Fixing Roller Stop Ring Structure to Prevent Detachment Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coming-off stopping rings in image forming apparatuses are prone to being dislodged due to rotational forces and can damage the fixing roller, as they are fitted externally and subjected to friction, leading to potential detachment and damage.
Innovation Solution
A coming-off stopping mechanism featuring a supporting member with a hollow tubular shape and a coming-off stopping member with an annular portion and first engaging portions that elastically deform to fit into holes, securely attaching to the supporting member and preventing axial movement, thus stabilizing the fixing belt and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the C-shaped coming-off stopping ring is fitted from the outside of the fixing roller, then the coming-off stopping mechanism can be installed, but the ring may receive rotational force and broaden in diameter causing it to come off from the fixing roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the installation direction of the coming-off stopping ring. Instead of fitting from the outside of the fixing roller, the ring is fitted from the inside through a through-hole formed in the fixing roller. This inversion allows the ring to be secured from the interior, preventing diameter expansion and detachment while maintaining installation feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coming-off stopping ring is nested within the fixing roller structure by passing through the through-hole and positioning it inside the roller. This nesting approach allows the ring to be contained within the roller's internal space, preventing external forces from broadening the ring's diameter and causing detachment.
2Ease of operation
If the C-shaped coming-off stopping ring is fitted while being rubbed on the outer circumference face of the fixing roller, then the ring can be positioned, but the outer circumference face of the fixing roller may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the outer circumference face of the fixing roller. By providing a through-hole in the roller, the positioning and securing of the coming-off stopping ring is transferred to the internal structure of the roller, eliminating the need for rubbing against the outer circumference face and thus preventing damage to this critical surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole in the fixing roller serves as an intermediary structure that enables the coming-off stopping ring to be positioned and secured without direct contact with the outer circumference face. This intermediary pathway allows the ring to be installed from the inside, avoiding harmful friction on the roller's external surface.
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 mechanism effectively prevents the coming-off stopping member from being dislodged and reduces the risk of damage to the fixing roller by securely attaching it to the supporting member, ensuring stable rotation and efficient image fixing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first engaging portions is inserted into the inside of the supporting member from the notch portion while elastically deforming and fitted into a plurality of first engaging holes formed in the supporting member
Data Source
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AI summary
A coming-off stopping mechanism (24) includes a supporting member (33) and a coming-off stopping member (38). The tubular supporting member (33) elongated in an axial direction has a notch portion (40) at an end and supports a rotating body (32). The coming-off stopping member (38) is fitted to the supporting member (33) from the outside in the axial direction, and restrains movement of the rotating body (32) toward the outside. The coming-off stopping member (38) includes an annular portion (50) and a plurality of first engaging portions (51). The annular portion (50) is formed so as to enclose the outside in a diameter direction of the supporting member (33) except for the notch portion (40). The plurality of first engaging portions (51) is connected to both ends of the annular portion (50), and is inserted into the inside of the supporting member (33) from the notch portion while elastically deforming and fitted into a plurality of first engaging holes (41) formed in the supporting member (33) from the inside.