Fixing Belt Axial Heating and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in heating and temperature control, leading to uneven heating of the fixing belt, which can result in variations in toner image quality and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heat source comprising multiple heaters shifted along the axial direction of the fixing belt, where a temperature sensor unit with a thermopile array detects temperatures at specific spans on the belt's outer surface, allowing for precise temperature control and reduced sensor count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used to detect temperatures at different spans of the fixing belt, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing belt heating area is segmented into multiple heated spans, each with its own heater unit. Temperature sensors are strategically placed to detect temperatures at representative spans, allowing the system to monitor and control temperature distribution across the entire belt without requiring sensors at every location. This segmentation approach enables precise temperature control while minimizing the number of sensors needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature detection mechanism where a single temperature sensor detects the temperature of the fixing belt at a specific span, and this information is used by the control unit to regulate the heating of multiple heater units. The sensor acts as an intermediary that provides temperature feedback for controlling the entire heating system, reducing the need for multiple sensors while maintaining temperature control precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple heater units are used to heat different spans of the fixing belt, then heating uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heater units, each responsible for heating a specific span of the fixing belt. Each heater unit can be independently controlled based on temperature sensor feedback, allowing precise temperature regulation across different spans. This segmentation enables uniform heating while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular heater design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spans of the fixing belt are heated by dedicated heater units positioned at specific locations. Each heater unit provides localized heating tailored to the thermal requirements of its corresponding span, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the entire belt. This local quality approach allows the system to address specific heating needs at different positions without requiring a complex centralized heating system.
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 ensures consistent heating of the fixing belt, improves toner image quality, and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing the number of temperature sensors required, while also enhancing safety through controlled heating.
Implementation Method 1
a heater, which heats a span of the fixing belt in the axial direction of the fixing belt
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor unit, which includes a thermopile that detects a temperature of an outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a pressure rotator pressed against a fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween, through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A first heater is disposed opposite and heats a first heated span on the fixing rotator spanning in an axial direction thereof. A second heater is disposed opposite and heats a second heated span on the fixing rotator spanning in the axial direction thereof. A temperature sensor unit is disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator and includes a first temperature detection element to detect a first temperature of the first heated span on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator and a second temperature detection element to detect a second temperature of the second heated span on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator.