Heat Shield System for Image Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as copiers and printers, generate excessive fine particles and ultrafine particles due to the temperature rise of lubricants used in fixing devices, which are not effectively managed, leading to environmental concerns and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heat shield system with a first and second shield, separated by a heat transfer reducer, to reduce heat transfer and temperature rise in the belt holder, thereby minimizing the generation of fine and ultrafine particles by isolating the heat source from the lubricant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lubricant is used in the fixing device to enable smooth rotation of the rotator, then the rotator can rotate smoothly, but the lubricant temperature rises and generates excessive fine particles and ultrafine particles
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into a first shield and a second shield separated by a gap, with the heat transfer reducer positioned between them. This segmentation allows the first shield to block heat from the heater while the second shield protects the rotator holder, with the gap and reducer preventing heat transfer between shields that would otherwise raise lubricant temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer reducer acts as an intermediary element between the first shield and the second shield, reducing heat transfer from the heater to the rotator holder. This intermediary structure enables the lubricant to remain at lower temperatures while still allowing smooth rotation, thereby reducing fine particle generation.
2Power
If the heater heats the rotator to fix the image, then the fixing function is achieved, but the belt holder temperature rises and causes lubricant degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful heat transfer path to the belt holder is extracted and blocked by introducing the first shield and second shield with the heat transfer reducer. This allows the heater to effectively heat the rotator for image fixing while preventing excessive heat from reaching the belt holder and degrading the lubricant.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the shield structure is added to reduce heat transfer, then fine particle generation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first shield, second shield, and heat transfer reducer are combined into a single integrated shield assembly that can be installed as one unit. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining the heat transfer reduction function to minimize fine particle generation.
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 reduces the temperature rise of the belt holder and the subsequent generation of fine and ultrafine particles, aligning with environmental standards and improving the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The heater heats the rotator in a heat generation range
Implementation Method 2
The shield shields heat transferred from the heater
Implementation Method 3
The heat transfer reducer reduces the heat transferred from the first shield to the second shield
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a rotator, a heater, a rotator holder, lubricant, and a shield. The heater heats the rotator in a heat generation range. The rotator holder holds an end of the rotator in a longitudinal direction of the rotator. The lubricant adheres to the rotator holder. The shield shields heat transferred from the heater. The shield includes a first shield, a second shield, and a heat transfer reducer. The first shield faces the heater and the rotator. The second shield faces the rotator holder. The second shield is outside the heat generation range in the longitudinal direction. The heat transfer reducer is disposed between the first shield and the second shield. The heat transfer reducer reduces the heat transferred from the first shield to the second shield.