Fixing Roller Pressure Control for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
The durability of silicon sponge-based fixing rollers in image forming apparatuses is compromised due to repeated deformation and pressure, leading to reduced performance and increased risk of permanent deformation, while the Teflon-coated fixing belt's surface asperities cause gloss stripes and paper dust, affecting image quality and equipment longevity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller to switch between increased and decreased pressure modes during operation, allowing the pressing roller to apply varying pressures to the fixing roller via the fixing belt, and synchronizing the rotational speeds of the fixing belt and pressing roller to minimize surface asperities and paper dust generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If silicon sponge is used as the elastic layer in the fixing roller to increase nip length and reduce thermal effect on the fixing belt, then the thermal insulation performance is improved, but the durability of the fixing roller decreases due to permanent deformation under high pressure and repeated deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing roller is configured to rotate at a linear speed different from the fixing belt rotation speed, creating dynamic relative motion that reduces surface asperities and prevents paper dust formation, thereby improving durability while maintaining thermal insulation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The linear speed parameter of the pressing roller is changed to be different from the fixing belt speed, transforming the static contact into dynamic relative motion that reduces harmful surface interactions and extends component life
2Manufacturing precision
If the pressing roller rotates at a linear speed different from the fixing belt to reduce surface asperities and prevent gloss stripes, then the image quality is improved, but paper dust is generated that scrapes the fixing belt and reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing roller applies periodic pressure variations through its rotation at different linear speed, creating controlled surface interactions that smooth asperities without generating excessive paper dust, thus maintaining image quality while protecting belt durability
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 solution enhances the durability of the fixing roller and belt by reducing repeated load on the silicon sponge and minimizing surface asperities and paper dust, thereby improving image quality and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The heater heats the fixing belt
Implementation Method 2
The fixing roller includes an elastic layer including silicon sponge
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device configured to form a toner image on a sheet and a fixing device configured to fix the toner image on the sheet. In the fixing device, a heater heats a fixing belt. A pressing roller applies a pressure to a fixing roller via the fixing belt to form a nip between the pressing roller and the fixing belt. A controller switches the fixing device between an increased pressure mode and a decreased pressure mode in a state in which the fixing roller and the pressing roller rotate. In the increased pressure mode, the pressing roller applies an increased pressure capable of fixing the toner image on the sheet to the fixing roller. In the decreased pressure mode, the pressing roller applies a decreased pressure incapable of fixing the toner image on the sheet to the fixing roller.