Fixing Belt Gap Control for Induction Heating Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixing devices using induction heating face issues with durability due to thermal degradation of silicone sponges in the fixing roller, leading to reduced outer diameter, increased vibration, and potential damage from contact with the coil bobbin, which also reduces heat generation efficiency when attempting to mitigate these issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fixing belt movement restricting member to maintain a prescribed gap between the fixing belt and the coil bobbin, preventing contact and reducing vibration while maintaining heat generation efficiency through a specific configuration of the fixing device components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between the fixing belt and the coil bobbin surface is increased to prevent contact and damage, then the reliability of the fixing belt is improved, but the heat generation efficiency in induction heating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coil bobbin surface is segmented into different functional zones: a paper-passage region where the fixing belt rotates closely for efficient induction heating, and non-paper-passage regions where the fixing belt is restricted from contact. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of heat generation efficiency and belt durability in different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the coil bobbin are given different functional qualities: the paper-passage region maintains a small gap for high magnetic coupling and efficient heating, while the non-paper-passage regions are designed with larger gaps or protective structures to prevent belt contact and damage. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between efficiency and durability.
2Stress or pressure
If the fixing roller is pressed by the pressing roller with reduced silicone sponge hardness, then the fixing pressure is improved, but the fixing belt becomes oval and vibration increases causing contact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing belt movement restricting member is installed in advance to prevent the fixing belt from making contact with the coil bobbin surface. This preliminary protective measure counteracts the harmful effect of belt vibration and contact before it can occur, allowing the pressing roller to maintain optimal pressure without causing oval deformation and vibration issues.
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 effectively prevents damage to the fixing belt, enhances durability, and maintains heat generation efficiency, ensuring stable image quality and extended lifespan without increasing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing belt being driven to rotate and having a heat generation layer generating heat by induction heating
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic flux generator including a coil for generating a magnetic flux to be passed through the heat generation layer of the fixing belt
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device and an image forming apparatus include, in a fixing nip region, a paper-passage region allowing paper to pass through and a non-paper-passage region located at opposite ends of the paper-passage region and not allowing paper to pass through. The non-paper-passage region is provided with a fixing belt movement restricting member arranged at a prescribed distance away from the fixing belt. Even when the fixing belt comes into abutment with the fixing belt movement restricting member, a prescribed gap is formed between the fixing belt and a surface of the holding member that is opposed to the fixing belt, in the paper-passage region.