an MAS rotation speed of 5 kHz. This allows for the measurement of the content in units of T relative to the surface layer.

[0042] Examples of T units include the structure of polymeric compounds called silsesquioxanes, which can take on various skeletal structures. The T unit may have any of the following skeletal structures: a cage-like structure (a complete cage-like structure or a cage-like structure), a ladder-like structure, or a random structure.

[0043] To realize a surface layer having T units, or T units and D units, the surface layer can be made to contain the siloxane compound having the T units, or T units and D units. The meanings of T units and D units in siloxane compounds are as explained above.

[0044] The surface layer may be a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound as its main component (for example, a matrix material that acts as a binder), or it may be a surface layer containing a polysiloxane compound as an additive. Here, the surface layer containing polysiloxane compounds as the main component (for example, a matrix material that acts as a binder) refers to the surface layer with the highest volume of polysiloxane compounds.

[0045] When the surface layer contains a polysiloxane compound as an additive, the polysiloxane compound is preferably in particulate form. The volume-average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is preferably 0.01 μm to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 μm to 5 μm, and even more preferably 0.01 μm to 2.5 μm. In particular, the volume-average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is more preferably 1 μm or less. When the volume-average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound is within the above range, release properties are improved and toner offset is more easily suppressed.

[0046] The volume-average particle size of particulate polysiloxane compounds is measured as follows: A sample is taken from the surface layer. The sample should have a cross-section aligned with the thickness direction of the surface layer as the observation surface. The observation surface of the sample is observed using a scanning electron microscope, and an image is captured. In the image, the area of ​​each primary particle of the polysiloxane compound is measured by image analysis, and the equivalent circle diameter is calculated from this area value. This calculation of the equivalent circle diameter is performed for 100 particles of the polysiloxane compound. The 50th percentile diameter (D50v) at the volume-based cumulative frequency of the obtained equivalent circle diameters is then defined as the volume-average particle size of the polysiloxane compound.

[0047] --Inorganic particles-- Inorganic particles refer to inorganic particles with an average particle size of 7.0 μm or less. If the average particle size of inorganic particles is less than 0.1 μm, the abrasion resistance decreases. If the average particle size of inorganic particles exceeds 7.0 μm, the release properties decrease. From the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset, the average particle size of inorganic particles is preferably 5.0 μm or less, and more preferably 2.0 μm or less. However, from the viewpoint of improving wear resistance, the average particle size of the inorganic particles is preferably 0.5 μm or larger, and more preferably 1.0 μm or larger.

[0048] The method for measuring the average particle size of inorganic particles is as follows: A sample is taken from the surface layer. The sample should have a cross-section aligned with the thickness direction of the surface layer as the observation surface. The observation surface of the sample is observed using a scanning electron microscope, and an image is captured. In the image, the area of ​​each primary particle of the polysiloxane compound is measured by image analysis, and the equivalent circle diameter is calculated from this area value. This calculation of the equivalent circle diameter is performed for 100 particles of the polysiloxane compound. The obtained equivalent circle diameters (μm) are arithmetic mean. The arithmetic mean is then taken as the average particle size of the inorganic particles.

[0049] Examples of inorganic particles include particles of metals, inorganic carbides, inorganic oxides, inorganic sulfides, inorganic nitrides, metal acid salts, carbon materials, and minerals. Examples of metals include aluminum, iron, copper, nickel, gold, silver, platinum, cobalt, zinc, lead, tin, titanium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, etc., or alloys of two or more of these. Examples of inorganic carbides include silicon carbide, boron carbide, and titanium carbide. Examples of metal oxides include silica, titania, alumina, tin oxide, magnesium oxide, and iron oxide. Examples of inorganic sulfides include molybdenum disulfide and zinc sulfide. Examples of inorganic nitrides include boron nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, and titanium nitride. Examples of metal acid salts include barium sulfate, tungsten disulfide, aluminum sulfate, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, aluminum borate, and potassium titanate. Examples of carbon materials include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon fibers, graphite (natural graphite, artificial graphite, etc.), and fullerenes. Minerals include mica, talc, and smectites (hectorite, saponite, stivunsite, bydelite, montmorillonite, etc.).

[0050] Among these, from the viewpoint of suppressing toner offset and improving wear resistance, the inorganic particles are preferably silicon carbide particles, carbon black, and alumina particles, with silicon carbide particles being more preferable. In particular, silicon carbide particles have high thermal conductivity. Therefore, heat is easily transferred to the toner, resulting in better fixation. Furthermore, productivity increases.

