Fixing Belt with Variable Heating Layer Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image fixing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining uniform gloss and gloss uniformity due to inconsistent fixing pressure and nip width, which affects the quality of printed images.
Innovation Solution
The image fixing apparatus incorporates a rotating fixing belt with a heating layer made of carbon nanotubes, an electrode layer, and a release layer, supported by a rotating bush and pressing roller, to ensure consistent heat transfer and pressure distribution, enhancing durability and fixing nip uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high fixing pressure is applied around the fixing nip to achieve high gloss and gloss uniformity, then image quality improves, but the durability of the heating layer and electrode layer deteriorates due to increased stress and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The heating layer is designed with different thicknesses in different regions: a first thickness in the axial central portion and a second thickness (greater than the first) at both ends in the axial direction. This local variation in thickness distributes the thermal and mechanical stress more evenly, preventing overheating and peeling at the ends while maintaining effective heating in the central region, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving uniform gloss and maintaining layer durability.
2Device complexity
If the fixing belt structure is simplified, then device complexity reduces, but the uniformity of the fixing nip width deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the heating layer by varying its thickness along the axial direction. This parameter modification allows the heating belt to maintain uniform nip width while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, as the thickness variation compensates for potential deformations without requiring complex mechanical components.
3Device complexity
If the heating layer and electrode layer are made thinner to reduce device complexity, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the heat generation efficiency and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The heating layer employs non-uniform thickness distribution with greater thickness at the ends and lesser thickness in the central portion. This local quality variation optimizes both heat generation efficiency and durability: the thicker ends provide better electrical contact and heat resistance where stress is highest, while the thinner central region reduces overall material usage and device complexity.
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 ensures a uniform fixing nip and improves the durability of the heating and electrode layers, preventing overheating and maintaining image quality by ensuring consistent heat and pressure application across the fixing belt.
Implementation Method 1
a heating layer formed on at least one portion of an outer circumferential surface of the load support member to generate heat by receiving electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
An image fixing apparatus is provided including a pressing roller, a fixing belt rotatably disposed such that an outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt contacts the pressing roller, and a rotating bush to support rotation of the fixing belt. The fixing belt includes a load support member arranged in an axial direction, a heating layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the load support member to generate heat, and an electrode layer provided with an first portion axially contacting the heating layer at an axial end of the load support member, the electrode layer transferring electric energy to the heating layer. An inner end of the rotating bush axially extends to an inner side of the electrode layer such that the electrode layer is supported by the rotating bush. The image fixing apparatus may uniformly form a fixing nip and improve durability of the fixing belt.