Fuser for an Image-Forming Apparatus and Method of Using Same
OwnerDavid William Hullman, Brandon Alden Kemp +3inventors
InventorsDavid William Hullman, Brandon Alden Kemp, Niko Jay Murrell, Ryan James Nelson, Julie Ann Gorden Whitney
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An image-forming device includes a belt-based fuser for fixing an image to a media substrate. The fuser includes a belt disposed about a heating element to facilitate the media handling and to transfer the heat of the heater to the passing media. A lubricant layer lubricates the movement of the belt about the heating element. The lubricant layer includes fluorinated oil having a number average molecular weight greater than 10,000 amu.
Claims20
A fuser assembly for an image-forming device, comprising:
- a heating element;
- a belt disposed about the heating element;
- and
- a lubricant layer disposed between the belt and the heating element, wherein the lubricant layer comprises a fluorinated oil with a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 10,000 atomic mass units (amu).
A fuser assembly for an image-forming device, comprising:
- a heating element;
- a belt disposed about the heating element;
- and
- a lubricant layer disposed between the belt and the heating element, wherein the lubricant layer comprises:
- a fluorinated oil comprising a copolymer of polyperfluoromethylene oxide and polyfluoroethylene oxide;
- and a tungsten disulfide friction modifier.
A method of extending the life of a fuser apparatus for an image-forming device, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) applying a lubricant layer to an inner surface of a belt in an area between the belt and a heating element of said fuser apparatus;
- and
- b) operating said image forming device to rotate said belt around said heating element;
- wherein the lubricant layer comprises a fluorinated oil with a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 10,000 atomic mass units (amu).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.