Fixing Device Heat Insulating Member for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heat fixing systems for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, energy is wasted as heat is transferred to the pad member and support member, which have high heat capacity, due to their structural materials and designs, leading to inefficiencies in fixing toner images onto recording materials.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device configuration that includes a heat insulating member with lower thermal conductivity than the pad member, interposed between the sliding contact member and the support member, to minimize heat transfer from the fixing belt to these components, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the fixing belt is heated to fix toner images, then the fixing function is achieved, but heat is transferred to the pad member and support member causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
A heat insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the sliding contact member and the support member. This heat insulating member has lower thermal conductivity than the pad member, thereby blocking the heat transfer path from the heated fixing belt to the support member and pad member, reducing energy waste while maintaining the fixing function.
2Ease of operation
If the sliding contact member is disposed between the fixing belt and pad member, then friction is reduced and the fixing belt rotates smoothly, but heat is transferred to the pad member and support member
Solution Approach 1:
The heat insulating member is positioned between the sliding contact member and the support member, serving as a thermal barrier. This allows the sliding contact member to continue reducing friction for smooth rotation while the heat insulating member prevents the generated heat from transferring to the pad member and support member, thus resolving the energy loss issue.
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 effectively prevents heat transfer to the pad and support members, enhancing energy efficiency and achieving further energy savings in the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a heat insulating member having thermal conductivity lower than thermal conductivity of the pad member is interposed in at least one of a plurality of interfaces located between the sliding contact member in a portion in which the sliding contact member slides on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and the support member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes an endless fixing belt, a pad member disposed to be opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, a sliding contact member disposed between the fixing belt and the pad member to slide on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, and a support member supporting the pad member. A heat insulating member having thermal conductivity lower than thermal conductivity of the pad member is interposed in at least one of a plurality of interfaces located between the sliding contact member in a portion in which the sliding contact member slides on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and the support member.