Toner Fixing Device Heat Conduction Section for Uniform Gloss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature unevenness in the fixing device of an image forming apparatus can cause unevenness of gloss in the images formed on sheets, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a tubular body with a heater unit and a heat conduction section, where the heat conduction section includes a first heat transfer section with high thermal conductivity and a second heat transfer section with lower thermal conductivity and higher heat capacity, to manage temperature distribution effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater unit is used to heat the tubular body for fixing toner, then the fixing function is achieved, but temperature unevenness occurs causing gloss unevenness in images
Solution Approach 1:
The heat conduction section is divided into multiple independent heat transfer sections (first, second, third heat transfer sections) arranged along the circumferential direction. Each section can independently conduct heat from the heater unit, allowing segmented heat distribution to achieve uniform temperature across the tubular body surface, thereby eliminating gloss unevenness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heat transfer sections are positioned at different locations (inner circumferential surface side, outer circumferential surface side, and intermediate positions) to provide localized heat conduction. This local quality approach ensures that each region of the tubular body receives appropriate heat distribution, preventing temperature unevenness and resulting in uniform gloss across the fixed image.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat is concentrated in one location to improve heating efficiency, then energy efficiency improves, but temperature unevenness increases causing gloss unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat transfer sections are merged into a unified heat conduction system that works together to distribute heat evenly. The combined action of first, second, and third heat transfer sections creates a balanced thermal field across the tubular body, maintaining heating efficiency while achieving uniform temperature distribution and consistent gloss quality.
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 effectively disperses heat and suppresses temperature unevenness in the tubular body, thereby reducing gloss unevenness in the images formed, resulting in improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The heat conduction section is in contact with the second surface of the heater and transfers heat generated from the heat generator
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to fix toner to a sheet including a tubular body, a heater, and a heat conduction section. The tubular body is configured to be in contact with a sheet moving in a first direction. The heater includes a heat generator. The heater includes a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface. The first surface of the heater is in contact with the inner surface of the tubular body. The heat conduction section is in contact with the second surface of the heater. The heat conduction section includes a first heat transfer section and a second heat transfer section. The first heat transfer section is in contact with the second surface of the heater. The second heat transfer section is in contact with the surface opposite to the heater with respect to the first heat transfer section.