JP2020052162A - Fixing member, fixing device, process cartridge, and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fixing member which is less susceptible to separation of a release layer from an elastic layer even after repetitive deformation and release.SOLUTION: A fixing member is provided, comprising a cylindrical base material, elastic layer, adhesive layer, and release layer arranged in the described order, where an elasticity modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is less than that of the adhesive layer on the release layer side by 2.7 MPa or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a fixing member, a fixing device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus (copying machine, facsimile, printer, or the like) using an electrophotographic method, an unfixed toner image formed on a recording material is fixed by a fixing device to form an image.

  Here, Patent Document 1 discloses that “a cylindrical base material, an elastic layer formed around the base material, a surface layer covering the surface of the elastic layer, the elastic layer and the surface layer. Having an adhesive layer formed between the dialkyl polyorganosiloxane having a cross-linking group and a dialkyl polyorganosiloxane having a vinyl group, wherein the cross-linking product contains A fixing member, characterized in that the amount of the remaining cross-linking group is in the range of 0.1 times or more and 3.0 times or less with respect to the amount of the cross-linked vinyl group. "

JP-A-2017-161738

  In a fixing member in which an elastic layer and a release layer are bonded by an adhesive layer, peeling of the elastic layer and the release layer may occur when compression deformation and release are repeated.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical base material, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side and the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side. Or a fixing member in which the occurrence of peeling between the release layer and the elastic layer caused by the repetitive fixing operation is suppressed as compared with a fixing member having the same or less than 2.7 MPa. A fixing member having excellent adhesion durability to the release layer).

  The above problem is solved by the following means. That is,

<1>
Having a cylindrical substrate, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order,
A fixing member in which the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is lower than that of the adhesive layer by 2.7 MPa or more.
<2>
The fixing member according to <1>, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side and an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is 2.7 MPa or more and 10.0 MPa or less. .
<3>
The fixing member according to <2>, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side and an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is 2.8 MPa to 5.0 MPa. .
<4>
The fixing member according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the elastic layer and an elastic modulus of the release layer is 400 MPa or more and 600 MPa or less.
<5>
The fixing member according to <4>, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the elastic layer and an elastic modulus of the release layer is 400 MPa or more and 500 MPa or less.
<6>
When the elastic modulus of the elastic layer is A, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is B, the elastic modulus of the release layer is C, and the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is D. : 1.0 <B / A <6.0, and the fixing member according to any one of <1> to <5>, which satisfies the formula: 50 <C / D <100.
<7>
The fixing member according to <6>, which satisfies the formula: 1.0 <B / A <3.0 and the formula: 50 <C / D <83.
<8>
The fixing member according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the release layer is a resin layer containing a fluororesin.
<9>
The fixing member according to <8>, wherein the release layer is a layer in which the resin layer containing the fluororesin is covered with the elastic layer.
<10>
A first rotator, and a second rotator disposed in contact with an outer surface of the first rotator,
At least one of the first rotator and the second rotator is the fixing member according to any one of <1> to <9>,
A fixing device for fixing the toner image by inserting a recording medium having a toner image formed on a surface thereof into a contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body.
<11>
A fixing device according to <10>,
A process cartridge that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.
<12>
An image carrier,
Charging means for charging the surface of the image holding member,
Electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holding member,
Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding member to form a toner image with a developer containing toner;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium,
Fixing means for fixing the toner image to the recording medium, the fixing means having a fixing device according to <10>;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

According to the invention according to <1>, <2>, <3>, <8>, or <9>, a cylindrical base material, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer are provided in this order, and adhesion is performed. The adhesive durability between the elastic layer and the release layer is smaller than that of the fixing member in which the elastic modulus of the release layer side of the layer is the same as the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the adhesive layer side, or the difference is less than 2.7 MPa. A fixing member having excellent properties is provided.
According to the invention according to <4> or <5>, it has a cylindrical base material, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order, and has an elastic modulus on the release layer side of the adhesive layer and the adhesive layer. When the difference (absolute value) between the elastic modulus of the elastic layer and the elastic modulus of the release layer is 400 MPa or more and 600 MPa or less as compared with the fixing member having the same elastic modulus on the elastic layer side, A fixing member having excellent adhesion durability to a layer is provided.
According to the invention according to <6> or <7>, the formula: 1.0 ≧ B / A, the formula: B / A ≧ 6.0, the formula: 50 ≧ C / D, or the formula C / D ≧ 100. Thus, a fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer is provided as compared with the case where the above condition is satisfied.

  According to the inventions described in <10>, <11>, and <12>, it has a cylindrical base material, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order, and the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side. A fixing device, a process cartridge, or an image forming apparatus including a fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer as compared with a fixing member having the same elastic modulus on the elastic layer side of the adhesive layer and the adhesive layer. Is done.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view illustrating an example of a fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fixing device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment which is an example of the present invention will be described.
Note that members having substantially the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant description may be omitted as appropriate.

[Fixing member]
The fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fixing member 110 according to this embodiment includes a cylindrical base material 100A, an elastic layer 100B, an adhesive layer 100D, and a release layer 100C in this order.
Specifically, the fixing member 110 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a cylindrical base 110A, an elastic layer 110B provided on the base 110A, and a release layer 110C provided on the elastic layer 110B. , An adhesive layer 110D interposed between the elastic layer 110B and the release layer 110C to adhere the elastic layer 110B and the release layer 110C.
The elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 110D on the elastic layer 110B side is lower than the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 110D on the elastic layer 110B side by 2.7 MPa or more.

  With the above configuration, the fixing member 110 according to this embodiment is a fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between the elastic layer 100B and the release layer 110C. That is, even if the compression deformation and the release are repeated, the fixing member is a member in which the separation between the elastic layer 100B and the release layer 110C is suppressed. The reason is presumed as follows.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a fixing device for an image forming apparatus, a fixing device including a first rotator and a second rotator, which are members having a roll or belt shape, is known. The fixing device is driven to rotate in a state where a contact portion (nip) is formed by contacting both rotating members, and a toner image is formed on a surface of the contact portion (nip) between the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The toner image is fixed by inserting the recording medium. As at least one of the first rotator and the second rotator, a fixing member having a cylindrical base material, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order is used.

