Fixing Device Bearing Retention via Groove Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in electrographic image forming apparatuses face issues with thermal expansion causing excessive force on bearings, potentially leading to malfunction or abnormal sounds, and complexity in design due to the need for additional components like C rings to prevent bearing drop.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a holding member with restricting parts that face the outside face of the bearing at an interval, preventing bearing drop and simplifying the configuration by eliminating the need for additional components, while biasing members like leaf springs or coil springs ensure proper alignment and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C ring is installed to prevent bearing drop, then bearing retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the C ring component entirely and replaces it with a groove structure integrated into the holding member. This extraction of the separate retaining component simplifies the overall device configuration while maintaining the bearing retention function through the groove that prevents bearing drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining function previously performed by the separate C ring is merged into the holding member itself through the groove structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional components and reduces device complexity while achieving the same bearing retention objective.
2Temperature
If the rotating member presses the bearing to accommodate thermal expansion, then thermal accommodation is improved, but bearing durability deteriorates due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure in the holding member provides a cushioning space that accommodates bearing displacement due to thermal expansion before excessive force is transmitted to the bearing. This beforehand cushioning prevents bearing damage by absorbing the thermal expansion effects in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure acts as an intermediary between the bearing and the rotating member, mediating the force transmission during thermal expansion. Instead of direct force transmission that would damage the bearing, the groove provides a compliant interface that allows controlled displacement.
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 effectively prevents bearing drop and excessive force, ensuring reliable operation and simplifying the device design, thereby enhancing the fixing process and maintaining device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing configured to support the rotating member so that the rotating member is rotatable around a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
The holding member has a restricting part configured to face an outside face in the rotation axis direction of the bearing at an interval
Implementation Method 3
if the rotating member presses the bearing to an outside in accordance with thermal expansion of the rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a rotating member, a bearing and a holding member. The rotating member is configured to fix a toner image on a recording medium. The bearing is configured to support the rotating member so that the rotating member is rotatable around a rotation axis. The holding member is configured to hold the bearing. The holding member has a restricting part configured to face an outside face in the rotation axis direction of the bearing at an interval.