Fixing Device Flexible Sleeve Rotator Reducing Noise and Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing abnormal noise and wear of fixing belts due to high friction and temperature fluctuations, which affect the quality of the printed images and the longevity of the fixing devices.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a flexible sleeve rotator having an elastic inner portion and a pressure rotator with a harder slide surface, along with a lubricant, is used to form a nip, enhancing slidability and reducing noise by managing friction and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fixing belt slides on the heater with high friction, then the fixing pressure is maintained, but abnormal noise and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing pressure maintenanceVSAvoidabnormal noise and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A lubricant is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fixing belt and the heater. The lubricant reduces direct friction and contact between the two surfaces, thereby decreasing abnormal noise and wear while maintaining the necessary fixing pressure through the pressure roller mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic power of the fixing belt is optimized to 55% or more, and the hardness relationship between the slide surface and sliding surface is specifically controlled. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain effective fixing pressure while reducing friction-induced noise and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the rotator material is softened to reduce wear, then slidability improves, but structural integrity may compromise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveslidabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic power of the rotator material is precisely controlled at 55% or more. This parameter optimization provides the right balance between softness for reduced wear and improved slidability, and sufficient structural integrity to maintain the rotator's functional shape under operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The rotator is constructed with composite material structure having specific elastic properties. The material composition is designed to achieve both improved slidability and wear resistance while maintaining adequate strength, combining the benefits of softer materials without sacrificing structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the slide surface hardness is increased to reduce wear, then durability improves, but friction and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheater durabilityVSAvoidfriction and abnormal noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant serves as a mediator between the hard slide surface and the rotator. It reduces the direct friction and contact noise between the hard heater surface and the rotator, allowing the heater to maintain its high hardness for durability without generating excessive noise or friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hardness of the slide surface is specifically optimized to be higher than the rotator's sliding surface hardness. This parameter relationship, combined with lubricant application, achieves reduced wear and improved durability while controlling friction and noise through the lubrication mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces abnormal noise and wear, improving the operational efficiency and image quality by maintaining the integrity of the fixing belt and extending its service life.

Implementation Method 1

The lubricant is provided between the rotator and the secured member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

The rotator includes an inner portion having a sliding surface. The inner portion has an elastic power of 55% or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The pressure rotator presses the rotator against the secured member and forms a nip between the rotator and the pressure rotator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11592770B2Pressing device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus incorporating fixing device

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A fixing device includes a rotator, a secured member, a pressure rotator, and lubricant. The rotator has flexibility and a sleeve form. The rotator includes an inner portion having a sliding surface. The inner portion has an elastic power of 55% or more. The secured member is disposed inside a loop of the rotator and has a slide surface on which the sliding surface of the rotator slides. The slide surface has a larger hardness than a hardness of the sliding surface of the rotator. The pressure rotator presses the rotator against the secured member and forms a nip between the rotator and the pressure rotator. The lubricant is provided between the rotator and the secured member.