Fixing Device Sensor Holder with Protected Wiring Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently controlling the temperature of the fixing belt due to uneven heat distribution and temperature sensing mechanisms that are not adequately responsive to rapid temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a heating device with a temperature sensor, elastic body, and holders that create a wiring space and maintain a specific contact height to enhance temperature detection and control, ensuring uniform heat distribution and rapid response to temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is pressed against the heater to detect temperature, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the electric wire becomes tangled and damaged due to lack of wiring space
Solution Approach 1:
The holder structure utilizes the third direction (depth dimension) to create a wiring space by cantilevering the supported portion from the supporting portion. This dimensional separation allows the electric wire to be routed through the wiring space without being tangled with the temperature sensor pressing mechanism in the second direction, thus resolving the conflict between temperature detection accuracy and wire integrity.
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor contact height is reduced to fit within wiring space, then wire tangling is prevented, but temperature detection responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder structure separates the temperature sensor positioning function (second direction) from the wire routing function (third direction). By cantilevering the supported portion, the wiring space is created in the third dimension, allowing the temperature sensor to maintain optimal contact height with the heater while the electric wire is routed through the wiring space without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the temperature sensor and the heater assembly. It provides a reference face for positioning the temperature sensor at the correct height while simultaneously providing a supporting portion with cantilevered wiring space for the electric wire, thus resolving the height conflict.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heater structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then manufacturing cost decreases, but heat distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as an intermediary component that ensures uniform heat distribution by providing a stable reference face and precise positioning for the temperature sensor. This intermediary structure guarantees consistent thermal contact between the heater and temperature sensor, maintaining heat distribution uniformity even when the heater structure itself is simplified.
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 improves temperature control accuracy and uniformity, enhancing the fixing process efficiency and image quality in image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic body presses the temperature sensor toward the target in a second direction intersecting the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a heater, and a temperature sensor including a temperature detecting element
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes an electric wire extending in a first direction, a temperature sensor, an elastic body pressing the temperature sensor in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a first holder holding the temperature sensor, and a second holder holding the first holder. The first holder includes a supported portion extending from one end to another end in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, a supporting portion extending from one end supporting the supported portion to another end in the second direction, a reference face contacting the supporting portion, and a contacting portion contacting the second holder. The supporting portion and the supported portion form a wiring space extending from the supported portion in the second direction and opening toward another end of the supported portion. The second holder has a contact height larger than a height of the wiring space.