Toner Image Fixing via 280-480 nm Light and Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photo fixing systems using short wavelength light for toner fixation suffer from reduced color reproducibility and insufficient fixing properties due to light scattering and voids within the toner image, leading to poor fixability and image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming method that combines light irradiation with a wavelength range of 280 to 480 nm and pressure application to the toner image, ensuring thorough heat transfer and air expulsion, thereby enhancing color reproducibility and fixability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If light in the short wavelength range (280-480 nm) is used for photo fixing, then the warming-up time is shortened and energy is saved, but color reproducibility is lowered and fixing property becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two fixing approaches: photo fixing (using light) and thermal fixing (using heat). The fixing device includes both a light irradiation unit that emits light in the 280-480 nm wavelength range and a heating unit that applies heat to the toner image. By combining these two units, the system achieves both rapid response (short warming-up time) and high image quality (good color reproducibility and fixing property) that neither method could achieve alone.
2Ease of operation
If light in the short wavelength range is used for photo fixing, then operability is improved, but sufficient fixing property cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines photo fixing and thermal fixing functions in a single fixing device. The light irradiation unit provides rapid operability and short warming-up time, while the heating unit ensures sufficient fixing property by melting the toner and pressing it onto the recording medium. This merger allows the system to maintain high operability while achieving reliable fixing that prevents toner offset.
3Device complexity
If only light irradiation is applied for fixing, then the process is simplified, but color reproducibility and fixing property deteriorate due to light scattering and voids
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines light irradiation and heating functions in an integrated fixing device. The light irradiation unit rapidly heats the toner surface while the heating unit provides sustained thermal energy to melt the toner particles. This combination eliminates the problems of light scattering and void formation that occur with light-only fixing, achieving excellent color reproducibility without significantly increasing process complexity.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If only light irradiation is applied for fixing, then energy consumption is reduced, but sufficient fixing property cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges photo fixing and thermal fixing, using the light irradiation unit to rapidly heat the toner surface (reducing overall energy consumption and warming-up time) and the heating unit to provide sustained thermal energy for complete toner melting and fixing. This combination achieves sufficient fixing property while maintaining lower energy consumption compared to traditional thermal fixing alone.
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 method achieves excellent color reproducibility and sufficient fixability, even with multi-color images, by utilizing light in the specified wavelength range and pressure to address the issues of light scattering and voids within the toner, resulting in improved image quality and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a large number of systems for melting and fixing toner to the recording medium by converting light into heat have been proposed
Implementation Method 2
applying pressure to the toner image
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is achieved by an image forming method containing the steps of: forming a toner image by developing an electrostatic latent image with a toner; transferring the toner image on a recording medium; and fixing the toner image on the recording medium, wherein the fixing step of the toner image on the recording medium further contains the steps of: irradiating light having a wavelength range of 280 to 480 nm to the toner image; and applying pressure to the toner image.