Fixing Device Annular Belt Hardness Ratio for Gloss Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gloss unevenness occurs when printing on glossy paper with fine irregularities, as the fixing device struggles to uniformly fix toner to the paper's surface, leading to degraded image quality.
Innovation Solution
The ratio of the first hardness value to the second hardness value of the annular belt in the fixing device is specified, allowing the belt to deform and fit fine irregularities on the medium within the passage time through the nip region, ensuring uniform toner fixation and image gloss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing device uses a conventional annular belt with fixed hardness, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the belt cannot deform to fit fine irregularities on glossy paper surfaces, resulting in gloss unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a particular hardness range for the annular belt (50 to 80 degrees on the Shore A scale) to enable the belt to deform and fit fine irregularities on glossy paper surfaces. This parameter optimization allows the belt to conform to surface variations while maintaining structural integrity, thereby achieving uniform image gloss without complicating the device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the annular belt is made softer to fit surface irregularities, then the belt can deform better, but the belt may not maintain sufficient pressure and heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the hardness parameter within a specific range (50 to 80 degrees Shore A). This intermediate hardness level allows the belt to be soft enough to conform to fine surface irregularities while remaining firm enough to maintain adequate pressure and heat transfer efficiency during the fixing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the indentation depth of the fixing belt is increased to improve toner fixability, then depressions are better filled, but the belt cannot respond quickly enough within the passage time through the nip region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by optimizing the hardness parameter, which directly influences both deformation capability and response speed. The specified hardness range (50 to 80 degrees Shore A) enables the belt to deform rapidly enough to fill depressions within the brief passage time through the nip region while still achieving adequate toner fixability.
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 solution effectively improves the image quality by ensuring uniform gloss across the printed image, even on papers with fine irregularities, by allowing the heating belt to deform and apply heat and pressure uniformly.
Implementation Method 1
the annular belt can deform to fit fine irregularities on the medium within a passage time during which the medium passes through the nip region
Implementation Method 2
fixing the toner image to the sheet by application of heat and pressure in a fixing device
Implementation Method 3
apply heat and pressure to the sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixing device includes an annular belt having an outer circumferential surface, and a facing member that faces the outer circumferential surface of the annular belt to form a nip region. The annular belt is configured so that in measurement of a hardness of the outer circumferential surface using a hardness tester, a ratio (A/B) of a first hardness value (A) to a second hardness value (B) is 0.738 or more and 0.837 or less. The first hardness value (A) represents a measured value at a time when a measurement time corresponding to a time required for a predetermined point on the outer circumferential surface to pass through the nip region has elapsed after start of the hardness measurement. The second hardness value (B) represents a measured value at a time when the measured value by the hardness tester is saturated.