Fixing device and image formation apparatus
US9002220B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/553
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device for fixing an unfixed toner image on a recording sheet by passing the recording sheet through a fixing nip and applying heat and pressure to the recording sheet, the fixing device comprising: a heater including a resistance heater part and a supporting member, the resistance heater part having a positive resistance-temperature characteristic in a temperature range above a predetermined level, and the supporting member being insulative and supporting the resistance heater part such that the resistance heater part applies heat to the recording sheet; a current detector detecting a current supplied to the resistance heater part; and an abnormality determiner determining whether the resistance heater part has an abnormality, based on an initial current detected by the current detector at a predetermined time after a beginning of power supply to the resistance heater part and before the temperature of the resistance heater part reaches the predetermined level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.