Fixing Device Heater Pinching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in electrographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely attaching a heating element to prevent detachment and ensure efficient heat transfer, which can lead to inconsistent toner image fixation on sheets.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heating section that includes a heater, a heater holding member, and a pinching member, where the pinching member restricts movement of the heater relative to the heater holding member, preventing detachment and ensuring stable heat application through a configuration that includes a ceramic heater, a heater holding member with ribs, and a reinforcing member to secure the pinching member in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is attached to a heater holding member using conventional methods, then the heater can transfer heat to the fixing belt, but the heater may detach during operation due to insufficient securing
Solution Approach 1:
The heater holding member is divided into multiple ribs that independently contact and secure different portions of the heater. This segmentation allows the heater to be firmly attached through multiple contact points without requiring a complex overall securing mechanism, resolving the contradiction between attachment stability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is preliminarily positioned within the heater holding member structure before final operation. The ribs are pre-configured to contact specific surfaces of the heater, ensuring proper positioning and preventing detachment before the heater becomes operational. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for additional complex securing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the heater is securely pinned to prevent movement, then detachment is prevented, but the complexity of the holder structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater holding member combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The ribs simultaneously serve as structural support elements, heater positioning features, and securing mechanisms. This merging eliminates the need for separate pinching members or complex fastening systems, achieving heater position stability without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater holding member structure is designed to automatically secure the heater through its own geometric configuration. The ribs naturally contact and constrain the heater surfaces without requiring additional active securing components. This self-service approach prevents heater movement while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heater is loosely held to simplify the structure, then the holding member is simpler, but heat transfer efficiency decreases due to poor contact
Solution Approach 1:
The heater holding member features ribs with specific local geometries designed to optimize contact with the heater. Each rib has contact surfaces positioned and shaped to ensure intimate thermal contact at critical heat transfer locations. This local quality optimization ensures efficient heat transfer while maintaining the overall simplicity of the holding member structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater holding member is constructed from materials with high thermal conductivity to ensure efficient heat transfer from the heater through the ribs to the fixing belt. This material selection allows the simple ribbed structure to achieve effective thermal contact without requiring complex multi-layer constructions, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving heat transfer efficiency.
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 solution effectively prevents the heater from detaching and enhances heat transfer efficiency, ensuring consistent fixation of toner images on sheets by securely pinching the heater and holding member, thereby improving the overall performance of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The heating section includes a heater, a heater holding member, and a pinching member. The heater heats the fixing belt.
Implementation Method 2
The pinching member pinches the heater and the heater holding member to restrict movement of the heater relative to the heater holding member.
Implementation Method 3
The thermistor is provided on the heat insulating holder and in contact with the thermal conduction member at a specific pressure through a through hole in the heat insulating holder.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing belt and a heating section. The heating section is disposed opposite to an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt. The heating section includes a heater, a heater holding member, and a pinching member. The heater heats the fixing belt. The heater holding member holds the heater. The pinching member pinches the heater and the heater holding member to restrict movement of the heater relative to the heater holding member.