Fixing Device Inhibitory Member Air Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for image forming apparatuses suffer from insufficient heat retention due to heat loss through air flow between the thermal roller and reflector, limiting their ability to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a reflective member with an inhibitory member to prevent air flow from escaping between the reflective member and the rotating heating unit, along with a configuration that includes a halogen heater, a fixing belt, and a pressure roller, which together enhance heat retention by minimizing heat loss through strategic design and placement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a reflector is provided to reflect radiation heat back toward the thermal roller, then heat loss is reduced, but heated air flows out of the space between the thermal roller and reflector due to air flow generated by rotation, resulting in insufficient heat retention
Solution Approach 1:
An inhibitory member is introduced as an intermediary element between the reflector and the thermal roller. This member specifically blocks the air flow path that carries heated air outward, while maintaining the reflector's heat reflection function. The inhibitory member acts as a mediator that separates the heat reflection function from the air flow control function, allowing both to work effectively together.
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibitory member is positioned at a specific location where air flow escapes most significantly. Rather than attempting to control the entire space between the reflector and thermal roller uniformly, the solution applies a localized barrier at the critical escape point, optimizing heat retention where it is most needed while minimizing interference with the overall air flow dynamics.
2Productivity
If the thermal roller rotates to advance the printing medium, then image fixing progresses, but air flow is generated that carries heated air outward, reducing thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the reflector and thermal roller is effectively segmented by the inhibitory member, which divides the continuous air flow path into separate zones. This segmentation allows the thermal roller to rotate freely for productivity while the inhibitory member creates a contained thermal zone that prevents heated air from escaping, thus resolving the conflict between throughput and thermal efficiency.
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 significantly reduces heat loss by retaining warmed air and maintaining high temperatures within the device, allowing for more efficient image fixing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit; a first rotating member being heated by the heating unit
Implementation Method 2
The reflector partially surrounds the thermal roller in order to reflect radiation heat of the thermal roller back toward the thermal roller
Implementation Method 3
reflect radiation heat of the thermal roller back toward the thermal roller
Implementation Method 4
heated air between the thermal roller and the reflector flows out of the space between the thermal roller and the reflector because of an air flow generated by the rotation of the thermal roller
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device having: a heating unit; a first rotating member and rotating in a first rotational direction; a second rotating member contacting the first rotating member and thereby forming a nip through which a printing medium passes, wherein the second rotating member rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction; a reflective member provided around the first rotating member and having a reflection surface provided so as to face the first rotating member; and an inhibitory member inhibiting air in a space between the reflective member and the first rotating member from flowing out through a first gap between a downstream end of the reflective member in the first rotational direction and a closest portion of the first rotating member to the downstream end of the reflective member, wherein the inhibitory member overlaps with a part of the first gap.