US4842944A — Elastic rotatable member

Claim 1

Independent Claim 97 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic layer; wherein said surface layer is provided by forming an unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering the resin material by heating the resin material up to a temperature which is higher than that of said elastic rubber layer and which is higher than a melting temperature of the resin material.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 97 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic layer; wherein said surface layer is provided by forming an unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering the resin material by heating the resin material up to a temperature which is higher than that of said elastic rubber layer and which is higher than a melting temperature of the resin material.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 108 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a hollow metal core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic rubber layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 microns thick and is provided by forming an unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said resin material by heating said resin material up to a temperature which is higher than a crystalline melting temperature of said resin material and then quenching said resin material and said elastic rubber.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 108 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a hollow metal core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic rubber layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 microns thick and is provided by forming an unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said resin material by heating said resin material up to a temperature which is higher than a crystalline melting temperature of said resin material and then quenching said resin material and said elastic rubber.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 21 words

A member according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer are in direct contact.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 15 words

A member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluorine resin is substantially pure.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 22 words

A member according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the resin material is externally heated in addition to the dielectric heating.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 56 words

A member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sintered resin has a degree of crystallinity of not more than 95% and a tensile strength of not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a room temperature rubber JISA hardness of 30 degrees-80 degrees, and has a sufficient elasticity.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 41 words

A member according to claim 6, wherein the sintered resin exhibits a contact angle of not less than 100 degrees and an elongation of not less than 50%, and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a rubber impact resilience of 65-85%.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

A member according to claim 7, wherein the rubber layer has an elongation of not less than 150%.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 41 words

A member according to claim 2, a bond strength between the surface layer and the elastic rubber layer is not less than 20 g/10 mm width as defined on the basis of a force required for peeling off the rubber layer.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 42 words

A member according to claim 6, wherein a bond strength between said surface layer and said elastic rubber layer is not less than 20 g/10 mm width as defined on the basis of a force required for peeling off the rubber layer.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 49 words

A member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said surface resin layer has a maximum void content of not more than 10%, said voids having a size not allowing liquid to reach to the elastic layer, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 34 words

A member according to claim 11, wherein an average diameter of the voids is less than 0.1 micron, and each of the voids has at least one portion which is less than 0.1 micron.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 28 words

A member according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said surface resin layer includes, adjacent said elastic layer, a discontinuous layer with cracks and a smooth surface layer.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 26 words

A member according to claim 13, wherein the thickness of the surface resin layer D and the thickness d of the discontinuous layer satisfy, D-d≧5 microns.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 26 words

A member according to claim 13, wherein land portions separated by said cracks has a maximum size larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 26 words

A member according to claim 14, wherein land portions separated by said cracks has a maximum size larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 129 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member, an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a fluorine resin surface layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin surface layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating it up to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof; and wherein said resin surface layer has a thickness not less than 10 microns and not more than 35 microns, said elastic rubber layer has an impact resilience of 42-85%, wherein the thickness of the resin surface layer T in microns and the impact resilience E in percent satisfies T<0.75E-26.4; and wherein said resin surface layer has a film strength not less than 50 Kg/cm 2 .

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 129 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member, an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a fluorine resin surface layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin surface layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating it up to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof; and wherein said resin surface layer has a thickness not less than 10 microns and not more than 35 microns, said elastic rubber layer has an impact resilience of 42-85%, wherein the thickness of the resin surface layer T in microns and the impact resilience E in percent satisfies T<0.75E-26.4; and wherein said resin surface layer has a film strength not less than 50 Kg/cm 2 .

