Nip-Forming Heating Device With Inclined Rotator Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face the challenge of lubricant leakage and fine particle generation due to high temperatures at the rotator holder, which violates environmental regulations by releasing volatile organic compounds and fine particles.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a rotator holder featuring an inclined conical surface design prevents lubricant movement to the inner peripheral surface, using a flange portion and inclined surface to manage lubricant flow away from high-temperature areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the lubricant is moved toward the longitudinal center of the rotator using inclined grooves, then the lubricant leakage is reduced, but the lubricant is exposed to high temperature and generates fine particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubricant movement function from the inclined grooves and relocates it to the inclined surface positioned at the outer periphery of the rotator holder. This separation removes the lubricant flow path from the high-temperature zone near the heater, eliminating fine particle generation while maintaining leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface acts as an intermediary structure that redirects lubricant flow away from the heater. By positioning this surface at the outer periphery, it mediates between the lubricant application point and the high-temperature zone, preventing direct exposure without requiring the lubricant to travel through the heated area.
2Productivity
If the rotator holder temperature is high to maintain operational function, then the image forming process continues, but fine particles are generated from lubricant heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of lubricant management by positioning the inclined surface at the outer periphery rather than directing lubricant inward. This dimensional repositioning creates a thermal gradient advantage where the outer periphery is cooler, allowing continuous operation without fine particle generation from lubricant heating.
3Ease of operation
If the lubricant is applied to the rotator holder to reduce friction, then the rotator slides smoothly, but the lubricant is heated and generates volatile organic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones on the rotator holder: the inclined surface at the outer periphery handles lubricant redirection in a cooler zone, while the inner peripheral area maintains high temperature for image forming. This localized functional separation allows smooth operation without VOC emission from lubricant heating.
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
Prevents lubricant leakage and reduces fine particle generation, adhering to environmental standards by minimizing the release of fine particles and volatile compounds.
Implementation Method 1
A heater such as a halogen heater heats the inner peripheral surface of the rotator
Implementation Method 2
The lubricant is moved by the inclined surface toward the outer periphery of the rotator holder
Implementation Method 3
Rotator holders such as flanges support both ends of the inner peripheral surface of the rotator
Implementation Method 4
Lubricant is applied and interposed between the rotator and the rotator holders such as flanges in order to reduce frictional resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
A heating device (29, 299, 443) includes a rotator (21, 291, 440), a heater (23, 293, 441) heating the rotator (21, 291, 440), a rotator holder (40, 298, 442) holding a longitudinal end of the inner peripheral surface of the rotator (21,291,440), and lubricant (LA) applied to the rotator holder (40, 298, 442). The rotator holder (40, 298, 442) includes a holding portion (40a) contacting the end of the inner peripheral surface, a flange portion (40c) contacting a longitudinal end of the rotator (21, 291, 440) and extending outward in a radial direction of a loop of the rotator (21, 291, 440), and an inclined surface (40d). The inclined surface (40d) is inclined in a direction away from an inner peripheral surface of the rotator (21, 291, 440) from the holding portion (40a) toward the flange portion (40c).