Fixing Device Reflector Structure for Uniform Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with temperature unevenness and excessive heat absorption by components, leading to reduced productivity and safety concerns due to high temperatures and generation of fine particles from lubricants.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design featuring a reflector with an extending portion that reflects heat towards the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member, while maintaining non-contact with other components, and utilizing a heat equalizing member made of graphene or graphite to enhance thermal conductivity and reduce temperature unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional reflecting member is used in the fixing device, then heat reflection function is provided, but temperature unevenness occurs and excessive heat is absorbed by components
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting member is divided into distinct functional portions: a reflecting portion for heat reflection, a pressure receiving portion for receiving pressing force, and an extending portion that extends downstream. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, preventing excessive heat absorption by other components while maintaining temperature uniformity across the fixing member.
Solution Approach 2:
The extending portion acts as an intermediary element that extends from the pressure receiving portion downstream along the fixing member. This intermediary structure facilitates controlled heat distribution and prevents direct contact between the reflecting member and other hot components, thereby avoiding excessive heat absorption while maintaining effective heat reflection.
2Reliability
If the reflecting member contacts other members inside the loop, then structural support is provided, but fine particles are generated from lubricants due to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting member is designed to be extracted from direct contact with other members inside the loop. The reflecting portion, pressure receiving portion, and extending portion are configured to perform their functions without contacting other components, thereby eliminating the source of fine particle generation from lubricant degradation while maintaining structural stability through the distributed contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting member creates a virtual support structure through its extended portions that mimic the function of physical contacts without actually contacting other members. This allows the system to maintain structural stability through geometric configuration rather than physical contact, preventing lubricant degradation and fine particle generation.
3Productivity
If the heat source intensity is increased to improve productivity, then fixing speed increases, but temperature unevenness and safety issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting member is designed with different portions having different functions: the reflecting portion intensifies heat reflection to improve productivity, while the extending portion distributes heat downstream to prevent local overheating. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve high fixing speed while maintaining temperature control and preventing safety issues.
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 solution effectively maintains consistent temperature across the fixing member, prevents excessive heat absorption, reduces fine particle generation, and enhances productivity by optimizing heat utilization and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The reflecting portion reflects heat, which is radiated from the heat source to at least a portion of the fixing member, toward an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
reflects heat, which is radiated from the heat source
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a heat equalizing member made of graphene or graphite to enhance thermal conductivity and reduce temperature unevenness
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressing member, a heat source, and a reflecting member. The pressing member presses and contacts an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member. The heat source is disposed inside a loop of the fixing member. The reflecting member includes a reflecting portion, a pressure receiving portion, and an extending portion. The reflecting portion reflects heat toward an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member. The pressure receiving portion receives a pressing force of the pressing member via the fixing member. The extending portion extends from an area upstream to an area downstream from the nip portion in a direction of rotation of the fixing member and facing the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member. The reflecting member is in non-contact with one or more of members disposed inside the loop of the fixing member, at least when the fixing member rotates.