Fixing Film Unit Structure to Prevent Deformation in the Nip
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing apparatuses using a film heating method suffer from deformation of the fixing film due to the separation of the pressure stay and heater holder, which affects the stability and performance of the fixing process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus is designed with a tubular film, a guide member, a stay member, and a restriction structure to reinforce the guide member, and a roller forms a fixing nip portion, with the restriction structure preventing movement of the guide member and stay member from separation, thereby stabilizing the film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the pressure stay and heater holder are separated to enable independent replacement of the film unit, then ease of repair is improved, but the fixing film deforms due to lack of structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing apparatus is divided into separable modules: the film unit (containing heater and film) can be independently removed from the pressure roller assembly. This segmentation enables easy replacement of the film unit while maintaining structural integrity through the restriction structure that prevents separation of critical components during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A restriction structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pressure stay and heater holder, preventing their separation during operation. This intermediary element maintains the structural support needed to prevent film deformation while allowing the modular design to enable easy replacement when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the guide member is made movable to facilitate film installation, then ease of operation is improved, but the film stability deteriorates due to guide member movement
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move during film installation for ease of operation, but being restricted during operation to maintain film stability. The restriction structure enables this dynamic behavior by preventing guide member movement only when the film unit is in use, while allowing movement during installation or maintenance.
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 suppresses deformation of the fixing film, ensuring stable operation and improved performance by maintaining the film's integrity during the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heater 54, a tubular film (fixing film) 53... The heater 54 fitted in the heater holder 55 is positioned between the heater holder 55 and the fixing film 53
Implementation Method 2
The pressure roller 52 includes a metal core 52a, an elastic material layer 52b made of, for example, silicone rubber
Implementation Method 3
A motor (not illustrated) rotates the pressure roller 52, and the pressure roller 52 moves the fixing film 53 due to the friction between the pressure roller 52 and the outside surface of the fixing film 53
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus includes a film, a guide member, a stay member, a roller, and a restriction structure. The guide member is disposed in an inside space of the film, elongated in a generatrix direction of the film, and guides rotation of the film. The stay member reinforces the guide member, the film and a roller form a fixing nip portion between the film and the roller, and a recording medium, having a toner image formed on the recording medium, is heated to fix the toner image onto the recording medium at the fixing nip portion while a sheet passes through the fixing nip portion. The roller is disposed so as to be in contact with the outside surface of the film. The restriction structure restricts movement of the guide member in a direction orthogonal to the generatrix direction of the film and also in a direction in which the stay member and the guide member are separated from each other.