WO2016013391A1 - 定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ - Google Patents
定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2016013391A1 WO2016013391A1 PCT/JP2015/069474 JP2015069474W WO2016013391A1 WO 2016013391 A1 WO2016013391 A1 WO 2016013391A1 JP 2015069474 W JP2015069474 W JP 2015069474W WO 2016013391 A1 WO2016013391 A1 WO 2016013391A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- polyimide
- fixing belt
- layer
- tube
- polyimide layer
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 269
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract description 269
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 239000002041 carbon nanotube Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 229910021393 carbon nanotube Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 130
- 239000002966 varnish Substances 0.000 description 38
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 30
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 19
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 18
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 16
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 description 16
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 14
- 229920005575 poly(amic acid) Polymers 0.000 description 14
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 11
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000011231 conductive filler Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 9
- GTDPSWPPOUPBNX-UHFFFAOYSA-N ac1mqpva Chemical compound CC12C(=O)OC(=O)C1(C)C1(C)C2(C)C(=O)OC1=O GTDPSWPPOUPBNX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000002270 dispersing agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- HLBLWEWZXPIGSM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-Aminophenyl ether Chemical compound C1=CC(N)=CC=C1OC1=CC=C(N)C=C1 HLBLWEWZXPIGSM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 5
- CBCKQZAAMUWICA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,4-phenylenediamine Chemical compound NC1=CC=C(N)C=C1 CBCKQZAAMUWICA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Zr]=O MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000790 scattering method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002194 synthesizing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005524 ceramic coating Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920006015 heat resistant resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- VLDPXPPHXDGHEW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-chloro-2-dichlorophosphoryloxybenzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC=CC=C1OP(Cl)(Cl)=O VLDPXPPHXDGHEW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XPAQFJJCWGSXGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-amino-n-(4-aminophenyl)benzamide Chemical compound C1=CC(N)=CC=C1NC(=O)C1=CC=C(N)C=C1 XPAQFJJCWGSXGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- YCKRFDGAMUMZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fluorine atom Chemical compound [F] YCKRFDGAMUMZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004962 Polyamide-imide Substances 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011737 fluorine Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052731 fluorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003960 organic solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002312 polyamide-imide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003980 solgel method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000002195 synergetic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrafluoroethene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)F BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000002411 thermogravimetry Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052582 BN Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- PZNSFCLAULLKQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron nitride Chemical compound N#B PZNSFCLAULLKQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- SECXISVLQFMRJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Methylpyrrolidone Chemical compound CN1CCCC1=O SECXISVLQFMRJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004693 Polybenzimidazole Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004695 Polyether sulfone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052581 Si3N4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003575 carbonaceous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- PMHQVHHXPFUNSP-UHFFFAOYSA-M copper(1+);methylsulfanylmethane;bromide Chemical compound Br[Cu].CSC PMHQVHHXPFUNSP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000007822 coupling agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003949 imides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003273 ketjen black Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002105 nanoparticle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002071 nanotube Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004767 nitrides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920002480 polybenzimidazole Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002577 polybenzoxazole Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006393 polyether sulfone Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon carbide Chemical compound [Si+]#[C-] HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910010271 silicon carbide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- HQVNEWCFYHHQES-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon nitride Chemical compound N12[Si]34N5[Si]62N3[Si]51N64 HQVNEWCFYHHQES-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002545 silicone oil Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002076 thermal analysis method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006259 thermoplastic polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XOLBLPGZBRYERU-UHFFFAOYSA-N tin dioxide Chemical compound O=[Sn]=O XOLBLPGZBRYERU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001887 tin oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000001947 vapour-phase growth Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat
- G03G15/2003—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat
- G03G15/2014—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using contact heat
- G03G15/2053—Structural details of heat elements, e.g. structure of roller or belt, eddy current, induction heating
- G03G15/2057—Structural details of heat elements, e.g. structure of roller or belt, eddy current, induction heating relating to the chemical composition of the heat element and layers thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
- B32B1/08—Tubular products
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
- B32B2264/10—Inorganic particles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
- B32B2264/10—Inorganic particles
- B32B2264/102—Oxide or hydroxide
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
- B32B2264/12—Mixture of at least two particles made of different materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2379/00—Other polymers having nitrogen, with or without oxygen or carbon only, in the main chain
- B32B2379/08—Polyimides
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2413/00—Belts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2433/00—Closed loop articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2597/00—Tubular articles, e.g. hoses, pipes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/28—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
- B32B27/281—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42 comprising polyimides
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/20—Details of the fixing device or porcess
- G03G2215/2003—Structural features of the fixing device
- G03G2215/2016—Heating belt
- G03G2215/2035—Heating belt the fixing nip having a stationary belt support member opposing a pressure member
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
- Y10T428/1397—Single layer [continuous layer]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
- Y10T428/31721—Of polyimide
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a polyimide tube for a fixing belt.
- a heat fixing method is generally employed at the final stage of printing and copying.
- unfixed toner is heated and melted by passing a transfer material such as printing paper onto which a toner image is transferred between a fixing belt having a heating source disposed therein and a pressure roller.
- toner is fixed on a transfer material to form an image.
- a belt formed of a synthetic resin such as polyimide is generally used as the fixing belt.
- the above conventional fixing belt is expected to improve toner fixability due to an increase in the thermal conductivity of the polyimide tube, but it cannot be said that the fixability is sufficient unless the temperature is constant. There is room for improvement.
- the present invention has been made based on the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a polyimide tube for a fixing belt having excellent toner fixing properties.
- the present inventors have found that high fixability can be achieved by optimizing the elongation of the polyimide tube in addition to the thermal conductivity of the polyimide tube constituting the fixing belt. Specifically, the present inventors have found that fixing property is remarkably improved by setting the product of thermal conductivity and elongation at break to a certain value or more.
