JP2007199281A - Fixing device - Google Patents

Fixing device Download PDF

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JP2007199281A
JP2007199281A JP2006016522A JP2006016522A JP2007199281A JP 2007199281 A JP2007199281 A JP 2007199281A JP 2006016522 A JP2006016522 A JP 2006016522A JP 2006016522 A JP2006016522 A JP 2006016522A JP 2007199281 A JP2007199281 A JP 2007199281A
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cooling
fixing belt
air
roller
fixing device
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Masashige Shirai
正成 白井
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing device which performs excellent fixation and separation without cooling unevenness by uniformly and stably cooling a heated recording sheet for fixation since the cooling is carried out continuously over a wide cooling range with high cooling efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The fixing device is provided with: first and second cooling roller means which rotate in contact with an inner peripheral surface of a fixing belt; and an air cooling means for cooling the fixing belt by forming an air course in duct structure such that the space between the first and second cooling roller means is nearly closed, cooling rollers are covered, and a fixing belt inner peripheral surface side is made open, and sending an air current to the air course. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、電子写真方式を用いた複写機、プリンタ等の画像形成装置において、記録シート上に形成されたトナー画像を定着する定着装置に係り、特に、定着する記録シートを加熱、加圧して無端ベルトにトナー画像面を密着させた状態で、冷却手段によって、加熱溶融したトナー画像を固化させて無端ベルト表面から分離する冷却分離方式の定着装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a toner image formed on a recording sheet in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic method, and in particular, heating and pressurizing the recording sheet to be fixed. The present invention relates to a fixing device of a cooling separation type in which a toner image heated and melted is solidified and separated from the surface of the endless belt by a cooling means in a state where the toner image surface is in close contact with the endless belt.

近年、デジタルカメラ等の普及に伴い、その画像出力用として電子写真方式を利用した複写機、プリンタ等の画像形成装置から、銀塩写真並みの高光沢な画質の画像出力を要望されている。   In recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras and the like, image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers that use an electrophotographic system for image output are demanded to output images with high gloss image quality similar to silver halide photographs.

そのために、無端状の定着ベルトと、該定着ベルトに圧接する加圧ローラとを備え、加熱され回転駆動する定着ベルトと加圧ローラとによるニップ部に、カラートナー像を担持した記録シートを、そのトナー像が定着ベルト表面に接する向きに通過させ、記録シートの表面の熱可塑性樹脂からなる透明樹脂層上に付着したカラートナー像を加熱して透明樹脂層中に溶融し通過させる。次いで冷却して固着させ、定着ベルトから記録シートを分離して、銀塩写真並みの高光沢な画質の出力を得る定着装置が提案されている。   For this purpose, an endless fixing belt and a pressure roller pressed against the fixing belt are provided, and a recording sheet carrying a color toner image is held in a nip portion between the heated and rotationally driven fixing belt and the pressure roller. The toner image is passed in a direction in contact with the surface of the fixing belt, and the color toner image adhered on the transparent resin layer made of the thermoplastic resin on the surface of the recording sheet is heated to melt and pass through the transparent resin layer. Next, a fixing device has been proposed in which the recording sheet is separated from the fixing belt by cooling and fixing, and an output with high gloss image quality similar to a silver salt photograph is obtained.

例えば、特許文献１によれば、定着ベルトの内周面に押圧して当接する冷却構造体を設け、定着ベルト上に密着した記録シートを冷却、固化させて分離する定着装置が提案されている。   For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a fixing device that is provided with a cooling structure that presses against and contacts the inner peripheral surface of a fixing belt, and cools and solidifies a recording sheet that is in close contact with the fixing belt. .

また、特許文献２によれば、冷却手段を、定着ベルト移動方向下流で、定着ベルトの内周面側に配置した構成で、
1. 複数の冷却部材を定着ベルト移動方向に配列。 According to Patent Document 2, the cooling means is arranged on the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing belt downstream in the fixing belt moving direction.
1. Arrange multiple cooling members in the direction of fixing belt movement.

2. 定着ベルト支持部材の出口側を冷却部材として構成する。   2. The exit side of the fixing belt support member is configured as a cooling member.

3. 冷却部材は、ヒートパイプで構成する。   3. The cooling member is a heat pipe.

