Fixing Apparatus Sensor Positioning for Compact Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices for toner images on recording media face challenges in accurately positioning temperature sensors due to space constraints, which can lead to unstable contact pressure and inaccurate temperature detection.
Innovation Solution
The proposed fixing apparatus includes a heater holding member with a positioning portion outside the temperature sensor's direction, allowing for precise positioning of the sensor holding member and an urging member to maintain contact with the heater, reducing the required space and minimizing sensor unit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dimension W2 of the sensor unit is increased to provide space for fastening the sensor holding member to the heater holding member, then the sensor unit can be securely fixed, but the positioning of the temperature sensor becomes restricted and the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holding member is nested within the heater holding member structure, with the sensor holding member fitting into a recess portion of the heater holding member. This nesting arrangement allows secure fixing without requiring additional external fastening space, thereby reducing the overall sensor unit dimension W2 while maintaining reliable fixation.
2Reliability
If fastening members such as locking rings are used to fix the sensor holding member to the heater holding member, then the sensor can be securely positioned, but a substantial amount of space is required for fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the traditional external fastening mechanism (locking rings) and integrated into the heater holding member structure itself through the recess portion. This allows the sensor holding member to be securely fixed without requiring additional fastening members or external fastening space, thereby reducing the area W2 needed for fastening operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor holding member is positioned closer to the heater to reduce space, then the device becomes more compact, but accurate temperature detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heater holding member is designed with a recess portion that provides localized optimal positioning for the temperature sensor relative to the heater. This recess structure ensures the sensor is positioned at the appropriate distance and orientation for accurate temperature detection, while the overall compact design maintains reduced device volume. The local structural feature (recess) optimizes the sensor-heater relationship without compromising detection precision.
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 ensures stable contact pressure and accurate temperature detection of the heater, enabling efficient toner fixation while reducing the overall size of the sensor unit and eliminating the need for extensive space for fastening, thus improving the fixing device's compactness and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor, provided in contact with the heater through a hole provided in the heater holding member, for detecting a temperature of the heater
Implementation Method 2
an urging member, provided between the temperature sensor and the sensor holding member, for urging the temperature sensor toward the heater
Implementation Method 3
a heater 200, which is made up of a ceramic substrate, and a heat generating member formed on the ceramic substrate by printing
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus includes a heater; a heater holding member for holding the heater; a temperature sensor, provided in contact with the heater through a hole provided in the heater holding member, for detecting a temperature of the heater; a holder for holding the sensor; and an urging member, provided between the sensor and the holder, for urging the sensor toward the heater, wherein the heater holding member includes a positioning portion for determining a position of the holder with respect to an urging direction of the urging member, and wherein the positioning portion is disposed at a position outside of a position of the sensor with respect to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the heater.