Fixing Belt Lubrication Segmentation for Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with lubricant leakage and viscosity deterioration, leading to reduced sliding properties and increased friction resistance over time, which affects the performance and longevity of the fixing belt.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant holding member with alternating regions of low and high viscosity lubricants is used, where the low viscosity lubricant is applied to one region and the high viscosity lubricant to another, preventing mixing and ensuring continuous lubrication, thus maintaining the sliding properties of the fixing belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a lubricant is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt, then the friction resistance of the fixing belt is reduced, but the lubricant leaks or evaporates when heated, causing the amount of lubricant to decrease and sliding properties to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing belt is divided into multiple circumferential regions, with different types of lubricants applied to different regions. This segmentation prevents uniform leakage and evaporation, as each region's lubricant behavior is independent, thereby maintaining overall lubrication effectiveness while reducing total lubricant loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of lubricants with varying viscosity characteristics are applied to different circumferential regions of the fixing belt based on local requirements. Regions experiencing higher heat or friction receive lubricants with appropriate properties, optimizing both friction reduction and lubricant retention locally.
2Loss of substance
If a grease or lubricant with high viscosity is used, then the outflow of the lubricant can be suppressed, but the viscous resistance increases and sliding properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different viscosity lubricants are applied to different circumferential regions of the fixing belt. Regions where outflow suppression is prioritized receive higher viscosity lubricants, while regions where sliding properties are critical receive lower viscosity lubricants. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between preventing outflow and maintaining low viscous resistance.
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 solution effectively suppresses lubricant leakage and maintains the sliding properties of the fixing belt, ensuring consistent performance and extended device operation without significant increases in viscous resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a heater, configured to heat the heating rotating body
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant such as silicone oil is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt. As a result, the friction resistance of the fixing belt is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device fixes a toner image to a medium conveyed in a conveying direction, the toner image formed on the medium, the fixing device including a heating rotating body, a heater, a pressing member, a pressing rotating body, and a lubricant holding member. The heater heats the heating rotating body, which is supported to be rotatable. The pressing member is disposed inside the heating rotating body. The pressing rotating body is pressed against the pressing member through the heating rotating body to form a nip through which the medium passes. The lubricant holding member has an abutting surface that abuts against an inner circumferential surface of the heating rotating body, and the abutting surface includes a first region filled with a first lubricant and a second region filled with a second lubricant.