Fixing Device Nip Former Nonlinear Shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a uniform fixing nip and efficient heating due to the presence of fasteners and projections that restrict the irradiation range of the heater and complicate the shape of the nip forming pad, leading to reduced heating efficiency and increased warmup time.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, endless fixing rotator and pressure rotator with a nonlinearly shaped nip former and support, which eliminates the need for projections and allows the stay to be positioned closer to the pressure roller, increasing the heater's irradiation range and improving thermal equalization, thus enhancing heating efficiency and reducing warmup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener is used to secure the slide member to the nip forming pad, then the slide member is fixed in place, but the fastener occupies space inside the loop formed by the fixing belt, narrowing the irradiation range of the heater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener and projection from the nip forming pad structure. Instead of securing the slide member with a fastener that occupies space, the slide member is integrated directly onto the nip forming pad surface. This extraction of the fastener eliminates the space occupation issue and restores the full heater irradiation range while maintaining reliable fixation of the slide member through alternative means such as adhesive or mechanical integration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a projection is added to the nip forming pad or stay to prevent bending, then the fixing nip uniformity is improved, but the projection restricts the shape possibilities and occupies space narrowing heater irradiation range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the projection from the nip forming pad and stay structure. Instead of using a projection to prevent bending and maintain fixing nip uniformity, the invention employs an integrated slide member design that provides structural support and maintains nip uniformity without requiring protruding elements. This removal of the projection restores the full heater irradiation range while maintaining fixing nip uniformity through the redesigned structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the slide member with the nip forming pad structure. The slide member is integrated directly onto the nip forming pad, combining the functions of maintaining fixing nip uniformity and providing structural support in a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate projections or fasteners, thereby restoring the full heater irradiation range while maintaining functional performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stay is positioned farther from the pressure roller to prevent bending, then the fixing nip uniformity is improved, but the irradiation range of the heater is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stay function into the integrated slide member-nip forming pad structure. The slide member is directly integrated onto the nip forming pad, providing structural support and maintaining fixing nip uniformity without requiring a separate stay positioned away from the pressure roller. This integration allows the structure to be positioned optimally for heater irradiation while maintaining fixing nip uniformity through the combined structural integrity of the integrated design.
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 solution ensures a uniform fixing nip length and pressure across the entire width of the fixing belt, shortening warmup time, saving energy, and simplifying manufacturing processes by eliminating projections and reducing the number of parts, while maintaining efficient heat transfer and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A heater (e.g., a halogen heater) disposed inside a loop formed by the fixing belt
Implementation Method 2
the fixing belt and the pressure roller fix the toner image on the recording medium under heat and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator that is flexible, endless, and rotatable. A heater heats the fixing rotator. A pressure rotator is disposed opposite the fixing rotator. A nip former defines a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator. A support supports the nip former. The nip former includes a back face that contacts the support and has a nonlinear shape in a longitudinal direction of the nip former.