JP2021124559A - Belt, fixing device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a belt that prevents an increase with time in slide resistance against and wear with time of a slide member.SOLUTION: A belt has a resin layer including polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin on an outermost surface layer on a side sliding at least with a slide member, and the ratio of the molar quantity of a siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is 20 mol% or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a belt, a fixing device and an image forming device.

Patent Document 1 includes "siloxane-modified polyetherimide, polyetherimide other than siloxane-modified polyetherimide, and a conductive agent, and a polyether other than the siloxane-modified polyetherimide and the siloxane-modified polyetherimide in the surface layer portion. A tubular body in which the content of the siloxane-modified polyetherimide with respect to the total content of the imide is 40% by mass or more is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 discloses "a fixing member characterized in that the surface layer in contact with the recording body contains at least a siloxane-modified polyimide resin".

Patent Document 3 states, "A semi-conductive polyimide belt containing a silicon-modified polyimide having a molar content of a silicon-containing repeating unit of 0.1 / 100 to 15/100, and the tensile elastic modulus of the belt is 2000 MPa or more. , A semi-conductive polyimide belt in which the friction coefficient of the outer surface of the belt is less than 0.4 and the ratio of the friction coefficient between the inner surface and the outer surface of the belt (inner surface / outer surface ratio) is 1.1 or more "is disclosed.

JP-A-2017-146503 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-056602 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-197365

In the conventional belt having a resin layer containing only polyimide, the sliding resistance may increase with time. In the present invention, in a belt having at least a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin on the outermost surface layer on the side sliding with the sliding member.
"When the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is less than 20 mol%", or
"If the the is greater than the ratio _{(M S /} M _ALL) is less than 10 mole% or 40 mole% of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure for the outermost layer of the overall _{M ALL"}
In comparison with the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a belt in which an increase in sliding resistance with respect to a sliding member with time and wear with time are suppressed.

Specific means for solving the above problems include the following aspects.

[1] At least the outermost layer on the side sliding with the sliding member has a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin, and the molar amount ratio of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is 20 mol% or more. ,belt.
[2] The belt according to [1], wherein the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is 20 mol% or more and 50 mol% or less.
[3] on the outermost layer of at least the sliding member and the sliding sides, it has a resin layer containing a polyimide and siloxane-modified resins, the molar amount M ratio of _S (M _S of siloxane structure to the entire M _ALL of the outermost layer / M _ALL ) is 10 mol% or more and 40 mol% or less, a belt.
[4] the ratio of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure for the outermost layer of the overall _{M ALL (M S / M ALL} ) is not more than 40 mol% to 15 mol%, the belt according to [3].
[5] The above-mentioned one of [1] to [4], wherein the siloxane-modified resin contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a siloxane-modified polyimide, a siloxane-modified polycarbonate, and a siloxane-modified polyetherimide. belt.
[6] The belt according to [5], wherein the siloxane-modified resin contains a siloxane-modified polyetherimide.
[7] The belt according to any one of [1] to [6] and
A sliding member provided on the inner peripheral surface of the belt and sliding on the belt,
Oil intervening between the belt and the sliding member,
A fixing device.
[8] The fixing device according to [7], wherein the oil contains a silicon-containing oil.
[9] Image holder and
The charging means for charging the surface of the image holder and
A latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, and
A developing means for developing a latent image on the surface of the image holder with toner to form a toner image,
A transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image holder to a recording medium, and
The fixing means for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium, which is the fixing device according to [8], and the fixing means.
An image forming apparatus equipped with.

According to the invention according to [1], in a belt having at least a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin on the outermost surface layer on the side sliding with the sliding member, the molar of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin. Provided is a belt in which an increase in sliding resistance with time and wear over time are suppressed as compared with the case where the amount ratio is less than 20 mol%.

According to the invention according to [2], the sliding resistance with time to the sliding member is compared with the case where the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane modified resin is less than 20 mol% or more than 50 mol%. A belt is provided in which the rise of the siloxane and the wear over time are further suppressed.

According to the invention of [3], in a belt having a resin layer comprising a polyimide and siloxane-modified resin in the outermost layer on the side that slides at least a sliding member, the molar amount of the siloxane structure for the entire M _ALL of the outermost layer as compared with the case where the ratio of _{M S (M S / M ALL} ) is exceeded or 40 mole% less than 10 mol%, increase with time in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member and the wear over time it can be suppressed A belt is provided.

According to the invention of [4], wherein as compared with the case where the ratio of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure for the outermost layer of the overall _{M ALL (M S / M ALL} ) is greater than 15 less than mole% or 40 mole% Provided is a belt in which an increase in sliding resistance with respect to a sliding member with time and wear with time are further suppressed.

According to the invention according to [5], as compared with the case where the siloxane-modified resin is a siloxane-modified resin other than the siloxane-modified polyimide, the siloxane-modified polycarbonate, and the siloxane-modified polyetherimide, sliding with respect to the sliding member over time. A belt is provided in which an increase in resistance and wear over time are further suppressed.

According to the invention according to [6], as compared with the case where the siloxane-modified resin is a siloxane-modified polycarbonate, a belt in which an increase in sliding resistance with respect to a sliding member over time and wear over time is further suppressed. Provided.

According to the invention according to [7], a fixing including a belt having a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin on at least the outermost surface layer on the side sliding with the sliding member, the sliding member, and the oil. in the apparatus, the molar amount M _S of siloxane structure to the entire M _ALL of the outermost layer in "the case the molar volume ratio of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin in the belt is less than 20 mol%" or "the belt compared to the ratio _(M S _/ M _ALL) If you are more than or 40 mole% less than 10 mol% "includes a belt wear is suppressed in rise and time with time in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member A fixing device is provided.

According to the invention according to [8], as compared with the case where the oil is a fluorine-containing oil, fixing with a belt in which an increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member with time and wear with time is further suppressed. Equipment is provided.

