Moisture Absorbing Layer for Fixing Belt Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature irregularities in the fixing belt of image forming apparatuses can lead to fixing failures, abnormal heating, and potential damage to the belt and peripheral components due to non-contact regions not being effectively cooled, causing overheating.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a moisture absorbing layer between the support member and the pressurizing pad, which absorbs and discharges moisture to promote heat leveling in the fixing belt, using openings to facilitate vaporization and diffusion of moisture, thereby regulating temperature across the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the fixing belt width is made larger than the sheet width to ensure complete coverage, then the contact region can fully cover the sheet, but the non-contact region at the end portions causes temperature irregularity and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a moisture absorbing layer specifically at the end portions (non-contact regions) of the fixing belt where temperature irregularity occurs. This localized solution allows the belt to maintain its full width for sheet coverage while addressing the specific thermal problem only where needed, rather than modifying the entire belt structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture absorbing layer acts as an intermediary substance between the fixing belt and the external environment. It absorbs excess heat through moisture absorption and evaporation processes, mediating the thermal energy transfer and preventing direct overheating of the belt's non-contact regions without requiring active cooling systems.
2Temperature
If active cooling is applied to the non-contact region to reduce temperature, then overheating is prevented, but the fixing operation must be stopped to cool down the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture absorbing layer provides self-service cooling functionality within the fixing belt structure. It automatically absorbs and dissipates heat through its moisture management properties during normal operation, eliminating the need for external active cooling systems that would require stopping the fixing operation. The system cools itself continuously without interrupting productivity.
3Temperature
If the moisture absorbing layer is placed between the support member and pressurizing pad, then temperature regulation is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the moisture absorbing layer with the existing fixing belt structure, integrating it between the support member and pressurizing pad. This combination approach incorporates the temperature regulation function into the existing mechanical structure without requiring separate cooling systems or additional complex components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 effectively reduces temperature differences along the fixing belt, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable operation by efficiently cooling the non-contact regions, thus enhancing the reliability and stability of the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture absorbing layer which is arranged between the support member and the pressurizing member, absorbs moisture in air, and discharges the absorbed moisture according to a temperature rise
Implementation Method 2
absorbs moisture in air, and discharges the absorbed moisture according to a temperature rise
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a fixing device includes a cylinder-shaped rotatable fixing belt and a pressurizing rotating member which is arranged so as to face the fixing belt along an axial direction, and transports a recording medium by rotating along with the fixing belt. In addition, arranged in the fixing belt, a pressurizing member which presses the fixing belt from an inner peripheral portion toward the pressurizing rotating member side, and a support member which supports the pressurizing member, and arranged a moisture absorbing layer which absorbs moisture in air and discharges the absorbed moisture according to a temperature rise between the support member and the pressurizing member.