JP2005148322A - Fixing member, fixing device, and image forming apparatus equipped with these - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing member and a fixing device that have higher heat resistance of a release layer by forming the release layer of a mixture of fluorocarbon resin and heat-resisting resin on a surface of the fixing member, and an image forming apparatus equipped with these. <P>SOLUTION: This fixing member is so constituted that the release layer on the outermost surface is formed of the mixture of the fluorocarbon resin 101 and the heat-resisting resin which has larger Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002(E)A.2) at the temperature in fixing process than the fluorocarbon resin 101 and the angle of contact of the release layer with water is adjusted to ≥80°. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fixing member, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a fixing member and a fixing device that use an electrostatic transfer process, such as an electrostatic copying machine and an electrostatic copying printer, and an image forming apparatus including these.

  Conventionally, various fixing methods have been proposed and implemented as fixing devices for image forming apparatuses such as general electrophotographic copying machines. Among them, a roller fixing type, in particular, a roller pair. A heating roller fixing device (heat roll fixing method) in which at least one is a heating roller heated by a heat source has become mainstream.

Here, of the pair of rollers, a roller in contact with the surface on the image bearing side of the recording material is referred to as a fixing roller or a heating roller, and the other roller is referred to as a pressure roller.
In the roller fixing type fixing device, since the fixing roller directly contacts the image carrying surface of the recording material, a part of the developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) constituting the image on the recording material is fixed. A so-called “offset phenomenon” is likely to occur that adheres to and adheres to the surface of the roller, and this adhered toner is transferred again onto the recording material as the roller rotates.

  Therefore, as a means for preventing this offset phenomenon, a highly releasable material (non-adhesive material) such as fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene resin (hereinafter referred to as PTFE) or silicon rubber has been conventionally used on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roller. Means have been adopted for providing an offset prevention coating layer to improve the releasability (non-adhesiveness) of the surface layer of the fixing roller.

Further, as conventional fixing devices, there are the following conventional techniques.
Since a fluororesin layer or a mixture of a fluororesin layer and a polyimide resin is provided on the surface of the fixing roller, a high release layer is obtained, and the resin layer of the fixing roller is an elastic layer or resin layer on the surface of the pressure roller. It is protected by providing (refer patent document 1).

  An image in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a heat-resistant resin coating layer in which a fluororesin is mixed and dispersed on a metal cylindrical metal core, and the heat-resistant resin coating layer is baked at a temperature of 300 ° C. or higher. There is a hard fixing roller used in a heat and pressure fixing device (see Patent Document 2).

  There is a fixing member that has improved release properties and cleaning properties while maintaining heat resistance, wear resistance, and durability (see Patent Document 3).

  There is a fixing belt having an appropriate releasability that is sufficient for high-speed paper passing in which the release layer on the surface of the belt exceeds 20 ppm and is less likely to cause an offset with respect to an anchored toner. (See Patent Document 4).

Since the toner fixing set temperature can be set to a higher temperature, the copying speed can be increased, the heat insulation is excellent, the toner fixing set temperature does not fluctuate, and the power consumption required for temperature control can be reduced. There is a toner fixing device that can be used (see Patent Document 5).
JP-A-4-243287 JP 2000-298411 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-312170 JP 2001-331049 A Japanese Patent No. 3261166

However, the conventional offset preventing means has the following problems.
In the arrangement of the anti-offset layer, a roller provided with a coating layer of PTFE or other fluororesin exhibits excellent non-adhesiveness, but depending on the type of toner resin, some of the toner resin may have poor releasability, and part of the toner May stick and contaminate the roller surface.

  In recent years, there has been a strong demand for higher durability of various parts such as fixing rollers due to the trend toward lower costs, improved serviceability, and regulations on industrial waste. However, pure fluororesin is much stronger in terms of wear resistance. However, the fixing roller provided with a coating layer of a fluororesin such as PTFE has a drawback that the wear resistance is not sufficient and the life is short.

That is, the surface of the fixing roller is worn by being rubbed by a cleaning unit such as a blade, a release agent coating unit, a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, or the like. Further, the recording material passing between the fixing roller and the pressure roller is also rubbed. When a large amount of paper (recording material) is passed, paper dust is generated from the paper and adheres to the fixing roller. This paper dust is removed by a cleaning blade or the like brought into contact with the fixing roller. However, the generation of paper dust is particularly remarkable at the edge portion of the paper, and the roller is formed by various inorganic fillers contained in the paper dust. The surface is worn.
The fixing roller tends to lose its original releasability due to loss of smoothness due to surface wear.

  In addition, since the coating layer has high resistance, the surface thereof is greatly charged by frictional charging due to sliding contact with the recording material / pressure roller and other roller contact members, and the toner on the recording material is fixed by electrostatic action. The so-called “electrostatic offset phenomenon” is likely to occur due to being attracted to the roller surface layer.

  The fluororesin is greatly charged negatively (−) by rubbing against the recording material or the like. When the toner has a positive (+) polarity, the toner is attracted to the electric field of the negatively charged fluororesin coating layer and easily adheres to the surface of the fixing roller due to an electrostatic offset phenomenon.

  As a means for improving the wear resistance, the wear resistance of fluorine resin or the like generally has a relatively high hardness such as glass powder, silica, silicon carbide powder, diamond powder, corundum powder, metal powder such as nickel or iron. It can be improved by mixing an inorganic filler, but if the mixing amount is small, the effect of improving the wear resistance is not sufficient, and if the mixing amount is increased, the releasability becomes worse, and the fixing roller The surface property also deteriorates, and the offset prevention effect decreases.

