Fixation Belt Thickness and Nip Width Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixation belts with thick rubber layers used in high-speed printing image forming apparatuses are prone to surface layer cracking, leading to reduced print quality due to increased wrinkle depth and insufficient thermal conductivity.
Innovation Solution
An annular belt with a specific thickness and nip width configuration is used, where the thickness of the annular belt (tx) and the nip width (W) satisfy the condition tx·Wr≤245 μm, inhibiting surface layer cracking and enhancing print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rubber layer thickness is increased to secure high print quality, then the thermal conductivity is improved, but the surface layer cracks occur reducing print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a specific mathematical relationship between the rubber layer thickness (tb) and surface layer thickness (ta), where tb ≤ 270 - ta. This parameter optimization allows the rubber layer to be sufficiently thick for thermal conductivity while preventing surface layer cracking through controlled thickness proportions
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation belt is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers (surface layer, rubber layer, and base member layer) having different material properties. The surface layer provides thermal conductivity and release properties, while the rubber layer provides elasticity and pressure distribution, creating a synergistic composite that prevents cracking while maintaining print quality
2Temperature
If the surface layer thickness is reduced to increase thermal conductivity, then the thermal conductivity is improved, but the surface layer cracks occur reducing print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the surface layer thickness parameter (ta) within a specific range (10 μm ≤ ta ≤ 50 μm) and establishes the relationship tb ≤ 270 - ta. This controlled parameter adjustment achieves sufficient thermal conductivity while maintaining surface layer strength to prevent cracking
Solution Approach 2:
The surface layer is designed with local quality variations, having different thickness characteristics in different regions. The surface layer thickness is optimized locally to provide adequate thermal conductivity where needed while maintaining sufficient thickness to prevent cracking in high-stress areas
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
This configuration prevents surface layer cracking and maintains high print quality by optimizing the thickness and nip width relationship, ensuring effective heat transfer and uniform pressure application during high-speed printing.
Implementation Method 1
an annular belt including an elastic layer formed of elastic material and a surface layer formed on a surface of the elastic layer
Implementation Method 2
a heating element that generates heat in a fixing chamber of the fixing device
Implementation Method 3
melting and fusing the toner particles
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: an annular belt including an elastic layer formed of elastic material and a surface layer formed on a surface of the elastic layer, the annular belt having an internal diameter r [μm]; and a pressing member that makes contact with the surface layer of the annular belt, thereby forming a nip region, whereintx·Wr≤245μmis satisfied, where tx [μm] denotes a thickness of the annular belt and W [μm] denotes a nip width of the nip region in a short-side direction of the nip region, the short-side direction being orthogonal to both a width direction and a thickness direction of the annular belt.