JP7107006B2 - Fixing member, fixing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to fixing members, fixing devices, process cartridges, and image forming apparatuses.

2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (copier, facsimile machine, printer, etc.), an unfixed toner image formed on a recording material is fixed by a fixing device to form an image.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100000 describes a fixing member used in a process of heating and fixing a toner image on a recording medium, the outermost layer of which is formed of an elastic material, and has a peeling stress of 20 N/ cm ² or less" is disclosed.

In addition, in Patent Document 2, "vinylalkoxysilane is introduced into the plasma excitation gas, the inner surface of the tube is plasma-treated, and the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the inner surface of the plasma-treated tube and the roughness curve element A fixing member having, as a surface member, a fluororesin tube having an average length RSm of Ra<0.08 μm and RSm<25 μm.

JP 2013-003419 A JP 2016-037597 A

A first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group (—SiH) in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group (—CH═CH ₂ ) are directly placed on the resin layer or metal layer. In a fixing member provided with an elastic layer containing a polymer of (1) and (2), when compression deformation and release are repeated, peeling may occur at the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a resin layer or a metal layer, and a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a vinyl group, which are in contact with the resin layer or the metal layer. In the fixing member having an elastic layer containing the polymer with polysiloxane of 2, the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer in contact with the elastic layer does not have a reactive group that forms a covalent bond with the functional group of the elastic layer. An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing member in which peeling between a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer is suppressed even when compression deformation and release are repeated.
Hereinafter, "a fixing member in which peeling between a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer is suppressed even when compression deformation and release are repeated" will be referred to as "a fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer." Also referred to as a "fixing member".

The above problems are solved by the following means. Namely

The invention according to <1> is
a resin layer or a metal layer; and an elastic layer disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or the metal layer,
The resin layer or the metal layer has a hydrogen-bonded silyl group on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer,
The elastic layer contains a polymer of a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group,
In the fixing member, the interface between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer has a covalent bond formed by reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl group of the resin layer or the metal layer and the vinyl group of the elastic layer.

The invention according to <2> is
a resin layer or a metal layer; and an elastic layer disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or the metal layer,
The resin layer or the metal layer has a hydrogen-bonded silyl group on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer,
The elastic layer contains a polymer of a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group,
The interface between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer is sprayed with water vapor at 1 atm and 100° C. for 100 hours, and then a part of the resin layer or the metal layer is pulled in a direction of 90° with respect to the elastic layer. and the fixing member, wherein the elastic layer remaining on the peeled resin layer or metal layer occupies 95% or more of the total area of the peeled resin layer or metal layer.

The invention according to <3> is
<1> or <, wherein the resin layer is a resin base material, and the resin base material contains at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide resins, polyamideimide resins, silicone resins, and polyetheretherketone resins. 2>.

The invention according to <4> is
The fixing member according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the content [v] of the vinyl group is larger than the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group before forming the polymer. be.
The invention according to <5> is
The ratio [s:v (mol ratio)] of the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group to the content [v] of the vinyl group before forming the polymer is 1:1.1 to 1:1: 2. The fixing member according to <4> in the range of 2.

The invention according to <6> is
The fixing member according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group is larger than the content [v] of the vinyl group before becoming the polymer. be.
The invention according to <7> is
The ratio [v:s (mol ratio)] of the content [v] of the vinyl group to the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group before forming the polymer is 1:1.4 to 1:1: 2. The fixing member according to <6> in the range of 2.

The invention according to <8> is
A first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body,
At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is the fixing member according to any one of <1> to <7>,
A fixing device for fixing a toner image by inserting a recording medium having a toner image formed thereon through a contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

The invention according to <9> is
Equipped with the fixing device according to <8>,
A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus.

The invention according to <10> is
an image carrier;
charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier;
electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier;
developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with a developer containing toner to form a toner image;
a transfer means for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium;
fixing means for fixing the toner image on the recording medium, the fixing means having the fixing device according to <8>;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

According to the invention according to <1> or <3>, the resin layer or the metal layer, and the first layer having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and which is arranged in contact with the resin layer or the metal layer In a fixing member having an elastic layer containing a polymer of polysiloxane and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group, a functional group of the elastic layer and a covalent bond are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer in contact with the elastic layer. Thus, a fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer is provided as compared with a fixing member having no reactive group.

According to the invention according to <2> or <3>, the resin layer or the metal layer, and the first layer disposed in contact with the resin layer or the metal layer and having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom In a fixing member having an elastic layer containing a polymer of polysiloxane and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group, the interface between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer was sprayed with water vapor at 1 atmospheric pressure and 100° C. for 100 hours. Later, part of the resin layer or metal layer is pulled in a direction of 90° with respect to the elastic layer, and the elastic layer remaining on the peeled resin layer or metal layer accounts for 95% of the total area of the peeled resin layer or metal layer. A fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer is provided as compared with the case where the thickness is less than the above.

According to the invention according to <4> or <5>, the resin A fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between a layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer is provided.
According to the invention according to < 6 > or < 7 > , compared to the case where the content [v] of the vinyl group is greater than the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group before forming the polymer, the recording A fixing member is provided that is excellent in conformability to irregularities of a medium.

According to the invention according to <8>, <9>, or <10>, a resin layer or a metal layer, and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom is arranged in contact with the resin layer or the metal layer, and a polymer of a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group, and a functional group of the elastic layer and a covalent bond to the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer in contact with the elastic layer. Provided is a fixing device, a process cartridge, or an image forming apparatus comprising a fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer compared to a fixing member that does not have a reactive group that forms a be done.

According to the invention according to <8>, <9>, or <10>, a resin layer or a metal layer, and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom is arranged in contact with the resin layer or the metal layer, and an elastic layer containing a polymer of a first polysiloxane having a vinyl group and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group, and the interface between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer is exposed to water vapor at 1 atmosphere and 100°C for 100 hours. After spraying, part of the resin layer or metal layer is pulled in a direction of 90° with respect to the elastic layer, and the elastic layer remaining on the peeled resin layer or metal layer is the total area of the peeled resin layer or metal layer. A fixing device, a process cartridge, or an image forming apparatus including a fixing member having excellent adhesion durability between a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer as compared with a fixing member with less than 95% adhesion durability is provided.

3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a fixing member according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to a third embodiment; 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG.

An embodiment that is an example of the present invention will be described below.
In addition, members having substantially the same functions are given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant description may be omitted as appropriate.

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

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fixing member 110 according to the first embodiment includes a resin base material 110A that is an example of a resin layer, an elastic layer 110B arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin base material 110A, and an elastic layer 110B. and a surface layer 110C disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the layer 110B.

The resin base material 110A has hydrogen-bonded silyl groups (--SiH) on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer 110B.
The elastic layer 110B is composed of a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group (—SiH) in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group (—CH═CH ₂ ). Including coalescence.
The interface between the resin base material 110A and the elastic layer 110B has a covalent bond resulting from the reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl group of the resin base material 110A and the vinyl group of the elastic layer 110B. That is, the interface between the resin base material 110A and the elastic layer 110B is adhered by the reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl group of the resin base material 110A and the vinyl group of the elastic layer 110B.

The fixing member 110 according to the first embodiment has excellent adhesion durability between the resin base material 110A and the elastic layer 100B due to the above configuration. In other words, even if compression deformation and release are repeated, the fixing member is such that separation between the resin base material 110A and the elastic layer 100B 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 rotating body and a second rotating body, which are members having a roll-like or belt-like shape, is known. In this fixing device, both rotating members are brought into contact with each other to form a contact portion (nip), and the toner image is formed on the 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. At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body includes a substrate, an elastic layer made of a silicone-based elastic member (silicone rubber) containing a polysiloxane polymer, and a surface layer. The fixing member is provided in this order, and is a fixing member in which a base material, an elastic layer, and a surface layer are laminated in direct contact with each other.