According to the invention according to [9], a belt having a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin on the outermost surface layer at least on the side sliding with the sliding member, the sliding member, the oil, and the like. an image forming apparatus comprising a fixing device having, for "the case the molar volume ratio of the siloxane structure of the siloxane-modified resin is less than 20 mol% in the belt" or "total M _ALL of the outermost layer of the belt compared to the ratio of the molar amount M _S of siloxane structure _(M S _/ M _ALL) If you are more than or 40 mole% less than 10 mol% ", in the rise and time with time in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member An image forming apparatus is provided with a belt that suppresses wear.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the fixing device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the fixing device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. These explanations and examples illustrate the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

In the numerical range described stepwise in the present specification, the upper limit value or the lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper limit value or the lower limit value of another numerical range described stepwise. good. Further, in the numerical range described in the present disclosure, the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the examples.

In the present specification, each component may contain a plurality of applicable substances.
When referring to the amount of each component in the composition in the present specification, if a plurality of substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the plurality of species present in the composition unless otherwise specified. Means the total amount of substances in.

-Belt-
The belt according to the first embodiment has a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin at least on the outermost surface layer on the side sliding with the sliding member, and the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin. Is 20 mol% or more.

The belt according to the second embodiment, the outermost layer on the side that slides at least a sliding member having a resin layer containing a polyimide and siloxane-modified resins, the molar amount of the siloxane structure for the entire M _ALL of the outermost layer the ratio of _{M S (M S / M ALL} ) is 40 mol% or less than 10 mol%.

Hereinafter, the belt according to the first embodiment and the belt according to the second embodiment are collectively referred to as a "belt according to the present embodiment".

The belt rotates while being slid by a sliding member from its inner peripheral surface, for example. At this time, when the outermost surface layer (sliding surface) of the belt is a resin layer containing only polyimide, the friction between the outermost surface layer and the contact member increases, and the sliding resistance to the sliding member increases with time. There was a tendency. When the sliding resistance to the sliding member increases with time and wears with time, the continuous fixability tends to decrease.

On the other hand, since the belt according to the present embodiment has each of the above configurations, it is possible to suppress an increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member with time and wear with time. This factor is not always clear, but can be estimated as follows.

The belt according to this embodiment is a resin layer whose outermost surface layer contains polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin. The siloxane-modified resin has a property that the sliding resistance to the sliding member is smaller than that of the polyimide. Further, the siloxane-modified resin tends to have high compatibility with polyimide. For that reason, "belt molar amount of the ratio of the siloxane structure of the siloxane-modified resin is to the outermost layer of the resin layer containing the siloxane-modified resin and the polyimide is 20 mol% or more", or "whole outermost layer M _ALL by allowing the ratio of the molar amount M _S of siloxane structure _(M S _/ M _ALL) is a resin layer is 40 mol% or less than 10 mol% belt to the outermost surface layer ", most of the side in contact with the sliding member The sliding resistance to the sliding member on the surface layer (that is, the sliding surface of the belt) tends to be less uneven, and the sliding resistance tends to be kept small. As a result, it is considered that an increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member with time and wear with time are suppressed.

≪Surface layer≫
The belt according to the present embodiment has a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin, at least on the outermost surface layer on the side sliding with the sliding member. The belt according to the present embodiment may have a resin layer as a layer other than the outermost layer, or may have a layer structure consisting of only the resin layer.

Belt according to the first embodiment, the ratio of the abrasion at elevated and time with time in sliding resistance from the more suppressing relative sliding member, the molar amount M _S of siloxane structure to the entire M _ALL the outermost layer preferably _(M S _{/ M ALL)} is not more than 10 mol% to 40 mol%, more preferably at most 15 mol% to 40 mol%.

The belt according to the second embodiment, the ratio _{(M S /} M _ALL) of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure to the entire _{M ALL} the outermost layer is 40 mol% or less than 10 mol%, with time with respect to the sliding member From the viewpoint of further suppressing an increase in sliding resistance and wear over time, it is preferably 15 mol% or more and 40 mol% or less.

The ratio of the molar amount M _S of siloxane structure to the entire M _ALL the outermost layer of _(M S _/ M _ALL), approaches the above range is not particularly limited, for example, in the siloxane-modified resin, the material for the siloxane-modified (silicone A method of adjusting the compounding ratio when reacting the resin or the like) with the resin to be modified or a monomer thereof; a method of adjusting the compounding ratio of the polyimide and the siloxane-modified resin in the outermost layer can be mentioned.

The ratio of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure _{(M S /} M _ALL) can be obtained as follows.
(1) Cut out 100 mg of the outermost layer (that is, the resin layer) and use it as a test piece.
(2) By dissolving the test piece in deuterated chloroform and measuring the weight ratio of the eluate to the elution residue and NMR measurement with respect to the eluate, the total molar amount of the outermost layer M _ALL and the molar amount of the siloxane structure M _S Ask for.
(3) From the results obtained, determining the ratio _{(= M S /} M _ALL) of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure to the entire _{M ALL} the outermost layer.

[Polyimide]
The belt according to this embodiment contains polyimide in the resin layer.
Polyimide means a polymer containing at least a structural unit having an imide bond. The polyimide may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Examples of the polyimide include an imidized product obtained by imidizing a polyamic acid (hereinafter, also referred to as “polyimide precursor”) which is a polymer of a tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine compound.

Examples of the tetracarboxylic dianhydride include pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3', 4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, and 3,3', 4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid. Dihydride, 2,3,3',4-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,3,6,7-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 1,2,5,6-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride Anhydride, 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2,2'-bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) sulfonic acid dianhydride, perylene-3,4,9,10- Examples thereof include tetracarboxylic dianhydride, bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) ether dianhydride, and ethylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride.

