Fixing Device Reflector for Uniform Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently fixing toner images on recording media due to variations in gloss and surface asperities, leading to suboptimal heat transfer and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a rotatable fixing belt and pressure roller, where a heater is positioned opposite the inner surface of the fixing belt, and a reflector is used to direct heat efficiently, while a support and heater holder improve the positional accuracy of the heater and reflector, enhancing heat absorption and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater is disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but positional variations cause uneven heating and gloss variations
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the heater and the fixing rotator. The reflector redirects heat rays that would otherwise be lost, directing them onto the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. This mediator ensures more uniform heat distribution and reduces gloss variations caused by positional inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameters of the heating system by adjusting the position and orientation of the reflector relative to the heater and fixing rotator. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the system achieves more consistent heat transfer efficiency while compensating for manufacturing tolerances in heater positioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a reflector is added to redirect heat rays, then heat distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is designed to serve multiple functions: it redirects heat rays to improve distribution uniformity, structurally supports the heater assembly, and helps define the thermal zone. By combining multiple functions into a single component, the invention improves heat uniformity while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the positional relation between heater and reflector is not precise, then manufacturing is easier, but heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector acts as a tolerant intermediary that can accommodate a range of heater positions while still effectively redirecting heat. Its geometric design allows it to maintain good heat transfer efficiency even when there are moderate variations in the positional relationship between the heater and reflector, thereby easing manufacturing requirements.
4Device complexity
If variations in gloss and surface asperities are not addressed, then device structure is simpler, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal field parameters through the reflector's design, creating a more uniform heat distribution pattern that compensates for surface asperities and gloss variations on the fixing rotator. This parameter optimization improves image quality without requiring complex surface treatment mechanisms.
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 ensures consistent and efficient heat transfer, improving the fixing process by reducing variations in gloss and enhancing image quality, while also optimizing energy usage and reducing the number of parts for precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 2
a reflector disposed opposite the heater to reflect light radiated from the heater onto the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a pressure rotator pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. A heater is disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator. A reflector is disposed opposite the heater to reflect light radiated from the heater onto the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. A support mounts the reflector. A heater holder is mounted on the support to hold the heater.