Fixing Device Heat Belt Electrode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices with resistance heat belts experience premature peeling and short lifespan due to deformation of electrodes under pressure from rollers, leading to reduced image fixing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design featuring a heat belt with pressure-receiving and non-pressure areas, where ring-like electrodes are formed on the non-pressure areas to minimize external force and prevent deformation, ensuring stable power supply to the resistance heat layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrodes are formed on the resistance heat layer to supply power, then power can be supplied to heat the fixing belt, but the electrodes deform under pressure from rollers causing peeling and short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The belt structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: power supply areas with electrodes for electrical contact, and non-pressure areas without electrodes that avoid deformation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between power supply capability and structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the belt are given different properties: areas requiring electrical contact have electrodes formed on the resistance heat layer, while areas subjected to roller pressure exclude electrodes to prevent deformation and peeling. This local differentiation optimizes both power supply efficiency and lifespan by matching structure to function in each region.
2Productivity
If pressure is applied to the fixing belt to form a fixing nip, then image fixing effectiveness is improved, but electrode deformation and peeling occur reducing belt life
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into pressure-receiving areas where electrodes are excluded to allow uniform pressure application without deformation, and non-pressure areas where electrodes are present but not subjected to roller pressure. This segmentation enables effective image fixing in pressure zones while preserving electrode integrity in separate zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt structure acts as an intermediary that separates the functions of pressure application and electrical power supply into distinct spatial zones. By positioning electrodes outside the pressure-receiving areas, the belt mediates between the conflicting requirements of mechanical pressure for fixing and electrical contact for heating, allowing both functions to operate effectively without mutual interference.
3Reliability
If electrodes are positioned to receive power supply contact, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but contact pressure from rollers causes electrode deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The belt surface is segmented into areas with electrodes and areas without electrodes. The electrodes are positioned in non-pressure areas where they maintain electrical connectivity without being subjected to deforming roller pressure, while pressure-receiving areas are designed to exclude electrodes entirely, preventing deformation while maintaining overall system functionality.
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 extends the life of the fixing belt by preventing electrode peeling and maintaining high contact pressure, ensuring consistent heat and pressure for effective image fixing.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance heat layer 554b; two ring-like electrodes having been formed on circumferential surfaces of the respective two non-pressure areas and used to supply power to the resistance heat layer
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for thermally fixing an unfixed image onto a recording sheet by causing the sheet to pass through a fixing nip. The fixing device includes: heat belt formed in an endless shape and provided with a resistance heat layer; first pressure member provided inside a running path of the heat belt; and second pressure member pressing the first pressure member from over the running path to form the fixing nip. At least one of the first and second pressure members is rotating body. The heat belt has a pressure-receiving area and two non-pressure areas. The pressure-receiving area receives pressures from both the first and second pressure members. The non-pressure areas have been arranged at outside of the pressure-receiving area in an axis direction of the rotating body. Two ring-like electrodes have been formed on circumferential surfaces of the non-pressure areas and are used to supply power to the resistance heat layer.