Examples of the diamine compound include 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfide, 3, 3'-diaminodiphenylsulfone, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 3,3'-dimethyl 4,4'-biphenyldiamine, benzidine, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine, 3, 3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylpropane, 2,4-bis (β-aminotertiary butyl) toluene, bis (p-β-amino-third butyl) Phenyl) ether, bis (p-β-methyl-δ-aminophenyl) benzene, bis-p- (1,1-dimethyl-5-amino-pentyl) benzene, 1-isopropyl-2,4-m-phenylenediamine , M-xylylene diamine, p-xylylene diamine, di (p-aminocyclohexyl) methane, hexamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, diaminopropyltetramethylene, 3-methyl Heptamethylenediamine, 4,4-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 2,11-diaminododecane, 1,2-bis-3-aminoprovoxyetan, 2,2-dimethylpropylenediamine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, 2, 5-Dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 3-Methylheptamethylenediamine, 5-Methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,17-diaminoeicosadecan, 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 1,10-diamino-1,10-dimethyldecane, 12-Diaminooctadecane, 2,2-bis [4- (4-aminophenoxy) phenyl] propane, piperazine, H ₂ N (CH ₂ ) ₃ O (CH ₂ ) ₂ O (CH ₂ ) NH ₂ , H ₂ N (CH ₂ ) ₃ S (CH ₂ ) ₃ NH ₂ , H ₂ N (CH ₂ ) ₃ N (CH ₃ ) ₂ (CH ₂ ) ₃ NH _{2 and the} like can be mentioned.

The polyimide may be, for example, a polymer having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (I).

In the general formula (I), R ¹ represents a tetravalent organic group.
Examples of the tetravalent organic group include an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cyclic aliphatic group, a group in which an aromatic group and an aliphatic group are combined, or a group in which these are substituted (more specifically, as described above). Residues of tetracarboxylic dianhydride, etc.).

In the general formula (I), R ² represents a divalent organic group.
Examples of the divalent organic group include an aromatic group, an aliphatic group, a cyclic aliphatic group, a group in which an aromatic group and an aliphatic group are combined, or a group in which these are substituted (more specifically, as described above). Residues of diamine compounds, etc.).

The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polyimide precursor is preferably 5000 or more and 100,000 or less, and more preferably 10,000 or more and 100,000 or less.

The number average molecular weight (Mn) can be measured by the following method.
The number average molecular weight is measured by a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method under the following measurement conditions using a GPC / HLC-8120 GPC manufactured by Tosoh Co., Ltd. as a measuring device.
-Column: Tosoh TSKgel α-M (7.8 mm ID x 30 cm)
-Eluent: DMF (dimethylformamide) / 30 mM LiBr / 60 mM phosphoric acid-Flow velocity: 0.6 mL / min
・ Injection amount: 60 μL
・ Detector: RI (Differential Refractometer)

[Siloxane modified resin]
The belt according to this embodiment contains a siloxane-modified resin in the resin layer.
The siloxane-modified resin means a polymer in which at least one of the main chain and the side chain of the resin is replaced with a siloxane structure (that is, siloxane-modified).

The method for siloxane modification of the resin is not particularly limited, and a known method can be applied. For example, a modified silicone resin having a modification site capable of reacting with the resin to be modified with siloxane or a monomer thereof (hereinafter, simply "modified silicone"). (Also also referred to as “resin”) and a method of reacting a resin to be modified with siloxane or a monomer thereof; and the like.

A known silicone resin can be selected as the silicone resin before modification in the modified silicone resin. Examples of the silicone resin include methyl-based straight silicone resin, methylphenyl-based straight silicone resin, acrylic resin-modified silicone resin, ester resin-modified silicone resin, epoxy resin-modified silicone resin, alkyd resin-modified silicone resin, and rubber-based silicone resin. Can be mentioned.
Examples of the modification site capable of reacting with the resin to be modified with siloxane or the monomer thereof include amino modification and epoxy resin modification.

Examples of the siloxane-modified resin include siloxane-modified polyetherimide, siloxane-modified polyimide, siloxane-modified polycarbonate, and siloxane-modified polyester. Among the above, the siloxane-modified resin is a group consisting of a siloxane-modified polyetherimide, a siloxane-modified polyimide, and a siloxane-modified polycarbonate from the viewpoint of further suppressing an increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member over time and wear over time. It is preferable to contain at least one selected from the above, and it is more preferable to contain a siloxane-modified polyetherimide.

In the belt according to the first embodiment, the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is 20% or more, and the increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member with time and the wear with time are further suppressed. From the viewpoint of the above, it is preferably 20% or more and 50% or less.

In the belt according to the second embodiment, the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is 20% from the viewpoint of further suppressing the increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member and the wear over time. The above is preferable, and it is more preferable that it is 20% or more and 50% or less.

The method in which the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is within the above range is not particularly limited. For example, in the siloxane-modified resin, a material for siloxane modification (silicone resin or the like) and a resin to be modified or a monomer thereof. A method of adjusting the compounding ratio when reacting with and the like can be mentioned.

The molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin can be determined as follows.
(1) Cut out 50 mg of the resin layer and use it as a test piece.
(2) The test piece is dissolved in deuterated chloroform, and the siloxane-modified resin is isolated from the entire resin layer.
(3) By measuring the weight and NMR of the isolated siloxane-modified resin, the molar amount M _{Si-RESIN of the} entire siloxane-modified resin and the molar amount M _S of the siloxane group are obtained, respectively.
(3) From the results obtained, determining the ratio of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure to the molar amount _{M Si-RESIN} overall siloxane-modified resin _{(= M S / M Si-} RESIN).

[Siloxane-modified polyetherimide]
The siloxane-modified polyetherimide means a polymer in which at least one of the main chain and the side chain of the polyetherimide is replaced with a siloxane structure (that is, siloxane-modified).

