Fixation Belt Lubricant Application Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Belt-based fixing apparatuses face issues with inconsistent lubricant application and reduced service life of lubricant application members due to prolonged standby times, leading to increased frictional resistance and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an oil application roller with a porous film and oil retaining layer that applies lubricant to the fixation belt only when in use, ensuring consistent lubrication and minimizing contact during standby to prevent contamination and extend the service life of the lubricant application member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lubricant application member remains in contact with the pressure application belt during standby, then the belt is continuously lubricated, but the lubricant application member is reduced in service life and lubricant application becomes unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant application member is designed to dynamically adjust its contact state with the pressure application belt based on operational requirements. During standby, the member is separated from the belt to extend service life; during operation, it contacts the belt to apply lubricant. This dynamic on-demand contact approach resolves the contradiction between continuous lubrication and component longevity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pressure application belt is kept separated from the fixation roller during standby, then defective images are prevented, but the lubricant application becomes insufficient over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the contact state of the pressure application belt with the fixation roller. During standby, separation prevents image defects; during operation, contact enables proper lubricant application. The lubricant application member's contact with the belt is synchronized with operational states, ensuring lubricant is applied when needed without compromising image quality during standby.
3Force
If the lubricant application member is covered with low friction resin sheet, then frictional resistance is reduced, but the service life of the lubricant application member is still reduced during prolonged standby
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant application member with low friction resin sheet coating is designed to contact the pressure application belt only during operational periods when lubrication is required. During standby periods, the member is separated from the belt, preventing wear and extending service life. This dynamic contact approach maintains low frictional resistance during operation while preserving component longevity during standby.
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 ensures consistent lubrication of the fixation belt, reducing frictional resistance and extending the service life of the lubricant application member, thereby maintaining efficient image heating operations and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an oil application roller provided with a porous film and an oil retaining layer
Implementation Method 2
applies lubricant to the fixation belt only when in use, ensuring consistent lubrication and minimizing contact during standby
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating apparatus includes a heating rotatable member for heating an image on a recording material at a nip; an endless belt cooperative with the heating rotatable member to form the nip; a pressing pad for pressing the belt at the nip; and a lubricant application member for applying a lubricant on an inner surface of the belt, wherein the lubricant application member is away from the belt when the belt is at a position retracted from a position where an image heating operation of the apparatus is capable.