In addition, these fillers have poor dispersibility in the fluororesin, and even if they can be dispersed, the adhesion between the filler and the fluororesin is poor, and part of the filler on the fixing roller coating layer is detached due to durability. Phenomenon occurred.
In the case of poor dispersion, a portion with less filler is first scraped into a streak shape or a mottled shape due to durability, and the toner is embedded in the shaved portion and the non-adhesiveness of the fixing roller is often lowered.

Further, when the filler is detached, the toner is buried in the detached portion, or the removed filler acts as an abrasive on the contrary to accelerate the wear.
Attempts were made to make the particle size of the filler finer, but the adhesion between the filler and the fluororesin was poor, and conversely the entire fluororesin layer was worn.

Further, when the release layer is in the state as described above, the fixing member becomes unusable any more, so it is necessary to replace it with a new fixing member, leading to waste of resources. The load on the environment will increase.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, the film formed by mixing has the disadvantage that the surface structure is likely to be uneven depending on the manufacturing conditions and the life is likely to vary depending on the roller. In addition, since the surface tension is not controlled, it is difficult to say that the releasability is sufficient. Particularly, oilless fixing which has become the mainstream in recent years (release agent in the toner without applying a release agent to the fixing member in advance) In the fixing method in which the mold is released only with the agent, there is a potential problem that offset is likely to occur.

  In Patent Document 2, the fluororesin layer is expected to float on the surface by heating, but the layer is thin and is not controlled as a structure capable of maintaining surface tension suitable for mold release. If the surface is scratched in some way, a polyimide layer with poor releasability is exposed, which becomes the core of toner adhesion and may lead to jamming. This tendency was particularly noticeable in oilless fixing, which has become the mainstream in recent years.

  In patent document 3, since the surface tension is not controlled, it is difficult to say that the releasability is sufficient.

  In Patent Document 4, the binder resin is mixed with fluororesin particles or once melted fluororesin particles, and it is expected that the wear resistance is improved while maintaining releasability. There was a problem that the components of the fluororesin particles were detached from the binder resin when subjected to strong rubbing or digging force by a separation claw for separation, and an offset was generated from the hole generated there. .

  In Patent Document 5, in the case where a liquid in which a resin having a large specific gravity is mixed, such as a fluororesin, is formed, depending on liquid adjustment conditions and manufacturing conditions, the release layer may be formed by sedimentation of the fluororesin during coating. There are disadvantages that the ratio of the fluororesin is likely to be uneven and the life is likely to vary depending on the roller.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a fixing member, a fixing device, and a fixing member that improve the heat resistance of the release layer by forming a release layer on the surface of the fixing member with a mixture of a fluororesin and a heat-resistant resin. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including these.

  In order to achieve the above object, the fixing member according to claim 1 is a fixing member having a heat-resistant base material and a release layer provided on the surface of the heat-resistant base material, wherein the release layer is a fluororesin. And, Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) is characterized by being formed by a mixture of heat-resistant resin larger than fluororesin at the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing To do.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fixing member according to the first aspect, wherein the heat resistant resin has a Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-) even at a temperature between room temperature and the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing. 1: 2002 (E) A.2) is larger than the fluororesin.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the fixing member according to the first or second aspect, wherein the release layer has a contact angle with water of 80 ° or more.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the fixing member according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the plurality of regions made of the heat-resistant resin are connected at least inside the release layer. Features.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the fixing member according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of regions made of the heat-resistant resin are connected to each other at least inside the release layer. It is a continuous structure.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the fixing member according to claim 4, wherein the structure in which the plurality of regions made of heat-resistant resin are connected at least inside the release layer is a mesh structure. .

  A seventh aspect of the invention is the fixing member according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the interval between the fluororesins separated by the heat-resistant resin is smaller than the toner particle size. .

  The invention according to claim 8 is the fixing member according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the surface of the release layer is entirely covered with the fluororesin.

  A ninth aspect of the invention is the fixing member according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein a conductive filler is contained in at least one of the fluororesin or the heat resistant resin of the release layer. It is characterized by.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is the fixing member according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein a conductive filler is contained only in the heat-resistant resin of the release layer.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the fixing member according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising an elastic layer between the release layer and the base material.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the fixing member according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the heat-resistant resin is a resin that can be solution at room temperature.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the fixing member according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein at least one of the fluororesin and the heat resistant resin of the release layer contains a heat conductive filler. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a heat conductive filler is contained only in the heat-resistant resin of the release layer. To do.

  A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the fixing member according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein a part of the heat-resistant resin has an adhesive force with respect to a base of the release layer, and a part thereof Is in contact with the substrate.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fixing member according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein an adhesive layer is provided between the release layer and a base thereof.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the release layer is made of the same heat-resistant resin as that used for the release layer. It is formed directly on the top.

  A fixing device according to an eighteenth aspect uses the fixing member according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fixing device according to the eighteenth aspect, further comprising supply means for supplying a release agent to the surface of the release layer.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to the eighteenth aspect, the fixing device further includes a cleaning unit that cleans the release layer on the surface of the release layer.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects, a Martens hardness (Martens hardness of a member abutted on the fixing member in order to separate the recording material from the fixing member. hardness) HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) is characterized by being smaller than the heat resistant resin at the fixing temperature.

  An image forming apparatus according to a twenty-second aspect uses the fixing device according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-first aspects.

