Fixing Device Guide Member Resin Protrusions Toner Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively guiding and fixing toner images onto sheets, particularly due to toner overflow and adhesion issues on the sheet transport belt and heat roller, leading to potential staining and image defects.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a pair of rotating/circulating fixing members and a guide member with metallic and resin components, where the resin members protrude to strike the sheet's edge, guiding it into the fixing area between the fixing belt and heat roller, ensuring proper toner fixation and preventing adhesion on the guide surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sheet guide is provided to guide the sheet to the fixing area, then the sheet transport is improved, but toner may adhere to the guide surface causing staining
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member surface material is changed from metallic to resin to alter its surface properties. The resin material has lower surface energy and different thermal characteristics compared to metal, preventing toner adhesion while maintaining the guiding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is constructed as a composite structure with a metallic base material and a resin coating layer. This combines the structural strength and thermal stability of metal with the non-stick properties of resin, solving both the guidance and toner adhesion problems.
2Strength
If the guide surface is made of metallic material, then structural strength is improved, but toner may overflow and stain the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member uses a composite structure with metallic base material providing structural strength and a resin coating layer preventing toner adhesion. This resolves the contradiction between needing strong structural support and preventing toner staining.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin coating is applied specifically to the toner-contacting surface areas of the guide member, while the structural core remains metallic. This local differentiation of material properties addresses toner adhesion only where needed while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If resin members are disposed on the guide surface, then toner adhesion is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resin members are integrated as a coating layer or bonded components on the metallic guide member base, creating a unified composite structure. This approach adds minimal complexity while effectively preventing toner adhesion through the resin's surface properties.
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 fixes toner images onto sheets, reduces toner overflow onto the sheet transport belt, and minimizes the risk of staining, enhancing image quality and maintaining printer cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
The resin members protrude from the guide surface and are struck by a front edge of the sheet in the transport direction of the sheet
Implementation Method 2
heat and press a sheet that is transported with a toner image being carried thereby and that is interposed between the pair of fixing members, to fix the toner image to the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a pair of fixing members that contact each other and that rotate or circulate, and that heat and press a sheet that is transported with a toner image being carried thereby and that is interposed between the fixing members, to fix the toner image to the sheet; and a guide member that guides to a fixing area the sheet that is transported towards the fixing members. The guide member includes a metallic member and resin members. The metallic member has a guide surface that faces the sheet that is transported towards the guide member. The resin members are disposed at the guide surface so as to be spaced apart from each other in a widthwise direction. The resin members protrude from the guide surface and are struck by a front edge of the sheet in the transport direction of the sheet.