Image-Forming Fixing Rollers With Silicon Surface Anchoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed operation of a fixing device in image forming systems leads to roller slip, causing deterioration of the belt and fixability issues, especially in low-temperature environments, due to the use of aluminum rollers with low heat capacity and the presence of silicon, which affects heat conductivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an aluminum-based roller with a silicon content exceeding 0.60% by mass, along with a standard deviation of toner base particle shape factor of 0.045 or less and a variation coefficient of volume average particle size of 28.0% or less, and using a resin-coated or rubber layer to enhance roller rotation and fixability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed operation is performed, then productivity is improved, but roller slip occurs causing deterioration of fixability and belt degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters of the roller by controlling the silicon content to exceed 0.60% by mass in the aluminum-based alloy, which fundamentally alters the surface properties to prevent slip during high-speed operation while maintaining fixability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an aluminum-based alloy composite material containing specific amounts of silicon (0.60% or more by mass) to create a roller that combines the advantages of aluminum (lightweight, good heat conductivity) with the surface anchoring properties provided by silicon protrusions
2Reliability
If silicon content is increased to prevent roller slip, then roller rotation is improved, but heat conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the silicon content parameter to a specific range (0.60% or more by mass) that provides sufficient surface anchoring effect for roller rotation stability while limiting the negative impact on heat conductivity by not exceeding excessive silicon amounts
3Reliability
If surface roughening treatment is performed by cutting or blasting, then roller rotation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the surface roughening step from the manufacturing process by incorporating silicon directly into the alloy composition, allowing the protruded portions to form naturally during casting without requiring separate cutting or blasting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The alloy composition itself provides the surface roughening function through the formation of protruded silicon portions during the casting process, eliminating the need for external surface treatment operations
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 suppresses roller slip and degradation, ensuring satisfactory image fixing even in low-temperature conditions by maintaining roller rotation and heat conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
protruded portions are formed on the surface of the aluminum base body due to a eutectic reaction between Si and Al
Implementation Method 2
the resin-coated layer or the rubber layer may peel off during long-term use
Implementation Method 3
the resin-coated layer or the rubber layer are less likely to peel off due to the anchoring effect
Implementation Method 4
an aluminum heating roller having good heat conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming system including a fixing device that fixes a toner image onto a recording medium. The fixing device includes: a belt; and a roller that includes: a first roller that stretches the belt; or a first roller that stretches the belt, and a second roller rotatably disposed in pressure contact with an outer peripheral surface of the belt, at least one of the roller includes a base body containing aluminum as a main component, the base body contains silicon in an amount exceeding 0.60% by mass, a standard deviation of a shape factor of toner base particles is 0.045 or less, and a variation coefficient of a volume average particle size of the toner base particles is 28.0% or less.