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 25 words

A member according to claim 17, wherein said rubber layer is of silicone rubber and said resin layer is of polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 18 words

A member according to claim 17, wherein said rubber layer is in direct contact with the resin layer.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 26 words

A member according to claim 17, wherein a peeling strength between said resin layer and said rubber layer is not less than 20 g/10 mm width.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 24 words

A member according to claim 17, wherein the thickness T is 10-25 microns, and the impact resilience E is 58-85%, wherein they satisfy T<0.65E-27.3.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 16 words

A member according to claim 21, wherein the thickness T is not less than 15 microns.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 131 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other to form a nip therebetween through which an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a fluorine resin surface layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin surface layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating it up to a temperature above a melting temperature thereof; wherein a thickness T (micron) of said resin surface layer and a width N (mm) of the nip satisfies, T≦(5/4)N+20 when N≦10, T>(4/7)(3N-2) when N≧10, T≧(1/2)N+11.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 131 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other to form a nip therebetween through which an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a fluorine resin surface layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin surface layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating it up to a temperature above a melting temperature thereof; wherein a thickness T (micron) of said resin surface layer and a width N (mm) of the nip satisfies, T≦(5/4)N+20 when N≦10, T>(4/7)(3N-2) when N≧10, T≧(1/2)N+11.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 22 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the thickness T is not less than 5 microns and not more than 35 microns.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 21 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the thickness T and the width N satisfy, when N≦10; T≧(5/3)(N+2) when N≧10; T≧(1/2)N+15.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 41 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the thickness T of said surface resin layer is 5-35 microns, and wherein said rubber layer has an impact resilience E of 42-85%, and the thickness T and the impact resilience E satisfies T≦0.75E-26.4.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 33 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said rubber layer is of silicone rubber and said resin layer is of silicone rubber and said resin layer is of polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said rubber layer is in direct contact with said resin layer.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 42 words

An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein a film strength of said resin layer is not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and a peeling strength between said resin layer and said rubber layer is not less than 20 g/10 mm width.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 109 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer of silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a surface layer of polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluroroalkoxyethylene resin formed outside said elastic rubber layer, said surface layer having a thickness of not less than 10 microns; and a bonding layer between said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer; wherein said surface layer is provided by forming unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfuroroalkoxyethylene resin layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin by heating it up to above a crystalline melting temperature thereof.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 109 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer of silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a surface layer of polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluroroalkoxyethylene resin formed outside said elastic rubber layer, said surface layer having a thickness of not less than 10 microns; and a bonding layer between said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer; wherein said surface layer is provided by forming unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfuroroalkoxyethylene resin layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin by heating it up to above a crystalline melting temperature thereof.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 145 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 microns thick and is provided by forming unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said resin material by heating said resin material up to a temperature which is higher than that of said elastic rubber layer and which is higher than a crystalline melting temperature of said resin material.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 145 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 microns thick and is provided by forming unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said resin material by heating said resin material up to a temperature which is higher than that of said elastic rubber layer and which is higher than a crystalline melting temperature of said resin material.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 145 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer of silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a surface layer of polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluroroalkoxyethylene resin formed outside said elastic rubber layer; and a bonding layer between said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 microns thick and is provided by forming unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluroroalkoxyethylene resin layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin by heating it up to above a crystalline melting temperature thereof.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 145 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer of silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a surface layer of polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluroroalkoxyethylene resin formed outside said elastic rubber layer; and a bonding layer between said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 microns thick and is provided by forming unsintered polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluroroalkoxyethylene resin layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin by heating it up to above a crystalline melting temperature thereof.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 145 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic rubber layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 micron thick and is provided by forming unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said resin material by heating said resin material up to a temperature which is higher than a crystalline melting temperature of said resin material and then quenching said resin material and said elastic rubber.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 145 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed so that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a surface layer of fluorine resin material formed outside said elastic rubber layer; wherein said surface layer is not less than 10 micron thick and is provided by forming unsintered resin material layer together with liquid outside said elastic rubber layer and sintering said resin material by heating said resin material up to a temperature which is higher than a crystalline melting temperature of said resin material and then quenching said resin material and said elastic rubber.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 154 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed to that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a fluorine resin surface layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin surface layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating it up to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof, and wherein said resin surface layer has a thickness not less than 10 microns and not more than 35 microns, said elastic rubber layer has an impact resilience of 42-85%, wherein the thickness of the resin surface layer T in microns and the impact resilience E in percent satisfies the condition T≦0.75E-26.4.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 154 words