Polyetherimide means a polymer containing at least an ether bond and a structural unit having an imide bond.

The method for siloxane-modifying the polyetherimide is not particularly limited, and a known method can be applied. For example, (1) a siloxane compound having an amino group (amino-modified silicone), a dicarboxylic acid dianhydride containing an ether bond, and a diamine. Examples thereof include a method of imidizing a polymer copolymerized with a compound to obtain an imidized product; (2) a method of copolymerizing a silicone resin and a polyetherimide; and the like.

As the silicone resin, a known silicone resin can be selected. Examples of the silicone resin include methyl-based straight silicone resin, methylphenyl-based straight silicone resin, acrylic resin-modified silicone resin, ester resin-modified silicone resin, epoxy resin-modified silicone resin, alkyd resin-modified silicone resin, and rubber-based silicone resin. Can be mentioned.
Among the above, the silicone resin preferably contains a dimethylsiloxane resin from the viewpoint of facilitating siloxane modification of polyetherimide.

Examples of the dicarboxylic acid anhydride containing an ether bond include 2,2-bis [4- (3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl] propane hydride and 4,4'-bis (3,4-bis). Dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenyl ether dianhydride, 4,4'-bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenylsulfide dianhydride, 4,4'-bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) benzophenone dianhydride, 4,4'-bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenylsulfone dianhydride, 2,2-bis [4- (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl] propane dianhydride, 4,4'- Bis (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenyl ether dianhydride, 4,4'-bis (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenylsulfide dianhydride, 4,4'-bis (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) ) Benzophenone dianhydride, 4,4'-bis (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenylsulfone dianhydride, 4- (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) -4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) ) Diphenyl-2,2-propane dianhydride, 4- (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) -4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenyl ether dianhydride, 4- (2,3-dicarboxy) Phenoxy) -4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenylsulfide dianhydride, 4- (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) -4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) benzophenone dianhydride and Examples thereof include 4- (2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy) -4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) diphenylsulfone dianhydride. The dicarboxylic acid dianhydride may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Examples of the diamine compound include those exemplified by the diamine compound in the above-mentioned polyimide. The diamine compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The siloxane-modified polyetherimide may be a synthetic product or a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available siloxane-modified polyetherimide products include SILTEM STM1500, 1600, and 1700 manufactured by SABIC Innovative Plastics Co., Ltd., which is a copolymer of a polyetherimide resin and a silicone resin.

The resin layer according to the present embodiment has a content of the siloxane-modified resin with respect to polyimide of 10 mol% or more and 40, from the viewpoint of further suppressing an increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member and wear with time. It is preferably mol% or less, and more preferably 15 mol% or more and 40 mol% or less.

[Other resins]
The belt according to the present embodiment is a polyimide and a belt as long as it does not hinder the suppression of the increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member over time (more specifically, the compatibility between the polyimide and the siloxane-modified resin is not hindered). The resin layer may contain other resins other than the siloxane-modified resin (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “other resins”).

Examples of other resins include silicone resin, polyamide, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, polycarbonate and the like.

[Other ingredients]
The outermost layer is a polyimide, a siloxane-modified resin, and a range that does not hinder the suppression of the increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member over time (more specifically, a range that does not hinder the compatibility between the polyimide and the siloxane-modified resin). Other components other than the other resin (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “other components”) may be contained in the outermost layer. Examples of other components include inorganic fillers, conductive materials, antioxidants, surfactants, heat-resistant antiaging agents and the like.

≪Other layers≫
The belt according to the present embodiment may further have a layer other than the resin layer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “other layer”) as long as it has a resin layer on the outermost surface layer. Further, the belt according to the present embodiment may further have a resin layer as a layer other than the outermost layer. As the other layer, for example, a base material, an elastic layer, an adhesive layer and the like may be provided.

≪Use≫
The belt according to the present embodiment can be applied to a member (such as a fixing belt in a fixing member) that is required to suppress an increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member over time. For example, the belt according to the present embodiment includes a belt member for a fixing device, a belt member for a transfer device (for example, an intermediate transfer belt, a recording medium transfer belt, a primary transfer belt, a secondary transfer belt, etc.), and a belt for a charging device. It can be applied to a belt member accommodated in an image forming apparatus such as a member (for example, a charging belt); a belt-shaped member such as a transport belt, a drive belt, or a laminated belt;

(Belt manufacturing method)
The method for manufacturing the belt according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and a known manufacturing method can be applied. For example, the method for manufacturing a belt according to the present embodiment includes a preparatory step of preparing a resin solution containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin or a precursor thereof, and a coating film of the resin solution on a substrate or the like, which is dried and dried. It may be a manufacturing method including a forming step of forming a layer or putting it in a mold and drying it to form a resin layer. If necessary, the method for manufacturing a belt according to the present embodiment may include a step of forming a metal layer, an elastic layer, or the like before the step of forming the resin layer.

The resin solution containing the polyimide and the siloxane-modified resin may be prepared by preparing a resin solution containing the polyimide and a resin solution containing the siloxane-modified resin or a precursor thereof in advance and mixing the two.

The solvent for adjusting each resin solution is not particularly limited as long as it is a solvent in which polyimide and siloxane-modified resin are dissolved or dispersed, respectively. For example, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N, N-dimethyl Formamide (DMF), N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N, N-diethylacetamide (DEAc), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), hexamethylenephospholamide (HMPA), N-methylcaprolactam, N-acetyl-2 -Pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (N, N-dimethylimidazolidinone, DMI) and the like can be mentioned. Among the above, the solvent preferably contains N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). As the solvent, these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

-Fixing device-
The fixing device according to the present embodiment is provided between the belt according to the present embodiment, a sliding member that is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the belt and slides on the belt, and is interposed between the belt and the sliding member. With oil to be used. Since the fixing device according to the present embodiment has the above configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member with time and wear with time.