- a polyimide tube for a fixing belt made to solve the above problems is a polyimide tube for a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus, which contains polyimide as a main component and contains a needle-like filler.
- a polyimide layer is provided, and the acicular filler contains carbon nanotubes and acicular titanium oxide, and the product of the thermal diffusivity (m 2 / s) and the axial elongation at break (%) of the polyimide layer is 35 ⁇ 10 ⁇ . 7 or more.
- the polyimide tube for a fixing belt of the present invention is excellent in toner fixability, it can be suitably used for a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a polyimide tube for a fixing belt according to an aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing one step of a method of manufacturing the fixing tube polyimide tube of FIG.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of an image forming apparatus using the fixing belt polyimide tube of FIG.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fixing belt polyimide tube according to an embodiment different from FIG. 1.
- a polyimide tube for a fixing belt is a polyimide tube for a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus, and includes a polyimide layer containing polyimide as a main component and containing a needle filler, and the needle filler is carbon.
- the product of the thermal diffusivity (m 2 / s) and the axial elongation at break (%) of the polyimide layer is 35 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 or more, including nanotubes and acicular titanium oxide.
- the polyimide tube for fixing belt includes a polyimide layer containing carbon nanotubes and acicular titanium oxide as a filler, it has excellent thermal conductivity while maintaining mechanical strength such as tensile strength and compressive strength. Further, in the polyimide tube for the fixing belt, the product of the thermal diffusivity of the polyimide layer and the elongation at break in the axial direction is 35 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 or more. Due to these synergistic effects, the fixing belt polyimide tube can exhibit excellent toner fixing properties.
- the orientation direction of the acicular filler is preferably an axial direction or a circumferential direction.
- the polyimide tube When oriented in the axial direction, the polyimide tube is excellent in flexibility, and when oriented in the circumferential direction, the polyimide tube is excellent in torsional strength (buckling resistance).
- the thermal diffusivity of the polyimide layer is preferably 3.5 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 m 2 / s or more. Thus, fixability can be improved more reliably by making the thermal diffusivity of a polyimide layer more than the said minimum.
- the axial elongation of the polyimide layer is preferably 7% or more.
- fixability can be improved more reliably by making the breaking elongation of the axial direction of a polyimide layer into the said minimum or more.
- the elastic modulus in the axial direction at 150 ° C. of the polyimide layer is preferably 3000 MPa or less, and the elastic modulus in the circumferential direction at 150 ° C. of the polyimide layer is preferably 5500 MPa or less.
- flexibility of a polyimide layer increases and fixability can be improved more.
- the polyimide may have a structural unit represented by the following formula (1), (2) or (3).
- strength, etc. can be improved with sufficient balance, and the further improvement of fixability can be achieved.
- a fluororesin layer laminated on the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide layer may be further provided.
- the “main component” is the most abundant component, for example, a component having a content of 50% by mass or more.
- the acicular filler is oriented in the axial direction of the polyimide tube for the fixing belt means that when the polyimide tube is expanded in a plane, the central axis of the acicular filler and the axial direction of the polyimide tube are planar.
- the average absolute value of the angles formed is 10 ° or less
- “the acicular filler is oriented in the circumferential direction of the fixing belt polyimide tube” means that the central axis of the acicular filler and the circumferential direction of the polyimide tube are the same. Means that the average of the absolute values of the angles is 80 ° or more and 100 ° or less.
- Thermal diffusivity is a value measured by a temperature wave thermal analysis method based on ISO 22007-3: 2008, and can be measured using, for example, “ai-phase mobile 1u” manufactured by I-Phase Co., Ltd.
- “Elongation at break” is a value measured according to JIS-K7161 (1994).
- “Elastic modulus” is a value measured according to JIS-K7161 (1994).
- the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 in FIG. 1 constitutes a fixing belt of an image forming apparatus.
- the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 has polyimide as a main component, a polyimide layer 2 containing needle-like filler, and a fluororesin as a main component, and is laminated on the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide layer 2 directly or via an adhesive.
- the fluororesin layer 3 is provided.
- the upper limit of the average outer diameter of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 is preferably 100 mm, and more preferably 50 mm.
- the lower limit of the average outer diameter of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 is preferably 5 mm, and more preferably 10 mm.
- the average outer diameter of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 exceeds the upper limit, the use of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 may be limited. Conversely, if the average outer diameter of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 is less than the lower limit, the mechanical strength of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 may be insufficient.
- the length of the polyimide belt 1 for the fixing belt can be appropriately designed according to the use.
- the polyimide layer 2 contains polyimide as a main component and a needle-like filler. Moreover, the polyimide layer 2 may contain other resin, a filler, and arbitrary additives in the range which does not impair the effect of this invention. Examples of other fillers include highly heat conductive fillers such as boron nitride.
- thermosetting polyimide As the polyimide contained in the polyimide layer 2 as a main component, thermosetting polyimide (also referred to as condensation type polyimide) or thermoplastic polyimide can be used. Among these, thermosetting polyimide is preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance, tensile strength, tensile elastic modulus, and the like.
- the polyimide may be a homopolymer consisting of one type of structural unit or a copolymer consisting of two or more types of structural units, or a blend of two or more types of homopolymers.
- a structural unit represented by following formula (1), (2) or (3) is preferable.
- the structural unit represented by the above formula (1) uses, for example, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-diphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride and p-phenylenediamine. It is obtained by synthesizing a polyamic acid (polyamic acid) which is a polyimide precursor and imidizing it by heating or the like.