4. 冷却部材は、冷却水が流通する冷却管よりなる。
このように構成した定着装置が提案されている。
特開2002-99168号公報 特開2004-85634号公報 4. The cooling member consists of a cooling pipe through which cooling water flows.
A fixing device configured as described above has been proposed.
JP 2002-99168 JP 2004-85634 A

ところが、このように定着する記録シートを加熱加圧後に定着ベルトに密着させた状態で冷却して分離する冷却分離方式の定着装置では、冷却の高効率化と、冷却温度の均一性と安定性が課題である。   However, with the cooling separation type fixing device that cools and separates the recording sheet to be fixed in this manner after being heated and pressed in close contact with the fixing belt, the cooling efficiency is improved and the cooling temperature is uniform and stable. Is an issue.

しかし、特許文献１による冷却構造体を定着ベルト内周面に当接して冷却する場合、冷却範囲が広く安定した冷却が可能ではあるが、冷却構造体の全体が均熱化するため冷却効果が不十分である。   However, when the cooling structure according to Patent Document 1 is cooled by abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, the cooling range is wide and stable cooling is possible. It is insufficient.

さらには、冷却構造体と定着ベルトが押圧し、且つ摺擦して駆動されることから定着ベルトの耐久性の問題や、冷却構造体の押圧によって定着ベルトが屈曲することから記録シートの定着不良の要因ともなっている。   Furthermore, since the cooling structure and the fixing belt are pressed and rubbed and driven, there is a problem of durability of the fixing belt, and the fixing belt is bent due to the pressing of the cooling structure, so that the recording sheet is poorly fixed. It is also a factor.

図5は、上記従来の定着装置の断面図（下図）と、定着ベルトの温度推移図（上図）を示す。   FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view (lower diagram) of the conventional fixing device and a temperature transition diagram (upper diagram) of the fixing belt.

図5において、冷却構造体31を冷却手段として定着ベルトの内周面に押圧接触させて配置した場合、上図の様に初期温度から冷却構造体との最初の接触点31aが、温度推移の屈曲点となり、その後、冷却構造体31が所定の温度で均熱していることから温度低下率が自然放熱と同様に推移し、分離部のローラで最終的な温度となるように推移する。   In FIG. 5, when the cooling structure 31 is placed as a cooling means in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, the first contact point 31a with the cooling structure from the initial temperature is Since the cooling structure 31 is soaked at a predetermined temperature, the rate of temperature decrease changes in the same manner as natural heat dissipation, and the final temperature is reached by the roller of the separation unit.

このように冷却構造体を定着ベルトに当接させた冷却手段では、所望の冷却温度に冷却するために、定着ベルトの速度を遅くし冷却時間を長くするか、定着ベルトとの接触面積を広くする等の改善を必要としている。   In the cooling means in which the cooling structure is in contact with the fixing belt in this way, in order to cool to a desired cooling temperature, the speed of the fixing belt is decreased and the cooling time is lengthened or the contact area with the fixing belt is widened. It is necessary to improve.

次に特許文献２によるヒートパイプ方式の冷却ローラや、冷却水を循環させて使用する水冷ローラ等を定着ベルトの内周面に当接させる冷却手段では、定着ベルトと前記冷却ローラとが当接する局所のみで冷却されるため、溶融した記録シート上のトナー画像の固化状態が不均一となる。また冷却ローラを複数、設けた例では、冷却が断続的で、且つ冷却する面積を広くとることが出来ないため冷却効率が低い。   Next, in the cooling means in which a heat pipe type cooling roller according to Patent Document 2 or a water cooling roller that circulates cooling water and makes contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, the fixing belt and the cooling roller come into contact with each other. Since it is cooled only locally, the solidified state of the toner image on the molten recording sheet becomes non-uniform. Further, in the example in which a plurality of cooling rollers are provided, the cooling efficiency is low because the cooling is intermittent and the cooling area cannot be widened.

図6は上記従来例の定着装置における定着装置断面（下図）と定着ベルトの温度推移（上図）を示したものである。   FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the fixing device (lower diagram) and a temperature transition of the fixing belt (upper diagram) in the conventional fixing device.

図6による定着装置は冷却手段としてヒートパイプ41を定着ベルト内周面側に接触させて配置したものである。   The fixing device according to FIG. 6 has a heat pipe 41 arranged as a cooling means in contact with the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing belt.