The oil (that is, lubricating oil) is not particularly limited, and known oils can be applied. For example, examples of the oil include fluorine-containing oils such as perfluoropolyether, chlorotrifluoroethylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene; dimethyl silicone oil, methyl phenyl silicone oil, methyl hydrogen silicone oil, methyl phenyl silicone oil, and cyclic dimethyl silicone oil. Such as silicon-containing oil and the like.

Among the above, the oil preferably contains a silicon-containing oil. When the oil is a silicon-containing oil, it has an excellent affinity with the silicon component contained in the outermost layer of the belt according to the present embodiment, so that the sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member increases with time and wear with time becomes more. It tends to be suppressed.

Hereinafter, as the first embodiment, a fixing device including a pressure belt and a heating roll will be described. Then, in the first embodiment, the belt according to this embodiment can be applied to a pressure belt.
The fixing device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the first embodiment, and may be a fixing device including a heating belt and a pressure belt. The belt according to this embodiment can be applied to both a heating belt and a pressure belt.
The fixing device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the first embodiment, and may be an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device as in the second embodiment.

(First Embodiment of fixing device)
The fixing device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a fixing device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment is via, for example, a rotationally driven heating roll 61, a pressure belt 62 (an example of a belt according to the present embodiment), and a pressure belt 62. It is configured to include a pressing pad 64 for pressing the heating roll 61.
As for the pressing pad 64, for example, the pressure belt 62 and the heating roll 61 may be relatively pressurized. Therefore, the pressure belt 62 side may be pressurized to the heating roll 61, and the heating roll 61 side may be pressed to the heating roll 61.

A halogen lamp 66 (an example of heating means) is arranged inside the heating roll 61. The heating means is not limited to the halogen lamp, and other heat-generating members that generate heat may be used.

On the other hand, for example, the temperature sensitive element 69 is arranged in contact with the surface of the heating roll 61. The lighting of the halogen lamp 66 is controlled based on the temperature measurement value by the temperature sensitive 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 arranged inside and a belt traveling guide 63. Then, in the sandwiching region N (nip portion), the pressing pad 64 presses against the heating roll 61 and is arranged.

The pressing pad 64 is arranged inside the pressure belt 62 in a state of being pressed by the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62, and forms a sandwiching region N with the heating roll 61, for example. There is.
In the pressing pad 64, for example, a front sandwiching member 64a for securing a wide sandwiching region N is arranged on the inlet side of the sandwiching region N, and a peeling sandwiching member 64b for giving strain to the heating roll 61. Is arranged on the exit side of the sandwiching area N.

A sheet-shaped sliding member 68 is provided on the surface of the front sandwiching member 64a and the peeling sandwiching member 64b in contact with the pressure belt 62. The pressing pad 64 and the sliding member 68 are held by a metal holding member 65. The sliding member 68 is provided so that its sliding surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pressure belt 62, and oil is interposed 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 pressure belt 62 is configured to rotate.

For example, the heating roll 61 is rotated in the arrow S direction by a drive motor (not shown), and the pressure belt 62 is rotated in the arrow R direction opposite to the rotation direction of the heating roll 61 in accordance with this rotation. That is, for example, the heating roll 61 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1, while the pressure belt 62 rotates counterclockwise.

Then, the paper K (an example of the recording medium) having the unfixed toner image is guided by, for example, the fixing inlet guide 56 and conveyed to the sandwiching region N. Then, when the paper K passes through the sandwiching region N, the toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the sandwiching region N.

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

Further, in the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment, for example, by arranging the peeling sandwiching member 64b so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61, the heating roll 61 is distorted in the outlet region of the sandwiching region N. Is configured to grow locally.

If the peeling sandwiching member 64b is arranged in this way, for example, the paper K after fixing passes through the locally formed strain when passing through the peeling sandwiching region. Is easy to peel off from the heating roll 61.

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

(Second Embodiment of Fixing Device)
The fixing device according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the fixing device according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing device 80 includes a pressure roll 88 (an example of a first rotating body) and a fixing belt module 86. The fixing belt module 86 includes a heating belt 84 (an example of a second rotating body), a pressing pad 87 (an example of a pressing member), a sliding member 82 (an example of a sliding member according to the present embodiment), and a pressing pad. A halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating source) arranged in the vicinity of 87 is provided. Further, the fixing belt module 86 includes a support roll 90, a support roll 92, a posture correction roll 94, and a support roll 98.

The pressure roll 88 is arranged by pressing against the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86), and is sandwiched in a region where the pressure roll 88 and the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) come into contact with each other (nip portion). Is formed.

The heating belt 84 has an endless shape, and is rotatably supported by a pressing pad 87 and a support roll 90 arranged inside the heating belt 84. The heating belt 84 is arranged by being pressed against the heating roll 88 by the pressing pad 87 in the sandwiching region N (nip portion).

A heating belt 84 is wound around the pressing pad 87, and the heating belt 84 is pressed against the pressure roll 88. The pressing pad 87 is arranged so that the elastic layer 88B is elastically deformed. The pressing pad 87 is arranged so that the elastic layer 88B is locally elastically deformed on the discharge side of the fixing device. The pressing pad 87 includes a front sandwiching member 87a and a peeling sandwiching member 87b, and is supported by the holding member 89.

The front sandwiching member 87a is formed in a concave shape along the outer peripheral shape of the pressure roll 88 and is arranged on the inlet side of the sandwiching region N to secure the length (distance in the sliding direction) of the sandwiching region N. do.
The peeling sandwiching member 87b is configured to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roll 88, is arranged on the outlet side of the sandwiching region N, and is locally applied to the pressure roll 88 in the outlet region of the sandwiching region N. Distortion is generated, and the recording medium can be easily peeled off from the pressure roll 88 after fixing.
The pressing pad 87 is provided with a halogen heater 89A (an example of a heating source) in the vicinity thereof (for example, inside the holding member 89), and heats the heating belt 84 from the inner peripheral surface side.
For example, a lubricant supply device (not shown) which is a means for supplying a lubricant (oil) to the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 may be attached to the upstream of the front sandwiching member 87a of the holding member 89.

