Multi-Layer Metallic Fixation Belt for Thermal Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image quality failures, such as uneven gloss, occur during continuous printing operations due to temperature differences between the paper passage and non-paper-passage areas in image-forming apparatuses, especially when handling paper sheets of varying widths, which is exacerbated by the poor thermal conductivity of traditional fixation belts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer metallic fixation member with a substrate comprising an electroformed seamless nickel or nickel alloy first layer, a thermally conductive second layer such as copper or its alloy, and a corrosion-resistant third layer, along with an adhesion and fluororesin layer, is employed to reduce temperature differences between the paper and non-paper areas, ensuring high-quality prints across different paper widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rubber fixation roller is used, then the fixation unit is simple and easy to manufacture, but the thermal conductivity is poor causing long heating time and temperature unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining rubber material with a metallic substrate (steel or aluminum alloy). The rubber layer provides flexibility and sealing, while the metallic substrate provides high thermal conductivity for rapid and uniform heating, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic substrate acts as an intermediary thermal conduction path between the heat source and the rubber fixation roller surface. This intermediary structure enables efficient heat transfer through the rubber material without requiring the rubber itself to have high thermal conductivity, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior thermal performance.
2Temperature
If a metal fixation belt is used, then the thermal conductivity is high and dimensional stability is excellent, but the manufacturing precision and durability are insufficient for continuous printing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a metallic substrate with a rubber coating layer. The metal substrate provides high thermal conductivity and dimensional stability, while the rubber coating provides flexibility, sealing properties, and improved manufacturing precision for continuous printing operations, thus resolving the contradiction between thermal conductivity and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the fixation roller have different properties: the metallic substrate provides thermal conductivity and dimensional stability, while the rubber coating layer provides flexibility and manufacturing precision. This local differentiation of material properties allows each material to contribute its strengths to the overall system.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer metallic substrate is used, then the structure is simple, but the thermal conductivity is insufficient to reduce temperature difference between paper passage and non-paper passage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure with a metallic substrate (steel or aluminum alloy) that has high thermal conductivity. This substrate provides a thermal conduction path that reduces the temperature difference between paper passage and non-paper passage areas while maintaining relatively simple structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the fixation roller by incorporating a metallic substrate. This parameter change enables the system to reduce temperature differences more effectively while maintaining acceptable structural simplicity through the integration of metal and rubber materials.
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 multi-layer structure effectively reduces temperature differences to 15°C or less, preventing image failures like uneven gloss and maintaining high durability and dimensional stability, even during transitions from narrower to wider paper sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer formed of an electroformed seamless belt made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the first layer
Implementation Method 2
a first layer formed of an electroformed seamless belt made of nickel or a nickel alloy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fixation member having a multi-layer metallic structure, which member comprises a substrate employing electroformed nickel for preventing image quality failure. The fixation member of the present invention includes a metallic substrate including a first layer formed of an electroformed seamless belt made of nickel or a nickel alloy, and a second layer formed of an electroformed seamless belt made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the first layer; an adhesion layer disposed on the surface of the second layer; and a fluororesin layer disposed by the mediation of the adhesion layer, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the second layer to the total thickness of the metallic substrate is 0.66 to 0.95.