Fusing Device Edge Heater Control for Small Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed, low power-consumption image forming apparatuses, thin fusing rollers experience non-uniform temperature distribution and reduced fusing performance when processing small-size sheets, leading to unbalanced temperature distribution and decreased efficiency due to rapid temperature drops at the edges and reduced auxiliary power supply capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A fusing device with a center heater, edge heater, and auxiliary heater, controlled by a unit that turns off the edge heater and turns on the center and auxiliary heaters during small-size sheet processing, and turns on the edge heater when the auxiliary power supply stops discharging to maintain temperature and improve fusing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the fusing roller is made thinner to raise temperature quickly, then the heat-up time is reduced and power consumption is lowered, but the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform and edge portions cool down significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones: a center heater for the central region and edge heaters for the edge portions. This segmentation allows each zone to be heated independently, compensating for the non-uniform temperature distribution that occurs in thin fusing rollers during quick heating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heating strategies are applied to different regions of the fusing roller. The center heater provides primary heating for the central area, while edge heaters specifically address the cooling issue at edge portions. This local quality approach ensures uniform temperature distribution across the entire roller surface despite the thin structure.
2Temperature
If the auxiliary heater is used continuously during consecutive small-size sheet processing, then the temperature is maintained, but the auxiliary power supply becomes depleted and can no longer supply power
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary heater operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated in intervals during consecutive small-size sheet processing, allowing the auxiliary power supply to recharge between discharge cycles. This periodic operation maintains temperature while preventing complete power depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the auxiliary power supply status and activates the auxiliary heater in advance before complete power depletion occurs. This preliminary action ensures temperature maintenance while leaving sufficient power in the auxiliary supply for subsequent operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the edge heater is turned off during small-size sheet processing to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the temperature at edge portions drops significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely turning off the edge heater, the system applies partial heating action at the edges during small-size sheet processing. The edge heater operates at reduced capacity or in intermittent mode, consuming less power while still providing sufficient heat to prevent significant temperature drops at edge portions.
4Device complexity
If the center heater is used alone for heating, then the structure is simplified, but the temperature distribution becomes unbalanced with excessive heat in the center and insufficient heat at edges
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into distinct center and edge heating components. This segmentation allows independent control of each heating zone, enabling balanced temperature distribution across the fusing roller width while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
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 maintains optimal temperature for fusing small-size sheets, preventing drastic temperature drops and enhancing fusing performance by strategically managing heater usage based on the auxiliary power supply's discharge status.
Implementation Method 1
a center heater (2a1) having a heat generating portion for heating a center portion in the width direction of the fusing roller (14); an edge heater (2a2) having heat generating portions for heating edge portions in the width direction of the fusing roller (14)
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary heater (2b) for heating the fusing roller (14); and a control unit configured to turn on the edge heater (2a2) when the capacitor stops discharging electricity during a consecutive fusing process of multiple small-size sheets
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed fusing device includes a fusing part; a pressing part rotatably pressed against the fusing part to form a fusing nip for fusing a toner image onto a sheet; a capacitor; a center heater for heating a center portion of the fusing part; an edge heater for heating edge portions of the fusing part; an auxiliary heater for heating the fusing part; and a control unit configured to continuously turn off the edge heater and to turn on the center heater and the auxiliary heater to heat the fusing part during a fusing process of one or more small-size sheets having a width less than that of the heat generating portion of the center heater. The control unit is configured to turn on the edge heater to heat the fusing part when the capacitor stops discharging electricity during a consecutive fusing process of multiple small-size sheets.