US6640064B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image heating apparatus and controller
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 2002-02-14
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Granted: 2003-10-28
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Expires: 2022-02-14
Abstract
Abstract An image heating apparatus has a heat generating element for generating heat upon electric energization; a substrate supporting the heat generating element; a temperature detecting member for detecting a temperature of the substrate; an A/D converter for A/D conversion of an output of the temperature detecting member; a photo-coupler for converting an output of the A/D converter to a light signal and outputting the light signal; and an abnormality detecting unit for detecting an abnormal temperature on the basis of an output of the photo-coupler.
Inventors
- 👤 Hidehiko Kinoshita
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:23
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/20; G03G15/2003; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1917; G05D23/20; G05D23/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
An image heating apparatus, comprising: a heat generating member for generating heat upon electric energy supply thereto; a base plate for supporting said heat generating member; a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of said base plate; A/D conversion means for converting an output of the temperature detecting element to a digital signal; photo-coupling means for converting an output of said A/D conversion means to an optical signal; and abnormality discriminating means for discriminating abnormality of said apparatus on the basis of an output of said temperature detecting element through said photo-coupling means, wherein when said abnormality discriminating means discriminates an abnormality the electric energy supply to said heat generating member is stopped.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
An image heating apparatus, comprising: a heat generating member for generating heat upon electric energy supply thereto; a base plate for supporting said heat generating member; a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of said base plate; A/D conversion means for converting an output of the temperature detecting element to a digital signal; photo-coupling means for converting an output of said A/D conversion means to an optical signal; and abnormality discriminating means for discriminating abnormality of said apparatus on the basis of an output of said temperature detecting element through said photo-coupling means, wherein when said abnormality discriminating means discriminates an abnormality the electric energy supply to said heat generating member is stopped.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising control means for controlling the electric energy supply to said heat generating member so that output of said temperature detecting element is at a predetermined level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein said control means is responsive to an output of said temperature detecting element through said photo-coupling means to control an amount of the electric energy supplied to said heat generating member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said base plate mainly comprises ceramic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said temperature detecting element detects the temperature at a side of the base plate which is opposite from the side supporting the heat generating member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising stopping means for stopping electric energy supply of said heat generating member when said abnormality discriminating means detects an abnormal temperature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said image heating apparatus is used as a heat-fixing device in an image forming apparatus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising shut-off means for stopping supply of the electric energy to said heat generating member upon the abnormality of the apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-10-27 | 2007-04-28 | 2007-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-10-27 | 2011-04-28 | 2011-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-10-27 | 2015-04-28 | 2015-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |