Oxidation-Protected Silver Heat-Generating Fixing Rotating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resistance of the heat generating layer in a fixing rotating member using silver nano-ink increases when a high temperature state continues for a long time in the paper non-passing portion, leading to uneven heat generation and deteriorated fixing properties for larger-sized paper.
Innovation Solution
A fixing rotating member with a heat generating layer formed using silver nano-ink, where at least one of the base material or protective layer contains particles that prevent oxidation, reducing oxygen exposure and maintaining resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a silver nano-ink heat generating layer is used to reduce uneven heat generation and improve bending resistance, then the heat generating layer can be formed into a thin layer with good flexibility, but the resistance increases when high temperature continues for a long time in paper non-passing portions
Solution Approach 1:
An oxidation preventive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the silver heat generating layer and the external environment. This layer contains oxidation preventive particles (such as those made from aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or their oxides) that act as mediators to prevent oxygen from reaching and oxidizing the silver particles, thereby maintaining stable resistance while preserving the heat generating layer's flexibility and thin structure
Solution Approach 2:
The heat generating member is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers: a base material layer, a heat generating layer containing silver particles, and an oxidation preventive layer containing oxidation preventive particles. This composite structure combines the electrical and thermal properties of silver with the protective properties of oxidation preventive materials, achieving both flexibility and resistance stability
2Reliability
If the fixing rotating member is heated to maintain fixing temperature continuously, then reliable fixing is achieved at paper passing portions, but the temperature becomes excessively high at paper non-passing portions where no heat transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidation preventive layer is applied specifically to regions where oxidation is most likely to occur, such as the paper non-passing portions that are continuously heated. This localized protection allows different parts of the heat generating layer to have different functional characteristics, with enhanced oxidation resistance at high-temperature zones while maintaining overall uniform heating performance
Solution Approach 2:
The oxidation preventive particles are incorporated into the oxidation preventive layer in advance to create a protective barrier before oxidation can occur. This preemptive measure cushions against the harmful effects of continuous high-temperature exposure and oxygen contact, preventing resistance increase before it happens
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 enhances durability and maintains consistent heat generation, preventing resistance increase and ensuring reliable fixing performance even in prolonged high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
A fixing device of an electromagnetic induction heating system has been developed and put into practical use, the fixing device having a heat generating layer on a fixing rotating member and being able to directly heat the heat generating layer
Implementation Method 2
the heat generating layer has approximately submicron pores. For this reason, pores exhibit damper effects even for stress in a compression direction due to pressurization and heating, and occurrence of buckling or the like can be curbed
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the base material and the protective layer comprises a particle having a function of preventing oxidation of the heat generating layer
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing rotating member includes a base material containing a first resin, a heat generating layer containing silver on the base material, and a protective layer containing a second resin on a surface of the heat generating layer on a side opposite to a side facing the base material, in which the heat generating layer extends in a circumferential direction of an outer peripheral surface of the base material, the heat generating layer is a layer including a porous portion, and at least one of the base material and the protective layer contains particles having a function of preventing oxidation of the heat generating layer.