Fixing Device Temperature Sensor Placement for High-Speed Printing

The patent introduces a thermal conductor (metal sheet) as an intermediary between the resistance heating element and the temperature sensor. This mediator transfers heat from the heating element to the sensor, allowing the sensor to be positioned away from the high-temperature zone while still detecting relevant temperature information. The thermal conductor acts as a buffer that smooths out temperature fluctuations and prevents the sensor from being directly exposed to excessive heat during high-speed printing operations.

The temperature sensor is extracted from the direct high-temperature environment of the resistance heating element's end part. By using the thermal conductor to mediate the temperature transfer, the sensor operates in a more stable thermal environment, separating the sensing function from the high-heat generation zone. This extraction allows for more reliable temperature detection without direct exposure to the harmful thermal conditions.

The single temperature sensor positioned at the center serves multiple functions: it detects temperature for sheets with minimum width, and through the thermal conduction path extending to the end part, it also provides temperature information relevant to sheets with maximum width. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors at different positions, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

The patent merges the temperature detection function into a single sensor positioned at the center, combining what would traditionally require two separate sensors. The thermal conductor structure allows this single sensor to effectively monitor temperature conditions for both minimum and maximum width sheets, consolidating multiple detection functions into one component.