Fuser Frame Structure for Stable Heating Roller Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact type temperature sensors in fixing devices experience detection errors due to deformation of the metal frame, which affects the distance between the sensor and the heating roller, leading to inaccurate temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a first connecting frame with angled wall portions to increase rigidity, a second temperature sensor for contact measurement, and a thermostat, along with a spring-actuated pressure mechanism to minimize deformation and maintain accurate temperature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is fixed to the metal frame without a holder, then the device complexity is reduced, but the metal frame is susceptible to deformation causing detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
A plastic holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the metal frame. This holder includes reinforcing ribs that provide structural support to prevent frame deformation, while still allowing the temperature sensor to be securely mounted. The intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by protecting the sensor from frame deformation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the distance between the temperature sensor and heating roller surface changes, then the device complexity is reduced, but detection errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic holder with reinforcing ribs is designed in advance to maintain a constant distance between the temperature sensor and the heating roller surface. This preliminary structural design ensures that the sensor remains at the optimal detection distance throughout operation, preventing detection errors before they occur rather than correcting them after they arise.
3Strength
If the metal frame is reinforced with a holder having reinforcing ribs, then the rigidity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reinforcing the entire metal frame uniformly, the plastic holder with reinforcing ribs provides localized reinforcement only at the specific location where the temperature sensor is mounted. This local quality approach strengthens the frame at the critical point without adding unnecessary complexity throughout the entire structure, achieving the needed rigidity with minimal additional material.
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 reduces detection errors by stabilizing the distance between the temperature sensors and the heating roller, ensuring precise temperature control and reducing deformation of the fixing device components.
Implementation Method 1
a heating roller that heats a sheet
Implementation Method 2
a heating roller that heats a sheet
Implementation Method 3
a non-contact type temperature sensor spaced apart from a surface of the heating roller
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a rotation axis direction, a first side frame, a second side frame, a first connecting frame connecting the first side frame and the second side frame, and a first temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor detects a temperature of the heating roller and includes a fixed portion that is fixed to the first connecting frame and a detecting portion. The first connecting frame includes a first wall portion extending in the rotation axis direction, a second wall portion extending from a side of the first wall portion at an angle with respect to the first wall portion, and a third wall portion extending from a side of the second wall portion opposite to the first wall portion at an angle with respect to the second wall portion.