Fixing Roller Adhesive Layer for Image Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixing rollers used in image-forming apparatuses often experience cohesive failure or insufficient adhesion strength due to separation between the elastic layer and the surface layer, leading to issues like color spots and uneven pressure in the nip area, which affects the quality of the toner image fixation.
Innovation Solution
An adhesive layer containing a crosslinked product of dialkylpolyorganosiloxane with crosslinking groups and vinyl groups is used, with a molar ratio of crosslinking groups to vinyl groups ranging from 1.1 to 4, to enhance the adhesion strength between the elastic layer and the surface layer, preventing separation and improving durability and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluoropolymer tube is covered over an elastic layer using conventional adhesive methods, then the surface layer provides wear resistance and toner release properties, but the adhesive layer suffers from insufficient adhesion strength and layer separation under thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive by specifying a silane-modified polymer with particular molecular weight (10,000-100,000) and silane content (5-50 mass%). It also controls the crosslinking agent ratio (0.1-10 parts by mass per 100 parts adhesive) to optimize the chemical structure and bonding properties, thereby achieving sufficient adhesion strength under thermal stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite adhesive system combining silane-modified polymer, crosslinking agent, and optional fillers/reinforcing materials. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for thermal expansion compatibility and the strength required for layer bonding, resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the fixing roller is subjected to repeated thermal cycling during operation, then the adhesive layer may undergo cohesive failure, but using stronger adhesives may cause brittleness and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes controlled crosslinking phase transition of the silane-modified polymer to achieve optimal balance between flexibility and strength. The crosslinking density is carefully controlled through the crosslinking agent ratio, creating a network structure that maintains integrity during thermal cycling without becoming brittle
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive formulation includes flexibility-providing components and controlled crosslinking that anticipate thermal stress before it occurs. This pre-engineered flexibility cushions against thermal expansion and contraction during service, preventing cohesive failure while maintaining structural integrity
3Ease of manufacture
If the adhesive layer is made thinner to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the bonding process becomes simpler, but the adhesion strength and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the adhesive layer thickness parameter to 0.01-0.1 mm, balancing manufacturing ease with sufficient adhesion performance. The specific molecular weight and silane content of the polymer compensate for the thin layer thickness, ensuring reliable bonding without complex manufacturing processes
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 increased adhesion strength of the adhesive layer ensures stable image quality by preventing color spots and maintaining consistent pressure, even under thermal stress, thereby improving the overall performance of the fixing roller.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive contains a crosslinked product of dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having crosslinking groups and dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having vinyl groups
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer between the elastic layer and the surface layer. The adhesive contains a crosslinked product of dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having crosslinking groups and dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having vinyl groups
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an adhesive for an adhesive layer of a fixing member including a substantially cylindrical substrate, an elastic layer around the substrate, a surface layer covering the elastic layer, and the adhesive layer between the elastic layer and the surface layer. The adhesive contains a dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having crosslinking groups and a dialkylpolyorganosiloxane having vinyl groups. The molar ratio of the crosslinking groups to the vinyl groups in the adhesive is about 1.1 to about 4.