Image Heating Apparatus Pressing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image heating apparatuses for toner images on sheets face complexity due to locking mechanisms used for maintaining pressure, which complicates the fixing device and hinders easy mountability and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An image heating apparatus with a pressing mechanism that utilizes a pressing arm and spring to apply pressure, allowing for adjustable and releasable contact between the fixing assembly and the opposite roller, eliminating the need for a locking mechanism and enabling easier assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to maintain pressed state, then pressure stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the locking mechanism from the fixing device, replacing it with a spring member that maintains pressure through elastic force alone, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with locking mechanisms while preserving pressure stability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member serves itself by automatically maintaining the pressed state through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for separate locking components that would otherwise be required to maintain pressure stability
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to maintain pressed state, then pressure maintenance is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the locking mechanism and replacing it with a simple spring member, the invention significantly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining pressure maintenance capabilities through the spring's elastic properties
3Force
If a locking mechanism is used, then pressure application is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member automatically applies and maintains pressure through its elastic force without requiring manual locking operations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining effective pressure application
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 simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the image heating apparatus by allowing for adjustable pressure and easy demounting of components, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member which is fixed to said second unit at one end portion thereof and which is mounted, at another end portion of the spring member, to said arm member
Data Source
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AI summary
An image heating apparatus includes: (i) first and second rotatable members for forming a nip for heating of a toner image on a sheet; (ii) a first unit for rotatably holding the first rotatable member; (iii) a second unit for rotatably holding the second rotatable member; and (iv) a pressing mechanism for pressing the first unit toward the second unit. The pressing mechanism includes: (iv-i) an abutting member capable of abutting against the first unit; (iv-ii) an arm member, including a supporting portion for being rotatably supported by the abutting member, capable of abutting against the abutting member; and (iv-iii) a spring member which is fixed to the second unit at one end portion thereof and which is mounted, at another and portion thereof, to the arm member at a position closer to a free end of the arm member than the supporting portion of the arm member.