Electrophotography Fixing Member Direct Bonded Fluorine Release Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fixing members in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving sufficient adhesion between elastic and release layers, which affects thermal conductivity and flexibility, leading to suboptimal performance in high-speed printing and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A member for electrophotography is developed with a silicone rubber elastic layer and a fluorine resin release layer in direct contact, where the release layer includes specific fluorine resins and is bonded to the elastic layer using ultraviolet light irradiation, eliminating the need for an adhesive layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an adhesive layer is provided between the elastic layer and release layer to achieve sufficient bonding, then adhesion between layers is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates due to the additional layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive layer from the structure, achieving direct bonding between the elastic layer and release layer. This extraction of the adhesive layer eliminates the thermal resistance it introduces while maintaining sufficient mechanical bonding strength through direct contact between the fluorine resin and elastic layer materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the elastic layer and release layer into direct contact, eliminating the intermediate adhesive layer. This merging reduces the total number of interfaces and thermal resistance layers, improving thermal conductivity while the selected fluorine resin materials provide both release properties and adequate adhesion to the elastic layer.
2Loss of energy
If the release layer is made thin to improve heat transfer to toners, then thermal conductivity is improved, but abrasion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the release layer to a specific range (5-20 μm) that balances thermal conductivity and abrasion resistance. This parameter change allows sufficient heat transfer to the toner while maintaining adequate mechanical durability against rubbing during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorine resin as the release layer material, which provides a combination of low friction coefficients for good release properties and sufficient mechanical strength when optimized at the correct thickness. The fluorine resin composite structure enables both thin-layer heat transfer and adequate abrasion resistance.
3Loss of energy
If the elastic layer is made thin to reduce thermal resistance, then thermal conductivity is improved, but heat storage property and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastic layer thickness to a specific range (0.5-2.0 mm) that balances thermal resistance and functional performance. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient heat storage capacity and flexibility for proper toner fixation while keeping thermal resistance low enough for efficient heat transfer to the recording medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material compositions and thicknesses to different layers: the elastic layer is optimized for flexibility and heat storage (thicker, 0.5-2.0 mm), while the release layer is optimized for heat transfer (thinner, 5-20 μm). This local quality differentiation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
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
This configuration enhances thermal conductivity and fixability of the fixing member, improving the performance of image heating and forming apparatuses by ensuring strong and flexible bonding between the layers.
Implementation Method 1
the release layer includes at least one fluorine resin selected from the group consisting of a tetrafluoroetylene-perfluoro(alkylvinylether) copolymer (PFA), a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), an ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and the elastic layer undergoes a cohesive failure when the release layer is peeled from the elastic layer in accordance with 'Determination of peel strength of bonded assemblies. Part 1: 90 degree peel' specified by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) K 6854-1:1999
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a member for electrophotography, where an elastic layer including a silicone rubber and a release layer including a fluorine resin are bonded sufficiently without any adhesive layer interposed therebetween. The member for electrophotography includes a substrate; an elastic layer including a silicone rubber, on the substrate; and a release layer provided in direct contact with the surface of the elastic layer, where the release layer includes a fluorine resin selected from the group consisting of PFA, FEP, PTFE, ETFE, PCTFE, ECTFE, and PVDF, and the elastic layer undergoes a cohesive failure when the release layer is peeled from the elastic layer in accordance with “Determination of peel strength of bonded assemblies. Part 1: 90 degree peel” specified by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) K 6854-1:1999.