Glossing Device Belt Cooler Suction Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Belt-based fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with increased torque requirements, precision in assembly, and accelerated wear due to high longitudinal tension, which affect the uniformity and longevity of the glossing process.
Innovation Solution
A glossing device with a first and second roller, an endless rotary belt, a heater, a belt cooler, and a suction mechanism, where the belt cooler has mutually spaced cooling elements forming a gapped contact surface with suction to maintain belt tension and prevent sagging, ensuring uniform heat transfer and gloss quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the belt is tightened in the longitudinal direction to establish close contact between the belt and the cooler, then cooling efficiency is improved, but torque requirements increase and belt wear accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal belt tightening to transverse suction application. Instead of tightening the belt along its length, suction is applied perpendicular to the belt surface through the cooler, creating close contact through a different dimensional approach. This resolves the contradiction by achieving cooling efficiency without increasing longitudinal tension and torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a suction mechanism that uses pneumatic force to create negative pressure between the belt and cooler. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical tightening, allowing the belt to contact the cooler closely without requiring high longitudinal tension, thereby reducing torque while maintaining cooling efficiency.
2Temperature
If the belt is tightened in the longitudinal direction to establish close contact between the belt and the cooler, then cooling efficiency is improved, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies suction perpendicular to the belt surface rather than relying on precise longitudinal alignment. This dimensional shift allows the cooler to be positioned without stringent longitudinal precision requirements, as the suction force automatically establishes optimal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction mechanism provides self-adjusting contact pressure that compensates for assembly variations. The pneumatic system automatically adapts to minor positioning differences, reducing the impact of assembly precision limitations on cooling efficiency.
3Temperature
If the belt is tightened in the longitudinal direction to establish close contact between the belt and the cooler, then cooling efficiency is improved, but belt lifespan decreases due to accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The suction mechanism creates contact pressure without requiring high longitudinal tension. This pneumatic approach reduces mechanical stress and friction on the belt, minimizing wear while maintaining effective cooling contact between the belt and cooler.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying force perpendicular to the belt surface through suction rather than longitudinal tension, the patent reduces the mechanical load on the belt. This dimensional change in force application preserves belt integrity and extends lifespan while achieving cooling efficiency.
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 reduces torque requirements, enhances assembly precision, and extends the lifespan of the belt by maintaining proper tension, resulting in uniform and high-quality gloss across images.
Implementation Method 1
a belt cooler disposed inside the loop of the belt downstream from the first roller and upstream from the second roller for cooling the belt
Implementation Method 2
The suction mechanism is connected to the belt cooler to create suction within the gap to attract the belt to the gapped contact surface of the belt cooler
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A glossing device includes a first roller, a second roller, an endless rotary belt, a third roller, a heater, a belt cooler, and a suction mechanism. The second roller is disposed parallel to the first roller. The endless rotary belt is looped for rotation around the first and second rollers. The third roller is disposed opposite the first roller via the belt. The heater is disposed adjacent to the belt to heat the belt. The first and third rollers press against each other via the belt to form a nip therebetween. The belt cooler is disposed inside the loop of the belt downstream from the first roller and upstream from the second roller for cooling the belt. The belt cooler includes at least two mutually spaced cooling elements that together form a gapped contact surface for establishing thermal contact with the belt.