Heating assembly, fuser, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heating assembly, a fixing device and image forming equipment, and relates to the technical field of image forming. The heating assembly comprises a heating piece support, and the heating piece support is provided with a first side wall and a second side wall which are oppositely arranged in the third direction. The through hole part penetrates through the first side wall and the second side wall; the at least one supporting part is arranged on the first side wall; the heating piece is arranged on the second side wall; the temperature control switch extends into the through hole part from the first side wall in the third direction and abuts against the supporting part so that a gap can exist between the temperature control switch and the heating piece. According to the utility model, the temperature control switch extends into the through hole part through the through hole part and is opposite to the heating element, and the temperature control switch is supported by the support part and the temperature control switch in an abutting manner, so that a gap is formed between the temperature control switch and the heating element, and image defects are avoided under the condition that the temperature control switch can accurately identify the temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to a heating component, a fuser, and an image forming device. Background Technology

[0002] The fuser contains a heating element, and around or inside the heating element, there are usually safety devices for monitoring the temperature, such as temperature control switches and fuses, as well as heat-sensing elements that detect and provide feedback on the temperature, such as thermistors.

[0003] To enhance product safety, the fuser unit employs dual temperature control switches and dual thermistors. The dual temperature control switches monitor the temperature of the heating element, and melt down when the set operating temperature is reached to prevent potential safety hazards. The main thermistor detects and provides feedback on the current actual temperature, while the side thermistor assists in monitoring and prevents abnormal temperature rises.

[0004] The heating assembly includes a heating element bracket for mounting the heating element, such as a ceramic plate. However, if the temperature control switch is close to the heating element, it can easily cause image defects. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a heating component, a fuser and an image forming device to solve the problem of image defects caused by the temperature control switch being close to the heating component.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heating assembly is provided, comprising:

[0007] A heating element support, wherein the heating element support has a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other in a third direction;

[0008] At least one through-hole portion, the through-hole portion penetrating the first sidewall and the second sidewall;

[0009] At least one support portion is disposed on the first sidewall;

[0010] A heating element, wherein the heating element is disposed on the second sidewall;

[0011] At least one temperature control switch extends into the through hole from the first sidewall in a third-direction upward direction and abuts against the support portion, so that there is a gap between the temperature control switch and the heating element.

[0012] The heating assembly of this utility model allows the temperature control switch to extend into the through hole and face the heating element. The temperature control switch is supported by a support part that abuts against it, so that there is a gap between the temperature control switch and the heating element. This ensures that the temperature control switch can accurately identify the temperature while avoiding the generation of image defects.

[0013] In some embodiments, the temperature control switch includes a temperature control switch body, the temperature control switch body having a first end and a second end in a first direction;

[0014] The support portion includes a first support rib and a second support rib located on both sides of the through hole portion in a first direction;

[0015] The first support rib and the second support rib abut against the first end and the second end of the temperature control switch body, respectively, in the third direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating element bracket has a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall that are oppositely disposed and protrude from the first sidewall in a second direction. A portion of the third sidewall and a portion of the fourth sidewall cooperate with the first support rib and the second support rib to form a first surrounding area, which is used to surround the temperature control switch body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the temperature control switch includes a heat-sensing part, which includes a heat-sensing part body and a heat-sensing surface. The heat-sensing part body extends into the through hole from the first sidewall in a third direction, and the heat-sensing surface faces the heating element. There is a gap between the heat-sensing surface and the heating element in a third direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the through-hole portion has a through-hole wall that forms a second surrounding region for surrounding the heat-sensing part body.

