Conveyance Device Heater Temperature Detection for Fixing Belt Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, incorrect sheet sizes set in the sheet feeding tray can lead to overheating of the fixing belt, damage due to excessive temperature rise, and positional shifts of the image on the sheet, necessitating effective detection and prevention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conveyance device with a heater, a first temperature detector positioned farther from the heater's center than a second temperature detector in the orthogonal direction, and a recording medium detector to monitor and adjust for sheet size and position, preventing overheating and ensuring proper heating distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heater heats the recording medium, then the recording medium is heated to the required temperature for image formation, but the fixing belt may overheat and be damaged when smaller recording media are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature detectors positioned at specific locations to monitor the heater temperature in real-time. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit adjusts or stops heating, preventing overheating damage to the fixing belt while ensuring adequate heating for image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions temperature detectors at specific locations (first and second positions) relative to the heater to monitor temperature distribution locally. This allows differentiated temperature monitoring across different regions, enabling precise control to prevent localized overheating while maintaining overall heating effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If temperature detectors are positioned close to the heater center, then temperature measurement is more accurate, but the detection of temperature anomalies at the edges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple detectors positioned at different locations (first position closer to center, second position farther from center). This segmentation allows each detector to serve a specific monitoring zone, with the second detector specifically tasked with detecting edge temperature anomalies while the first provides reference measurements.
3Productivity
If the recording medium size is not detected accurately, then the heating process continues uninterrupted, but overheating occurs when smaller media are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses recording medium detectors to sense the presence and size of the recording medium, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust heating parameters or stop operation when smaller media are detected, preventing overheating while maintaining continuous productivity when appropriate media are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of recording medium size before initiating or continuing the heating process. When smaller media are detected, the control unit takes preliminary action to adjust or stop heating before overheating can occur, preventing damage while maintaining operational efficiency.
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
Prevents damage to the fixing belt by detecting temperature anomalies and positional shifts, ensuring consistent image formation and extending the lifespan of the fixing belt.
Implementation Method 1
The heater heats the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
The first temperature detector and the second temperature detector detect a temperature of the heater
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance device to convey a recording medium includes a heater, a first temperature detector, a second temperature detector, and a recording medium detector. The heater heats the recording medium. The first temperature detector and the second temperature detector detect a temperature of the heater. The recording medium detector detects the recording medium. The first temperature detector is disposed at a position farther from a center position of a heating region of the heater than the second temperature detector in a conveyance orthogonal direction. The conveyance orthogonal direction is along a surface of the recording medium and orthogonal to a direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. The recording medium detector is disposed on a side opposite to the first temperature detector with respect to the second temperature detector in the conveyance orthogonal direction.