- the structural unit represented by the above formula (2) includes, for example, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-diphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, Can be obtained by synthesizing a polyamic acid which is a polyimide precursor and imidizing it by heating or the like.
- structural unit c As the structural unit represented by the above formula (3) (hereinafter referred to as structural unit c), for example, pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether are used to synthesize polyamic acid which is a polyimide precursor. It can be obtained by imidizing it by heating or the like.
- the polyimide may be a copolymer having the structural unit a and the structural unit c.
- content of the structural unit c of the said polyimide 10 mass% is preferable, 15 mass% is more preferable, and 18 mass% is further more preferable.
- the upper limit of the content of the structural unit c of the polyimide is preferably 50% by mass, more preferably 40% by mass, and still more preferably 35% by mass.
- the polyimide includes a copolymer A having the structural unit a and the structural unit b, a copolymer B having the structural unit b and a structural unit represented by the following formula (4), and the structural unit. a copolymer C having c and a structural unit represented by the following formula (5), a copolymer D having the structural unit a and a structural unit represented by the following formula (6), or the structural unit a And a copolymer E having a structural unit represented by the following formula (7).
- the copolymer A is a polyamic acid (polyimide acid) using 3,3 ′, 4,4′-diphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, p-phenylenediamine and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether. (Polyamic acid) is synthesized and imidized by heating or the like.
- the upper limit of the proportion of the structural unit a in the copolymer A is preferably 95% by mass, and more preferably 90% by mass.
- the rate of structural unit a in the above-mentioned copolymer A 25 mass% is preferred and 30 mass% is more preferred.
- the copolymer B is a polyimide precursor using, for example, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-diphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether and 4,4′-diaminobenzanilide. It is obtained by synthesizing a certain polyamic acid (polyamic acid) and imidizing it by heating or the like.
- the upper limit of the proportion of the structural unit b in the copolymer B is preferably 75% by mass, and more preferably 70% by mass.
- the lower limit of the proportion of the structural unit b in the copolymer B is preferably 5% by mass, and more preferably 10% by mass.
- the copolymer C is prepared by synthesizing polyamic acid (polyamic acid), which is a polyimide precursor, using, for example, pyromellitic dianhydride, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether and 4,4′-diaminobenzanilide, This can be obtained by imidization by heating or the like.
- polyamic acid polyamic acid
- pyromellitic dianhydride 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether and 4,4′-diaminobenzanilide
- the upper limit of the proportion of the structural unit c in the copolymer C is preferably 75% by mass, and more preferably 70% by mass.
- the lower limit of the proportion of the structural unit c in the copolymer C is preferably 5% by mass, and more preferably 10% by mass.
- the copolymer D may be a polyamic acid (polyamic acid) which is a polyimide precursor using 3,3 ′, 4,4′-diphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, p-phenylenediamine and oxydiphthalic dianhydride. ) And is imidized by heating or the like.
- polyamic acid polyamic acid
- polyimide precursor using 3,3 ′, 4,4′-diphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, p-phenylenediamine and oxydiphthalic dianhydride.
- the upper limit of the proportion of the structural unit a in the copolymer D is preferably 95% by mass, and more preferably 90% by mass.
- the rate of structural unit a in the above-mentioned copolymer D 25 mass% is preferred and 30 mass% is more preferred.
- the copolymer E is a polyamic acid (polyamic acid) which is a polyimide precursor using, for example, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-diphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, p-phenylenediamine and resorcinoxydianiline. Is synthesized and imidized by heating or the like.
- the upper limit of the proportion of the structural unit a in the copolymer E is preferably 95% by mass, and more preferably 90% by mass. On the other hand, as a minimum of the rate of structural unit a in the above-mentioned copolymer E, 25 mass% is preferred and 30 mass% is more preferred. By setting the proportion of the structural unit a in the copolymer E within the above range, both the rigidity and flexibility of the polyimide can be improved.
- the upper limit of the elastic modulus in the axial direction at 150 ° C. of the polyimide layer is preferably 3000 MPa, and more preferably 2500 MPa.
- the lower limit of the elastic modulus in the axial direction at 150 ° C. of the polyimide layer is preferably 1000 MPa.
- the upper limit of the elastic modulus in the circumferential direction at 150 ° C. of the polyimide layer is preferably 5500 MPa, and more preferably 5000 MPa.
- the lower limit of the elastic modulus in the circumferential direction at 150 ° C. of the polyimide layer is preferably 2000 MPa.
- the elastic modulus of the polyimide layer exceeds the upper limit, the flexibility of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 may be reduced. Conversely, when the elastic modulus of the polyimide layer is less than the lower limit, the shape stability of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 may be insufficient.
- the acicular filler contained in the polyimide layer 2 includes carbon nanotubes and acicular titanium oxide.
- the polyimide layer 2 may contain acicular fillers other than these.
- the needle filler is preferably oriented in the axial direction or circumferential direction of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1. That is, the acicular filler is preferably contained in the polyimide layer 2 so that its longitudinal direction is parallel or perpendicular to the axial direction of the tube.
- the carbon nanotubes are nano-sized cylindrical carbon.
- Carbon nanotubes generally have a specific gravity of about 2.0 and an aspect ratio (a ratio of length to diameter) of 50 or more and 1000 or less.
- Carbon nanotubes are typically a single-wall type and a multi-wall type.
- the multi-layered CNT has a structure in which cylindrical carbon materials are overlapped in a concentric manner.
- a known method can be used as a method for producing the carbon nanotube, but a vapor phase growth method that is easy to control the diameter of the carbon nanotube and excellent in mass productivity is preferable.
- the upper limit of the average diameter of the carbon nanotube is preferably 300 nm, and more preferably 200 nm.