[0051] The inorganic particle content in the surface layer is preferably 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and more preferably 3% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less. When the inorganic particle content is within the above range, toner offset is more easily suppressed, and wear resistance is also more easily improved.

[0052] --Binding material-- The surface layer may contain a binder for immobilizing polysiloxane compounds and inorganic particles. Examples of binding agents include heat-resistant release agents. Examples of heat-resistant release materials include silicone resin, silicone rubber, polyimide resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, and polymethylpentene (PMP) resin. Among these, silicone resin and silicone rubber are preferred as heat-resistant release materials. Heat resistance refers to the property of not melting or decomposing even when the temperature of the fixing device is reached (for example, the fixing temperature).

[0053] Examples of silicone resins include methyl-based straight silicone resins, methylphenyl-based straight silicone resins, acrylic resin-modified silicone resins, ester resin-modified silicone resins, epoxy resin-modified silicone resins, and alkyd resin-modified silicone resins. Examples of silicone rubber include RTV (Room Temperature V Examples include ulcanizing silicone rubber, HTV (High Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. Specifically, examples include polydimethyl silicone rubber, methyl vinyl silicone rubber, methylphenyl silicone rubber, and fluorosilicone rubber.

[0054] --Other Additives-- Other additives may be incorporated into the surface layer. Examples of additives include conductive agents, softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), and antioxidants (amine-based, etc.).

[0055] The thickness of the surface layer is preferably 10 μm to 150 μm, and more preferably 20 μm to 100 μm.

[0056] The surface layer may have a structure of two or more layers, each containing T units and inorganic particles. In the case of a surface layer with two or more layers, toner offset can be further suppressed by having a higher inorganic particle content in the lower layer than in the upper layer.

[0057] (Pressure Roll) The pressure roll 63 includes a roll having a base material, an elastic layer provided on the base material, and a surface layer provided on the elastic layer.

[0058] The base material and surface layer of the pressure roll 63 have a similar configuration to those of the base material and surface layer of the heating roll 62. However, the surface layer does not necessarily have to contain a polysiloxane compound having T units. Furthermore, the surface layer does not necessarily have to contain inorganic particles. Also, the surface layer may be a layer containing the above-mentioned heat-resistant release material.

[0059] -Elastic layer- The elastic layer is, for example, an elastic layer that returns to its original shape even when deformed by an external force of 100 Pa. The elastic layer should preferably be a layer that mainly contains a heat-resistant elastic material. Furthermore, a layer containing heat-resistant elastic material as its main component is defined as a layer in which heat-resistant elastic material is the most abundant component among the components that make up the elastic layer.

[0060] Heat-resistant elastic materials are elastic materials that do not decompose even when they reach their settling temperature. Suitable heat-resistant elastic materials include, for example, silicone rubber, from the viewpoint of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and insulation. 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). Examples of commercially available silicone rubber include Dow Corning's liquid silicone rubber SE6744.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The elastic layer preferably contains a heat-resistant elastic material as the main component, with silicone rubber as the main component (i.e., 50% or more by mass relative to the elastic layer). The silicone rubber content is more preferably 90% or more by mass, and even more preferably 99% or more by mass.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.).

[0066] The thickness of the elastic layer is preferably, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably 3 mm to 8 mm.

[0067] (nail detachment) The peeling claw 64 is made of a resin material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The peeling claw 64 is positioned in contact with the heating roll. As a result, toner adhering to the heating roll 62 accumulates on the contact area of ​​the peeling claw 64 with the heating roll. When the accumulated toner forms a certain amount of clump, it redistributes to the heating roll 62, causing black spots to appear in the resulting image. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a surface layer containing a release agent on the surface of the contact portion of the heating roll 62 in the release claw. By providing a surface layer containing a release agent, toner is less likely to accumulate on the contact area of ​​the heating roll 62 on the release claw 64. As a result, the occurrence of black spots in the resulting image is suppressed.

[0068] Examples of release materials include silicone materials, fluororesins, polymethylpentene, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Among these, silicone material is preferred as the release material. In other words, it is preferable that a surface layer containing silicone material is provided on the surface of the contact portion of the release claw with the heating element.