However, in such a fixing device, the first rotating body and the second rotating body are compressed and deformed at the contact portion (nip), and then when they pass through the contact portion (nip) as they are driven to rotate, they are released from compression and return to their original shapes. , is repeated. Therefore, the base material, the elastic layer, and the surface layer are repeatedly subjected to compression deformation and release from compression, and a load is repeatedly applied to the interface between the base material and the elastic layer. Then, due to the repetition of this load, the base material and the elastic layer were sometimes separated.

In contrast, in the fixing member 110 according to the first embodiment, the elastic layer 110B includes a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group (--SiH) and a _second polysiloxane having a vinyl group (--CH=CH.sub.2). and polysiloxane polymers. In other words, it includes a silicone-based polymer (silicone rubber) having a polymerization structure formed by bonding the hydrogen-bonded silyl group in the first polysiloxane and the vinyl group in the second polysiloxane.
On the other hand, the resin base material 110A has hydrogen-bonded silyl groups on the outer peripheral surface that contacts the elastic layer 110B. The hydrogen-bonded silyl groups of the resin base material 110A react with the vinyl groups of the elastic layer 110B to form covalent bonds. This increases the adhesive force at the interface between the resin base material 110A and the elastic layer 110B.
In particular, since the reaction between a hydrogen-bonded silyl group and a vinyl group is an addition reaction, no by-products (for example, gas) are generated, and adhesion at the interface between the resin base material 110A and the elastic layer 110B caused by the by-products is reduced. It's hard to see a drop in strength.

Although the fixing member 110 shown in FIG. 1 has the resin base material 110A which is an example of the resin layer, the fixing member according to the first embodiment is not limited to this aspect.
For example, the resin base material 110A may include a metal layer or a resin layer capable of introducing a hydrogen-bonded silyl group to the outer peripheral surface that contacts the elastic layer 110B. Specifically, the resin base material 110A in the fixing member 110 may be a metal base material, or a base material having a metal layer on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer 110B (hereinafter also referred to as a "composite base material"). ).

Here, the presence of covalent bonds formed by reaction between hydrogen-bonded silyl groups and vinyl groups formed at the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer is confirmed as follows. Hereinafter, this confirming method is also referred to as "confirming method of covalent bond formed at the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer".
That is, the fixing member according to the first embodiment is stored for 24 hours under high temperature and high humidity (for example, 95° C. and 100% RH).
After storage, the fixing member is checked for peeling at the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer using the following method.
That is, after the storage under the high temperature and high humidity conditions, moisture is wiped off from the fixing member, only a part of the resin layer or metal layer is cut out, and the cut out resin layer or metal layer is held while the fixing member other than the cut out portion is held. A peel test is performed by pulling the layer in a 90° direction to the surface of the elastic layer.
If the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer is peeled off, it is judged that the covalent bond is not formed. determined to be formed.
If no covalent bond is formed at the interface between the resin or metal layer and the elastic layer (for example, the bond formed between the resin or metal layer and the elastic layer is an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, or the like ), the resin layer or metal layer peels off from the elastic layer due to the temperature and humidity during storage. On the other hand, covalent bonds are not easily affected by temperature and humidity during storage. It can be said that a covalent bond is formed at the interface with the layer.

Further, the fixing member according to the second embodiment includes a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or the metal layer, similarly to the fixing member according to the first embodiment. , the resin layer or metal layer has a hydrogen-bonded silyl group on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer, and the elastic layer has a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom; and a first polysiloxane having a vinyl group. a polymer with a second polysiloxane having
The fixing member according to the second embodiment has the following physical properties.
Specifically, the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer in the fixing member was sprayed with water vapor at 1 atmosphere and 100° C. for 100 hours, then part of the resin layer or metal layer was pulled in a direction of 90° with respect to the elastic layer, The elastic layer remaining on the peeled resin layer or metal layer occupies 95% or more (preferably 98% or more) of the total area of the peeled resin layer or metal layer.
The physical properties described above indicate that the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer is not easily affected by high-temperature and high-pressure steam and is strongly bonded.
The environment in which the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer is exposed when obtaining the above physical properties is determined from the above-mentioned "Method for Confirming Covalent Bonds Formed at the Interface Between the Resin Layer or Metal Layer and the Elastic Layer". is too harsh. Therefore, in the fixing member exhibiting the physical properties as described above, it can be said that many covalent bonds that are not easily affected by temperature and humidity are formed at the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer.

From the above, it is presumed that the fixing member according to this embodiment is excellent in adhesion durability between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer.
Hereinafter, the fixing members according to the first and second embodiments will be collectively described as the fixing member according to the present embodiment.

Conventionally, a technique is known in which a primer layer (adhesive layer) is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of a resin layer or a metal layer and an elastic layer to bond both layers. However, the fixing member according to the present embodiment is excellent in adhesion durability between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer without intervening the primer layer (adhesive layer). In other words, even though it is simple and inexpensive, the adhesion durability between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer is excellent.

(First aspect)
As the fixing member according to the present embodiment, there is a first aspect in which the content [v] of the vinyl group is larger than the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group before becoming a polymer in the elastic layer. be done.
In the first aspect, since there are many vinyl groups (unreacted vinyl groups) in the elastic layer, the amount of reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl groups on the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer and the vinyl groups in the elastic layer increases. However, as a result, more covalent bonds are formed at the interface between both layers. Therefore, in the first aspect, the adhesion durability between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer is likely to be improved.
From the viewpoint of improving the adhesion durability between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer, the ratio [s:v (mol ratio)] of the content [s] of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups to the content [v] of vinyl groups is preferably in the range of 1:1.1 to 1:2.2, more preferably in the range of 1:1.15 to 1:2.2, further preferably in the range of 1:1.2 to 1:2.2 preferable.

(Second aspect)
As the fixing member according to the present embodiment, there is a second aspect in which the content [s] of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups is greater than the content [v] of vinyl groups before becoming a polymer in the elastic layer. be done.
In this second aspect, although a covalent bond is formed by the reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl group on the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer and the vinyl group remaining in the elastic layer (unreacted vinyl group), the reaction The amount is less than in the first aspect. When the amount of reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl group on the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer and the vinyl group on the elastic layer increases, the hardness of the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer tends to increase. In form 2, flexibility is obtained at the interface between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer. If the interface between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer has flexibility in this way, the followability to deformation is enhanced.
In other words, in the second aspect, the conformability of the recording medium to irregularities is improved while increasing the durability of the adhesion between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer.
Therefore, even when a recording medium with large unevenness is used, the concave-convex conformability of the recording medium is improved. By using a fixing member having a high ability to follow the unevenness of the recording medium, even when a recording medium having large unevenness is used, the fixing ability in the concave portions is enhanced.
From the viewpoint of securing the adhesion durability between the resin layer or metal layer and the elastic layer and improving the conformability of the recording medium to irregularities, the content [v] of the vinyl group and the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group should be adjusted. The ratio [v:s (molar ratio)] is preferably in the range of 1:1.4 to 1:2.2, more preferably in the range of 1:1.45 to 1:2.15, and 1:1.5. to 1:2.1 is more preferred.

In any of the embodiments, the difference between the vinyl group content [v] and the hydrogen-bonded silyl group content [s] before becoming a polymer in the elastic layer is within the above range. A decrease in breaking strength caused by a low degree of cross-linking of the silicone rubber in the elastic layer is easily suppressed.

Control of the amount ratio between hydrogen-bonded silyl groups and vinyl groups includes, for example, the amount ratio between the first polysiloxane and the second polysiloxane as raw materials, the amount of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups in the first polysiloxane, and by adjusting the amount of vinyl groups in the second polysiloxane.