図の様に初期温度から温度低下が始まり、冷却ローラ41と接触することで温度屈曲点41aとなり、その後自然放熱による温度低下のまま、分離部ローラで最終的な温度となる。   As shown in the figure, the temperature starts to decrease from the initial temperature, and when it comes into contact with the cooling roller 41, a temperature bending point 41a is reached.

このように冷却ローラに当接した部位では冷却効果が十分あるが、断続的な局所冷却のため所望の温度に冷却するには不十分である。   In this way, the portion in contact with the cooling roller has a sufficient cooling effect, but is insufficient for cooling to a desired temperature due to intermittent local cooling.

そのため冷却ローラの大径化や熱交換能力の増強をする必要がある。   Therefore, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the cooling roller and enhance the heat exchange capacity.

本発明は、前述した課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、前述の、定着する記録シートを定着ベルトに当接させた状態で冷却手段により冷却してから分離する方式の定着装置として、定着ベルトの内周面で、冷却ローラと送風ダクトで閉塞された空間に空気流を送風して冷却する空冷手段を設けることで、冷却範囲が広く、冷却効率が高く、さらに連続的に冷却を行なうことから、加熱した定着用の記録シートを均一に且つ安定して冷却し、冷却ムラのない良好な定着及び分離を行なうことのできる定着装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to separate the recording sheet to be fixed after being cooled by a cooling unit in a state where the recording sheet to be fixed is in contact with the fixing belt. By providing an air cooling means for blowing and cooling an air flow in a space closed by a cooling roller and a blowing duct on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, the cooling range is wide and the cooling efficiency is high. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fixing device capable of uniformly and stably cooling a heated fixing recording sheet and performing good fixing and separation without uneven cooling because continuous cooling is performed.

本発明は上記目的を達成するため、前述した定着装置において、
請求項１では、無端定着ベルトと、該定着ベルトを加熱する加熱部材と、定着する記録シートを前記定着ベルトに押圧する加圧部材とを備え、
定着する記録シートのトナー画像面を、前記定着ベルトの表面に熱と圧とで密着させ、前記定着ベルトの回動走行とともに移動し、冷却して分離する冷却分離方式の定着装置において、
前記定着ベルトが加熱され通過後の下流で、定着ベルトの内周面と当接して回動する第１のローラ手段と、同じく並列して回動する第２のローラ手段を設け、該第１のローラ手段と、第２のローラ手段とで仕切られた空間の定着ベルト内周面側に、該第１と第２のローラ手段を覆うと共に、前記空間を閉塞し、空気を送風するためのダクト構造を有する風路を形成した空冷手段を設けた。 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fixing device as described above.
In claim 1, it comprises an endless fixing belt, a heating member for heating the fixing belt, and a pressure member for pressing a recording sheet to be fixed against the fixing belt,
In the fixing device of the cooling separation system, the toner image surface of the recording sheet to be fixed is brought into close contact with the surface of the fixing belt with heat and pressure, moved with the rotation of the fixing belt, and cooled and separated.
The first roller means that rotates in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and the second roller means that rotates in parallel are provided downstream after the fixing belt is heated and passed. For covering the first and second roller means on the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing belt in the space partitioned by the roller means and the second roller means, closing the space, and blowing air Air-cooling means having an air passage having a duct structure was provided.

請求項２では、前記第１、第２のローラ手段は、中空円筒状のローラで、内部に作動液を封入し、端部に放熱部を有するヒートパイプ構造の冷却ローラを設けた。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first and second roller means are hollow cylindrical rollers, and are provided with a cooling pipe having a heat pipe structure that encloses a working fluid therein and has a heat radiating portion at an end.

請求項３では、前記、第１、第２のローラ手段である冷却ローラの一つは、定着ベルト面上に密着された記録シートを、前記冷却ローラの曲率によって定着ベルト表面から分離可能な外径を有する。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, one of the cooling rollers as the first and second roller means is an outer cover capable of separating a recording sheet in close contact with the surface of the fixing belt from the surface of the fixing belt by the curvature of the cooling roller. Have a diameter.

請求項4では、前記第1から第２のローラ手段と、前記空冷手段には、それぞれ前記定着ベルトの熱を放熱するための空気の送風部材と、該送風された空気を強制排出する排気部材とを設けたこと。   5. The air blowing member for radiating heat of the fixing belt and the exhaust member for forcibly discharging the blown air are respectively provided in the first to second roller means and the air cooling means. And provided.

