Heating Roller End-Holder Cooling for Halogen Heater Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating apparatuses face issues with heat source deterioration or damage due to increased thickness of objects being heated or higher conveyance speeds, particularly affecting the sealing portions of halogen heaters in drying devices used in image forming apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

An air supply device is integrated into the heating apparatus to supply air to the end holders of the heating rollers in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, effectively cooling the sealing portions and preventing temperature rises, while maintaining efficient heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the amount of heat supplied by the heat source is increased to handle thicker objects or higher conveyance speeds, then productivity is improved, but the temperature of the heat source increases causing deterioration or damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidheat source durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling function is segmented from the general heating environment and specifically targeted to the sealing portions of the halogen heater. The air supply device creates a localized cooling zone at the sealing portions, separating the high-temperature heating function from the temperature-sensitive sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cooling air is supplied specifically to the sealing portions of the halogen heater where temperature control is critical, while the heating portions continue to operate at high temperatures. This localized cooling approach protects vulnerable components without interfering with the overall heating performance needed for productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the temperature of the sealing portions is reduced to prevent deterioration, then heat source durability is improved, but heating efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat source durabilityVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating and cooling functions are spatially segmented - the halogen heater continues to generate high temperatures for efficient heating, while the air supply device creates a separate cooling flow that specifically targets the sealing portions. This segmentation allows both high heating efficiency and sealing portion protection to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air supply device acts as an intermediary between the high-temperature heating process and the temperature-sensitive sealing portions. By introducing cooling air as a mediator, the system protects the sealing portions from excessive heat while maintaining the high-temperature environment needed for effective heating of the sheet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the temperature of the sealing portions to below the heat resistance limit, preventing deterioration and damage, and extends the lifespan of the halogen heaters, while ensuring efficient heating and reducing the risk of foreign matter adherence to temperature sensors.

Implementation Method 1

an air supply device configured to supply air into the end holder in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the heating roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Implementation Method 2

heating rollers having heat sources therein... the heat is given from the heating rollers to the object to be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4331848B1Heating apparatus, image forming apparatus, and liquid discharge apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4331848B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331848B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4331848B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A heating apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a liquid discharge apparatus. The heating apparatus (21, 45, 50) includes a heating roller (21) having a heat source (25, 26) inside, an end holder (45) in which a portion of the heat source (25, 26) is disposed, the end holder (45) holding an axial end (021) of the heating roller (21) rotatably, and an air supply device (50) configured to supply air into the end holder (45) in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the heating roller (21). The heating apparatus (21, 45, 50) includes a heating roller (21) having a heat source (25, 26) inside, and an end holder (45) in which a portion of the heat source (25, 26) is disposed, the end holder (45) rotatably holding an axial end (021) of the heating roller (21).