Electrophotographic component, fixing device, image forming apparatus, and method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component.

Abstract

To provide an electrophotographic component that does not use fluorine materials and has release properties. [Solution] The solution comprises a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, wherein the surface layer 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 R represents an organic group, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 An electrophotographic component comprising a polysiloxane compound having a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic member, a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member.

Background Art

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

[0003]

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "a fixing device roller in which a first solid elastic layer, a foamed elastic layer, a second solid elastic layer, and a release layer are laminated in this order on a core metal, and a high thermal conductivity filler is disposed in the second solid elastic layer".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic member having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, which does not use a fluorine material and has releasability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The means for solving the above problems include the following embodiments. <1> It comprises a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, The aforementioned surface layer is given by formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 R represents an organic group, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 An electrophotographic component comprising a polysiloxane compound having a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. <2> The group comprising at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group is a group comprising an alkyl group. <1> Electrophotographic components as described above. <3> The intermediate layer is provided between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer. <1> or <2> Electrophotographic components as described above. <4> The storage modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than that of the surface layer. <3> Electrophotographic components as described above. <5> The storage modulus of the intermediate layer is 1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less. The storage modulus of the surface layer is 500 MPa or more and 3 GPa or less. <4> Electrophotographic components as described above. <6> The thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the aforementioned intermediate layer is 0.3 W / m·k or higher. <4> or <5> Electrophotographic components as described above. <7> It comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body positioned in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is <1> ~ <6> A fixing device comprising electrophotographic components as described in any one of the items. <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, The toner image is fixed to the surface of the recording medium. <7> The fixing device described above, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features. <9> <1> ~ <6> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a blade coating method. <10> <1> ~ <6> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming the surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by an immersion coating method. <11> <1> ~ <6> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a spray coating method. <12> <1> ~ <6> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a ring coating method. <13> <1> ~ <6> A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a brush coating method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] <1> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, which does not use a fluorine material and has mold release properties.

[0009] <2> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided that has superior mold release properties compared to a case where the group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group contains a phenyl group. <3> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the surface layer is directly provided on the foamed elastic layer. <4> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the storage modulus of the intermediate layer is smaller than the storage modulus of the surface layer. <5> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the storage modulus of the intermediate layer and the surface layer do not meet the above range. <6> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component is provided in which edge heating can be suppressed compared to the case where the thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer is less than 0.3 W / m·k.

[0010] <7> , or <8> According to the invention, an electrophotographic component having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer is provided, and the fixing device or image forming device is provided, which does not use a fluorine material and is equipped with a release-type fixing member. <9> , <10> , <11> , <12> or <13> According to the invention, a method is provided for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component that does not use fluorine material, has release properties, and reduces coating defects, using a blade coating method, immersion coating method, spray coating method, ring coating method, or brush coating method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [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]

[0012] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention, this embodiment, will be described. These descriptions and examples are illustrative of the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0013] In the numerical ranges described step by step in this embodiment, the upper limit value or lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper limit value or lower limit value of the numerical range described in other step-by-step descriptions. Also, in the numerical ranges described in this embodiment, the upper limit value or lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the examples. In this embodiment, the term "step" includes not only an independent step but also, even when it cannot be clearly distinguished from other steps, as long as the intended purpose of the step is achieved. When this embodiment is described with reference to the drawings, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Also, the sizes of the members in each figure are conceptual, and the relative size relationships between the members are not limited thereto. In this embodiment, each component may contain a plurality of corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component in the composition, in the case where there are a plurality of substances corresponding to each component in the composition, unless otherwise specified, it means the total amount of the plurality of substances present in the composition.

[0014] <Electrophotographic member> The electrophotographic member according to this embodiment has a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer. And the surface layer contains a polysiloxane compound having a T unit represented by the formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m Hereinafter, this polysiloxane compound will also be referred to as "polysiloxane compound SQ". Here, in the formula, R 1 is an organic group, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and among the plurality of R 1 present in the T unit, at least one R 1 is a group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.

[0015] 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 example of this is the demand for materials other than fluorine-based materials. Fluorine-based materials are materials that contain fluorine atoms. Therefore, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment includes a polysiloxane compound SQ having mold-release properties in the surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer. As a result, the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment does not use fluorine material and has mold-release properties.

[0016] The details of the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment are described below.

[0017] The electrophotographic component according to this embodiment includes a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer. The electrophotographic component may have an intermediate layer provided between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer. The electrophotographic component may have a substrate layer beneath the foamed elastic layer. Electrophotographic components may be in the form of a roll or a belt. In particular, when an electrophotographic component has an intermediate layer, the surface properties of the surface layer become less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer. The foamed elastic layer has large surface irregularities due to air bubbles. Therefore, if the surface layer is directly applied to the foamed elastic layer, the surface layer is easily imparted with irregularities caused by the surface irregularities of the foamed elastic layer. By providing an intermediate layer, the surface properties of the surface layer become less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer. As a result, when an electrophotographic component is applied to a fixing member, image irregularities caused by pressure unevenness due to the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer can be suppressed.