  From the above description, the present invention relates to a fixing member, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus provided with these, when the Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of a heat resistant resin is fixed. Since the temperature is higher than that of fluororesin, it can be compared with a release layer made only of fluororesin even when pressed by a cleaning means such as a blade, a release agent application means, a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, etc. Since they are difficult to deform, they are difficult to bite in, and therefore are less likely to wear.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the present invention, the release layer provided on the outermost surface of the fixing member is made of fluororesin and Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) from the fluororesin at the fixing temperature. It is characterized in that it is formed of a mixture with a large heat-resistant resin and is adjusted so that the contact angle of the release layer with respect to water is 80 ° or more.

That is, in the present invention, the release layer is formed on the surface of the fixing member by a mixture of a fluororesin and a heat-resistant resin, so that the release layer has excellent heat resistance.
Further, since the Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of the heat-resistant resin is larger than that of the fluororesin at the fixing temperature, cleaning means such as a blade, release agent coating means, Even when pressed by a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, or the like, they are less likely to be deformed than a release layer made of only a fluororesin, so that they are less likely to bite and therefore less likely to wear.

  Also, when a large amount of paper (recording material) is passed, paper dust is generated from the paper, and even if the release layer surface is rubbed by various inorganic fillers that adhere to the fixing member and are contained in the paper powder. It is hard to wear for the same reason.

  The thickness of the release layer is preferably 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 to 50 μm. If the thickness is less than 5 μm, when the paper is passed, the ground is exposed due to abrasion, the life in which offset occurs is shortened, and if it exceeds 100 μm, cracks tend to occur.

The release layer fluororesin is not particularly limited as long as it contains a fluorine atom in the molecule.
Specifically, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and its modified product, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ETFE), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoro Propylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-vinylidene fluoride copolymer (TFE / VdF), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (EPA), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) ), Chlorotrifluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ECTFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene-vinylidene fluoride copolymer (CTFE / Vdf), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), polyvinyl fluoride PVF) and the like.

  As the heat resistant resin, a material having a Martens hardness HM (ISO 14477-1: 2002 (E) A.2) larger than that of the fluororesin at the fixing temperature may be used. When the temperature is 150 ° C., specifically, polyamideimide (PAI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyetherketone Resins such as ether ketone ketone (PEKEKK), polyether nitrile (PEN), polyarylate (PAR), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) can be used. is there. These may be used in combination.

  Martens hardness HM is defined as follows in ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2). As an indenter, a diamond indenter (Vickers indenter) having a facing angle (136 °) at the tip of a quadrangular pyramid is used, and the indentation depth under a test load is measured as shown in FIG.

  With conventional methods such as Vickers hardness and Mohs hardness, it is possible to measure plastic deformation with the measurement of indentations and scratches after the test, but the amount of elastic deformation is unknown and the true deformation amount when pressed is measured. There was a bug that it was not possible.

Here, for elastic deformation, there is another method of measuring rubber hardness, but the rubber hardness has no correlation with the amount of deformation at the time of pressing, even though the relative order between the materials is known. The amount of deformation was unknown.
In any of the methods described above, when the thickness of the sample is 50 μm or less, the influence of the hardness of the substrate cannot be removed, and correct measurement is difficult.

On the other hand, Martens hardness HM has made it possible to evaluate for the first time the hardness in the form of integrating both plastic deformation and elastic deformation during pressing.
In addition, in the methods such as the above-mentioned Vickers hardness and Mohs hardness, an accurate value cannot be measured because it is impossible to evaluate from an indentation or a flaw in a material having a deformation recovery due to an elastic memory effect such as PFA at a high temperature. However, it is possible to measure correctly only for such a case.

In the actual measurement, a microhardness measuring device Fischer scope H100V (manufactured by H. Fischer) is used, a load is gradually applied according to the program, the indentation depth of the indenter is electrically detected and read, and the number ( Martens hardness was calculated based on 1).
About the measurement sample, what used the fluororesin and the heat-resistant resin as a 50-micrometer-thick each coating film was used.

The temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing is usually set in the range of 80 ° C. to 250 ° C., but it is desirable to set in the range of 100 ° C. to 200 ° C. in order to perform stable fixing.
This is because if the temperature is lower than 80 ° C., the melting temperature of the toner to be used must be lowered, and the toner tends to adhere to each other in the container due to an increase in the temperature of the copying machine or the like. This is because the thermal deterioration of the resin becomes remarkable and the life of the release layer is shortened.

  Next, Table 1 shows an example of Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of fluororesin and heat-resistant resin. The measurement sample and ambient temperature were measured after stabilization at 180 ° C., which is an example of the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing.

  As a method for producing the release layer, for example, a fluororesin powder or a heat-resistant resin powder is used. The powders are mixed at a predetermined weight ratio, and the mixed powder is electrostatically coated on the core metal of an aluminum fixing roller, heated at 380 ° C. for 30 minutes, and rapidly cooled by strong air blowing outside the heating furnace. Thereby, a desired release layer can be obtained.

Specifically, it can be created by the following method.
For example, PFA powder (Mitsui DuPont MP102) is used as the fluororesin, PEEK powder (Victorix MC PEEK (registered trademark) 150XF) is used as the heat-resistant resin, and the powders are mixed at a predetermined weight ratio. Make it.

  On the other hand, for the base material, for example, the surface of an aluminum fixing roller core metal having a diameter of 40 mm and a fixing portion thickness of 1.5 mm is blasted to be roughened. Thereafter, the mixed powder is electrostatically coated on the core of the fixing roller made of aluminum, heated at 380 ° C. for 30 minutes, and rapidly cooled by strong air blowing outside the heating furnace.

