Fusing Apparatus Plate Positioning Without Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fusing apparatus requires a large number of assembly operations to position the plate on the fusing frame, as screws are used to fix the plate in a contracting state of the pressing spring, increasing the complexity and time required for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fusing apparatus configuration that uses a flange with a pressure receiving portion and an insertion portion, where the insertion portion is set by positioning holes on the fusing frame, allowing the plate to be positioned without screws, utilizing the contracting and further contracting states of the pressing spring to generate the necessary pressing force for forming a nip portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the plate to the fusing frame in a contracting state of the pressing spring, then the plate can be securely positioned, but the number of assembly operations increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the screw fastening mechanism from the assembly process. Instead of using screws to fix the plate to the fusing frame, the design uses a simplified insertion-based positioning system where the plate is inserted into a recess and held in place by the pressing spring's pressing force, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing spring serves dual functions: it provides the necessary pressing force for forming the nip portion between the heating roller and pressing roller, and simultaneously it holds the plate in position during assembly. The plate's insertion portion is retained by the pressing spring itself, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate fastening components
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix the plate to the fusing frame, then the plate can be securely positioned, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the time-consuming screw fastening operation from the assembly process. The plate is positioned by simply inserting it into a recess and pushing it against the pressing spring, which automatically secures it in place without requiring multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The plate's insertion portion is pre-designed to fit into a corresponding recess in the fusing frame, and the pressing spring is pre-positioned to provide both pressing force and retention. This preliminary configuration allows for rapid assembly without the need for sequential fastening operations
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 reduces the number of assembly operations by allowing the plate to be set on the fusing frame without screws, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the time required for positioning, while maintaining the necessary pressing force for fusing toner images.
Implementation Method 1
A pressing spring (113) is used as a pressing member that presses the flange (105) in a pressing roller direction to generate a pressing force
Implementation Method 2
a heater (102) that generates heat
Data Source
AI summary
A fusing apparatus having a heating rotary member, a pressing rotary member, a flange, a fusing frame, a pressing member, and a plate. The heating rotary member heats a recording medium and includes a heater and a film that rotates. The pressing rotary member rotates to press an outer circumferential surface of the film and performs fusing of a toner image on the recording medium. The flange supports the heater. The fusing frame supports the pressing rotary member and has a positioning hole. The pressing member presses the flange. The plate includes a pressure receiving portion and an insertion portion. The pressure receiving portion is pressed by the pressing member and the insertion portion is inserted into a positioning hole and positioned in a first state. The insertion portion is removed from the positioning hole in a second state where the pressing member further contracts from the first state.