Induction Heating Fixing Belt for Uniform Toner Fusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and uniformly heating toner images on recording materials, leading to variations in fixing time and potential damage from excessive heat.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device incorporating a conductive layer heated by electromagnetic induction, combined with a magnetic-field-producing member and support structures, which generates an alternating-current magnetic field to induce heat efficiently and uniformly fix toner images on recording materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heating methods are used to fix toner images, then the fixing process can be completed, but the heating is not uniform and takes excessive time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal conduction heating with electromagnetic induction heating. The magnetic-field-producing member generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive layer, converting electromagnetic energy directly into heat within the fixing belt. This substitution enables rapid and uniform heating, significantly reducing warm-up time while improving fixing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of toner material during the fixing process. The electromagnetic induction heating rapidly raises the temperature of the conductive layer and fixing belt, causing the toner to transition from a solid particulate state to a melted state that can be transferred and bonded to the recording material, thereby accelerating the fixing process.
2Productivity
If high heat is applied to fix toner quickly, then fixing time is reduced, but components may overheat and suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a conductive layer with specific electrical and thermal properties that enables localized and controlled heat generation through electromagnetic induction. The conductive layer is positioned strategically within the fixing belt structure to concentrate heating in the required area while the surrounding non-conductive materials provide thermal isolation, preventing heat propagation to adjacent components and avoiding overheating damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer acts as an intermediary between the magnetic-field-producing member and the recording material. It converts electromagnetic energy into heat locally and transfers this heat uniformly to the toner image, mediating the energy transfer process to achieve efficient fixing without direct high-heat contact that could damage components.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform heating is achieved across the fixing belt, then consistent image fixation is obtained, but the structural integrity of the fixing belt may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing belt is constructed as a composite structure comprising a conductive layer integrated with non-conductive support layers. The conductive layer provides the necessary electrical properties for electromagnetic induction heating and ensures uniform heat distribution for consistent image fixation. The non-conductive support layers provide mechanical strength and structural integrity, creating a composite material system that simultaneously achieves both heating uniformity and structural durability.
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 enables rapid and uniform heating of toner images, reducing warm-up time and preventing overheating of components, while maintaining the structural integrity of the fixing belt and ensuring consistent image fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing member that includes a conductive layer and fixes toner on a recording material with heat generated in the conductive layer by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
heat generated in the conductive layer by electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member that includes a conductive layer and fixes toner on a recording material with heat generated in the conductive layer by electromagnetic induction; a magnetic-field-producing member that produces an alternating-current magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied to the magnetic-field-producing member, the alternating-current magnetic field intersecting the conductive layer; a first support member that faces the magnetic-field-producing member and has a first projection which projects toward the magnetic-field-producing member, the first support member supporting the magnetic-field-producing member at the first projection; and a second support member that faces the first support member with the magnetic-field-producing member interposed therebetween, the second support member supporting the magnetic-field-producing member by pressing the magnetic-field-producing member against the first support member.