Conductor Support Layout for Fuser Temperature Rise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience uneven temperature distribution in fixing devices due to heat accumulation in non-sheet passing regions, leading to higher temperatures in these areas, which can affect the conductor coupled to the temperature sensor.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a pair of rotators, a heater, a temperature sensor, and conductor supports that extend away from the heater, featuring first and second conductor supports at different intervals to reduce the temperature rise in high-temperature regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the conductor is disposed in the vicinity of the heater to enable temperature detection, then the temperature sensor can detect heater temperature, but the conductor experiences excessive heat accumulation and temperature rise in non-sheet passing regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the spacing of conductor supports based on the heater region they face. First conductor supports are arranged at first intervals in regions facing non-sheet passing areas (high temperature zones), while second conductor supports are arranged at second intervals in regions facing sheet passing areas. This non-uniform spacing locally optimizes heat protection where needed most, preventing excessive temperature rise in high-temperature regions while maintaining adequate temperature detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conductor support structure into multiple discrete supports (first conductor supports and second conductor supports) rather than using a continuous or uniform structure. This segmentation allows each support to be strategically positioned to maximize distance from the heater in high-temperature regions, thereby reducing heat accumulation in the conductor while maintaining the necessary temperature detection function.
2Temperature
If the contact area between the conductor and heater holder is reduced to minimize heat transmission, then the conductor temperature rise is reduced, but the structural stability and electrical connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing of conductor supports according to the thermal conditions of different heater regions. In regions facing non-sheet passing areas where heat accumulation occurs, first conductor supports are positioned at closer intervals to provide frequent support points that minimize heat transmission while maintaining structural stability. In regions facing sheet passing areas, second conductor supports are positioned at larger intervals. This localized optimization ensures reliable electrical connection and structural stability where heat protection is most critical.
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
The solution effectively reduces the temperature rise of the conductor in regions prone to higher temperatures, ensuring uniform heat distribution and preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
The controller controls heat generated by the heater based on temperatures detected by the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is coupled to a controller via a conductor such as a lead wire. The conductor has flexibility and is coupled to the temperature sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a pair of rotators in contact with each other to form a nip through which a sheet passes, a heater heating at least one of the pair of rotators, a temperature sensor detecting detects a temperature of the heater, a conductor, a plurality of conductor supports supporting the conductor, and a component supporting the plurality of conductor supports. The conductor has flexibility and is coupled to the temperature sensor. The conductor supports extend in a direction away from the heater and include first conductor supports and second conductor supports. The first conductor supports face an outside of a predetermined region of the heater in a width direction of the sheet and are arranged at first intervals in the width direction. The second conductor supports face the predetermined region of the heater and are arranged at second intervals larger than the first intervals in the width direction.