Heater Auxiliary Layer Smoothing Fixing Film Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing apparatuses in electrophotographic image forming systems face inefficiencies in heat transmission due to the uneven surface of the protection layer caused by the heat generation resistance elements and conductive patterns, leading to a narrow inner surface nip portion.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a heater configuration with a substrate, heat generation resistance elements, a power supply electrode, an auxiliary glass layer with insulation properties, and a protection layer that covers the entire region of the heat generation resistance elements, smoothing the uneven surface and enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protection layer is provided to cover the heat generation resistance element and conductive pattern, then the heat generation resistance element and conductive pattern are protected, but the protection layer forms an uneven surface with height difference, resulting in a narrow inner surface nip portion and low heat transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary layer is introduced as an intermediary between the substrate and the protection layer. This auxiliary layer fills the uneven surface formed by the heat generation resistance element and conductive pattern, creating a flat upper surface that allows the protection layer to be uniformly thin while still providing protection. The auxiliary layer acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between protection needs and heat transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the surface unevenness problem by adding a new dimensional element - the auxiliary layer in the vertical dimension. This additional layer compensates for the height differences created by the underlying components, effectively transforming the three-dimensional uneven surface into a two-dimensional flat surface for optimal contact with the fixing film.
2Productivity
If the protection layer is made thin to improve heat transmission, then heat transmission efficiency improves, but the protection capability of the protection layer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary layer serves as a mediator that allows the protection layer to be made thin for improved heat transmission while maintaining protection capability. The auxiliary layer compensates for surface unevenness, enabling uniform thin deposition of the protection layer that provides adequate protection without compromising thermal contact.
3Shape
If a convex portion is provided on the substrate with space from the conductive pattern, then the unevenness on the protection layer surface is smoothened, but the concave surface of the protection layer remains at the position corresponding to the space
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary layer acts as a superior intermediary compared to convex portions on the substrate. Instead of creating localized convexities that leave concave regions, the auxiliary layer provides continuous surface filling that eliminates all concave regions, ensuring complete surface smoothness for optimal heat transmission.
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 results in a larger inner surface nip width, significantly improving the efficiency of heat transmission from the heater to the fixing film, thereby enhancing the fixability of toner images on recording materials.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generation resistance element that is provided on the substrate and that extends in a longitudinal direction of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary layer that is provided to superpose only a partial region of the at least one heat generation resistance element and that has insulation property
Data Source
AI summary
A heater includes a substrate, at least one heat generation resistance element that is provided on the substrate and that extends in a longitudinal direction of the substrate, a power supply electrode that is provided on the substrate and that is configured to supply electric current to the at least one heat generation resistance element, an auxiliary layer that is provided to superpose only a partial region of the at least one heat generation resistance element and that has insulation property, and a protection layer that is layered on the auxiliary layer and provided to cover a whole region of the at least one heat generation resistance element and that is configured to protect the at least one heat generation resistance element.