Here, the method for measuring the contents of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups and vinyl groups is as follows.
Measurement of the content of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups (-SiH) and vinyl groups (-CH=CH ₂ ) before forming a polymer is performed on the first polysiloxane and the second polysiloxane before polymerization, that is, before the formation of the elastic layer. 2 by using NMR spectroscopy. Specifically, the solution containing the first polysiloxane and the solution containing the second polysiloxane are each diluted 5-fold with n-hexane and centrifuged to separate the filtrate. Thereafter, the solvent is removed, dissolved in deuterated chloroform (CDCl ₃ ) and analyzed by NMR (manufactured by Varian, product name: UNITY-300) to obtain the respective contents.

Next, the constituent elements of the fixing member according to this embodiment will be described in detail. In addition, the code|symbol is abbreviate|omitted and demonstrated.

(Shape of fixing member)
The fixing member according to the exemplary embodiment may be roll-shaped or belt-shaped. Further, it may be a heat fixing member provided with a heat source inside or outside thereof, or a pressure fixing member provided with no heat source.

(resin layer or metal layer)
The resin layer or metal layer in the fixing member according to this embodiment is a layer whose outer peripheral surface is in contact with the elastic layer. The resin layer or metal layer has hydrogen-bonded silyl groups on the outer peripheral surface that contacts the elastic layer.
Specific aspects of the resin layer or metal layer in the fixing member according to the present embodiment include a resin base material consisting only of a resin layer, a metal base material consisting only of a metal layer, and an outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer. Substrates with a metal layer (composite substrates) may be mentioned.

When the fixing member is roll-shaped, a metal substrate is preferably used. Specifically, examples of metal substrates include cylindrical bodies made of metals (aluminum, SUS, iron, copper, etc.), alloys, FRM (fiber reinforced metal), and the like.
When the fixing member is roll-shaped, the outer diameter and thickness of the metal substrate are preferably, for example, 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. If it is made of (stainless steel) or iron, the thickness should be 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less.

On the other hand, when the fixing member is in the form of a belt, a resin base material, a metal base material, and a base material (composite base material) provided with a metal layer on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer can be used. Specifically, for example, metal belts (e.g., metal belts of nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), resin belts (e.g., polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polybenzimidazole resin, etc.) a resin belt containing a resin belt), and a composite belt having a metal layer on a resin belt.

In the case of a resin substrate, it preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide resins, polyamideimide resins, silicone resins, and polyetheretherketone resins, from the viewpoint of heat resistance and availability. Among these, it is particularly preferable to contain a polyimide resin.

Incidentally, the volume resistivity may be controlled by adding and dispersing a conductive agent or the like to the resin belt. Specifically, the resin belt includes, for example, a polyimide belt in which carbon black is added and dispersed to control the volume resistivity.
Moreover, as the resin belt, for example, a belt made by combining both ends of a long polyimide sheet in a puzzle shape and thermally compressing them using a thermally compressing member can be used.

A fixing member having a base material (composite base material) provided with a metal layer is suitable for a fixing device provided with an electromagnetic induction heating device that causes the fixing member to generate heat by electromagnetic induction.
Examples of the composite substrate include a composite belt having a metal layer on a resin belt containing polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polybenzimidazole resin, or the like.
The metal layer in the composite substrate may be formed as a single layer, or may be formed as multiple layers. When the metal layer in the composite substrate is a single layer, it is preferably an electromagnetic induction metal layer that self-heats due to electromagnetic induction. Moreover, when the metal layer in the composite base material is multi-layered, it is preferably three layers in which a base metal layer, an electromagnetic induction metal layer that self-heats due to the action of electromagnetic induction, and a metal protective layer are sequentially laminated.

The base metal layer is a layer formed in advance for forming an electromagnetic induction metal layer on the outer peripheral surface of the resin belt by electroplating, and is provided as necessary.
As a method for forming the electromagnetic induction metal layer, electroplating is preferable from the viewpoint of cost and the like, but it is difficult to perform electroplating directly on the resin belt. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the base metal layer 102 for the formation of the electromagnetic induction metal layer 104 .
Examples of the method for forming the base metal layer on the outer peripheral surface of the resin belt include electroless plating, sputtering, vapor deposition, and the like, and the chemical plating method (electroless plating method) is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of film formation. Among them, a general electroless nickel plating layer, an electroless copper plating layer, and the like are preferable.
The thickness of the underlying metal layer is preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 5 μm, more preferably in the range of 0.3 μm to 3 μm.

The electromagnetic induction metal layer is a heat generating layer that has the function of generating heat by eddy currents generated in this layer when a magnetic field is applied, and is made of a metal that produces an electromagnetic induction effect.
As the metal that produces the electromagnetic induction action, for example, a single metal such as nickel, iron, copper, gold, silver, aluminum, chromium, tin, zinc, or an alloy containing two or more metals may be selected. . Copper, nickel, aluminum, iron, and chromium are suitable from the viewpoint of cost, heat generation performance, and workability, and among these, copper or an alloy containing copper as a main component is particularly preferable.
The electromagnetic induction metal layer is formed by a known method such as electroplating.
The optimum thickness of the electromagnetic induction metal layer varies depending on the metal material. For example, when copper is used for the electromagnetic induction metal layer, the thickness is preferably in the range of 3 μm or more and 50 μm or less from the viewpoint of efficient heat generation. It is preferably in the range of 3 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and even more preferably in the range of 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

On the outer peripheral surface of the electromagnetic induction metal layer, the metal protective layer is electromagnetically induced to improve the film strength, suppress cracks due to repeated deformation and oxidative deterioration due to long-term repeated heating, and maintain heat generation characteristics. It is preferably provided in contact with the metal layer.
The metal protective layer preferably contains nickel (or a nickel alloy), which is an oxidation-resistant metal.
The metal protective layer is formed by a well-known method such as electroplating.
The optimum thickness of the metal protective layer varies depending on the material. For example, when the metal protective layer is formed of nickel, the thickness is preferably in the range of 2 μm to 20 μm, and more preferably in the range of 2 μm to 15 μm. more preferably 5 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

Here, the resin belt, the base metal layer, the electromagnetic induction metal layer that self-heats due to the electromagnetic induction action, and the metal protective layer in the composite substrate are described, for example, in paragraphs 0064 to 0080 of JP-A-2018-4959. You can also refer to the contents of

When the fixing member is belt-shaped, the thickness of each substrate is, for example, preferably 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less, preferably 30 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and more preferably 40 μm or more and 130 μm or less.

- Hydrogen-bonded silyl groups on the outer peripheral surface -
In this embodiment, the resin layer or metal layer has hydrogen-bonded silyl groups on the outer peripheral surface that contacts the elastic layer.
That is, any of the above-described resin base material consisting only of a resin layer, metal base material consisting only of a metal layer, and base material (composite base material) provided with a metal layer on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer has elastic properties. The outer peripheral surface in contact with the layer has hydrogen-bonded silyl groups.

As a method for making hydrogen-bonded silyl groups exist on the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer that contacts the elastic layer, the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer that contacts the elastic layer is subjected to a surface treatment to form hydrogen-bonded silyl groups. and a method of introducing a group.
In the case of the resin layer, a method of using a material having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group as the material itself constituting the resin layer is also conceivable. Hydrogen-bonded silyl groups should be present on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer while maintaining the functions required of the resin layer, and from the viewpoints of availability of materials, ease of production, etc. A more preferred method is to introduce hydrogen-bonded silyl groups by surface treatment to the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer that is in contact with the elastic layer.

