Width Detector Mounting for Fixing Unit Heat Control

The patent applies local quality by providing different conveyance intervals for different sheet width regions. Narrow sheets receive a longer conveyance interval to allow cooling of the sheet non-passing portion, while wide sheets use a shorter interval to maintain productivity. This region-specific approach resolves the contradiction between temperature control and throughput by tailoring the conveyance timing to the actual sheet width detected by the width detector.

The width detector serves multiple functions: it detects sheet width for formatting purposes and simultaneously triggers conveyance interval adjustments for temperature control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate temperature detection element, resolving the contradiction between temperature control capability and device complexity while maintaining the ability to suppress temperature rise in sheet non-passing portions.

The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the width detector can be repositioned along the guide portion using multiple mounting holes. This allows the detector to be relocated to different positions depending on the sheet width being processed, enabling the system to adapt to various recording material sizes while maintaining a relatively simple fixed-hole mounting structure rather than requiring completely adjustable mechanisms.