Fixing Device Regulating Section for Power Feed Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, lubricating materials can enter the power feed section of the fixing device, leading to potential issues with electrical resistance changes and poor power feeding, which can disrupt the fixing operation.
Innovation Solution
A regulating section, such as an O-ring, oil-absorbing felt, oil-repellent material, recess, or protrusion, is disposed on the outer surface of the heating section to prevent the lubricating material from entering the power feed section, ensuring stable power feeding by regulating its movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricating material is supplied to the inner surface of the belt-shaped section, then the lubrication performance is improved, but the lubricating material may enter the power feed section causing electrical resistance changes and poor power feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into distinct functional zones: a lubrication section where lubricating material is supplied to the inner surface of the belt-shaped section, and a power feed section where power is fed to the heating section. This segmentation prevents the lubricating material from contaminating the power feed section while maintaining effective lubrication in the belt section, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving lubrication performance and preventing electrical contamination
Solution Approach 2:
A regulating section is introduced as an intermediary component between the lubrication section and the power feed section. This regulating section controls and regulates the movement of the lubricating material, allowing it to reach the belt-shaped section for lubrication while preventing it from entering the power feed section. The intermediary regulating section thus enables both lubrication effectiveness and electrical system protection to coexist
2Power
If the power feed section is provided to feed power to the heating section, then the heating function is enabled, but the lubricating material can enter the power feed section causing electrical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into separate functional areas: the power feed section with power feed members for heating, and the lubrication section with supply members for lubrication. This spatial segmentation allows the power feed function to operate reliably without interference from lubricating material, while the lubrication function can effectively lubricate the belt-shaped section
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating section serves as a protective intermediary positioned between the power feed section and the lubrication section. It selectively allows the lubricating material to pass through to lubricate the belt-shaped section while blocking its entry into the power feed section, thus protecting the power feeding stability without compromising the heating function
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 implementation of a regulating section effectively prevents lubricating material from entering the power feed section, thereby stabilizing the fixing operation and preventing poor energization and power feed issues, without requiring significant changes to the existing fixing device configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a heating section that supports and rotates the belt-shaped section and generates heat during energization to heat the belt-shaped section
Implementation Method 2
A regulating section, such as an O-ring, oil-absorbing felt, oil-repellent material, recess, or protrusion, is disposed on the outer surface of the heating section to prevent the lubricating material from entering the power feed section
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes an endless belt-shaped section; a supply section that supplies a lubricating material to an inner surface of the belt-shaped section; a heating section that supports and rotates the belt-shaped section and generates heat during energization to heat the belt-shaped section; a power feed section that is electrically connected to an end part of the heating section and feeds power to the heating section; and a regulating section that is disposed on an outer surface side of the heating section and inside the power feed section with respect to an axial direction of rotation of the heating section to regulate movement of the lubricating material to a power feed section side.