  However, in such a fixing device, when the first rotating body and the second rotating body are compressed and deformed at the contact portion (nip) and then pass through the contact portion (nip) with the rotation drive, they are released from the compression and return to the original shape. Is repeated. Therefore, the release layer and the elastic layer also undergo repeated compression deformation and release from compression, and a load is repeatedly applied to the interface between the elastic layer and the release layer. The repetition of this load may cause the elastic layer and the release layer to peel off. It is considered that the cause is that there is a large difference in the elastic modulus between the elastic layer and the release layer, and stress concentration occurs at the interface between the adhesive layer that bonds the release layer and the elastic layer and the release layer or the elastic layer. .

  In contrast, when the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 110D on the elastic layer 110B side is lower than the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 110D by 2.7 MPa or more than the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 110D on the release layer 110C side, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 110D on the elastic layer 110B side is reduced. The difference between the elastic modulus of the elastic layer 110B and the difference between the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 110D on the release layer 110C side and the elastic modulus of the release layer 110C is reduced. This alleviates stress concentration at the interface between the adhesive layer and the release layer or the elastic layer. Therefore, even when the release layer and the elastic layer are repeatedly subjected to the compression deformation and the release from the compression, stress concentration hardly occurs at the interface between the adhesive layer that bonds the release layer and the elastic layer and the release layer or the elastic layer. .

  From the above, it is presumed that the fixing member 110 according to this embodiment has excellent adhesion durability between the elastic layer 110B and the release layer 110C.

  The layer configuration of the fixing member 110 according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a layer configuration in which a metal layer and its protective layer are interposed between the base 110A and the elastic layer 110B, if necessary. A layer configuration in which an adhesive layer is interposed between the elastic layer 110B and a layer configuration in which these layer configurations are combined may be used.

  Hereinafter, components of the fixing member 110 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described in detail. The description will be omitted with reference numerals omitted.

(Relationship of the elastic modulus of each layer of the fixing member)
In the fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is lower than the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side.
Specifically, from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer, the difference (absolute value) between the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side and the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is: 2.7 MPa or more, preferably 2.7 MPa or more and 10.0 MPa or less, more preferably 2.8 MPa or more and 5.0 MPa or less, still more preferably 2.9 MPa or more and 4.0 MPa or less, and more preferably 3.0 MPa or more and 3.0 MPa or less. The following are particularly preferred.

  An aspect in which the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is lower than the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is an aspect in which the elastic modulus gradually decreases from the release layer side of the adhesive layer toward the elastic layer side. Or an embodiment in which the elastic modulus decreases stepwise from the release layer side of the adhesive layer toward the elastic layer side. However, from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer, it is preferable that the elastic modulus is gradually reduced from the release layer side to the elastic layer side of the adhesive layer.

As a method for lowering the elastic modulus on the elastic layer side of the adhesive layer than the elastic modulus on the release layer side of the adhesive layer, for example, an adhesive layer containing two or more adhesives at least one of which functions as a crosslinking agent There is a method in which the composition for forming is coated on the elastic layer, covered with a resin cylindrical body to be a release layer, and then left (seasoning) for a desired time. By performing the leaving treatment, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side decreases. This is due to the phenomenon that a component (low molecular weight component) of the adhesive functioning as a cross-linking agent permeates into the elastic layer from the coating film of the adhesive layer forming composition that becomes the adhesive layer due to the above-mentioned leaving treatment, It is estimated that only the crosslink density on the elastic layer side was reduced.
In addition, when this adhesive treatment is performed to form an adhesive layer, it is assumed that an adhesive layer whose elastic modulus gradually decreases from the release layer side to the elastic layer side of the adhesive layer is formed.

  Here, if the difference (absolute value) between the elastic modulus of the elastic layer and the elastic modulus of the release layer is 400 to 600 MPa (or 400 to 500 MPa), the adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer Tends to decrease. However, the difference (absolute value) between the elastic modulus of the elastic layer and the elastic modulus of the release layer is reduced by making the elastic modulus of the elastic layer on the elastic layer side lower than the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side. , 400 MPa or more and 600 MPa or less (or 400 MPa or more and 500 MPa or less), the adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer is ensured.

  Also, from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer, the elastic modulus of the elastic layer is A, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is B, the elastic modulus of the release layer is C, and the elasticity of the adhesive layer is C. Assuming that the elastic modulus of the release layer side is D, it is preferable to satisfy the formula: 1.0 <B / A <6.0 and the formula: 50 <C / D <100, and the formula: 1.0 < It is more preferable to satisfy B / A <3.0 and the formula: 50 <C / D <83, and the formula: 1.0 <B / A <2.0 and the formula: 50 <C / D < It is more preferable that the ratio satisfies 66.

The elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side, the elastic modulus of the elastic layer, and the elastic modulus of the release layer are defined as values measured by the following methods.
A sample of the layer to be measured is collected from the fixing member, and is used as a measurement sample (sample width: 2 mm, sample length: 10 mm).
Using this measurement sample, the elastic modulus is measured by a dynamic viscoelasticity tester RHEOVIBRON (manufactured by ORIENTEC) under the measurement conditions of a temperature of 30 ° C., a frequency of 10 Hz and an amplitude of 100 μm. The measurement temperature is normal temperature and normal humidity (22 ° C., 50% RH) environment.
The elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is measured using the elastic layer-side measurement sample among the adhesive layer measurement samples (sample width: 2 mm, sample length: 10 mm) divided in half in the thickness direction. Elastic modulus.
The modulus of elasticity of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is measured using a measurement sample on the release layer side among the measurement samples (sample width: 2 mm, sample length: 10 mm) of the adhesive layer cut in half in the thickness direction. Elastic modulus.
The elastic modulus of the elastic layer is an elastic modulus measured using a 0.5 mm thick measurement sample (sample width: 2 mm, sample length: 10 mm) taken from the center in the thickness direction of the elastic layer.
The elastic modulus of the release layer is an elastic modulus measured using a 0.03 mm-thick measurement sample (sample width: 2 mm, sample length: 10 mm) taken from the center of the elastic layer in the thickness direction.