[0069] Suitable silicone materials include polysiloxane compounds having T units. In particular, when a polysiloxane compound having T units is applied to the surface layer, the surface layer is less prone to wear compared to when a fluororesin is applied to the surface layer, and the occurrence of black spots in the image is suppressed over a long period of time. However, as the silicone material, silicone resins, silicone rubbers, etc., other than polysiloxane compounds having T units may be used.

[0070] The hardness of the surface layer provided on the peeling claw 64 is preferably lower than the hardness of the surface layer of the heating roll 62.

[0071] (Cleaning device) Examples of cleaning devices 68 include web-type cleaning devices that have a cleaning web. Examples of cleaning webs include cleaning webs (specifically nonwoven fabrics) made of a mixed material of polyamide and polyester. From the perspective of suppressing wear resistance and reducing toner offset, cleaning webs may contain a small amount of oil. Silicone oil is a typical example of such oil. Specifically, for example, the cleaning device 68 consists of a cleaning web 68A, a feed roll 68B, a winding roll 68C, and a contact roll 68D. The cleaning web 68A consists of a series of strips made of nonwoven fabric impregnated with silicone oil. Any unused portion of the cleaning web 68A is wound onto the feed roll 68B. The end of the cleaning web 68A, which has been pulled out from the feed roll 68B, is wound onto the take-up roll 68C. Then, between the feed roll 68B and the take-up roll 68C, the contact roll 68D presses a portion of the cleaning web 68A from behind, bringing it into contact with the circumferential surface of the heating roll 62. The winding roll 68C is driven by the web drive unit 68E. The feed roll 68B rotates due to the tension transmitted through the cleaning web 68A, causing the cleaning web 68A to gradually advance in the direction of the arrow. In other words, the cleaning web 68A comes into contact with the heating roll 62, and as the heating roll 62 moves in a circular motion, it rubs against the circumferential surface of the heating roll 62 and cleans it. At the speed at which the cleaning web 68A is wound onto the winding roll 68C, the new portion of the cleaning web 68A is pressed against the circumferential surface of the heating roll 62. The web drive unit 68E, which drives the winding roll 68C, controls the advance speed of the cleaning web 68A.

[0072] (Heating source) Examples of heat sources include well-known heat sources such as halogen lamps, ceramic heaters, and carbon heaters.

[0073] <Image forming apparatus> Next, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is The system 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 containing a developer including toner and using the developer to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holder 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. The fixing device according to this embodiment is then applied as the fixing device.

[0074] In this embodiment, the fixing device may be a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. In other words, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment may include the fixing device according to this embodiment as a component of the process cartridge.

[0075] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0076] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms and fixes a monochrome toner image on paper, which is an example of a recording medium. As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 3 for forming images. In the lower part of the image forming unit 3 in the figure, there is a paper supply unit 6a that supplies one sheet of paper (an example of a recording medium) to the image forming unit 3 at a time. Upstream of the image forming unit 3 in the paper transport direction, there is a manual feed unit 6b that allows paper to be supplied directly from the outside. There is also a first paper transport path 7 that feeds paper from the paper supply unit 6a to the image forming unit 3, and a second paper transport path 8 that feeds paper from the manual feed unit 6b to the image forming unit 3. The first paper transport path 7 and the second paper transport path 8 merge upstream in the paper transport direction at the position where the toner image is transferred from the image forming unit 3.

[0077] Downstream of the image forming unit 3 in the paper transport direction, there is a fuser unit 17 (an example of a fuser unit) that heats the toner image on the paper and presses it onto the paper. Downstream of the fuser unit 17 in the paper transport direction, there is a paper discharge roller 19 and a paper discharge tray 20 that feed the paper out of the device. The paper discharge roller 19 discharges the paper into the paper discharge tray 20.

[0078] The image forming unit 3 includes a cylindrical photoreceptor drum 11 (an example of an image holder) which is charged and then exposed to light, forming an electrostatic latent image on its surface due to the difference in electrostatic potential. The photoreceptor drum 11 is surrounded by a charging device 12 (an example of a charging device), an exposure device 13 (an example of an electrostatic latent image forming device), a developing device 14 (an example of a developing device), a transfer device 15 (an example of a transfer device), and a cleaning device 16. The charging device 12 is a device that charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 11, and is located around the photoreceptor drum 11. The exposure apparatus 13 is a device that irradiates the photoreceptor drum 11 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image on its surface. The developing device 14 is a device that selectively transfers toner to an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor drum to form a toner image. The transfer device 15 is a device that transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 11 to paper. The cleaning device 16 is a device for the photoreceptor drum that removes toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 11 after the toner image has been transferred.