[0018] [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 50 mm in outer diameter. In the case of an aluminum cylindrical base material, the thickness should be, for example, between 0.5 mm and 4 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 2 mm.

[0019] Examples of base materials include metal belts and heat-resistant resin belts. Examples of metal belts include those made of nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Examples of heat-resistant resin belts include those made from polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, and polybenzimidazole. Furthermore, the heat-resistant resin belt may have its volume resistivity controlled by adding and dispersing conductive powder or the like. Specifically, examples of resin belts include polyimide resin belts to which carbon black has been added and dispersed. Another example of a heat-resistant resin belt is one in which both 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. 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).

[0020] The thickness of the belt base material is preferably, for example, 20 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 30 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably 40 μm to 130 μm.

[0021] A metal layer may be provided on the substrate 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 an electromagnetic induction metal layer that self-heats due to electromagnetic induction. A multiple-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.

[0022] 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 (or the metal layer on the substrate) and the elastic layer or 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.

[0023] [Foam elastic layer] The foamed elastic layer is preferably a layer that returns to its original shape even when deformed by an external force of 100 Pa.

[0024] Examples of elastic materials that constitute the foamed elastic layer include isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, butyl rubber, polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluororubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer rubber, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), natural rubber, and blends thereof. Among these, silicone rubber is more preferable as an elastic material from the viewpoint of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and insulation properties.

[0025] 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).

[0026] As for the silicone rubber, those with an addition reaction type as the crosslinking mechanism are preferred. Furthermore, various types of functional groups are known for silicone rubber, and dimethyl silicone rubber having methyl groups, methylphenyl silicone rubber having methyl and phenyl groups, and vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups (vinyl group-containing silicone rubber) are preferred. Furthermore, as the silicone rubber, vinyl silicone rubber having vinyl groups is more preferred, and silicone rubber having an organopolysiloxane structure having vinyl groups and a hydrogen organopolysiloxane structure having hydrogen atoms (SiH) bonded to silicon atoms is even more preferred.

[0027] The foamed elastic layer may also contain other additives. Examples of other additives include fillers, softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), and vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.).

[0028] The thickness of the foamed elastic layer is preferably, for example, 30 μm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0029] [Middle class] The intermediate layer consists of polyimide resin (PI resin), polyamide-imide resin (PAI resin), polyether ketone resin (PEEK resin, e.g., aromatic polyether ether ketone resin), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin), and polyetherimide resin (PEI resin). Examples of resin layers include polyester resin, polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, silicone resin, and polymethylpentene resin.

[0030] The intermediate layer is preferably made of PEEK resin or PEI resin. This makes the surface properties of the surface layer less susceptible to influence from the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer.

[0031] The intermediate layer may contain other additives. Examples of other additives include fillers, softeners (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), antioxidants (amine-based, etc.), and vulcanizing agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.).

[0032] The thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably, for example, 1 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 μm to 50 μm.

[0033] [Surface layer] The surface layer contains the polysiloxane compound SQ. The surface layer may be a surface layer containing polysiloxane compound SQ as the main component (for example, as a matrix material that acts as a binder), or it may be a surface layer containing polysiloxane compound SQ as an additive. The surface layer may also contain other additives. Here, the surface layer containing polysiloxane compound SQ as the main component (for example, as a matrix material acting as a binder) refers to the surface layer with the highest amount of polysiloxane compound.

[0034] (Polysiloxane compound SQ) Polysiloxane compound SQ is given by formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 R represents an organic group, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and there are multiple R groups in a T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 The polysiloxane compound has a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Polysiloxane compound SQ is given by 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 (where is an organic group and n is an integer of 2 or more.) It may also be a polysiloxane compound having . Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the release properties of the surface layer, multiple R units exist within the D unit. 2 and R 3 Of these, at least one R 2 and R 3 Preferably, the group is one that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. Applying polysiloxane compound SQ, which has T and D units, imparts flexibility to the surface layer.

[0035] 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), groups having reactive groups, or groups that combine these.

[0036] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 Examples of siloxy groups, as described by the organic group represented by , include monoalkylsiloxy groups, dialkylsiloxy groups, and trialkylsiloxy groups. Dialkylsiloxy groups and trialkylsiloxy groups are preferred as siloxy groups, and trialkylsiloxy groups are more preferred.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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, polysiloxane compound SQ may be a cured product obtained by the reaction of the above reactive groups.

[0041] Multiple R units exist within the T and D units. 1 , R 2 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 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. Furthermore, each of the multiple R units present within the D unit 2 and R 3 Of these, at least one 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 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. 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 improving release properties, the alkyl group is preferably the alkyl group itself or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. In other words, multiple R groups present in the T and D units. 1 , R 2 and R 3At least one of these is preferably an alkyl group or a siloxy group containing an alkyl group. From the viewpoint of improving release properties, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkyl group having 1 carbon atom (i.e., a methyl group).

