Fixing Belt Thermal Deformation via Localized Radiant Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices with thin, direct heating belts face issues of thermal deformation (kinking) due to uneven heating, and broad heating areas can inefficiently heat components other than the fixing belt, leading to reduced heating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a rotatable endless belt, a nip forming member, a support member, and a counter-rotation body that forms a nip with the belt, using a heat source for radiant heating except at the nip, with a reflective member to enhance heating efficiency and prevent kinking by controlling the direct heating area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a thin fixing belt with direct heating is used, then warm-up time is reduced and energy consumption is lowered, but thermal deformation (kinking) occurs due to uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different heating zones: a first heating zone with direct radiant heating from the heat source, and a second heating zone with indirect heating through the reflective member. This localized differentiation of heating methods prevents uniform overheating while ensuring the nip region reaches required temperature, thereby preventing kinking while maintaining fast warm-up capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the fixing belt. It redirects radiant heat to create a controlled second heating zone, mediating the heat distribution to prevent direct excessive heating in certain areas that causes kinking, while still achieving efficient overall heating.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a broad heating area is used to heat the fixing belt, then heating efficiency decreases due to heating of components other than the belt, but kinking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating area is segmented into distinct zones: a first heating zone with direct radiant heating and a second heating zone with indirect reflective heating. This segmentation allows precise control over which areas receive heat, ensuring efficient energy use by directing heat only where needed while maintaining belt uniformity through the distributed heating approach.
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
This configuration improves energy efficiency, reduces kinking, and maintains high fixing performance by optimizing the heating area of the fixing belt, allowing for faster warm-up times and efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source configured to heat the belt directly by a radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
with a reflective member to enhance heating efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device that fixes an image on a recording medium includes a rotatable endless belt, deployed in a loop supported by rollers, a nip forming member provided inside the loop formed by the belt, a support member that supports the nip forming member, a counter rotation body disposed outside the loop formed by the belt and configured to form a nip with the belt by being in contact with the nip forming member through the belt, and a heat source configured to heat the belt directly by a radiant heat except at the nip. The support member includes a base portion that contacts the nip forming member and two arms extending from the base portion in a direction away from the nip forming member to partially surround a part of heat generating portion of the heat source.