(Shape of fixing member)
The fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment may have a roll shape or a belt shape. Further, a heat fixing member having a heat source inside or outside thereof may be used, or a pressure fixing member having no heat source may be used.

(Base material)
When the fixing member is in a roll shape, examples of the substrate include a cylinder made of metal (aluminum, SUS, iron, copper, or the like), alloy, ceramics, FRM (fiber reinforced metal), or the like.
When the fixing member is in the form of a roll, the outer diameter and the thickness of the base material are preferably, for example, 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. For example, if the fixing member is made of aluminum, the thickness is 0.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less, and SUS ( If it is made of stainless steel) or iron, the thickness is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

On the other hand, when the fixing member has a belt shape, as the base material, for example, a metal belt (for example, a metal belt of nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), a resin belt (for example, polyimide, polyamide imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone) And resin belts such as polybenzimidazole.
In addition, a volume resistivity may be controlled by adding and dispersing a conductive agent or the like to the resin belt. Specifically, examples of the resin belt include a polyimide belt in which carbon black is added and dispersed to control the volume resistivity.
Further, as the resin belt, for example, a belt in which both ends of a long polyimide sheet are combined in a puzzle shape and thermocompression-bonded using a thermocompression bonding member to form a belt shape may be used.

  When the fixing member has a belt shape, the thickness of the base material is, for example, preferably from 20 μm to 200 μm, more preferably from 30 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably from 40 μm to 130 μm.

  Note that an adhesive may be applied to the outer peripheral surface of the base material. That is, the base material and the elastic layer may be laminated via the adhesive layer.

(Elastic layer)
Examples of the material of the elastic layer include a fluorine resin, a silicone resin, a silicone rubber, a fluorine rubber, and a fluorosilicone rubber. As a material of the elastic layer, for example, silicone rubber is preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance, heat conductivity, insulation, and the like.

  Examples of the silicone rubber include RTV silicone rubber, HTV silicone rubber, and liquid silicone rubber. Specifically, polydimethyl silicone rubber (MQ), methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ), methylphenyl silicone rubber (PMQ ), Fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ) and the like.

  As the silicone rubber, those mainly having an addition reaction type as a crosslinking form are preferable. Various types of functional groups are known for silicone rubber, such as dimethyl silicone rubber having a methyl group, methylphenyl silicone rubber having a methyl group and a phenyl group, and vinyl silicone rubber having a vinyl group (vinyl group-containing silicone rubber). Is preferred. Note that a vinyl silicone rubber having a vinyl group is more preferable, and a silicone rubber having an organopolysiloxane structure having a vinyl group and a hydrogen organopolysiloxane structure having a hydrogen atom (SiH) bonded to a silicon atom is more preferable.

  In the elastic material included in the elastic layer, silicone rubber is preferably a main component (that is, containing 50% or more by mass), and the content is more preferably 90% by mass or more, and more preferably 99% by mass. More preferably, it is the above.

The elastic layer may contain various additives.
Examples of the additives include reinforcing agents (such as carbon black), fillers (such as calcium carbonate), softeners (such as paraffin), processing aids (such as stearic acid), antioxidants (such as amines), and additives. Examples include a sulfurizing agent (sulfur, metal oxide, peroxide, etc.), a functional filler (alumina, etc.), and the like.

  The thickness of the elastic layer is, for example, preferably 30 μm or more and 1 mm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

(Adhesive layer)
The adhesive layer is a layer that bonds the elastic layer and the release layer. The adhesive layer includes a cured product layer of a composition containing an adhesive.

  Examples of the adhesive include a silane coupling agent-based adhesive, a silicone-based adhesive, an epoxy resin-based adhesive, and a urethane resin-based adhesive.

Among these, a silicone-based adhesive is more preferable, and a polysiloxane having a SiH structure (a structure having a hydrogen atom bonded to a silicon atom) (hereinafter, also referred to as “SiH-containing polysiloxane”) is preferable.
As the adhesive, it is particularly preferable to use a combination of two or more SiH group-containing polysiloxanes, of which at least one of them functions as a crosslinking agent.

The SiH group-containing polysiloxane is a siloxane compound having one or more SiH structures (that is, a structure in which silicon atoms and hydrogen atoms are directly bonded) and two or more continuous siloxane bonds.
The number of SiH structures in one molecule of the SiH group-containing polysiloxane is 1 or more, and is preferably 2 or more, and more preferably 2 or more and 10 or less from the viewpoint of adhesion to the elastic layer and imparting rubber elasticity to the adhesive layer. More preferably, it is 2 or more and 4 or less.
The number of Si atoms in one molecule of the SiH group-containing polysiloxane is 3 or more, and preferably 3 or more and 100 or less from the viewpoint of improving adhesiveness and imparting rubber elasticity.
The number average molecular weight of the SiH group-containing polysiloxane is, for example, 200 or more and 10,000 or less, and is preferably 200 or more and 6000 or less from the viewpoint of improving adhesiveness and imparting rubber elasticity.
The number average molecular weight is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The molecular weight measurement by GPC is performed using a Tosoh column and TSKgel Super HM-M (15 cm) using a Tosoh GPC / HLC-8120GPC as a measuring device, using a THF solvent. The number average molecular weight is calculated from the measurement result using a molecular weight calibration curve prepared from a monodisperse polystyrene standard sample.