[0042] 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 improving release properties, a phenyl group is preferred as the group containing the aryl group.

[0043] From the viewpoint of improving release properties, a higher proportion of groups containing at least one alkyl group and an aryl group is preferable.

[0044] In the T and D units, m and n in the formula represent integers of 2 or more, but from the viewpoint of improving release properties, it is preferable that they represent integers of 8 or more, and more preferably that they represent integers between 8 and 10,000.

[0045] In T and D units, the upper limit of the ratio of m to n in the formula, m / n, is preferably 100 / 0 or less, and more preferably 100 / 1 or less. The lower limit of m / n is preferably 10 / 90 or more, more preferably 20 / 80 or more, and even more preferably 25 / 75 or more. 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).

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

[0047] The polysiloxane compound SQ may be in particulate form. The volume-average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound SQ is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.01 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less. In particular, the volume-average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound SQ is preferably 2.5 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or less. When the volume-average particle size of the particulate polysiloxane compound SQ is within the above range, the release properties tend to improve.

[0048] The volume-average particle size of particulate polysiloxane compound SQ 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 polysiloxane compound SQ 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 polysiloxane compound SQ. 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 polysiloxane compound SQ.

[0049] Polysiloxane compounds (SQ) can be exemplified by high-molecular-weight compounds called silsesquioxanes (SQ), which can take on various skeletal structures. The polysiloxane compound SQ may have any of the following skeletal structures: a cage structure (complete cage structure or cage structure), a ladder structure, or a random structure.

[0050] (Binding agent) The surface layer may contain a binder for immobilizing the polysiloxane compound SQ. Examples of binders 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 release materials.

[0051] 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 rubbers include RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) 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.

[0052] (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.).

[0053] The thickness of the surface layer is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm, and more preferably 20 μm to 100 μm.

[0054] (Method for forming the surface layer) Methods for forming the surface layer include coating methods such as blade coating, immersion coating, spray coating, ring coating, and brush coating. The surface layer is formed by applying a coating solution containing the above components and, if necessary, a solvent, onto the substrate using the above coating method, and then drying or drying and curing the solution. Here, the base material may be, for example, a single layer of foamed elastic layer, or a laminate containing a foamed elastic layer.

[0055] In the blade coating method, the coating liquid is spread by a metal plate (i.e., a blade), resulting in spiral streaks (also called "spiral marks"). In the immersion coating or ring coating method, axial film thickness differences occur due to liquid dripping. In the spray coating method, uneven coating results in a textured surface. Thus, surface coating defects are prone to occur. However, by using a coating solution containing the above components and, if necessary, a solvent, and by applying these coating methods, a surface layer with reduced coating defects can be formed.

[0056] When applying the blade coating method, for example, the surface layer is formed as follows: (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned horizontally, the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, and the applicator that dispenses the coating liquid is moved relative to the mold along the mold axis at the desired coating speed to continuously apply the coating liquid onto the substrate. (3) A metal plate (i.e., a blade) with a width shorter than the width of the substrate is moved along the axial direction at the same speed as the coating speed of the applicator, while in contact with the coating liquid applied to the substrate, to spread the coating liquid. (4) The coating film of the spread coating liquid is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0057] When applying the immersion coating method, the surface layer is formed as follows, for example. (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) A cylindrical container with a bottom is filled with the coating solution, and the substrate fixed in a cylindrical mold is immersed in the coating solution. (3) Remove the immersed substrate and apply the coating solution onto the substrate. (4) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0058] When applying a spray coating method, for example, the surface layer is formed as follows: (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned horizontally, the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, and the applicator that sprays the coating liquid is moved relative to the mold along the mold axis at the desired coating speed to apply the coating liquid to the substrate. (3) While spraying the coating liquid from the applicator, the applicator is moved back and forth in the direction of the mold axis repeatedly to apply multiple coats of the coating liquid and obtain a coating film. (4) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0059] When applying the ring coating method, for example, the surface layer is formed as follows: (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned vertically, the substrate fixed to the cylindrical mold is inserted into the substrate insertion section of the ring-shaped applicator coaxially with the substrate insertion section until its head protrudes from the substrate insertion section. Then, while discharging the coating liquid from the side of the substrate insertion section of the ring-shaped applicator, the ring-shaped applicator and the substrate are moved relative to each other in the substrate axis direction to apply the coating liquid onto the substrate. Here, the ring-shaped applicator is applied to the bottom surface of a cylindrical metal container, for example, a cylindrical metal container with a hole in its bottom surface, on which a resin sheet having a hole coaxial with the hole is fixed with a gap. The bottom surface of the cylindrical metal container and the hole in the resin sheet become the substrate insertion section. Then, by flowing the coating liquid between the bottom surface of the ring-shaped applicator and the resin sheet, the coating liquid is discharged from the side of the substrate insertion section. (3) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0060] When applying the brush coating method, the surface layer is formed as follows, for example. (1) The base material is fixed to the outer surface of a cylindrical mold that is wider than the base material. (2) With the mold axis aligned horizontally, the cylindrical mold is rotated circumferentially, and a brush that is wider than the substrate and impregnated with the coating liquid is brought into contact with the substrate. The brush is then moved relative to the mold along the mold axis at the desired coating speed to apply the coating liquid onto the substrate. (3) The brush is moved back and forth in the direction of the mold axis to apply multiple coats of the coating liquid and obtain a coating film. (4) The coating film of the coating solution is dried or dried and cured to form a surface layer.

