Lubricant Application Roller Pressurizing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively applying lubricants to image carriers to prevent wear and enhance transferability, leading to reduced lifespan and efficiency in image formation processes.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant application device with a lubricant application roller and a pressurizing unit, including a lubricant case and a compression coil spring, is used to apply a lubricant, such as metal soap, to the image carrier, reducing wear and improving transferability by ensuring consistent contact and controlled application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricant application roller is used to apply lubricant to the image carrier, then transferability is improved, but the lubricant may not be applied consistently leading to uneven coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant application roller is made movable relative to the image carrier through a pressing mechanism that applies dynamic pressure. This ensures consistent contact between the lubricant application roller and the image carrier surface, achieving uniform lubricant coverage while maintaining reliable transferability.
2Reliability
If the lubricant application roller is pressed against the image carrier, then consistent contact is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is designed to automatically maintain contact between the lubricant application roller and the image carrier without requiring external control systems. The mechanism self-regulates the pressure application, ensuring consistent contact while minimizing structural complexity through autonomous operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If lubricant is applied to prevent wear, then lifespan is extended, but excessive lubricant causes waste and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant application mechanism replaces manual or excessive lubricant application with a controlled mechanical pressing system. This substitution ensures precise, measured lubricant transfer to the image carrier surface, extending lifespan while preventing waste through controlled application physics.
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 lubricant application device effectively suppresses abrasion on the image carrier, prolongs its lifespan, and enhances the transferability of toner images, leading to improved image formation quality and reduced lubricant consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing spring accommodated in the lubricant case to pressurize the lubricant against the image carrier
Implementation Method 2
a compression coil spring, is used to apply a lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a lubricant application target member, an application roller which is provided at a position adjacent to the lubricant application target member to apply a lubricant to the lubricant application target member, a lubricant support member which supports the lubricant, and a movement mechanism which includes a guide coupled to the lubricant support member and extending along a linear direction. An engaging portion engages with the guide and restricts movement of the lubricant support member in a linear direction of the guide by engagement of the guide with the engaging portion.