  Depending on the type and mixing ratio of the powder, the surface roughness of the release layer may be large, but when it is necessary to make the surface roughness uniform to a predetermined size, for example, it is applied to a tape polishing apparatus and polished. This is possible. For example, when tape polishing was performed with corundum # 800 and # 1500, the surface roughness Rz was 2 μm or less.

  Further, depending on the fixing device, when the surface of the release layer is heated from room temperature to a temperature at which fixing can be performed, the fixing member is used to quickly stabilize the surface temperature of the pressure member in contact with the fixing member at a uniform temperature. Heating may be performed while rotating.

In this case, a heat resistant resin having a Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) larger than that of the fluororesin is also used at a temperature between room temperature and the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing. By mixing them, they are less likely to be deformed compared to a fluororesin-only release layer even when pressed by cleaning means such as blades, release agent application means, recording material separation claws, temperature detection elements, pressure rollers, etc. Is less likely to bite, and therefore more difficult to wear.
Table 2 shows an example of Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of fluororesin and heat-resistant resin at room temperature.

  The fixing member having a contact angle with water of the release layer of 80 ° or more has charge / separability by previously applying a release agent such as silicone oil. In the system (method for fixing toner without applying a release agent such as silicone oil to the fixing member), if the mixing ratio of the heat-resistant resin is increased, the toner adheres to the heat-resistant resin part and the releasability is insufficient. Therefore, the toner peel strength was measured. Further, the contact angle was also measured as an index of the influence of the surface tension of the heat resistant resin on the release layer.

Coated with Ricoh Co., Ltd. MF4570 Using an OHP sheet as an image carrier, a black solid unfixed sheet was cut into a width of 10 mm and wound around the roller prepared by the above method at 120 ° C. Heated for 10 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, a black solid OHP sheet having a width of 10 mm was peeled, and the toner peel strength was measured.
The contact angle was measured on the surface layer of the fixing roller by a droplet method at room temperature using a CA-X type manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.

Table 3 shows the measurement results of the fixing roller made of PFA and PEEK.
From this result, it was found that the toner peel strength is lower in the case where 5-30% of PEEK, which is usually strong in adhesion to the toner, is added, compared to the case of 100% PFA.
Further, when the contact angle of the release layer with respect to pure water was smaller than 80 °, the toner peel strength was increased.

The reason is considered as follows.
In the case of 100% PFA, there are many places where the wax that comes out of the toner and adheres to the release layer side is repelled on the release layer and the toner resin directly touches the release layer.
On the other hand, when 5 to 30% of PEEK is added, the wax positively develops in the PEEK part and promotes toner peeling. As a result, the recording material is prevented from being offset or wound around the fixing roller by functioning like a hot melt adhesive.
Therefore, the releasability and abrasion resistance of the toner can be improved at the same time.

  However, if more than 30% of PEEK is added, the entire PEEK cannot be covered with wax, so this time the resin of the toner directly touches the PEEK, causing an offset or hot melt adhesive. The recording material is wrapped around the fixing roller. At this time, the contact angle as an index of the influence of the surface tension of PEEK on the release layer is considered to be smaller than 80 °.

  Similarly, Table 4 shows measurement results of fixing rollers made of PFA and PI, and Table 5 shows examples of measurement results of fixing rollers made of PFA and LCP.

  From these results, in order for the wax to actively spread on the heat-resistant resin part and for the toner not to adhere to the heat-resistant resin part itself, the contact angle to water is 80 ° or more as the surface tension of the entire release layer. It was found that the heat resistant resin should be mixed in such a ratio.

  In the present invention, the form of the fixing member is not limited to the fixing roller, and can be applied to any form such as a fixing belt.

  Further, for example, there is a structure in which the particulate resin is dispersed as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but the dispersion of the particulate resin as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is less likely to wear than the case of using only the fluororesin. Become. However, there is another problem that the particulate resin exposed on the surface of the release layer is detached when it receives the force of digging up by a separation claw or the like, resulting in a hole and an offset.

  Further, since the plurality of regions made of the heat-resistant resin are connected at least inside the release layer as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heat resistance of the surface of the release layer compared to the dispersion of the normal particulate heat-resistant resin. Even if the resin is subjected to digging force by a separation claw or the like, the resin is not easily detached, so that it is difficult for the hole to open, and as a result, generation of image defects and wear are unlikely to occur.

  In order to form the release layer of the present invention using the above-mentioned fluororesin and heat-resistant resin, the heat-resistant resin powder is mixed in advance with the fluororesin powder in an agglomerated state, and both are melted and then cooled. 5, 6, and 7, or a co-continuous structure as shown in FIG. 8 can be formed.

  Further, when a mesh-like fiber made of a heat-resistant resin is mixed with fluororesin powder and both are melted, a heat-resistant resin network structure as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be formed. Here, the co-continuous structure shown in FIG. 8 and the network structure shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are particularly advantageous because the heat resistant resin is not easily detached.

  In addition, as a method for adjusting the contact angle of the release layer formed on the fixing member with respect to water within a range of 80 ° or more, the mixing ratio of the fluororesin and the heat-resistant resin as the release layer forming material is set. There is a method of changing the contact angle to water.

In this case, any of the above-described structures can be obtained by a combination of the types of fluororesin and heat-resistant resin, mixing method, and heating temperature.
For example, when the fluororesin is PFA and the heat-resistant resin is PEEK, as a method of setting the contact angle to 80 ° or more, the release layer may be formed by mixing the PEEK ratio within a range of 50 wt% or less. In this case, the melting point of PFA is 310 ° C., the melting point of PEEK is 332 ° C., and the melting point of PEEK is high. Both are melted at 380 ° C. and cooled to form a heat-resistant particle connection structure as shown in FIG. it can.
In the present invention, the form of the fixing member can be applied to any form such as a fixing roller and a fixing belt.

