JP2014109742A - Fixing device, and image forming apparatus including the fixing device - Google Patents

Fixing device, and image forming apparatus including the fixing device Download PDF

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JP2014109742A
JP2014109742A JP2012265093A JP2012265093A JP2014109742A JP 2014109742 A JP2014109742 A JP 2014109742A JP 2012265093 A JP2012265093 A JP 2012265093A JP 2012265093 A JP2012265093 A JP 2012265093A JP 2014109742 A JP2014109742 A JP 2014109742A
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pressure
opening
recording material
heat insulating
fixing device
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JP2014109742A5 (en
JP6012443B2 (en
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Masami Takeda
正美 竹田
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing device that improves heating efficiency of a heating rotating body on the upstream side in a recording material conveyance direction and the downstream side in a recording material conveyance direction of a nip part so as to accelerate a reduction in start-up time.SOLUTION: A pressure support 15 and a heat insulating member 16 each include, in an area from bottom surface parts 15a1 and 16a1 to side wall parts 15a2 and 16a2 on the upstream side in a recording material conveyance direction, and an area from bottom surface parts 15b1 and 16b1 to side wall parts 15b2 and 16b2 on the downstream side in a recording material conveyance direction, at least two or more opening rows 16ah1 to 16ah4, 16bh1 to 16bh4, 15ah1 to 15ah4, and 15bh1 to 15bh4 capable of irradiating an inner surface of a heating rotating body 13 with radiant light of a radiant heating body 12, in the recording material conveyance direction. In each of the areas, the opening rows are arranged in staggered manner in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the recording material conveyance direction within a range in which rigidity of the pressure support and the heat insulating member can be maintained.

Description

本発明は、電子写真複写機や電子写真プリンタ等の画像形成装置に搭載される定着装置、及びその定置装置を備えた画像形成装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a fixing device mounted on an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or an electrophotographic printer, and an image forming apparatus including the stationary device.

電子写真式の複写機やプリンタに搭載される定着装置（定着器）として、ハロゲンヒータ式フィルム加熱型の定着装置が知られている。特許文献１にはこのタイプの定着装置が記載されている。   As a fixing device (fixing device) mounted on an electrophotographic copying machine or printer, a halogen heater type film heating type fixing device is known. Patent Document 1 describes this type of fixing device.

図１１（Ａ）に、特許文献１のハロゲンヒータ式フィルム加熱型の定着装置１００の横断面図を示す。この定着装置１００では、加圧回転体として加圧ローラ１０１を使用し、輻射発熱体としてハロゲンヒータ１０２を使用している。フィルム状加熱回転体として、定着フィルムの内面にハロゲンヒータの輻射光の吸収効率を向上するための耐熱性黒色塗料を塗装した内面黒塗り定着フィルム１０３を用いている。加圧部材としての加圧ユニット１０４は、ハロゲンヒータ用金属加圧ステー１０５と、ハロゲンヒータ用フィルムガイド１０６と、熱遮蔽部材１０７と、加圧摺動板１０８と、で構成されている。１０９は定着フィルム１０３表面の温度を検知する外部当接型サーミスタである。   FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the halogen heater film heating type fixing device 100 of Patent Document 1. FIG. In this fixing device 100, a pressure roller 101 is used as a pressure rotating body, and a halogen heater 102 is used as a radiant heating element. As the film-like heating rotator, an inner black coating film 103 in which a heat resistant black paint for improving the radiation light absorption efficiency of the halogen heater is applied to the inner surface of the fixing film is used. The pressure unit 104 as a pressure member includes a metal pressure stay 105 for halogen heater, a film guide 106 for halogen heater, a heat shielding member 107, and a pressure sliding plate 108. Reference numeral 109 denotes an external contact type thermistor that detects the temperature of the surface of the fixing film 103.

加圧ユニット１０４の特徴として、まず、金属加圧ステー１０５は図１１（Ｂ）の斜視図のようになっている。この金属加圧ステー１０５は、金属加圧ステー１０５の中心部に配置されるハロゲンヒータ１０２の輻射光を定着フィルム１０３内面により多く照射できるように構成されている。かかる構成として、記録材搬送方向において定着ニップ部Ｎの前後でフィルムガイド１０６と重なる部分と、記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向左右端部のアーチ部１０５ａを除いた中央部の上半分を切り欠いた開口Ｗにより解放されている。また、金属加圧ステーの加圧部１０５ｂは、定着ニップ部Ｎの記録材搬送方向（以下、短手方向と記す）中央側に向かう折り曲げ部を介した平面部を有し、定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向におけるニップ中央部には長手方向に沿ってスリット部１０５ｃが形成されている。   As a feature of the pressurizing unit 104, first, the metal pressurizing stay 105 is as shown in a perspective view of FIG. The metal pressure stay 105 is configured to irradiate more radiation light from the halogen heater 102 disposed at the center of the metal pressure stay 105 toward the inner surface of the fixing film 103. In such a configuration, the upper half of the central portion excluding the portion overlapping the film guide 106 before and after the fixing nip portion N in the recording material conveyance direction and the arch portion 105a at the left and right ends in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the recording material conveyance direction is cut. It is released by the missing opening W. The pressurizing part 105b of the metal pressurizing stay has a flat part through a bent part toward the recording material conveyance direction (hereinafter referred to as the short direction) of the fixing nip part N, and the fixing nip part N A slit portion 105c is formed along the longitudinal direction at the center of the nip in the short direction.

一方、フィルムガイド１０６は、図１１（Ｃ）の斜視図に示すとおり、定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向において定着ニップ部Ｎの前後の側壁部をリブ列１０６ａで構成している。これにより、定着フィルム１０３と金属加圧ステー１０５の接触による定着フィルム１０３の温度低下防止と、定着フィルム１０３との接触抵抗を減らして、定着フィルム１０３の回転を妨げない構成となっている。   On the other hand, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 11C, the film guide 106 includes rib rows 106a on the side walls before and after the fixing nip portion N in the short direction of the fixing nip portion N. Thereby, the temperature drop of the fixing film 103 due to the contact between the fixing film 103 and the metal pressure stay 105 is prevented, and the contact resistance with the fixing film 103 is reduced so that the rotation of the fixing film 103 is not hindered.

また、フィルムガイド１０６の上記加圧部１０５ｂにより加圧される被加圧部１０６ｂは、定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向中央側に向かう折り曲げ部を介した平面部を有している。この平面部の裏面には熱遮蔽部材１０７の底部１０７ａ（図１１（Ｄ）参照）と、加圧摺動板１０８を収納する溝部１０６ｃが形成されている。更に、平面部の定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向におけるニップ中央部には長手方向に沿ってスリット部１０６ｄが形成され、短手方向前後の平面部１０６ｂをつなぐ下方アーチ部１０６ｅが長手方向左右端部に設けられている。   Further, the pressed part 106 b to be pressed by the pressing part 105 b of the film guide 106 has a flat part through a bent part toward the center in the short direction of the fixing nip part N. A bottom portion 107a (see FIG. 11D) of the heat shielding member 107 and a groove portion 106c for accommodating the pressure sliding plate 108 are formed on the back surface of the flat portion. Further, a slit portion 106d is formed along the longitudinal direction at the center portion of the fixing nip portion N of the flat portion in the short side direction, and the lower arch portion 106e connecting the flat portion 106b before and after the short side direction is formed at the left and right ends in the longitudinal direction. Provided in the department.

この定着装置１００の構成では、上記のように金属加圧ステー１０５の定着ニップ部Ｎにおけるフィルムガイド１０６との接触面積が大きい。そのため、熱容量の大きな金属加圧ステー１０５に定着フィルム１０３の熱を奪われて昇温性能が低下しないように、耐熱性樹脂で構成されるフィルムガイド１０６には特に断熱部材としての役割が重視されている。   In the configuration of the fixing device 100, the contact area with the film guide 106 in the fixing nip portion N of the metal pressure stay 105 is large as described above. For this reason, the film guide 106 made of a heat-resistant resin is particularly emphasized as a heat insulating member so that the heat of the fixing film 103 is not taken away by the metal pressure stay 105 having a large heat capacity and the temperature rise performance is not lowered. ing.

上記の各スリット部１０５ｃ，１０６ｄ、及び下方アーチ部１０６ｅには、図１１（Ｄ）の斜視図に示すような形状の、熱遮蔽部材１８の中央絞り込み部１０７ｂが長手方向にスライド挿入して装着可能となっている。また、その中央絞り込み部１０７ｂの下に配置される加圧摺動板１０８もこの下方アーチ部１０６ｅを通って所定の位置に設定されている。   The slits 105c, 106d and the lower arch part 106e are mounted with the central narrowing part 107b of the heat shielding member 18 having a shape as shown in the perspective view of FIG. It is possible. Further, the pressure sliding plate 108 disposed below the central narrowing portion 107b is also set at a predetermined position through the lower arch portion 106e.

このように構成された定着装置１００の加熱方法は、図１１（Ａ）の断面図の構成により、まず、加圧ユニット１０４中央のハロゲンヒータ１０２から輻射光が発せられる。   In the heating method of the fixing device 100 configured as described above, radiation light is first emitted from the halogen heater 102 at the center of the pressure unit 104 according to the configuration of the cross-sectional view of FIG.

すると、
・金属加圧ステー１０５上部の開口Ｗ部分を介して略上半分の定着フィルム１０３内面が直接輻射加熱される。 Then
The substantially upper half of the inner surface of the fixing film 103 is directly radiantly heated through the opening W portion above the metal pressure stay 105.