- the lower limit of the average diameter of the carbon nanotubes is preferably 100 nm.
- the average diameter of the carbon nanotubes exceeds the above upper limit, the flexibility and smoothness of the surface of the polyimide layer 2 may be reduced.
- the average diameter of the carbon nanotubes is less than the lower limit, the dispersibility of the carbon nanotubes may be reduced, and the mechanical strength of the polyimide layer 2 may be reduced, or the productivity of the carbon nanotubes may be reduced.
- the average diameter of the carbon nanotube is an average value of the short axis diameter of the carbon nanotube measured by, for example, observation with a laser scattering method or a scanning electron microscope.
- the upper limit of the average length of carbon nanotubes is preferably 50 ⁇ m, more preferably 30 ⁇ m, and even more preferably 20 ⁇ m.
- the lower limit of the average length of the carbon nanotubes is preferably 1 ⁇ m.
- the average length of the carbon nanotubes exceeds the above upper limit, the dispersibility of the carbon nanotubes may be reduced, the mechanical strength of the polyimide layer 2 may be reduced, and the smoothness of the surface of the polyimide layer 2 may be reduced.
- the average length of the carbon nanotube is less than the above lower limit, the mechanical strength such as elongation at break of the polyimide layer 2 may be insufficient.
- the average length of the carbon nanotube is an average value of the length of the carbon nanotube measured by, for example, observation with a laser scattering method or a scanning electron microscope.
- the upper limit of the average diameter of acicular titanium oxide is preferably 5 ⁇ m and more preferably 3 ⁇ m.
- the lower limit of the average diameter of acicular titanium oxide is preferably 0.1 ⁇ m.
- the average diameter of acicular titanium oxide exceeds the above upper limit, the flexibility and smoothness of the surface of the polyimide layer 2 may be reduced.
- the average diameter of the acicular titanium oxide is less than the lower limit, the dispersibility of the acicular titanium oxide may be decreased, and the mechanical strength of the polyimide layer 2 may be decreased.
- the average diameter of acicular titanium oxide is an average value of the short axis diameter of acicular titanium oxide measured by observation with a laser scattering method or a scanning electron microscope, for example.
- the upper limit of the average length of acicular titanium oxide is preferably 200 ⁇ m, more preferably 100 ⁇ m, and even more preferably 50 ⁇ m.
- the lower limit of the average length of acicular titanium oxide is preferably 1 ⁇ m. If the average length of the acicular titanium oxide exceeds the above upper limit, the dispersibility of the carbon nanotubes may be reduced and the mechanical strength of the polyimide layer 2 may be reduced, or the smoothness of the surface of the polyimide layer 2 may be reduced. . On the other hand, when the average length of acicular titanium oxide is less than the above lower limit, mechanical properties such as elongation at break of the polyimide layer 2 may be insufficient.
- the average length of acicular titanium oxide is an average value of the length of acicular titanium oxide measured, for example, by observation with a laser scattering method or a scanning electron microscope.
- the aspect ratio of acicular titanium oxide is generally 10 or more and 100 or less.
- the upper limit of the content of the entire needle filler in the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 30% by volume, and more preferably 25% by volume. On the other hand, as a minimum of content of the whole acicular filler in the polyimide layer 2, 10 volume% is preferable and 15 volume% is more preferable.
- the upper limit of the carbon nanotube content in the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 25% by volume, more preferably 20% by volume.
- the lower limit of the content of carbon nanotubes in the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 5% by volume, and more preferably 10% by volume.
- the upper limit of the content of acicular titanium oxide in the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 10% by volume, more preferably 8% by volume. On the other hand, as a minimum of content of acicular titanium oxide in polyimide layer 2, 1 volume% is preferred and 3 volume% is more preferred.
- the content of the entire needle-like filler, carbon nanotube, or needle-like titanium oxide in the polyimide layer 2 exceeds the above upper limit, the elongation at break of the polyimide layer 2 may be insufficient.
- the content of the entire needle-like filler, carbon nanotube, or needle-like titanium oxide in the polyimide layer 2 is less than the above lower limit, the thermal conductivity of the polyimide layer 2 may be insufficient.
- content of a needle-like filler can be measured using a thermogravimetry (TGA) apparatus, for example.
- the needle-like filler may be surface-treated with a coupling agent or the like in order to improve the adhesion with the polyimide.
- the upper limit of the average thickness of the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 150 ⁇ m, more preferably 120 ⁇ m, and even more preferably 100 ⁇ m.
- the average thickness of the polyimide layer 2 is less than the above lower limit, the mechanical strength of the polyimide layer 2 may be insufficient.
- the average thickness of the polyimide layer 2 exceeds the above upper limit, the manufacturing cost increases, and the size of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 may become unnecessarily large.
- the lower limit of the thermal diffusivity of the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 3.5 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 m 2 / s, more preferably 4 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 m 2 / s, further 5 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 m 2 / s. preferable.
- the upper limit of the thermal diffusivity of the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 10 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 m 2 / s.
- the lower limit of the breaking elongation in the axial direction of the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 7%, more preferably 7.5%, and even more preferably 8%.
- the upper limit of the breaking elongation in the axial direction of the polyimide layer 2 is preferably 15%.
- the flexibility of the polyimide tube 1 for the fixing belt may be lowered and the fixability may be insufficient.
- the shape stability of the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 may be insufficient.
- the lower limit of the product of the thermal diffusivity of the polyimide layer 2 and the axial elongation at break is 35 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 , preferably 38 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7, and more preferably 40 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 .
- the upper limit of the product of the thermal diffusivity of the polyimide layer 2 and the axial elongation at break is preferably 100 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 .