  Also, when the release layer is formed by making the particle size of the heat resistant resin powder smaller than the toner particle size, and the interval between the fluororesins is made smaller than the toner particle size, the heat resistance is less inferior than the fluororesin. Even if the resin is exposed on the surface, the area where the toner directly contacts the heat resistant resin is reduced as shown in FIGS.

  Further, depending on the ratio of the heat-resistant resin and the fluororesin, the contact angle of the release layer with respect to water may be smaller than 80 °. In that case, for example, the upper layer of the release layer once formed is further made of the fluororesin alone. It is possible to increase the contact angle to 80 ° or more by laminating the layer 111, which prevents offset as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. An advantageous structure can be formed.

In addition, electrostatic offset can be prevented by containing a conductive filler having a resistance of 10 ¹⁰ Ω · cm or less in at least one of a fluororesin and a heat-resistant resin.
The amount of the conductive filler is preferably 1 to 50 wt% with respect to the fluororesin, and is preferably 5 to 75 wt% in total with the heat resistant resin in order to maintain releasability.

  As electrically conductive particles, conductive polymers such as polyacetylene, polypyrrole and polythiophene, carbon such as ketine black and acetylene black, metals such as graphite, silver, nickel and copper, alloys thereof, mica, carbon, glass, etc. Examples include composite metals, metal oxides such as tin oxide and indium oxide, anions, cations, nonions, and amphoteric surfactants.

  In particular, the inclusion of the conductive filler in the heat-resistant resin does not add a filler that affects the releasability to the fluororesin, so that the releasability of the release layer can be maintained. it can.

  In addition, an elastic layer is provided to uniformly heat the toner, increase the nip width and increase the linear velocity of the paper, and the release layer formed on the elastic layer follows the uneven shape on the surface of the recording material. The fixing member that can be used is advantageous, but in the present invention, the adhesiveness to the elastic layer is improved by mixing a heat-resistant resin, compared with the case where the release layer is formed of only a fluororesin. And prevents peeling of the release layer from the elastic layer when it is rubbed by a cleaning means such as a blade, a release agent application means, a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, etc. be able to.

  In addition, in the present invention, by using a resin that can be dissolved at room temperature as a heat-resistant resin, leveling after coating is performed compared to coating with powder, so that the smoothness of the coating film is good and fixing. Even if the surface shape of the release layer is sometimes transferred to the image, deterioration of the image quality can be suppressed. Further, even if there are fine irregularities on the substrate, it can be sufficiently covered because it is liquid, and the contact area is increased, so that the adhesion to the substrate is improved.

  Examples of the heat resistant resin used as the heat resistant resin coating layer in the present invention include polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). These heat-resistant resins are preferably used as precursor solutions or in solution. In these solutions, the fluororesin powder can be easily mixed and dispersed, and can be easily coated on a metal cylindrical metal core with good surface smoothness by dipping or coating. If the resin is thermoplastic, just evaporate the solvent, or if the resin is thermosetting, heat evaporate after evaporating the solvent to form a heat-resistant resin layer on the metal cylindrical cored bar Can do. Precursor solutions of polyimide (PI) and polyamideimide (PAI) are known, and polybenzimidazole (PBI) is dissolved in dimethylacetamide (DMA). Polyethersulfone (PES) is dimethylformamide, methylene chloride. , N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is known to be soluble and these solutions can be used.

In the present invention, heat conductivity can be improved by incorporating a heat conductive filler into at least one of a fluororesin or a heat resistant resin.
Specifically, as the thermally conductive particles, diamond, silver, copper, aluminum, marble, glass, boron nitride, alumina, silicon carbide, potassium titanate, aluminum nitride, boron nitride, mica, silica, titanium oxide, Examples thereof include magnesium oxide, beryllium oxide, talc, calcium carbonate, and a mixture of two or more of these. These addition amounts are preferably contained in an amount of 1 to 50 wt% with respect to the fluororesin, and are preferably 5 to 75 wt% in total with the heat-resistant resin in order to maintain releasability.

In the present invention, since the filler that affects the releasability is not added to the fluororesin, the releasability of the release layer can be maintained.
In particular, when the heat resistant resin has a plurality of regions connected to each other, the thermal conductivity can be further improved.

  As the resin used in the present invention, a resin having heat resistance and adhesion on a metal cylindrical cored bar is selected. Examples include polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and PEEK (polyetheretherketone). These heat resistant resins are used as powder, for example. These heat-resistant resin powders are mixed and dispersed in fluororesin powders, and are simply coated on a metal cylindrical cored bar by electrostatic coating or the like.

As the fluororesin used in the present invention, one having a good melt film-forming property by firing and a relatively low melting point (preferably 250 to 310 ° C.) is preferably selected.
Specific examples include powders of low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), and tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA). It is done. As the low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder, Lubron L-5, L-2 (Daikin Industries), MP1100, 1200, 1300, TLP-10F-1 (Mitsui DuPont Fluorochemical) are known. As the tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) powder, 532-8000 (DuPont) is known. As the tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA) powder, MP-10 and MP102 (Mitsui Dupont Fluorochemical) are known.

  In the present invention, the adhesiveness between the heat-resistant substrate and the release layer can be enhanced without using an adhesive layer, and a cleaning means such as a blade, a release agent coating means, a recording material separation nail, and a temperature detection element Further, it is possible to prevent the release layer from being peeled when subjected to rubbing with a pressure roller or the like. For this reason, it is not necessary to apply and dry the adhesive layer, and the number of steps can be reduced.