・一方、定着ニップ部Ｎ近傍の短手方向前後の上流部と下流部の金属加圧ステー１０５、及びフィルムガイド１０６は熱遮蔽部材１０７によって輻射光を直接受けずに昇温を抑制される。これに対し、熱遮蔽部材１０７は、輻射光を直接受けて昇温し加圧摺動板１０８との接触部において伝熱作用によって加圧摺動板１０８を加熱する。   On the other hand, the upstream and downstream metal pressure stays 105 and the film guide 106 in the vicinity of the fixing nip N in the short direction are not directly received by the heat shielding member 107 and are prevented from rising in temperature. On the other hand, the heat shielding member 107 receives the radiation light directly to raise the temperature, and heats the pressure sliding plate 108 by a heat transfer action at the contact portion with the pressure sliding plate 108.

・加圧摺動板１０８の定着ニップ部Ｎとは反対側には輻射光がスリット部１０５ｃ，１０６ｄから進入して加圧摺動板１０８が直接輻射加熱され、上記伝熱作用とともに加圧摺動板１０８が昇温する。そしてこの昇温した加圧摺動板１０８によって定着ニップ部Ｎを通過する輻射加熱済みの定着フィルム１０３をさらに加熱する。   -Radiation light enters the slits 105c and 106d on the opposite side of the pressure sliding plate 108 from the fixing nip portion N, and the pressure sliding plate 108 is directly radiantly heated. The moving plate 108 is heated. Then, the radiantly heated fixing film 103 that passes through the fixing nip portion N is further heated by the heated pressure sliding plate 108.

以上のように、主に上下２箇所の経路を通して、定着フィルム１０３が内面から加熱され、定着ニップ部Ｎを通過する記録材を加熱加圧して記録材上のトナー像を定着するようになっている。   As described above, the fixing film 103 is heated from the inner surface mainly through two upper and lower paths, and the recording material passing through the fixing nip N is heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the recording material. Yes.

このとき、ハロゲンヒータ１０２の温度制御は定着フィルム１０３表面に加圧当接する外部当接型サーミスタ１３ｄによって、定着フィルム１０３表面温度の変化を検知してヒータを制御する方法が用いられている。   At this time, the temperature control of the halogen heater 102 uses a method in which a change in the surface temperature of the fixing film 103 is detected by an external contact type thermistor 13d that press-contacts the surface of the fixing film 103 to control the heater.

以上より、この定着装置１００の性能面の特徴としては、以下の点が挙げられる。   From the above, the following features can be mentioned as the performance characteristics of the fixing device 100.

・従来の熱ローラ方式の定着装置の定着ローラより低熱容量の定着フィルムを使用できるので、定着装置の立ち上げ時間を短縮できるが、セラミックヒータでニップ部を直接加熱する従来のフィルム加熱型定着装置の立ち上げ時間まで短縮することは容易ではない。   ・ Since a fixing film with a lower heat capacity than the fixing roller of a conventional heat roller type fixing device can be used, the start-up time of the fixing device can be shortened, but a conventional film heating type fixing device that directly heats the nip portion with a ceramic heater It is not easy to shorten the startup time.

・小サイズ通紙時の端部昇温問題は熱ローラ方式における定着ローラに比べると定着フィルムの長手方向の熱伝導性及び熱容量は高くないため、温度ムラを生じた際の長手方向の緩和性能は劣る。しかしながら、複数の定着フィルム内面領域で分散加熱するため、従来のフィルム加熱型定着装置のようにセラミックヒータでニップ部のみを直接加熱する場合に比べると、小サイズ通紙時の端部昇温問題は発生しにくい。   ・ The problem of temperature rise at the edge when passing through small-size paper is that the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the fixing film in the longitudinal direction are not high compared to the fixing roller in the heat roller method. Is inferior. However, because of the distributed heating in the inner surface area of multiple fixing films, compared with the case where only the nip part is directly heated with a ceramic heater as in the conventional film heating type fixing device, the problem of the temperature rise at the edge when passing a small size paper Is unlikely to occur.

このように、上記の定着装置１００は、定着装置の立ち上がり性能と小サイズ印刷時の生産性の面で他方式の定着装置の中間的性能を有し、大きな問題を持たないという利点が考えられる。   As described above, the fixing device 100 has an intermediate performance of other types of fixing devices in terms of start-up performance of the fixing device and productivity at the time of small size printing, and has an advantage that there is no major problem. .

しかしながら、このように主に定着フィルム１０３内面の上半分を加熱する構成の定着装置においては、定着ニップ部Ｎを加圧する必要性から必然的に使用せざるを得ない熱容量の大きな金属加圧ステー１０５とフィルムガイド１０６が存在している。そして定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向中心部のみスリット状に金属加圧ステー１０５とフィルムガイド１０６を廃除しているもののその熱容量によって昇温速度が遅くなる可能性がある。   However, in the fixing device configured to mainly heat the upper half of the inner surface of the fixing film 103 as described above, a metal pressure stay having a large heat capacity inevitably used due to the need to pressurize the fixing nip portion N. 105 and a film guide 106 exist. In addition, although the metal pressure stay 105 and the film guide 106 are eliminated in a slit shape only at the center in the short direction of the fixing nip portion N, there is a possibility that the rate of temperature rise is slowed down by the heat capacity.

そこで、上記定着装置１００では、定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向前後の金属加圧ステー１０５とフィルムガイド１０６を加熱して定着装置の立ち上げ時間が遅くなることを抑制し、無駄な熱エネルギーも消費しないように熱遮蔽部材１０７を設けている。つまり、この熱遮蔽部材１０７により、定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向前後の金属加圧ステー１０５とフィルムガイド１０６への輻射光の露光を防ぐと共に、加熱された熱遮蔽部材１０７の熱エネルギーを伝熱によって定着ニップ部に伝えて加熱するよう構成している。   Therefore, in the fixing device 100, the metal pressure stay 105 and the film guide 106 around the short side of the fixing nip portion N are heated to suppress the start-up time of the fixing device from being delayed, and unnecessary heat energy is also generated. The heat shielding member 107 is provided so as not to be consumed. That is, the heat shielding member 107 prevents exposure of the light to the metal pressure stay 105 and the film guide 106 before and after the fixing nip portion N in the short direction, and transmits the heat energy of the heated heat shielding member 107. Heat is transmitted to the fixing nip portion and heated.

一方、上記定着装置１００の派生構成として、図１２に示すような定着装置２００が製品化されている。図１２においては、図１１に示す定着装置１００の部材と同一の機能を有する部材には同じ符号を付している。   On the other hand, as a derivative structure of the fixing device 100, a fixing device 200 as shown in FIG. 12, members having the same functions as those of the fixing device 100 shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

図１２に示す定着装置２００は、定着ニップ部Ｎへの輻射光の導入部を排して熱遮蔽部材の代わりに新たに反射板２０１を設け、ハロゲンヒータ１０２の輻射光を加圧ユニット１０４の上半部の領域を通過する定着フィルム１０３内面のみに照射して加熱する。そして定着ニップ部Ｎ側には加圧力のみを作用させて記録材上のトナー像を記録材に定着するように構成されている。   The fixing device 200 shown in FIG. 12 eliminates the introduction portion of the radiant light to the fixing nip portion N and newly installs a reflecting plate 201 instead of the heat shielding member, and radiates the radiant light of the halogen heater 102 to the pressure unit 104. Only the inner surface of the fixing film 103 passing through the upper half area is irradiated and heated. The toner image on the recording material is fixed on the recording material by applying only the pressing force to the fixing nip portion N side.

この定着装置２００のその他の構成差としては、金属加圧ステーをコの字型板金の組み合わせによる中空の板状ステー２０２に変更するとともに、長手方向左右端部のアーチ形状部を個別のアーチ板金２０３で別体化している。更に、フィルムガイドも排して単に断熱部材２０４として定着ニップＮ部の短手方向前後に延長された大型加圧摺動板２０５の内側に収納するなどしている。   Other structural differences of the fixing device 200 include that the metal pressure stay is changed to a hollow plate-like stay 202 by a combination of U-shaped sheet metals, and the arch-shaped portions at the left and right ends in the longitudinal direction are individually arched sheet metals. Separated at 203. Further, the film guide is also removed and simply stored as a heat insulating member 204 inside a large pressure slide plate 205 extended in the front and rear direction of the fixing nip N.

この定着装置２００では、定着ニップ部Ｎ側への輻射光は遮断され、反射板２０１の反射率によってはより効率よく加圧ユニット１０４の上半分部を通過する定着フィルム２０３内面を加熱している。そのため、定着フィルム２０３の少なくとも上半分部の昇温時間の短縮を期待できる。   In this fixing device 200, radiation light toward the fixing nip portion N is blocked, and the inner surface of the fixing film 203 that passes through the upper half portion of the pressure unit 104 is more efficiently heated depending on the reflectance of the reflection plate 201. . Therefore, shortening of the temperature raising time of at least the upper half part of the fixing film 203 can be expected.

逆に、定着ニップ部Ｎ側を直接加熱する手段がないため、加圧ユニット１０４の上半分部で加熱された定着フィルム１０３内面は断熱部材２０４を介しているとはいえ、定着ニップ部Ｎとその定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向前後で熱エネルギーを奪われてしまう。つまり、定着ニップ部Ｎとその定着ニップ部Ｎの短手方向前後で熱容量の大きな板状ステー２０２と断熱部材２０４及び通過する記録材と加圧ローラ１０１によって熱エネルギーを奪われるという温度変化の激しい状態でトナー像が定着されることになる。   On the contrary, since there is no means for directly heating the fixing nip N side, the inner surface of the fixing film 103 heated by the upper half of the pressure unit 104 is interposed through the heat insulating member 204, but the fixing nip N The heat energy is lost before and after the fixing nip portion N in the short direction. That is, the temperature change is drastic in that the heat energy is taken away by the fixing nip N and the plate-like stay 202 having a large heat capacity, the heat insulating member 204, the passing recording material, and the pressure roller 101 before and after the fixing nip N in the short direction. In this state, the toner image is fixed.

