Image Heating Device Restricting Member Inclination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing film-type fixing devices in image-forming apparatuses are prone to damage due to the inclination of the restricting member, which can lead to excessive load on the fixing film, causing it to damage during the heating process.
Innovation Solution
The image heating device incorporates a grooved portion with protrusions on the restricting member that are designed to minimize inclination by varying their height, ensuring that during pressurization, some protrusions contact the frame while others do not, thereby preventing the film from damaging and allowing smooth movement during both pressurized and non-pressurized states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the restricting member is pressed by a pressurizing spring to form a fixing nip portion, then the heating pressure is applied effectively, but the restricting member inclines and causes damage to the fixing film edge surface
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting member incorporates protrusions with different heights at different locations. The first protrusions (higher) and second protrusions (lower) create localized contact points with the frame, distributing the pressurizing spring load unevenly to prevent inclination while maintaining effective heating pressure at the fixing nip portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting member features an asymmetric profile with protrusions of varying heights rather than a uniform structure. This asymmetric design allows selective contact with the frame during pressurization, counteracting the inclination tendency caused by the pressurizing spring and ensuring the fixing film edge surface does not damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If the restricting member is designed to restrict lateral shift of the fixing film, then the film position is controlled, but the structure becomes complex with multiple protrusions of different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it restricts lateral shift of the fixing film through its overall geometry, provides inclination prevention through the differential height protrusions, and maintains film position control during both pressurized and non-pressurized states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the restricting member and frame have a space between them, then assembly is easier, but the pressurizing spring causes the restricting member to incline
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions on the restricting member are pre-configured with specific height differences to anticipate and counteract the inclination that would occur during pressurization. This preliminary design feature ensures that when the pressurizing spring is applied, the protrusions automatically engage the frame at appropriate points to prevent inclination before it can cause damage.
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 design effectively prevents the restricting surface from inclining, thus preventing damage to the film's edge surface and ensuring smooth operation by maintaining the film's position and preventing local contact that could cause damage, while allowing for stable pressure release and movement.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing spring that pressurizes the restricting member and the roller
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating device includes a restricting member that restricts a lateral shift of a film in a longitudinal direction in a manner in which an edge surface of the film comes into contact with the restricting member when the film laterally shifts, a roller that forms a nip portion, a frame that has a groove in which the restricting member and the roller are inserted, and a pressurizing spring that pressurizes the restricting member and the roller. The restricting member includes a grooved portion, and protrusions that restrict inclination of the restricting member are formed on the grooved portion. When a pressure is applied to the restricting member and the roller, some of the protrusions are in contact with the frame, the other protrusions are not in contact with the frame, and a height of the some of the protrusions is more than a height of the other protrusions.