Fixing Device Lubricant Application for Tubular Member Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for thermally fixing developing agent images on sheets often suffer from premature wear and damage due to direct contact between the tubular member and the end-face restricting member, leading to potential cracks or splits.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a flexible tubular member, first and second fixing members, and restricting members, where the restricting members have a lubricant applied in a continuous arcuate shape along their surfaces to prevent direct contact with the tubular member's end faces, ensuring smooth movement and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lubricant is applied in a dot-like pattern between the end face of the fusing film and the flange, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the end face of the tubular member may directly abut against the end-face restricting member causing wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is applied in advance to the restricting surface of the flange before the fusing film is installed. This preliminary lubrication ensures that when the fusing film comes into contact with the flange, the lubricant is already in place to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby preventing wear and damage to the end face of the tubular member.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant acts as an intermediary substance between the end face of the fusing film and the restricting surface of the flange. By introducing this intermediate layer, direct contact between the two solid surfaces is prevented, reducing friction and wear, and extending the service life of the tubular member.
2Device complexity
If the lubricant is applied in a dot-like pattern, then the application process is simple, but the lubrication coverage is insufficient leading to direct sliding contact and surface roughening
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is applied to specific localized areas on the restricting surface of the flange where contact with the fusing film end face is most likely to occur. This targeted local application ensures adequate lubrication coverage at critical contact points without requiring complex full-surface application processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant is applied in advance to the restricting surface before assembly, ensuring that the lubrication is in place before any contact occurs. This preliminary action prevents direct sliding contact from the outset, avoiding surface roughening and damage.
3Force
If the end face of the tubular member directly contacts the end-face restricting member, then the restricting function is effective, but the tubular member end face becomes damaged due to attrition
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant serves as an intermediary layer between the end face of the tubular member and the restricting surface of the flange. This intermediate layer maintains the restricting function by allowing the flange to constrain the tubular member while simultaneously protecting the end face from direct contact attrition and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant provides beforehand cushioning protection to the end face of the tubular member. By being in place before contact occurs, it cushions against the harmful effects of direct sliding contact, preventing surface roughening and structural damage while still allowing the restricting function to operate.
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 continuous lubricant application between the tubular member and restricting surfaces prevents direct abutment, thereby extending the service life of the tubular member and reducing the risk of damage, ensuring prolonged operation without cracks or splits.
Implementation Method 1
each restricting member having a restricting surface abuttable with each end face of the flexible tubular member to restrict the flexible tubular member from moving in the axial direction, each restricting surface having a specific area applied with a lubricant in a continuous manner
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a flexible tubular member defining an axis extending in an axial direction; a first fixing member; a second fixing member configured to nip the tubular member in cooperation with the first fixing member; and a pair of restricting members disposed to interpose the tubular member therebetween in the axial direction. The tubular member has end faces in the axial direction and a circumference defining a circumferential direction. Each restricting member has a restricting surface abuttable with each end face of the tubular member to restrict the tubular member from moving in the axial direction, each restricting surface having a specific area continuously applied with a lubricant upon completion of assembly of the fixing device, the specific area having an arcuate shape extending in the circumferential direction and having a width at least equal to a thickness of the tubular member in the radial direction.