特許文献２には特許文献１と類似構成の定着装置が開示されている。特許文献２の定着装置は、特許文献１の定着装置とは逆に加圧ユニットの上半分部に金属加圧ステーを一部残して開口部の形状に工夫を加えている構成である。この構成のため、逆に定着フィルム内面の露光域を狭くしており、剛性の低い定着フィルムを使用した場合に定着フィルムがヒータに接触する可能性を避ける効果は期待できる。   Patent Document 2 discloses a fixing device having a configuration similar to that of Patent Document 1. In contrast to the fixing device of Patent Document 2, the fixing device of Patent Document 2 has a configuration in which the shape of the opening is devised by leaving a part of the metal pressure stay in the upper half of the pressure unit. By virtue of this configuration, the exposure area on the inner surface of the fixing film is narrowed, and the effect of avoiding the possibility of the fixing film coming into contact with the heater when a fixing film having low rigidity is used can be expected.

特開２００９−９３１４１号公報JP 2009-93141 A 特開２００９−１０４１１４号公報JP 2009-104114 A

上記ハロゲンヒータ式フィルム加熱型の定着装置では、定着装置の立ち上げ時間の短縮を促進するために、定着ニップ部の記録材搬送方向上流側と記録材搬送方向下流側で定着フィルムの加熱効率を改善することが求められている。   In the above-described halogen heater type film heating type fixing device, the heating efficiency of the fixing film is increased on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction in order to promote shortening of the startup time of the fixing device. There is a need to improve.

本発明の目的は、ニップ部の記録材搬送方向上流側と記録材搬送方向下流側で加熱回転体の加熱効率を改善して立ち上げ時間の短縮を促進できるようにした定着装置、及びその定着装置を備える画像形成装置を提供することにある。   An object of the present invention is to improve the heating efficiency of the heating rotator at the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction of the nip portion, and to fix the start-up time, and the fixing thereof An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including the apparatus.

（１）上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る定着装置の構成は、筒状の加熱回転体と、前記加熱回転体の内部に設けられた輻射発熱体と、前記加熱回転体と接触してニップ部を形成する加圧回転体と、前記加圧回転体に対して前記加熱回転体を内部から摺動回転可能に加圧する加圧ユニットと、を有し、前記加圧ユニットは、加圧支持体と、前記加圧支持体と前記加熱回転体との間を断熱する断熱部材と、前記ニップ部において前記加熱回転体の内面と摺動する加圧摺動板と、を有し、前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材において、前記ニップ部とは反対側を通過する前記加熱回転体の半周分の領域には前記輻射発熱体からの輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射するための開口が設けられ、前記ニップ部側の領域には前記輻射発熱体からの輻射光を前記加圧摺動板に照射するための開口が設けられており、前記ニップ部で画像を担持する記録材を搬送しつつ加熱して記録材に画像を定着する定着装置において、前記加圧支持体と、前記断熱部材は、それぞれ、記録材搬送方向上流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域と、記録材搬送方向下流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域に、前記輻射発熱体の輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射可能とする開口部列を少なくとも記録材搬送方向に２つ以上有し、前記領域のそれぞれにおいて前記開口部列が前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材の剛性を維持可能な範囲で前記記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向に千鳥配置されていることを特徴とする。   (1) The configuration of the fixing device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to contact a cylindrical heating rotator, a radiant heating element provided inside the heating rotator, and the heating rotator. A pressure rotator that forms a nip portion, and a pressure unit that pressurizes the heating rotator against the pressure rotator from the inside so as to be slidably rotatable. A pressure support, a heat insulating member that insulates between the pressure support and the heating rotator, and a pressure sliding plate that slides on the inner surface of the heating rotator in the nip portion, In the pressurizing support and the heat insulating member, the inner surface of the heating rotator is irradiated with radiation light from the radiant heating element in a region corresponding to a half circumference of the heating rotator passing through the opposite side of the nip portion. An opening is provided for radiating from the radiant heating element in the area on the nip side. An opening for irradiating the pressure sliding plate with light is provided, and in the fixing device for fixing the image on the recording material by conveying the recording material carrying the image at the nip portion and heating the recording material. The pressure support and the heat insulating member are respectively disposed in the region from the bottom surface portion to the side wall portion on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and in the region from the bottom surface portion to the side wall portion on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. At least two opening rows that can irradiate the inner surface of the heating rotator with respect to the recording material conveyance direction, and the opening rows in each of the regions include the pressure support and the heat insulating member. Are arranged in a staggered manner in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the recording material conveyance direction as long as the rigidity of the recording medium can be maintained.

（２）上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る他の定着装置の構成は、筒状の加熱回転体と、前記加熱回転体の内部に設けられた輻射発熱体と、前記加熱回転体と接触してニップ部を形成する加圧回転体と、前記加圧回転体に対して前記加熱回転体を内部から摺動回転可能に加圧する加圧ユニットと、を有し、前記加圧ユニットは、加圧支持体と、前記加圧支持体と前記加熱回転体との間を断熱する断熱部材と、前記ニップ部において前記加熱回転体の内面と摺動する加圧摺動板と、を有し、前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材において、前記ニップ部とは反対側を通過する前記加熱回転体の半周分の領域には前記輻射発熱体からの輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射するための開口が設けられており、前記ニップ部で画像を担持する記録材を搬送しつつ加熱して記録材に画像を定着する定着装置において、前記加圧支持体と、前記断熱部材と、加圧摺動板は、それぞれ、記録材搬送方向上流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域と、記録材搬送方向下流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域に、前記輻射発熱体の輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射可能とする開口部列を少なくとも記録材搬送方向に２つ以上有し、前記領域のそれぞれにおいて前記開口部列が前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材の剛性を維持可能な範囲で前記記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向に千鳥配置されていることを特徴とする。   (2) Another fixing device according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a cylindrical heating rotator, a radiation heating element provided inside the heating rotator, and the heating rotator. A pressure rotator that contacts to form a nip portion, and a pressure unit that pressurizes the heating rotator from the inside so as to be slidably rotatable with respect to the pressure rotator. A pressure support, a heat insulating member that insulates between the pressure support and the heating rotator, and a pressure sliding plate that slides on the inner surface of the heating rotator at the nip portion. In the pressurization support and the heat insulating member, radiation light from the radiation heating element is applied to the inner surface of the heating rotator in a region corresponding to a half circumference of the heating rotator passing through the opposite side of the nip portion. An opening for irradiation is provided, and a recording material that carries an image at the nip portion is provided. In the fixing device for fixing the image on the recording material by heating while feeding, the pressure support, the heat insulating member, and the pressure sliding plate are each a side wall portion from the bottom surface portion on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. And at least a row of openings that allows the inner surface of the heating rotator to be irradiated with radiation light from the bottom surface portion to the side wall portion on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. In each of the regions, the row of openings is staggered in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the recording material conveyance direction as long as the rigidity of the pressure support and the heat insulating member can be maintained. It is characterized by that.

上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る画像形成装置の構成は、記録材に画像を形成する画像形成部と、記録材に形成された画像を記録材に定着する定着部と、を有する画像形成装置において、前記定着部は（１）又は（２）に記載の定着装置を備えることを特徴とする。   In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording material to the recording material. In the forming apparatus, the fixing unit includes the fixing device described in (1) or (2).

本発明によれば、従来、加圧部材の陰に隠れて輻射発熱体による加熱ができなかった定着ニップ部近傍の記録材搬送方向上流側と記録材搬送方向下流側の加圧部材に開口部が追加される構成とした。これにより、加熱回転体の加熱領域を増大でき、立ち上げ時間を短縮した定着装置、及びその定着装置を備える画像形成装置の提供を実現できる。   According to the present invention, conventionally, openings are formed in the pressure members on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction in the vicinity of the fixing nip portion, which are hidden behind the pressure member and cannot be heated by the radiant heating element. Was added. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a fixing device that can increase the heating region of the heating rotator and shorten the startup time, and an image forming apparatus including the fixing device.

画像形成装置の一例の概略構成を表わす横断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus. 実施例１の定着装置の一例の概略構成を表わす横断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a fixing device according to a first exemplary embodiment. 実施例１の定着装置の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the fixing device according to the first exemplary embodiment from an obliquely upper side on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. 実施例１の定着装置の加圧ステーと断熱部材の説明図である。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a pressure stay and a heat insulating member of the fixing device of Embodiment 1. 実施例１の定着装置と比較例の定着装置の定着立ち上がり時間特性を比較した結果を表わす図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a result of comparing the fixing rise time characteristics of the fixing device of Example 1 and the fixing device of the comparative example. 実施例２の定着装置の定着ユニットと輻射光遮蔽板の説明図である。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a fixing unit and a radiation light shielding plate of a fixing device according to a second embodiment. 実施例３の定着装置の加圧ステーと断熱部材の説明図である。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a pressure stay and a heat insulating member of a fixing device according to a third embodiment. 実施例４の定着装置の加圧ステーと断熱部材の説明図である。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a pressure stay and a heat insulating member of a fixing device according to a fourth embodiment. 実施例５の定着装置の概略構成を表わす横断面図である。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a fixing device according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. 実施例５の定着装置の輻射光反射板と加圧ステーと断熱部材と加圧摺動板の説明図である。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a radiation light reflecting plate, a pressure stay, a heat insulating member, and a pressure sliding plate of a fixing device according to a fifth embodiment. 従来の定着装置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the conventional fixing device. 従来の他の定着装置の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the other conventional fixing device.