[0061] [Characteristics of each layer of electrophotographic components] (Storage modulus) In the electrophotographic component according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the storage modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than that of the surface layer. This makes the surface properties of the surface layer less susceptible to influence from the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer.

[0062] Specifically, the following is a suitable range for the storage modulus of each layer, which minimizes the influence of the surface properties of the surface layer on the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer. The storage modulus of the intermediate layer is preferably 1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less, and more preferably 3 GPa or more and 5 GPa or less. The storage modulus of the surface layer is preferably 500 MPa or more and 5 GPa or less, and more preferably 1 GPa or more and 3 GPa or less.

[0063] The storage modulus of each layer can be adjusted by selecting the type or grade of material for each layer, as well as by the amount of reinforcing filler or polysiloxane compound SQ added.

[0064] The method for measuring the storage modulus of each layer is as follows: A test specimen measuring 4 mm in width and 20 mm in length is cut from each layer. The test specimen is placed in a dynamic viscoelasticity tester (RHEOVIBRON, manufactured by Orientec). The storage modulus is then measured under the conditions of a temperature of 30°C, a frequency of 10 Hz, and an amplitude of 10 μm.

[0065] (Thermal conductivity) The thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer is preferably 0.3 W / m·k or higher, and more preferably 0.5 W / m·k or higher. Electrophotographic components can experience temperature increases due to heat generated during fixing, etc. This temperature increase is particularly pronounced when electrophotographic components are used as fixing components. Here, the central part of the electrophotographic component that is in direct or indirect contact with the recording medium is less likely to experience an excessive temperature rise. On the other hand, the edges of the electrophotographic component that are not in direct or indirect contact with the recording medium are more prone to an excessive temperature rise. This is because heat is transferred from the electrophotographic component to the recording medium. Furthermore, because the foamed elastic layer is foamed, it has the property of retaining heat and being difficult to transfer. Therefore, the thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer is set to the above range. This makes it easier for heat from the foamed elastic layer to transfer to the intermediate layer. As a result, the temperature rise at the edges of the electrophotographic component can be suppressed. Note that the end of an electrophotographic component refers to the end in the width direction of the component.

[0066] From the viewpoint of suppressing the temperature rise at the edges of electrophotographic components, it is preferable that the thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer is greater than the thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the foamed elastic layer.

[0067] The thermal conductivity λ of the intermediate layer can be adjusted by selecting the type or grade of material for each layer, as well as by the amount of reinforcing filler or polysiloxane compound SQ added.

[0068] The method for measuring the thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction between the intermediate layer and the foamed elastic layer is as follows: Flat test pieces are cut from each layer. The test pieces are placed on the probe of the iPhase Mobile thermal conductivity measuring device (manufactured by iPhase Corporation). Then, a 50gf weight is placed on top, and the thermal diffusivity is measured under the conditions of 1.41V, 3Hz to 100Hz divided into 10 sections, and a measurement time of 2 seconds. The thermal conductivity is then determined from the specific heat, density, and thermal diffusivity of the test piece.

[0069] (Applications of electrophotographic components) Examples of electrophotographic components according to this embodiment include transfer members, fixing members, recording medium transport members, and the like. Transfer members include intermediate transfer members, primary transfer members, and secondary transfer members. Fixing members include heating members, pressurizing members, etc. The heating member may be either a heating belt heated by electromagnetic induction or a heating member heated by an external heat source. However, when applying the electrophotographic member according to this embodiment to a heating member heated by electromagnetic induction, it is preferable to provide a metal layer (heating layer) that generates heat by electromagnetic induction.

[0070] <Fusing device> The fixing device described herein is It comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body positioned in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is made of the electrophotographic member according to the present embodiment.

[0071] The fixing device according to this embodiment includes a well-known fixing device comprising a heating roll or heating belt as a first rotating body and a pressure roll or pressure belt as a second rotating body. The fixing device according to this embodiment also includes well-known fixing devices such as electromagnetic induction heating devices. Furthermore, in the fixing device according to this embodiment, the fixing member according to this embodiment may be applied to any of the heating roll, heating belt, pressure roll, and pressure belt.