請求項5では、前記第１から第２のローラ部材、及び前記空冷手段は、それぞれの送風部材と、それぞれの排気部材との少なくとも一つが、空気を合流させて送風又は排気する風路を設けたものである。   In Claim 5, the said 1st to 2nd roller member and the said air-cooling means provide the air path through which at least one of each ventilation member and each exhaust member joins air and ventilates or exhausts. It is a thing.

以上説明したように、本発明の定着装置によれば、定着ベルトの内周面に、ローラ手段と送風ダクトで閉塞した空間に、空気を送風して冷却する空冷手段設けたことで、冷却範囲が広く、冷却効率が高く、さらに連続的に冷却を行なうことから、加熱した定着用の記録シートを均一に且つ安定して冷却し、冷却ムラのない良好な定着及び分離を行なうことができる。   As described above, according to the fixing device of the present invention, on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, air cooling means for blowing air to cool the space closed by the roller means and the air duct is provided. Therefore, it is possible to cool the heated fixing recording sheet uniformly and stably, and to perform excellent fixing and separation without cooling unevenness.

よって、定着装置の小型化や高速化等が可能となる。   Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and speed of the fixing device.

以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に従って詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

図１は本発明の定着装置を示す斜視図で、図２は本発明の冷却手段を示す上視図、図３は本発明の一つの冷却手段を示す構造断面図である。   FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fixing device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view showing a cooling means of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a structural sectional view showing one cooling means of the present invention.

図１から図3の実施形態に係る定着装置は、定着ベルト１と、加熱ローラ２、加圧ローラ４と、定着ベルト1を支持する支持ローラ５と、実施例では冷却手段とした分離ローラ１０と、冷却ローラ6と、冷却送風手段12とで主要部が構成されている。   1 to 3 includes a fixing belt 1, a heating roller 2, a pressure roller 4, a support roller 5 that supports the fixing belt 1, and a separation roller 10 that serves as a cooling means in the embodiment. The cooling roller 6 and the cooling air blowing means 12 constitute the main part.

図中Pは定着用の記録シートで、画像形成装置に適用可能な記録媒体であれば良いが本発明では高光沢の画像出力を得るために、紙を基材とし熱可塑性樹脂が主成分の透明樹脂層を積層形成した記録シートを用いている。   In the figure, P is a recording sheet for fixing, as long as it is a recording medium applicable to the image forming apparatus. In the present invention, in order to obtain a high gloss image output, paper is the base material and a thermoplastic resin is the main component. A recording sheet having a transparent resin layer formed thereon is used.

また、Tは、記録シートPの透明樹脂層上に形成されたトナー画像である。   T is a toner image formed on the transparent resin layer of the recording sheet P.

実施例における定着ベルト１は、基材をポリアミドフィルム等の耐熱性材料からなる無端ベルトで、表面が平滑で離型性の良い表層を設けたものである。   The fixing belt 1 in the embodiment is an endless belt made of a heat-resistant material such as a polyamide film as a base material, and a surface layer having a smooth surface and good releasability is provided.

図に示した加熱ローラ2は、アルミニウム、ステンレス等の金属性の円筒状ローラで、表層に弾性層等を必要に応じて被覆したものである。さらに内部にはハロゲンヒータ等の熱源３を配設して構成されている。さらに、加熱ローラ２は、不図示の駆動源によって掛け廻した定着ベルト１の回動と回転駆動を行なう。   The heating roller 2 shown in the figure is a metallic cylindrical roller such as aluminum or stainless steel, and a surface layer is coated with an elastic layer or the like as required. Further, a heat source 3 such as a halogen heater is disposed inside. Further, the heating roller 2 rotates and drives the fixing belt 1 wound around by a driving source (not shown).

次に加圧ローラ4は、表層に弾性層を有したアルミニウム等の中空円筒状のローラで、必要に応じて内部にハロゲンヒータ等の熱源を配したものである。   Next, the pressure roller 4 is a hollow cylindrical roller made of aluminum or the like having an elastic layer as a surface layer, and a heat source such as a halogen heater is disposed inside as needed.

