Fixing Device Heater Temperature Control via Sensor Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face increased costs and complexity due to the need for multiple temperature sensors to achieve detailed temperature control across heaters of varying widths, leading to a higher number of parts and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design that incorporates a heater extending along the axial direction of the pressing roller, with multiple temperature sensors positioned at intervals between the heater and sensor holders, allowing for accurate temperature measurement through strategically placed observation holes and a guide mechanism to simplify assembly and reduce part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed in each heater to achieve detailed temperature control, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors into a single integrated unit that can measure temperatures at multiple positions simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the ability to perform detailed temperature control across multiple heaters while reducing the overall number of separate sensor components and simplifying assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor unit is designed with multi-functionality to measure temperatures at different positions and heights simultaneously. This universal sensor can monitor multiple heater regions without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each position, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive temperature control capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed in each heater to achieve detailed temperature control, then temperature control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple temperature sensing functions into a single integrated sensor unit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, purchased, and assembled. This consolidation maintains comprehensive temperature monitoring capability while lowering manufacturing costs through reduced part count and simplified production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional temperature sensor unit performs multiple measurement tasks that would otherwise require separate sensors. This universality reduces the bill of materials, lowers component procurement costs, and simplifies manufacturing operations, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining precise temperature control across all heater regions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed in each heater to achieve detailed temperature control, then temperature control precision is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple temperature sensing functions into a single integrated sensor unit that can simultaneously measure temperatures at multiple positions. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of separate parts needed in the system while maintaining the capability to perform detailed temperature control across all heater regions through multi-position sensing.
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 design effectively suppresses the increase in costs and assembly complexity by allowing for precise temperature control with fewer parts and steps, maintaining efficiency while reducing overall costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (11) extending in an axial direction (Y axis) of the pressing roller (20)... The heater (11) has a first surface (11a) facing the heater holding member (12)
Implementation Method 2
The thermistor is disposed so as to come into contact with one surface of the heater with a predetermined pressure through a through hole (an observation hole or a measurement hole) provided in the heater holder in order to accurately measure a temperature of the heater
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressing roller and a heating part. The heating part includes a heater, a plurality of temperature sensors, a heater holding member and a sensor holding member. The sensor holding member holds the temperature sensors between the heater holding member and the sensor holding member. The heater holding member has observation holes through which the heater is exposed. The heater holding member has a guide part which positions the sensor holding member with respect to the heater holding member. The sensor holding member has an engagement part engaged with the guide part. The sensor holding member holds each of the temperature sensors at a position corresponding to each of the observation holes by engagement of the engagement part with the guide part.