Fixing Device Nip Member Heat Transfer Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for image formation on sheet-like recording media face challenges in reducing electric power consumption and shortening warm-up time while maintaining effective fixing strength and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device configuration featuring an endless fixing belt, a facing member, and a nip member with a heat transfer member and a heat insulating member, where the heat transfer member is positioned to concentrate heat transfer to a narrow area within the nip portion, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and fixing strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat is applied to the entire nip portion, then the recording medium is heated uniformly, but the electric power consumption increases and warm-up time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the heat transfer member only at the upstream side of the nip portion where heat is most needed. This localized heating approach concentrates thermal energy where the recording medium and developer require intensive heating, rather than heating the entire nip portion uniformly. The heat insulating member further isolates this localized heat source to prevent unnecessary heat diffusion to other areas, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective fixing temperature at the critical zone.
2Temperature
If heat is applied to the entire nip portion, then the fixing area is covered, but the warm-up time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer member is strategically positioned at the upstream side of the nip portion to concentrate heating efforts where they are most needed for rapid temperature rise. This localized approach allows the system to reach operating temperature faster by focusing thermal energy on the critical heating zone rather than distributing it across the entire nip portion. The heat insulating member prevents heat loss to surrounding areas, further accelerating the warm-up process.
3Productivity
If heat is concentrated in a narrow area, then fixing efficiency is improved, but the heat transfer to recording medium may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer member acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the recording medium. It is positioned in direct contact with the upstream side of the nip portion where the recording medium first enters the heating zone. This intermediary component efficiently conducts and transfers concentrated heat from the localized source to the recording medium and developer at the critical point where heating is most needed, ensuring effective heat transfer despite the narrow heating area.
4Productivity
If the heat transfer member is positioned at the upstream side of the nip portion, then intensive heating is achieved, but the heat distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer member positioned at the upstream side performs preliminary heating of the recording medium and developer before they traverse through the rest of the nip portion. This preliminary action pre-heats the materials to a temperature sufficient for effective fixing, allowing the downstream areas to maintain heat without requiring additional heating sources. The heat insulating member prevents heat loss during this process, ensuring that the intensive heating at the upstream side translates to effective fixing throughout the nip portion.
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 allows for intensive heating of the developer on the recording medium, achieving good fixing strength and efficiency while reducing electric power consumption and shortening warm-up time, while minimizing hot offset and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer member is provided at a position corresponding to a portion of the nip portion when seen from a side view to transfer heat from the heat source device to the nip portion
Implementation Method 2
The heat insulating member is a portion of the nip member except for the heat transfer member, and is made of a material having thermal conductivity lower than that of the heat transfer member
Implementation Method 3
there is known a fixing device employing, as a hearting side member, an endless fixing belt having a heater in order to reduce an electric power and shorten a warm-up time
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device may include an endless fixing belt, a facing member facing an outer surface of the fixing belt, a nip member configured to contact an inner surface of the fixing belt to form a nip portion where the fixing belt and the facing member are in contact with each other, and a heat source device configured to heat the nip portion inside the fixing belt. The nip member includes a heat transfer member which is provided at a position corresponding to a portion of the nip portion when seen from a side view, and a heat insulating member which is a portion of the nip member except for the heat transfer member, and is made of a material having thermal conductivity lower than that of the heat transfer member.