Fixing Device Temperature Sensor Placement for Response Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The response of temperature sensors in thermal fixing devices is degraded when positioned behind a reflection plate or outside the stay, leading to delayed heat retention and startup timing due to increased space requirements and inefficient heat detection.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a tubular flexible member, a heater, a nip member, a reflection plate, a backup member, and temperature sensors, where the sensors are positioned within the internal space and extend through a through-hole or notch in the stay to enhance temperature detection accuracy and heat retention without enlarging the internal gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned behind the reflection plate, then the sensor can detect temperature through the reflection plate, but the response is degraded due to delayed heat generation at the rear surface
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is repositioned from behind the reflection plate to the front side, facing the heater directly. This inversion of the sensor's position relative to the heat source allows the sensor to detect temperature changes immediately when the heater operates, eliminating the delay caused by heat transmission through the reflection plate.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned outside the stay and inside the internal space, then the sensor can detect temperature, but the response is degraded due to the path through the reflection plate and stay
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is moved from a position outside the stay to a position inside the stay, facing the heater directly. This repositioning eliminates the need for heat to travel through the stay and reflection plate, allowing the sensor to respond immediately to heater operation.
3Ease of operation
If increased space is provided between the reflection plate and the stay to position the sensor, then the sensor can be installed, but heat retention is degraded and startup timing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the space between the reflection plate and stay to accommodate the sensor, the sensor is positioned inside the stay facing the heater. This eliminates the need for additional spacing while maintaining proper sensor installation, thereby preserving heat retention and reducing startup time.
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 improves temperature sensor response, reduces heat retention time, and accelerates the startup timing of the fixing device by allowing for accurate temperature control and efficient heat concentration on the nip plate.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is disposed in the internal space and is configured to generate a radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
The reflection plate is configured to reflect the radiant heat from the heater toward the nip member
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet. The fixing device includes a tubular flexible member, a heater, a nip member, a reflection plate, a backup member, a stay and a temperature sensor. The flexible member has an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space. The heater is disposed in the internal space and is configured to generate a radiant heat. The nip member is disposed in the internal space, the inner peripheral surface being in sliding contact with the nip member. The reflection plate is configured to reflect the radiant heat from the heater toward the nip member, the reflection plate having an outer profile. The backup member is configured to provide a nip region in cooperation with the nip member for nipping the flexible member between the backup member and the nip member. The stay covers the reflection plate and supports the nip member, the stay having a profile in conformance with the outer profile of the reflection plate, and the stay being formed with one of a through-hole and a notch. The temperature sensor is disposed in the internal space and extends through the one of the through-hole and the notch.