The sliding member 82 is formed in a sheet shape, and is arranged between the heating belt 84 and the pressing pad 87 so that its sliding surface (surface in which recesses are scattered) is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84. ing. Oil is interposed between the sliding member 82 and the heating belt 84. The sliding member 82 is involved in holding and supplying oil (lubricant) existing between the sliding surface and the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84.

The support roll 90 is wound with the heating belt 84 and supports the heating belt 84 at a position different from that of the pressing pad 87.
The support roll 90 is provided with a halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating source) inside, and heats the heating belt 84 from the inner peripheral surface side.
The support roll 90 is a roll in which, for example, a release layer made of a fluororesin having a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylindrical roll.

The support roll 92 is arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 between the pressing pad 87 and the support roll 90, and defines the circumferential path of the heating belt 84.
The support roll 92 is provided with a halogen heater 92A (an example of a heating source) inside, and heats the heating belt 84 from the outer peripheral surface side.
The support roll 92 is a roll in which, for example, a release layer made of a fluororesin having a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylindrical roll.

The halogen heater 89A, the halogen heater 90A, and the halogen heater 92A, which are examples of the heating sources, may be provided with at least one of them.

The posture correction roll 94 is arranged in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 between the support roll 90 and the pressing pad 87, and corrects the posture of the heating belt 84 from the support roll 90 to the pressing pad 87. ..
An end position measuring mechanism (not shown) for measuring the end position of the heating belt 84 is arranged in the vicinity of the posture correction roll 94, and the posture correction roll 94 is arranged according to the measurement result of the end position measuring mechanism. Shaft displacement mechanisms (not shown) that displace the contact position of the heating belt 84 in the axial direction are arranged, and these mechanisms correct the posture of the heating belt 84.
The posture correction roll 94 is, for example, an aluminum columnar roll.

The support roll 98 is arranged in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 between the pressing pad 87 and the support roll 92, and the heating belt is arranged from the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 on the downstream side of the sandwiching region N. Tension is applied to 84.
The support roll 98 is a roll in which, for example, a release layer made of a fluororesin having a thickness of 20 μm is formed on the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylindrical roll.

The pressure roll 88 is arranged by pressing against the heating belt 84 at a portion where the heating belt 84 is wound around the pressing pad 87.
The pressure roll 88 is rotatably provided, and as the heating belt 84 rotates in the direction of arrow E, it follows the heating belt 84 and rotates in the direction of arrow F.
The pressure roll 88 is configured by laminating, for example, an elastic layer 88B made of silicone rubber and a release layer made of, for example, a fluororesin having a thickness of 100 μm (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical roll 88A of aluminum in this order. Will be done.

For example, the support roll 90 and the support roll 92 are rotated by a drive motor (not shown), and the heating belt 84 rotates in the direction of arrow E in accordance with this rotation, and pressurizes in accordance with the rotational movement of the heating belt 84. The roll 88 rotates in the direction of arrow F.

The paper K (recording medium) having the unfixed toner image is conveyed to the sandwiching region N of the fixing device 80. Then, when the paper K passes through the sandwiching region N, the toner image on the paper K is fixed by the pressure and heat acting on the sandwiching region N.

[Image forming device]
Next, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.
The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment includes an image holder, a charging means for charging the surface of the image holder, a latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, and toner for the latent image. It is provided with a developing means for forming a toner image by developing the toner image, a transfer means for transferring the toner image to a recording medium, and a fixing means for fixing the toner image on the recording medium. Then, as the fixing means, the fixing device according to the present embodiment is applied.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus generally called a tandem type, and a plurality of toner images of each color component are formed by an electrophotographic method. Image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, and a primary transfer unit 10 for sequentially transferring (primary transfer) each color component toner image formed by each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K to an intermediate transfer belt 15. , A secondary transfer unit 20 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 15 to paper K, which is a recording medium, and fixing that fixes the secondary transferred image on paper K. The device 60 and the like are provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 has a control unit 40 that controls the operation of each device (each unit).

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

Each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, 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 holder that holds 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 the charging means, and a laser exposure device for writing an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11 as an example of the latent image forming means. 13 (the exposure beam in the figure is indicated by the reference numeral Bm) is provided.

Further, around the photoconductor 11, as an example of the developing means, a developer 14 in which each color component toner is accommodated and the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 11 is visualized by the toner is provided, and the photoconductor 11 is provided. A primary transfer roll 16 for transferring each color component toner image formed above to the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the primary transfer unit 10 is provided.

Further, a photoconductor cleaner 17 for removing residual toner on the photoconductor 11 is provided around the photoconductor 11, and a charger 12, a laser exposure device 13, a developing device 14, a primary transfer roll 16, and a photoconductor cleaner are provided. 17 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 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15. Has been done.

The intermediate transfer belt 15 which is an intermediate transfer body is composed of a film-shaped pressure belt in which a resin such as polyimide or polyamide is used as a base layer and an appropriate amount of an antistatic agent such as carbon black is contained. Then, the volume resistivity is formed so as to be 10 ⁶ [Omega] cm or more ^{10 14} [Omega] cm or less and has a thickness of, for example, are configured in approximately 0.1 mm.

The intermediate transfer belt 15 is circulated (rotated) by various rolls in the B direction shown in FIG. 3 at a speed suitable for the purpose. These various rolls include a drive roll 31 that is driven by a motor (not shown) having excellent constant speed to rotate the intermediate transfer belt 15, and an intermediate transfer belt 15 that extends substantially linearly along the arrangement direction of each photoconductor 11. The support roll 32 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15, the tension applying roll 33 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a correction roll that prevents the intermediate transfer belt 15 from meandering, the back roll 25 provided on the secondary transfer unit 20, and the intermediate. It has a cleaning back roll 34 provided in a cleaning portion that scrapes off residual toner on the transfer belt 15.