In an image fixing apparatus which includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member press-contacted to each other, between which members an image supporting member for supporting an unfixed image is passed to that the image is fixed thereon, at least one of said first and second rotatable members comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member; a fluorine resin surface layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin surface layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating it up to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof, and wherein said resin surface layer has a thickness not less than 10 microns and not more than 35 microns, said elastic rubber layer has an impact resilience of 42-85%, wherein the thickness of the resin surface layer T in microns and the impact resilience E in percent satisfies the condition T≦0.75E-26.4.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 49 words

A member according to claim 30, wherein the sintered resin has a degree of crystallinity of not more than 95% and a tensile strength of not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a room temperature rubber JISA hardness of 30 degrees-80 degrees.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 41 words

A member according to claim 35, wherein the sintered resin exhibits a contact angle of not less than 100 degrees and an elongation of not less than 50%, and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a rubber impact resilience of 65-85%.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 18 words

A member according to claim 36, wherein the rubber layer has a elongation of not less than 150%.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 47 words

A member according to claim 30, wherein said surface resin layer has a maximum void content of not more than 10%, said voids having a size not allowing liquid to reach to the elastic layer, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 32 words

A member according to claim 38, wherein an average diameter of the voids is less than 0.1 micron, each voids having at least one portion thereof which is less than 0.1 micron.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 26 words

A member according to claim 30, wherein said surface resin layer includes, adjacent said elastic layer, a discontinuous layer with cracks and a smooth surface layer.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 28 words

A member according to claim 40, wherein the thickness of the surface resin layer D and the thickness d of the discontinuous layer satisfy the condition D-d≧5 microns.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 28 words

A member according to claim 40, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 28 words

A member according to claim 41, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 21 words

An apparatus according to claims 31 or 33, wherein said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer are in direct contact.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 24 words

An apparatus according to claims 31 or 33, wherein said rubber layer is of silicone rubber, and said surface layer is of fluorine resin.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 13 words

An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the fluorine resin is substantially pure.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 22 words

An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein a surface of the resin material is externally heated in addition to the dielectric heating.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 49 words

An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the sintered resin has a degree of crystallinity of not more than 95% and a tensile strength of not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a room temperature rubber JISA hardness of 30 degrees-80 degrees.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 41 words

An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the sintered resin exhibits a contact angle of not less than 100 degrees and an elongation of not less than 50%, and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a rubber impact resilience of 65-85%.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 18 words

An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the rubber layer has an elongation of not less than 150%.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 39 words

An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein a bond strength between the surface layer and the elastic rubber layer is not less than 20 g/10 mm width as defined by a force required for peeling off the rubber layer.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 39 words

An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein a bond strength between said surface layer and said elastic rubber layer is not less than 20 g/10 mm width as defined by a force required for peeling off the rubber layer.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 49 words

An apparatus according to claim 31 or 33, wherein said surface resin layer has a maximum void content of not more than 10%, said voids having a size not allowing liquid to reach to the elastic layer, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 33 words

An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein an average diameter of the voids is less than 0.1 micron, each of the voids having at least one portion which is less than 0.1 micron.

Claim 64

Independent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claims 31 or 33, wherein said surface resin layer includes, adjacent said elastic layer, a discontinuous layer with cracks and a smooth surface layer.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the thickness of the surface resin layer D and the thickness d of the discontinuous layer satisfies the condition D-d≧5 microns.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 49 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the sintered resin has a degree of crystallinity of not more than 95% and a tensile strength of not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a room temperature rubber JISA hardness of 30 degrees-80 degrees.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 41 words

An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the sintered resin exhibits a contact angle of not less than 100 degrees and an elongation of not less than 50%, and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a rubber impact resilience of 65-85%.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 18 words

An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the rubber layer has an elongation of not less than 150%.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 47 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said surface resin layer has a maximum void content of not more than 10%, said voids having a size not allowing liquid to reach to the elastic layer, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 33 words