The molecular structure of the SiH group-containing polysiloxane may be linear, branched, or cyclic.
Examples of the SiH group-containing polysiloxane include a compound represented by the following general formula (1).

In the general formula (1), R ¹¹ , R ¹² , R ¹³ , R ¹⁴ , R ¹⁵ , R ¹⁶ , and R ¹⁷ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group, and n is 1 or more. Indicates an integer.

In Formula (1), examples of the monovalent organic group represented by R ^{11 to} R ¹⁷ include a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted silyloxy group. Can be

In the general formula (1), examples of the alkyl group represented by R ^{11 to} R ¹⁷ include a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less (preferably 1 or more and 3 or less). Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, and an isobutyl group.
In the general formula (1), examples of the substituent of the alkyl group represented by R ^{11 to} R ¹⁷ include a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group and a substituted or unsubstituted silyloxy group described below.

In the general formula (1), examples of the aryl group represented by R ^{11 to} R ¹⁷ include a phenyl group and a naphthyl group.
In the general formula (1), examples of the substituent of the aryl group represented by R ^{11 to} R ¹⁷ include the above-mentioned substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and the following substituted or unsubstituted silyloxy group.

In the general formula (1), examples of the substituent of the silyloxy group represented by R ^{11 to} R ¹⁷ include the aforementioned substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and substituted or unsubstituted silyloxy group. Is mentioned.

In the general formula (1), R ^{11 to} R ¹⁷ are, among these, a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 or more and 2 or less carbon atoms, an unsubstituted alkyl group, from the viewpoint of improving adhesiveness and imparting rubber elasticity. A phenyl group, an unsubstituted silyloxy group, and a silyloxy group substituted with an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms are preferable, and a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms are more preferable.

When n in the general formula (1) is 2 or more, two or more R ¹³ and R ¹⁴ in the compound represented by the general formula (1) may be the same or different. Good, but preferably the same.
Further, R ¹³ and R ¹⁴ in the general formula (1) may be the same or different from each other, but are preferably the same. R ¹¹ and R ¹² in the general formula (1) may be the same or different from each other, but are preferably the same. R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁶ in the general formula (1) may be the same or different from each other, but are preferably the same.

Among these, the compound represented by the general formula (1) is preferably a compound in which R ^{11 to} R ¹⁶ are hydrogen, a methyl group, or an ethyl group and R ¹⁷ is a hydrogen atom, and R ^{11 to} R ¹⁶ are preferably A compound in which both are methyl groups and R ¹⁷ is a hydrogen atom is more preferred.

-Other components-
The composition for forming the adhesive layer may include other components as necessary.
Examples of other components include a solvent (for example, butyl acetate and the like) and inorganic particles (for example, iron oxide and silica).
Further, the composition may further include a silane coupling agent together with the SiH group-containing polysiloxane. Examples of the silane coupling agent include an alkoxy group-containing silane coupling agent, an alkenyl group-containing silane coupling agent, an epoxy group-containing silane coupling agent, an amino group-containing silane coupling agent, a methacryl group-containing silane coupling agent, and styryl. Examples include a group-containing silane coupling agent and an amino group-containing silane coupling agent.

(Release layer)
The release layer is a surface layer for imparting release properties to a toner image or the like on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member.

The release layer is required to have, for example, heat resistance and release properties. From this viewpoint, it is preferable to use a heat-resistant release material as a material constituting the release layer, and specific examples thereof include fluororubber, fluororesin, silicone resin, and polyimide resin.
Among these, a fluorine resin is preferable as the heat-resistant release material. That is, the release layer is preferably a resin layer containing a fluororesin.
Specific examples of such a fluororesin include tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkylvinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), polyethylene / Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychloroethylene trifluoride (PCTFE), vinyl fluoride (PVF) and the like.

It is preferable to use a resin cylinder as the release layer. That is, the release layer is preferably a layer in which a resin cylinder (preferably, a resin cylinder containing a fluororesin) molded in advance is covered with the elastic layer.
The inner peripheral surface of the resin tubular body is preferably subjected to a surface treatment from the viewpoint of enhancing the adhesiveness with the adhesive layer. The surface treatment may be a wet treatment or a dry treatment, and examples thereof include a liquid ammonia treatment, an excimer laser treatment, and a plasma treatment.

  The thickness of the release layer is preferably from 10 μm to 100 μm, more preferably from 5 μm to 50 μm, and even more preferably from 10 μm to 40 μm.

(Use of fixing member)
The fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment is applied to, for example, a heating roll, a pressure roll, a heating belt, a pressure belt, and the like. In addition, as a heat source in the heating roll and the heating belt, a method of heating from an external heat source, a method of an electromagnetic induction method, and the like are used.

[Fixing device]
The fixing device according to the present embodiment has various configurations, and includes, for example, a first rotator and a second rotator disposed in contact with an outer surface of the first rotator. The fixing device fixes the toner image by inserting the recording medium having the toner image formed on the surface thereof into a contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. The fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment is applied as at least one of the first rotator and the second rotator.

Hereinafter, as first and second embodiments, a fixing device including a heating member and a pressure member will be described. In the first and second embodiments, the fixing member according to the present embodiment can be applied to any of a heating roll, a heating belt, a pressure roll, and a pressure roll.
The fixing device according to this embodiment is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and may be a fixing device including a heating roll or a heating belt and a pressure belt. The fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment can be applied to any of a heating roll, a heating belt, and a pressure belt.
Further, the fixing device according to this embodiment is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and may be an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device.

(First Embodiment of Fixing Device)
The fixing device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the fixing device according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a heating roll 61 (an example of a first rotating body) that is driven to rotate, a pressing belt 62 (an example of a second rotating body), And a pressing pad 64 (an example of a pressing member) that presses the heating roll 61 via the pressing belt 62.
The pressing pad 64 only needs to press the pressing belt 62 and the heating roll 61 relatively, for example. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 side may be pressed against the heating roll 61, and the heating roll 61 side may be pressed against the heating roll 61.

