Rotating Fixing Member With Silver-Sulfide Resistance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The resistance of a heat generating layer in a rotating fixing member increases when a high temperature state continues for a long time in the paper non-passing portion, leading to uneven heat generation and deteriorating fixing properties, particularly in continuous printing on small-sized paper.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating silver sulfide at the surface and/or inside the heat generating layer to form a barrier layer that reduces oxygen contact and suppresses resistance increase, using a silver nano-ink to create a heat generating layer with controlled grain size and porosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat generating layer is heated continuously to maintain fixing temperature, then fixing reliability is improved, but the temperature at the paper non-passing portion becomes excessively high causing resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a sulfide layer specifically at the paper non-passing portion (end sections) of the heat generating layer, while the central portion maintains its original silver-based conductive properties. This localized modification allows the end sections to have higher resistance and lower heat generation, preventing excessive temperature rise, while the central portion continues to provide reliable fixing temperature maintenance.
2Reliability
If silver nano-ink is used to form heat generating layer with fine line width and pores, then adhesion and durability are improved, but resistance increases at high temperature causing uneven heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a sulfide layer specifically at the paper non-passing portion (end sections) of the heat generating layer, while the central portion maintains its original silver-based conductive properties. This localized modification allows the end sections to have higher resistance and lower heat generation, preventing excessive temperature rise, while the central portion continues to provide reliable fixing temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter locally by forming a sulfide layer at the end sections, which increases resistance in these specific areas. This parameter change compensates for the continuous heating condition, creating a more uniform heat generation distribution across the entire heat generating layer while maintaining the adhesion benefits of the porous silver nano-ink structure.
3Productivity
If continuous printing on small-sized paper is performed, then productivity is improved, but the paper non-passing portion experiences prolonged high temperature causing resistance increase and fixing deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a sulfide layer specifically at the paper non-passing portion (end sections) of the heat generating layer, while the central portion maintains its original silver-based conductive properties. This localized modification allows the end sections to have higher resistance and lower heat generation, preventing excessive temperature rise, while the central portion continues to provide reliable fixing temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-forming a sulfide layer at the end sections before use, which creates higher resistance in these areas. This preliminary modification prevents the harmful effect of excessive temperature rise during continuous printing operations, ensuring uniform heat generation and consistent fixing quality across all paper positions.
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 rotating fixing member maintains durability and consistent heat generation even under prolonged high-temperature conditions, ensuring reliable fixing performance across various paper sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A fixing device of an electromagnetic induction heating system has been developed and put into practical use, the fixing device having a heat generating layer on a rotating fixing member and being able to directly heat the heat generating layer
Implementation Method 2
silver sulfide is present at the surface of the heat generating layer opposite to the another surface facing the base material
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating fixing member containing a base material containing a resin, a heat generating layer on the base material, and a resin layer on a surface of the heat generating layer opposite to another surface of the heat generating layer facing the base material. The heat generating layer extends in a circumferential direction of an outer peripheral surface of the base material. The heat generating layer contains silver. At least one of the specific conditions (A) and (B) is satisfied: (A) silver sulfide is present at the surface of the heat generating layer opposite to the another surface facing the base material, (B) silver sulfide is present inside of the heat generating layer.