[0019] In some embodiments, a gap exists between the through-hole wall and the heat-sensing part body in a first direction and / or a second direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, a gap exists between the heat-sensing part and the support part in a first direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, a temperature control switch bracket is also included, wherein the temperature control switch is mounted on the temperature control switch bracket, and the temperature control switch bracket is mounted on the heating element bracket, such that the heat-sensing part body extends into the through hole from the first sidewall in a third-order direction.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a fuser is provided, the fuser including the heating assembly described in any of the first aspects.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided, the image forming apparatus including the fuser described in the second aspect.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the heating component, fuser, and image forming device of this utility model allow the temperature control switch to extend into the through hole and face the heating element, and the temperature control switch is supported by the support part abutting against the temperature control switch, so that there is a gap between the temperature control switch and the heating element. This ensures that the temperature control switch can accurately identify the temperature and avoids the generation of image defects. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a temperature control switch mounted on a temperature control switch bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring of the temperature control switch on the temperature control switch bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heat-sensing element bracket and temperature control switch bracket on the heating element bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation relationship of the temperature control switch, the temperature control switch bracket, and the heating element bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation and limiting of the temperature control switch bracket on the heating element bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a temperature control switch, heating element, and heating element support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of section A;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a rear cross-sectional view of the installation relationship between the temperature control switch and its corresponding bracket on the heating element bracket, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a front cross-sectional view of the installation relationship between the temperature control switch and the corresponding bracket on the heating element bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of section B.

[0035] Reference numerals in the attached figures: Temperature control switch 100, Temperature control switch body 110, Heating part 120, Heating part body 121, Heating surface 122, First connecting part 130, Second connecting part 140, Third connecting part 150, Connecting wire 160, Temperature control switch frame 200, Mounting part 210, Through part 211, First buckle 212, Wire groove 220, Pressing part 230, Heating element 300, Heating element bracket 400, First side wall 410, Second side wall 420, Third side wall 430, Fourth side wall 440, First limiting part 450, Second buckle 460, Through hole part 500, Through hole wall 510, Support part 600, First support rib 610, Second support rib 620, Heating element bracket 700, Gap 800. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] This invention provides an image forming apparatus, such as a copier, printer, fax machine, or multifunction printer. The image forming apparatus includes a fuser, which includes a heating assembly. The heating assembly is supported at both ends of the fuser body along its length. The heating assembly includes a flexible, rotatable cylindrical fuser film. The fuser film of the heating assembly abuts against a pressure roller. When the pressure roller is driven to rotate, the fuser film of the heating assembly that abuts against the pressure roller rotates along with it. The printing medium, such as paper, is held and conveyed by the pressure roller and the fuser film of the heating assembly. The toner image on the printing medium is heated by the heating assembly to fix it onto the printing medium, thereby completing the fixing operation.

[0038] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the heating assembly also includes a temperature control switch 100, a temperature control switch holder 200, a heating element 300, a heating element bracket 400, a through hole portion 500, a support portion 600, a heat-sensing element, and a heat-sensing element bracket 700 disposed within the fixing film.

[0039] In this embodiment, the length direction of the heating element bracket 400 is taken as the first direction X, the width direction of the heating element bracket 400 is taken as the second direction Y, and the thickness direction of the heating element bracket 400 is taken as the third direction Z. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other. When describing the orientation of other structures, the orientation when they are installed on the heating element bracket 400 is used.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the temperature control switch 100 includes a temperature control switch body 110 and a heat-sensing part 120. The temperature control switch body 110 has a first end and a second end in a first direction X. The heat-sensing part 120 is connected to the middle position of the temperature control switch body 110 in a third direction Z. A first connecting part 130 is provided at the first end of the temperature control switch body 110, and a second connecting part 140 is provided at the second end of the temperature control switch body 110. The number of temperature control switches 100 can be set as needed. In this embodiment, there are two temperature control switches 100. The second connecting part 140 of one of the two temperature control switches 100 is connected to the first connecting part 130 of the other temperature control switch 100 through a third connecting part 150. The third connecting part 350 is made of metal material, and this material is preferably the same as or equivalent to the metal material on the temperature control switch 100.