[0072] Hereinafter, an example of a fixing device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1, specifically a fixing device using an electromagnetic induction heating method.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, the fixing device 60 includes a heating belt 61 (an example of a first rotating body) provided with a metal heating layer, a pressure roll 62 (an example of a second rotating body), an electromagnetic induction heating device 63 (an example of a heating device), a latch mechanism 64, and a temperature sensor 68. Then, the electrophotographic member according to the present embodiment is applied to the pressure roll 62.

[0074] Inside the heating belt 61 are a sliding sheet 65, a pressing pad 66, and a support member 67. The sliding sheet 65 is provided between the pressure pad 66 and the heating belt 61. The sliding sheet 65 reduces the sliding resistance between the heating belt 61 and the pressure pad 66. The pressure pad 66 is positioned to press against the pressure roll 62 via the heating belt 61 when it is moved to a pressurizing position that pressurizes the heating belt 61. The support member 67 is provided to support the pressure pad 66.

[0075] The electromagnetic induction heating device is a device that heats the metal heating layer of the heating belt 61 by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction heating device 63 is equipped with multiple excitation coils 63A that generate a magnetic field by supplying power from a fixing power supply. The electromagnetic induction heating device 63 modifies the magnetic field generated from the excitation coil 63A using an excitation circuit. This generates eddy currents in the metal heating layer of the heating belt 61. These eddy currents are converted into Joule heat by the electrical resistance of the metal heating layer, causing the metal heating layer to heat up. As a result, the heating belt 61 is heated.

[0076] The latch mechanism 64 is a mechanism that allows the pressure roll 62 to move between a separated position and a pressurized position.

[0077] When the pressure rolls 62 are in a separated position, the target of the drive device (motor, etc.) (not shown) is switched to the heating belt 61. The heating belt 61 is then rotated by the drive device. On the other hand, when the pressure roll 62 is moved to the pressurized position by the latch mechanism 64, the target of the drive device (motor, etc.) (not shown) is switched to the pressure roll 62, and the pressure roll 62 is rotated by the drive device. At this time, the heating belt 61 is also driven to rotate along with the rotation of the pressure roll 62.

[0078] The temperature sensor 68 is located around the heating belt 61. The temperature sensor 68 measures the surface temperature of the heating belt.

[0079] In the fixing device 60, for example, before the start of fixing, the heating belt 61, which is separated from the pressure roll 62, is rotated, and the electromagnetic induction heating device 63 is used to heat the metal heating layer of the heating belt 61. Then, the heating belt 61 and the pressure roll 62 are brought into contact, and fixing begins.

[0080] Specifically, for example, in the fixing device 60, when image formation is started, the heating belt 61 is rotated while the pressure roll 62 is in a separated position before fixing begins. Here, the rotation speed of the heating belt 61 is lower than the rotation speed during fixing. Next, a magnetic field is generated from the excitation coil 63A of the electromagnetic induction heating device 63, causing the metal heating layer of the heating belt 61 to heat up. This heats the heating belt 61. Next, the latch mechanism 64 moves the pressure roll 62 to the pressurized position, and the pressure roll 62 is pressed against the pressure pad 66 via the heating belt 61 and sliding sheet 65. Then, with the heating belt 61 and the pressure roll 62 under pressure, the paper P (an example of a recording medium) on which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the contact area between the heating belt 61 and the pressure roll 62. This causes the toner image to be fixed onto the paper P. After the fixing operation is complete, the latch mechanism 64 moves the pressure roll 62 to the separated position.

[0081] <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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus generally known as a tandem type. The image forming apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, an intermediate transfer belt 15, a primary transfer section 10, a secondary transfer section 20, and a fixing device 60. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (or section). Here, image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are image forming units that form toner images of each color component using an electrophotographic method. The primary transfer unit 10 is a transfer unit that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color component formed by the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to the intermediate transfer belt 15. The secondary transfer unit 20 is a transfer unit that transfers the superimposed toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 to the recording medium, paper K, in one go (secondary transfer). The fixing device 60 is a device that fixes the secondary transferred image onto the paper K.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Around the photoreceptor 11, a charger 12 is provided as an example of a charging device to charge the photoreceptor 11. Around the photoreceptor 11, 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.

[0087] Surrounding the photoreceptor 11 is a developer unit 14, which, as an example of a developing device, contains toners for each color component and visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 using the toners. A primary transfer roll 16 is provided around the photoreceptor 11, which transfers the toner images of each color component formed on the photoreceptor 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 via the primary transfer unit 10.