加圧ローラ４は、前記加熱ローラ２に対向し、定着ベルト１を挟んで不図示の加圧部材によって加圧されニップを形成して従動回転する。   The pressure roller 4 faces the heating roller 2 and is pressed by a pressure member (not shown) across the fixing belt 1 to form a nip and rotate in a driven manner.

10は分離ローラで、外径をΦ40mm以下とし定着ベルト１の表面に密着搬送された記録シートPを、その曲率と記録シートの剛性によって分離する分離部を構成する。   A separation roller 10 constitutes a separation unit that separates the recording sheet P, which has an outer diameter of Φ40 mm or less and is in close contact with the surface of the fixing belt 1, according to its curvature and the rigidity of the recording sheet.

実施例の図では、該分離ローラ10を冷却ローラとして示し、説明は後述する。   In the drawing of the embodiment, the separation roller 10 is shown as a cooling roller, and the description will be given later.

次に示すローラは支持ローラ5で、定着ベルト１に張力を与えるテンションローラ、または、定着ベルト１の蛇行を補正するローラとして配置されている。   The following roller is the support roller 5 and is arranged as a tension roller that applies tension to the fixing belt 1 or a roller that corrects the meandering of the fixing belt 1.

ここで、本発明の冷却手段について図１から図３を用いて説明する。   Here, the cooling means of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

図１において、第１のローラ手段である冷却ローラ部６と、第２のローラ手段である冷却（分離）ローラ部9と、第１の冷却ローラ部6と第２の冷却ローラ部９とで定着ベルト１が仕切られた空間に配設した空冷手段である送風部12とで、本発明の冷却手段は構成する。   In FIG. 1, a cooling roller unit 6 that is a first roller unit, a cooling (separation) roller unit 9 that is a second roller unit, a first cooling roller unit 6, and a second cooling roller unit 9. The cooling unit of the present invention is configured by the air blowing unit 12 which is an air cooling unit disposed in a space in which the fixing belt 1 is partitioned.

最初に、第１のローラ手段を、図３の構造断面図を用いて説明する。   First, the first roller means will be described with reference to the structural sectional view of FIG.

このローラ手段の基本構造は、アルミニウム又は銅等のパイプで、内壁に毛細管構造を備え、少量の作動液を真空封入したヒートパイプ構造の冷却ローラである。   The basic structure of this roller means is a cooling pipe having a heat pipe structure in which a pipe made of aluminum or copper is provided with a capillary structure on the inner wall and a small amount of hydraulic fluid is sealed in a vacuum.

冷却ローラ７（10）は、ローラ外周表面で接触して熱を吸収する入熱部と、端部に放熱フィンを設けた放熱部8（10）とを備えている。   The cooling roller 7 (10) includes a heat input portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roller and absorbs heat, and a heat radiating portion 8 (10) provided with a heat radiating fin at the end.

入熱部で吸収された熱は、冷却ローラ内に封入した作動液の蒸発によって熱を奪い、気化した作動液の蒸気は放熱部で凝縮して熱を外部に放熱する。つまり冷却ローラ内部で熱交換が行なわれている。   The heat absorbed in the heat input part takes away heat by evaporation of the working fluid enclosed in the cooling roller, and the vaporized working liquid vapor condenses in the heat radiating part to radiate the heat to the outside. That is, heat exchange is performed inside the cooling roller.

このように冷却ローラの内部で熱交換することによって、本提案の構成では、冷却ローラの外周面に接触する定着ベルトが冷却され、奪った熱は放熱部から装置外部へと放熱される。   By exchanging heat inside the cooling roller in this manner, in the proposed configuration, the fixing belt contacting the outer peripheral surface of the cooling roller is cooled, and the heat taken away is radiated from the heat radiating portion to the outside of the apparatus.

次に第２の冷却ローラ部9は、第1の冷却ローラ部６と同様の冷却手段で構成され、さらに定着ベルト上に密着した記録シートのトナー画像を冷却によって固化させると共にローラの曲率によって強制的に定着ベルトから分離する分離ローラとしての機能も備えている。   Next, the second cooling roller unit 9 is composed of the same cooling means as the first cooling roller unit 6, and further solidifies the toner image on the recording sheet that is in close contact with the fixing belt by cooling and is forced by the curvature of the roller. It also has a function as a separation roller for separating from the fixing belt.

