Induction Fixing Device Magnetic Core Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating-type fixing devices for image forming apparatuses have a longer warm-up time due to the relatively wide separation of the heating member and the magnetic core, which affects heat generating efficiency and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a fixing member with a heat generating layer, an excitation coil, a magnetic core, and a holder where the magnetic core forms a continuous path to direct magnetic flux to the fixing member, with the core being exposed or embedded in the holder to enhance heat generating efficiency and reduce warm-up time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the heating member and magnetic core are separated by a holder structure, then the device structure is stable and易于制造, but the warm-up time increases and heat generating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core is embedded within the holder structure, with the excitation coil wound around the magnetic core. This nested configuration allows the magnetic core to be positioned closely to the heating member through the holder wall, reducing the magnetic path length and improving heat generating efficiency while maintaining structural stability and ease of manufacture.
2Productivity
If the magnetic core is positioned closer to the heating member, then heat generating efficiency improves and warm-up time reduces, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core is embedded within the holder structure, creating a nested configuration where the excitation coil surrounds the magnetic core, which is positioned within the holder wall. This nesting approach achieves close positioning between the magnetic core and heating member for high heat generating efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
3Productivity
If the magnetic path length is reduced, then heat generating efficiency improves, but the holder structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core is embedded within the holder structure, allowing the magnetic flux to travel a shorter path from the excitation coil through the magnetic core and holder wall to the heating member. This nested configuration reduces the magnetic path length and improves heat generating efficiency while the holder structure itself remains a simple, manufacturable component.
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 warm-up time of the fixing device by approximately 5 seconds to reach the desired temperature, improving heat generating efficiency and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating magnetic field is formed around the coil portion by supplying a high-frequency alternating current thereto. As a result, an eddy current is generated near the surface of the support roller, generating Joule heat through the electrical resistance of the support roller itself
Implementation Method 2
generating Joule heat through the electrical resistance of the support roller itself, which in turn heats the fixing belt wound around the support roller
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic core forms a continuous magnetic path to direct the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil to the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating-type fixing device includes a fixing member, an excitation coil, a magnetic core, a holder, and a pressing member. The fixing member includes a heat generating layer to heat and fuse a toner image on a recording medium. The excitation coil wound a predetermined number of times is disposed facing an outer surface of the fixing member, to generate a magnetic flux relative to the fixing member. The magnetic core forms a continuous magnetic path to direct the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil to the fixing member. The holder holds the excitation coil and the magnetic core. The pressing member is disposed opposite the fixing member to press against the fixing member and form a fixing nip between the fixing member and the pressing member through which the recording medium is conveyed. The magnetic core is exposed from the holder at the fixing member side.