[0088] A photoreceptor cleaner 17 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 to remove any residual toner on the photoreceptor 11. Around the photoreceptor 11, electrophotographic devices such as a charger 12, a laser exposure unit 13, a developer unit 14, a primary transfer roll 16, and a 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 nearly linear fashion from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15, in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0089] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven (rotated) by various rolls in the direction of arrow B shown in Figure 2 at a speed appropriate for the purpose. The various rolls include a drive roll 31, a support roll 32, a tensioning roll 33, a back roll 25, and a cleaning back roll 34. The drive roll 31 is a roll that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15, driven by a motor (not shown) with excellent constant-speed performance. The support roll 32 is a roll that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15, which extends substantially in a straight line along the arrangement direction of each photoreceptor 11. The tension-applying roll 33 is a roll provided in the secondary transfer section 20 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a corrective roll to prevent the intermediate transfer belt 15 from meandering. The cleaning back roll 34 is a roll provided in the cleaning section that scrapes off residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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. The intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35 is a cleaner that 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] On the other hand, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 is installed upstream of the yellow image forming unit 1Y. The reference sensor 42 is a sensor that generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for determining the image formation timing in each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The reference sensor 42 recognizes a mark provided on the back of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. Based on the recognition of this reference signal, the control unit 40 issues instructions, and each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is configured to start image formation. A black image forming unit 1K is located downstream of an image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality.

[0097] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper storage section 50, a paper feed roll 51, a transport roll 52, a transport guide 53, a transport belt 55, and a fuser entrance guide 56. The paper storage section 50 is a storage section for storing paper K, which is a transport device for transporting paper K. The paper feed roll 51 is a roll that takes out and transports the paper K accumulated in the paper storage section 50 at predetermined timings. The transport roll 52 is a roll that transports the paper K that has been fed out by the paper feed roll 51. The transport guide 53 is a guide that feeds the paper K, which has been transported by the transport roll 52, to the secondary transfer section 20. The conveyor belt 55 is a belt that conveys the paper K, which has been secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roll 22, to the fixing device 60. The fuser entrance guide 56 is a guide that leads the paper K to the fuser unit 60.

[0098] Next, the basic image formation process of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 100 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Subsequently, the paper K on which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is peeled off the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22 and transported as is. The paper K is transported to a transport belt 55 located downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the paper transport direction. The transport belt 55 transports the paper K to the fuser 60 at an optimal transport speed for the fuser 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper K transported to the fuser 60 is fixed to the paper K by the fuser 60 through a fixing process using heat and pressure. The paper K with the fixed image formed is then transported to a paper discharge and storage section (not shown) located in the discharge section of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0105] Meanwhile, after the transfer to paper K is complete, any residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported to the cleaning section as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates. The residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the cleaning back roll 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35.

[0106] 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]

[0107] 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.

[0108] <Example 1> First, a 20mm diameter aluminum base material was prepared. Next, a foamed elastic layer was formed on the outer periphery of the aluminum substrate as follows. 100 parts of silicone rubber (RBB-6650-50, manufactured by Dow-Toray) were mixed with 3 parts of a crosslinking agent (C-25B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), 0.25 parts of a catalyst (C-25A, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), 8 parts of a chemical blowing agent (KE-P-26, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), and 0.5 parts of a coloring agent (KE-COLOR, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.). The resulting mixture was kneaded with a roller. Subsequently, the kneaded material was compression molded onto an aluminum substrate and polished to form a 5 mm thick foamed elastic layer. Next, an intermediate layer was formed on the outer periphery of the foamed elastic layer, as follows. After applying a primer (PRIMER-No.31-A / B, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) onto the foamed elastic layer, an intermediate layer was formed by covering it with a 20 μm thick carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK resin tube (thermal conductivity 0.5 W / m·k, storage modulus 5 GPa). Next, a surface layer was formed on the outer periphery of the intermediate layer, as follows. SQ1: Toagosei Co., Ltd. "OX-SQ-SI20" (formula: [R 1 SiO3 / 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 A polysiloxane compound having a methyl group was applied to a thickness of 50 μm using a blade coating method and cured by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to form a surface layer.

[0109] Through the above operations, an electrophotographic component was obtained.

[0110] <Example 2> SQ3: Konishi Chemical Co., Ltd. "SR-23" (formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (in the formula, R 1 An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a polysiloxane compound having only phenyl groups was used, and instead of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, it was heated at 200°C for 4 hours.

[0111] <Example 3> An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an intermediate layer was not formed.

[0112] <Example 4> An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a silicone rubber layer with a storage modulus of 3 MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m·k was formed as an intermediate layer.

[0113] <Example 5> An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a PEI resin layer with a storage modulus of 1 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m·k was formed as an intermediate layer.

[0114] <Example 6> An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK resin tube with a storage modulus of 10 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.8 W / m·k was used as the intermediate layer.

[0115] <Example 7> As an intermediate layer, a carbon fiber compound with a storage modulus of 12.5 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.9 W / m·k is used. An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a PEEK resin tube was used.

[0116] <Example 8> As the intermediate layer, a PEEK resin tube with a storage modulus of 3 GPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m·k is used, and as the surface layer, SQ4: Grant Industries, Inc. "Gransil PSQ", formula: [R1SiO4] is used in silicone rubber. 3 / 2 T units expressed in ]m (where R 1 An electrophotographic component was obtained by using a film (storage modulus 0.5 GPa) made by dispersing particles of a polysiloxane compound having only methyl groups at a volume of 30%, and heating it at 200°C for 4 hours.

