Fixing Roller Hardness Gradient for Belt Deviation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing belt systems in image forming apparatuses are prone to damage due to extreme contact with belt-deviation preventing members, as the fixing roller can move freely and cause uneven force distribution, leading to surface contact and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a fixing roller having end portions of varying hardness, where the high-hardness end is in contact with the deviation preventing member, and a pressure roller with a release layer to manage force distribution and prevent belt deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a pair of belt-deviation preventing members are provided on both ends of the heating roller, then meandering of the fixing belt is prevented, but the fixing belt gets too close to one end of the heating roller causing surface contact and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing roller is designed with different hardness values at different locations along its shaft direction. The end portion has higher hardness to resist deformation during surface contact with the belt-deviation preventing member, while the intermediate portion has lower hardness to maintain elasticity for proper belt contact and image fixing quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing roller is allowed to move freely in shaft direction, then it can accommodate belt movement, but force concentrates on the fixing belt causing extreme contact and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hardness parameter of the fixing roller is changed along its length, creating a gradient from high hardness at the end portion to low hardness at the intermediate portion. This parameter variation allows the roller to provide both movement accommodation and force distribution, preventing belt damage while maintaining adaptability.
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 effectively suppresses force deviation, reducing the likelihood of fixing belt damage by regulating the fixing roller's movement and distributing forces evenly, thus preventing extreme contact with the deviation preventing member.
Implementation Method 1
The heating roller incorporates a halogen heater and the like. In this belt system, a pressure roller is used, and the pressure roller pressurizes the fixing roller via the fixing belt.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure roller pressurizes the fixing roller via the fixing belt. In a pressure-contact part between the pressure roller and the fixing belt, a nip portion is formed.
Implementation Method 3
the fixing roller has an end portion with high hardness and an end portion with low hardness along the shaft direction of the fixing roller, and the end portion with high hardness is in contact with the deviation preventing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device is provided with an endless fixing belt; a heating roller for heating the fixing belt; a fixing roller that has a shaft and extends the fixing belt between the fixing roller and the heating roller; a pressure roller for pressurizing the fixing roller via the fixing belt; and a deviation preventing member that is provided on the shaft of the fixing roller and suppresses moving of the fixing roller in a shaft direction. The fixing roller has an end portion with high hardness and an end portion with low hardness along the shaft direction of the fixing roller. The end portion with high hardness is in contact with the deviation preventing member.