Fixing Device Heater Lighting Rate Comparison for Jam Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining whether a sheet remains after a jam recovery, leading to inappropriate temperature control and potential obstacles for the temperature sensor, which affects the heating roller's temperature adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device that includes a heater controlled by a temperature sensor, a lighting rate acquirer to measure the heater's lighting rates before and after a jam, and a determiner to compare these rates to assess if a sheet remains between the temperature sensor and the heater, ensuring accurate detection and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is provided to face the heating roller to detect temperature, then the temperature control of the heating roller is improved, but a sheet may remain between the temperature sensor and the heater after jam recovery, causing the temperature sensor to detect lower temperature and leading to inappropriate lighting control of the heater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sheet detection mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the heating roller. This intermediary detects the presence of a sheet before it interferes with temperature measurement, allowing the system to distinguish between low temperature readings caused by sheets versus actual temperature drops. The sheet detection function prevents false temperature readings from affecting the heating control reliability.
2Temperature
If the heater lighting control is performed based on temperature sensor detection results, then the temperature adjustment of the heating roller is improved, but when a sheet remains between the sensor and heater, the lighting control becomes inappropriate, affecting both temperature control and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sheet detection result is fed back to the lighting control unit. The lighting control unit receives both the temperature sensor data and the sheet presence information, and adjusts heater operation accordingly. When a sheet is detected between the sensor and heater, the system compensates for the blocked temperature readings by maintaining appropriate heating, preventing both overheating and excessive energy consumption from unnecessary heating adjustments.
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 allows for precise determination of sheet presence after jam recovery, enabling appropriate temperature control and preventing overheating or underheating issues, thus ensuring proper image fixing.
Implementation Method 1
a heater controlled and lighted on the basis of a detection result of a temperature sensor, and melts and fixes an unfixed toner on a recording medium, using heat of when the heater is lighted
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a fixer that includes a heater controlled and lighted on the basis of a detection result of a temperature sensor, and melts and fixes an unfixed toner on a recording medium, using heat of when the heater is lighted; a lighting rate acquirer that acquires a first lighting rate of the heater after jam recovery and a second lighting rate of the heater before jam occurrence in a case where a jam of the recording medium occurs at a fixing nip position of the fixer; and a determiner that compares the first lighting rate with the second lighting rate, and determines whether the recording medium remains between the temperature sensor and the heater according to a result of the comparison.