Fixing Device Windbreak Plate for Sensor Temperature Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of the fixing roller due to air blowing from cooling fans interfering with temperature sensors, leading to improper temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device is designed with a rotatable heating member and pressing member forming a nip for toner image fixation, incorporating a detecting portion for temperature measurement, a guiding portion for material alignment, a moving mechanism for relative positioning of the pressing member, an air blowing portion for cooling, and a windbreak plate to suppress air flow towards the detecting portion, ensuring accurate temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is blown toward the pressing member for cooling, then the pressing member is cooled down, but the air flow interferes with the temperature sensor and causes inaccurate temperature detection
Solution Approach 1:
A windbreak plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the air blowing portion and the detecting portion. The windbreak plate selectively blocks the air flow path to the temperature sensor while allowing the pressing member to be cooled, thus mediating between the cooling requirement and the measurement accuracy requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The windbreak plate creates a localized protected zone around the detecting portion. Instead of blocking all air flow or protecting the entire system uniformly, the windbreak plate provides targeted protection only to the temperature sensor area, allowing other parts of the system to function normally
2Productivity
If the detecting portion is exposed to air flow for cooling the pressing member, then cooling is effective, but temperature control of the fixing roller becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The windbreak plate serves as a mediator that separates the cooling function from the detection function. It allows air to reach the pressing member for effective cooling while preventing the same air flow from reaching the temperature sensor, thus maintaining both cooling efficiency and temperature control accuracy
3Measurement precision
If the windbreak plate is positioned too close to the pressing member, then air flow to the sensor is blocked, but the pressing member and windbreak plate may contact during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The windbreak plate is positioned in a spatial dimension that is offset from the pressing member's movement path. By arranging the windbreak plate opposed to the pressing member with a specific distance, it blocks air flow to the sensor without interfering with the pressing member's rotational and pressing movements
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 effectively prevents air interference with temperature sensors, allowing for precise temperature control of the fixing roller, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the temperature regulation process.
Implementation Method 1
an air blowing portion for blowing air toward the rotatable pressing member from a side
Implementation Method 2
a detecting portion for detecting a temperature of the rotatable heating member
Implementation Method 3
a suppressing portion for suppressing blowing of the air by the air blowing portion toward the detecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
In a fixing device, a windbreak plate 908 for suppressing movement of air by a cooling fan 903 toward a thermistor 912 is provided. This windbreak plate 908 is, when a fixing roller 910 and a pressing roller 920 are spaced from each other, disposed opposed to the pressing roller 920 with a distance narrower than an opposing distance between an entrance guide 905 and the pressing roller 920.