- the fluororesin layer 3 is provided to impart releasability to the fixing belt and prevent the toner on the transfer material from adhering to the surface of the fixing belt, and contains a fluororesin as a main component.
- a fluororesin those excellent in heat resistance are preferable.
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- PFA perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer
- FEP tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer
- the fluororesin layer 3 can be formed using only a fluororesin, but preferably contains a conductive filler in order to prevent offset due to charging.
- the conductive filler include conductive carbon black such as ketjen black, metal oxide such as tin oxide, metal powder such as aluminum, and the like.
- the lower limit of the content of the conductive filler in the fluororesin layer 3 is preferably 0.5% by mass, and more preferably 1% by mass.
- the upper limit of the content of the conductive filler in the fluororesin layer 3 is preferably 15% by mass, and more preferably 10% by mass.
- the lower limit of the average thickness of the fluororesin layer 3 is preferably 1 ⁇ m and more preferably 5 ⁇ m.
- the upper limit of the average thickness of the fluororesin layer 3 is preferably 30 ⁇ m, and more preferably 15 ⁇ m.
- the fluororesin layer 3 may contain other resins, fillers, and optional additives as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.
- the fluororesin layer 3 may be laminated directly on the polyimide layer 2, but may be laminated via an adhesive in order to improve the adhesiveness.
- an adhesive mainly composed of a heat resistant resin is preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance.
- the heat resistant resin for example, a mixture of a fluororesin and polyamideimide, a mixture of a fluororesin and polyethersulfone, or the like is preferable.
- the adhesive may contain a conductive filler.
- a conductive filler in the adhesive, the shielding effect against charging due to friction on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and the antistatic effect on the outer peripheral surface can be enhanced, and offset can be effectively prevented.
- the conductive filler contained in the adhesive the same filler as that used for the fluororesin layer 3 can be used.
- the lower limit of the average thickness of the adhesive layer formed from the adhesive is preferably 0.1 ⁇ m, and more preferably 1 ⁇ m.
- the upper limit of the average thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 20 ⁇ m and more preferably 10 ⁇ m.
- the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 includes, for example, a step of applying a polyimide varnish to a cylindrical core, a step of forming a polyimide layer 2 by curing the applied polyimide varnish, and demolding the polyimide layer 2 from the cylindrical core. And a manufacturing method including a step of laminating the fluororesin layer 3 on the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide layer 2 can be easily and reliably manufactured.
- a polyimide varnish for forming the polyimide layer 2 is applied to the cylindrical core body 11, and the coating layer 13 is laminated.
- the columnar core 11 may be solid or hollow.
- the polyimide varnish is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical core body 11, and when the cylindrical core body 11 is hollow, the polyimide varnish is applied to the outer peripheral surface or the inner surface of the cylindrical core body 11. Apply to the circumference.
- Examples of the material of the cylindrical core 11 include metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron and stainless steel, ceramics such as alumina and silicon carbide, heat resistant resins such as polyimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole and polybenzoxazole. Can be used.
- a release agent such as silicone oil, a ceramic coating, or the like to the polyimide varnish coated surface of the cylindrical core 11.
- a ceramic coating it is possible to use silica, alumina, zirconia, silicon nitride, etc. coated by the sol-gel method, alumina nitride, zirconia, etc. coated by the spraying method, aluminum nitride coated by the sputtering method, and the like.
- ceramic coating by a sol-gel method is preferable because it does not require an expensive apparatus and the coating operation is easy.
- the polyimide varnish contains a polyimide precursor that forms the polyimide of the polyimide layer 2, a needle-like filler, and an organic solvent.
- this organic solvent for example, N-methylpyrrolidone or the like can be used.
- a dispersant may be added to the polyimide varnish.
- the dispersant is not particularly limited as long as it increases the dispersibility of the needle filler, and for example, a surfactant can be used.
- a minimum of the addition amount with respect to the acicular filler of a dispersing agent 0.1 mass% is preferable and 0.3 mass% is more preferable.
- the upper limit of the amount of dispersant added to the needle-like filler is preferably 20% by mass, and more preferably 10% by mass.
- the addition amount of the dispersing agent is less than the above lower limit, the dispersibility of the acicular filler may be insufficient.
- the addition amount of a dispersing agent exceeds the said upper limit, there exists a possibility that the mechanical strength etc. of the polyimide layer 2 may fall.
- the upper limit of the viscosity of the polyimide varnish at 25 ° C. is preferably 1500 Pa ⁇ s, more preferably 300 Pa ⁇ s.
- the lower limit of the viscosity of the polyimide varnish at 25 ° C. is preferably 10 Pa ⁇ s. If the viscosity of the polyimide varnish at 25 ° C. exceeds the above upper limit, unevenness is likely to occur in the coating layer 13 when the polyimide varnish is applied. On the other hand, when the viscosity of the polyimide varnish at 25 ° C. is less than the lower limit, dripping or repellency may occur when the polyimide varnish is applied or cured.
- a specific coating method of the polyimide varnish for example, a method in which a cylindrical core body is immersed in a tank filled with polyimide varnish and the length direction of the cylindrical core body is pulled up and down, so-called dipping A method is preferably used. Thereby, the orientation direction of a needle-like filler can be made into the axial direction of a polyimide tube.
- a method of coating using a dispenser is also preferably used.
- the columnar core 11 is rotated around the axis, and the polyimide varnish is continuously moved while the dispenser nozzle 12 is relatively moved in the axial direction of the columnar core 11 on the outer peripheral surface or inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical core.
- a polyimide varnish is helically applied to the cylindrical body core 11, and the orientation direction of the needle filler can be set to the circumferential direction of the polyimide tube.
