Fixing Device Temperature Sensor Assembly with Biasing and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with unstable assemblability and reduced assembly efficiency due to the lack of stable positioning and engagement of the temperature sensor and sensor holding member with the heater holding member.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a biasing member to stabilize the engagement between the sensor holding member and the heater holding member, using a locking portion and engaged portion to maintain a stable assembly state, enhancing assemblability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the temperature sensor and sensor holding member are assembled with the heater holding member without a biasing member, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the assembly stability and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is configured to automatically push the temperature sensor toward the heater, enabling self-positioning and self-adjustment during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external positioning systems while ensuring stable assembly composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-installed in the sensor holding member to perform preliminary positioning action on the temperature sensor before final assembly with the heater holding member. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and stability are achieved automatically during the assembly process.
2Productivity
If the temperature sensor and sensor holding member are assembled without a biasing member, then the assembly process is faster, but the positioning accuracy and assembly efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member enables the temperature sensor to self-position relative to the heater through automatic mechanical pushing. This self-service capability maintains high positioning accuracy while actually improving assembly efficiency by eliminating manual adjustment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the assembly, allowing the temperature sensor to automatically adjust its position during assembly. This dynamic mechanism ensures precise positioning without slowing down the assembly process.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor holding member is freely movable without locking, then the assembly process is easier, but the assembly stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct locking portions on the heater holding member and corresponding locked portions on the sensor holding member. This segmentation allows for easy engagement during assembly while ensuring reliable locked positioning, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portions are designed to automatically engage with the locked portions when the sensor holding member is positioned correctly, performing the locking action as a preliminary step. This preliminary locking action ensures reliability without complicating the assembly process.
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 allows for more stable assembly of the fixing device components, improving assembly efficiency and maintaining the positional relationships of the heater and temperature sensor, thereby enhancing the overall assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor holding member includes a biasing member. The biasing member faces the heater holding member via the temperature sensor and biases the temperature sensor in a direction directed from the temperature sensor to the heater.
Implementation Method 2
The heating device includes a heater that heats the fixing belt and faces an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt.
Implementation Method 3
The pressurizing member sandwiches the fixing belt between the pressurizing member itself and the heater, forms a fixing nip portion, in which a recording medium is sandwiched and transported, between the pressurizing member and the fixing belt.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A fixing device (13) includes a fixing belt (20), a heating device (30), and a pressurizing member (40). The heating device (30) includes a heater holding member (32), a temperature sensor (33) that faces a heater (31) and is disposed in the heater holding member (32), and a sensor holding member (34) that is assembled with the heater holding member (32) in a direction of facing the temperature sensor (33) and includes a biasing member (35) that biases the temperature sensor (33). The heater holding member (32) includes a locking portion (323) that locks one end (341) of the sensor holding member (34), and an engaged portion (325) engaged with an engaging portion (342) provided in the sensor holding member (34) at a different position from the one end (341) in a length direction of the sensor holding member (34) when the sensor holding member (34) moves in the length direction with the one end (341) locked by the locking portion (323), the engaging portion (342) receiving the sensor holding member (34) pressed by a counterreaction of biasing.