  A halogen lamp 66 (an example of a heating unit) is provided inside the heating roll 61. The heating means is not limited to a halogen lamp, and another heating member that generates heat may be used.

  On the other hand, on the surface of the heating roll 61, for example, a temperature-sensitive element 69 is arranged in contact. The lighting of the halogen lamp 66 is controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensing element 69, and the surface temperature of the heating roll 61 is maintained at a target set temperature (for example, 150 ° C.).

  The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported by, for example, a pressing pad 64 and a belt travel guide 63 arranged inside. The pressing pad 64 presses the heating roll 61 in the sandwiching region N (nip portion).

The pressing pad 64 is disposed, for example, inside the pressing belt 62 in a state where the pressing pad 64 is pressed against the heating roll 61 via the pressing belt 62, and forms a sandwiching region N between the pressing pad 64 and the heating roll 61. I have.
The pressing pad 64 includes, for example, a front sandwiching member 64a for securing a wide sandwiching region N on the entrance side of the sandwiching region N, and a peeling sandwiching member 64b for imparting distortion to the heating roll 61. Are arranged on the exit side of the sandwiching region N.

In order to reduce the sliding resistance between the inner peripheral surface of the pressing belt 62 and the pressing pad 64, for example, a sheet-shaped sliding member is provided on the surfaces of the front sandwiching member 64 a and the peeling sandwiching member 64 b which are in contact with the pressing belt 62. A member 68 is provided. The pressing pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held by a metal holding member 65.
The sliding member 68 is provided, for example, so that its sliding surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 62, and is involved in holding and supplying oil existing between the sliding member 68 and the pressure belt 62. .

  For example, a belt traveling guide 63 is attached to the holding member 65, and the pressing belt 62 is configured to rotate.

  The heating roll 61 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow S by, for example, a drive motor (not shown). Following this rotation, the pressure belt 62 rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow R opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roll 61. That is, for example, while the heating roll 61 rotates clockwise in FIG. 2, the pressing belt 62 rotates counterclockwise.

  Then, the sheet K (an example of a recording medium) having the unfixed toner image is guided to, for example, the fixing entrance guide 56 and conveyed to the sandwiching area N. When the sheet K passes through the sandwiching area N, the unfixed toner image on the sheet K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the sandwiching area N.

  In the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment, for example, a wider sandwiching region N is formed by a concave front sandwiching member 64a that follows the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61, compared to a configuration without the front sandwiching member 64a. Secured.

  Further, in the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment, for example, by disposing the peeling sandwiching member 64b so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61, the distortion of the heating roll 61 in the exit region of the sandwiching region N is improved. Is configured to be locally large.

  By arranging the peeling and sandwiching member 64b in this way, for example, the paper K after fixing passes through a locally large distortion when passing through the peeling and sandwiching region. Are easily separated from the heating roll 61.

  As an auxiliary means for peeling, for example, a peeling member 70 is provided downstream of the sandwiching region N of the heating roll 61. For example, the peeling member 70 is held by the holding member 72 in a state where the peeling claw 71 approaches the heating roll 61 in a direction (counter direction) facing the rotation direction of the heating roll 61.

(Second Embodiment of Fixing Device)
A fixing device according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the fixing device according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment presses, for example, a fixing belt module 86 having a heating belt 84 (an example of a first rotating body) and a heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86). And a pressure roll 88 (an example of a second rotating body) that is disposed. For example, a sandwiching region N (nip portion) is formed at a contact portion between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roll 88. In the sandwiching area N, the sheet K (an example of a recording medium) is pressed and heated to fix the toner image.

In the fixing belt module 86, for example, an endless heating belt 84 and a heating belt 84 are wound around the pressure roll 88, and the heating belt 84 is driven to rotate by a rotating force of a motor (not shown), and the heating belt 84 is moved around the inner circumference thereof. The heating press roll 89 presses the pressurizing roll 88 from the surface, and a support roll 90 that supports the heating belt 84 from the inside at a position different from the heat press roll 89.
The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, a support roll 92 that is disposed outside the heating belt 84 and defines a circuit path thereof, and a posture correction roll 94 that corrects the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating press roll 89 to the support roll 90. And a support roll 98 that applies tension to the heating belt 84 from the inner peripheral surface on the downstream side of the sandwiching region N formed by the heating belt 84 and the pressure roll 88.

The fixing belt module 86 is provided, for example, so that a sheet-shaped sliding member 82 is interposed between the heating belt 84 and the heating pressing roll 89.
The sliding member 82 is provided, for example, so that its sliding surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84, and is involved in holding and supplying oil existing between the sliding member 82 and the heating belt 84.
Here, the sliding member 82 is provided, for example, in a state where both ends thereof are supported by the supporting member 96.

  Inside the heating press roll 89, for example, a halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating unit) is provided.

The support roll 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum. A halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating unit) is provided inside the support roll 90 so that the heating belt 84 is heated from the inner peripheral surface side. Has become.
At both ends of the support roll 90, for example, spring members (not shown) for pressing the heating belt 84 outward are provided.

The support roll 92 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and a release layer made of a fluororesin having a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the surface of the support roll 92.
The release layer of the support roll 92 is formed, for example, to prevent toner and paper powder from the outer peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 from being deposited on the support roll 92.
Inside the support roll 92, for example, a halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating unit) is provided so as to heat the heating belt 84 from the outer peripheral surface side.

  That is, for example, the heating belt 84 is heated by the heating press roll 89, the support roll 90, and the support roll 92.

The posture correcting roll 94 is, for example, a cylindrical roll formed of aluminum, and an end position measuring mechanism (not shown) for measuring an end position of the heating belt 84 is disposed near the posture correcting roll 94. ing.
The posture correcting roll 94 is provided with, for example, an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) for displacing the contact position in the axial direction of the heating belt 84 in accordance with the measurement result of the end position measuring mechanism. It is configured to control.

