Fixing Belt Grounding Conductor for Reduced Banding Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices using AC voltage in heaters cause banding artifacts and electrostatic offset due to the transmission of AC voltage through the sheet, especially in high-humidity environments or with thin sheets, and the conductor attachment is prone to movement and improper fixation.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a conductor grounded to the inner surface of the fixing belt, stabilized by a support with a rotation-regulating shape, to pass current to ground and prevent AC voltage transmission, reducing banding artifacts and electrostatic offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductor is brought into contact with the fixing rotator to pass current to ground, then banding artifacts and electrostatic offset are reduced, but the conductor moves and cannot be properly fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into multiple contact portions that contact different locations on the inner surface of the fixing belt. This segmentation ensures stable electrical contact while distributing mechanical stress, preventing the conductor from moving or detaching during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is integrated with the heater assembly, combining the grounding function with the heating function. This merging ensures that the conductor remains in a fixed position relative to the fixing belt while maintaining electrical contact, thereby stabilizing both image quality and conductor position.
2Temperature
If AC voltage is applied to the heater to heat the fixing belt, then the fixing function is achieved, but banding artifacts and electrostatic offset occur due to voltage transmission through the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful AC voltage component is extracted from the system by providing a dedicated grounding path through the conductor. This allows the heater to operate with AC voltage for heating while the conductor removes the voltage transmission to the sheet, eliminating banding artifacts and electrostatic offset.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor acts as an intermediary between the heater and the fixing belt, providing a controlled path for electrical discharge. This mediator allows the heater to function while preventing harmful voltage transmission to the sheet, thereby resolving the contradiction between heating effectiveness and image quality.
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
Stabilizes the conductor's contact with the fixing belt, effectively grounding the AC voltage, thereby reducing image defects and improving assembly efficiency while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the conductor is grounded and contacts the inner surface of the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 2
a heater that contacts an inner surface of the fixing belt to heat the fixing belt
Implementation Method 3
The planar heater contacts the inner surface of the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 4
The pressure rotator presses the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip between the pressure rotator and the fixing rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator, a pressure rotator, a planar heater, a holder, a conductor, and a support. The pressure rotator presses the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip between the pressure rotator and the fixing rotator. The planar heater contacts an inner surface of the fixing rotator. The holder holds the heater and guides the fixing rotator. The conductor is grounded and contacts the inner surface of the fixing rotator. The support supports the holder and has a shape of regulating rotation of the conductor.