Nip Plate Recess for Temperature Sensor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices for thermally fixing developing agent images to recording sheets face challenges in maintaining precise positional relationship between the temperature sensor and the nip plate due to positional tolerance of separate supporting members, affecting temperature sensing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design where the temperature sensor is integrated into a recess of a metal nip plate, which restricts its displacement and ensures precise positioning relative to the nip plate, using a bent portion to maintain contact and prevent misalignment, thereby enhancing positional precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the temperature sensor is supported by a separate stay member, then the device structure is simpler to manufacture, but the positional precision of the temperature sensor relative to the nip plate deteriorates due to positional tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated directly into the nip plate by fitting it into a recess formed in the nip plate itself, merging the sensor support function into the nip plate structure. This eliminates the need for a separate stay member and eliminates positional tolerance accumulation between separate components, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and positional precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the nip plate acts as an intermediary structure that precisely positions the temperature sensor. By forming the recess directly in the nip plate, the sensor is held at a fixed, precise position relative to the nip plate surface, eliminating the positional tolerance issues that would arise from using a separate supporting member.
2Ease of operation
If the temperature sensor is positioned using a separate stay, then the sensor can be easily installed, but the positional relationship between the sensor and nip plate changes due to tolerance, affecting sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated directly into the nip plate by fitting it into a recess formed in the nip plate, merging the sensor support function into the nip plate structure. This eliminates the need for a separate stay member and eliminates positional tolerance accumulation between separate components, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and positional precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the nip plate acts as an intermediary structure that precisely positions the temperature sensor. By forming the recess directly in the nip plate, the sensor is held at a fixed, precise position relative to the nip plate surface, eliminating the positional tolerance issues that would arise from using a separate supporting member.
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 ensures higher precision in temperature sensing and reduces thermal expansion-induced positional changes, ensuring accurate thermal fixing of images onto the recording sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the nip plate
Implementation Method 2
a heat generating member disposed in the inner space of the fixing belt
Implementation Method 3
reduces thermal expansion-induced positional changes
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device configured to thermally fix a developing agent image to a recording sheet includes a fixing belt having a tubular shape defining an inner space, a heat generating member and a nip plate which are disposed in the inner space, and a rotating member disposed outside the inner space. The nip plate includes a plate-shaped portion holding the fixing belt against the rotating member, and a bent portion located downstream of the plate-shaped portion in a conveying direction of the recording sheet and bent to define a recess facing away from the rotating member. The bent portion protrudes farther away from the heat generating member than the plate-shaped portion. A temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the nip plate is fitted in the recess of the bent portion so as not to be displaced in the conveying direction.