In the present invention, by having an adhesive layer between the release layer and the underlying layer, it is rubbed by a cleaning means such as a blade, a release agent application means, a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, etc. It is possible to prevent peeling of the release layer when receiving.
Here, as the adhesive layer, various commercially available heat-resistant primers that enhance the adhesion between the heat-resistant substrate and the release layer can be used. For example, for an aluminum roller, a polyimide-based primer, a polyamide-imide-based primer, A polyethersulfone-based primer and a mixed primer of these are preferably used. For example, for a heat-resistant endless belt layer made of polyimide resin, a polyimide-based primer, a fluorine-based primer, or a mixed primer is preferably used.
Specifically, KUKUWARE (A primer) 459-882 manufactured by Deyupon, MP902BN manufactured by Mitsui Fluorochemical, MP910K manufactured by Mitsui Fluorochemical, and the like are used.

In the present invention, for example, a polyimide resin or PEEK resin is used as a heat-resistant resin constituting the release layer for a heat-resistant endless belt layer of polyimide resin or PEEK resin. By forming a layer, the adhesion between the heat-resistant substrate and the release layer can be improved without using an adhesive layer, and a cleaning means such as a blade, a release agent coating means, a recording material separation nail, a temperature It is possible to prevent the release layer from being peeled when it is rubbed by a detection element, a pressure roller, or the like.
For this reason, it is not necessary to apply and dry the adhesive layer, and the number of steps can be reduced. In this case, as compared with the case where the release layer is formed on the metal cylindrical metal core as in claims 11 and 12, the adhesiveness can be further improved.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fixing device when the fixing roller according to the present invention is used. Reference numerals 1 and 2 denote an upper fixing roller (heating roller) and a lower pressure roller which are pressed in parallel with each other with a predetermined pressing force. 3 is a heat source such as a halogen heater built in the fixing roller 1, 4 is a temperature detecting element such as a thermistor in contact with the surface of the fixing roller 1, and the surface temperature of the fixing roller 1 is detected by this element 4. The energization of the heat generating source 3 is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) according to the detection information, and the surface temperature of the fixing roller 1 is managed at a predetermined temperature.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a recording material separation claw that is urged against and brought into contact with the fixing roller 1 by a spring 7 and functions to separate the recording material that adheres to the surface of the fixing roller 1 and is to be wound from the fixing roller 1. .
As the pressure roller 2, a surface layer of the core metal 2b covered with the silicon rubber layer 2a was used.
The roller pairs 1 and 2 are rotationally driven at a predetermined speed by a driving means (not shown). P is a recording material on which an unfixed toner image T is formed and supported by an image forming means (not shown), and is introduced into the clamping portion (fixing nip portion, nip width 5 to 6 mm) N of the roller pair 1 and 2. The toner image is fixed by heat and pressure by being nipped and conveyed by the nipping portion.

In the present invention, since the release layer is formed on the surface of the fixing member with a mixture of fluororesin and heat-resistant resin, the release layer is excellent in heat resistance.
Further, since the deflection temperature under load (ASTM D648, 1.82 MPa) of the heat-resistant resin is set larger than the temperature of the fixing member at the time of fixing, it is pressed by a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, or the like. However, since they are difficult to deform, they are difficult to bite in, so that they are difficult to wear.

In addition, when a large amount of paper (recording material) is passed through, paper dust is generated from the paper, adheres to the fixing member, and the surface of the release layer is rubbed by various inorganic fillers contained in the paper powder. It is hard to wear for a reason.
In addition, since the wax that comes out of the toner and adheres to the release layer side is not repelled on the release layer, the resin of the toner directly touches the release layer, causing offset or hot melt. The recording material does not wrap around the fixing roller by functioning as an adhesive.

FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fixing device of this embodiment. Components that are the same as those in FIG. 20 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a roller body as an oil supply member and a cleaning member for the fixing roller 1. This roller body is composed of a cored bar 5a and an oil impregnated heat-resistant felt 5b, and is controlled to contact and separate from the fixing roller 1 by an eccentric cam (not shown).

  In the present invention, since the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of the heat-resistant resin is larger than the fluororesin at the temperature at the time of fixing, the cleaning means, the release agent coating means Even when pressed by the pressure, they are difficult to be deformed, so that they are difficult to bite in, and therefore are not easily worn.

In addition, since the contact angle is controlled so that the release agent applied to the release layer is not repelled, the toner resin or the like directly touches the release layer to cause an offset or hot melt adhesive. Thus, the recording material does not wrap around the fixing roller.
Further, when a release agent is applied to the release layer of the fixing roller 1 in this embodiment, the oil component is held in the heat-resistant resin portion, and the offset prevention coating layer can exhibit stable non-adhesiveness over a long period of time. Even if the heat-resistant resin is mixed at such a ratio that the contact angle is less than 80 °, the toner does not adhere.

  In order to separate the recording material from the fixing member, the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of the member in contact with the fixing member is in the release layer at the fixing temperature. If it is smaller than the heat resistant resin, it will be more difficult to deform even if the release layer is pressed by the corresponding contact member, so that the corresponding contact member will not easily bite into the release layer.

For this reason, it is possible to provide a fixing device in which the wear of the release layer is very unlikely to occur.
For example, when the member that contacts the fixing member is a recording material separation claw and the heat-resistant resin of the release layer is PI, the recording material separation claw is formed of a material such as PEEK or LCP.
Of course, the member abutting on the fixing member is not limited to the recording material separation claw, but may be another shape such as a blade.

Further, depending on the fixing device, when the surface of the release layer is heated from room temperature to a temperature at which fixing can be performed, the fixing member is used to quickly stabilize the surface temperature of the pressure member in contact with the fixing member at a uniform temperature. Heating may be performed while rotating.
In this case, in order to separate the recording material from the fixing member even at a temperature between room temperature and the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing, the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577- If 1: 2002 (E) A.2) is smaller than the heat-resistant resin in the release layer, it will be more difficult to deform even if the release layer is pressed by the corresponding contact member than it is large. The member to be in contact is less likely to bite into the release layer. Therefore, it can be made harder to wear.
For example, when the member that contacts the fixing member is a recording material separation claw and the heat-resistant resin of the release layer is PI, the recording material separation claw is formed of a material such as PEEK or LCP.

  Table 6 shows a comparison result between the present invention and the conventional filler.

The actual machine was evaluated for charging potential, offset property, and durability life. The model used is MF4570 (Ricoh Co., Ltd.).
The charging potential was determined by measuring the surface of the fixing roller during paper passing using a Model 347 manufactured by Trek, a surface potential meter, and calculating the time average.
Offset property: 100 ruled line charts were continuously copied and evaluated in four stages (good → ◎ → ○ → Δ → × → bad).
For paper jams, 10,000 solid black charts were copied continuously, and the number of paper jams at the fixing unit was evaluated in four stages (good → ◎ → ○ → Δ → × → bad).
Abrasion resistance: Four stages of evaluation (good → ◎ → ○ → Δ → × → bad) according to the amount of chipping on the surface after continuous paper passing.
Desorption of heat-resistant resin: Four stages were evaluated based on the amount of holes due to continuous paper passing and desorption (good → ◎ → ○ → Δ → × → bad).
Temperature distribution: A thermistor was attached to the central part and both ends of the fixing roller in the axial direction, and the temperature difference was measured and evaluated in four stages (temperature difference small → ◎ → ○ → Δ → × → large).

  From the above description, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of the heat resistant resin is larger than that of the fluororesin at the fixing temperature, the blade or the like Cleaning means, release agent application means, recording material separation claw, temperature detection element, pressure roller, etc., so that they are less likely to bite and therefore wear out than a release layer made only of fluororesin. It has become difficult.

  Further, when the surface of the release layer is heated from room temperature to a temperature at which fixing can be performed, in order to quickly stabilize the surface temperature of the pressure member in contact with the fixing member at a uniform temperature, while rotating the fixing member, Even when heating, the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) is higher than that of fluororesin even at temperatures between room temperature and the temperature of the release layer during fixing. By mixing heat-resistant resin, it is deformed compared to a release layer made of only fluororesin even when pressed by cleaning means such as blades, release agent application means, recording material separation claw, temperature detection element, pressure roller, etc. These are difficult to bite, so they are more difficult to wear.

  Further, by mixing the heat-resistant resin at a ratio such that the contact angle with respect to water is 80 ° or more, the wax actively develops on the heat-resistant resin portion, and the toner does not adhere to the heat-resistant resin portion itself.

  In addition, since the plurality of regions made of the heat-resistant resin are connected at least inside the release layer, the heat-resistant resin on the surface of the release layer is dug up by the separation claws or the like compared to the dispersion of the normal particulate heat-resistant resin. Even if the force is applied, it is not easily detached, so that it is difficult for the hole to be opened. In addition, since the wax that comes out of the toner and adheres to the release layer side is not repelled on the release layer, the resin of the toner directly touches the release layer to cause offset or hot melt adhesion. The recording material does not wrap around the fixing roller functioning like an agent.

  Further, since the area where the toner directly contacts the heat-resistant resin is reduced, the structure is advantageous for preventing offset.

  Moreover, a structure advantageous for durability and offset prevention can be formed regardless of the mixing ratio of the heat-resistant resin and the fluororesin.

  In addition, electrostatic offset can be prevented.

  In addition, electrostatic offset can be prevented. In this case, since the filler that affects the releasability is not added to the fluororesin, the releasability of the release layer can be maintained.

  Compared to the case where the release layer is made of only a fluororesin, the heat-resistant resin is mixed, so that the toner can be uniformly heated and the nip width can be increased to increase the linear speed of paper passing. Therefore, it is possible to improve the adhesion to an advantageous elastic layer.

  In addition, by using a resin that can be dissolved, leveling after coating is performed compared to coating with powder, so the smoothness of the coating film is good, and the surface shape of the release layer becomes an image during fixing. Deterioration of image quality can be suppressed even if it is transferred. Further, even if there are fine irregularities on the substrate, it can be sufficiently covered because it is liquid, and the contact area is increased, so that the adhesion to the substrate is improved.

  Moreover, in this invention, heat conductivity can be made favorable.

Further, in the present invention, the heat resistance resin has a continuous nature by connecting a plurality of regions, so that when the heat conductive filler is contained in the heat resistance resin, the heat conductivity is improved. I can do it.
In this case, since the filler that affects the releasability is not added to the fluororesin, the releasability of the release layer can be maintained.

  In addition, the adhesiveness between the heat-resistant substrate and the release layer can be improved without using an adhesive layer, and it is not necessary to apply and dry the adhesive layer, thereby reducing the number of steps.

  In addition, by having an adhesive layer between the release layer and its base, it can be used when it is rubbed by a cleaning means such as a blade, a release agent application means, a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, etc. It becomes possible to prevent peeling of the release layer.