以下、本発明を図面に基づいて詳しく説明する。   Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

［実施例１］
（１）画像形成装置
図１は本発明に係る像加熱装置を定着装置として搭載する画像形成装置の一例の概略構成を表わす横断面図である。この画像形成装置は電子写真式のモノクロレーザプリンタである。 [Example 1]
(1) Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a transverse sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus in which an image heating apparatus according to the present invention is mounted as a fixing device. This image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic monochrome laser printer.

本実施例に示す画像形成装置は、画像情報に基づいて記録材に未定着トナー画像を形成する画像形成部Ａと、記録材に形成された未定着トナー画像を記録材に定着する定着部（以下、定着装置と記す）Ｂなどを有している。   The image forming apparatus shown in this embodiment includes an image forming unit A that forms an unfixed toner image on a recording material based on image information, and a fixing unit that fixes an unfixed toner image formed on the recording material to the recording material ( Hereinafter referred to as a fixing device) B and the like.

画像形成部Ａにおいて、２は像担持体としての回転ドラム型の電子写真感光体（以下、感光ドラムと記す）である。感光ドラム２は、ＯＰＣ・アモルファスＳｅ・アモルファスＳｉ等の感光材料層を、アルミニウムやニッケル等の金属材料により形成されたシリンダ（ドラム）状の導電性基体の外周面に形成した構成からなる。   In the image forming unit A, reference numeral 2 denotes a rotating drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) as an image carrier. The photosensitive drum 2 has a configuration in which a photosensitive material layer such as OPC, amorphous Se, or amorphous Si is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder (drum) -like conductive substrate formed of a metal material such as aluminum or nickel.

感光ドラム２は、ホストコンピュータやネットワーク上の端末機等の外部装置から出力されるプリント指令に応じて矢印方向に所定の周速度（プロセススピード）にて回転される。そしてこの回転過程で感光ドラム２の外周面（表面）が帯電ローラ（帯電手段）１により所定の極性・電位に一様に帯電処理される。感光ドラム２表面の一様帯電面は、レーザービームスキャナ（露光手段）３から出力される、外部装置からの画像情報に応じて変調制御（ＯＮ／ＯＦＦ制御）されたレーザ光によって走査露光がなされる。これにより感光ドラム２表面に画像情報に応じた静電潜像が形成される。   The photosensitive drum 2 is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the direction of an arrow in accordance with a print command output from an external device such as a host computer or a terminal on a network. In this rotation process, the outer peripheral surface (surface) of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller (charging means) 1. The uniformly charged surface of the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is subjected to scanning exposure by laser light that is output from a laser beam scanner (exposure means) 3 and is modulation-controlled (ON / OFF control) according to image information from an external device. The As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

この静電潜像は現像装置（現像手段）４によりトナー５を用いて現像される。現像装置４は、現像装置４内に収納されているトナー５を現像ブレード４ａと現像スリーブ４ｂの間で感光ドラム２の一様帯電面と同極性に摩擦帯電する。そして感光ドラム２表面と現像スリーブ４ｂの外周面（表面）が対向する現像ギャップにおいて、ＤＣバイアスとＡＣバイアスを重畳印加し、電界の作用によってトナー５を浮遊振動させつつ感光ドラム２表面の潜像形成部に選択的に付着させる。   This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device (developing means) 4 using toner 5. The developing device 4 frictionally charges the toner 5 accommodated in the developing device 4 between the developing blade 4 a and the developing sleeve 4 b with the same polarity as the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 2. Then, in the developing gap where the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and the outer peripheral surface (surface) of the developing sleeve 4b face each other, a DC bias and an AC bias are superimposed and applied, and the latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is caused to float and vibrate the toner 5 by the action of an electric field. Selectively adhere to the formation.

一方、給送カセット７ａ、或いは給送手差しトレイ７ｂから記録材Ｐが１枚ずつレジストローラ７ｅに給送される。給送カセット７ａ内に積載収納されている記録材Ｐは、給送ローラ７ｃ１の回転により１枚ずつ繰り出され、搬送ローラ７ｄによりレジストローラ７ｅに給送される。給送手差しトレイ７ｂ上にセットされた記録材Ｐは、給送ローラ７ｃ２の回転により１枚ずつ繰り出され、レジストローラ７ｅに搬送される。   On the other hand, the recording material P is fed to the registration rollers 7e one by one from the feeding cassette 7a or the manual feeding tray 7b. The recording materials P stacked and stored in the feeding cassette 7a are fed out one by one by the rotation of the feeding roller 7c1 and fed to the registration roller 7e by the conveying roller 7d. The recording material P set on the feeding manual feed tray 7b is fed out one by one by the rotation of the feeding roller 7c2, and is conveyed to the registration roller 7e.

レジストローラ７ｅはその記録材Ｐを所定の制御タイミングにて感光ドラム２表面と転写ローラ６の外周面（表面）とで形成された転写ニップ部Ｔｎに送り出す。そしてこの記録材Ｐは転写ニップ部Ｔｎで感光ドラム２表面と転写ローラ６表面とで挟持されその状態に搬送される。この搬送過程において転写ローラ６にトナーと逆極性の転写バイアスが印加される。これによって感光ドラム２表面のトナー画像が転写ニップ部Ｔｎで記録材Ｐ上に静電的に転写され、これにより記録材Ｐは未定着トナー画像を担持する。   The registration roller 7e sends the recording material P to a transfer nip Tn formed by the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and the outer peripheral surface (surface) of the transfer roller 6 at a predetermined control timing. The recording material P is nipped between the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and the surface of the transfer roller 6 at the transfer nip portion Tn, and is conveyed to that state. In this conveyance process, a transfer bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the transfer roller 6. As a result, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is electrostatically transferred onto the recording material P at the transfer nip Tn, whereby the recording material P carries an unfixed toner image.

未定着トナー画像を担持した記録材Ｐは感光ドラム２表面から分離して転写ニップ部Ｔｎから排出され、定着装置Ｂの定着ニップ部（ニップ部）Ｎに導入される。そしてこの記録材Ｐが定着ニップ部Ｎを通過することによって未定着トナー画像は記録材Ｐに定着される。定着装置Ｂを出た記録材Ｐは排出ローラ（不図示）により排出トレイ（不図示）上に排出される。   The recording material P carrying the unfixed toner image is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 and discharged from the transfer nip portion Tn, and is introduced into the fixing nip portion (nip portion) N of the fixing device B. When the recording material P passes through the fixing nip portion N, the unfixed toner image is fixed on the recording material P. The recording material P exiting the fixing device B is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown) by a discharge roller (not shown).

記録材Ｐ分離後の感光ドラム２表面はクリーニング装置１０に設けられたクリーニングブレード１０ａにより転写残りトナー等が除去されて清浄面化され、感光ドラム２は次の画像形成に供される。   The surface of the photosensitive drum 2 after separation of the recording material P is cleaned by removing the transfer residual toner and the like by a cleaning blade 10a provided in the cleaning device 10, and the photosensitive drum 2 is used for the next image formation.

（２）定着装置（定着部）Ｂの構成
以下の説明において、定着装置及びこの定着装置を構成する部材に関し、長手方向とは記録材の面において記録材搬送方向と直交する方向をいう。短手方向とは記録材の面において記録材搬送方向と平行な方向をいう。長手幅とは長手方向の寸法をいう。短手幅とは短手方向の寸法をいう。 (2) Configuration of Fixing Device (Fixing Unit) B In the following description, with respect to the fixing device and members constituting the fixing device, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the recording material conveyance direction on the surface of the recording material. The short side direction is a direction parallel to the recording material conveyance direction on the surface of the recording material. The longitudinal width refers to the dimension in the longitudinal direction. The short width is a dimension in the short direction.

図２は本実施例の定着装置Ｂの一例の概略構成を表わす横断面図である。この定着装置はハロゲンヒータ式フィルム加熱型の定着装置である。図３は本実施例の定着装置Ｂの記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。図４は本実施例の定着装置Ｂの加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の説明図である。図４において、（Ａ）は加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の長手方向側面図、（Ｂ）は加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の長手方向背面図である。（Ｃ）は加圧ステー１５の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図、（Ｄ）は断熱部材１６の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方から外観斜視図である。   FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an example of the fixing device B of the present embodiment. This fixing device is a halogen heater type film heating type fixing device. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the fixing device B of this embodiment as viewed from obliquely above on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 of the fixing device B of this embodiment. 4A is a longitudinal side view of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16, and FIG. 4B is a longitudinal rear view of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16. (C) is an external perspective view from the upper oblique side of the pressure stay 15 on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction, and (D) is an external perspective view from an oblique upper side on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction of the heat insulating member 16.

本実施例に示す定着装置Ｂは、定着ユニットＵと、加圧ローラ（加圧回転体）１４などを有している。定着ユニットＵは、筒状の定着フィルム（加熱回転体）１３と、定着フィルム１３の内部に設けられたハロゲンヒータ（輻射発熱体）１２と、加圧ローラ１４に対して定着フィルム１３を内部から摺動回転可能に加圧する加圧ユニットＰＵなどを有している。加圧ユニットＰＵは、加圧ステー（加圧支持体）１５と、加圧ステー１５と定着フィルム１３との間を断熱する断熱部材１６と、後述の定着ニップ部Ｎにおいて定着フィルム１３の内周面（内面）と摺動する加圧摺動板１１などを有している。   The fixing device B shown in this embodiment includes a fixing unit U, a pressure roller (pressure rotator) 14, and the like. The fixing unit U includes a cylindrical fixing film (heating rotator) 13, a halogen heater (radiant heating element) 12 provided inside the fixing film 13, and a pressure roller 14 that fixes the fixing film 13 from the inside. It has a pressurizing unit PU that pressurizes so as to be slidable and rotatable. The pressure unit PU includes a pressure stay (pressure support) 15, a heat insulating member 16 that insulates the space between the pressure stay 15 and the fixing film 13, and an inner periphery of the fixing film 13 in a fixing nip N described later. A pressure sliding plate 11 that slides on the surface (inner surface) is provided.