[0117] <Example 9> An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 8, except that a film (storage modulus of 5 GPa) was obtained by dispersing 30% by volume of SQ4 in PEEK resin and injection molding it at 400°C as the surface layer.

[0118] <Comparative Example 1> An electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a silicone rubber layer (storage modulus of elasticity 3 MPa) was used as the surface layer.

[0119] <Characteristic Evaluation> The following characteristics of the electrophotographic components in each example were measured using the method described above. • Storage modulus of each layer • Thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer

[0120] <Actual device evaluation> As pressure rolls for the fixing device, the electrophotographic components for each example were mounted on an evaluation image forming apparatus (ApeosC5571, manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.). Then, the following evaluations were performed using an evaluation image forming apparatus.

[0121] (Toner offset: Evaluation of release properties) After printing a solid black image on both sides of plain paper (C2 paper, manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.), a blank sheet of paper was fed through, and the amount of toner offset on the back of the blank sheet (toner staining on the back of the paper caused by toner adhering to the pressurizing element) was evaluated. The evaluation criteria are as follows. Note that the toner offset amount on the back of the blank paper will be visually confirmed. If the toner offset is not visible without magnification, it was determined that the occurrence of toner offset is within an acceptable range. A: No toner offset occurred. B: Toner offset within acceptable limits occurs. C: Unacceptable toner offset occurred.

[0122] (Image unevenness: Evaluation of image unevenness due to pressure unevenness caused by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer) A solid black image was printed on both sides of plain paper (C2 paper, manufactured by Fujifilm Business Innovation Co., Ltd.), and image uniformity was evaluated. The evaluation criteria are as follows. Image unevenness was evaluated visually, and if it was comparable to the density unevenness that occurs in the current product and is not due to the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer, the image unevenness was considered acceptable. A: No image unevenness observed. B: Image unevenness within an acceptable range occurs. C: Unacceptable image inconsistencies occur.

[0123] (Edge gloss unevenness: Evaluation indicating suppression of edge temperature rise) With the paper feed orientation set to portrait, 50 solid black images were printed consecutively on A4 size paper, and then solid black images were printed on A3 size paper. The gloss unevenness at the edges and center of the paper was then evaluated. The evaluation criteria are as follows. The glossiness of the paper edge and the center was measured using a micro gloss meter under the condition of an angle of 60°. When the glossiness difference between the paper edge and the center was within 2°, the gloss unevenness was judged to be within the allowable range. A: No gloss unevenness occurred B: Gloss unevenness within the allowable range occurred C: Gloss unevenness unacceptable occurred

[0124] <Materials used> The details of the materials used in each example are as follows. · SQ1: Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd. "OX-SQ-SI20", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m represented by the T unit (wherein R 1 = methyl group and oxetanyl group), and the formula: (R <00,00083>R 3 SiO 2 / 2 ) n represented by the D unit (wherein R 2 and R 3 = methyl group) and a polysiloxane compound · SQ2: KONISHI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. "SR-13H", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m represented by the T unit (wherein R 1 = methyl group) only and a polysiloxane compound <; · SQ3: KONISHI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. "SR-23", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m represented by the T unit (wherein R 1 = phenyl group) only and a polysiloxane compound · SQ4: Grant Industries, Inc "Gransil PSQ", formula: [R 1 SiO 3 / 2 m represented by the T unit (wherein R 1 = methyl group) only and particles of a polysiloxane compound, volume average particle size 4 - 6 μm

[0125]

Table 1

[0126] From the results above, it can be seen that the electrophotographic component of this embodiment does not use fluorine material and has mold release properties, compared to the electrophotographic component of the comparative example.

[0127] <Examples 101-105> A coating film with a composition similar to that of Example 1 was formed using the coating method described in Table 2, and the surface layer was formed by drying and curing the coating film. Otherwise, an electrophotographic component was obtained in the same manner as the example applied to the composition of the coating liquid for surface layer formation.

[0128] (Characteristic evaluation / Actual device evaluation) When the characteristics and actual equipment evaluations of the electrophotographic components in each example were performed, the same evaluation results as in Example 1 were obtained.

[0129] (Coating defects in the surface layer) The following evaluations were performed on the coating defects of the surface layer of the electrophotographic components in each example. -Spiral marks- The surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. A: I can't see the spiral lines. B: The spiral pattern appears slight.

[0130] -Droop- The difference in surface layer thickness △ at a position 40 mm inward from both ends in the axial direction was measured and evaluated according to the following criteria. A: The film thickness difference △ is between 0 μm and 5 μm. B: The film thickness difference △ is greater than 5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.

[0131] -Surface unevenness- The surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. A: You can't see any unevenness on the surface of the pear tree at all. B: The unevenness of the surface of the pear tree appears minor.

