Fixing Device Voltage Detection and Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting applied voltage to heat sources and preventing excessive temperature rises in fixing members, particularly when using thin rollers or belts, which can lead to inefficient energy consumption and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a voltage detector to monitor the applied voltage of heat sources and controlling the power supply to prevent excessive temperature rises by applying voltage to only one heat source at a time during voltage detection, ensuring accurate voltage detection without overheating the fixing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If voltage is applied to multiple heat sources simultaneously for heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but voltage detection accuracy deteriorates due to power fluctuations affecting the detection circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating operation into two distinct phases: a voltage detection phase where only one heat source is activated to ensure accurate voltage measurement, and a heating phase where multiple heat sources are activated for efficient heating. This temporal segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the conflicting requirements of accurate measurement and efficient heating into different time periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If duty cycle is reduced for energy saving, then energy consumption is improved, but voltage detection accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient power application time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs voltage detection as a preliminary action before initiating the heating process. By detecting the applied voltage during a brief period when power is fully applied to the heat source, the system obtains accurate voltage information for subsequent energy-efficient duty cycle control during heating operations, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and detection accuracy.
3Speed
If thin roller or belt is used for fixing member, then heating speed is improved, but temperature control stability deteriorates due to excessive temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the applied voltage to the heat source and using this information to regulate the heating process. The controller adjusts the heating parameters based on the detected voltage to prevent excessive temperature rise in the thin fixing member while maintaining fast heating capability, thus resolving the contradiction between heating speed and temperature stability.
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 solution effectively prevents excessive temperature rises and maintains efficient energy usage by ensuring accurate voltage detection and controlled heating, thereby extending the lifespan of the fixing device and improving user usability.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detector configured to detect an applied voltage of the heat source
Implementation Method 2
a heat source configured to heat the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device including a fixing member, an opposing member, a plurality of heat sources, and a voltage detector. The opposing member is disposed opposite the fixing member to contact the fixing member to form a nip portion at which an unfixed image on a recording medium is fixed. The plurality of heat sources heats the fixing member. The voltage detector detects an applied voltage of at least one of the plurality of heat sources. Upon detection of the applied voltage of the heat sources by the voltage detector, a voltage is applied to at least one of the heat sources.