尚、第１と第2の冷却ローラ手段をヒートパイプ構造としたが、例えばローラ内部に冷却水を循環させて、ローラを冷却する水冷方式の冷却ローラとしても構わない。   Although the first and second cooling roller means have a heat pipe structure, for example, a cooling water cooling roller that cools the roller by circulating cooling water inside the roller may be used.

次に、第１と第2の冷却ローラ手段とで仕切られた空間に設けた冷却手段について図１及び図４の概略断面図を参照して説明する。   Next, the cooling means provided in the space partitioned by the first and second cooling roller means will be described with reference to the schematic sectional views of FIGS.

この冷却手段は、外気を定着装置に送風する送風ファン13と、第１、第２の冷却ローラ手段の空間に設けた風路を形成するダクト14と、ダクト14からの送風を定着装置外部に排気する排気ファン17とで構成された空冷の冷却手段である。   This cooling means includes a blower fan 13 that blows outside air to the fixing device, a duct 14 that forms an air passage provided in the space of the first and second cooling roller means, and air blown from the duct 14 to the outside of the fixing device. This is an air-cooling cooling means composed of an exhaust fan 17 for exhausting air.

ダクト14は、定着ベルト１の内周面側を開放し断面形状がコの字形状で、冷却ローラ6、9に近接し、定着ベルト１の内周面とのGapが1〜２mm程度離間させた側壁を設けた風路であり、該風路に送風された空気流が略閉塞された状態で直接定着ベルトにあたるように設けてある。   The duct 14 is open on the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing belt 1, has a U-shaped cross section, is close to the cooling rollers 6 and 9, and has a gap of about 1 to 2 mm from the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 1. The air passage is provided with a side wall, and is provided so that the air flow blown to the air passage directly hits the fixing belt in a substantially blocked state.

このように形成したダクト14に送風する空気流は、定着装置内の昇温した空気を含む事無く、外気（外気温）のままで定着ベルト１の内周面に送風される。   The air flow sent to the duct 14 formed in this way is sent to the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 1 while keeping the outside air (outside temperature) without including the heated air in the fixing device.

したがって加熱された定着ベルトは、空気流への熱伝達により放熱され冷却する。   Therefore, the heated fixing belt is radiated and cooled by heat transfer to the air flow.

さらに、ダクト14は定着ベルト１を冷却するための風路と、前記冷却手段である冷却ローラ6、９の周辺を覆うカバー14a、14bとを設けてある。（図４の断面図を参照）
ダクト14と併設したカバー部14a、14bは、それぞれの冷却ローラ6、9の周辺を1〜2mm程度の隙間を開けて覆い、端部は定着ベルト１の内周面からの隙間をGap1〜2mm程度に離間させた形状に構成したものである。ここで記載したGap(1〜２mm)は、定着ベルト１の内周面に接触しない程度に近接させることが望ましい。 Further, the duct 14 is provided with an air passage for cooling the fixing belt 1 and covers 14a and 14b covering the periphery of the cooling rollers 6 and 9 as the cooling means. (Refer to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4)
The cover portions 14a and 14b provided along with the duct 14 cover the periphery of the cooling rollers 6 and 9 with a gap of about 1 to 2 mm, and the end portion covers the gap from the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 1 to Gap 1 to 2 mm. It is configured in a shape that is separated to a certain extent. The gap (1 to 2 mm) described here is desirably close enough not to contact the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 1.

よって、冷却ローラ６，９の周辺を覆うカバーを設けたことにより、定着ベルト１の内周面であって接触して回動する冷却ローラ６，９と、前記ダクト14とで、略閉塞された空間を形成するため、空気の送風時における漏れが減少し、効率の良い空冷が行なわれる。   Therefore, by providing a cover that covers the periphery of the cooling rollers 6, 9, the cooling roller 6, 9 that rotates in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 1 and the duct 14 are substantially closed. As a result, the air leakage is reduced and efficient air cooling is performed.

また、加熱ローラ2からの輻射熱を遮断する遮熱効果と、冷却ローラを覆うことで冷却ローラの断熱の効果が得られる。   Further, a heat shielding effect for blocking radiant heat from the heating roller 2 and a heat insulating effect for the cooling roller can be obtained by covering the cooling roller.

