Segmented Conductive Fixing Member for Non-Sheet Heat Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating type fixing units in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses experience excessive temperature rise in non-sheet passing portions, leading to potential deterioration of the fixing member and adjacent components, reduced performance, and inefficient energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The fixing member's conductive layer is divided into segments arranged in a longitudinal direction, with each segment electrically separated and continuously circumferentially formed, ensuring less heat generation in end portions compared to central portions when an alternating magnetic field is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the conductive layer is continuous over the entire circumference and length of the fixing member, then the heat generation is uniform and sufficient for image fixation, but the temperature rises excessively in the non-sheet passing portions causing deterioration and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is divided into multiple segments in the longitudinal direction, with each segment having different resistance values. This segmentation allows different portions of the fixing member to generate different amounts of heat, preventing excessive temperature rise in non-sheet passing portions while maintaining sufficient heat for image fixation in sheet passing portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the conductive layer are designed with different resistance values to create local variations in heat generation. The segments corresponding to non-sheet passing portions have higher resistance to reduce heat generation, while segments corresponding to sheet passing portions maintain lower resistance for adequate heat generation, achieving localized thermal control.
2Temperature
If the conductive layer is divided into segments with different resistance values, then the temperature rise in non-sheet passing portions is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance values of different segments are adjusted as a design parameter to control heat generation. By changing the resistance parameter of each segment, the patent achieves different heat generation levels without fundamentally changing the structure or material composition, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining temperature control.
3Strength
If the conductive layer is continuous, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the durability decreases due to heat-induced deterioration in end portions
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is segmented into multiple sections along the longitudinal direction, with each segment electrically isolated from others. This segmentation allows independent control of heat generation in different regions, preventing excessive heat accumulation at the end portions that would otherwise cause deterioration and reduce durability, while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments are designed with different electrical resistance characteristics to create localized heat generation patterns. The segments at the end portions (non-sheet passing areas) have higher resistance to generate less heat, protecting these areas from heat-induced deterioration and extending the overall durability of the fixing member.
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 reduces temperature rise in non-sheet passing portions, enhances durability, and improves energy efficiency by minimizing unnecessary heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
generates heat by Joule heat which is generated when an induction current circulates around the conductive layer in response to an alternating magnetic field formed by a magnetic field generation member such as a coil
Implementation Method 2
fixing units which heat fixing members by the principle of induction heating
Implementation Method 3
an alternating magnetic field formed by a magnetic field generation member such as a coil
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing member includes a conductive layer that generates heat when a circulation current in a circumferential direction of the fixing member having a tubular shape is induced. The conductive layer includes segments arranged in a row in a longitudinal direction of the tubular shape and electrically separated from each other. Each segment is formed continuously over an entire circumference of the tubular shape in the circumferential direction. The conductive layer is configured such that a heat generation amount in an end portion of the fixing member in the longitudinal direction is less than a heat generation amount in a central portion of the fixing member in the longitudinal direction when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a whole area of the fixing member in the longitudinal direction in a state where a temperature of the central portion is equal to a temperature of the end portion.