Satellite Roller Induction Heating Belt Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed image forming machines using induction heating face challenges in achieving simultaneous high-speed heating, maintaining temperature, and reducing uneven gloss in continuous printing due to the limitations of existing belt fixing devices.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a fixing member, a satellite member with a smaller heat capacity, an endless belt, and a pressurizing member, where the satellite roller is arranged downstream of the nip and upstream of the heating coil, enhancing temperature diffusion and maintaining belt temperature through induction heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a belt fixing device uses induction heating with a halogen lamp as heat source, then thermal efficiency is improved, but high-speed heating capability and temperature maintenance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into multiple functional components: a fixing roller for heating, a satellite roller for heat capacity enhancement, and a pressurizing roller for applying pressure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving both high thermal efficiency and rapid heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite roller acts as an intermediary element between the halogen lamp heat source and the fixing roller. It receives thermal energy from the halogen lamp and transfers it to the fixing roller, enabling faster heat transfer and maintaining temperature during high-speed operation while preserving the thermal efficiency of the induction heating system.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If a belt fixing device uses induction heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature maintenance in continuous printing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing the satellite roller with specific heat capacity characteristics. This modifies the heat transfer dynamics and thermal mass distribution, enabling the system to maintain stable temperatures during continuous printing operations while preserving energy efficiency through the halogen lamp induction heating system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a belt fixing device uses induction heating, then thermal efficiency is improved, but uneven gloss in continuous printing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite roller is positioned specifically at locations where temperature uniformity is most critical for preventing uneven gloss. By strategically placing this heat capacity enhancement element, the system achieves localized temperature control that prevents gloss variations while maintaining overall thermal efficiency through the induction heating system.
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 and prevents uneven gloss, ensuring smooth toner surface fixation and efficient thermal performance, with a satellite roller heat capacity of 15 J/K or more achieving a temperature difference of 4°C or less.
Implementation Method 1
a belt fixing device that uses an induction heating (IH) system of good thermal efficiency using a halogen lamp as a heat source
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary member having a smaller heat capacity than the fixing roller and having a shaft extending along the direction of width
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, a fixing device includes, a fixing member that fixes an image onto a sheet, a satellite member arranged parallel to the fixing member with respect to an axial direction and having a smaller heat capacity than the fixing member, an endless belt laid over the fixing member and the satellite member, and a pressurizing member facing the fixing member and forming a nip via the endless belt.