Image forming apparatus and heating method
US11868067B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing unit or device that can be used in an image forming apparatus includes a first heater element that is formed of a material that increases in electrical resistance with increases in temperature. A controller of the fixing unit is configured to vary a duty ratio of electric power applied to the first heater element during a start-up operation in which the temperature of the first heater element is raised to a target operating temperature. By varying the duty ratio during the start-up operation, changes in the resistance of the first heater element with the heating can be compensated. For example, the duty ratio can be increased during the course of the start-up to achieve the target operating temperature faster.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.