Fixing Device Partition Member Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing heat loss and improving energy efficiency, as previous thermal insulation and shielding methods either slow down temperature rise or have decreasing heat loss effects over time.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design featuring a partition member with a thermal insulation member, where the insulation is strategically positioned to minimize heat convection and radiation, using materials with varying thermal conductivities and a specific gap structure to maintain heat retention while allowing convection currents, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a thermal insulation member is made to slide in contact with the hot roller to inhibit heat leakage, then heat loss is reduced, but the time taken to raise the temperature of the hot roller increases
Solution Approach 1:
An air layer is introduced as an intermediary between the thermal insulation member and the hot roller. This air layer acts as a thermal barrier that reduces heat loss while having minimal thermal mass compared to direct contact, thus not significantly delaying temperature rise. The air layer allows the insulation member to shield heat effectively without the thermal inertia penalty of direct material contact.
2Loss of energy
If a shielding cover with air-containing layer is used to prevent heat leakage, then heat loss is reduced initially, but the heat loss reducing effect decreases with time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible air layer configuration that can adapt to the hot roller's thermal expansion and maintain effective shielding over time. The air layer, being compressible and adaptable, sustains its insulating properties longer than rigid structures that may crack or lose contact, thereby extending the duration of heat loss reduction effect.
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation material layers with different thermal conductivities are stacked, then heat retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal conductivity materials at specific locations where heat loss is most critical. Rather than uniformly insulating the entire hot roller surface, high-performance insulation materials are strategically placed in areas with greatest heat dissipation, while simpler insulation is used elsewhere. This localized approach achieves effective heat retention with minimal structural complexity.
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 effectively reduces heat loss and power consumption by maintaining temperature retention around the rotation members, shortening heat-up times and improving energy efficiency in image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulation member... provided with a thermal insulation member thereon... separated from the rotation member by a prescribed distance
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device in an image forming apparatus includes a partition member providing a partition between a pressure roller and a housing. The partition member is disposed against the pressure roller along a rotation-axis direction X of the pressure roller. The partition member has a first side face against the pressure roller. The first side face is provided with a thermal insulation member thereon. The thermal insulation member is separated from the pressure roller by a prescribed distance.