Fixing Device Heat-Control Plate Curie Point Temperature Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fixing devices based on electromagnetic induction heating, the heat capacity of the fixing belt is reduced to minimize warm-up time, leading to thermal destruction and deterioration of surrounding components due to uneven temperature distribution, particularly in non-sheet conveyance regions.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heat-control plate having a magnetic shunt alloy layer that loses magnetism at a temperature higher than the fixing temperature, supported by a unique structure that prevents direct contact with the support member at the central region facing the magnetic flux generator, allowing for self-adjusting temperature control and reduced heat transfer to the device housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the heat capacity of the fixing belt is reduced to minimize warm-up time, then the warm-up period is shortened, but the temperature distribution becomes uneven causing thermal destruction in non-sheet conveyance regions
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-control plate is divided into a magnetic shunt alloy layer and a non-magnetic layer, with each layer serving distinct functions. The magnetic shunt alloy layer selectively channels magnetic flux to control heating in specific regions, while the non-magnetic layer provides structural support and thermal management, enabling localized temperature control to prevent thermal destruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-control plate acts as an intermediary between the magnetic flux generator and the fixing belt. It selectively channels magnetic flux to the fixing belt in sheet conveyance regions while preventing excessive heating in non-sheet conveyance regions, thus mediating the thermal energy distribution to avoid thermal destruction.
2Strength
If the thickness of the heat-control plate is increased to prevent deformation under load, then the structural strength is improved, but the heat capacity increases reducing the temperature rise rate of the fixing belt
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-control plate uses a composite structure combining a magnetic shunt alloy layer and a non-magnetic layer. This composite design provides the necessary structural strength to prevent deformation under load while maintaining low heat capacity, as the non-magnetic layer can be optimized for mechanical properties without adding excessive thermal mass that would reduce the fixing belt's temperature rise rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the heat-control plate have different properties: the magnetic shunt alloy layer provides magnetic flux channeling capabilities, while the non-magnetic layer provides structural support. This local differentiation allows the plate to be thin enough to maintain low heat capacity while still having sufficient strength where needed.
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 solution effectively manages temperature distribution, preventing excessive heating in non-sheet conveyance regions and maintaining efficient temperature rise in the sheet conveyance region, thus reducing thermal damage and improving the fixing device's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic shunt alloy layer that loses magnetism upon exceeding a predetermined temperature higher than a fixing temperature
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic flux generator provided outside of a running path of the belt and generating magnetic flux to cause the induction heating layer to heat
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device that fixes an unfixed image on a sheet by heat and pressure, including an endless belt, a magnetic flux generator provided outside the running path of the belt and generating magnetic flux to cause an induction heating layer in the belt to heat, a heat-control plate provided inside the running path and including a magnetic shunt alloy layer that loses magnetism upon exceeding a predetermined temperature, and a support member supporting the heat-control plate. The heat-control plate includes a first region facing the magnetic flux generator with the belt therebetween and second regions extending continuously in a circumferential direction of the belt from opposite edges of the first region. Inside the running path, the support member is in contact with the heat-control plate at the second regions and not at the first region so as to support the heat-control plate at the second regions.