Movable Induction Heater for Fixing Belt Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with heat generators constantly heating the fixing belt, leading to localized overheating and non-uniform temperature distribution, which can result in faulty toner image fixation due to the heat generator contacting the fixing belt even in standby mode.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heat generator positioned opposite the fixing rotary body, using a moving assembly to adjust the pressure and distance between the heat generator and the fixing rotary body, ensuring efficient heating only during operation and preventing overheating during standby mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat generator constantly contacts the fixing belt to heat it, then heating efficiency is improved, but localized overheating occurs and temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generator is made movable relative to the fixing belt through a moving assembly, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and contact pressure. During operation, the heat generator contacts the fixing belt for efficient heating; during standby, it retracts to prevent localized overheating, thus maintaining temperature uniformity while preserving heating efficiency when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heat generator contacts the fixing belt during standby mode, then temperature stability is improved, but localized overheating occurs causing faulty fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generator operates in periodic cycles: during active mode, it contacts the fixing belt to provide heat; during standby mode, it retracts to avoid contact. This periodic engagement and disengagement prevents continuous localized heating that would cause overheating and fixation failures, while still maintaining temperature stability during operation through controlled periodic heating.
3Temperature
If the heat generator is positioned away from the fixing belt, then overheating is prevented, but heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving assembly enables the heat generator to dynamically adjust its distance from the fixing belt based on operational requirements. During active heating, the heat generator moves close to or contacts the fixing belt for efficient heat transfer. During standby, it moves away to prevent overheating. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by optimizing both temperature control and heating efficiency at different times.
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 ensures uniform and stable heating of the fixing belt, preventing faulty toner image fixation by maintaining efficient heat conductivity during operation and minimizing overheating during non-operation, thus improving the reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
the heat generator generates heat by a magnetic flux from the exciting coil unit by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism configured to form a toner image on a recording medium according to image data and a fixing mechanism configured to fix the toner image on the recording medium. The fixing mechanism includes an induction heater, a heat generator, and a position adjusting mechanism.
Implementation Method 3
A moving assembly is disposed opposite the heat generator to generate a magnetic force to move the heat generator with respect to the fixing rotary body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~5B
AI summary
A fixing device (20) includes a fixing rotary body (21) to rotate in a predetermined direction of rotation and a pressing rotary body (31) pressed against the fixing rotary body (21) to rotate in a direction counter to the direction of rotation of the fixing rotary body (21) and form a nip (NP) therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image passes. A heat generator (23) is disposed opposite the fixing rotary body (21) at a section other than the nip (NP) to heat the fixing rotary body (21). A moving assembly (60) is disposed opposite the heat generator (23) to generate a magnetic force to move the heat generator (23) with respect to the fixing rotary body (21) so as to change one of a pressure and a distance between the heat generator (23) and the fixing rotary body (21).