加圧摺動板１１と、ハロゲンヒータ１２と、定着フィルム１３と、加圧ローラ１４と、加圧ステー１５と、断熱部材１６は、何れも長手方向に長い部材である。   The pressure sliding plate 11, the halogen heater 12, the fixing film 13, the pressure roller 14, the pressure stay 15, and the heat insulating member 16 are all members that are long in the longitudinal direction.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、断熱部材１６で加圧摺動板１１を支持し、その断熱部材１６の外周に定着フィルム１３をルーズに外嵌させている。この定着フィルム１３と定着フィルム１３の径方向で対向するように加圧ローラ１４を配置し、加圧ステー１５の後述の装置フレーム支持部１５ｃ（図４（Ａ）参照）を加圧ばね（不図示）により定着フィルム１３の母線方向と直交する垂直方向に加圧している。   In the fixing device B of this embodiment, the pressure sliding plate 11 is supported by the heat insulating member 16, and the fixing film 13 is loosely fitted on the outer periphery of the heat insulating member 16. A pressure roller 14 is disposed so as to oppose the fixing film 13 and the fixing film 13 in the radial direction, and a later-described apparatus frame support portion 15c (see FIG. 4A) of the pressure stay 15 is pressed by a pressure spring (not shown). The pressure is applied in the vertical direction orthogonal to the generatrix direction of the fixing film 13.

この加圧ばねにより加圧された加圧ステー１５は断熱部材１６と加圧摺動板１１を介して定着フィルム１３の外周面（表面）を加圧ローラ１４の外周面（表面）に加圧状態に接触させるようになっている。これにより加圧ローラ１４の後述の弾性層１４ｂ（図２参照イ照）を弾性変形させ、定着フィルム１３表面と加圧ローラ１４表面とで所定幅の定着ニップ部（ニップ部）Ｎを形成している。   The pressure stay 15 pressurized by the pressure spring presses the outer peripheral surface (surface) of the fixing film 13 to the outer peripheral surface (surface) of the pressure roller 14 via the heat insulating member 16 and the pressure sliding plate 11. It comes to contact the state. As a result, an elastic layer 14b (see FIG. 2) described later of the pressure roller 14 is elastically deformed, and a fixing nip portion (nip portion) N having a predetermined width is formed between the surface of the fixing film 13 and the surface of the pressure roller 14. ing.

定着フィルム１３は、可撓性を有する低熱容量の耐熱性樹脂、又は可撓性を有する肉薄金属フィルムなどによって筒状に形成された基層１３ａと、基層１３ａの外周面上に設けられた離型性層１３ｂなどを有している。定着フィルム１３の内周面（内面）には、ハロゲンヒータ１２からの輻射光の吸収効率を高めるために、耐熱性の黒色塗料１７が塗布してある。   The fixing film 13 includes a base layer 13a formed in a cylindrical shape by a flexible heat-resistant resin having a low heat capacity, a flexible thin metal film, or the like, and a mold release provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base layer 13a. And the like. A heat-resistant black paint 17 is applied to the inner peripheral surface (inner surface) of the fixing film 13 in order to increase the absorption efficiency of radiation light from the halogen heater 12.

加圧摺動板１１は、耐熱性、熱伝導性及び剛性を有する所定の材料によって横断面略板状に形成されている。   The pressure sliding plate 11 is formed in a substantially plate shape in cross section with a predetermined material having heat resistance, thermal conductivity and rigidity.

断熱部材１６は、記録材搬送方向上流側に定着フィルム１３の長手方向に沿って設けられた上流側断熱部１６ａを有している（図４（Ｄ）参照）。また、断熱部材１６は、記録材搬送方向下流側に定着フィルム１３の長手方向に沿って設けられた下流側断熱部１６ｂを有している（図４（Ｄ）参照）。   The heat insulating member 16 has an upstream heat insulating portion 16a provided along the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13 on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction (see FIG. 4D). Further, the heat insulating member 16 has a downstream heat insulating portion 16b provided along the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13 on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction (see FIG. 4D).

上流側断熱部１６ａは、定着フィルム１３の内周面（内面）と接触するガイド用底面部１６ａ１と、定着フィルム１３内面と短手方向で対向する上流側リブ列１６ａ２と、を有している。上流側リブ列１６ａ２は、上流側断熱部１６ａの長手方向に沿って等間隔に設けられた複数のリブ１６ａ１１からなっている。ガイド用底面部１６ａ１の定着フィルム１３内面と接触する底面ｂは定着フィルム１３が滑らかに回転できるように円弧面としてある。   The upstream heat insulating portion 16 a has a guide bottom surface portion 16 a 1 that contacts the inner peripheral surface (inner surface) of the fixing film 13, and an upstream rib row 16 a 2 that faces the inner surface of the fixing film 13 in the short direction. . The upstream rib row 16a2 is composed of a plurality of ribs 16a11 provided at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the upstream heat insulating portion 16a. The bottom surface b of the bottom surface portion 16a1 for guide that contacts the inner surface of the fixing film 13 is an arc surface so that the fixing film 13 can rotate smoothly.

下流側断熱部１６ｂは、定着フィルム１３内面と接触するガイド用底面部１６ｂ１と、定着フィルム１３内面と短手方向で対向する下流側リブ列１６ｂ２と、を有している。下流側リブ列１６ｂ２は、下流側断熱部１６ｂの長手方向に沿って等間隔に設けられた複数のリブ１６ｂ１１からなっている。ガイド用底面部１６ｂ１の定着フィルム１３内面と接触する底面ｂは定着フィルム１３が滑らかに回転できるように円弧面としてある。   The downstream heat insulating portion 16 b includes a guide bottom surface portion 16 b 1 that contacts the inner surface of the fixing film 13, and a downstream rib row 16 b 2 that faces the inner surface of the fixing film 13 in the short direction. The downstream rib row 16b2 is composed of a plurality of ribs 16b11 provided at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the downstream heat insulating portion 16b. The bottom surface b that contacts the inner surface of the fixing film 13 of the guide bottom surface portion 16b1 is an arc surface so that the fixing film 13 can rotate smoothly.

断熱部材１６の長手方向両端部には、上流側断熱部１６ａと下流側断熱部１６ｂの底面ｂから加圧ローラ１４側に突出し上流側断熱部と下流側断熱部を短手方向で連結した横断側面略Ｕ字形状の支持部１６ｃが形成してある。支持部１６ｃは、支持部１６ｃの短手方向内側面に設けられた溝１６ｃ１で加圧摺動板１１の短手方向両端部を支持している（図２参照）。   At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating member 16, a cross section projecting from the bottom surface b of the upstream heat insulating portion 16 a and the downstream heat insulating portion 16 b to the pressure roller 14 side and connecting the upstream heat insulating portion and the downstream heat insulating portion in the short direction. A support portion 16c having a substantially U-shaped side surface is formed. The support portion 16c supports both ends in the short direction of the pressure sliding plate 11 with grooves 16c1 provided on the inner surface in the short direction of the support portion 16c (see FIG. 2).

剛性を有する所定の金属材料からなる加圧ステー１５は、記録材搬送方向上流側に定着フィルム１３の長手方向に沿って設けられ上流側断熱部１６ａを加圧する上流側加圧部１５ａを有している（図４（Ｃ）参照）。また、加圧ステー１５は、記録材搬送方向下流側に定着フィルム１３の長手方向に沿って設けられ下流側断熱部１６ｂを加圧する下流側加圧部１５ｂを有している（図４（Ｃ）参照）。   The pressurizing stay 15 made of a predetermined metal material having rigidity has an upstream pressurizing portion 15a that is provided along the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13 on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and pressurizes the upstream heat insulating portion 16a. (See FIG. 4C). Further, the pressure stay 15 includes a downstream pressure portion 15b that is provided along the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13 on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and pressurizes the downstream heat insulating portion 16b (FIG. 4C). )reference).

上流側加圧部１５ａは、上流側断熱部１６ａを加圧ローラ１４側に加圧する加圧用底面部１５ａ１と、上流側断熱部１６ａの上流側リブ列１６ａ２と短手方向で対向する側壁部１５ａ２と、を有している。下流側加圧部１５ｂは、下流側断熱部１６ｂを加圧ローラ１４側に加圧する加圧用底面部１５ｂ１と、下流側断熱部１６ｂの下流側リブ列１６ｂ２と短手方向で対向する側壁部１５ｂ２と、を有している。   The upstream pressure unit 15a includes a bottom surface part 15a1 for pressurizing the upstream heat insulating part 16a toward the pressure roller 14, and a side wall part 15a2 facing the upstream rib row 16a2 of the upstream heat insulating part 16a in the short direction. And have. The downstream pressure unit 15b includes a pressing bottom surface part 15b1 for pressing the downstream heat insulating part 16b toward the pressure roller 14, and a side wall part 15b2 facing the downstream rib row 16b2 of the downstream heat insulating part 16b in the short direction. And have.

加圧ステー１５の長手方向両端部には、上流側加圧部１５ａと下流側加圧部１５ｂの長手方向両端部から加圧ローラ１４とは反対側に突出し上流側加圧部と下流側加圧部を短手方向で連結した横断側面略逆Ｕ字形状の装置フレーム支持部１５ｃが形成してある。装置フレーム支持部１５ｃは、ハロゲンヒータ１２の長手方向両端部の口金（不図示）と共に定着装置Ｂの装置フレーム（不図示）に支持されている。   At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15, the upstream pressure portion 15 a and the downstream pressure portion 15 b protrude from the longitudinal ends at the opposite side to the pressure roller 14, and the upstream pressure portion and the downstream pressure portion 15 A device frame support portion 15c having a substantially inverted U-shaped transverse side surface formed by connecting the pressure portions in the short direction is formed. The device frame support portion 15 c is supported by a device frame (not shown) of the fixing device B together with a base (not shown) at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the halogen heater 12.

