Toner Composite Structure for Low-Temperature Fixing and Cleanability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner particles face challenges in achieving high image quality with small particle size, high-temperature offset resistance, low-temperature fixability, and heat-resistant storage stability, while also preventing sheet ejection blocking and embedment of external additives, which affect cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A toner composition comprising toner base particles with adhered resin particles and external additives, where the embedment degree of the external additives is controlled between 15% to 40% to prevent excessive embedding, using a rocking mill simulation to mimic machine stress, and incorporating specific resin and additive combinations to enhance elasticity and spacer function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the external additive is embedded in toner base particles to improve adhesion and prevent sheet ejection blocking, then the adhesive force between toner and other members is increased, but it becomes difficult to remove the toner by a cleaning blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating two distinct zones for the external additive: partially embedded in the toner base particles (to provide adhesion and prevent sheet ejection blocking) and partially exposed on the surface (to maintain cleanability). This spatial differentiation of the additive's location resolves the contradiction between adhesion and cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of embedment degree to an optimal range of 15-40%, which balances adhesion and cleanability. By controlling this parameter within a specific range, the invention achieves both improved adhesive force and maintained cleaning efficiency, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the toner particle size is reduced to improve image quality, then higher image quality is achieved, but the toner requires higher temperature for fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining toner base particles with resin particles and external additives in a specific configuration. This composite structure modifies the toner's thermal properties, enabling small particle size to maintain both high image quality and low-temperature fixability, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and fixing temperature.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the adhesive force between toner and other members is increased to prevent sheet ejection blocking, then sheet ejection blocking is prevented, but the toner becomes difficult to remove by cleaning blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating two distinct zones for the external additive: partially embedded in the toner base particles (to provide adhesion and prevent sheet ejection blocking) and partially exposed on the surface (to maintain cleanability). This spatial differentiation of the additive's location resolves the contradiction between adhesion and cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of embedment degree to an optimal range of 15-40%, which balances adhesion and cleanability. By controlling this parameter within a specific range, the invention achieves both improved adhesive force and maintained cleaning efficiency, resolving the technical contradiction.
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 toner achieves both low-temperature fixability and cleanability, maintaining image quality and preventing sheet ejection blocking, while ensuring stability under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
resin particles adhered to surfaces of the toner base particles
Implementation Method 2
external additive adhered to the surfaces of the toner base particles
Data Source
AI summary
A toner is provided. The toner comprises toner base particles, resin particles adhered to surfaces of the toner base particles, and an external additive adhered to the surfaces of the toner base particles. The toner base particles each comprising a binder resin, a colorant, and a wax. The toner has a storage elastic modulus G′ of 4.0×105 or less at 70° C. An embedment degree of the external additive is from 15% to 40%, as the embedment degree is measured by stirring 10 g of the toner and 20 g of a carrier in a 50-mL vial at 67 Hz for 60 minutes using a rocking mill.