Induction Heating Fixing Belt Insulation for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image heating apparatuses using induction heating with a metal-layered fixing belt experience significant electromagnetic noise and radio wave interference due to the lack of electrical insulation between the belt and the roller, leading to potential lateral deviation and dislodgement issues.
Innovation Solution
An image heating apparatus featuring a belt member with an electroconductive layer for induction heating, combined with a guide member having an electroconductive portion that is electrically insulated from the belt member, utilizing magnetic flux generation and heat-shrinkable tubes to prevent current leakage and ensure reliable heat generation without electrical conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing belt with metal layer is stretched around the roller provided with metal-made belt regulation member, then the lateral deviation of the fixing belt can be regulated, but large electromagnetic noise, radio wave, and power supply ripple are caused due to electromotive force generated in the fixing belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating member as an intermediary substance between the metal-layered fixing belt and the metal-made belt regulation member. This insulating member prevents direct electrical contact while still allowing the regulation portion to guide and regulate the lateral position of the fixing belt, thus eliminating electromagnetic noise generation while maintaining lateral deviation regulation functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the contact surface of the fixing belt with the roller is not electrically insulated, then the induction heating can be effectively applied, but it is difficult to ensure electrical insulation distance and large electromagnetic noise occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the specific contact surfaces between the fixing belt and the roller electrically insulated, while other portions of the fixing belt maintain their metal layer properties for induction heating. The insulating member is selectively positioned at the contact interface with the belt regulation member, preserving induction heating efficiency while providing necessary electrical insulation locally.
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 reduces electromagnetic noise and ensures stable heat generation, preventing lateral deviation and dislodgement of the fixing belt while maintaining efficient heat transfer and temperature control, thereby improving the reliability of the image heating process.
Implementation Method 1
JP-A Hei 10-69208 has disclosed an image forming apparatus in which a fixing belt is heated by an induction heating (IH) method. In the image forming apparatus, a coil member is disposed opposite to an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt having a metal layer. The fixing belt is induction-heated to be kept at a predetermined temperature range by applying a high-frequency current to the coil member to generate magnetic flux so as to be exerted on the fixing belt.
Implementation Method 2
the fixing belt is heated by stretching the fixing belt around a heating roller provided with a heater at its central axis
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus 50 capable of reducing noise during a fixing operation using a fixing belt 1 having a metal layer includes the fixing belt 1 stretched between a fixation roller 2 and a fixation tension roller 3. The fixing apparatus 50 further includes a coil 4b which is disposed opposite from the fixation tension roller 3 via the fixing belt 1 and is supplied with an AC (600 V, 25 kHz at maximum) by an IH controller 10, so that the fixing belt 1 and the fixation tension roller 3 are simultaneously heated by induction heating. In the fixing apparatus 50, insulating belt flanges 25a and 25b are attached to the fixation tension roller 3 at both end portions of the fixation tension roller 3 to limit movement of the fixing belt 1 in a width direction of the fixing belt 1.