  On the other hand, the pressure roll 88 is rotatably supported, for example, and is provided so as to be pressed against a portion where the heating belt 84 is wound around the heating pressure roll 89 by urging means such as a spring (not shown). Accordingly, as the heating belt 84 (the heating and pressing roll 89) of the fixing belt module 86 rotates in the direction of the arrow S, the pressing roller 88 is driven by the heating belt 84 (the heating and pressing roller 89) to move in the direction of the arrow R. It rotates in the direction.

  Then, the sheet K having the unfixed toner image (not shown) is conveyed in the direction of arrow P and guided to the sandwiching area N of the fixing device 80. When the sheet K passes through the sandwiching area N, the unfixed toner image on the sheet K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the sandwiching area N.

  In the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment, a form in which a halogen heater (halogen lamp) is applied as an example of the plurality of heating units has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. (A heating element that emits an infrared ray or the like) and a resistance heating element (a heating element that generates Joule heat by passing an electric current through the resistor: for example, a film formed by forming a film having resistance on a ceramic substrate and fired). You may.

[Image forming apparatus]
Next, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image carrier, a charging unit that charges a surface of the image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier, Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding member with a developer containing toner to form a toner image; transfer means for transferring the toner image to the surface of the recording medium; Fixing means for fixing to a recording medium.
The fixing device according to the exemplary embodiment is applied as a fixing unit.

  Here, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the fixing device may be formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may include the fixing device according to the present embodiment as a constituent device of the process cartridge.

Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, an image forming apparatus of an intermediate transfer system generally called a tandem type, in which a plurality of toner images of each color component are formed by an electrophotographic system. Image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, and a primary transfer unit 10 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the color component toner images formed by the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K to the intermediate transfer belt 15. A secondary transfer unit 20 for collectively transferring (secondarily transferring) the superimposed toner image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 15 to a sheet K serving as a recording medium; and fixing for fixing the secondary-transferred image onto the sheet K. And a device 60. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (each unit).

  This fixing device 60 is the fixing device 60 according to the above-described first embodiment. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to include the fixing device 80 according to the above-described second embodiment.

  Each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a photoconductor 11 that rotates in the direction of arrow A as an example of an image carrier that retains a toner image formed on the surface.

  A charger 12 for charging the photoconductor 11 is provided around the photoconductor 11 as an example of a charging unit, and a laser exposure unit that writes an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11 as an example of a latent image forming unit. 13 (an exposure beam is indicated by reference numeral Bm in the figure).

  Around the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a developing unit, there is provided a developing device 14 that accommodates each color component toner and visualizes an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 with toner. A primary transfer roll 16 for transferring the respective color component toner images formed thereon to the intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer unit 10 is provided.

  Further, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 for removing residual toner on the photoreceptor 11 is provided around the photoreceptor 11, and a charger 12, a laser exposure unit 13, a developing unit 14, a primary transfer roll 16, and a photoreceptor cleaner Seventeen electrophotographic devices are sequentially arranged along the rotation direction of the photoconductor 11. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged substantially linearly from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Have been.

The intermediate transfer belt 15, which is an intermediate transfer member, is a film-shaped pressure belt containing a resin such as polyimide or polyamide as a base layer and containing an appropriate amount of an antistatic agent such as carbon black. The volume resistivity is formed to be 10 ⁶ Ωcm or more and 10 ¹⁴ Ωcm or less, and the thickness thereof is set to, for example, about 0.1 mm.

  The intermediate transfer belt 15 is circulated (rotated) at various speeds in a direction B shown in FIG. The various rolls include a drive roll 31 driven by a motor (not shown) having excellent constant speed to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the intermediate transfer belt 15 extending substantially linearly along the arrangement direction of the photoconductors 11. , A tension applying roll 33 that functions as a correction roll that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and prevents meandering of the intermediate transfer belt 15, a back roll 25 provided in the secondary transfer unit 20, and And a cleaning back roll 34 provided in a cleaning unit for scraping residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

The primary transfer unit 10 includes a primary transfer roll 16 that is disposed to face the photoconductor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. The primary transfer roll 16 includes a core and a sponge layer serving as an elastic layer fixed around the core. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metal such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a rubber blend of NBR, SBR and EPDM containing a conductive agent such as carbon black, and is a sponge-shaped cylindrical roll having a volume resistivity of ^107.5 Ωcm or more and ^108.5 Ωcm or less.

  The primary transfer roll 16 is pressed against the photoconductor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. Further, the primary transfer roll 16 has a voltage (primary polarity) opposite to the polarity (negative polarity; the same applies hereinafter) of the toner. (Transfer bias) is applied. As a result, the toner images on the respective photoconductors 11 are sequentially electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a superposed toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

  The secondary transfer unit 20 includes a back roll 25 and a secondary transfer roll 22 disposed on the toner image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

The back roll 25 is made of a tube of EPDM and NBR blended rubber in which the surface is dispersed with carbon, and the inside is made of EPDM rubber. Then, the surface resistivity is formed to be 10 ⁷ Ω / □ or more and 10 ¹⁰ Ω / □ or less, and the hardness is set to, for example, 70 ° (Asker C: manufactured by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd .; the same applies hereinafter). You. The back roll 25 is disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and constitutes a counter electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and a metal power supply roll 26 to which a secondary transfer bias is stably applied is in contact therewith. ing.

On the other hand, the secondary transfer roll 22 is composed of a core and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core. The core is a cylindrical rod made of metal such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a rubber blend of NBR, SBR and EPDM containing a conductive agent such as carbon black, and is a sponge-shaped cylindrical roll having a volume resistivity of ^107.5 Ωcm or more and ^108.5 Ωcm or less.

