Fixing Belt Base Layer Modulus for High-Speed Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving both high-speed fixing and effective separation of the recording medium from the fixing belt, particularly during high-speed image formation, where the existing releasing layers are insufficient in ensuring proper separation.
Innovation Solution
A fixing belt with a base layer having a storage elastic modulus of 3.8 to 4.8 GPa, an elastic layer made of silicone rubber, and a releasing layer, such as perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin, is used, which enhances both the fixing and separation properties by optimizing the contact and release mechanisms at the fixing nip portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a releasing layer is disposed on the surface layer of the fixing belt to improve separation property, then the separation property between the fixing belt and the recording medium is improved, but the fixing property deteriorates in high-speed image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the base layer by controlling its storage elastic modulus to be within the specific range of 3.8 to 4.8 GPa. This parameter optimization allows the fixing belt to achieve both good separation property and fixing property in high-speed image formation, resolving the contradiction between separation and fixing performance that existed when only adding a releasing layer
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a base layer with optimized storage elastic modulus (3.8 to 4.8 GPa), an elastic layer made of silicone rubber, and a releasing layer. This composite material approach combines the advantages of each layer to achieve both excellent separation property and fixing property simultaneously
2Productivity
If the fixing operation is performed at high speed to improve productivity, then the image formation speed is improved, but the separation property between the fixing belt and the recording medium deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the storage elastic modulus of the base layer to 3.8 to 4.8 GPa, the invention enables the fixing belt to maintain excellent separation property even during high-speed fixing operations, resolving the contradiction between productivity and separation property
3Strength
If the storage elastic modulus of the base layer is increased to improve mechanical strength, then the durability is improved, but the separation property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention identifies and optimizes the storage elastic modulus parameter to a specific range (3.8 to 4.8 GPa) that simultaneously provides sufficient mechanical strength and durability while maintaining excellent separation property, resolving the contradiction between strength and separation
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 proposed fixing belt configuration ensures excellent fixation of toner images and efficient separation of the recording medium, even at high speeds, by balancing the storage elastic modulus, elasticity, and releasability, thereby improving the overall performance of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer disposed on the base layer and made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
a releasing layer disposed on the elastic layer
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing belt includes: a base layer having heat resistance; an elastic layer disposed on the base layer and made of an elastic material; and a releasing layer disposed on the elastic layer, wherein a storage elastic modulus of the base layer is 3.8 to 4.8 GPa.