Image Heating Device Lubricant Regulation via Guide Member Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional film heating-type image heating devices face issues with lubricant distribution, leading to reduced heat transmission and potential slipping between the film and the heating member, resulting in inadequate toner melting and fixing failures due to uneven lubricant application and temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a tubular film, an elongate heater, and a roller, where a lubricant is interposed between the heater and the film, and a guide member with protrusions regulates the lubricant distribution to ensure optimal slidability and heat transmission, using a temperature detecting member to control the heater's temperature and a grease regulating mechanism to maintain the lubricant's position, preventing excessive lubricant accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large amount of lubricant is applied on the heating member, then slidability between the film and heating member is improved, but heat transmission from the heating member to the film is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member has a first region with a greater percentage of protrusions than a second region, creating localized variations in lubricant regulation. The first region (overlapping the temperature detecting member) has higher protrusion density to regulate lubricant more strictly where temperature detection occurs, while the second region has lower protrusion density to allow better heat transmission. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying different lubricant control strategies to different zones.
2Loss of energy
If the amount of lubricant is reduced, then heat transmission is improved, but friction between the film and heating member increases causing slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member creates local quality differences in lubricant distribution through varying protrusion percentages. The first region with higher protrusion density maintains sufficient lubricant for temperature detection accuracy, while the second region with lower protrusion density provides adequate lubrication to prevent slipping. This localized differentiation allows the system to maintain both heat transmission efficiency and slidability without compromising either function.
3Loss of energy
If uniform lubricant application is achieved, then heat transmission and slidability are optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is segmented into multiple regions with different protrusion percentages (first region with greater percentage, second region with lesser percentage). This segmentation allows differentiated lubricant control in different zones, achieving optimized heat transmission and slidability through localized properties rather than uniform application, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 configuration enhances heat transmission to the recording material, reduces fixing failures, and maintains slidability, ensuring effective toner melting and image fixation without compromising electrical power supply or increasing friction.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of much lubricating grease between the heating member and the film prevents transmission of heat from the heating member to the film
Implementation Method 2
The temperature of the heating member is detected by a temperature detecting element provided at a surface of the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus includes a tubular film, an elongate heater, a roller, and a lubricant interposed between the heater and the film. A temperature detecting member detects a temperature of the heater, a controller controls electrical power supplied to the heater so that a temperature detected by the temperature detecting member reaches a target temperature, and a guide member guides the film. The guide member has a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the inner surface of the film. In a longitudinal direction of the guide member, a first region of the guide member corresponds to the temperature detecting member, and a second region of the guide member does not correspond to the temperature detecting member. In addition, a width of one protrusion located at the first region is greater than a width of some of the plurality protrusions located at the second region.