The primary transfer unit 10 is composed of a primary transfer roll 16 arranged so as to face the photoconductor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. The primary transfer roll 16 is composed of a core body and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core body. The core body is a cylindrical rod made of a metal such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a blended rubber of NBR, SBR, and EPDM containing a conductive agent such as carbon black, and is a sponge-like cylindrical roll having ^{a volume resistivity of 10 7.5} Ωcm or more and 10 ^{8.5 Ω cm or less.}

Then, the primary transfer roll 16 is pressure-welded to the photoconductor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween, and the primary transfer roll 16 has a voltage (primary) opposite to that of the toner charging polarity (minus polarity; the same applies hereinafter). 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 the superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

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

The back roll 25 is composed of a tube of EPDM and NBR blended rubber whose surface is dispersed with carbon, and EPDM rubber inside. 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 Polymer Instruments Co., Ltd., the same applies hereinafter). NS. The back surface roll 25 is arranged on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to form a counter electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and a metal feeding roll 26 to which the secondary transfer bias is stably applied is contact-arranged. ing.

On the other hand, the secondary transfer roll 22 is composed of a core body and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core body. The core body is a cylindrical rod made of metal such as iron and SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a blended rubber of NBR, SBR, and EPDM containing a conductive agent such as carbon black, and is a sponge-like cylindrical roll having ^{a volume resistivity of 10 7.5} Ωcm or more and 10 ^{8.5 Ω cm or less.}

Then, the secondary transfer roll 22 is pressure-welded to the back surface roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween, and the secondary transfer roll 22 is grounded to form a secondary transfer bias with the back surface roll 25. The toner image is secondarily transferred onto the paper K conveyed to the transfer unit 20.

Further, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer portion 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt that cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 by removing residual toner and paper dust on the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer. A cleaner 35 is provided so as to be detachable.

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 the transfer means.

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

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as a transporting means for transporting the paper K, the paper accommodating unit 50 accommodating the paper K and the paper K accumulated in the paper accommodating unit 50 are taken out at a predetermined timing. The paper feed roll 51 that conveys the paper K, the transfer roll 52 that conveys the paper K fed by the paper feed roll 51, the transfer guide 53 that feeds the paper K conveyed by the transfer roll 52 to the secondary transfer unit 20, and the secondary transfer. It includes a transport belt 55 that transports the paper K that is secondarily transferred by the roll 22 to the fixing device 60, and a fixing inlet guide 56 that guides the paper K to the fixing device 60.

Next, the 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, the 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, 1K perform the image drawing work.

The image processing device performs image processing such as shading correction, position shift correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame erasing and color editing, and various image editing such as movement editing on the input reflectance data. Will be done. The image data that has undergone image processing is converted into color material gradation data of four colors Y, M, C, and K, and is output to the laser exposure device 13.

In the laser exposure device 13, for example, the exposure beam Bm emitted from the semiconductor laser is irradiated 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, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image of each color of Y, M, C, and K by the respective image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

The toner image formed on the photoconductors 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer unit 10 in which each photoconductor 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 15 come into contact with each other. NS. More specifically, in the primary transfer unit 10, the primary transfer roll 16 applies a voltage (primary transfer bias) opposite to the charging polarity (minus polarity) of the toner to the base material of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the toner image. Is sequentially superposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to perform the primary transfer.

After the toner image is sequentially primary-transferred to 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 transfer means rotates the paper feed roll 51 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20, and the target is from the paper storage unit 50. Paper K of size is supplied. The paper K supplied by the paper feed roll 51 is conveyed by the transfer roll 52 and reaches the secondary transfer unit 20 via the transfer guide 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer unit 20, the paper K is temporarily stopped, and the alignment roll (not shown) rotates according to the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 15 on which the toner image is held, so that the paper K is formed. Is aligned with the position of the toner image.

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 paper K conveyed at the same timing is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. At that 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 feeding roll 26, a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back surface roll 25. Will be done. Then, the unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred onto the paper K collectively in the secondary transfer unit 20 pressurized by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back surface roll 25. NS.

After that, the paper K on which the toner image is electrostatically transferred is conveyed as it is in a state of being peeled off 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 paper transfer direction. It is transported to the belt 55. The transport belt 55 transports the paper K to the fixing device 60 according to the optimum transport speed of the fixing device 60. The unfixed toner image on the paper K conveyed to the fixing device 60 is fixed on the paper K by being subjected to a fixing process by heat and pressure by the fixing device 60. Then, the paper K on which the fixed image is formed is conveyed to a paper ejection accommodating portion (not shown) provided in the ejection 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 section as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates, and is conveyed by the cleaning back roll 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35. It is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following Examples. The materials, amounts used, proportions, treatment procedures, etc. shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, "part" means "part by mass".

-Material preparation-
・ Siloxane-modified resin 1
Siloxane-modified polyetherimide (SILTEM1500, manufactured by SABIC Innovative Plastics)
・ Siloxane-modified resin 2
Siloxane-modified polyetherimide (SILTEM1600, manufactured by SABIC Innovative Plastics)
・ Siloxane-modified resin 3
Siloxane-modified polycarbonate (Taflon Neo RC1760, manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.)
・ Siloxane-modified resin 4
Siloxane-modified polyetherimide (SILTEM1700, manufactured by SABIC Innovative Plastics)

-Preparation of the first resin coating solution-
A polyamic acid (weight average molecular weight of 65,000) obtained by polymerizing 3,3', 4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether was added to n-methyl-. A first resin coating solution was prepared by dissolving it in 2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) so that the molar concentration of polyimide after imide conversion was 0.38 mol / L.

