Fixing Device Multi-Heater Series Circuit Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges with rapid temperature drops in fixing rollers due to their large heat capacity, leading to inefficiencies in fixing performance and potential high-temperature issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with multiple heating members, including a primary heating member and supplementary heating members connected in series to the power source, is used to maintain stable temperatures by adjusting the rated outputs of each heating member, preventing rapid temperature decreases and ensuring effective heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixing roller with large heat capacity is used, then temperature stability is improved, but temperature responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is divided into multiple heating members with different rated outputs. The first heating member (higher rated output) provides rapid heating when needed, while the second heating member (lower rated output) provides gentle supplementary heating, eliminating the need to choose between large heat capacity and fast responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameters by using heating members with different rated outputs instead of a single heating member. This allows the system to adjust heating intensity dynamically, achieving both fast temperature response and stability without requiring the fixing roller to have conflicting material properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fixing roller is heated continuously, then temperature stability is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system transitions from static continuous heating to dynamic controlled heating. By using heating members with different rated outputs that can be selectively activated, the system dynamically adjusts heating intensity based on actual temperature needs, preventing both overheating and insufficient heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The first heating member with higher rated output can provide excessive heating when rapid temperature increase is needed, while the second heating member with lower rated output provides partial supplementary heating for fine temperature adjustment. This combination allows the system to overcome the limitation of continuous heating by using controlled excessive action followed by precise partial action.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heating members with lower rated outputs are used, then power consumption is reduced, but heating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which heating member to activate based on heating requirements. The higher rated output first heating member is activated when rapid heating is needed (high heating efficiency required), while the lower rated output second heating member is used for maintenance heating (low power consumption sufficient). This dynamic switching optimizes both power consumption and heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameter strategy by using heating members with different rated outputs instead of uniform low-power heating. This allows the system to adjust heating intensity parameters to match actual needs, achieving low power consumption during normal operation while maintaining the capability for high-power heating when required.
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 configuration stabilizes the temperature of the fixing members, preventing under-shooting and over-shooting, thus enhancing fixing performance and reducing power consumption while maintaining efficient heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating member (16a) for heating the fixing roller (14)
Implementation Method 2
a second heating member (17) for heating the fixing roller (14)
Implementation Method 3
a third heating member (18) for heating the pressing roller (15)
Implementation Method 4
the second heating member (17) and the third heating member (18) are connected in series relative to a voltage applying device or power source
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member; a pressing member to be pressed against the fixing member; a first heating member for heating the fixing member; a second heating member for heating the fixing member supplementarily; and a third heating member for heating the pressing member. The first heating member has a first rated output; the second heating member has a second rated output; and the third heating member has a third rated output. The first rated output is greater than the second rated output, and the second rated output is equal to or greater than the third rated output. Further, the second heating member and the third heating member are connected in series relative to a voltage applying device or a power source.