Fixing Device Heater Control for Voltage Drop Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices experience frequent voltage drops due to rush current when starting the energization of heaters, particularly in devices with multiple heaters, which affects the temperature control and efficiency of the fixing process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a controller that manages two heaters for different areas of the heating member, where the first heater is energized based on the temperature of its area and the second heater is energized only when the first heater's energization is stopped, to maintain temperature ranges and reduce rush current occurrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple heaters are independently energized based on their respective temperature detectors, then temperature control precision is improved, but voltage drop frequency increases due to rush current
Solution Approach 1:
The controller prioritizes energizing the first heater when both heaters need operation, ensuring the first area reaches its target temperature first. The second heater is then energized only after the first heater's energization stops, preventing simultaneous rush current draws and voltage drops while maintaining precise temperature control for both areas
2Speed
If heaters are energized simultaneously to maintain temperature in multiple areas, then temperature control speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic sequential energization where the first heater operates first, then stops, followed by the second heater operation. This periodic alternating pattern reduces cumulative power consumption compared to simultaneous operation, while still achieving temperature control for both areas through repeated cycles of selective heater activation
3Area of stationary object
If the number of heaters is increased to cover more areas, then heating coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating member is divided into multiple distinct areas, each with its own temperature detector and heater. The controller segments the control logic into priority-based decision making, where it evaluates temperature conditions for each area and selectively energizes heaters in a predetermined sequence, managing complexity through structured segmentation rather than monolithic control
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 approach effectively suppresses the frequency of voltage drops and ensures stable temperature control by successively energizing the heaters, reducing power consumption and preventing excessive temperature increases in the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
a first heater configured to heat a first area which is a first area in the heating member, a second heater configured to heat a second area
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating member, a first heater configured to heat a first area, a second heater configured to heat a second area, a first temperature detector, a second temperature detector, and a controller. The controller executes a heating control in which the first heater is energized based on the temperature of the first area so that the temperature of the first area is within a first temperature range and the second heater is energized based on the temperature of the second area so that the temperature of the second area is within a second temperature range. In the heating control, the controller executes (i) a first energizing processing, and (ii) a second energizing processing of energizing the second heater at the timing when the first energizing processing is stopped.