Fixing Belt Temperature Sensing for Ink Jet Thermal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses with a fixing belt configuration face challenges in suppressing rapid temperature rises, which can lead to thermal deformation due to insufficient control mechanisms when abnormal conditions occur.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a dual temperature detection system with sensors positioned to accurately monitor the temperature of the fixing belt, allowing for timely adjustment of heater power to prevent excessive heating, using a combination of non-contact and contact temperature sensors to manage belt temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the fixing belt is directly heated by the heater to raise temperature quickly, then heating efficiency is improved, but the risk of thermal deformation increases when abnormal conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places a temperature detecting member inside the fixing belt at the irradiation area to detect temperature in advance before thermal deformation occurs. This preliminary detection enables the control unit to stop heater operation proactively, preventing the harmful effect of thermal deformation while maintaining efficient heating during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the temperature detecting member continuously monitors the fixing belt temperature and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When the detected temperature reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit immediately stops heater operation, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents thermal deformation while maintaining heating efficiency
2Device complexity
If temperature detection is performed only at the heater output, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature detecting member as an intermediary element placed directly inside the fixing belt at the irradiation area. This intermediary provides accurate real-time temperature measurement of the actual heating location, enabling precise temperature control without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing the temperature detecting member specifically at the irradiation area where heating occurs most intensely. This localized temperature monitoring provides precise measurement at the critical location, improving temperature control precision where it is most needed without requiring comprehensive temperature detection throughout the entire fixing belt
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 system effectively prevents excessive temperature rises in the fixing belt, ensuring stable operation and high-quality image fixation by promptly adjusting heater power based on real-time temperature feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed inside the first belt and configured to heat the nip portion in a non-contact manner
Implementation Method 2
the first belt and the second belt nip and convey, and pressurize and heat the sheet which bears the image formed by the image forming portion
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording apparatus includes first and second belts stretched by a plurality of rollers, including first, second and third rollers, and forming a nip, a heater disposed inside the first belt. The first roller is disposed upstreammost among the plurality of rollers in a conveyance direction, the second roller is disposed downstream of an irradiation area of the first belt heated by the heater and the third roller is disposed between from the second roller to the first roller in a rotational direction of the first belt. A first temperature sensor detects a temperature of the irradiation area in an inner circumferential surface. A second temperature sensor detects a temperature of the first belt between from the second roller to the third roller in the rotational direction.