- the nozzle 12 of the dispenser is preferably brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface or inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical core body 11. Furthermore, the product V ⁇ R (mm) of the moving speed V (mm / s) in the axial direction of the cylindrical core 11 of the dispenser nozzle 12 and the rotational speed R (s ⁇ 1 ) of the cylindrical core 11 is less than 3. Preferably, it is more preferable to set it to less than 1.5.
- a synthetic resin tube As the nozzle 12 of the dispenser, a synthetic resin tube, a rubber tube, a metal tube or the like can be used.
- the tube which has a polytetrafluoroethylene or a tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer as a main component from a viewpoint of rigidity and the damage prevention to a core surface is preferable.
- the polyimide layer 2 is formed by curing the polyimide varnish applied to the cylindrical core body 11. Specifically, the polyimide varnish can be cured by heating. The polyimide precursor in the polyimide varnish is imidized by heating, and the tube-shaped polyimide layer 2 is formed.
- the fluororesin layer 3 is laminated on the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide layer 2.
- this lamination method for example, a method in which a fluororesin varnish containing a fluororesin is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide layer 2 and sintering, a method in which a fluororesin tube is coated on the polyimide layer 2 and thermally contracted, etc. are used. it can.
- the fluororesin laminating step may be performed before the demolding step. Furthermore, you may perform a polyimide layer formation process by the heating after the coating of a fluororesin varnish or a fluororesin tube. That is, after the polyimide varnish is applied to the cylindrical core 11, the solvent of the polyimide varnish is removed by drying, and then the coating of the fluororesin varnish or the fluororesin tube is performed, and finally the polyimide precursor imide is heated. And sintering or shrinking of the fluororesin may be performed simultaneously.
- the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 includes the polyimide layer 2 containing carbon nanotubes and acicular titanium oxide as a filler, it has excellent thermal conductivity while maintaining mechanical strength such as tensile strength and compressive strength. Further, the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 has a product of the thermal diffusivity of the polyimide layer 2 and the elongation at break in the axial direction of 35 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 or more. Due to these synergistic effects, the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 can exhibit excellent toner fixability. Further, the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 can suppress variations in temperature in the axial direction of the tube when these needle-shaped fillers are oriented in the axial direction.
- the end of the tube does not pass through the paper during printing, so the temperature is likely to rise compared to the center that is in contact with the paper, but if the needle-shaped filler is oriented in the axial direction, the heat at the end will be The temperature is uniform.
- the torsional strength anti-buckling property
- the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and includes a fixing belt 102 having the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 and a heater 101 disposed inside the fixing belt polyimide tube 1. And a pressure roller 103 disposed in a pair with the fixing belt 102.
- This image forming apparatus fixes the unfixed toner B by fixing the unfixed toner B by heating and pressurizing the transfer material A on which the unfixed toner B is laminated between the fixing belt 102 and the pressure roller 103 to form the fixed toner C. To do.
- the fixing belt polyimide tube 1 is excellent in fixability, so that the heating temperature can be reduced and cold offset can be effectively avoided. Can do. As a result, this image forming apparatus is excellent in image sharpness.
- the polyimide tube for a fixing belt of the above embodiment includes a fluororesin layer on the outer peripheral surface of the polyimide layer, but the fluororesin layer can be omitted depending on the application.
- a resin layer other than an adhesive layer or an intermediate layer 4 is provided between the polyimide layer 2 and the fluororesin 3 as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired.
- a rubber layer may be additionally laminated.
- a polyimide varnish 1 (“U varnish S” from Ube Industries, Ltd.) containing a polyimide precursor that gives a structural unit represented by the above formula (1) and a structural unit represented by the above formula (3) are given.
- Polyimide varnish 2 (“Pyre-ML” from IST) containing a polyimide precursor was mixed so that the mass ratio of these structural units (a and c) was as shown in Table 1.
- carbon nanotubes and acicular titanium oxide were blended with the mixed varnish in a volume ratio with respect to the polyimide precursor shown in Table 1 to prepare a coating solution.
- VGCF-H As the carbon nanotube, “VGCF-H” of Showa Denko KK, an average diameter of 150 nm, an average length of 8 ⁇ m, and a specific gravity of 2.1 were used.
- acicular titanium oxide “FTL300” manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd., an average diameter of 0.27 ⁇ m, an average length of 5.15 ⁇ m, and a specific gravity of 4.1 were used.
- an aluminum cylindrical core having an outer diameter of 20 mm whose outer peripheral surface was coated with ceramics was prepared, and the coating liquid was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical core.
- the dispenser nozzle is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical core body, the cylindrical core body is rotated, and the nozzle is moved at a constant speed in the axial direction of the cylindrical core body from the dispenser nozzle.
- the coating solution was quantitatively supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical core.
- a PTFE tube having an inner diameter of 2 mm and an outer diameter of 4 mm was used as the dispenser nozzle. The nozzle was moved from a position 20 mm (supply start position) from one end of the cylindrical core to a position 20 mm (supply stop position) from the other end.
- the cylindrical core body After the coating liquid is applied, the cylindrical core body is heated stepwise up to 400 ° C. while being rotated, and after cooling, the solidified polyimide layer is removed from the cylindrical core body.
- 1 to 13 polyimide tubes for a fixing belt were obtained.
- the polyimide tube for fixing belt thus obtained had an average thickness of 80 ⁇ m, an outer diameter of 24.2 mm, and a length of 233 mm.
- Table 1 shows the measurement results of the thermal diffusivity and elongation at break and the product of the thermal diffusivity and elongation at break.
- the product of thermal diffusivity and elongation at break is 35 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 or more.
- the polyimide tubes for fixing belts 4, 5, and 7 to 13 were excellent in fixing properties.
