Optical Fixing Device Laser Heating Pressurization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high fixability, smoothness, and gloss level of images due to inefficiencies in fixing devices, including unnecessary energy consumption and limitations in heat transfer and image formation speed.

Innovation Solution

An optical fixing device is introduced, comprising a light irradiation section and a pressurizing section in pressure-contact, which irradiates and heats the toner image, and then pressurizes it, enhancing fixability and image quality while reducing energy consumption by transferring heat for fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a roller-pair type fixing device with heating rollers is used, then fixability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous heating requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefixabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional thermal fixing system (heating rollers) with an optical fixing system using laser beams. The laser irradiation section emits laser beams that are condensed on the recording medium to heat and fix the toner image without requiring continuous heating of large rollers, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining fixability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing function is segmented into distinct components: a light irradiation section for laser beam emission and a pressurizing section for applying pressure. This segmentation allows the heating action to be localized only to the area where the laser beam irradiates the toner image, rather than heating entire roller surfaces, thus reducing unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If only laser beam irradiation is used for fixing, then energy consumption is reduced, but image smoothness and gloss level deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidimage smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two fixing mechanisms into a single integrated system: optical irradiation (laser beams) and mechanical pressurization. The pressurizing section is disposed downstream from the light irradiation section and applies pressure to the toner image after laser heating, combining the advantages of both methods to achieve high fixability, smoothness, and gloss level while maintaining low energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If roller-pair fixing device is used, then image fixability is improved, but warm-up period and standby energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefixabilityVSAvoidwarm-up period

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal mass-based heating system (large rollers requiring warm-up) with a direct optical heating system using laser beams. The laser irradiation section can immediately heat the toner image upon activation without requiring warm-up of large thermal mass components, eliminating the warm-up period and reducing standby energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary heating of the toner image through laser irradiation before applying pressure. This preliminary thermal action prepares the toner for fixation, allowing the process to start immediately without warm-up delays associated with traditional roller heating systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 optical fixing device improves the fix level, smoothness, and gloss level of images, enabling high-quality image formation while reducing energy usage by utilizing heat transfer from the light irradiation section to the pressurizing section, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a light irradiation section that irradiates with light the toner image formed on the recording medium that is conveyed by the recording medium conveyance section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight heating: Light

Implementation Method 2

a pressurizing section that is disposed on a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the recording medium from the light irradiation section, and pressurizes the toner image on the recording medium after irradiation of light by the light irradiation section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8712306B2Optical fixing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 SHARP KK

AI summary

An optical fixing device is provided that is capable of improving fixability as well as improving smoothness of an image on a recording medium that is formed after fixing, and forming a high-quality image of high gloss level. An optical fixing device includes a recording sheet fixing conveyance section that conveys a recording sheet on which a toner image is formed; a laser irradiation section that irradiates with light the toner image formed on the recording sheet that is conveyed by the recording sheet fixing conveyance section; and a pressurizing section that is disposed on a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the recording sheet from the light irradiation section and pressurizes the toner image on the recording sheet after irradiation of light by the light irradiation section.