ハロゲンヒータ１２は、定着フィルム１３内周面側において、ハロゲンヒータ１２から定着フィルム１３内面までの距離が長手方向において均等となるように、加圧ステー１５の底面部ｂと装置フレーム支持部１５ｃとの間に配置されている。   The halogen heater 12 has a bottom surface portion b of the pressure stay 15 and a device frame support portion 15c so that the distance from the halogen heater 12 to the inner surface of the fixing film 13 is equal in the longitudinal direction on the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing film 13. It is arranged between.

加圧ローラ１４は、金属製の芯金１４ａと、芯金１４ａの長手方向両端部の軸部間の外周面上に形成された弾性層１４ｂと、弾性層１４ｂの外周面上に形成された離型層１４ｃと、を有している。弾性層１４ｂはシリコンゴム層などを用いて形成されている。離型層１４ｃはフッ素樹脂などを用いて形成されている。この加圧ローラ１４は、芯金１４ａの長手方向両端部の軸部が軸受（不図示）を介して装置フレームに回転可能に支持されている。   The pressure roller 14 is formed on a metal cored bar 14a, an elastic layer 14b formed on the outer peripheral surface between shafts at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cored bar 14a, and an outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 14b. And a release layer 14c. The elastic layer 14b is formed using a silicon rubber layer or the like. The release layer 14c is formed using a fluorine resin or the like. The pressure roller 14 is rotatably supported by the apparatus frame via bearings (not shown) at both axial ends of the cored bar 14a.

（３）定着装置Ｂの動作
本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、プリント指令に基づき、モータ（不図示）が回転駆動されると、このモータによって加圧ローラ１４が所定の周速度（プロセススピード）で矢印方向（図２参照）へ回転される。加圧ローラ１４の回転は定着ニップ部Ｎにおいて加圧ローラ１４表面と定着フィルム１３表面との摩擦力によって定着フィルム１３に伝達される。これによって定着フィルム１３は定着フィルム１３内面が加圧摺動板１１と接触しつつ加圧ローラ１４の回転に追従して矢印方向へ回転する。 (3) Operation of Fixing Device B In the fixing device B of the present embodiment, when a motor (not shown) is rotationally driven based on a print command, the pressure roller 14 is driven to a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) by this motor. Is rotated in the direction of the arrow (see FIG. 2). The rotation of the pressure roller 14 is transmitted to the fixing film 13 by the frictional force between the surface of the pressure roller 14 and the surface of the fixing film 13 at the fixing nip portion N. As a result, the fixing film 13 rotates in the direction of the arrow following the rotation of the pressure roller 14 while the inner surface of the fixing film 13 is in contact with the pressure sliding plate 11.

また、プリント指令に基づき、通電制御回路（不図示）が立ち上がる。通電制御回路の立ち上げによって交流電源（不図示）からハロゲンヒータ１２に通電される。これによりハロゲンヒータ１２が点灯して輻射光（輻射熱）を放射する。   Further, an energization control circuit (not shown) is started based on the print command. The halogen heater 12 is energized from an AC power source (not shown) by starting up the energization control circuit. As a result, the halogen heater 12 is turned on to emit radiant light (radiant heat).

このハロゲンヒータ１２の輻射光は、加圧ステー１５の加圧用底面部１５ａ１，１５ｂ１の間、及び断熱部材１６のガイド用底面部１６ａ１，１６ｂ１の間で長手方向に沿って設けられたスリット状の開口Ｗ１（図２参照）を通して加圧摺動板１１に達する。この開口Ｗ１からの輻射光により加圧摺動板１１は加熱される。   The radiant light of the halogen heater 12 is slit-shaped provided along the longitudinal direction between the pressurizing bottom surface portions 15a1 and 15b1 of the pressurizing stay 15 and between the guide bottom surface portions 16a1 and 16b1 of the heat insulating member 16. The pressure slide plate 11 is reached through the opening W1 (see FIG. 2). The pressure sliding plate 11 is heated by the radiation light from the opening W1.

また、ハロゲンヒータ１２の輻射光は、加圧ステー１５の側壁部１５ａ２，１５ｂ２の間、及び断熱部材１６のリブ列１６ａ１，１６ｂ１の間に設けられた開口Ｗ２（図２参照）を通して定着フィルム１３内面に達する。この開口Ｗ２からの輻射光により定着フィルム１３内面は加熱される。この開口Ｗ２は、定着ニップ部Ｎとは反対側を通過する定着フィルム１３の略半周分の領域と対応する大きさの空間を備えるように形成してある。   Further, the radiant light of the halogen heater 12 passes through the opening W2 (see FIG. 2) provided between the side wall portions 15a2 and 15b2 of the pressure stay 15 and between the rib rows 16a1 and 16b1 of the heat insulating member 16. Reach inside. The inner surface of the fixing film 13 is heated by the radiation light from the opening W2. The opening W2 is formed so as to have a space having a size corresponding to a substantially half circumference region of the fixing film 13 that passes through the side opposite to the fixing nip portion N.

輻射光を受光した定着フィルム１３は、黒色塗料１７が塗布された定着フィルム１３内面で輻射光を吸収し蓄熱して昇温する。   The fixing film 13 that has received the radiant light absorbs the radiant light on the inner surface of the fixing film 13 to which the black paint 17 has been applied, accumulates heat, and rises in temperature.

定着フィルム１３の長手方向中央と接触するように配設されたサーミスタなどの温度検知素子（温度検知部材）１８（図３参照）は、定着フィルム１３の表面温度を検知し、ＣＰＵとＲＯＭやＲＡＭなどのメモリからなる温調制御部（不図示）に出力する。温調制御部は温度検知素子１８からの出力信号に基づきハロゲンヒータ１２に印加する電圧のデューティー比や波数などを決定し適切に通電制御回路を制御して定着フィルム１３の表面温度を所定の定着温度（目標温度）に維持する。   A temperature detection element (temperature detection member) 18 (see FIG. 3) such as a thermistor disposed so as to be in contact with the center in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13 detects the surface temperature of the fixing film 13, and the CPU, ROM and RAM And output to a temperature control unit (not shown) comprising a memory. The temperature control unit determines the duty ratio and wave number of the voltage applied to the halogen heater 12 based on the output signal from the temperature detecting element 18 and appropriately controls the energization control circuit to set the surface temperature of the fixing film 13 to a predetermined fixing level. Maintain temperature (target temperature).

モータが回転駆動され、かつハロゲンヒータ１２に通電している状態において、未定着トナー画像Ｔを担持した記録材Ｐが未定着トナー画像担持面を定着フィルム１３側にして定着ニップ部Ｎに通紙（導入）される。この記録材Ｐは定着ニップ部Ｎで定着フィルム１３表面と加圧ローラ５２表面とで挟持されその状態に搬送（挟持搬送）される。この搬送過程において記録材Ｐが担持する未定着トナー画像Ｔは定着フィルム１３により加熱されて溶融すると共に定着ニップ部Ｎのニップ圧を受けて記録材上に加熱定着される。未定着トナー画像Ｔが定着された記録材Ｐは定着フィルム１３表面から分離して定着装置Ｂから排出される。   In a state where the motor is driven to rotate and the halogen heater 12 is energized, the recording material P carrying the unfixed toner image T passes through the fixing nip N with the unfixed toner image carrying surface facing the fixing film 13. (be introduced. The recording material P is nipped between the surface of the fixing film 13 and the surface of the pressure roller 52 at the fixing nip portion N and is conveyed (nipped and conveyed) to that state. During this conveyance process, the unfixed toner image T carried by the recording material P is heated and melted by the fixing film 13 and is heated and fixed on the recording material by receiving the nip pressure of the fixing nip portion N. The recording material P on which the unfixed toner image T is fixed is separated from the surface of the fixing film 13 and discharged from the fixing device B.

（４）加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の開口部列１５ｈ，１６ｈの説明
図４（Ｃ）に示されるように、加圧ステー１５において、上流側加圧部１５ａには、上流側加圧部１５ａの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、上流側加圧部１５ａの加圧底面部１５ａ１に開口部列１５ａｈ１を、側壁部１５ａ２に開口部列１５ａｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。下流側加圧部１５ｂにも、下流側加圧部１５ｂの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、下流側加圧部１５ｂの加圧底面部１５ｂ１に開口部列１５ｂｈ１を、側壁部１５ｂ２に開口部列１５ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。 (4) Description of Opening Rows 15h and 16h of Pressurizing Stay 15 and Heat Insulating Member 16 As shown in FIG. 4C, in the pressurizing stay 15, the upstream pressurizing portion 15a has an upstream pressurizing portion. Two opening row | line | columns 15ah1 and 15ah2 are provided in the area | region where the transversal direction of the part 15a differs. In this embodiment, an opening row 15ah1 is provided in the pressurizing bottom surface portion 15a1 of the upstream pressurizing portion 15a, and an opening row 15ah2 is provided in the side wall portion 15a2. The downstream pressure unit 15b is also provided with two opening rows 15bh1 and 15bh2 in different regions in the short direction of the downstream pressure unit 15b. In the present embodiment, an opening row 15bh1 is provided in the pressurizing bottom surface portion 15b1 of the downstream pressure portion 15b, and an opening row 15bh2 is provided in the side wall portion 15b2.

