Fixing Device Reflector Sliding Member Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with heat loss and temperature increase in the reflector, leading to reduced productivity and potential safety concerns due to tarnish, and increased power consumption and torque requirements.
Innovation Solution
The proposed fixing device incorporates a reflector with a pressure receiving portion thermally coupled to a thermal equalizer and a sliding member with a low friction coefficient, allowing efficient heat transfer from the reflector to the fixing rotator, reducing temperature rise and power consumption, and minimizing torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the reflector is thermally coupled to the fixing rotator to transfer heat, then heat utilization efficiency is improved, but the friction between the reflector and fixing rotator increases torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding member is introduced as an intermediary between the reflector and the fixing rotator. This sliding member has a sliding surface with low friction coefficient that contacts the fixing rotator, while the reflector contacts the sliding member. This intermediary structure enables thermal coupling for heat transfer while minimizing frictional resistance and torque requirements through the low-friction sliding interface.
2Loss of energy
If the reflector directly contacts the fixing rotator to transfer heat, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but wear on the fixing rotator surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding member serves as a protective intermediary between the reflector and the fixing rotator surface. It enables effective thermal coupling for heat transfer while its low-friction sliding surface minimizes wear on the fixing rotator. The sliding member can be periodically replaced, protecting the more critical fixing rotator from wear damage.
3Reliability
If the reflector temperature is reduced to prevent tarnish and safety issues, then safety and reliability are improved, but heat transfer efficiency to the fixing rotator decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding member enables efficient heat transfer from the reflector to the fixing rotator through direct thermal contact, allowing the reflector to operate at lower temperatures for safety and tarnish prevention while maintaining effective heat transfer. The low-friction interface ensures minimal energy loss to overcome frictional resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding surface of the sliding member is designed with specific material properties including low friction coefficient and appropriate thermal conductivity. These parameter optimizations enable the system to achieve both safe reflector operating temperatures and efficient heat transfer to the fixing rotator.
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 utilizes heat from the reflector, reduces power consumption, and prevents temperature increase in the reflector, thereby enhancing productivity and safety while minimizing rotational torque and wear on the fixing rotator.
Implementation Method 1
The reflecting portion reflects radiant heat radiated by the heater toward an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 2
The pressure receiving portion is thermally coupled to the reflecting portion
Implementation Method 3
The sliding member is between the pressure receiving portion and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator and in contact with the pressure receiving portion and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 4
the sliding surface has a smaller friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of a surface of the pressure receiving portion with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator, a pressure rotator, a heater inside the fixing rotator, a reflector, and a sliding member. The pressure rotator is in contact with the fixing rotator to form a nip and presses a recording medium passing through the nip. The reflector includes a reflecting portion that reflects radiant heat radiated by the heater toward an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator and a pressure receiving portion that receives a pressing force of the pressure rotator via the fixing rotator. The pressure receiving portion is thermally coupled to the reflecting portion. The sliding member is between the pressure receiving portion and the fixing rotator and in contact with the pressure receiving portion and the fixing rotator. With respect to the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, the sliding member has a smaller friction coefficient than a surface of the pressure receiving portion.