Fixing Roller Creased Ends Wrinkle Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing rollers in image forming apparatuses generate wrinkles on recording sheets due to uneven conveying speeds, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A fixing roller with a surface layer having creases on axial end portions and a smoother central portion is designed, where the creases are formed during manufacturing using a molding tool with concavity and convexity, to create a mesh-like pattern that enhances sheet tensioning and reduces wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing roller surface is made smooth for uniform conveying, then the surface quality is improved, but wrinkles are generated on the recording sheet due to uneven conveying speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating creases specifically at the axial end portions of the surface layer while keeping the central portion smooth. This localized surface variation allows the end portions to convey sheets faster and tension the central portion, preventing wrinkles without compromising the overall smoothness needed for quality imaging.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If creases are added to suppress wrinkles, then the wrinkle suppression is improved, but the surface quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The creases are localized only to the axial end portions of the surface layer, while the central portion where images are formed remains smooth. This spatial differentiation allows wrinkle suppression at the ends without degrading the surface quality in the imaging area.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface layer is functionally segmented into two zones: creased end portions for wrinkle suppression and a smooth central portion for high-quality imaging. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without interfering with the other.
3Speed
If a complex surface structure is created to control conveying speed, then the conveying control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The creases are formed in advance during the manufacturing process by molding the surface layer with a mold having convex portions at its axial end portions. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for complex post-manufacturing adjustments or complex operating mechanisms, achieving conveying speed control through a simple static surface feature.
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 creased surface layer design ensures faster conveying speeds at the end portions, tensioning the central portion and effectively suppressing wrinkles on the recording sheet, while maintaining heat resistance and mass production feasibility.
Implementation Method 1
a method for producing a non-straight cylindrical fixing roller by vulcanization molding using a mold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fixing roller that may include: a rotary shaft; an elastic layer that is provided at the circumference of the rotary shaft, and a surface layer that covers the circumference of the elastic layer and includes creases, wherein the creases are provided at both axial end portions of the surface layer, and a portion of the surface layer between the axial end portions thereof is smoother than the axial end portions.