Fixing Roller Glossiness Uniformity via Elastic Rubbing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image heating devices for electrophotographic processes face challenges in achieving uniform glossiness due to surface unsmoothness on fixing rollers, particularly caused by flash edges during recording material manufacturing, leading to scratches and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image heating apparatus with a rubbing rotatable member having an elastic layer with microhardness between 0.03 GPa and 1.0 GPa, which rubs the fixing roller to uniformly distribute scratches and prevent damage from foreign matter, maintaining the surface state and reducing glossiness non-uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixing roller with parting layer is used for oil-less fixing, then parting properties are improved, but surface unsmoothness and scratches are generated due to flash edges during recording material feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The rubbing rotatable member performs preliminary rubbing action on the fixing roller surface before foreign matter can cause damage. By continuously maintaining contact and applying rubbing force, the surface is kept smooth and resistant to scratch formation from flash edges during recording material feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubbing rotatable member acts as an intermediary protective element between the flash edges and the fixing roller surface. Instead of allowing direct contact between the harmful flash edges and the fixing roller, the rubbing member mediates the interaction, distributing the mechanical stress and preventing localized damage.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the fixing roller surface is rubbed by a cleaning web or nickel-plated web, then contamination is removed, but the parting layer is scraped off and toner offset occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter of microhardness for the rubbing rotatable member to fall within a specific range (0.03-1.0 GPa). This parameter optimization allows the rubbing member to effectively remove contamination while being soft enough to avoid scraping off the parting layer, thus preventing toner offset.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubbing rotatable member functions as a flexible protective shell that can conform to the fixing roller surface. This flexibility allows it to adapt to surface irregularities and apply rubbing force uniformly without creating deep scratches or removing the parting layer, unlike rigid cleaning webs.
3Productivity
If foreign matter is introduced into the nip between fixing roller and pressing roller, then processing continues, but deep scratches are formed on the fixing roller surface
Solution Approach 1:
The rubbing rotatable member provides beforehand cushioning by continuously rubbing the fixing roller surface. This preemptive action creates a protective smooth surface layer that cushions against the impact of foreign matter, preventing deep scratches even when foreign objects are introduced into the nip during continuous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubbing action of the rubbing rotatable member continues throughout the entire processing operation without interruption. This continuous useful action maintains the surface quality of the fixing roller throughout the process, ensuring that even when foreign matter is introduced, the surface remains resistant to deep scratching.
4Manufacturing precision
If the fixing roller surface becomes unsmooth due to flash edges, then glossiness non-uniformity occurs in the fixed image, but replacing the roller frequently is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The rubbing rotatable member enables the fixing roller system to self-service by continuously maintaining its own surface quality. The rubbing action automatically compensates for surface degradation from flash edges, allowing the fixing roller to maintain smooth surface conditions throughout its operational life without requiring frequent replacement.
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 glossiness non-uniformity and extends the lifespan of the fixing roller by uniformly distributing scratches and preventing damage from foreign matter, ensuring high-quality image formation without frequent roller exchanges.
Implementation Method 1
a rubbing rotatable member (3) having an elastic layer (32) to provide a microhardness the GPa] of not less than 0.03 and not more than 1.0
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating apparatus includes a heating rotatable member for heating an image on a recording material in a nip, a nip forming member for cooperating with the heating rotatable member to form the nip, and a rubbing rotatable member. The rubbing rotatable member rubs, by its rotation, the heating rotatable member. The rubbing rotatable member has an elastic layer to provide a microhardness [GPa] of not less than 0.03 and not more than 1.0.