-Surface treatment The surface treatment for introducing hydrogen-bonded silyl groups to the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer that contacts the elastic layer may be a wet treatment or a dry treatment.
Specifically, for example, a method in which active points are generated in a resin layer or a metal layer by excimer laser treatment or the like under reduced pressure and a compound having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group is reacted with the active points, or plasma treatment is performed under reduced pressure. , a method of bonding a compound having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group to a resin layer or a metal layer.
In the case of the resin layer, a method of contacting a compound having a reactive group and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group to react with the resin material constituting the resin layer and reacting the compound with the resin material constituting the resin layer may be used. can also

Here, an example of a method for introducing hydrogen-bonded silyl groups into a resin base material consisting of only a resin layer by plasma treatment will be described.
Examples of compounds having hydrogen-bonded silyl groups used in plasma treatment include monosilane (SiH ₄ ), monochlorosilane (SiH ₃ Cl), dichlorosilane (SiH ₂ Cl ₂ ), trichlorosilane (SiHCl ₃ ), and the like. be done.

The plasma treatment in the case of using dichlorosilane as the compound having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group is described below. This embodiment is not limited to this.
For example, dichlorosilane is introduced into a plasma excitation gas under reduced pressure (2×10 ⁴ Pa) to plasma-treat the surface of the resin substrate (outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer).

A mixed gas of a plasma excitation gas and dichlorosilane, which is easily plasmatized, is supplied between a resin substrate and a discharge electrode, and a voltage is applied to the discharge electrode to generate plasma. The higher the voltage applied, the farther the electric lines of force reach from the electrode surface, the more the electric lines of force in the space between the resin substrate and the discharge electrode, and the higher the plasma density.
As a result, the plasma comes into contact with the surface of the resin base material, and radicals are generated in the resin constituting the resin base material. The generated radicals of the resin undergo a radical reaction with dichlorosilane, and as a result, hydrogen-bonded silyl groups are bonded to the resin substrate.

Specific examples of the plasma excitation gas include hydrogen; rare gases such as helium and argon; and nitrogen, and one or more excitation gases are used.
Also, the compound having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group used together with the plasma excitation gas may be one kind, or two or more kinds.

・Physical properties due to surface treatment The surface roughness of the surface of the resin layer or metal layer (the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer) is preferably less than 0.08 μm in terms of arithmetic mean roughness Ra, and Ra 0.07 μm or less. is more preferred.
Also, the average length RSm of the roughness curve element is preferably less than 15 μm, more preferably 14 μm or less.

The Ra and RSm are measured according to JIS B 0601.
Specifically, a confocal microscope (OPTELICS H1200) manufactured by Lasertec Co., Ltd. is used to measure the surface shape of the substrate layer surface with a resolution of 0.01 μm in the height direction. An evaluation length of 150 μm is taken in the longitudinal direction of the substrate layer from an arbitrary position of the obtained surface shape, curvature correction is performed using a quadratic function, and surface roughness is measured based on JIS B 0601.
The surface roughness is measured with a cutoff value of 0.0025 mm when creating a profile curve from the profile curve of the actual surface, and a cutoff value of 0.08 mm when creating a roughness curve from the profile curve.

Here, as a method for confirming whether a hydrogen-bonded silyl group has been introduced to the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer, for example, the Si element on the inner surface of the surface layer is analyzed and detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). method.
Here, as an apparatus for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), a JPS9000MX apparatus manufactured by JEOL Ltd. is used, and the measurement conditions are an acceleration voltage of 10 kV and a current value of 30 mA.

In this embodiment, the elastic layer is arranged in direct contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or metal layer.
That is, any of the above-mentioned resin base material consisting only of a resin layer, metal base material consisting only of a metal layer, and base material (composite base material) having a metal layer on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer. , and no adhesive layer is interposed between the outer peripheral surface and the elastic layer.

(elastic layer)
The elastic layer is a polymer of a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group (—SiH) in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group (—CH═CH ₂ ). including.

- First polysiloxane The first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group (-SiH) is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. In the first polysiloxane, the hydrogen-bonded silyl group (--SiH) may be present at the terminal of the main chain or may be present in the side chain of the main chain.

As the first polysiloxane, for example, an organopolysiloxane having —SiH(R ¹ ) ₂ groups at both ends or one end of the main chain (R ¹ represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group, preferably a methyl group) , two R ¹ may be the same or different), a hydrogen atom is bonded to the Si atom constituting the main chain (that is, —[O—Si(—H) (—R ² )]- structure) (R ² represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group, preferably a methyl group).

More specifically, both terminal trimethylsiloxy group-blocked methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, both terminal trimethylsiloxy group-blocked dimethylsiloxane/methylhydrogensiloxane copolymer, both terminal dimethylhydrogensiloxy group-blocked dimethylpolysiloxane, both terminal dimethyl Hydrogensiloxy group-blocked dimethylsiloxane/methylhydrogensiloxane copolymer, both terminal trimethylsiloxy group-blocked methylhydrogensiloxane/diphenylsiloxane copolymer, both terminal trimethylsiloxy group-blocked methylhydrogensiloxane/diphenylsiloxane/dimethylsiloxane copolymer Examples include organohydrogenpolysiloxanes such as polymers.
These first polysiloxanes may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

• Second polysiloxane The second polysiloxane having a vinyl group (-CH=CH ₂ ) is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. In the second polysiloxane, the vinyl group may be present at the end of the main chain or may be present in a side chain of the main chain.

As the second polysiloxane, for example, an organopolysiloxane in which a vinyl group (—CH═CH ₂ ) is bonded to a silicon atom (Si) at both ends or one end of the main chain, a Si atom that constitutes the main chain Examples of organopolysiloxanes in which vinyl groups (--CH=CH ₂ ) are bonded to form a chain are exemplified.

More specifically, trimethylsiloxy group-blocked methylvinylpolysiloxane at both molecular chain terminals, dimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane copolymer blocked at both molecular chain terminals with trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane/methylvinyl at both molecular chain terminals blocked with trimethylsiloxy groups. Siloxane/methylphenylsiloxane copolymer, dimethylpolysiloxane with dimethylvinylsiloxy group-blocked at both molecular chain ends, methylvinylpolysiloxane with dimethylvinylsiloxy group-blocked at both molecular chain ends, dimethylsiloxane/methylvinyl with dimethylvinylsiloxy group-blocked at both molecular chain ends Siloxane copolymer, dimethylvinylsiloxy group-blocked at both molecular chain ends Dimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane/methylphenylsiloxane copolymer, divinylmethylsiloxy group-blocked at both molecular chain ends Divinylmethylsiloxy group-blocked at both molecular chain ends Organopolysiloxanes such as dimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane copolymer, trivinylsiloxy group-blocked dimethylpolysiloxane at both molecular chain terminals, and dimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane copolymer at both molecular chain terminals blocked with trivinylsiloxy groups.
These second polysiloxanes may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

Hydrogen-bonded silyl by adjusting the amount of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups and the amount of vinyl groups in the first polysiloxane and the second polysiloxane, and by adjusting the amount ratio between the first polysiloxane and the second polysiloxane. The ratio [s:v (mol ratio)] between the group content [s (mol)] and the vinyl group content [v (mol)] is controlled within the aforementioned range.

The elastic layer may contain various additives in addition to the polymer described above.
Examples of additives include reinforcing agents (carbon black, etc.), fillers (calcium carbonate, etc.), softening agents (paraffin-based, etc.), processing aids (stearic acid, etc.), anti-aging agents (amine-based, etc.), sulfuric agents (sulfur, metal oxides, peroxides, etc.), functional fillers (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 desirably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

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

Moreover, it is preferable that the inner peripheral surface of the surface layer (that is, the surface in contact with the elastic layer) has at least one of a vinyl group and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group.
Since the surface layer has at least one of a vinyl group and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group on its inner peripheral surface, hydrogen bonding between the vinyl group or the hydrogen-bonded silyl group of the surface layer and the elastic layer occurs at the interface with the elastic layer in contact. A covalent bond can be formed by reacting with a silyl group or a vinyl group.
By forming a covalent bond at the interface between the surface layer and the elastic layer, it is possible to suppress separation between the surface layer and the elastic layer. As a result, even if compression deformation and release are repeated, a fixing member can be obtained in which separation between the surface layer and the elastic layer is suppressed.
It is preferable to introduce hydrogen-bonded silyl groups to the inner peripheral surface of the surface layer, since the same method as that for introducing hydrogen-bonded silyl groups into the resin layer or metal layer can be employed.