[0079] The image forming apparatus 10 operates, for example, as follows: Based on the signal input by the operator or image information input from another device and the number of sheets fed, the size of the paper to be used as the image recording medium and the number of sheets to form a continuous image are selected. In addition, the paper stored in the paper supply unit 6a and the manual feed unit 6b is selected as the paper. Next, if paper feeding from the paper supply unit 6a is selected, the set number of sheets of paper are sequentially pulled out from the paper supply unit 6a and transported by the transport rollers along the first paper transport path 7 toward the image forming unit 3. On the other hand, if paper feeding from the manual feed paper supply unit 6b is selected, the set number of sheets of paper are sequentially pulled out from the manual feed paper supply unit 6b and transported to the image forming unit 3 through the second paper transport path 8.

[0080] In the image forming unit 3, a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 11, and this toner image is transferred to the paper that is fed in at the same time as the transfer device 15. Then it is sent to the fuser device 17. In the fuser device 17, the toner image is heated and pressurized and pressed onto the paper to become a fixed image. It can be used for a long period of time, reducing running costs.

[0081] 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]

[0082] The embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but this embodiment is not limited to the following examples. In the following, "part" refers to "mass parts" unless otherwise specified.

[0083] <Example 1> A coating solution with the following composition was applied to a φ65mm aluminum substrate using a spiral coating method, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light to form a 60μm surface layer. The composition of the coating solution for surface layer formation is as follows: -Composition of coating solution for surface layer formation- • Surface layer material: Polysiloxane compound: "OX-SQ-SI20" manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd., formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (in the formula, R 1 =methyl group and oxetanyl group), and formula: (R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ) n The D unit is represented by (in the formula, R 2 and R 3 Polysiloxane compounds having a methyl group: Amount such that the T unit is a volume % as shown in Table 1 (relative to the surface layer) • Inorganic particles: Silicon carbide particles (SSC-A01 manufactured by Shinano Electric Smelting Co., Ltd., average particle size = 1.5 μm): Amount equal to the mass % shown in Table 1 (relative to the surface layer)

[0084] Through the above operations, a heated roll was obtained.

[0085] Next, the resulting heated roll was mounted on the fixing device of an image forming apparatus (Revoria Press E1136P, manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.). The fixing device of this image forming apparatus has a configuration similar to the fixing device shown in Figure 1, and is a fixing device that includes a heating roll, a pressure roll, and a release claw made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin. This image forming apparatus was then designated as the image forming apparatus for Example 1.

[0086] <Rating> (Toner offset) The toner offset was evaluated using the image forming apparatus of Example 1 as follows. However, the cleaning member for cleaning the heating roll was removed from the fuser unit of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus was used to print 10 full-screen black halftone images with an image density of 50% onto recycled GR100 paper (A3 size) manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. The toner adhesion level on the surface of the 10th sheet was then observed to evaluate the toner offset. The evaluation criteria were as follows: A+: No toner offset observed: Toner offset is not detectable even when viewed with a magnifying glass. A: No toner offset occurred: Toner offset can be seen with a magnifying glass, but not with the naked eye. B: Minor toner offset occurs: Toner offset is noticeable upon close inspection, but it is not noticeable during normal use. C: Toner offset occurs: Toner offset is noticeable upon close inspection and is a concern during normal use. D: Toner offset occurs: Toner offset is visible even from a distance.

[0087] (Abrasion resistance) The wear resistance of the heating roll was evaluated using the image forming apparatus of Example 1 as follows. An image forming apparatus was used to print 1,000,000 full-screen black halftone images with an image density of 50% onto recycled GR100 paper (A3 size) manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. The amount of wear on the surface layer of the heating roll was then evaluated. The evaluation criteria were as follows: A+: No surface layer wear after 1,000,000 prints (remaining surface layer thickness of 30 μm or more) A: After 1,000,000 prints, the surface layer is almost completely worn away (remaining surface layer thickness is 5 μm or less). B: Surface layer wear occurs after 800,000 prints or less (remaining surface layer thickness of 5 μm or less) C: Surface layer wear occurs after 500,000 prints or less (remaining surface layer thickness of 5 μm or less) D: Surface layer wear occurs after 100,000 prints (remaining surface layer thickness of 5 μm or less)

