Fixing Member Elastic Layer for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing members in electrophotographic color image forming apparatuses face challenges in releasing recording media without jamming and maintaining image quality due to insufficient responsiveness to surface irregularities of the recording medium, while also requiring durability, which is compromised by softer rubber materials used to improve responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A fixing member with an elastic layer containing a polymer derived from terpene and having a main chain with a silicon atom, providing improved responsiveness to surface irregularities without compromising the durability of the rubber, achieved by mixing the polymer with terpene and applying it to a heat-resistant base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone rubber is used to form the elastic layer, then the releasing property is improved, but the responsiveness to surface irregularities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer is formed as a composite material comprising fluororesin and silicone rubber in a specific weight ratio range (fluororesin: 1-40 wt%, silicone rubber: 60-99 wt%). This composite structure combines the excellent releasing properties of fluororesin with the superior responsiveness to surface irregularities of silicone rubber, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rubber with low hardness is used to improve responsiveness, then the responsiveness to irregularities is improved, but the durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hardness of the elastic layer is controlled within a specific range of 30-80 degrees Shore A by adjusting the composition ratio of fluororesin and silicone rubber. This parameter optimization ensures that the rubber maintains sufficient softness for responsiveness while preserving adequate hardness for durability, preventing the deterioration associated with overly soft materials.
3Reliability
If fluororesin is used as the outermost surface to improve releasing property, then the releasing property is improved, but the image quality uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer exhibits local quality differentiation through its composite structure where fluororesin provides releasing properties at the molecular level while silicone rubber dominates the macroscopic mechanical behavior. This localized functional distribution allows the surface to maintain excellent releasing properties while the bulk material provides the responsiveness needed for uniform image quality.
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 enables the production of high-quality images without unevenness over a long period, maintaining the durability of the rubber while enhancing the fixing member's ability to handle surface irregularities, thus preventing jamming and ensuring consistent image output.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer provided on the base, wherein the elastic layer contains a polymer having a structure derived from terpene and a structure where the main chain contains a silicon atom
Implementation Method 2
a fixing member configured to heat and fix the toner on the recording medium
Implementation Method 3
a press member that forms a nip with the fixing member. When the recording medium is passed through the nip, the toner is heated and pressurized so that the toner is fixed onto the recording medium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
To provide an elastic member for image forming apparatus, which contains: a base; and an elastic layer provided on the base, wherein the elastic layer contains a polymer having a structure derived from terpene and a structure where a main chain contains a silicon atom.