Fixing Belt Slide Sheet Bonding for Uniform Image Gloss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with uneven gloss on printed images due to slight surface asperities in the fixing belt, leading to orange peel images, and inefficiencies in heat management and lubricant distribution, which affect productivity and durability.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a slide sheet with a center and end adhesive parts to stabilize lubricant distribution, combined with a thermal equalizer and heat insulators to manage heat distribution, and a shield to optimize heating based on sheet size, reducing torque and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lubricant is applied to the inner face of the fixing belt to facilitate sliding, then sliding efficiency is improved, but surface asperities cause uneven gloss and orange peel images
Solution Approach 1:
A slide sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the fixing belt and the nip formation pad. The slide sheet has a smooth surface that contacts the fixing belt, while its back surface with adhesive parts bonds to the nip formation pad. This mediator eliminates the harmful surface asperities of the nip formation pad from contacting the fixing belt, maintaining sliding efficiency while ensuring uniform image gloss.
2Strength
If adhesive is applied to the entire slide sheet to bond it to the nip formation pad, then bonding strength is improved, but lubricant distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied selectively to specific local regions (center part and end parts) of the slide sheet rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized adhesive application maintains sufficient bonding strength while leaving other areas free to allow uniform lubricant distribution and prevent orange peel images.
3Reliability
If heat is applied to the fixing rotator to fix toner, then fixing performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented and localized to only the necessary regions. A shield is introduced to control and limit the heat application area on the fixing rotator, ensuring that heat is applied only where toner fixing is required. This segmentation maintains fixing performance while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating of entire rotator surfaces.
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 enhances image gloss uniformity, reduces energy consumption, and extends the life of the fixing belt by stabilizing lubricant distribution and optimizing heat management, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive part includes a first adhesive part on the center part and a second adhesive part on one of the end parts
Implementation Method 2
lubricant applied to an inner face of the fixing belt to facilitate sliding of the fixing belt on the nip formation pad
Implementation Method 3
The heat source heats the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 4
The pressure rotator contacts an outer circumferential face of the fixing rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator rotatable in a rotation direction, a heat source to heat the fixing rotator, a pressure rotator contacting the fixing rotator, a nip formation pad to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator, a slide sheet, and an adhesive part. The slide sheet between the fixing rotator and the nip formation pad contacts an inner circumferential face of the fixing rotator. The slide sheet has a center part and both end parts in an axial direction orthogonal to the rotation direction. The adhesive part bonds the slide sheet to the nip formation pad. The adhesive part includes a first adhesive part on the center part and a second adhesive part on one of the end parts. The first adhesive part has a first area, and the second adhesive part has a second area smaller than the first area.