Fixing Device Nip Pad Clearance to Reduce Fine Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses generate excessive fine particles and ultrafine particles due to the adhesion and flow of lubricant to the flange surfaces, leading to abnormal noise and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a clearance of at least 2 mm between the nip formation pad and the flange, with lubricant interposed between the pad and the fixing belt, prevents lubricant adhesion and flow to the flange, thereby reducing particle generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the nip formation pad is placed close to the flange for structural compactness, then device complexity is reduced, but lubricant flows to the flange causing fine particle generation and abnormal noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clearance of 2 mm or more as an intermediary space between the nip formation pad and flange. This clearance acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact and lubricant flow to the flange surface, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of fine particle generation while maintaining structural compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful element (lubricant flow path) from the system by creating a clearance that separates the nip formation pad from the flange. This extraction prevents lubricant from reaching the flange surface, thus eliminating fine particle generation without compromising the overall device structure
2Force
If lubricant is applied between the rotator and nip formation pad to reduce friction, then frictional resistance is reduced, but lubricant adheres to the flange causing abnormal noise
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance of 2 mm or more serves as an intermediary barrier that allows lubricant to function between the rotator and nip formation pad while preventing it from reaching the flange. This mediator approach maintains the beneficial friction reduction effect while eliminating the harmful noise generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts lubricant from the harmful flow path to the flange by introducing a clearance. This extraction maintains lubrication benefits at the contact interface while removing the source of abnormal noise by preventing lubricant adhesion to the flange surface
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the clearance between nip formation pad and flange is increased to prevent lubricant flow, then fine particle generation is reduced, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary minimal clearance (2 mm or more) from the structure to achieve the goal of preventing lubricant flow. This selective extraction removes the harmful lubricant flow path while maintaining overall structural simplicity and avoiding excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a specific parameter threshold (clearance of 2 mm or more) to resolve the contradiction. This parameter change optimizes the balance between preventing fine particle generation and maintaining structural simplicity, avoiding both insufficient clearance and excessive structural complexity
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
Significantly reduces the generation of fine and ultrafine particles, maintaining device performance and reducing noise, while ensuring effective lubrication and nip stability.
Implementation Method 1
a heater heating an inner circumferential surface of the rotator
Implementation Method 2
Lubricant is interposed between the endless belt and the nip formation pad in order to reduce frictional resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a rotator, a heater, a rotator support, a nip formation pad, lubricant, and a pressure rotator. The heater heats an inner circumferential surface of the rotator. The rotator support supports an end of the inner circumferential surface of the rotator in an axial direction of the rotator. The rotator slides on the rotator support. The nip formation pad is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the rotator. One end of the nip formation pad in a longitudinal direction of the nip formation pad is separated from the rotator support with a clearance of 2 mm or more. The lubricant is between the rotator and the nip formation pad. The pressure rotator presses the nip formation pad via the rotator to form a nip between the rotator and the pressure rotator.