Heating Device Reflector Local Quality for Particle Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current heating devices in image forming apparatuses, such as fixing devices, generate fine particles and ultrafine particles due to the volatilization and aggregation of lubricant components, which is a concern given stricter regulations on particle emissions.

Innovation Solution

A heating device configuration with a reflector having a reflection face with lower reflectance at the ends compared to the center, reducing the radiant heat emitted to the rotator holder and thus minimizing the temperature rise and subsequent particle generation, along with the use of a lubricant with lubricity adhering to the rotator holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a reflector with high reflectance is used to efficiently heat the rotator, then heating efficiency is improved, but the temperature rise of the rotator holder increases causing lubricant volatilization and fine particle generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidfine particle generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is designed with different reflectance values in different regions: the first reflector portion (facing the rotator holder) has lower reflectance to reduce heat exposure to the holder and lubricant, while the second reflector portion (facing the rotator) has higher reflectance to maintain efficient heating of the rotator. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing heat distribution spatially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector is divided into two distinct portions: a first reflector portion with lower reflectance oriented toward the rotator holder, and a second reflector portion with higher reflectance oriented toward the rotator. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the first portion protects the lubricant from excessive heating, while the second portion ensures efficient rotator heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If the rotator holder is heated to high temperatures, then the heating function is effective, but the lubricant adhering to the holder volatilizes and generates ultrafine particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder temperatureVSAvoidultrafine particle generation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector's first portion is specifically designed with lower reflectance and oriented toward the rotator holder to create a local heat-reducing zone. This protects the lubricant on the holder from excessive heating while allowing other regions to maintain necessary temperatures for the heating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of radiant heat into a beneficial spatial distribution pattern. By using the reflector to redirect and modulate heat flow, the system creates controlled thermal zones where the holder and lubricant are protected from excessive heat while the rotator receives adequate heating, thus converting potential harm into functional benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 generation of fine and ultrafine particles by minimizing the temperature rise of the lubricant, adhering to stricter emission standards and improving the operational efficiency of the heating device.

Implementation Method 1

The reflector includes a reflection face that reflects radiant heat emitted from the heating source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant heat reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The liquid or semi-solid substance has lubricity and adheres to the rotator holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS12124194B2Heating device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A heating device includes a rotator, a heating source, a reflector, a rotator holder, and a liquid or semi-solid substance. The rotator is rotatably held. The heating source heats the rotator. The reflector includes a reflection face that reflects radiant heat emitted from the heating source. The reflection face has a reflectance lower at each end portion of the reflection face in a longitudinal direction of the rotator than at a center portion of the reflection face in the longitudinal direction of the rotator. The rotator holder holds a longitudinal end portion of the rotator. The liquid or semi-solid substance has lubricity and adheres to the rotator holder.