- the fixability was remarkably improved.
- a polyimide varnish 1 containing a polyimide precursor that gives a structural unit represented by the above formula (1), and a structural unit represented by the above formula (3) are provided.
- a polyimide varnish 2 containing a polyimide precursor was mixed so that the mass ratio of these structural units was a value shown in Table 2.
- this mixed varnish has no.
- the carbon nanotubes and acicular titanium oxide used in 1 to 13 were blended in a volume ratio with respect to the polyimide precursor shown in Table 2 to prepare a coating solution. *
- the coating solution was applied to the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylindrical core body having an outer diameter of 20 mm, the outer peripheral surface of which was coated with ceramics.
- the columnar core was immersed in a stainless steel tank filled with the coating solution, and the columnar core was applied with its length direction pulled up vertically.
- the cylindrical core body was heated stepwise to 400 ° C., and after cooling, the solidified polyimide layer was removed from the cylindrical core body to obtain a No. 1 made of polyimide layer. 14 to 19 polyimide tubes for fixing belts were obtained.
- the polyimide tube for fixing belt thus obtained had an average thickness of 80 ⁇ m, an outer diameter of 24.2 mm, and a length of 233 mm.
- the polyimide tube for a fixing belt of the present invention is excellent in toner fixability and can be suitably used for an image forming apparatus.
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Abstract
Description
本発明の一態様に係る定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブは、画像形成装置の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブであって、ポリイミドを主成分とし、針状フィラーを含有するポリイミド層を備え、上記針状フィラーがカーボンナノチューブ及び針状酸化チタンを含み、上記ポリイミド層の熱拡散率(m2/s)と軸方向の破断伸び(%)との積が35×10-7以上である。
以下、本発明に係る定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブの一実施形態について図面を参照しつつ詳説する。
図1の当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1は、画像形成装置の定着ベルトを構成する。当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1は、ポリイミドを主成分とし、針状フィラーを含有するポリイミド層2と、フッ素樹脂を主成分とし、このポリイミド層2の外周面に直接又は接着剤を介して積層されるフッ素樹脂層3とを備える。
ポリイミド層2は、主成分としてのポリイミドと、針状フィラーとを含有する。また、ポリイミド層2は、本発明の効果を損なわない範囲で他の樹脂やフィラー、任意の添加剤を含有してもよい。他のフィラーとしては、例えばボロンナイトライド等の高熱伝導性フィラーが挙げられる。
ポリイミド層2が主成分として含むポリイミドとしては、熱硬化性ポリイミド(縮合型ポリイミドともいう)又は熱可塑性ポリイミドを用いることができる。この中でも、耐熱性、引張強度、引張弾性率等の観点から熱硬化性ポリイミドが好ましい。
ポリイミド層2が含有する針状フィラーは、カーボンナノチューブ及び針状酸化チタンを含む。なお、ポリイミド層2は、これら以外の針状フィラーを含んでもよい。
なお、針状酸化チタンの平均長さとは、例えばレーザー散乱法や走査型電子顕微鏡による観察によって測定した針状酸化チタンの長さの平均値である。
ポリイミド層2の平均厚さの下限としては、10μmが好ましく、20μmがより好ましく、30μmがさらに好ましい。一方、ポリイミド層2の平均厚さの上限としては、150μmが好ましく、120μmがより好ましく、100μmがさらに好ましい。ポリイミド層2の平均厚さが上記下限未満の場合、ポリイミド層2の機械的強度が不十分となるおそれがある。逆に、ポリイミド層2の平均厚さが上記上限を超える場合、製造コストが増加するほか、当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1のサイズが不要に大きくなるおそれがある。
フッ素樹脂層3は、定着ベルトに離型性を付与し、被転写材上のトナーの定着ベルト表面への付着を防止するために設けられ、主成分としてフッ素樹脂を含有する。このフッ素樹脂としては、耐熱性に優れたものが好ましく、例えば、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン(PTFE)、テトラフルオロエチレン・パーフルオロアルキルビニルエーテル共重合体(PFA)、テトラフルオロエチレン・ヘキサフルオロプロピレン共重合体(FEP)等が挙げられる。
当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1は、例えば円柱状芯体にポリイミドワニスを塗工する工程、塗工したポリイミドワニスの硬化によりポリイミド層2を形成する工程、円柱状芯体からポリイミド層2を脱型する工程、及びポリイミド層2の外周面にフッ素樹脂層3を積層する工程を備える製造方法によって容易かつ確実に製造できる。
ポリイミドワニス塗工工程において、例えば、図2に示すように円柱状芯体11にポリイミド層2を形成するポリイミドワニスを塗工し、塗工層13を積層する。上記円柱状芯体11は中実でも中空でもよい。円柱状芯体11が中実の場合、ポリイミドワニスを円柱状芯体11の外周面に塗工し、円柱状芯体11が中空の場合、ポリイミドワニスを円柱状芯体11の外周面又は内周面に塗工する。
ポリイミド層形成工程において、円柱状芯体11に塗工したポリイミドワニスを硬化させることでポリイミド層2を形成する。ポリイミドワニスの硬化は、具体的には加熱により行うことができる。加熱によりポリイミドワニス中のポリイミド前駆体がイミド化し、チューブ状のポリイミド層2が形成される。