[0041] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the heat-sensing part 120 includes a heat-sensing part body 121 and a heat-sensing surface 122. The heat-sensing part body 121 is connected to the temperature control switch body 110. The heat-sensing surface 122 is located on the side of the heat-sensing part body 121 that is away from the temperature control switch body 110, that is, the heat-sensing surface 122 is located on the side of the heat-sensing part body 121 that is away from the temperature control switch body 110 in the third direction Z.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the length, width, and thickness directions of the temperature control switch bracket 200 are parallel to the length, width, and thickness directions of the heating element bracket 400, respectively. The temperature control switch bracket 200 is used to install the temperature control switch 100. Specifically, the temperature control switch bracket 200 has a mounting part 210 on one side in the third direction Z. The number of mounting parts 210 corresponds to the number of temperature control switches 100. In this embodiment, there are two mounting parts 210. The two mounting parts 210 are arranged sequentially on the temperature control switch bracket 200 along the first direction X, and there is a gap between the two mounting parts 210. The side of the temperature control switch body 110 of the two temperature control switches 100 that is away from the heat sensing part 120 faces the different mounting parts 210. The temperature control switch body 110 is installed in the two mounting parts 210 of the temperature control switch bracket 200 along the third direction Z. At this time, the heat sensing part 120 and the mounting part 210 are opposite to each other, that is, the mounting parts 210 are located on the opposite sides of the temperature control switch body 110.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the mounting portion 210 has through portions 211 on both sides in the first direction X. The first connecting portion 130 and the second connecting portion 140 of the temperature control switch 100 respectively protrude from different through portions 211 in the first direction X. After the second connecting portion 140 of one of the two temperature control switches 100 and the first connecting portion 130 of the other temperature control switch 100 protrude, they are located in the gap between the two mounting portions 210. The third connecting portion 150 is located in the gap between the two mounting portions 210 and connects the second connecting portion 140 and the first connecting portion 130 located in the gap between the two mounting portions 210.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the mounting part 210 has first latches 212 on both sides in the second direction Y. The line connecting the two first latches 212 is not perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. After the temperature control switch body 110 is installed on the mounting part 210 of the temperature control switch frame 200 along the third direction Z, the two first latches 212 respectively engage with the first end and the second end of the temperature control switch body 110 on the surface facing the same direction as the heat-sensing surface 122 in the third direction Z, thereby securing the temperature control switch 100 inside the mounting part 210. Thus, the two connected temperature control switches 100 can be secured by the first latches 212 of the two mounting parts 210 on the temperature control switch frame 200. During assembly, the temperature control switch 100 is not easy to fall out of the mounting part 210. The mounting part 210 helps to achieve all-round fixation of the temperature control switch 100. This structure is conducive to the more stable installation of the temperature control switch 100 on the temperature control switch frame 200 and is also convenient for production line employees to assemble.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, on the other side of the temperature control switch bracket 200 in the third direction Z, that is, on the side of the temperature control switch bracket 200 facing away from the mounting part 210 in the third direction Z, a wire groove 220 and multiple pressing parts 230 are provided. The wire groove 220 extends along a first length, and the multiple pressing parts 230 are distributed sequentially in the first direction X. The pressing parts 230 can be wire clips or ribs. The multiple wire clips or ribs can be single or in groups of two and are distributed sequentially in the first direction X. The connecting wire 160 of the temperature control switch 100 is assembled in the wire groove 220 of the temperature control switch bracket 200 by winding and interference fit, and the multiple pressing parts 230 further fix the connecting wire 160 of the temperature control switch 100 in the wire groove 220 to prevent the connecting wire 160 of the temperature control switch 100 from coming out of the wire groove 220.

[0046] like Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the heating element support 400 has a first sidewall 410 and a second sidewall 420 disposed opposite to each other in the third direction Z. The heating element support 400 has a third sidewall 430 and a fourth sidewall 440 disposed opposite to each other and protruding from the first sidewall 410 in the second direction Y. The heating element 300 is installed on the second sidewall 420 of the heating element support 400, and the length direction of the heating element 300 is parallel to the length direction of the heating element support 400. The heating element 300 is used to heat the fixing film. The heating element 300 is a heating ceramic sheet. The heating element 300 can slide relative to the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film. The heating element 300 heats the fixing film. The heated fixing film heats the toner image on the printing medium to fix the toner image on the printing medium, thereby completing the fixing operation.

[0047] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the number of through holes 500 corresponds to the number of temperature control switches 100. In this embodiment, there are two through holes 500. The two through holes 500 are distributed along the first direction X on the right half of the heating element support 400 and penetrate the first sidewall 410 and the second sidewall 420 in the third direction Z. The through hole 500 has a through hole wall 510. In the third direction Z, the part of the heating element 300 located on the second sidewall 420 is exposed through the through hole 500. That is, at the first sidewall 410, the part of the heating element 300 located on the second sidewall 420 can be observed through the through hole 500.

