Fixing Device Pad Heat Transfer Plate Gap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming devices suffer from non-uniform fixing pressure and increased power consumption due to unnecessary heat loss from the pad heat transfer plate to the fixing pad, affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a pad member having protrusions that contact the heat transfer member, forming gaps between them, reducing heat transfer and maintaining image quality, and incorporating a sliding member to minimize friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing pad is formed to press against the sliding sheet, then the fixing structure is established, but the fixing pressure becomes non-uniform and image quality is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing pad is divided into multiple independent pressing portions that press against different regions of the sliding sheet. This segmentation allows each portion to apply pressure independently, ensuring uniform distribution of fixing pressure across the entire width of the belt, thereby preventing image quality degradation while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fixing pad are designed with different pressing characteristics. The pressing portions are strategically positioned and sized to apply localized pressure where needed, creating non-uniform local pressure distribution that results in overall uniform fixing pressure across the belt width, solving the contradiction between structural integrity and pressure uniformity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heater lamp is in close contact with the pad heat transfer plate, then heat transfer is efficient, but unnecessary heat is lost to the fixing pad and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet is introduced as an intermediary layer between the pad heat transfer plate and the fixing pad. This intermediary prevents direct thermal contact between the heat transfer plate and the fixing pad, thereby blocking the unwanted heat loss path to the fixing pad while still allowing the heat transfer plate to efficiently transfer heat to the belt through the sliding sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal contact paths are segmented by introducing the sliding sheet as a thermal barrier. The heat transfer is divided into controlled paths: one path through the sliding sheet to the belt (useful heat transfer) and another path blocked by the sliding sheet to the fixing pad (unwanted heat loss), thereby improving energy efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fixing pad presses uniformly against the sliding sheet, then fixing pressure is uniform, but heat loss to the fixing pad increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing pad is segmented into multiple pressing portions that contact the sliding sheet at discrete locations. This segmentation creates thermal barriers between the heat transfer plate and the fixing pad, reducing heat loss while maintaining uniform pressure distribution through the combined effect of multiple pressing points.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sheet serves as a dual-function intermediary: it transmits mechanical pressure uniformly from the fixing pad to the belt while simultaneously acting as a thermal barrier to prevent heat loss from the heat transfer plate to the fixing pad, thereby resolving the contradiction between pressure uniformity and heat loss reduction.
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 suppresses and adjusts heat transfer from the pad heat transfer plate to the fixing pad, reducing power consumption without affecting image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding member (sliding sheet) provided between the pad member and the heating rotator, which reduces a frictional force with the heating rotator
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer member (pad heat transfer plate) provided between the sliding member and the pad member, which adjusts a heat transfer in a longitudinal direction of the heating rotator
Implementation Method 3
a heating rotator (fixing belt) that is heated by a heat source
Data Source
AI summary
The fixing device includes: a fixing belt that is heated by a heater lamp; a pressure roller that makes contact with the fixing belt; a fixing pad that sandwiches the fixing belt from the inner side of the fixing belt and is arranged opposing the pressure roller, and which forms a nip portion between the fixing belt and the pressure roller; a sliding sheet provided between the fixing pad and the fixing belt, which reduces the frictional force with the fixing belt; and a pad heat transfer plate provided between the sliding sheet and the fixing pad, which adjusts the heat transfer in a longitudinal direction of the fixing belt. The fixing pad has protrusions and that make contact with the pad heat transfer plate, and forms a gap between the fixing pad and the pad heat transfer plate in a location where the protrusions and are not making contact.