As a method for making at least one of a vinyl group and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group exist on the inner peripheral surface of the surface layer, the same method as a method for making a vinyl group exist in a resin layer or a metal layer can be applied. It is preferable to introduce at least one of the binding silyl groups, and the same applies to other specific embodiments.
In the method of introducing a vinyl group into the inner peripheral surface of the surface layer by plasma treatment, for example, dimethyldivinylsilane, butadiene, etc. may be used as the compound having a vinyl group.

As for the surface layer, as described above, a method of introducing at least one of a vinyl group and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group by surface treatment is preferable, and at least one of a vinyl group and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group is introduced into the target region. is easy to introduce, it is preferable to use a resin cylindrical body.
In other words, it is preferable that the surface layer is a layer in which the elastic layer is covered with a preformed resin cylindrical body. More specifically, the surface layer is formed by covering the elastic layer with a resin cylindrical body having at least one of a vinyl group and a hydrogen-bonded silyl group introduced into at least the surface on the side in contact with the elastic layer by surface treatment. Layers are preferred.

The thickness of the surface layer is preferably 100 μm or less, more preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and even more preferably 10 μm or more and 40 μm or less.

(Manufacturing method of fixing member)
Next, a method for manufacturing the fixing member will be described.
As a method for manufacturing the fixing member, for example, there are the following methods.
First, a resin substrate is prepared, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is subjected to the surface treatment described above to introduce hydrogen-bonded silyl groups.
After that, the elastic layer-forming coating liquid containing the above-described first polysiloxane and second polysiloxane is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the resin base material having the outer peripheral surface to which the hydrogen-bonded silyl groups are introduced, and heated. This synthesizes a polymer and cures it to form an elastic layer. Here, the heating conditions are preferably 100° C. or higher and 150° C. or lower for 5 minutes or longer and 60 minutes or shorter, in order to improve the adhesiveness between the resin substrate and the elastic layer.
Next, a resin cylindrical body manufactured using the heat-resistant release material described above is prepared, and the inner surface of the resin cylindrical body is subjected to the surface treatment described above to introduce hydrogen-bonded silyl groups. Cover the cylinder.
After coating the resin cylindrical body, baking is performed (for example, baking at 180° C. or higher and 230° C. or lower for 0.5 hours or more and 8 hours or less), so that the hydrogen-bonded silyl groups of the resin substrate and the vinyl groups of the elastic layer are combined. The reaction may be advanced, the reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl group of the surface layer and the vinyl group of the elastic layer may be advanced, or the curing reaction of the coating liquid for forming the elastic layer may be further advanced.
As described above, the fixing member is manufactured.
The reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl groups of the resin base material and the vinyl groups of the elastic layer, and the reaction between the hydrogen-bonded silyl groups of the surface layer and the vinyl groups of the elastic layer proceed due to the catalyst on the elastic layer side.

(Use of fixing member)
The fixing member according to this embodiment is applied to, for example, a heating roll, a pressure roll, a heating belt, a pressure belt, and the like. As the heat source for the heating roll and the heating belt, a method of heating from an external heat source, a method of electromagnetic induction, and the like can be mentioned.

[Fixing device]
The fixing device according to the present embodiment has various configurations, and includes, for example, a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body. The fixing member according to the present embodiment is applied as at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

A fixing device including a heating belt and a pressure roll will be described below as first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the fixing member according to this embodiment can be applied to both the heating belt and the 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 this embodiment can be applied to any of the heating roll, heating belt, and pressure belt.
Further, the fixing device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and may be an electromagnetic induction heating type fixing device as in the third embodiment. Then, in the third embodiment, the fixing member according to this embodiment can be applied as a heating belt.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a rotationally driven heating roll 61 (an example of a first rotating body), a pressure 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 .
Note that the pressing pad 64 may, for example, press the pressure belt 62 and the heating roll 61 relatively. 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 heating means) is provided 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, a temperature sensing 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 sensing element 69, and the surface temperature of the heating roll 61 is maintained at the target set temperature (eg, 150° C.).

The pressure belt 62 is rotatably supported by, for example, a pressure pad 64 and a belt running guide 63 arranged inside. Then, it is arranged so as to be pressed against the heating roll 61 by the pressing pad 64 in the sandwiching region N (nip portion).

For example, the pressing pad 64 is arranged inside the pressure belt 62 so as to be pressed by the heating roll 61 via the pressure belt 62 , and forms a sandwiching region N with the heating roll 61 . there is
The pressing pad 64 includes, for example, a front sandwiching member 64a for securing a wide sandwiching region N, and a peeling sandwiching member 64b for applying strain to the heating roll 61. is arranged on the exit side of the sandwiching region N.

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

For example, the belt running guide 63 is attached to the holding member 65 so that the pressure belt 62 rotates.

The heating roll 61 is rotated, for example, in the direction of arrow S by a drive motor (not shown). That is, for example, while the heating roll 61 rotates clockwise in FIG. 2, the pressure belt 62 rotates counterclockwise.

Then, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) having an unfixed toner image is guided by, for example, a fixing entrance guide 56 and conveyed to the nipping region N. As shown in FIG. Then, when the sheet of paper K passes through the nipping area N, the unfixed toner image on the sheet of paper K is fixed by pressure and heat acting on the nipping area.

In the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment, for example, the concave front nipping member 64a that follows the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 61 widens the nipping area N compared to a configuration without the front nipping member 64a. Secured.

Further, in the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment, for example, by arranging the peeling/nipping 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 area of the sandwiching area N is reduced. is configured to be locally large.

By arranging the peeling/sandwiching member 64b in this way, for example, when the sheet of paper K after fixing passes through the peeling/sandwiching region, it passes through a locally large distortion. is easily peeled off from the heating roll 61 .

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

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment includes, for example, a fixing belt module 86 including 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) arranged in a vertical direction. For example, a sandwiching area N (nip portion) is formed at a contact portion between the heating belt 84 (fixing belt module 86) and the pressure roll 88. As shown in FIG. In the sandwiching area N, the paper K (an example of a recording medium) is pressed and heated to fix the toner image.

The fixing belt module 86 has, for example, an endless heating belt 84 and the heating belt 84 wound around the pressure roller 88 side, and is rotationally driven by the rotational force of a motor (not shown), and the heating belt 84 is rotated along its inner circumference. A heating pressure roll 89 that presses from the surface toward the pressure roll 88 side, and a support roll 90 that supports the heating belt 84 from the inside at a position different from that of the heating pressure roll 89 are provided.
The fixing belt module 86 includes, for example, a support roll 92 that is arranged outside the heating belt 84 and defines its circulation path, and a posture correction roll 94 that corrects the posture of the heating belt 84 from the heating pressure 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 area 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-like sliding member 82 is interposed between the heating belt 84 and the heating pressure 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 participates in holding and supplying oil present between itself and the heating belt 84 .
Here, the sliding member 82 is provided in a state in which both ends thereof are supported by supporting members 96, for example.

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

The support roll 90 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and has a halogen heater 90A (an example of a heating means) disposed therein so as to heat the heating belt 84 from the inner peripheral surface side. It's becoming
Both ends of the support roll 90 are provided with, for example, spring members (not shown) that push the heating belt 84 outward.