  The secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the back roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween, and the secondary transfer roll 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias between the back transfer roll 22 and the secondary transfer roll 22. The toner image is secondarily transferred onto the sheet K conveyed to the next transfer unit 20.

  On the downstream side of the secondary transfer section 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt that removes residual toner and paper dust on the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 The cleaner 35 is provided so as to be able to freely contact and separate from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

  The intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer unit 10 (primary transfer roll 16), and the secondary transfer unit 20 (secondary transfer roll 22) correspond to an example of a transfer unit.

On the other hand, on the upstream side of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 for generating a reference signal serving as a reference for setting an image forming timing in each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K. It is arranged. The reference sensor 42 recognizes a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. In response to an instruction from the control unit 40 based on the recognition of the reference signal, each of the image forming units 1Y, 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are configured to start image formation.
An image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality is provided downstream of the black image forming unit 1K.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as a transport unit that transports the paper K, the paper storage unit 50 that stores the paper K, and the paper K stacked in the paper storage unit 50 is taken out at a predetermined timing. Roll 51 for transporting the paper K fed by the paper feed roll 51, a transport guide 53 for feeding the paper K transported by the transport roll 52 to the secondary transfer unit 20, and secondary transfer The fixing device includes a transport belt 55 that transports the paper K transported after the secondary transfer by the roll 22 to the fixing device 60, and a fixing entrance guide 56 that guides the paper K to the fixing device 60.

Next, a basic image forming process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, image data output from an image reading device (not shown), a personal computer (PC) not shown, or the like is subjected to image processing by an image processing device (not shown), and then the image forming unit 1Y , 1M, 1C, and 1K perform an image forming operation.

  The image processing apparatus performs image processing such as shading correction, position shift correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, various image editing such as frame erasing, color editing, and moving editing on the input reflectance data. Is done. The image data subjected to the image processing is converted into four color material gradation data of Y, M, C, and K, and output to the laser exposure unit 13.

  The laser exposure device 13 irradiates, for example, an exposure beam Bm emitted from a semiconductor laser to each of the photoconductors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K according to the input color material gradation data. . In each of the photoconductors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, after the surface is charged by the charger 12, the surface is scanned and exposed by the laser exposure device 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K as a toner image of each color of Y, M, C, and K.

  The toner images formed on the photoconductors 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 photoconductor 11 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 15. You. More specifically, in the primary transfer unit 10, a voltage (primary transfer bias) having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity (minus polarity) of the toner is applied to the base material of the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the primary transfer roll 16, and the toner image is formed. Are sequentially superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform primary transfer.

  After the toner image is sequentially primary-transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves and the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20. When the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20, the conveyance unit rotates the paper feed roll 51 in synchronization with the timing at which the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20, and moves the toner image from the paper storage unit 50 to the desired position. Paper K of a size is supplied. The paper K supplied by the paper feed roll 51 is transported by the transport roll 52, and reaches the secondary transfer unit 20 via the transport guide 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer section 20, the sheet K is temporarily stopped, and the alignment roller (not shown) is rotated in accordance with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 15 holding the toner image. And the position of the toner image are aligned.

  In the secondary transfer unit 20, the secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the back roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the sheet K conveyed in a timely manner is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. At this time, when a voltage (secondary transfer bias) having the same polarity as the charging polarity (minus 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. Is done. Then, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is collectively electrostatically transferred onto the sheet K in the secondary transfer unit 20 which is pressed by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. You.

  Thereafter, the sheet K on which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is conveyed as it is while being separated from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22, and is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the sheet conveying direction. It is transported to the belt 55. The transport belt 55 transports the sheet K to the fixing device 60 in accordance with the optimal transport speed in the fixing device 60. The unfixed toner image on the sheet K conveyed to the fixing device 60 undergoes a fixing process by heat and pressure by the fixing device 60 and is fixed on the sheet K. Then, the sheet K on which the fixed image is formed is conveyed to a sheet discharge storage unit (not shown) provided in a discharge unit of the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, after the transfer to the paper K is completed, the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is conveyed to the cleaning unit with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and is cleaned by the cleaning back roll 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35. It is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described specifically with reference to embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

<Example 1>
A agent and B agent of silicone primer (silane coupling agent having hydrogen organopolysiloxane structure having SiH group, trade name: DY35-051, Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.) on an aluminum substrate of φ25 mm) An equal amount of the mixture was applied by a flow coating method (spiral winding application) to form a coating film having a thickness of 10 μm.
After the application, the coating film was air-dried at normal temperature (25 ° C.) for 30 minutes, and further baked in an oven maintained at 150 ° C. for 1 hour to form a 30 μm-thick adhesive layer before curing.

Next, as the coating liquid for forming the elastic layer, a liquid mixture (liquid silicone rubber) of an equal amount of the A agent and the B agent of the addition reaction type liquid silicone rubber (trade name: DY35-1310; Dow Corning Toray) is prepared. did. Thereafter, the prepared coating liquid (liquid silicone rubber) was applied on the adhesive layer before curing by a flow coating method (spiral winding coating) to form a coating film having a thickness of 0.5 mm.
After the application, the solvent is removed by drying the coating film at 40 ° C. for 15 minutes while rotating the aluminum substrate, and primary vulcanization is performed by heating at 140 ° C. for 30 minutes, and further at 200 ° C. for 4 hours. Secondary vulcanization was performed by heating to form an elastic layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm. At this time, the adhesive layer was also cured, and the base material and the elastic layer were bonded.

  Thus, a roll with an elastic layer was obtained.

Next, an addition-reaction type silicone rubber-based adhesive containing SiH-containing polyorganohydrogensiloxane (trade name: SE1714, Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.) and a polyorganohydrogensiloxane containing SiH are included, and function as a crosslinking agent. An adhesive (trade name: TC-25B, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan) 2 parts of an equal amount of the mixture, and an adhesive (trade name: TC-25B, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan) ) Was additionally mixed to prepare a cross-linking agent additional mixed solution.
The cross-linking agent additional mixed solution was applied onto the elastic layer of the roll with the elastic layer by flow coating to form a 30 μm coating film.

