Hybrid heater with dual function heating capability

摘要

A fuser heater member for an electrophotographic imaging device, including a heater member. According to an example embodiment, the heater member includes positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed along a width of a fuser nip of the fuser assembly; first and second electrodes disposed along disposed surfaces of the PTC material; an intermediate layer disposed over the second electrode; and at least one resistive trace disposed along the intermediate layer along the width of the fuser nip. The heater member includes a plurality of wire segments coupled to the first and second electrodes and the resistive elements for use in generating heat from at least one of the PTC material and the at least one resistive trace during a fusing operation.

主权项

1. A heater, comprising:
a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material having a first surface and an opposed second surface, a length of the PTC material sized to extend substantially across a width of a fuser nip of a fuser assembly; first and second electrodes, the first electrode being disposed against the first surface of the PTC material and the second electrode being disposed against the second surface thereof, the first and second electrodes for applying a voltage differential across the PTC material to generate heat therefrom; at least one intermediate layer disposed against the second electrode; at least one resistive trace disposed along the at least one intermediate layer so as to extend substantially across the length of the PTC material, the at least one resistive trace for generating heat upon passage of a current therethrough; and a protective layer covering the at least one resistive trace and the at least one intermediate layer, wherein the heater further comprises a first conductor disposed along the at least one intermediate layer and the second electrode for electrically connecting the second electrode and a first end portion of the at least one resistive trace.