Fuser Belt Lubrication Layout for Low Sliding Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses experience increased sliding resistance and potential damage to the belt due to excessive lubricant application and uneven lubrication distribution, leading to image defects and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a lubricant applying member positioned downstream of the heating roller and upstream of the steering roller, applying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the belt to maintain optimal viscosity and distribution, reducing sliding resistance and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a lubricant applying member is used to apply lubricant to the belt member, then sliding resistance between the belt member and nip portion forming member is reduced, but the lubricant distribution becomes uneven and the belt may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the belt member before the belt enters the heating portion. The lubricant applying member is positioned upstream of the heating roller, so the lubrication is established in advance before the belt undergoes thermal processing, preventing uneven distribution and potential damage during heating
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant is applied locally and selectively to specific regions of the belt member's inner peripheral surface through the lubricant applying member, rather than uniformly across the entire belt. This localized application ensures proper lubrication at critical interfaces while avoiding over-lubrication that could cause damage
2Quantity of substance
If lubricant is applied to the heating roller, then the lubricant is transferred to the belt member, but the lubricant viscosity becomes uneven due to heating
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is applied to the belt member before it enters the heating portion, so the lubrication occurs at a lower temperature where viscosity remains stable and controllable. The lubricant applying member is positioned upstream of the heating roller, ensuring lubricant application occurs before thermal processing begins
Solution Approach 2:
The position of lubricant application is changed relative to the heating process. Instead of applying lubricant to the heated heating roller, the system applies lubricant to the cooler belt surface upstream of the heating zone, fundamentally changing the temperature parameter at which lubrication occurs to maintain viscosity stability
3Force
If excessive lubricant is applied to reduce sliding resistance, then image defects occur due to uneven lubrication distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant applying member provides controlled, localized lubrication to specific areas of the belt member's inner peripheral surface. This precise local application prevents excessive lubricant accumulation that would cause image defects, while still providing sufficient lubrication to reduce sliding resistance at critical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant acting as an intermediary substance is applied through a controlled mechanism (lubricant applying member) that regulates the amount and distribution of lubricant. This intermediary approach allows fine-tuning of lubrication levels to achieve optimal sliding resistance without exceeding thresholds that would cause image defects
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
Enhances lubrication distribution, reducing sliding resistance and preventing belt damage, thereby improving image quality and extending the service life of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion configured to heat the belt member by heating the second stretching member
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant applying member in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the belt member on the downstream side of the first stretching member and an upstream side of the second stretching member with respect to the rotational direction of the belt member, and configured to apply a lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the belt member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for heating a toner image on a recording material includes an endless belt, a rotatable member, a pad disposed inside the belt so as to nip the belt between the pad and the rotatable member, and first and second stretching rollers in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the belt. The second stretching member is disposed in a downstream side of the first stretching roller and an upstream side of the pad with respect to a rotational direction of the belt. A heater heats the belt by heating the second stretching roller. A lubricant applying member is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the belt in the downstream side of the first stretching roller and an upstream side of the second stretching roller with respect to the rotational direction, and applies a lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the belt.