Fuser Sliding Surface Roughness for Lubricant Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices suffer from scratches on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member due to the irregularities in the sliding surface of the sliding member, leading to lubricant retention issues and increased wear and rotational torque.
Innovation Solution
The sliding member is designed with a surface roughness Ra1 of 0.20 µm or more and a material ratio Rmr of 35% or more, featuring a glass layer with controlled irregularities to minimize scratches and enhance lubricant retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sliding surface of the sliding member is made irregular to retain lubricant, then lubricant retention is improved, but scratches occur on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the surface roughness (Ra: 0.03-0.50 μm) and material ratio (Rmr: 20-80%) of the sliding surface. This optimization balances lubricant retention capability with scratch prevention, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific irregularities only on the sliding surface of the sliding member with controlled roughness characteristics, while keeping other surfaces smooth. This localized treatment retains lubricant where needed without causing scratches on the second rotatable member.
2Reliability
If the surface roughness of the sliding member is increased to retain lubricant, then lubricant retention is improved, but wear and rotational torque increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes surface roughness parameters (Ra: 0.03-0.50 μm, Rmr: 20-80%) to achieve the minimum necessary irregularity for lubricant retention while minimizing wear and rotational torque. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between reliability and substance loss.
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
This design reduces scratches on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member, improves lubricant retention, and decreases wear and rotational torque, enhancing the performance of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding member interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member and the pressing member; and a lubricant interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member and the sliding member, wherein the sliding member has an irregular sliding surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a first rotatable member; a second rotatable member disposed in contact with the first rotatable member; a pressing member that is disposed along an inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member and presses the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member such that the second rotatable member is pressed against the first rotatable member; a sliding member interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member and the pressing member; and a lubricant interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable member and the sliding member. The sliding member has an irregular sliding surface having a surface roughness Ra1 of 0.20 µm or more and a material ratio Rmr of 35% or more.