-Preparation of second resin coating solution-
The second resin shown in Table 1 was dissolved in n-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) to prepare a second resin coating liquid having a concentration of the second resin of 0.38 mol / L.

-Making a belt-
[Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2]
And a first resin coating liquid and the second resin coating solution prepared above, "the ratio of the molar amount M _S of siloxane structure for the outermost layer of the overall _{M ALL (M S / M ALL} ) " and "siloxane-modified resin the ratio of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure to the total molar amount _{M Si-RESIN (M S /} M Si-RESIN) "were mixed so that the values shown in Table 1, to obtain a mixture. A coating film of a resin layer was formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base material by immersing the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical stainless steel having an outer diameter of 30 mm in the obtained mixed solution. Next, this coating film was dried at 100 ° C. for 30 minutes to remove NMP, and then calcined at 380 ° C. for 30 minutes for imidization to form a resin layer having a film thickness of 60 μm. Then, by peeling the resin layer from the surface of stainless steel, an endless belt having an inner diameter of 30 mm, a film thickness of 60 μm, and a length of 370 mm was produced.

In Table _{1, M S / M Si-} RESIN represents a "molar amount of the ratio of the siloxane structure of the siloxane-modified resin." In Table _{1, M S /} M _ALL represents the "ratio of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure for the outermost layer of the overall _{M ALL".}

-Manufacturing of fixing device-
The figure which includes the belt of each example, the sliding member provided on the inner peripheral surface of the belt and sliding with the belt, and the oil shown in Table 1 interposed between the belt and the sliding member. The fixing device shown in 1 was produced. Then, the following evaluation was carried out for the fixing device provided with the belt of each example.

-Evaluation-
The fixing device equipped with the belt of each example produced above was mounted on the image forming device "DocuPrint C2250" manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and a free-running running test was performed. , The rate of increase of the drive load current value was measured. After that, the belt of each example was removed from the image forming apparatus, the maximum depth of scratches was measured on the outermost layer (belt surface) on the side sliding with the sliding member, and the wear resistance was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results obtained are shown in Table 1.
G1: The depth of the scratch is 0 or more and less than 15 μm.
G2: The depth of the scratch is 15 μm or more and less than 30 μm.

As shown in Table 1, as compared with the belt of the comparative example, the belt of the example is prevented from increasing the sliding resistance with time and the wear with time with respect to the sliding member when it is provided in the fixing device. I understood. Further, when the oil interposed between the belt and the sliding member in each example of the fixing device is silicon-containing oil, the increase in sliding resistance with respect to the sliding member with time and the wear with time are further suppressed. I understand.

56 Fixing inlet guide, 60 Fixing device, 61 Heating roll, 62 Pressurizing belt, 63 Belt running guide, 64 Pressing pad, 64a Peeling pinching member, 64b Peeling pinching member, 65 Holding member, 66 Halogen lamp, 68 Sliding Member, 69 temperature sensitive element, 70 peeling member, 71 peeling claw, 72 holding member, K paper, R rotation direction, S rotation direction,

80 Fixing device, 82 Sliding member, 84 Heating belt, 86 Fixing belt module, 87 Pressing pad, 87a Front sandwiching member, 87b Peeling sandwiching member, 88 Pressurized roll, 88A Cylindrical roll, 88B Elastic layer, 89 Holding Members, 89A halogen heater, 90 support roll, 90A halogen heater, 92 support roll, 92A halogen heater, 94 posture correction roll, 98 support roll, E rotation direction, F rotation direction

1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Image forming unit, 10 Primary transfer unit, 11 Photoreceptor, 12 Charger, 13 Laser exposure device, 14 Developer, 15 Intermediate transfer belt, 16 Primary transfer roll, 17 Photoreceptor cleaner, 20 Secondary transfer unit, 22 Secondary transfer roll, 25 Back roll, 26 Feed roll, 31 Drive roll, 32 Support roll, 33 Tensioning roll, 34 Cleaning back roll, 35 Intermediate transfer belt cleaner, 40 Control unit, 42 Reference sensor, 43 Image density sensor, 50 Paper storage, 51 Paper feed roll, 52 Transport roll, 53 Transport guide, 55 Transport belt, 56 Fixing inlet guide, 60 Fixing device, 100 Image forming device

Claims (9)

A belt having a resin layer containing polyimide and a siloxane-modified resin at least on the outermost surface layer on the side sliding with the sliding member, and the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is 20 mol% or more. The belt according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the molar amount of the siloxane structure in the siloxane-modified resin is 20 mol% or more and 50 mol% or less. The outermost layer on the side that slides at least a sliding member having a resin layer containing a polyimide and siloxane-modified resin, wherein the ratio of the molar amount M _S of siloxane structure for the outermost layer of the overall M _ALL (M S _/ M _ALL ) Is 10 mol% or more and 40 mol% or less. The ratio of the molar amount _{M S} of siloxane structure for the outermost layer of the overall _{M ALL (M S / M ALL} ) is not more than 40 mol% to 15 mol%, belt according to claim 3. The belt according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the siloxane-modified resin contains at least one selected from the group consisting of siloxane-modified polyimide, siloxane-modified polycarbonate, and siloxane-modified polyetherimide. The belt according to claim 5, wherein the siloxane-modified resin contains a siloxane-modified polyetherimide. The belt according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A sliding member provided on the inner peripheral surface of the belt and sliding on the belt,
Oil intervening between the belt and the sliding member,
A fixing device. The fixing device according to claim 7, wherein the oil contains a silicon-containing oil. Image holder and
The charging means for charging the surface of the image holder and
A latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the surface of the charged image holder, and
A developing means for developing a latent image on the surface of the image holder with toner to form a toner image,
A transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image holder to a recording medium, and
The fixing means for fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium, which is the fixing device according to claim 8, and the fixing means.
An image forming apparatus equipped with.

Images