  Next, after a PFA tube having a center inner diameter of 24.8 mm and a tube thickness of 30 μm (thickness unevenness, a maximum of 2 μm) is placed on a roll with an elastic layer on which a coating film to be an adhesive layer is formed, By reducing the pressure between the mold and the PFA, the PFA tube and the mold are brought into close contact with each other. Thereafter, the elastic layer body coated with the adhesive composition is inserted into a mold, and after the insertion, the grips at both ends are released, the elongation ratio in the axial direction is changed, and then the pressure is released, whereby the adhesive is released. Was coated with a PFA tube (trade name: HP451J, manufactured by DuPont-Mitsui Fluorochemicals Co., Ltd., excimer-treated inner surface).

  Next, the roll with the elastic layer covering the PFA tube is served (seasoning) at room temperature for 2 hours, and then fired at 200 ° C. for 1 hour in a firing furnace, whereby the elastic layer and the release layer are separated by the adhesive layer. Glued.

  Through the above steps, a fixing roll was obtained.

<Comparative Example 1>
In the same manner as in Example 1 except that in the formation of a coating film serving as an adhesive layer for bonding the elastic layer and the release layer, an adhesive functioning as a cross-linking agent was not further added to 2 parts of the equivalent mixture, Then, a fixing roll was obtained.

<Comparative Examples 2-3>
In forming a coating film to be an adhesive layer for bonding the elastic layer and the release layer, crosslinking is performed by additionally mixing 3 parts or 5 parts of an adhesive functioning as a cross-linking agent with 2 parts of an equal mixture. A fixing roll was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the mixed solution of the additive agent was used.

<Evaluation>
The following evaluations were performed on the fixing rolls of each example. Table 1 shows the results.

(Various measurements)
Each physical property was measured according to the method described above.
・ Elastic modulus of elastic layer ・ Elastic modulus of adhesive layer on elastic layer side ・ Elastic modulus of release layer ・ Elastic modulus of adhesive layer on release layer side

(Initial adhesion evaluation)
Cuts were made at two locations in the circumferential direction of the fixing roll of each example at an interval of 25 mm, and when the release layer (PFA tube) between the cuts was pulled, if the adhesive layer and the elastic layer did not peel off at the interface, The initial adhesiveness between the elastic layer and the release layer was OK. When the interface was peeled off, it was regarded as NG.

(Durable adhesion evaluation)
The fixing roll of each example was mounted on a fixing device of an image forming apparatus (DucuPrint CP400d, manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.) as a heating roll.
With this apparatus, A4 size paper was passed in the plain paper running mode such that the longitudinal direction of the paper was perpendicular to the roll. And it evaluated on the following reference | standard.
A: The elastic layer and the release layer are not separated at the interface when 100,000 sheets are passed (no lifting occurs between the elastic layer and the release layer).
B: The elastic layer and the release layer are separated at the interface when 100,000 sheets are passed. (Slight floating occurs between the elastic layer and the release layer. C: When 100,000 sheets are passed. The interface between the elastic layer and the release layer is peeled off (a floating occurs between the elastic layer and the release layer).

  From the above results, it can be seen that the fixing roll of the present example has a better durability adhesion evaluation than the fixing roll of the comparative example. That is, it can be seen that the adhesion durability between the elastic layer and the release layer is high.

62 pressure belt 63 belt travel guide 64 pressing pad 64a front sandwiching member 64b peeling sandwiching member 65 holding member 66 halogen lamp 68 sliding member 69 temperature sensing element 70 peeling member 71 peeling claw 72 holding member 80 fixing device 82 sliding Member 84 Heating belt 86 Fixing belt module 88 Pressure roll 89A Halogen heater 89 Heating / pressing roll 90A Halogen heater 90 Support roll 92A Halogen heater 92 Support roll 94 Attitude correction roll 96 Support member 98 Support roll 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Fixing member 110A Material 110B Elastic layer 110C Release layer

Claims (12)

Having a cylindrical substrate, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order,
A fixing member in which the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is lower than that of the adhesive layer by 2.7 MPa or more.   2. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side and an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is 2.7 MPa or more and 10.0 MPa or less. .   The fixing member according to claim 2, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side and an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is 2.8 MPa or more and 5.0 MPa or less. .   The fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the elastic layer and an elastic modulus of the release layer is 400 MPa or more and 600 MPa or less.   The fixing member according to claim 4, wherein a difference (absolute value) between an elastic modulus of the elastic layer and an elastic modulus of the release layer is 400 MPa or more and 500 MPa or less.   When the elastic modulus of the elastic layer is A, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the elastic layer side is B, the elastic modulus of the release layer is C, and the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer on the release layer side is D. The fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which satisfies: 1.0 <B / A <6.0 and the formula: 50 <C / D <100.   The fixing member according to claim 6, which satisfies a formula: 1.0 <B / A <3.0 and a formula: 50 <C / D <83.   The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the release layer is a resin layer containing a fluororesin.   The fixing member according to claim 8, wherein the release layer is a layer in which the elastic layer is covered with a resin tubular body containing the fluororesin. A first rotator, and a second rotator disposed in contact with an outer surface of the first rotator,
The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first rotator and the second rotator is the fixing member according to claim 1.
A fixing device for fixing the toner image by inserting a recording medium having a toner image formed on a surface thereof into a contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. A fixing device according to claim 10,
A process cartridge that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. An image carrier,
Charging means for charging the surface of the image holding member,
Electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image holding member,
Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image holding member to form a toner image with a developer containing toner;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image to the surface of a recording medium,
A fixing unit that fixes the toner image on the recording medium, the fixing unit including the fixing device according to claim 10,
An image forming apparatus comprising: