Fixing Heater Structure for Lubricant Fine Particle Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of fine particles from lubricants used in fixing devices of image forming apparatuses, particularly due to high temperatures, poses a challenge in achieving environmental certification standards like the Blue Angel Mark, as they exceed the permissible limits set by particle measurement apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating shields between the heater and belt holder to reduce the temperature rise of the lubricant-adhering areas, thereby minimizing the generation of fine particles by controlling the temperature of the lubricant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If lubricant is used to reduce sliding resistance between rotating body and belt holder, then sliding resistance is reduced, but fine particles are generated due to high temperature heating
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling member is introduced as an intermediary between the heater and the belt holder. This cooling member mediates the thermal interaction by absorbing excess heat from the heater before it reaches the lubricant on the belt holder, thereby preventing fine particle generation while preserving the lubricant's sliding resistance reduction function
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter of the lubricant is controlled by introducing the cooling member. By changing the thermal state from high temperature (causing fine particles) to controlled temperature (preventing fine particles), the solution resolves the contradiction while maintaining the lubricant's functional properties
2Manufacturing precision
If heater temperature is increased to improve image fixing, then image fixing quality is improved, but fine particles are generated from heated lubricant
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a heater for providing necessary heat to the recording medium, and a separate cooling member positioned to protect the belt holder area. This segmentation allows the heater to operate at high temperature for quality image fixing while the cooling member prevents fine particle generation from lubricant heating
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling member acts as a thermal intermediary that decouples the heater's high temperature operation from the lubricant. It allows the heater to maintain high temperature for image fixing quality while preventing that heat from reaching the lubricant and generating fine particles
3Object-generated harmful factors
If cooling member is added to suppress fine particles, then fine particle generation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling member is designed to perform multiple functions: it cools the belt holder area to prevent fine particle generation, maintains structural support for the belt, and can be integrated with existing device components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device 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
Effectively suppresses the generation of fine particles, aligning with environmental certification standards by reducing the number of fine particles emitted from the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling member that cools the belt holder
Implementation Method 2
a heater that heats the recording medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A heating device (20) includes a rotating body (21), a heating source (23), a rotating body holder (27), and a lubricant of liquid or semi-solid. The heating source (23) heats the rotating body (21). The rotating body holder (27) holds both longitudinal ends of the rotating body (21) rotatably. The lubricant of liquid or semi-solid adheres to the rotating body holder (27). A temperature of the rotating body holder (27) is lower than a generation temperature of fine particles of the lubricant.