Nip Former Securing Member Geometry for Fixing Belt Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature across the fixing belt, leading to uneven toner image fixation and potential variations in gloss, due to the interaction between the pressure roller and the fixing belt.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a nip former with an enhanced thermal conductor and a securing member, where the securing member is designed to minimize contact area with the thermal equalizer, ensuring precise positioning and thermal equalization across the fixing belt, thereby maintaining consistent temperature and preventing heat conduction issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the securing member contacts the enhanced thermal conductor over a larger area, then the mechanical attachment strength is improved, but the thermal equalization performance deteriorates due to heat conduction through the securing member
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member is designed with a specific geometric configuration where its width is smaller than the insertion hole width, creating a localized contact arrangement. This ensures that heat conduction occurs only at specific discrete points rather than across the entire contact area, maintaining thermal equalization performance while providing sufficient mechanical attachment strength at the critical securing locations
2Temperature
If the insertion hole width is reduced to minimize securing member contact, then thermal equalization is improved, but the mechanical strength of the attachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the dimensional parameters of the insertion hole and securing member, specifically setting the insertion hole width to be larger than the securing member width. This parameter relationship creates an optimal balance where the securing member is firmly attached through the insertion hole while maintaining minimal contact area with the enhanced thermal conductor, thus achieving both mechanical strength and thermal equalization
3Device complexity
If the securing member is integrated into the base or thermal conductor, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and attachment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member is designed as a separate, independent component from both the base and the enhanced thermal conductor. This segmentation allows for precise positioning and attachment of the securing member at the optimal location through the insertion hole, ensuring both mechanical strength and minimal thermal interference. The separate component design also facilitates easier assembly and manufacturing while maintaining high positioning precision
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 enhances thermal equalization along the fixing belt, ensuring consistent toner image fixation and reducing the risk of toner image variations, while also improving the mechanical strength and attachment precision of the nip former components.
Implementation Method 1
The nip former includes an enhanced thermal conductor having an increased thermal conductivity, that is disposed opposite the fixing belt. The enhanced thermal conductor evens the temperature of the fixing belt in a longitudinal direction thereof.
Implementation Method 2
A nip former contacts an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt and presses against the pressure roller via the fixing belt to form a fixing nip between the fixing belt and the pressure roller.
Data Source
AI summary
A nip former includes a base, an enhanced thermal conductor including an insertion hole, and a securing member including an inserting portion to be inserted into the insertion hole to attach the securing member to the enhanced thermal conductor such that the enhanced thermal conductor and the securing member sandwich the base. The inserting portion has a width that is smaller than a width of the insertion hole in a pressurization direction of an opposed rotator that presses against the nip former via a belt. The inserting portion does not contact an upstream wall and a downstream wall of the insertion hole in the pressurization direction of the opposed rotator and a direction opposite the pressurization direction of the opposed rotator in a state in which the securing member is secured to the base and the opposed rotator presses against the enhanced thermal conductor via the belt.