Fixing Device Anomaly Detection via Auxiliary Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses cannot detect anomalies in auxiliary heaters, leading to potential delays in identifying issues that can impair the proper functioning and productivity of the device.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a unique configuration that includes a first, second, and third heat generation member, along with dedicated temperature detection members, allows for the detection of anomalies in the auxiliary heater by temporarily turning off the primary heaters and measuring temperature changes during operation of the auxiliary heater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature detection is performed only during temperature control of the heat roller using plural heaters with different light distribution peaks, then the temperature control function is maintained, but anomaly detection of the auxiliary heater becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection members serve dual purposes: they detect temperature during normal temperature control operation and also detect anomalies in the auxiliary heater during dedicated inspection mode, eliminating the need for separate detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs auxiliary heater inspection by temporarily turning off the plural heaters and activating only the auxiliary heater before normal operation, allowing proactive anomaly detection without affecting overall system functionality
2Temperature
If the auxiliary heater operates simultaneously with plural heaters with different light distribution peaks, then the heat roller heating coverage is improved, but anomaly detection of the auxiliary heater becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit extracts the auxiliary heater inspection function from normal temperature control by temporarily turning off the plural heaters and activating only the auxiliary heater, isolating its thermal contribution for accurate anomaly detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically performs auxiliary heater inspection by cycling through different heater combinations, allowing anomaly detection without continuous interference with normal temperature control operations
3Productivity
If anomaly detection is performed during normal printing operation, then productivity is maintained, but early detection of auxiliary heater anomalies is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs auxiliary heater inspection in advance during idle periods or between printing operations, ensuring anomalies are detected before they affect productivity-critical printing processes
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
Enables early detection of auxiliary heater anomalies, ensuring the maintenance of proper fixing capabilities and enhancing the productivity of the image forming apparatus by specifically monitoring temperature changes during auxiliary heater operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat generation member which heats the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
a second heat generation member which has a different heat generation peak position from a heat generation peak of the first heat generation member in a direction of a rotation axis of the fixing member and heats the fixing member
Implementation Method 3
a third heat generation member which heats the fixing member overlap for the heat generation peak positions of the first heat generation member and the second heat generation member
Implementation Method 4
a first temperature detection member provided near the heat generation peak position of the first heat generation member
Implementation Method 5
a second temperature detection member provided near the heat generation peak position of the second heat generation member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device shifts to the anomaly detection mode in arbitrary timing except during printing. In the anomaly detection mode, a first heat generation member and a second heat generation member are off and only a third heat generation member is turned on for a predetermined time. A quantity of temperature change in a fixing member during that time is detected by a first temperature detection member or a second temperature detection member. When the quantity of temperature change is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the third heat generation member is normal. In inspecting whether the third heat generation member is normal or not, when the temperature of the fixing member is in the area exceeding T1° C. where the temperature rise gradient of the fixing member is gentler, the inspection is skipped.