[0048] like Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the number of support parts 600 corresponds to the number of temperature control switches 100. In this embodiment, there are two support parts 600. The two support parts 600 are distributed along the first direction X on the right half of the first side wall 410. Specifically, the support part 600 includes a first support rib 610 and a second support rib 620. The first support rib 610 and the second support rib 620 are located on both sides of the through hole 500 in the first direction X.

[0049] like Figures 3-6As shown, the temperature control switch bracket 200 is mounted on the heating element bracket 400. Specifically, the heating element bracket 400 includes a first limiting part 450 and a second latch 460. The first limiting part 450 and the second latch 460 are distributed along the right half of the heating element bracket 400 in the first direction X, and the first limiting part 450 is located to the left of the second latch 460. In the third direction Z, the first limiting part 450 and the second latch 460 are closer to the first sidewall 410 than the second sidewall 420. The temperature control switch bracket 200 has a first end and a second end in the first direction X. The side of the temperature control switch bracket 200 where the mounting part 210 is located faces the first sidewall 410 of the heating element bracket 400, and the temperature control switch bracket 200 is mounted along the third direction Z. The temperature control switch bracket 200 is installed on the heating element bracket 400. The first end of the temperature control switch bracket 200 on the left side is inserted into the first limiting part 450 of the heating element bracket 400. The first limiting part 450 is used to limit the first end of the temperature control switch bracket 200 in the third direction Z. The second end of the temperature control switch bracket 200 on the right side is pressed into the second buckle 460 on the heating element bracket 400. The second buckle 460 is used to limit the second end of the temperature control switch bracket 200 in the third direction Z. Thus, the temperature control switch bracket 200 is installed on the heating element bracket 400. The above structure is conducive to the more stable installation of the temperature control switch bracket 200 on the heating element bracket 400, and also facilitates the assembly by production line employees.

[0050] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, during the installation of the temperature control switch bracket 200 onto the heating element bracket 400, the temperature control switch 100 extends into the through-hole portion 500 from the first sidewall 410 in the third direction Z and abuts against the support portion 600, thus creating a gap between the temperature control switch 100 and the heating element 300. Specifically, the heat-sensing part body 121 of the heat-sensing part 120 of the temperature control switch 100 extends into the through-hole portion 500 from the first sidewall 410 in the third direction Z. The heat-sensing part body 121 of the heat-sensing part 120 faces the through-hole wall 510 of the through-hole portion 500 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The heat-sensing surface 122 of the heat-sensing part 120 faces the heating element 300 in the third direction Z. The first support rib 610 and the second support rib 620 respectively abut against the first end and the second end of the temperature control switch body 110 of the temperature control switch 100 in the third direction Z, so that there is a gap 800 between the heat-sensing surface 122 of the heat-sensing part 120 and the heating element 300 in the third direction Z. The size of the gap 800 between the heat-sensing surface 122 and the heating element 300 can be 0.2 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm, so as to prevent the heat-sensing surface 122 of the heat-sensing part 120 of the temperature control switch 100 from absorbing the heat of the heating element 300 when it is in direct contact with the heating element 300, resulting in a local low temperature of the heating element 300, which will lead to the problem of poor image fixing.

[0051] like Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first support rib 610 and the second support rib 620, together with portions of the third sidewall 430 and the fourth sidewall 440, form a first enclosing region. This first enclosing region encloses the temperature control switch body 110 of the temperature control switch 100. The heat-sensing part body 121 of the heat-sensing part 120 has gaps in a first direction with the first support rib 610 and the second support rib 620 of the support part 600. The gaps between the heat-sensing part body 121 and the first support rib 610 and the second support rib 620 are... The optimal thickness is within 5-15mm, ensuring that the heating element 120 of the temperature control switch 100 does not come into contact with any structure. This not only supports the temperature control switch 100 but also prevents heat loss around it, allowing the temperature control switch 100 to more accurately monitor the ambient temperature. It also allows the temperature control switch 100 to directly detect the air temperature in the area behind the heating element 300, preventing the monitored temperature from being too low due to contact between the heating element 120 and the support 600, thus avoiding an excessively long safety response time.

