Fixing Device Lubricant Retaining Space Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with large size, high cost, and reduced productivity due to the need for a large lubricant applying roller and excessive tension in the fixing belt, leading to potential belt damage and inefficiencies in lubricant distribution, which also results in wear and noise.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fixing device that includes a nip former and a lubricant supplier forming a lubricant-retaining space between the fixing belt and the nip former, where the volume of the lubricant-retaining space is varied using a temperature-sensitive supply member to optimize lubricant distribution, reducing the need for a large lubricant applying roller and minimizing belt tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diameter of the lubricant applying roller is increased to prevent slipping, then the lubricant application reliability is improved, but the apparatus size increases and the fixing belt length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lubricant retaining space as an intermediary structure between the fixing belt and the lubricant applying roller. This space acts as a reservoir that stores lubricant and allows it to be transferred to the belt through capillary action and pressure differential, eliminating the need for a large-diameter roller while maintaining reliable lubricant application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based lubricant transfer mechanism (relying on roller-belt friction) with a pressure-based system. The lubricant is supplied through a supply member that creates pressure differential to push lubricant into the retaining space and onto the belt, substituting mechanical friction with pressure-driven flow
2Reliability
If the diameter of the lubricant applying roller is increased to increase friction coefficient, then the lubricant application reliability is improved, but the rubbing with the fixing belt occurs and belt damage may result
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant retaining space serves as an intermediary that decouples the lubricant supply mechanism from direct contact with the fixing belt. Lubricant is transferred through this intermediate space rather than through direct roller-belt friction, eliminating the rubbing that would damage the belt while ensuring adequate lubricant application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical friction contact system with a pressure-driven lubricant delivery system. The lubricant supply member applies pressure to force lubricant into the retaining space and onto the belt surface, replacing the need for high-friction mechanical contact that would cause belt wear and damage
3Reliability
If the diameter of the lubricant applying roller is increased to increase drag, then the lubricant application reliability is improved, but the fixing belt tension increases and belt damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant retaining space acts as an intermediary reservoir that receives lubricant under pressure from the supply member and releases it onto the fixing belt. This intermediate structure allows lubricant transfer without requiring high drag on the belt, thereby maintaining adequate lubrication while keeping belt tension and the risk of belt damage low
4Stability of the object's composition
If reverse rotation is performed frequently to redistribute lubricant, then the lubricant distribution is improved, but the productivity is reduced and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is supplied in advance to the retaining space before the fixing belt reaches the nip portion. This preliminary lubrication ensures that the belt is adequately lubricated during normal forward rotation without requiring periodic reverse rotations to redistribute lubricant, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring proper lubricant distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant supply member continuously or periodically supplies lubricant to the retaining space during normal forward operation, ensuring continuous lubricant availability on the fixing belt. This eliminates the need for interruptive reverse rotation cycles, maintaining continuous productive operation while ensuring adequate lubricant distribution
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 the size and cost of the image forming apparatus, extends the life of the fixing belt, and maintains favorable fixing properties while preventing lubricant leakage and belt damage, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
the supply member varies a volume of the lubricant-retaining space formed between an inner surface of the fixing belt and the nip former on an upstream side of the nip former in a rotation direction of the fixing belt
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device that forms a fixing nip by a pressure rotator and a fixing belt that rotates while contacting the pressure rotator, and includes: a nip former that is disposed inside the fixing belt and that forms the fixing nip between the pressure rotator and the fixing belt; and a lubricant supplier that forms a lubricant-retaining space at a position between an inner surface of the fixing belt and the nip former on an upstream side of the nip former in a rotation direction of the fixing belt, wherein the lubricant supplier varies a volume of the lubricant-retaining space.