  Further, the adhesiveness between the heat-resistant substrate and the release layer can be improved without using an adhesive layer, and it is not necessary to apply and dry the adhesive layer, thereby reducing the number of steps.

Also, since the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of the heat-resistant resin is larger than that of the fluororesin at the fixing temperature, cleaning means such as blades, release agent coating means In addition, since they are not easily deformed even when pressed by a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, etc., they are difficult to bite in, and therefore are not easily worn.
In addition, when a large amount of paper (recording material) is passed through, paper dust is generated from the paper, adheres to the fixing member, and the surface of the release layer is rubbed by various inorganic fillers contained in the paper powder. It is hard to wear for a reason.
Further, by mixing the heat-resistant resin at a ratio such that the contact angle with respect to water is 80 ° or more, the wax actively develops on the heat-resistant resin portion, and the toner does not adhere to the heat-resistant resin portion itself.

Also, since the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of the heat-resistant resin is larger than that of the fluororesin at the fixing temperature, cleaning means such as blades, release agent coating means In addition, since they are not easily deformed even when pressed by a recording material separation claw, a temperature detection element, a pressure roller, etc., they are difficult to bite in, and therefore are not easily worn.
In addition, when a large amount of paper (recording material) is passed through, paper dust is generated from the paper, adheres to the fixing member, and the surface of the release layer is rubbed by various inorganic fillers contained in the paper powder. It is hard to wear for a reason.
Further, when a release agent is applied to the release layer, the oil component is retained in the heat-resistant resin portion, and the offset prevention coating layer can exhibit stable non-adhesiveness over a long period of time, and the contact angle with water is less than 80 °. Even if the heat-resistant resin is mixed in such a ratio, the toner does not adhere.

  In addition, in order to separate the recording material from the fixing member, the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) of the member brought into contact with the fixing member is released at the fixing temperature. If it is smaller than the heat resistant resin in the layer, it will be more difficult to deform even if the release layer is pressed by the corresponding contact member, so that the corresponding contact member will not easily bite into the release layer.

  Further, the Martens hardness HM (ISO 14577-1) of the member that contacts the fixing member in order to separate the recording material from the fixing member even at a temperature from room temperature to the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing. : 2002 (E) A.2) is smaller than the heat resistant resin in the release layer, it will be more difficult to deform even if the release layer is pressed by the corresponding contact member, compared to the case where it is larger. It becomes difficult for the member to be bite into the release layer. Therefore, it can be made harder to wear.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the usable period of the fixing member is greatly increased, which leads to resource saving, so that it is possible to reduce the environmental load which has been regarded as a problem in recent years.

It is the figure which showed the method of measuring Martens hardness (Martens hardness) HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the particulate resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the particulate resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the connection structure of the heat-resistant particle | grains in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the connection structure of the heat-resistant particle | grains in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the co-continuous structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the network structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the network structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure of the heat resistant resin in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the mold release layer in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the mold release layer in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the mold release layer in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the mold release layer in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the mold release layer in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fixing device using a fixing roller in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 Fluororesin 102 Heat Resistant Resin 103 Release Agent 104 Toner

Claims (22)

In a fixing member having a heat resistant substrate and a release layer provided on the surface of the heat resistant substrate,
The release layer includes a fluororesin,
Fixing characterized in that Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) is formed by a mixture of heat-resistant resin larger than fluororesin at the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing Element.   The heat-resistant resin has a Martens hardness HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) larger than that of the fluororesin even at a temperature from room temperature to the temperature of the release layer at the time of fixing. The fixing member according to claim 1.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the release layer has a contact angle with water of 80 ° or more.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of regions made of the heat resistant resin are connected at least inside the release layer.   The fixing member according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of regions made of the heat resistant resin has a structure in which at least the inside of the release layer is connected is a co-continuous structure of the fluororesin and the heat resistant resin.   The fixing member according to claim 4, wherein the structure in which the plurality of regions made of the heat resistant resin are connected at least inside the release layer is a network structure.   The fixing member according to claim 4, wherein the interval between the fluororesins separated by the heat resistant resin is smaller than the toner particle diameter.   The fixing member according to claim 4, wherein a surface of the release layer is entirely covered with the fluororesin.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein a conductive filler is contained in at least one of the fluororesin or the heat-resistant resin of the release layer.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein a conductive filler is contained only in the heat resistant resin of the release layer.   The fixing member according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic layer between the release layer and the base material.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the heat-resistant resin is a resin that can be solution at room temperature.   The fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a heat conductive filler is contained in at least one of the fluororesin and the heat resistant resin of the release layer.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein a heat conductive filler is contained only in the heat resistant resin of the release layer.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein a part of the heat-resistant resin has an adhesive force with respect to the base of the release layer, and a part thereof is in contact with the base. .   The fixing member according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer between the release layer and a base thereof.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the release layer is directly formed on a base material made of the same heat-resistant resin as that used for the release layer. .   A fixing device using the fixing member according to claim 1.   The fixing device according to claim 18, further comprising a supply unit that supplies a release agent to the surface of the release layer.   19. The fixing device according to claim 18, further comprising a cleaning unit for cleaning the release layer on a surface of the release layer.   In order to separate the recording material from the fixing member, the member abutted on the fixing member has a Martens hardness (Martens hardness) HM (ISO14577-1: 2002 (E) A.2) that is lower than the heat resistant resin at the fixing temperature. The fixing device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the fixing device is characterized in that:   An image forming apparatus using the fixing device according to any one of claims 18 to 21.

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