尚、前記排気ファン17は、ダクト14から送風された空気を定着装置外部に放出するとともに、前述の冷却ローラ手段（第1、第２）の放熱部8（11）から放出された空気流と合流させて排気する風路を形成している。   The exhaust fan 17 discharges the air blown from the duct 14 to the outside of the fixing device, and the air flow discharged from the heat radiating portion 8 (11) of the cooling roller means (first and second). An air passage is formed to join and exhaust.

風路は不図示であるが空気の流れを図中矢印で示してある。   The air path is not shown, but the air flow is indicated by arrows in the figure.

これは、ファンの数量削減とダクト構成の簡素化に有効となる。   This is effective in reducing the number of fans and simplifying the duct configuration.

次に図4に示す本発明の定着装置概略断面図と、冷却における温度推移図について説明する。   Next, a schematic sectional view of the fixing device of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 and a temperature transition diagram in cooling will be described.

図４の上図には温度推移図、下図は本発明の概略断面図でほぼ同じ縮尺で現している。   The upper diagram of FIG. 4 is a temperature transition diagram, and the lower diagram is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention, which is shown at substantially the same scale.

温度推移図において縦軸は温度、横軸は距離または時間としても良い。初期温度を加熱ローラの設定温度とし、冷却を行なわない状態での温度推移をRefで示している。この状態は、通常の自然放熱で、定着ベルト1の放射による放熱と、定着ベルトの走行風による放熱による温度低下を現してある。   In the temperature transition diagram, the vertical axis may be temperature, and the horizontal axis may be distance or time. The initial temperature is the set temperature of the heating roller, and the temperature transition without cooling is indicated by Ref. This state is normal natural heat dissipation, and shows a heat drop due to the radiation of the fixing belt 1 and a temperature drop due to heat dissipation due to the running air of the fixing belt.

一方、曲線で示す温度推移は、冷却手段によって冷却された場合の温度である。   On the other hand, the temperature transition indicated by the curve is the temperature when cooled by the cooling means.

初期温度はRefと同様で、屈曲点Aは本発明の第１の冷却ローラ6に接触した際の温度低下となる、次にCで示す線は第３の冷却送風手段12による温度低下となる。さらに屈曲点Bは第２の冷却ローラ9による温度低下を示し、これが本発明の定着装置における定着ベルトの温度推移となる。   The initial temperature is the same as that of Ref, the bending point A is a temperature drop when contacting the first cooling roller 6 of the present invention, and the line indicated by C is the temperature drop by the third cooling air blowing means 12. . Further, the bending point B indicates a temperature drop due to the second cooling roller 9, and this is a temperature transition of the fixing belt in the fixing device of the present invention.

つまり冷却ローラと近接させた空冷手段によって、冷却面積が広くなり、連続的で冷却効率の良い冷却装置が実現できる。   That is, the cooling area is widened by the air cooling means close to the cooling roller, and a continuous and efficient cooling device can be realized.

尚、本構成の冷却手段によって実験した結果、定着ベルトの分離部温度が、60℃以下に冷却することが確認され、満足できる冷却効果が得られた。   As a result of an experiment with the cooling means of this configuration, it was confirmed that the temperature of the separation portion of the fixing belt was cooled to 60 ° C. or less, and a satisfactory cooling effect was obtained.

以上説明したように、本発明の定着装置によれば、第１の冷却ローラ手段と第２の冷却ローラ手段と送風ダクトとで略閉塞した空間部分を、空冷手段で冷却することで、連続して段階的な冷却が可能になり、冷却効率の良い安定した冷却が短時間または短距離で出来ることから定着装置の小型化、高速化が実現出来る。   As described above, according to the fixing device of the present invention, the space portion substantially closed by the first cooling roller means, the second cooling roller means, and the air duct is continuously cooled by the air cooling means. Thus, stepwise cooling becomes possible, and stable cooling with good cooling efficiency can be performed in a short time or a short distance, so that the fixing device can be reduced in size and speed.

