Fixing Device End-Face Restricting Member Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal fixing devices risk damaging the fixing belt during assembly due to the end-face restricting member abutting the belt's end portion.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design featuring a flexible tubular member with a pair of end-face restricting members assembled perpendicular to the axial direction, guided by inner guides and supported by a stay, to prevent damage by allowing sliding contact and absorbing thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the end-face restricting member is inserted into and assembled to the inner guide in the axial direction, then the fixing belt's position in axial direction is restricted, but the fixing belt may be damaged at the time of assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assembly direction from axial to radial (perpendicular to axial). The end-face restricting member is assembled in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, allowing the fixing belt to be positioned and secured without axial insertion that would cause damage to the belt's end portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner guide is first assembled to the fixing belt, establishing the belt's position and shape. Only after this preliminary positioning is complete is the end-face restricting member assembled in the perpendicular direction to restrict the belt's end face, preventing damage during the restriction process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the end-face restricting member abuts on the end portion of the fixing belt, then the belt's axial position is constrained, but the belt may be damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying the restricting member in the axial direction (which causes damage), the patent applies it in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the belt to be restricted axially while avoiding harmful abutment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner guide acts as an intermediary component that first establishes the fixing belt's correct position and shape. The end-face restricting member then works with this intermediary structure to restrict the belt's end face without directly abutting the belt in a damaging manner.
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 design effectively prevents damage to the fixing belt during assembly and accommodates thermal expansion, ensuring stable and secure operation of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
accommodates thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet includes: a flexible tubular member having an inner peripheral surface, the tubular member defining an axis extending in an axial direction and having widthwise end portions in the axial direction; a heater; a nip member being in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface; a backup member confronting the nip member to nip the tubular member in cooperation with the nip member; a stay supporting the nip member; a pair of inner guides being in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface to guide the same; and a pair of restricting members restricting the widthwise end portions of the tubular member from moving in the axial direction, at least one of the pair of restricting members being formed separately from the inner guides and being assembled to the stay in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.