[0088] <Examples 2-14, Comparative Examples 3-4> A heated roll was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the following items during surface layer formation were changed according to Table 1. • Type and quantity of surface layer material (quantity is the content relative to the surface layer) • Type and quantity of inorganic particles (quantity is the content relative to the surface layer)

[0089] The obtained heated rolls were mounted on the fixing device of the same image forming apparatus as in Example 1, to form the image forming apparatus for each example. Then, using the obtained image forming apparatus, each evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. However, in the example in Table 1 where SQ2 was used as the surface layer material, the surface layer was formed not by UV irradiation, but by heating at 120°C for 10 minutes, followed by further heating at 170°C for 10 minutes.

[0090] <Comparative Example 1> Similar to Example 1, a heating roll was obtained by providing a silicone rubber layer on a φ65 mm aluminum substrate. The obtained heated roll was mounted on the fixing device of the same image forming apparatus as in Example 1, resulting in the image forming apparatus of Comparative Example 1. Then, using the obtained image forming apparatus, each evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0091] <Comparative Example 2> In the fixing apparatus of the image forming apparatus in Comparative Example 1, an oil supply device was installed that supplied dimethyl silicone oil to the surface of the heating roll at a supply rate of 20 μL / A4. This image forming apparatus was designated as the image forming apparatus for Comparative Example 2. Then, using the obtained image forming apparatus, each evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0092] <Examples 101-103> (Example 101) A peeling claw was prepared with a surface layer formed on the surface of the contact portion with the heating element as follows. A PEEK peeling nail with a width of 8 mm was immersed in the surface layer forming coating solution of Example 1 (however, the coating solution did not contain inorganic particles), and then pulled out to form a surface layer with a thickness of 30 μm. The resulting peeled claws were then mounted on the fixing device of the same image forming apparatus as in Example 1. The resulting image forming apparatus was designated as the image forming apparatus of Example 101.

[0093] (Example 102) As the image forming apparatus for Example 102, the same apparatus as the image forming apparatus for Example 1 was prepared.

[0094] (Example 103) A peeling claw was prepared, with a 30 μm thick surface layer made of tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA) formed on the surface of the part that comes into contact with the heating element. The resulting peeled claws were then mounted on the fixing device of the same image forming apparatus as in Example 1. The resulting image forming apparatus was designated as the image forming apparatus of Example 102.

[0095] (evaluation) Each evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 using the image forming apparatuses of Examples 101 to 103. In addition, the occurrence of black spots initially and over time was evaluated as follows. -Black spots- An image forming apparatus was used to print 1,000,000 full-screen black halftone images with an image density of 50% onto recycled GR100 paper (A3 size) manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd. Then, the occurrence of sunspots after 1,000 prints was evaluated as the initial sunspot occurrence, and the occurrence of sunspots after 1,000,000 prints was evaluated as the sunspot occurrence over time, using the following evaluation criteria. A: No sunspots B: Minor black spots (1-2 per A3 size sheet) C: Black spots appear (approximately 3-5 on an A3 size sheet of paper) D: Generation of black dots (6 or more on A3-sized paper)

[0096] <Materials Used> Details of the materials used in each example are as follows. · SQ1: Toagosei Co., Ltd. "OX-SQ-SI20", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m T unit represented by (where R 1 = methyl group and oxetanyl group), and formula: (R 2 R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ) n D unit represented by (where R 2 and R 3 = methyl group) and a polysiloxane compound · SQ2: Kojima Chemical Co., Ltd. "SR-13H", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m T unit represented by (where R 1 = methyl group) only and a polysiloxane compound

[0097] · Silicon carbide particle 1: (manufactured by Shinano Electric Refining Co., Ltd. "SSC-A01", average particle size = 1.5 μm) · Silicon carbide particle 2: (manufactured by Shinano Electric Refining Co., Ltd. "GP#2000", average particle size = 7.0 μm) · Silicon carbide particle 3: (manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich Co., Ltd. "Silicon carbide-594911", average particle size = 0.1 μm)<​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​From the results above, it can be seen that this embodiment suppresses toner offset and has higher wear resistance of the heating element compared to the comparative example. Furthermore, in this embodiment 101, in which a surface layer containing silicone material is provided at the contact point between the peeling claw and the heating element, it can be seen that the occurrence of black spots is suppressed.