これらの開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２，１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２は、それぞれ、定着フィルム１３の径方向で加圧ステー１５を貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを加圧ステー１５の長手方向に沿って等間隔に複数設けてなるものである。そして加圧ステー１５の短手方向で隣合う上流側加圧部１５ａの２つの開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２の複数の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の剛性を維持可能な範囲で加圧ステー１５の長手方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されている。同様に、加圧ステー１５の短手方向で隣合う下流側加圧部１５ｂの２つの開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２の複数の輻射光透過開口部ｈも加圧ステー１５の剛性を維持可能な範囲で加圧ステー１５の長手方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されている。   The opening rows 15ah1, 15ah2, 15bh1, and 15bh2 are configured so that the radiant light transmitting openings h that penetrate the pressure stay 15 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 are equally spaced along the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15. A plurality are provided. The plurality of radiant light transmitting openings h of the two opening rows 15ah1 and 15ah2 of the upstream pressurizing section 15a adjacent to each other in the short direction of the pressurizing stay 15 are added within a range in which the rigidity of the pressurizing stay 15 can be maintained. The pressure stays 15 are arranged in a staggered manner along the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15. Similarly, the plurality of radiant light transmission openings h of the two opening rows 15bh1 and 15bh2 of the downstream pressure part 15b adjacent in the short direction of the pressure stay 15 can also maintain the rigidity of the pressure stay 15. Are arranged in a staggered manner along the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15.

本実施例では、輻射光透過開口部ｈを千鳥状に配置するために、加圧ステー１５の短手方向で隣合う上記開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈを加圧ステー１５の長手方向に半ピッチずらしている。   In the present embodiment, in order to arrange the radiation light transmitting openings h in a staggered manner, the radiation light transmitting openings h of the opening rows adjacent in the short direction of the pressure stays 15 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stays 15. Is shifted by half a pitch.

図４（Ｄ）に示されるように、断熱部材１６において、上流側断熱部１６ａには、上流側断熱部１６ａの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、上流側断熱部１６ａのガイド用底面部１６ａ１に開口部列１５ｂｈ１を、上流側リブ列１６ａ２に開口部列１６ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。下流側断熱部１６ｂにも、下流側断熱部１６ｂの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、下流側断熱部１６ｂのガイド用底面部１６ｂ１に開口部列１６ｂｈ１を、下流側リブ列１６ｂ２に開口部列１６ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。   As shown in FIG. 4D, in the heat insulating member 16, the upstream heat insulating portion 16a is provided with two opening rows 16ah1 and 16ah2 in different regions in the short direction of the upstream heat insulating portion 16a. . In this embodiment, an opening row 15bh1 is provided in the guide bottom surface portion 16a1 of the upstream heat insulating portion 16a, and an opening row 16bh2 is provided in the upstream rib row 16a2. The downstream heat insulating portion 16b is also provided with two opening rows 16bh1 and 16bh2 in different regions in the short side direction of the downstream heat insulating portion 16b. In this embodiment, an opening row 16bh1 is provided in the guide bottom surface portion 16b1 of the downstream heat insulating portion 16b, and an opening row 16bh2 is provided in the downstream rib row 16b2.

これらの開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２，１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２のうち、開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ｂｈ１は、定着フィルム１３の径方向で断熱部材１６を貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを断熱部材１６の長手方向に沿って等間隔に複数設けてなるものである。これに対し、開口部列１６ａｈ２は、上流側リブ列１６ａ２の長手方向で隣合うリブ１６ａ１１とリブ１６ａ１１との間の複数の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈとして含むものである。つまり、開口部列１６ａｈ２では、上流側リブ列１６ａ２の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈと見做している。そして断熱部材１６の短手方向で隣合う上流側断熱部１６ａの２つの開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２の複数の輻射光透過開口部ｈは断熱部材１６の剛性を維持可能な範囲で断熱部材１６の長手方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されている。   Of these openings 16 ah 1, 16 ah 2, 16 bh 1, 16 bh 2, the openings 16 ah 1, 16 bh 1 have a radiation light transmitting opening h passing through the heat insulating member 16 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 in the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating member 16. A plurality of them are provided at equal intervals along. On the other hand, the opening row 16ah2 includes a plurality of openings g between the ribs 16a11 and the ribs 16a11 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the upstream rib row 16a2 as the radiant light transmission openings h. That is, in the opening part row 16ah2, the opening part g of the upstream rib row 16a2 is regarded as the radiant light transmitting opening part h. The plurality of radiant light transmission openings h of the two opening rows 16ah1 and 16ah2 of the upstream heat insulation part 16a adjacent to each other in the short direction of the heat insulation member 16 are within the range where the rigidity of the heat insulation member 16 can be maintained. It is arranged in a staggered pattern along the longitudinal direction.

同様に、開口部列１６ｂｈ２は、下流側リブ列１６ｂ２の長手方向で隣合うリブ１６ｂ１１とリブ１６ｂ１１との間の複数の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈとして含んでいる。つまり、開口部列１６ｂｈ２では、下流側リブ列１６ｂ２の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈと見做している。そして断熱部材１６の短手方向で隣合う下流側断熱部１６ｂの２つの開口部列１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２の複数の輻射光透過開口部ｈも断熱部材１６の剛性を維持可能な範囲で断熱部材１６の長手方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されている。   Similarly, the opening row 16bh2 includes a plurality of openings g between the ribs 16b11 and the ribs 16b11 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the downstream rib row 16b2 as the radiant light transmission openings h. In other words, in the opening row 16bh2, the opening g of the downstream rib row 16b2 is regarded as the radiant light transmitting opening h. The plurality of radiant light transmitting openings h of the two opening rows 16bh1 and 16bh2 of the downstream heat insulating part 16b adjacent to each other in the short direction of the heat insulating member 16 are within the range in which the rigidity of the heat insulating member 16 can be maintained. It is arranged in a staggered pattern along the longitudinal direction.

本実施例では、輻射光透過開口部ｈを千鳥状に配置するために、断熱部材１６の短手方向で隣合う上記開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈを断熱部材１６の長手方向に半ピッチずらしている。   In the present embodiment, in order to arrange the radiant light transmitting openings h in a staggered manner, the radiant light transmissive openings h of the opening rows adjacent in the short direction of the heat insulating members 16 are arranged halfway in the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating members 16. The pitch is shifted.

開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２，１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２のうち、開口部列１６ａｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ａｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。同様に、開口部列１６ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。   Of the opening rows 16ah1, 16ah2, 16bh1, and 16bh2, the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 16ah1 is the same as the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 15ah1 of the pressure stay 15 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13. Formed in position. Similarly, the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 16ah2 is formed at the same position as the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 15ah2 of the pressure stay 15 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13.

同様に、開口部列１６ｂｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ｂｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。同様に、開口部列１６ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。   Similarly, the radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 16bh1 is formed at the same position as the radiating light transmitting opening h of the opening row 15bh1 of the pressure stay 15 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13. Similarly, the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 16bh2 is formed at the same position as the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 15bh2 of the pressure stay 15 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂでは、断熱部材１６が元々上流側リブ列１６ａ２と下流側リブ列１６ｂ２を有している点を利用し、その上流側リブ列又は下流側リブ列についてリブとリブとの間の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈと見做している。そしてこのリブとリブとの間の開口部ｇ範囲に合わせて強度維持可能な範囲で加圧ステー１５に可能な限り大きな開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２，１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２を形成している。   In the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the heat insulating member 16 originally uses the upstream rib row 16a2 and the downstream rib row 16b2, and the upstream rib row or the downstream rib row has ribs and ribs. The opening g in between is regarded as a radiant light transmitting opening h. The pressurizing stay 15 is formed with the largest possible opening rows 15ah1, 15ah2, 15bh1, and 15bh2 within a range in which the strength can be maintained in accordance with the opening g range between the ribs.

更に、加圧ステー１５の加圧用底面部１５ａ１，１５ｂ１にも開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ｂｈ１と同一形状の開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ｂｈ１を長手方向に半ピッチずらした位置に形成している。これにより、短手方向の定着ニップ部Ｎ中心線を基準として線対称の関係で加圧ステー１５の上流側加圧部１５ａと下流側加圧部１５ｂにそれぞれ２つの開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２、１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２が配置される構成となっている。   Furthermore, the opening rows 15ah1 and 15bh1 having the same shape as the opening rows 16ah1 and 16bh1 are also formed in the pressurizing bottom portions 15a1 and 15b1 of the pressure stay 15 at positions shifted by a half pitch in the longitudinal direction. As a result, two opening rows 15ah1, 15ah2, respectively, are provided in the upstream pressurizing portion 15a and the downstream pressurizing portion 15b of the pressure stay 15 in a line-symmetrical relationship with respect to the fixing nip N center line in the short direction. 15bh1 and 15bh2 are arranged.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、ハロゲンヒータ１２からの輻射光が定着フィルム１３の径方向で断熱部材１６と加圧ステー１５の各開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈを通過して定着フィルム１３内面に達する。この輻射光により定着フィルム１３内面が加熱される。   In the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the radiation light from the halogen heater 12 passes through the radiation light transmitting openings h of the opening rows of the heat insulating member 16 and the pressure stay 15 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13. 13 Reach the inner surface. The inner surface of the fixing film 13 is heated by the radiation light.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂにおいて、加圧ステー１５は板厚１．６ｍｍの亜鉛メッキ鋼板製である。この加圧ステー１５は、加圧用底面部１５ａ１，１５ｂ１の開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ｂｈ１と、側壁部１５ａ２，１５ｂ２の開口部列１５ａｈ２，１５ｂｈ２と、により、加圧ステー１５全体の面積に対して約２５％の面積を占める構成となっている。この加圧ステー１５を熱容量の観点から見れば、加圧ステー１５全体の熱容量を１００％とすれば約２５％の熱容量が削減されていることになる。   In the fixing device B of this embodiment, the pressure stay 15 is made of a galvanized steel plate having a plate thickness of 1.6 mm. The pressurizing stay 15 is approximately equal to the entire area of the pressurizing stay 15 by the opening row 15ah1 and 15bh1 of the bottom surface portions 15a1 and 15b1 for pressurization and the opening row 15ah2 and 15bh2 of the side wall portions 15a2 and 15b2. It is configured to occupy an area of 25%. From the viewpoint of the heat capacity of the pressure stay 15, if the heat capacity of the entire pressure stay 15 is 100%, the heat capacity is reduced by about 25%.

