Resin Frame Cooling Duct for Fixing Device Ultra-Fine Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face the issue of emitting ultra-fine particles due to excessive temperature of the resin frame supporting the heater in the fixing device, leading to particle emission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a duct portion in the frame proximate to the support terminal of the heater, which allows airflow to cool the frame, preventing excessive temperature rise and subsequent particle emission by directing air through the duct portion to the fan, thus maintaining the frame's temperature within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the frame supporting the heater is made of resin, then the device structure can be simplified and manufacturing cost reduced, but ultra-fine particles are emitted when the frame temperature exceeds a specified threshold
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling air flow is introduced as an intermediary element between the heater and the resin frame. The cooling air flow acts as a thermal mediator that intercepts heat before it reaches the frame, preventing the frame temperature from exceeding the particle emission threshold while allowing the resin frame structure to remain intact
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic cooling by directing a flow of cooling air through a cooling air flow introduction hole into the space between the heater and the resin frame. This pneumatic approach uses gas (air) to remove excess heat from the frame, effectively controlling frame temperature without requiring active cooling mechanisms
2Reliability
If the heater temperature is increased to improve fixing performance, then image quality improves, but the resin frame temperature rises causing ultra-fine particle emission
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling air flow serves as a thermal intermediary that decouples the heater temperature from the frame temperature. This allows the heater to operate at high temperatures for optimal fixing performance while the cooling air flow maintains the frame temperature below the particle emission threshold
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling air flow is strategically introduced at a specific location (through the cooling air flow introduction hole positioned between the heater and frame) to create a localized cooling zone. This local quality approach applies cooling only where needed - at the frame surface exposed to heater radiation - without affecting the overall heater temperature or fixing performance
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 cooling mechanism effectively prevents the emission of ultra-fine particles from the apparatus, ensuring reliable operation and preventing temperature-related failures in the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to generate airflow
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to generate heat
Implementation Method 3
a portion of the frame proximate to the first support terminal supporting portion can be subjected to cooling by air led through the duct portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, a fixing device, and a fan. The fixing device includes a heating member, a pressing member, and a frame. The heating member includes a heater configured to generate heat, a cylindrical member storing the heater therein, and first and second support terminals disposed at first and second ends of the heater, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the heater, the first and second support terminals supporting the heater. The frame is made of resin, and includes a first support terminal supporting portion supporting the first support terminal of the heater and a second support terminal supporting portion supporting the second support terminal of the heater. The frame further includes a duct portion disposed proximate to the first support terminal supporting portion, the duct portion through which air flows to the fan.