Fixing Device Heating Member Positioning for Uniform Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues where the circulating parts are heated by the heating part due to overlapping configurations, leading to temperature inconsistencies and potential creasing of the recording medium during the fixation process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device configuration where the heating member is positioned between the circulating parts in the width direction of the recording medium, with heat shielding members blocking radiated heat from the heating part, preventing the circulating parts from being heated and maintaining uniform temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heating part and circulating parts overlap in the width direction of the recording medium, then the circulating parts are heated by the heating part, but the temperature of the circulating parts increases causing skewing or creasing of the recording medium
Solution Approach 1:
The heating part is repositioned from an overlapping configuration in the width direction to a space between the circulating parts in the width direction. This spatial rearrangement in the width dimension eliminates direct thermal exposure of the circulating parts while preserving the heating function for the recording medium, thereby preventing temperature-induced skewing or creasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces heat shielding members as intermediary elements that block radiated heat from reaching the circulating parts. These shielding members act as a thermal barrier between the heating part and the circulating parts, allowing the heating function to continue while preventing unwanted heat transfer that would cause temperature increase and potential damage to the recording medium.
2Temperature
If the heating part is positioned to heat the recording medium, then the recording medium is heated effectively, but the circulating parts are also heated causing temperature inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is made localized and selective by positioning the heating part to heat only the recording medium while excluding the circulating parts. The heat shielding members create a localized thermal environment where the recording medium receives necessary heat treatment while the circulating parts remain at stable temperatures, achieving spatially differentiated thermal treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat shielding members serve as intermediary elements that selectively block heat radiation from reaching specific areas. These shields allow the heating part to effectively heat the recording medium while simultaneously protecting the circulating parts from heat exposure, thereby maintaining temperature uniformity across different components of the system.
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 prevents the circulating parts from being heated, ensuring consistent temperature and preventing skewing or creasing of the recording medium, thereby enhancing the quality of the output image by maintaining uniform heating and preventing uneven temperature distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an unfixed toner image is heat-fused by radiant heat
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a holding part that extends in a width direction of a recording medium being transported and that holds the recording medium; a pair of circulating parts that are attached to both ends of the holding part and that circulate to transport the recording medium; and a heating member that heats the recording medium in a non-contact manner and that is located in a space between the pair of circulating parts in the width direction.