Fuser Roller Resistivity Path to Prevent Electrostatic Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with electrostatic offset due to toner attachment to fixing members, which is not effectively addressed by existing configurations that require complex grounding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a rotatable fixing member and pressurizing member, where the surface layers of both members are connected via a circuit portion, ensuring surface resistivities within specific ranges (4.0≤log X≤13.0, 5.0≤log Y≤14.0, log Y≥13.0−log X, log Y≤23.0−log X) to manage charge removal, eliminating the need for additional grounding components like rubber rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressurizing member is charged by frictional charging, then the image is fixed to the recording material, but toner receives repulsive force and attaches to the fixing member causing electrostatic offset
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the pressurizing member and the fixing member. This conductive layer acts as a mediator that controls charge distribution, allowing the pressurizing function to be maintained while preventing excessive charge buildup that causes electrostatic offset. The conductive layer distributes the frictional charges more evenly, preventing localized repulsive forces on toner.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface resistivity of the pressurizing member is controlled within a specific range (10^8 to 10^12 Ω/□) to optimize charge distribution. By adjusting this electrical parameter, the system balances between maintaining sufficient frictional charging for image fixation and preventing excessive charge accumulation that leads to electrostatic offset.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing techniques are used to suppress electrostatic offset, then image defects are reduced, but the apparatus configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is integrated directly into the structure of the pressurizing member, combining the pressurizing function and the electrostatic control function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate grounding mechanisms or additional conductive elements, thereby suppressing electrostatic offset without increasing apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer on the pressurizing member automatically distributes and dissipates frictional charges through its inherent electrical conductivity. The system self-regulates charge distribution without requiring external control mechanisms, power supplies, or complex grounding systems, thus reducing apparatus complexity while effectively suppressing electrostatic offset.
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 reduces electrostatic offset by stabilizing charge flow, enhancing reliability and simplicity while maintaining efficient image fixation, thus improving the performance and durability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion configured to heat the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
the surface layer of the pressurizing member is electrically connected to the circuit portion via a surface layer of the fixing member
Implementation Method 3
when the pressurizing member is charged by frictional charging or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus includes a rotatable fixing member, a rotatable pressurizing member, a heating portion, and a circuit portion including a contact member and configured to remove electric charge from the fixing member, the contact member being in contact with the fixing member. A surface layer of the pressurizing member is electrically connected to the circuit portion via a surface layer of the fixing member. In a case where a surface resistivity of the surface layer of the pressurizing member is represented by X (Ω/□) and a surface resistivity of the surface layer of the fixing member is represented by Y (Ω/□), 4.0≤log X≤13.0, 5.0≤log Y≤14.0, log Y≥13.0−log X, and log Y≤23.0−log X are satisfied.