本発明の定着装置を示す斜視図である。1 is a perspective view showing a fixing device of the present invention. 本発明の冷却手段を示す上視図である。It is a top view which shows the cooling means of this invention. 本発明の一つの冷却手段を示す構造断面図である。It is structural sectional drawing which shows one cooling means of this invention. 本発明の定着装置概略断面図と、冷却における温度推移図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fixing device of the present invention and a temperature transition diagram in cooling. 従来に定着装置の断面図と、その冷却温度推移図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a conventional fixing device and a cooling temperature transition diagram thereof. 従来に定着装置の断面図と、その冷却温度推移図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a conventional fixing device and a cooling temperature transition diagram thereof.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1 定着ベルト
2 加熱ローラ
3 ヒータ
4 加圧ローラ
5 ベルト支持ローラ
6,9 冷却ローラ
13 送風ファン
14 ダクト 1 Fusing belt
2 Heating roller
3 Heater
4 Pressure roller
5 Belt support roller
6,9 Cooling roller
13 Blower fan
14 Duct

Claims (5)

無端定着ベルトと、該定着ベルトを加熱する加熱部材と、定着する記録シートを前記定着ベルトに押圧する加圧部材とを備え、
定着する記録シートのトナー画像面を、前記定着ベルトの表面に熱と圧とで密着させ、前記定着ベルトの回動走行とともに移動し、冷却して分離する冷却分離方式の定着装置において、
前記定着ベルトが加熱され通過後の下流で、定着ベルトの内周面と当接して回動する第１のローラ手段と、同じく並列して回動する第２のローラ手段を設け、該第１のローラ手段と、第２のローラ手段とで仕切られた空間の定着ベルト内周面側に、該第１と第２のローラ手段を覆うと共に、前記空間を閉塞し、空気を送風するためのダクト構造を有する風路を形成した空冷手段を設けたことを特徴とする定着装置。 An endless fixing belt, a heating member for heating the fixing belt, and a pressure member for pressing a recording sheet to be fixed to the fixing belt,
In the fixing device of the cooling separation system, the toner image surface of the recording sheet to be fixed is brought into close contact with the surface of the fixing belt with heat and pressure, moved with the rotation of the fixing belt, and cooled and separated.
The first roller means that rotates in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and the second roller means that rotates in parallel are provided downstream after the fixing belt is heated and passed. For covering the first and second roller means on the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing belt in the space partitioned by the roller means and the second roller means, closing the space, and blowing air A fixing device provided with air cooling means in which an air passage having a duct structure is formed. 前記第１、第２のローラ手段は、中空円筒状のローラで、内部に作動液を封入し、端部に放熱部を有するヒートパイプ構造の冷却ローラを設けたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の定着装置。   2. The first and second roller means are hollow cylindrical rollers, and are provided with a cooling pipe having a heat pipe structure in which a working fluid is enclosed and a heat radiating portion is provided at an end portion. The fixing device described. 前記、第１、第２のローラ手段である冷却ローラの一つは、定着ベルト面上に密着された記録シートを、前記冷却ローラの曲率によって定着ベルト表面から分離可能な外径を有することを特徴とする請求項１から請求項２の定着装置。   One of the cooling rollers as the first and second roller means has an outer diameter capable of separating the recording sheet in close contact with the surface of the fixing belt from the surface of the fixing belt by the curvature of the cooling roller. 3. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is characterized in that: 前記第1から第２のローラ手段と、前記空冷手段には、それぞれ前記定着ベルトの熱を放熱するための空気の送風部材と、該送風された空気を強制排出する排気部材とを設けたことを特徴とする請求項１から請求項3に記載の定着装置。   The first to second roller means and the air cooling means are each provided with an air blowing member for radiating the heat of the fixing belt and an exhaust member for forcibly discharging the blown air. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 前記第１から第２のローラ部材及び前記空冷手段は、それぞれの送風部材と、それぞれの排気部材との少なくとも一つが、空気を合流させて送風又は排気する風路を設けたことを特徴とする請求項４に記載の定着装置。   The first to second roller members and the air cooling means are characterized in that at least one of each of the air blowing members and each of the air exhaust members is provided with an air passage for blowing or exhausting air by merging air. The fixing device according to claim 4.
JP2006016522A 2006-01-25 2006-01-25 Fixing device Withdrawn JP2007199281A (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130004220A1 (en) * 2011-06-30 2013-01-03 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
JP2014013358A (en) * 2012-06-04 2014-01-23 Ricoh Co Ltd Image forming apparatus

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130004220A1 (en) * 2011-06-30 2013-01-03 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
US8774692B2 (en) * 2011-06-30 2014-07-08 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
JP2014013358A (en) * 2012-06-04 2014-01-23 Ricoh Co Ltd Image forming apparatus

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