Fixing Belt Heat Equalizing Structure for Uniform Fusing Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image heating devices experience uneven temperature distribution due to thermal expansion of the heat conduction member, leading to improper heating of toner on recording materials and resulting in image defects.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a cylindrical fixing belt, a pressure member, a heater, a heat equalizing member, and a positioning structure, where the heat equalizing member absorbs heat from the heater and transfers it uniformly along the axial direction, supported by a support member and positioned by a positioning structure to prevent thermal expansion and maintain temperature uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat conduction member is used to conduct heat from the heating member, then heat transmission efficiency is improved, but thermal expansion causes the heat conduction member to shift position and creates uneven temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heat conduction member by introducing a through-hole structure that reduces material density and thermal mass. This modification allows the member to conduct heat effectively while minimizing thermal expansion effects, thereby maintaining position stability and temperature distribution uniformity during the heating process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly addresses thermal expansion by designing the heat conduction member with a through-hole structure that compensates for expansion forces. The reduced material volume and strategic hole placement allow the structure to accommodate thermal expansion without significant position shifts, preventing the heat conduction member from moving relative to the heating member and maintaining uniform temperature distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heat conduction member is constrained to prevent movement, then position stability is improved, but thermal expansion stress increases and may cause deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the structural parameters of the heat conduction member by introducing through-holes that reduce material density and thermal mass. This design allows the member to accommodate thermal expansion with reduced internal stress, maintaining both position stability and structural integrity without requiring additional constraint mechanisms that would increase stress
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 ensures uniform temperature distribution across the fixing belt, preventing excessive temperature rise and image defects by effectively heating the toner on the medium.
Implementation Method 1
The heat equalizing member extends in the axial direction so as to be less than or equal to a dimension of the heater in the axial direction, comes into contact with one surface of the heater on an opposite side to the fixing belt, absorbs heat emitted from the heater and moves it in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
the heat conduction member thermally expands (extends) mainly to the other side in the longitudinal direction which is opposite to the regulating part. Then, the heat conduction member moves (shifts) to the other side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the heating member
Implementation Method 3
The positioning structure includes a positioning hole, a positioning recess, and a positioning member. The positioning member is fitted into a positioning space formed by the positioning hole and the positioning recess while in contact with one surface of the heater
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixing device (7) includes a fixing belt (20), a pressure member (21), a heater (22), a heat equalizing member (23), a support member (26), and a positioning structure (40). The support member (26) comes into contact with one surface of the heat equalizing member (23) on an opposite side to the heater (22), and supports the heat equalizing member (23). The positioning structure (40) positions the heat equalizing member (23) with respect to the support member (26). The positioning structure (40) includes a positioning hole (41), a positioning recess (42), and a positioning member (43, 45). The positioning member (43, 45) is fitted into a positioning space formed by the positioning hole (41) and the positioning recess (43) while in contact with one surface of the heater (22).