The support roll 92 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum.
The release layer of the support roll 92 is formed, for example, to prevent toner and paper dust from the outer peripheral surface of the heating belt 84 from accumulating on the support roll 92 .
For example, a halogen heater 92A (an example of heating means) is arranged inside the support roll 92 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 and the support rolls 90 and 92 .

The posture correcting roll 94 is, for example, a cylindrical roll made of aluminum, and an end position measuring mechanism (not shown) for measuring the end position of the heating belt 84 is arranged near the posture correcting roll 94 . ing.
The posture correcting roll 94 is provided with, for example, an axial displacement mechanism (not shown) that displaces the contact position of the heating belt 84 in the axial direction according to the measurement result of the end position measuring mechanism, thereby preventing the meandering of the heating belt 84. configured to control.

On the other hand, the pressure roll 88 is rotatably supported, for example, and is pressed against a portion where the heating belt 84 is wound around the heating pressure roll 89 by an urging means such as a spring (not shown). As a result, as the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89) of the fixing belt module 86 rotates in the direction of arrow S, the pressure roll 88 follows the heating belt 84 (heating pressure roll 89). It is designed to rotate in one direction.

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

In the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment, a mode in which a halogen heater (halogen lamp) is applied as an example of a plurality of heating means has been described. (heating element that emits infrared rays, etc.), resistance heating element (heating element that generates Joule heat by applying current to a resistor: for example, a ceramic substrate that has a film with resistance formed and fired) is applied. may

(Third Embodiment of Fixing Device)
A fixing device according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fixing device according to the third embodiment.

A fixing device 200 according to the third embodiment is an electromagnetic induction type fixing device that includes a fixing member having a metal layer, for example, a heating belt.
As shown in FIG. 4, a pressure roll 211 (an example of a second rotating body) is arranged so as to press a portion of a heating belt 210 (an example of a first rotating body). A contact area (nip) is formed between 210 and pressure roll 211 , and heating belt 210 is curved along the peripheral surface of pressure roll 211 . In addition, from the viewpoint of ensuring the releasability of the recording medium, a bent portion where the belt bends is formed at the end of the contact area (nip).

The pressure roll 211 is configured by forming an elastic layer 211B made of silicone rubber or the like on a base material 211A, and forming a release layer 211C made of a fluorine-based compound on the elastic layer 211B.

A facing member 213 is arranged inside the heating belt 210 at a position facing the pressure roll 211 . The opposing member 213 is made of metal, heat-resistant resin, heat-resistant rubber, or the like, and has a pad 213B that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heating belt 210 to locally increase the pressure, and a support 213A that supports the pad 213B.

An electromagnetic induction heating device 212 incorporating an electromagnetic induction coil (excitation coil) 212a is provided at a position facing the pressure roll 211 with the heating belt 210 at the center. The electromagnetic induction heating device 212 applies an alternating current to an electromagnetic induction coil to change the magnetic field generated by an excitation circuit, thereby generating an eddy current in a metal layer (for example, an electromagnetic induction metal layer) of the heating belt 210 (not shown). Let This eddy current is converted into heat (Joule heat) by the electrical resistance of the metal layer (not shown), and as a result, the surface of the heating belt 210 generates heat.
The position of the electromagnetic induction heating device 212 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. It may be installed inside.

In the fixing device 200 according to the third embodiment, the driving force is transmitted by the driving device to the gear fixed to the end of the heating belt 210, so that the heating belt 210 self-rotates in the arrow B direction. , the pressure roller 211 rotates in the opposite direction, that is, in the arrow C direction.
The recording medium 215 on which the unfixed toner image 214 is formed is passed in the direction of arrow A through the contact area (nip) between the heating belt 210 and the pressure roll 211 in the fixing device 200, and the unfixed toner image 214 is fused. As pressure is applied to the recording medium 215 , it is fixed.

[Image forming apparatus and process cartridge]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.
An image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image carrier, charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier, electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier, developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image carrier with a developer containing toner to form a toner image; transferring means for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium; and fixing means for fixing onto a recording medium.
Then, the fixing device according to the present embodiment is applied as the fixing means.

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

An image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, 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. image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, and a primary transfer section 10 for sequentially transferring (primarily transferring) each color component toner image formed by each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K onto an intermediate transfer belt 15; , a secondary transfer unit 20 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner images transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 15 onto the paper K that is a recording medium; a device 60; The image forming apparatus 100 also has a control section 40 that controls the operation of each device (each section).

This fixing device 60 is the fixing device 60 according to the first embodiment described above. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to include the fixing device 80 according to the second embodiment or the fixing device 200 according to the third embodiment.

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

A charger 12 for charging the photoreceptor 11 is provided around the photoreceptor 11 as an example of a charging means, and a laser exposure device as an example of a latent image forming means for writing an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11. 13 (the exposure beam is indicated by symbol Bm in the drawing).

Further, around the photoreceptor 11, as an example of a developing means, a developing device 14 containing toner of each color component and for visualizing an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 11 with the toner is provided. A primary transfer roll 16 is provided for transferring each color component toner image formed thereon to the intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer portion 10 .

Further, around the photoreceptor 11, a photoreceptor cleaner 17 for removing residual toner on the photoreceptor 11 is provided. 17 electrophotographic devices are sequentially arranged along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 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. It is

The intermediate transfer belt 15, which is an intermediate transfer body, is composed of a film-like 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 10 ⁶ Ωcm or more and 10 ¹⁴ Ωcm or less, and the thickness is, for example, about 0.1 mm.

The intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven to circulate (rotate) by various rolls in the direction B shown in FIG. 5 at a desired speed. The various rolls include a drive roll 31 that rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15 by being driven by a motor (not shown) having excellent constant speed, and an intermediate transfer belt 15 that extends substantially linearly along the direction in which the photoreceptors 11 are arranged. a support roll 32 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 15, a tension applying roll 33 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and functions as a correction roll that prevents meandering of the intermediate transfer belt 15, a back roll 25 provided in the secondary transfer section 20, and , a cleaning back roll 34 provided in a cleaning section for scraping residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

The primary transfer section 10 is composed of a primary transfer roll 16 arranged to face the photoreceptor 11 with an intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. The primary transfer roll 16 is composed of a core and a sponge layer as an elastic layer fixed around the core. The core is a cylindrical bar made of metal such as iron and SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a blend rubber of NBR, SBR, and EPDM mixed with 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 Ωcm or less.

The primary transfer roll 16 is placed in pressure contact with the photosensitive member 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. transfer bias) is applied. As a result, the toner images on the photoreceptors 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

The secondary transfer section 20 includes a back 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 blend rubber of EPDM and NBR in which carbon is dispersed on the surface, and EPDM rubber on the inside. The surface resistivity is set to 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., hereinafter the same). be. The back roll 25 is arranged on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and constitutes a counter electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and is in contact with a metal power supply roll 26 to which a secondary transfer bias is stably applied. 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 bar made of metal such as iron or SUS. The sponge layer is formed of a blend rubber of NBR, SBR, and EPDM mixed with 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 Ωcm or less.

The secondary transfer roll 22 is placed in pressure contact with the back roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. The toner image is secondarily transferred onto the paper K conveyed to the next transfer section 20 .

Further, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer portion 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt for removing residual toner and paper dust on the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleaning the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 is provided. A cleaner 35 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

Note that the intermediate transfer belt 15, the primary transfer portion 10 (primary transfer roll 16), and the secondary transfer portion 20 (secondary transfer roll 22) correspond to an example of transfer means.

