Fixing Roller Refresh Mechanism for Burr Scar Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image heating apparatuses in electrophotographic systems suffer from burr scars on the fixing member, leading to defective images due to uneven surface roughness, which is exacerbated by the type and width of the recording medium, causing non-uniform gloss and premature wear of the fixing roller.
Innovation Solution
An image heating apparatus with a refresh roller system that adjusts its operation based on the number and type of sheets processed, using a control mechanism to move the refresh roller into contact with the fixation roller to maintain uniform surface roughness, thereby preventing burr scars and extending the life of the fixing roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing member surface is repeatedly contacted by sheet edges during normal operation, then the sheet edge scars worsen and surface uniformity deteriorates, but increasing the frequency of rubbing operation can restore surface uniformity while potentially reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic rubbing operations at predetermined intervals during sheet processing. The control unit activates the rubbing operation periodically based on the cumulative number of sheets processed, allowing the fixing member surface to be restored at regular intervals without continuous interruption of normal fixing operations, thus balancing surface uniformity maintenance with productivity preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs rubbing operations in advance before burr scars significantly deteriorate image quality. By monitoring the cumulative sheet count and initiating rubbing at predetermined intervals, the system proactively restores the fixing member surface before defects become apparent, preventing quality issues rather than reacting to them
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rubbing operation is triggered by fixed image formation count, then the operation frequency is predetermined, but it may be too frequent or too infrequent depending on recording medium type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control unit that monitors processing conditions including the type of recording medium being processed. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the rubbing operation frequency and timing, allowing the system to adapt to different sheet types (e.g., glossy, matte, coated, uncoated) and their varying impacts on fixing member surface deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, fixed-interval rubbing schedule to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The control unit modifies the rubbing operation parameters based on real-time detection of recording medium characteristics and processing conditions, enabling the system to optimize rubbing frequency for each specific medium type rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach
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 prevents the formation of burr scars, maintains image quality by ensuring uniform gloss, and extends the service life of the fixing roller by optimizing the frequency and timing of the rubbing process based on the recording medium's characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a rubbing rotatable member configured to rub a surface of the first rotatable member
Implementation Method 2
heating a toner image on a sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating apparatus includes: first and second rotatable members configured and positioned to form a nip for heating a toner image on a sheet; a rubbing rotatable member configured to rub a surface of the first rotatable member; a moving mechanism configured to move the rubbing rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member between a rubbing position for carrying out a rubbing process for the first rotatable member and a retracted position retracted from the rubbing position; and an executing portion configured to execute the rubbing process in accordance with a number and a kind of the sheet processed by the image heating apparatus.