Fixing Device Intermediate Member Toner Dust Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for toner images on recording media face increased energy consumption and production costs due to reduced heat reflecting efficiency caused by toner and paper dust adherence on heat reflecting plates, and the added complexity of cleaners does not effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heating unit, pressing unit, and a casing that includes a first heat reflecting unit and an intermediate member between the heating unit and the heat reflecting unit, which prevents toner and paper dust from adhering to the heat reflecting plate, maintaining heat reflecting efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a heat reflecting plate is provided between the resin housing and the heating roller to reduce energy consumption, then energy required to heat the heating roller is reduced, but toner and paper dust adhere to the heat reflecting plate reducing heat reflecting efficiency over time
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaner member is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat reflecting plate and the heating roller. This cleaner member periodically contacts the heat reflecting plate to remove accumulated toner and paper dust, thereby maintaining the plate's heat reflecting efficiency without requiring structural changes to the heating system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner member is configured to automatically clean the heat reflecting plate during the operation of the fixing device. By integrating the cleaning function into the existing operational cycle, the system maintains its own performance without requiring external intervention or additional complex maintenance mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a cleaner is provided in the fixing device to clean the heat reflecting plate, then heat reflecting efficiency is maintained, but the complicated structure increases the cost of the fixing device
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing operational components of the fixing device. The cleaner member utilizes the rotational motion and operational cycle of the heating roller, combining the heating and cleaning functions into a coordinated system rather than adding completely separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner member serves multiple purposes: it cleans the heat reflecting plate, maintains heat reflecting efficiency, and can be integrated with the existing transport and heating mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a cleaner is provided to prevent reduction of durability of the heating roller, then durability is maintained, but the complicated structure increases the cost of the fixing device
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner member acts as a protective intermediary that removes harmful substances (toner and paper dust) from the heat reflecting plate before they can transfer to and damage the heating roller, thereby extending the roller's durability through a simple additive component.
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 intermediate member effectively maintains heat reflecting efficiency, reducing energy required to heat the heating roller and keeping production costs low by preventing adhesion and ensuring efficient heat retention, thus lowering power consumption and maintaining surface temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
heat radiated from a heating roller is returned to the heating roller by a heat reflecting plate
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate member provided between the heating unit and the first heat reflecting unit
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device fixes a toner image on a recording medium. In the fixing device, a heating unit heats a recording medium. A pressing unit presses a recording medium in pressure contact with the heating unit. The heating unit and the pressing unit are accommodated in a casing. A heat reflecting unit is provided between the heating unit and the casing. An intermediate member is provided between the heating unit and the heat reflecting unit.