Fixing Device Sensor Holder Engagement for Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with unstable assemblability due to the lack of stable engagement between the temperature sensor and the heater holding member, leading to decreased assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design that includes a sensor holding member with a biasing member to stabilize the engagement between the temperature sensor and the heater holding member, using a locking and engaging mechanism to restrict movement and maintain positional stability during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is disposed in a heater holding member to detect heater temperature, then temperature detection function is achieved, but stable engagement between sensor holding member and heater holding member is not ensured, leading to unstable assemblability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holding member is divided into multiple engagement portions (first engagement portion and second engagement portion) that can independently engage with corresponding portions on the heater holding member. This segmentation allows each engagement point to contribute to overall stability, ensuring reliable assembly even if one engagement point experiences variation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor holding member is inserted into and nested within the heater holding member structure. The biasing member is further nested within the sensor holding member, creating a hierarchical assembly where each component is contained within the previous one, ensuring stable positional relationships
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional stopper members are added to prevent sensor holding member from coming off, then engagement stability is improved, but device complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are integrated directly into the sensor holding member and heater holding member structures themselves, combining the engagement function with the existing component geometry. This eliminates the need for separate stopper members while maintaining engagement stability
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically provides the necessary retaining force through its elastic deformation, making the system self-regulating. When the sensor holding member is assembled, the biasing member deforms and generates a restoring force that prevents disengagement without requiring external stopper mechanisms
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
Enhances assembly efficiency and stability by ensuring stable engagement between the temperature sensor and heater holding member, improving the overall assemblability and reducing the need for additional stopper members.
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.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a heating device, and a pressurizing member. The heating device includes a heater holding member, a temperature sensor that faces a heater and is disposed in the heater holding member, and a sensor holding member that is assembled with the heater holding member in a direction of facing the temperature sensor and includes a biasing member that biases the temperature sensor. The heater holding member includes a locking portion that locks one end of the sensor holding member, and an engaged portion engaged with an engaging portion provided in the sensor holding member at a different position from the one end in a length direction of the sensor holding member when the sensor holding member moves in the length direction with the one end locked by the locking portion, the engaging portion receiving the sensor holding member pressed by a counterreaction of biasing.