脱型工程において、上記ポリイミド層2を円柱状芯体11から脱型する。
フッ素樹脂層積層工程において、上記ポリイミド層2の外周面にフッ素樹脂層3を積層する。この積層方法としては、例えばポリイミド層2の外周面にフッ素樹脂を含有するフッ素樹脂ワニスを塗工し焼結する方法、フッ素樹脂チューブをポリイミド層2に被覆し熱収縮させる方法等を用いることができる。また、接着剤を介してフッ素樹脂層3をポリイミド層2の外周面に積層する場合は、ポリイミド層2の外周面又はフッ素樹脂チューブの内周面に接着剤を塗工後、上述の方法でフッ素樹脂層3を積層する。これにより、当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1が得られる。
つまり、ポリイミドワニスの円柱状芯体11への塗工後、ポリイミドワニスの溶媒を乾燥除去し、次いでフッ素樹脂ワニスの塗工又はフッ素樹脂チューブの被覆を行い、最後に加熱によりポリイミド前駆体のイミド化とフッ素樹脂の焼結又は収縮とを同時に行ってもよい。
当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1は、カーボンナノチューブ及び針状酸化チタンをフィラーとして含むポリイミド層2を備えるため、引張強度や圧縮強度等の機械的強度を維持しつつ熱伝導性に優れる。また、当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1は、ポリイミド層2の熱拡散率と軸方向の破断伸びとの積が35×10-7以上である。これらの相乗効果により、当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1は、優れたトナーの定着性を発揮できる。さらに、当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1は、これらの針状フィラーが軸方向に配向された場合、チューブの軸方向の温度のバラツキが抑えられる。例えば、印刷時にチューブの端部は紙が通らないため紙と接触している中央部と較べて温度が上がりやすいが、軸方向に針状フィラーが配向されていると端部の熱が中央部に伝わりやすく、温度が均一になる。一方、針状フィラーが周方向に配向された場合、捻り強度(対座屈性)に優れる。
図3の画像形成装置は、電子写真方式の画像形成装置であり、当該定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1と、この定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ1の内部に配設されるヒータ101とを有する定着ベルト102、及びこの定着ベルト102と対で配置される加圧ローラ103を備える。この画像形成装置は、未定着トナーBが表面に積層された被転写材Aを定着ベルト102及び加圧ローラ103間で加熱及び加圧することで未定着トナーBを定着させ、定着トナーCを形成するものである。
今回開示された実施の形態はすべての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明の範囲は、上記実施形態の構成に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲によって示され、特許請求の範囲と均等の意味及び範囲内での全ての変更が含まれることが意図される。
まず、上記式(1)で表される構造単位を与えるポリイミド前駆体を含有するポリイミドワニス1(宇部興産社の「UワニスS」)と、上記式(3)で表される構造単位を与えるポリイミド前駆体を含有するポリイミドワニス2(IST社の「Pyre-ML」)とをこれらの構造単位(a及びc)の質量比が表1に示す値となるよう混合した。さらに、この混合したワニスにカーボンナノチューブ及び針状酸化チタンを表1に示すポリイミド前駆体に対する体積割合で配合し、塗工液を調製した。上記カーボンナノチューブとしては、昭和電工社の「VGCF-H」、平均直径150nm、平均長さ8μm、比重2.1を用いた。また、上記針状酸化チタンとしては、石原産業社の「FTL300」、平均直径0.27μm、平均長さ5.15μm、比重4.1を用いた。
上記No.1~13の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブの熱拡散率を測定した。具体的には、株式会社アイフェイズの「ai-phase mobile 1u」を用いて、23℃で熱拡散率を測定した。
上記No.1~13の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブの定着性を以下の手順で評価した。まず、アルミ板にポリイミドチューブを平面状に固定する。次に、ポリイミドチューブにトナーをまぶし150℃になるまで加熱する。その後、トナーに紙を押し当て5回擦った後、紙を剥がしてトナーが紙に転移するかどうかを確認し、以下に示す基準で評価した。この結果を表1に示す。
A:完全にトナーが紙に転移している。
B:殆どのトナーが紙に転移している。
C:多くのトナーがポリイミドチューブに残留している。
芯体の外周面に上記塗工液を塗工した。具体的には、上記塗工液を満たしたステンレス製槽中に円柱状芯体を浸漬し、円柱状芯体をその長さ方向を垂直に引き上げて塗工した。塗工後、円柱状芯体を400℃まで段階的に加熱し、冷却後、固化したポリイミド層を円柱状芯体から脱型し、ポリイミド層からなるNo.14~19の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブを得た。このようにして得られた定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブの平均厚みは80μm、外径は24.2mm、長さは233mmであった。
2 ポリイミド層
3 フッ素樹脂層
4 中間層
11 円柱状芯体
12 ノズル
13 塗工層
101 ヒータ
102 定着ベルト
103 加圧ローラ
A 被転写材
B 未定着トナー
C 定着トナー
Claims (8)
- 画像形成装置の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブであって、
ポリイミドを主成分とし、針状フィラーを含有するポリイミド層を備え、
上記針状フィラーがカーボンナノチューブ及び針状酸化チタンを含み、
上記ポリイミド層の熱拡散率(m2/s)と軸方向の破断伸び(%)との積が35×10-7以上である定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ。 - 上記針状フィラーの配向方向が軸方向である請求項1に記載の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ。
- 上記針状フィラーの配向方向が周方向である請求項1に記載の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ。
- 上記ポリイミド層の熱拡散率が3.5×10-7m2/s以上である請求項1、請求項2又は請求項3に記載の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ。
- 上記ポリイミド層の軸方向の破断伸びが7%以上である請求項1から請求項4のいずれか1項に記載の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ。
- 上記ポリイミド層の150℃での軸方向の弾性率が3000MPa以下、周方向の弾性率が5500MPa以下である請求項1から請求項5のいずれか1項に記載の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ。
- 上記ポリイミド層の外周面に積層されるフッ素樹脂層をさらに備える請求項1から請求項7のいずれか1項に記載の定着ベルト用ポリイミドチューブ。
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