[0101] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) A heating element having a base material and a surface layer provided on the base material, A pressurizing member that contacts the heating member and pressurizes the heating member, A peeling claw is provided downstream of the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member in the rotational direction of the heating member, and contacts the heating member to peel the recording medium that has passed through the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member away from the heating member. Equipped with, The surface layer of the heating element is given by formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 A fixing device comprising a layer having an organic group, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and containing inorganic particles with an average particle size of 7.0 μm or less. (((2))) The fixing device according to (((1))), wherein the content of the T units in the surface layer is 20 volume% or more. (((3))) The fixing device according to (((2))), wherein the content of the T units in the surface layer is 30 volume% or more. (((4))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein the content of the inorganic particles in the surface layer is 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. (((5))) The fixing apparatus according to ((4)), wherein the content of the inorganic particles in the surface layer is 10% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less. (((6))) The fixing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), wherein the inorganic particles are silicon carbide particles. (((7))) The fixing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein a surface layer containing a silicone material is provided on the surface of the contact portion of the peeling claw with the heating member. (((8))) 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 items (((1))) to (((7))) for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0102] The effects of the above embodiment are as follows: According to the invention of (((1))), in a specific fixing device, the surface layer of the heating member is, formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m A fixing device is provided in which the layer has units T represented by [a specific formula], and compared to cases where inorganic particles are not included or where inorganic particles with an average particle size exceeding 7.0 μm are included, toner offset is suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating element is high. According to the invention of (((2))), a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating element is high compared to the case in which the content of T units in the surface layer is less than 20 volume percent. According to the invention of (((3))), a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating element is high compared to the case in which the content of T units in the surface layer is less than 30 volume percent. According to the invention of (((4))), a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is further suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating element is higher compared to the case in which the inorganic particle content in the surface layer is less than 3% by mass or more than 20% by mass. According to the invention of (((5))), a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is further suppressed and the wear resistance of the heating element is higher compared to the case in which the inorganic particle content in the surface layer is less than 10% by mass or more than 15% by mass. According to the invention of (((6))), a fixing device is provided in which toner offset is further suppressed and the heating element has higher wear resistance compared to when the inorganic particles are carbon black. According to the invention of (((7))), compared to a case in which a surface layer containing a silicone material is not provided on the surface of the contact portion of the peeling claw with the heating member, a fixing device is provided in which the generation of black spots is suppressed along with toner offset, and the wear resistance of the heating member is high. According to the invention of (((8))), in a specific fixing device, the surface layer of the heating member is, formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The present invention provides an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device that has a layer having T units represented by and does not contain inorganic particles, or contains inorganic particles with an average particle size exceeding 7.0 μm, which suppresses toner offset and provides a higher wear resistance of the heating element. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Storage Unit 14 Conveying section 18 Discharge section 16. Fixing device (an example of a fixing device) 20 Toner Cartridges 30 Image forming unit 32. Photosensitive drum (an example of an image holder) 34. Charging Roll (Example of a Charging Device) 36. Exposure apparatus (an example of an electrostatic latent image forming apparatus) 38 Transfer Roll (Example of a Transfer Device) 40. Developing equipment (an example of a developing equipment) 60 Fixing device (an example of a fixing device) 62 Heating Roll 63 Pressure Roll 64. Detachable nails 66 Heating source 68 Cleaning device

Claims

1. A heating element having a base material and a surface layer provided on the base material, A pressurizing member that contacts the heating member and pressurizes the heating member, A peeling claw is provided downstream of the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member in the rotational direction of the heating member, and contacts the heating member to peel the recording medium that has passed through the contact portion between the heating member and the pressurizing member away from the heating member. Equipped with, The surface layer of the heating element is given by formula: [R １ SiO ３／２ ] ｍ The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). １ A fixing device comprising a layer having an organic group, where m is an integer of 2 or more, and containing inorganic particles with an average particle size of 7.0 μm or less.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the content of the T units in the surface layer is 20% by volume or more.

3. The fixing device according to claim 2, wherein the content of the T units in the surface layer is 30 volume percent or more.

4. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the content of the inorganic particles in the surface layer is 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less.

5. The fixing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the content of the inorganic particles in the surface layer is 10% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less.

6. The fixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic particles are silicon carbide particles.

7. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein a surface layer containing a silicone material is provided on the surface of the contact portion of the peeling claw with the heating member.

8. 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 any one of claims 1 to 7, for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images