On the other hand, on the upstream side of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, there is a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 that generates a reference signal that serves as a reference for determining the image forming timing in each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. are arranged. This reference sensor 42 recognizes a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. 1M, 1C, and 1K are configured to initiate image formation.
An image density sensor 43 for adjusting the image quality is arranged downstream of the black image forming unit 1K.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as a conveying means for conveying the paper K, the paper storage unit 50 for storing the paper K, and the paper K stacked in the paper storage unit 50 are taken out at a predetermined timing. a feed roll 51 that feeds the paper K fed by the feed roll 51, a feed roll 52 that feeds the paper K fed by the feed roll 51, a feed guide 53 that feeds the paper K fed by the feed roll 52 to the secondary transfer portion 20, and a secondary transfer A transport belt 55 that transports the paper K that has been 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 are provided.

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

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

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

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 at the primary transfer portion 10 where the photoconductors 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 15 are in contact with each other. be. More specifically, in the primary transfer section 10, the primary transfer roll 16 applies a voltage (primary transfer bias) having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity (negative polarity) of the toner to the base material of the intermediate transfer belt 15, thereby forming a toner image. are successively superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 for primary transfer.

After the toner images are sequentially primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 , the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves and the toner images are conveyed to the secondary transfer portion 20 . When the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20 , the conveying means rotates the paper supply roll 51 in synchronization with the timing at which the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20 , and the sheet is fed from the paper storage unit 50 to the desired position. A sheet of paper K of 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 section 20 via the transport guide 53 . Before reaching the secondary transfer portion 20, the paper K is temporarily stopped, and a positioning roll (not shown) rotates in synchronization with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 15 holding the toner image. is aligned with the position of the toner image.

In the secondary transfer section 20 , the secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the back roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15 . At this time, the sheet of paper K conveyed with matching timing 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 (negative polarity) of the toner is applied from the power supply roll 26, a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. be done. The unfixed toner images held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 are collectively electrostatically transferred onto the paper K in the secondary transfer section 20 pressed by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the back roll 25. be.

After that, the sheet of paper K on which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22 and conveyed as it is. It is conveyed to belt 55 . The transport belt 55 transports the paper K to the fixing device 60 at an optimum transport speed in 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 heat and pressure fixing processing by the fixing device 60 . Then, the paper K on which the fixed image is formed is conveyed to a discharged paper containing section (not shown) provided in the discharging section of the image forming apparatus.

On the other hand, after the transfer onto 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 cleaned by the cleaning back roller 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, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[Example A1]
-Preparation and Surface Treatment of Substrate A polyimide resin substrate having a thickness of 65 μm and an outer diameter of φ118 mm was prepared.
Then, the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide resin substrate was subjected to plasma treatment to introduce hydrogen-bonded silyl groups.
Specifically, a mixed gas of an excitation gas (Ar) and dichlorosilane was used at a voltage of 10 kV applied from the discharge electrode, a frequency of 18 kHz, and mixed with the excitation gas at a flow rate of 1 L/min. Plasma treatment was performed under reduced pressure (2×10 ⁴ Pa) with the plasma treatment time set to 10 seconds to obtain a polyimide resin substrate having hydrogen-bonded silyl groups introduced on the outer peripheral surface.

・Formation of elastic layer Product name of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. as a silicone rubber material: X34-2086 A liquid and B liquid (A liquid: a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group (-CH=CH ₂ ) and a catalyst ( B liquid: containing a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group (--SiH) and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group (--CH=CH ₂ )) was prepared.
This liquid A and liquid B were mixed at a ratio of 1:1 (liquid A: liquid B (mass ratio)) to obtain a coating liquid for forming an elastic layer. The amount ratio (molar ratio) of vinyl groups and hydrogen-bonded silyl groups in this coating solution was measured by the method described above. Table 1 shows the measurement results.
This coating liquid was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide resin substrate into which the vinyl group was introduced, and heated at 120° C. for 15 minutes to form an elastic layer having a thickness of 200 μm.

- Formation of Surface Layer A fluororesin tube made from PFA (451HP-J, manufactured by DuPont-Mitsui Fluorochemicals Co., Ltd.) was molded by injection molding.
Then, plasma treatment was applied to the inner peripheral surface of the fluororesin tube.
Specifically, a mixed gas of an excitation gas (Ar) and dichlorosilane was used at a voltage of 10 kV applied from the discharge electrode, a frequency of 18 kHz, and mixed with the excitation gas at a flow rate of 1 L/min. The plasma treatment time was set to 10 seconds and plasma treatment was performed under reduced pressure (2×10 ⁴ Pa). A fluororesin tube was obtained.

The elastic layer was covered with this fluororesin tube and baked at 200° C. for 2 hours to obtain a fixing belt.

[Examples A2 to A4]
In Example A1, the elastic layer material (silicone rubber material) and the ratio of liquid A and liquid B (liquid A:liquid B (mass ratio)) in forming the elastic layer were changed to those shown in Table 1 below. Fixing belts of Examples A2 to A4 were obtained in the same manner as in Example A1 except for the above.
In Table 1, "X34-1053" indicates a silicone rubber material (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., product name: X34-1053).

[Example A5]
Fixing of Example A5 was carried out in the same manner as in Example A1, except that the plasma treatment on the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide resin substrate and the inner peripheral surface of the fluororesin tube in Example A1 was changed to that shown in Table 1 below. got the belt.

[Comparative Example A1]
A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example A5, except that the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide resin substrate and the inner peripheral surface of the fluororesin tube were not subjected to the plasma treatment.

[Example B1]
-Preparation and Surface Treatment of Composite Substrate A tubular polyimide substrate (diameter 30 mm×width L400 mm, film thickness 60 μm) that had been roughened (surface roughness Ra=0.5 μm or more and 1.0 μm or less) was prepared.
The prepared polyimide base material was incorporated into a plating jig, and an electroless nickel plating layer (metal base layer) having a thickness of 0.5 μm was formed by electroless plating. Next, after forming an electroless copper plating layer (metal base layer), electrodes are set on both ends of the plating jig, and electrolytic plating is performed with a copper sulfate plating solution to form an electrolytic copper plating layer (metal heat generation layer) with a thickness of 10 μm. layer) was formed.
Subsequently, electrodes were set on both ends of the plating jig, and electrolytic nickel plating was performed using an electrolytic plating solution to form an electrolytic nickel plating layer (metal protective layer) having a thickness of 10 μm, thereby obtaining a composite base material.
A hydrogen-bonded silyl group was introduced onto the electrolytic nickel plating layer (metal protective layer) of the composite substrate by the following method.
That is, after the surface of the electrolytic nickel plating layer was oxidized by heating at 200° C. for 10 minutes, the surface of the electrolytic nickel plating layer was subjected to plasma treatment. Specifically, a mixed gas of an excitation gas (Ar) and dichlorosilane was used at a voltage of 10 kV applied from the discharge electrode, a frequency of 18 kHz, and mixed with the excitation gas at a flow rate of 1 L/min. The plasma treatment time was set to 10 seconds and plasma treatment was performed under reduced pressure (2×10 ⁴ Pa) to introduce hydrogen-bonded silyl groups to the surface of the electrolytic nickel plating layer.

Formation of elastic layer The same coating solution for forming an elastic layer as in Example A1 was applied onto the electrolytic nickel plating layer into which the hydrogen-bonded silyl group of the composite substrate was introduced, and heated at 120°C for 15 minutes to obtain a thick layer. An elastic layer having a thickness of 200 μm was formed.

Formation and firing of surface layer Subsequently, plasma treatment was performed on the elastic layer in the same manner as in Example A1, and a fluororesin tube having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group introduced to the inner peripheral surface was coated and heated at 200 ° C.2. A fixing belt was obtained by firing for 1 hour.

