Heater Projection for Fixing Nip Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively fixing toner images on recording media due to inadequate heat distribution and pressure within the fixing nip, leading to inconsistent image quality and potential damage to the fixing belt and pressure roller.
Innovation Solution
A heater is designed with a base and a separate projection that extends downstream in the recording medium conveyance direction, providing enhanced heat distribution and pressure to the fixing nip by contacting the inner surface of a hollow, endless fixing rotator, which includes resistive heat generators connected in series or parallel configurations to optimize temperature control and reduce overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater is installed in a fixing device to heat the fixing belt, then the fixing temperature is maintained, but heat distribution becomes inadequate leading to inconsistent image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is divided into multiple heating sections (first heating section and second heating section) positioned at different locations within the fixing nip. This segmentation allows each section to independently heat specific regions, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the entire fixing area and preventing inconsistent image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heating sections are positioned to address specific local heat distribution needs within the fixing nip. The first heating section targets one region while the second heating section targets another region, providing localized heat adjustment to achieve overall uniform temperature distribution and consistent image quality across the recording medium.
2Reliability
If pressure is increased in the fixing nip to improve toner image fixing, then fixing performance improves, but the fixing belt and pressure roller suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently controlled. This allows pressure to be optimized for fixing performance while heat is distributed uniformly across different regions, preventing localized overheating that would otherwise require excessive pressure and cause damage to the fixing belt and pressure roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter distribution by introducing multiple heating sections with different positions and potentially different heating intensities. This allows the system to achieve uniform temperature distribution without requiring excessive pressure, thereby maintaining fixing performance while protecting the fixing belt and pressure roller from damage.
3Temperature
If heat generation is increased to improve fixing, then fixing temperature is achieved, but overheating occurs causing damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is divided into multiple independent heating sections positioned at different locations within the fixing nip. Each section generates heat locally, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the fixing area. This prevents concentration of heat in a single location, thereby avoiding overheating damage to the fixing belt, pressure roller, and other components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each heating section provides localized heat generation tailored to specific regions within the fixing nip. This local heat distribution ensures that no single area receives excessive heat, preventing overheating damage while still achieving the required fixing temperature uniformly across the entire recording medium.
4Reliability
If a projection is added to the heater to improve fixing downstream, then toner image fixing is enhanced, but the heater structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is segmented into multiple heating sections that are integrated into the base structure. This segmentation provides the functional complexity needed for improved downstream fixing while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure by combining multiple functions into a single integrated heating assembly rather than adding separate components.
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 improves the fixing performance by maintaining consistent heat and pressure across the fixing nip, enhancing image quality and extending the lifespan of the fixing belt and pressure roller by preventing overheating and excessive friction.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generator mounted on the base... The heater heats the fixing belt to a fixing temperature
Implementation Method 2
The projection contacts an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator... maintaining consistent heat and pressure across the fixing nip
Data Source
AI summary
A heater is installable in a fixing device having a fixing nip through which a recording medium is conveyed. The heater includes a base including a downstream portion in a recording medium conveyance direction. A heat generator is mounted on the base. A projection is disposed separately from the base and shifted from the heat generator. The projection is disposed opposite the downstream portion of the base. The projection projects toward the fixing nip in a state in which the heater is installed in the fixing device.