[0132] -Application lines- The surface layer was visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. A: No application streaks are visible at all. B: The application streaks appear minor.

[0133] [Table 2]

[0134] From the above results, it can be seen that when a surface layer is formed using a coating solution with the surface layer composition of this embodiment by a blade coating method, immersion coating method, spray coating method, ring coating method, or brush coating method, a surface layer with reduced coating defects can be formed.

[0135] This embodiment includes the following aspects. (((1))) It comprises a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, The aforementioned surface layer is given by formula:[R 1 SiO 3 / 2 ] m The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). 1 R represents an organic group, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. 1 Of these, at least one R 1 An electrophotographic component comprising a polysiloxane compound having a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group. (((2))) The electrophotographic member according to (((1))), wherein the group comprising at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group is a group comprising an alkyl group. (((3))) An electrophotographic member according to (((1))) or (((2))), having an intermediate layer provided between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer. (((4))) The electrophotographic member according to (((3))) in which the storage modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than the storage modulus of the surface layer. (((5))) The storage modulus of the intermediate layer is 1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less. The electrophotographic component according to ((4)), wherein the storage modulus of the surface layer is 500 MPa or more and 3 GPa or less. (((6))) The thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer is 0.3 W / m·k or more (((4))) or ((( 5))) Electrophotographic components as described above. (((7))) It comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body positioned in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, A fixing device in which at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is made of an electrophotographic component as described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))). (((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 (((7))) for fixing the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features. (((9))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((6))), A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a blade coating method. (((10))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((6))), A method for forming the surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by an immersion coating method. (((11))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((6))), A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a spray coating method. (((12))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((6))), A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a ring coating method. (((13))) A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component according to any one of the items (((1))) to (((6))), A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a brush coating method.

[0136] The effects of the above embodiment are as follows: According to the invention of (((1))), an electrophotographic member is provided having a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, without using a fluorine material, and having mold release properties. According to the invention of (((2))), an electrophotographic component is provided that has superior mold release properties compared to a case where the group containing at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group contains a phenyl group. According to the invention of (((3))), an electrophotographic member is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case in which the surface layer is directly provided on the foamed elastic layer. According to the invention of (((4))), an electrophotographic member is provided in which the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer compared to the case where the storage modulus of the intermediate layer is smaller than the storage modulus of the surface layer. According to the invention of (((5))), compared to the case where the storage modulus of the intermediate layer and the surface layer does not meet the above range, the surface properties of the surface layer are less affected by the surface properties of the foamed elastic layer in the electrophotographic part. The materials are provided. According to the invention of (((6))), an electrophotographic member is provided in which edge heating can be suppressed compared to the case in which the thermal conductivity λ in the film thickness direction of the intermediate layer is less than 0.3 W / m·k. According to the invention of (((7))) or (((8))), an electrophotographic component is provided, comprising a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, wherein a fixing member having release properties is provided without using a fluorine material, and the fixing device or image forming device is provided. According to the inventions of (((9))), (((10))), (((11))), (((12))), or (((13))), a method is provided for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component that does not use fluorine material, has release properties, and reduces coating defects, using a blade coating method, immersion coating method, spray coating method, ring coating method, or brush coating method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 60 Fixing device 61 Heating belt 62 Pressure Roll 63 Electromagnetic induction heating device 63A Excitation Coil 64 Latch mechanism 65 Sliding Seat 66 Pressure Pads 67 Support member 68 Temperature Sensor 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. It comprises a foamed elastic layer and a surface layer provided on the foamed elastic layer, The aforementioned surface layer is based on the formula: [R １ SiO ３／２ ] ｍ The unit T is expressed as (where R is used in the formula). １ R represents an organic group, m is an integer of 2 or more, and there are multiple R groups in the T unit. １ Of these, at least one R １ An electrophotographic component comprising a polysiloxane compound having a group that includes at least one of an alkyl group and an aryl group.

2. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, wherein the group comprising at least one of the alkyl group and the aryl group is a group comprising an alkyl group.

3. The electrophotographic member according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate layer provided between the foamed elastic layer and the surface layer.

4. The electrophotographic member according to claim 3, wherein the storage modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than the storage modulus of the surface layer.

5. The storage modulus of the intermediate layer is 1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less. The electrophotographic member according to claim 4, wherein the storage modulus of the surface layer is 500 MPa or more and 3 GPa or less.

6. The electrophotographic member according to claim 4, wherein the thermal conductivity λ of the intermediate layer in the film thickness direction is 0.3 W / m·K or more.

7. It comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body, A fixing device in which at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is made of an electrophotographic member as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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 claim 7, which fixes the toner image to the surface of a recording medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

9. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a blade coating method.

10. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A method for forming the surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by an immersion coating method.

11. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a spray coating method.

12. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a ring coating method.

13. A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A method for forming a surface layer of an electrophotographic component, wherein the surface layer is formed by a brush coating method.

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