Fixing Device Recessed Sliding Plate Film Abrasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses with low heat capacity suffer from abrasion of the inner film surface due to strong sliding against the curvature portion of the sliding plate, leading to reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a cylindrical film and a sliding plate that includes a curvature portion with a recessed region on its outer side relative to the film's inner surface, preventing direct contact and abrasion by positioning the film's end portions outside the elastic layer of the pressure roller, thus reducing friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the film longitudinal end portion extends to the outer side of the roller longitudinal end portion, then the film can be effectively heated in the nip portion, but the inner side of the film strongly slides against the curvature portion of the sliding plate causing abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed region acts as an intermediary space that separates the film from the curvature portion of the sliding plate. By creating this recessed region on the outer side of the curvature portion, the film's longitudinal end portion is positioned to extend beyond the roller's longitudinal end portion (enabling effective heating) while the recessed region prevents direct contact between the film and the curvature portion (reducing abrasion). The recessed region thus mediates between the heating requirement and the durability concern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dimensional change by creating a recessed region in the sliding plate structure. This recess modifies the spatial relationship between the film and the sliding plate curvature portion, allowing the film to extend beyond the roller end while preventing strong sliding contact. The recessed region changes the geometry from a flat surface to a stepped configuration, enabling both effective heating and reduced abrasion simultaneously.
2Temperature
If the curvature portion is provided to preheat the film, then the film can be effectively heated before entering the nip portion, but the film is liable to be abraded due to strong sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed region serves as a mediator that allows the curvature portion to perform its preheating function while preventing the harmful sliding action. The recessed region is positioned on the outer side of the curvature portion, creating a spatial separation that enables thermal contact without mechanical abrasion. This intermediary structure preserves the beneficial preheating effect while eliminating the detrimental abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating a recessed region at a specific location (outer side of the curvature portion) rather than modifying the entire sliding plate. This localized structural change allows the curvature portion to maintain its preheating function in the inner region while the recessed region on the outer side prevents abrasion. The local modification optimizes both heating and durability without compromising overall system 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
The recessed region in the sliding plate reduces abrasion of the film's inner surface, enhancing the device's longevity and operational efficiency by minimizing contact pressure and friction.
Implementation Method 1
a heater that heats the sliding plate with radiation heat
Implementation Method 2
a roller that forms a nip portion with the sliding plate via the film, the roller including a metal core and an elastic layer formed outside the metal core
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a cylindrical film, a sliding plate contacting an inner surface of the film, the sliding plate, and a roller forming a nip portion with the sliding plate via the film, the roller including an elastic layer, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the film. The film and the sliding plate have respective longitudinal end portions positioned on an outer side of a longitudinal end portion of the elastic layer. The sliding plate includes a curvature portion curved along a circumferential direction of an inner surface of the film on an upstream side of the nip portion in a recording medium conveyance direction, and the curvature portion includes a recessed region in which a longitudinal end portion of the curvature portion is recessed from the inner surface of the film relative to a longitudinal middle portion of the curvature portion.