Printer Fixing Device Connector Loopback Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting connection abnormalities and abnormal temperatures in the fixing device, leading to difficulties in temperature control due to separate arrangements of the controller and temperature detector, which increases the size and cost of the apparatus and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a relay on the power supply line to the heater, a temperature detector on the fixing device, a control board with a controller, and a connector with a loopback path that applies DC voltage to the relay as a drive voltage, allowing for detection of connection abnormalities and temperature control while reducing the size and cost of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller and temperature detector are arranged close to each other, then the temperature control response is improved, but the controller is replaced unnecessarily during fixing device replacement and the controller may be affected by heat from the heat-generating element
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a controller unit and a fixing device unit with the temperature detector located in the fixing device. The connector enables communication between these segmented parts, allowing the temperature detector to remain close to the heat-generating element while the controller remains separate and replaceable.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector serves as an intermediary between the controller and the temperature detector. This connector includes a loopback path that enables the controller to detect connection abnormalities without requiring the controller to be physically close to the temperature detector or heat-generating element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature detector and controller are arranged apart and connected by wiring, then the controller is protected from heat and can be replaced independently, but wiring disconnection or connection abnormalities cannot be detected accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as an intermediary that includes a loopback path. This loopback path enables the controller to send a detection signal through the connector to the temperature detector and back, allowing verification of connection integrity without requiring physical proximity between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The loopback path provides a feedback mechanism where the controller can monitor the connection status by receiving signals back from the temperature detector through the connector. This feedback enables detection of wiring disconnections or connection abnormalities while maintaining the separated arrangement of components.
3Reliability
If a loopback path and power interruption component are separately provided, then connection abnormalities and abnormal temperatures can be detected, but the size and cost of the image forming apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides the loopback path for connection abnormality detection, serves as the connection interface between controller and temperature detector, and enables the temperature detection function. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate loopback path components and power interruption components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connection interface and as a detection path carrier. The same connector that connects the controller to the temperature detector also provides the loopback path for detecting connection abnormalities, eliminating the need for dedicated detection components.
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 effectively detects connection abnormalities and abnormal temperatures, ensuring accurate temperature control of the fixing device, enhancing the reliability and reducing the risk of overheating or incorrect temperature readings.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device configured to fix an image on a recording material by heat generated by a heater
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detector, which is provided on the fixing device, configured to detect a temperature of the heater
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device, a driver, and a relay. A control board controls supply of power to a heater based on an output of a temperature detector. A connector includes a first connection portion to be connected to the fixing device, and a second connection portion to be connected to the control board, and connects the fixing device and the control board to each other. A loopback path is configured such that a direct current (DC) voltage to be applied, via a first terminal of the second connection portion, to a second terminal of the first connection portion is applied to a fourth terminal of the second connection portion via a third terminal of the first connection portion. Further, the DC voltage to be applied to the fourth terminal via the loopback path is applied to the relay as a drive voltage for the relay.