Curved Belt Fixing Device for Uniform Heat Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in ensuring uniform heat distribution and reducing velocity differences between the fixing belt and the paper, which can lead to toner image disturbance and require higher energy for fixing.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a loop-shaped belt member and dual pressing members, where the belt and paper paths are curved to maintain consistent heat distribution and reduce velocity differences, utilizing a heating source along the belt's path to ensure efficient toner fixation with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional fixing devices use a linear belt path, then the structure is simple, but heat distribution becomes non-uniform and velocity differences between belt and paper increase
Solution Approach 1:
The belt path is designed with curved sections instead of linear paths. Specifically, the belt includes a first curved section and a second curved section that create a substantially U-shaped configuration, allowing the belt to return along a curved trajectory. This curvature enables more uniform heat distribution across the belt surface while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional fixing devices use high fixing temperature, then toner fixation is effective, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved belt path extends the effective contact length between the fixing belt and the paper. By creating a U-shaped path with curved sections, the belt maintains continuous thermal contact with the paper over a longer duration, ensuring effective toner fixation while allowing the use of lower temperatures compared to conventional linear paths.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fixing devices have large velocity difference between belt and paper, then paper transport is simple, but toner image disturbance occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The curved belt path sections are designed to gradually change the belt velocity, reducing sudden speed variations. The curved geometry allows for smoother acceleration and deceleration phases, minimizing velocity differences between the belt and paper during transport, thereby preventing toner image disturbance while maintaining simple paper transport mechanics.
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 solution provides consistent heat distribution and reduced velocity differences, enhancing toner image stability and lowering the fixing temperature, thus improving the fixing process efficiency and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a heating source provided on an inner side of the fixing belt
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a belt member having a substantially loop shape and an outer circumferential surface and moving along a belt moving path; a downstream side pressing member pressed against the outer circumferential surface and pressing a recording material transported along a recording material transporting path; and an upstream side pressing member disposed on an upstream side of the downstream side pressing member, pressed against the outer circumferential surface, and pressing the recording material, wherein in a contact portion where the outer circumferential surface and the downstream side pressing member are in contact, the belt moving path and the recording material transporting path are curved toward an inner side in a radial direction of the belt member, and wherein on an upstream side of the contact portion, the belt moving path and the recording material transporting path are curved toward a side opposite to the inner side.