An apparatus according to claim 62, wherein an average diameter of the voids is less than 0.01 micron, each of the voids having at least one portion which is less than 0.1 micron.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said surface resin layer includes, adjacent said elastic layer, a discontinuous layer with cracks and a smooth surface layer.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the thickness of the surface resin layer D and the thickness d of the discontinuous layer satisfies D-d≧5 microns.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 64, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 65, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 49 words

An member according to claim 17, wherein the sintered resin has a degree of crystallinity of not more than 95% and a tensile strength of not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a room temperature rubber JISA hardness of 30 degrees-80 degrees.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 47 words

An member according to claim 17, wherein said surface resin layer has a maximum void content of not more than 10%, said voids having a size not allowing liquid to reach to the elastic layer, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 33 words

An member according to claim 69, wherein an average diameter of the voids is less than 0.01 micron, each of the voids having at least one portion which is less than 0.1 micron.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 26 words

An member according to claim 17, wherein said surface resin layer includes, adjacent said elastic layer, a discontinuous layer with cracks and a smooth surface layer.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 27 words

An member as according to claim 71, wherein the thickness of the surface resin layer D and the thickness d of the discontinuous layer satisfies D-d≧5 microns.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 30 words

A member according to claims 7 or 72, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 14 words

A member according to claim 17, wherein the heating is effected by dielectric heating.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 31 words

A member according to claim 17, wherein said resin surface layer and said electric rubber layer are quenched after sintering to form said resin surface layer outside said elastic rubber layer.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 25 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said rubber layer is of silicone rubber and said resin layer is of polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 18 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said rubber layer is in direct contact with the resin layer.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 42 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein a film strength of said resin layer is not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and a peeling strength between said resin layer and said rubber layer is not less than 20 g/10 mm width.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 24 words

A apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the thickness T is 10-25 microns, and the impact resilience E is 58-85%, wherein they satisfy T≦0.65E-27.3.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 16 words

A apparatus according to claim 79, wherein the thickness T is not least than 15 microns.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 49 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the sintered resin has a degree of crystallinity of not more than 95% and a tensile strength of not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a room temperature rubber JISA hardness of 30 degrees-80 degrees.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 47 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said surface resin layer has a maximum void content of not more than 10%, said voids having a size not allowing liquid to reach to the elastic layer, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohn.cm.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 33 words

An apparatus according to claim 82, wherein an average diameter of the voids is less than 0.01 micron, each of the voids having at least one portion which is less than 0.1 micron.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said surface resin layer includes, adjacent said elastic layer, a discontinuous layer with cracks and a smooth surface layer.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 84, wherein the thickness of the surface resin layer D and the thickness d of the discontinuous layer satisfies the condition D-d≧5 microns.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 30 words

An apparatus according to claim 84 or 85, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 14 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the heating is effected by dielectric heating.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 31 words

An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said resin surface layer and said elastic rubber layer are quenched after sintering to form said resin surface layer outside said elastic rubber layer.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the thickness T is 10-25 microns, and the impact resilience E is 58-85%, wherein they satisfy the condition T≦0.65E-27.3.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 16 words

An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the thickness T is not less than 15 microns.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 49 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the sintered resin has a degree of crystallinity of not more than 95% and a tensile strength of not less than 50 kg/cm 2 , and wherein the silicone rubber layer has a room temperature rubber JISA hardness of 30 degrees-80 degrees.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 47 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said surface resin layer has a maximum void content of not more than 10%, said voids having a size not allowing liquid to reach to the elastic layer, and has a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 33 words

An apparatus according to claim 92, wherein an average diameter of the voids is less than 0.1 micron, each of the voids having at least one portion which is less than 0.1 micron.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said surface resin layer includes, adjacent said elastic layer, a discontinuous layer with cracks and a smooth surface layer.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 28 words

An apparatus according to claim 94, wherein the thickness of the surface resin layer D and the thickness d of the discontinuous layer satisfies the condition D-d≧5 microns.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 30 words

An apparatus according to claim 94 or 95, wherein land portions separated by said cracks have a maximum size which is larger than 0.05 micron and smaller than 5 microns.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 14 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the heating is effected by dielectric heating.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 31 words

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said resin surface layer and said elastic rubber layer are quenched after sintering to form said resin surface layer outside said elastic rubber layer.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 26 words

A member according to claims 1, 17, 23 or 2, said member further comprising a bonding layer between said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 18 words

A member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said fluorine resin is polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin.

