Fixing Device Reflector Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with overheating of the fixing belt and peripheral components due to inefficient heat distribution, leading to potential thermal degradation and breakage, especially when handling sheets of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed fixing device incorporates a reflector that directs heat radiated from halogen heaters towards the fixing belt, while positioning the sealing portions and belt holders outboard from the reflector's edge to prevent overheating of peripheral components, and uses a center conveyance system with a halogen heater configuration that adjusts heat generation based on sheet width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heater is positioned to maximize heat generation for fixing the toner image, then the fixing efficiency is improved, but the peripheral components (sealing portions, belt holders) are subjected to excessive heat causing thermal degradation and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different thermal environments for different regions of the fixing device. The reflector is designed to concentrate heat radiation onto the fixing belt while the sealing portions are positioned in regions with reduced heat exposure. This spatial differentiation of thermal conditions allows the fixing belt to receive sufficient heat for effective toner fixation while protecting peripheral components from thermal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element that controls the distribution of heat radiation from the heater. By strategically positioning the reflector between the heater and the sealing portions, it redirects heat away from vulnerable components while maintaining effective heating of the fixing belt, thus mediating the thermal interaction between the heat source and various device components.
2Manufacturing precision
If the heater generates sufficient heat to fix toner images on standard sheets, then the fixing quality is improved, but the heat distribution becomes inefficient when handling sheets of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector design creates localized heat concentration zones that can be optimized for different sheet sizes. By positioning the reflector to direct heat specifically onto the fixing belt and controlling the heat radiation pattern, the system maintains effective heating for standard sheets while reducing heat waste on larger areas for bigger sheets, thus improving adaptability across different sheet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the geometric parameters of the reflector and heater positioning to optimize heat distribution. The reflector's shape, size, and position are specifically designed to control the intensity and distribution of heat radiation, allowing the system to adapt heat delivery to match different sheet sizes while maintaining consistent fixing quality.
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 effectively heats the fixing belt while protecting peripheral components from excessive heat, reducing the risk of thermal degradation and ensuring consistent performance across different sheet sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generator, disposed inside the tube, to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
A reflector reflects heat radiated from the heater toward the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 3
a sealing portion, disposed at each lateral end of the tube in a longitudinal direction of the heater, to seal the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator being rotatable and a heater to heat the fixing rotator. The heater includes a tube, a heat generator, disposed inside the tube, to generate heat, and a sealing portion, disposed at each lateral end of the tube in a longitudinal direction of the heater, to seal the tube. A reflector reflects heat radiated from the heater toward the fixing rotator. The reflector includes an outboard edge being disposed inboard from at least a part of the sealing portion in an axial direction of the fixing rotator.