Fixing Device Thermal Insulation Gap for Heat Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing fixing devices, heat escapes through the stay, leading to inefficient heating of the nip member, which affects the heat-fixing process of toner images on recording sheets.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device is designed with a flexible cylindrical member, a nip member, a heating member, a stay, a backup member, and a cover member with a thermal insulating gap between the stay and the cover member, along with a spacer member and a reflection member to enhance heat retention and distribution, using a halogen lamp for heating and resin or metal components for improved thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stay is used to support the nip member, then the nip member is supported and positioned, but heat escapes through the stay leading to inefficient heating
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulation member (cover member) is introduced as an intermediary between the stay and the heating zone. This cover member surrounds the stay and creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat escape through the stay while still allowing the stay to perform its support function. The insulation member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between structural support and heat retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is designed as a flexible insulating shell that surrounds the stay. This thin-walled insulating structure effectively blocks heat transfer through the stay while maintaining the mechanical support function. The flexible nature of the cover member allows it to conform to the stay geometry and accommodate thermal expansion.
2Temperature
If the heating member is placed inside the cylindrical member, then the nip portion can be heated, but heat escapes through gaps causing inefficient heating
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible insulating cover member is used to surround the stay and seal gaps between components. This flexible shell structure prevents heat escape through gaps while allowing for thermal expansion and maintaining the mechanical assembly. The cover member creates a sealed environment that retains heat within the heating zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device employs composite material construction, combining the stay (structural support material) with the cover member (thermal insulation material). This composite structure integrates both mechanical support and thermal insulation functions, preventing heat loss through the stay while maintaining structural integrity.
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 device efficiently heats the nip member, ensuring effective heat-fixing of toner images by minimizing heat loss and maintaining consistent temperature, thus enhancing the quality and reliability of the image-fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member that is arranged at an inside of the cylindrical member and is configured to heat the nip member
Implementation Method 2
a cover member that is arranged at the inside of the cylindrical member and is configured to cover the stay from an opposite side to the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device configured to heat-fix a developer image on a recording sheet, the fixing device includes: a flexible cylindrical member; a nip member configured to slidingly contact an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member; a heating member that is arranged at an inside of the cylindrical member and is configured to heat the nip member; a stay configured to support the nip member with surrounding the heating member; a backup member configured to interpose the cylindrical member between the nip member and the backup member; a cover member that is arranged at the inside of the cylindrical member and is configured to cover the stay from an opposite side to the heating member; and a first support member configured to support the cover member and form a gap between the stay and the cover member.