Fixing Device Rotation Control for Temperature Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with extraneous matter accumulation on temperature detectors, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and potential shutdowns, which disrupt the image forming process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heating rotator, pressure rotator, and temperature detector, where the controller controls the direction of rotation of both rotators to remove extraneous matter from the temperature detector, ensuring accurate temperature control and continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature detector is disposed near the surface of the roller or belt to detect surface temperature, then the temperature detection accuracy is improved, but extraneous matter accumulates on the temperature detector leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detector is extracted from its position near the roller surface and relocated to the fixing device housing. This removes the detector from the harmful environment where extraneous matter accumulates, while still allowing it to detect the temperature of the roller or belt through the fixing device structure.
2Reliability
If the fixing device continuously monitors temperature to maintain optimal fixing temperature, then the image forming quality is improved, but the device may shutdown when temperature readings become inaccurate due to extraneous matter
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detector is repositioned in advance to a location free from extraneous matter accumulation. This preliminary action prevents future temperature reading errors that would otherwise cause unnecessary shutdowns and disrupt image forming operations.
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 solution allows for the continuation of the image forming process by accurately detecting and removing extraneous matter, preventing shutdowns and maintaining optimal fixing temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The heating rotator includes a heater
Implementation Method 2
The pressure rotator is configured to press against the heating rotator to form a fixing nip
Implementation Method 3
The temperature detector is configured to detect a temperature of the heating rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating rotator, a pressure rotator, a temperature detector, and circuitry. The pressure rotator presses against the heating rotator. The temperature detector detects a temperature of the heating rotator. The circuitry energizes and deenergizes a heater of the heating rotator to control a fixing temperature of the heating rotator to be a reference value. The circuitry controls a direction of rotation of each of the heating rotator and the pressure rotator to drive each of the heating rotator and the pressure rotator in one of the fixing direction of rotation and a reverse direction of rotation. The circuitry changes the direction of rotation of each of the heating rotator and the pressure rotator to the reverse direction of rotation in a case in which the fixing temperature is less than the reference value upon an elapse of a period of time from a start of heating.