Fixing Device Pipe Thermal Conductor Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with warm-up time, first print time, and faulty fixing due to heat distribution inefficiencies and mechanical stress on fixing devices, leading to suboptimal toner image quality and increased risk of device damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fixing device with an endless belt, a metal thermal conductor of pipe shape, and a heat source, where the metal thermal conductor is positioned inside the loop formed by the endless belt to enhance heat transfer and reduce mechanical stress, ensuring uniform heating and pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a conventional fixing device with a fixing belt is used, then the toner image can be fixed on the sheet, but the warm-up time is prolonged due to inefficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the heat source inside the loop formed by the endless belt, creating a nested configuration where the heating element is positioned within the belt structure. This nesting arrangement enables direct and efficient heat transfer from the heat source to the belt, significantly reducing warm-up time while improving energy utilization efficiency
2Productivity
If the fixing belt rotates at high speed to increase productivity, then more sheets can be processed, but heat is radiated at portions other than the nip causing faulty fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating heat generation at the nip region where it is most needed for fixing. The heat source positioned inside the belt loop ensures that heat is applied locally at the pressing point rather than being distributed throughout the entire belt, preventing unwanted heat radiation and maintaining fixing quality even at high speeds
3Reliability
If the endless belt is subjected to mechanical stress during operation, then the fixing function is maintained, but the risk of device damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the heat source as an intermediary element positioned inside the belt loop that serves multiple functions: it provides necessary heat for fixing while also acting as a structural support that helps distribute and reduce mechanical stress on the belt, thereby protecting the device from damage while maintaining reliable fixing function
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 reduces warm-up time, improves fixing efficiency, stabilizes temperature, and prevents mechanical damage, resulting in higher quality toner images and increased durability of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
a metal thermal conductor 2 having a pipe shape... The metal thermal conductor 2 and the endless belt 1 are heated. Therefore, the endless belt 1 and the metal thermal conductor 2 may be quickly heated, shortening a warm-up time period
Implementation Method 2
a pressing member pressing the metal thermal conductor 2 via the endless belt 1 to form a nip between the endless belt 1 and the pressing member... apply pressure and heat to the sheet bearing the toner image to fix the toner image on the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device for forming a toner image on a recording medium and a fixing device for fixing the toner image formed on the recording medium by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium. In the fixing device, an endless belt, having flexibility, moves to apply heat to the recording medium. A metal thermal conductor, having a pipe shape and provided inside a loop formed by the endless belt, guides the moving endless belt. A heat source heats the metal thermal conductor. A pressing member presses the metal thermal conductor via the endless belt to form a nip between the endless belt and the pressing member. At the nip, the endless belt and the pressing member nip the recording medium bearing the toner image to apply heat and pressure to the recording medium.