Claim 110

Independent Claim 27 words

An apparatus according to claims 23, 31, 33 or 34, said rotatable member further comprising a bonding layer between said elastic rubber layer and said surface layer.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 16 words

An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said fluorine resin is polytetrafluoroethylene resin or perfluoroalkoxyethylene resin.

Claim 112

Independent Claim 35 words

An apparatus according to claims 23, 31, 32, 33 or 34, wherein said first rotatable member 12 is contactable to the unfixed image and comprises said core member, said rubber layer and said resin layer.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 15 words

An apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said first rotatable member contains a heater therein.

Claim 114

Independent Claim 36 words

An apparatus according to claims 23, 31, 32, 33 or 34, wherein said second rotatable member is not directly contactable to the unfixed image and includes said core member, said rubber layer and said resin layer.

Claim 115

Independent Claim 29 words

An apparatus according to claims 23, 31, 32, 33 or 34, wherein said first and second rotatable member includes said core member, said rubber layer and said resin layer.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 94 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising a silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a fluorine resin layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating, wherein said resin layer is porous and has a porosity of not more than 10% and an average pore diameter of not more than 0.1 micron, wherein said resin layer is heated to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof upon sintering.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 94 words

An elastic rotatable member for fixing an unfixed image, said member comprising: a core member; an elastic rubber layer comprising a silicone rubber formed outside said core member; and a fluorine resin layer formed outside said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating, wherein said resin layer is porous and has a porosity of not more than 10% and an average pore diameter of not more than 0.1 micron, wherein said resin layer is heated to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof upon sintering.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 24 words

A member according to claim 107, wherein a porosity of said resin layer provides a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 112 words

An image fixing apparatus, comprising: a first rotatable member including a core member, an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member and a fluorine resin layer on said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating, said first rotatable member being lubricated by a lubricant, wherein said resin layer has pores which are effective to allow volatile matter from the elastic rubber to pass upon sintering and to prevent the lubricant from passing; and a second rotatable member associated with said first rotatable member; wherein said resin layer is heated to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof upon sintering.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 112 words

An image fixing apparatus, comprising: a first rotatable member including a core member, an elastic rubber layer comprising silicone rubber formed outside said core member and a fluorine resin layer on said elastic rubber layer, wherein said resin layer is provided by sintering resin material by heating, said first rotatable member being lubricated by a lubricant, wherein said resin layer has pores which are effective to allow volatile matter from the elastic rubber to pass upon sintering and to prevent the lubricant from passing; and a second rotatable member associated with said first rotatable member; wherein said resin layer is heated to a temperature above a crystalline melting temperature thereof upon sintering.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 18 words

An apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said resin layer has a porosity of not more than 10%.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 24 words

An apparatus according to claim 109, wherein a porosity of said resin layer provides a volume resistivity of not more than 10 11 ohm.cm.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 19 words

An apparatus according to claim 109, wherein an average diameter of the pores is not more than 0.1 microns.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 20 words

An apparatus according to claim 109, wherein the rotatable member having the pores is adapted to contact the unfixed image.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus according to claim 107, wherein said resin layer is not less than 10 microns thick.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 17 words

An apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said resin layer is not less than 10 microns thick.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 37 words

An elastic member according to claim 1, wherein a dielectric loss tangent of said unsintered resin material together with said liquid is larger than that of the elastic rubber, and said sintering is performed by dielectric heating.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 20 words

An image fixing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said sintering of said resin material is performed by dielectric heating.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1992-06-26	1992-12-26	1993-06-27	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1996-06-26	1996-12-26	1997-06-27	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2000-06-26	2000-12-26	2001-06-27	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Elastic rotatable member

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