Diamond-like Carbon Pressurizing Member for Thermal Fixing Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thermal fixing apparatuses in electrophotographic image forming devices lack sufficient durability, which affects the stability and quality of the images formed.
Innovation Solution
A thermal fixing apparatus is designed with a pressurizing member featuring a diamond-like carbon film containing hydrogen and silicon atoms, where the proportion of hydrogen to carbon is 5 or less and silicon to carbon is between 1 and 20, and an oil film comprising fluorinated and silicone oils is applied between the contact surfaces, enhancing lubrication and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a diamond-like carbon film is used as the surface layer of the pressurizing member, then friction wear properties are improved, but durability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the diamond-like carbon film by controlling the proportion of hydrogen atoms (5 or less) and silicon atoms (1 or more and 20 or less) relative to carbon atoms. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving both low friction wear and enhanced durability through the specific compositional range that balances hardness and lubrication compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining diamond-like carbon film with specific lubricants (fluorinated oil and silicone oil). This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the low-friction properties of DLC with the durability-enhancing effects of the lubricant combination, achieving both wear resistance and prolonged service life
2Force
If a lubricant is applied to stabilize sliding properties, then friction is reduced, but durability is still insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the lubricant composition parameters by specifying fluorinated oil and silicone oil in particular proportions and combinations. This parameter control resolves the contradiction by achieving stable sliding properties while the specific chemical composition provides enhanced thermal stability and durability under high-temperature fixing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specifically formulated lubricant as an intermediary between the diamond-like carbon film and the fixing belt. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by mediating the interaction between sliding surfaces to provide both smooth sliding and enhanced durability through the lubricant's protective film formation and thermal stability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly prolongs the lifespan of the fixing apparatus and ensures stable, high-quality image formation by reducing friction and improving lubrication, thereby increasing the overall durability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an oil film containing a fluorinated oil and a silicone oil is present between the contact surface and an inner circumferential surface of the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal fixing apparatus, including a rotatable first member; a heater heating the first member; a rotatable second member forming a nip portion with the first member; and a pressurizing member disposed inside the first member, and having a contact surface with an inner surface of the first member. The pressurizing member includes a surface layer constituting the contact surface, and the surface layer comprises a diamond-like carbon film containing a hydrogen atom (H), a carbon atom (C) and a silicon atom (Si). 100×(H)/((H)+(C)) is 5 or less. 100×(Si)/((Si)+(C)) is 1 to 20. Between the contact surface and an inner circumferential surface of the first member, an oil film containing a fluorinated oil and a silicone oil is present.