Heater Position Stabilization in Image Forming Fixing Nip
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, temperature irregularities in the fixing nip portion can lead to improper fixation of toner images due to component tolerances and thermal expansion, resulting in variations in the heater's position, which affects the fixing process and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heating apparatus with a tubular film, a heater, and support members with regulation surfaces to stabilize the film and heater position, including positioning portions to determine the heater's position accurately, reducing positional variations and improving temperature uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a gap is disposed between the stay and flange to prevent contact during thermal expansion, then the stay can expand freely without deformation, but the heater position varies due to rattling corresponding to the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static gap into a dynamic positioning mechanism. The stay is designed to elastically deform and contact the flange at specific positions, converting the gap into a controlled dynamic interaction that maintains heater position stability while accommodating thermal expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The stay member utilizes its own elastic deformation characteristics to achieve self-positioning. Through its inherent elasticity, the stay automatically contacts the flange at predetermined positions, eliminating the need for external positioning mechanisms and ensuring consistent heater positioning
2Ease of manufacture
If margin is disposed in the longitudinal direction to securely fit the stay and flange, then assembly is easier with tolerance compensation, but the heater position precision decreases due to the gap variation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-establishes the heater position through the stay's elastic deformation characteristics before assembly. By designing the stay with specific elastic properties and contact positions, the heater position is predetermined and maintained consistently across assemblies, eliminating the need for large tolerance margins
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the stay from rigid to elastic, allowing it to deform and contact the flange at specific positions. This parameter change enables precise heater positioning while maintaining ease of assembly, as the elastic stay naturally conforms to the flange position
3Temperature
If the stay and heater holder are thermally expanded by the heater heat, then the components can withstand thermal stress, but the gap between the stay end face and flange increases causing position variation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention explicitly utilizes thermal expansion as a design feature. The stay is designed to expand thermally and contact the flange at predetermined positions, converting the harmful thermal expansion into a useful positioning mechanism that maintains heater position stability across temperature variations
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 solution enhances the accuracy and consistency of toner image fixation by stabilizing the heater's position, reducing temperature irregularities, and minimizing energy consumption by ensuring precise alignment and contact between components.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed on an inner circumferential side... which heats the fixing film
Implementation Method 2
it is possible that the stay and the heater holder are thermally expanded by the heat of the heater
Data Source
AI summary
A heating apparatus includes a tubular film, a heater, a first support member including a first regulation surface, and configured to rotatably support a first end of the film, a second support member including a second regulation surface, and configured to rotatably support a second end of the film, and a holding unit configured to hold the heater and determine a position of the heater in the longitudinal direction. Either one of the first support member and the second support member includes a positioning portion configured to determine a position of the holding unit in the longitudinal direction.