[0052] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the through-hole wall 510 of the through-hole portion 500 forms a second surrounding region, which surrounds the heat-sensing part body 121 of the heat-sensing part 120. Specifically, the heat-sensing part body 121 of the heat-sensing part 120 is located within the through-hole surrounded by the through-hole wall 510 of the through-hole portion 500, and there is a gap between the heat-sensing part body 121 of the heat-sensing part 120 and the through-hole wall 510 of the through-hole portion 500 in the first direction X and / or the second direction Y. The gap can be 0.2 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm. The gap between the main body 121 of the heating element 20 and the through hole wall 510 of the through hole 500 allows the heating element 120 of the temperature control switch 100 to not contact the heating element bracket 400. At the same time, since the heating element 120 of the temperature control switch 100 is surrounded by the through hole wall 510, the heating element 120 of the temperature control switch 100 is kept in a nearly closed space, so that the temperature around the heating element 120 of the temperature control switch 100 is kept in a relatively stable state, making the monitoring effect of the temperature control switch 100 more accurate.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the heating element bracket 700 is used to mount at least one heating element, which is a thermistor. The length, width, and thickness directions of the heating element bracket 700 are parallel to the length, width, and thickness directions of the heating element bracket 400, respectively. In this embodiment, taking two heating elements as an example, the two heating elements are mounted on the heating element bracket 700 along the third direction Z. After being mounted on the heating element bracket 700, the two heating elements are distributed sequentially along the first direction X. The way the two heating elements are mounted on the heating element bracket 700 can be referred to the way the temperature control switch 100 is mounted on the temperature control switch bracket 200. Similarly, the way the heating element bracket 700 is mounted on the heating element bracket 400 can also be referred to the way the temperature control switch bracket 200 is mounted on the heating element bracket 400, so it will not be described again here.

[0054] In this embodiment, the temperature control switch 100 is inserted into the through hole 500 and faces the heating element 300. The temperature control switch 100 is supported by the support part 600 abutting against it, so that there is a gap between the temperature control switch 100 and the heating element 300. This ensures that the temperature control switch 100 can accurately identify the temperature while avoiding the generation of image defects.

[0055] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A heating assembly, characterized in that, include: A heating element support, wherein the heating element support has a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other in a third direction; At least one through-hole portion, the through-hole portion penetrating the first sidewall and the second sidewall; At least one support portion is disposed on the first sidewall; A heating element, wherein the heating element is disposed on the second sidewall; At least one temperature control switch extends into the through hole from the first sidewall in a third-direction upward direction and abuts against the support portion, so that there is a gap between the temperature control switch and the heating element.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control switch includes a temperature control switch body, and the temperature control switch body has a first end and a second end in a first direction; The support portion includes a first support rib and a second support rib located on both sides of the through hole portion in a first direction; The first support rib and the second support rib abut against the first end and the second end of the temperature control switch body, respectively, in the third direction.

3. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating element bracket has a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall that are oppositely arranged and protrude from the first sidewall in the second direction. A portion of the third sidewall and a portion of the fourth sidewall, together with the first support rib and the second support rib, form a first surrounding area, which is used to surround the temperature control switch body.

4. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The temperature control switch includes a heat-sensing part, which includes a heat-sensing part body and a heat-sensing surface. The heat-sensing part body extends into the through hole from the first sidewall in a third direction. The heat-sensing surface faces the heating element, and there is a gap between the heat-sensing surface and the heating element in a third direction.

5. The heating assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The through-hole portion has a through-hole wall, which forms a second surrounding area for surrounding the main body of the heat-sensing part.

6. The heating assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, There is a gap between the wall of the through hole and the body of the heat-sensing part in a first direction and / or a second direction.

7. The heating assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, There is a gap between the heat-sensing part and the supporting part in a first direction.

8. The heating assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature control switch bracket, the temperature control switch is mounted on the temperature control switch bracket, and the temperature control switch bracket is mounted on the heating element bracket, so that the main body of the heat-sensing part extends into the through hole from the first side wall in the third direction.

9. A fuser, characterized in that, Includes the heating assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the fuser as described in claim 9.

Images