[Examples B2 to B4]
In Example B1, the elastic layer material (silicone rubber material) and the ratio of liquid A and liquid B (liquid A:liquid B (mass ratio)) in forming the elastic layer were changed to those shown in Table 2 below. Fixing belts of Examples B2 to B4 were obtained in the same manner as in Example B1 except for the above.

[Example B5]
In Example B1, the same as Example B1 except that the plasma treatment on the outer peripheral surface of the composite substrate (that is, the surface of the electrolytic nickel plating layer) and the inner peripheral surface of the fluororesin tube was changed to that shown in Table 2 below. Then, a fixing belt of Example B5 was obtained.

[Comparative Example B1]
A fixing belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example B5, except that in Example B5, the outer peripheral surface of the composite substrate (that is, the surface of the electrolytic nickel plating layer) and the inner peripheral surface of the fluororesin tube were not subjected to plasma treatment. .

[evaluation]
(Presence or absence of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups)
Regarding the outer peripheral surface of each resin substrate or composite substrate obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples, described in the above-mentioned "method for confirming whether a hydrogen-bonded silyl group has been introduced into the inner surface of the resin layer or metal layer". The presence or absence of hydrogen-bonded silyl groups was confirmed by the method of

(Peel test 1)
The fixing belts obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples were stored for 24 hours in an environment of 95° C. and 100% RH.
After storage, moisture is wiped off from the fixing member, then a part (20 mm×20 mm) is cut out of only the resin base material or the composite base material, and the circumferential part of the cut out part is cut to the base material. , and while holding the fixing belt other than the cut-out portion, the cut-out resin base material or composite base material was pulled in a direction of 90° to the surface of the elastic layer, thereby conducting a peeling test 1.
The occurrence of delamination at the interface between the resin base material or the composite base material and the elastic layer (the area ratio (%) of the area where delamination occurred to the total area) was evaluated. More specifically, it was confirmed whether or not the elastic layer remained on the peeled resin substrate or composite substrate, and the area of the remaining elastic layer was calculated.
Moreover, the evaluation criteria are as follows. In addition, it was judged that there was no practical problem when the evaluation was A (○) or B (Δ).
A (○): less than 0.1% of the peeling occurrence area B (Δ): 0.1% or more and less than 10% of the peeling occurrence area C (×): 10% or more of the peeling occurrence area

(Peel test 2)
For each of the fixing belts obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples, water vapor was sprayed at 1 atmosphere and 100° C. for 100 hours on the interface between the resin base material or the composite base material and the elastic layer.
After that, water is wiped off from the fixing member, then a part (20 mm×20 mm) of only the resin base material or the composite base material is cut out, and the circumferential part of the cut out part is cut to the base material part. A peeling test 2 was performed by pulling the cut-out resin base material or composite base material in a direction of 90° with respect to the surface of the elastic layer while holding the fixing belt other than the cut-out portion.
The ratio of the elastic layer remaining on the peeled resin base material or composite base material to the total area of the peeled resin base material or composite base material was determined.
Moreover, the evaluation criteria are as follows. In addition, it was judged that there was no practical problem when the evaluation was A (○) or B (Δ).
A (○): 98% or more of the remaining area of the elastic layer B (Δ): 95% or more and less than 98% of the remaining area of the elastic layer C (×): Less than 95% of the remaining area of the elastic layer

(An endurance test)
The fixing belts obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples were stored for 24 hours in an environment of 95° C. and 100% RH.
Next, the fixing belts of Examples A1 to A5 and Comparative Example A1 were attached to a fixing device of an image forming apparatus "Versant 180 Press (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.)".
The fixing belts of Examples B1 to B5 and Comparative Example B1 were attached to a fixing device of an image forming apparatus "DocuCentre-IV C5571 (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.)".
Using these image forming apparatuses, 1,000 sheets of halftone images with an image density of 50% were output on A4 thick paper (Ncolor 209, basis weight: 209 g/m2).
After that, the fixing belt was observed, and the presence or absence of peeling at the interface between the resin base material or the composite base material and the elastic layer was observed with a paper sheet. The peeling state of the surface layer was evaluated according to the following criteria.
A (○): No peeling at the interface B (×): Peeling at the interface

(Fixability test on textured paper)
The fixing belts of Examples A1 to A5 and Comparative Example A1 were attached to a fixing device of an image forming apparatus "Versant 180 Press (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.)".
The fixing belts of Examples B1 to B5 and Comparative Example B1 were attached to a fixing device of an image forming apparatus "DocuCentre-IV C5571 (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.)".
Using these image forming devices, a sheet of halftone image with an image density of 50% is output on A4 textured paper (Lethac 66 grammage: 151 g/m2), and the state of toner adhesion in the concave portions of the paper is examined with a microscope. Evaluation was made according to the following criteria.
A (○): No toner dropout B (Δ): Toner is present, but the density is low (substantially no problem level)
C (x): Toner missing is clearly present, and white spots are present.

From the above results, this example suppresses the peeling at the interface between the resin base material (resin layer) or the composite base material (metal layer) and the elastic layer even when compression deformation and release are repeated, compared to the comparative example. It can be seen that
In particular, even after being stored in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, peeling of the interface is suppressed as described above, so it can be seen that the fixing belt of this example has high adhesion resistance to humidity.

60 fixing device 62 pressure belt 63 belt running 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 press roll 90A Halogen heater 90 Support roll 92A Halogen heater 92 Support roll 94 Posture correction roll 96 Support member 98 Support roll 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Fixing Member 110A Base material 110B Elastic layer 110C Surface layer 200 Fixing device 210 Heating belt 211 Pressure roll 212 Electromagnetic induction heating device

Claims (6)

a resin layer or a metal layer, an elastic layer arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or the metal layer, and a surface layer arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer ,
The resin layer or the metal layer has a hydrogen-bonded silyl group on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer,
The elastic layer contains a polymer of a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group, and the ratio [v:s (mol ratio)] of the content [v] of the vinyl group to the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group is in the range of 1:1.4 to 1:2.2;
A fixing member having, at an interface between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer, a covalent bond resulting from reaction between a hydrogen-bonded silyl group of the resin layer or the metal layer and a vinyl group of the elastic layer. a resin layer or a metal layer, an elastic layer arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin layer or the metal layer, and a surface layer arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer ,
the resin layer or the metal layer has a hydrogen-bonded silyl group on the outer peripheral surface in contact with the elastic layer;
The elastic layer contains a polymer of a first polysiloxane having a hydrogen-bonded silyl group in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to a silicon atom and a second polysiloxane having a vinyl group, and the ratio [v:s (mol ratio)] of the content [v] of the vinyl group to the content [s] of the hydrogen-bonded silyl group is in the range of 1:1.4 to 1:2.2;
After spraying water vapor at 1 atm and 100° C. for 100 hours on the interface between the resin layer or the metal layer and the elastic layer, a part of the resin layer or the metal layer is pulled in a direction of 90° with respect to the elastic layer. 4. The fixing member, wherein the elastic layer remaining on the peeled resin layer or metal layer occupies 95% or more of the total area of the peeled resin layer or metal layer. Claim 1 or claim 1, wherein the resin layer is a resin substrate, and the resin substrate contains at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, silicone resin, and polyetheretherketone resin. Item 3. The fixing member according to item 2. A first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged in contact with the outer surface of the first rotating body,
At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is the fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A fixing device for fixing a toner image by inserting a recording medium having a toner image formed thereon through a contact portion between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. A fixing device according to claim 4 ,
A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus. an image carrier;
charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier;
electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier;
developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier with a developer containing toner to form a toner image;
a transfer means for transferring the toner image onto the surface of a recording medium;
fixing means for fixing the toner image onto the recording medium, the fixing means having the fixing device according to claim 4 ;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images