Fixing Belt Resistivity Tuning for Static Charge Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-metal fixing belts in fixing devices experience static electricity issues due to sliding, leading to charging problems and inadequate withstand voltage, which disrupt unfixed toner images, and existing conductivity measures fail to secure sufficient voltage.
Innovation Solution
A tubular endless fixing belt with a base layer, elastic layer, and release layer, featuring a surface resistivity of 7 to 10 LOG Ω/sq., to suppress charging and maintain withstand voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-metal fixing belt is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but static electricity charging occurs and withstand voltage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical parameter (surface resistivity) of the fixing belt by controlling the conductivity of the base layer material. By setting surface resistivity within a specific range (7 to 10 LOG Ω/sq.), the fixing belt achieves both cost-effectiveness of non-metal materials and sufficient electrical performance to prevent charging and maintain withstand voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure where the base layer is made of a conductive non-metal material. This composite approach combines the cost advantages of non-metal materials with the electrical properties needed to suppress static electricity, achieving both economic and functional requirements.
2Temperature
If a metal fixing belt is used to maintain heat capacity, then temperature stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal and electrical parameters of non-metal materials by selecting specific base layer materials with appropriate conductivity and heat capacity. This allows non-metal fixing belts to achieve temperature stability comparable to metal belts while maintaining cost advantages.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the surface resistivity is reduced to suppress charging, then static electricity is suppressed, but withstand voltage becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the surface resistivity parameter within a specific range (7 to 10 LOG Ω/sq.). This parameter optimization balances two opposing requirements: low enough to suppress static electricity charging through controlled conductivity, but high enough to maintain sufficient withstand voltage for electrical safety.
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
The solution effectively suppresses charging and secures withstand voltage, ensuring stable operation of the fixing device by maintaining the necessary electrical balance.
Implementation Method 1
a conductivity of the base layer is controlled so that a surface resistivity measured from an inner peripheral side of the tubular endless belt is 7 [LOG Ω/sq.] or more and 10 [LOG Ω/sq.] or less
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing belt formed of a tubular film, a heater configured to heat the fixing belt and including an insulating layer, a roller positioned such that the fixing belt extends between the roller the heater, and a heat conductor in contact with the heater. The heater is positioned such that the insulating layer of the heater extends between the fixing belt and the heat conductor to prevent the heat conductor from contacting the tubular film.