液晶ポリマー製で平均厚約２ｍｍの断熱部材１６にも加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ｂｈ１と同じ位置に同一形状の開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ｂｈ１を形成している。このため、本実施例の定着装置Ｂでは、開口部列を形成していない加圧ステーを備える従来例の定着装置に比べ、ハロゲンヒータ１２の輻射光が全体で約２５％多く定着フィルム１３内面を照射可能となる。その上、加圧ステー１５全体で約２５％、断熱部材１６全体で約１２．５％の熱容量を低下できることから、加圧ステー１５や断熱部材１６に対する加熱量全体の削減による加熱効率の向上も図ることが可能となる。   In the heat insulating member 16 made of a liquid crystal polymer and having an average thickness of about 2 mm, opening rows 16ah1 and 16bh1 having the same shape are formed at the same positions as the opening rows 15ah1 and 15bh1 of the pressure stay 15. For this reason, in the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the total radiation of the halogen heater 12 is about 25% more than that of the conventional fixing device including a pressure stay in which no opening row is formed. Can be irradiated. In addition, since the heat capacity of the pressurizing stay 15 as a whole can be reduced by about 25% and the heat insulating member 16 as a whole, the heat capacity can be reduced by about 12.5%. It becomes possible to plan.

また、本実施例の定着装置Ｂにおいて、加圧ばねによる加圧力としては従来例の定着装置と同様、加圧ステー１５の片側の装置フレーム支持部１５ｃに約７８Ｎの加圧力を作用させているが、従来とほぼ同一の定着ニップ部Ｎの形成が維持されている。   Further, in the fixing device B of the present embodiment, as the pressure applied by the pressure spring, a pressure of about 78 N is applied to the device frame support portion 15c on one side of the pressure stay 15 as in the conventional fixing device. However, the formation of the fixing nip portion N that is almost the same as the conventional one is maintained.

また、断熱部材１６にも加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ｂｈ１と同じ位置に同一形状の開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ｂｈ１を形成している。本実施例では、なるべく大きな輻射光透過開口部ｈを形成するために、その輻射光透過開口部ｈは輻射光透過開口部ｈの一部が断熱部材１６の短手方向中央に装着される加圧摺動板１１の短手方向両端部と一部重なるように配設してある。このため断熱部材１６においてはハロゲンヒータ１２の輻射光は開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ｂｈ１の各輻射光透過開口部ｈを通して主に定着フィルム１３内面を加熱するがその一部は加圧摺動板１１の加熱にも使用されることになる。   The heat insulating member 16 is also formed with opening rows 16ah1 and 16bh1 having the same shape at the same positions as the opening row 15ah1 and 15bh1 of the pressure stay 15. In the present embodiment, in order to form a radiation light transmitting opening h that is as large as possible, the radiation light transmitting opening h is an additional portion in which the radiation light transmitting opening h is attached to the center of the heat insulating member 16 in the short direction. The pressure sliding plate 11 is disposed so as to partially overlap both ends in the lateral direction. Therefore, in the heat insulating member 16, the radiant light of the halogen heater 12 mainly heats the inner surface of the fixing film 13 through the radiant light transmission openings h of the opening row 16 ah 1 and 16 bh 1, but a part of the radiating light of the pressure sliding plate 11 It will also be used for heating.

本実施例の構成を有する定着装置（以下、本実施例装置と記す）と従来のハロゲンヒータ式フィルム加熱型の定着装置（以下、比較例装置と記す）の定着立ち上がり時間特性を比較した。本実施例装置と比較例装置の構成上の相違点は以下の通りである。本実施例装置は上述の開口部列を備えた加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６を用いているのに対し、比較例装置は開口部列を備えていない加圧ステー及び断熱部材を用いている。本実施例装置と比較例装置は上記相違点を除き、同じ構成としてある。以下にその構成を列挙する。   The fixing rise time characteristics of a fixing device having the configuration of the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment device) and a conventional halogen heater type film heating type fixing device (hereinafter referred to as a comparative device) were compared. Differences in configuration between the apparatus of this embodiment and the apparatus of the comparative example are as follows. The apparatus of this embodiment uses the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 having the above-described opening row, whereas the apparatus of the comparative example uses the pressure stay and the heat insulating member not having the opening row. . The apparatus of this embodiment and the apparatus of the comparative example have the same configuration except for the above differences. The configurations are listed below.

（１）定着フィルム：４０μｍ厚のステンレスフィルム製の基層の上に２８０μｍ厚のシリコンゴム層と２５μｍ厚のＰＦＡチューブ層を積層して形成された直径３０ｍｍの定着フィルム
（２）加圧ローラ：直径の２０ｍｍのアルミ芯金の外周面上に５ｍｍ厚の発砲シリコンゴム層と３５μｍ厚のＰＦＡチューブ層を積層して形成された直径３０ｍｍの加圧ローラ
（３）ハロゲンヒータ：８００Ｗ／１１５ｖのハロゲンヒータ
（４）定着速度：１４８ｍｍ／秒
（５）定着温度：１５０℃
（６）加圧力：７８Ｎ（片側）
（７）評価紙：坪量７５ｇのレターサイズ紙
以上の条件で、本実施例装置と比較例装置の定着立ち上がり時間特性を比較した。その結果を図５に示す。図５では、加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６を「加圧部材」と総称して記載してある。 (1) Fixing film: 30 mm diameter fixing film formed by laminating a 280 μm thick silicon rubber layer and a 25 μm thick PFA tube layer on a 40 μm thick stainless steel base layer (2) Pressure roller: Diameter 30 mm diameter pressure roller formed by laminating a 5 mm thick foamed silicon rubber layer and a 35 μm thick PFA tube layer on the outer peripheral surface of a 20 mm aluminum core. (3) Halogen heater: 800 W / 115 v halogen heater (4) Fixing speed: 148 mm / sec (5) Fixing temperature: 150 ° C.
(6) Pressure: 78N (one side)
(7) Evaluation paper: Letter size paper with a basis weight of 75 g Under the above conditions, the fixing rise time characteristics of the apparatus of this example and the apparatus of the comparative example were compared. The result is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 are collectively referred to as “pressure member”.

図５に示すグラフのように、本実施例装置の構成を用いた太線の特性曲線は比較例装置の細線の特性曲線よりも素早い立ち上がり特性を示し、目標温度１５０℃までの立ち上げ時間として比較例装置よりも約２．５秒の時間短縮が可能なことがわかった。   As shown in the graph of FIG. 5, the characteristic curve of the thick line using the configuration of the apparatus of the present example shows a quicker rising characteristic than the characteristic curve of the thin line of the comparative apparatus, and is compared as the rising time up to the target temperature of 150 ° C. It was found that the time can be shortened by about 2.5 seconds compared to the example device.

本実施例装置において、同時に印字率２５％のハーフトーン画像の定着を行った結果、特に画像上に濃淡ムラ等の問題は発生せず、上述の開口部列を備えた加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６を用いても均一な定着が実現できることを確認した。   As a result of fixing a halftone image with a printing rate of 25% at the same time in the apparatus of the present embodiment, problems such as density unevenness do not occur particularly on the image, and the pressure stay 15 provided with the above-described row of openings and the heat insulation. It was confirmed that uniform fixing can be realized even when the member 16 is used.

以上説明したように、本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６が開口部列を有しているため、定着フィルム１３内面の輻射加熱領域を拡張でき、かつ加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６の熱容量も減少できる。このため、従来のハロゲンヒータ式フィルム加熱型の定着装置よりも素早く立ち上げて未定着トナー画像の加熱定着を行うことが可能となる。従って、本実施例の定着装置Ｂを搭載したプリンタにおいてはユーザーのプリント待ち時間を大幅に短縮することができる。   As described above, in the fixing device B of this embodiment, since the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 have the opening row, the radiation heating area on the inner surface of the fixing film 13 can be expanded, and the pressure stay 15 and the heat capacity of the heat insulating member 16 can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to heat up and fix an unfixed toner image by starting up more quickly than a conventional halogen heater type film heating type fixing device. Therefore, in the printer equipped with the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the user's print waiting time can be greatly reduced.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂにおいて、加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６は開口部列を２つ以上有していてもよい。   In the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 may have two or more openings.

例えば、後述の実施例３に示すように、加圧ステー１５の上流側加圧部１５ａの短手方向の異なる領域に開口部列を４つ設け、下流側加圧部１５ｂの短手方向の異なる領域に開口部列を４つ設けてもよい。図７（Ｃ）に示すように、上流側加圧部１５ａの加圧底面部１５ａ１に開口部列１５ａｈ１と開口部列１５ａｈ２を設け、側壁部１５ａ２に開口部列１５ａｈ３と開口部列１５ａｈ４を設ける。同様に、下流側加圧部１５ｂの加圧底面部１５ｂ１に開口部列１５ｂｈ１と開口部列１５ｂｈ２を設け、側壁部１５ｂ２に開口部列１５ｂｈ３と開口部列１５ｂｈ４を設ける。   For example, as shown in Example 3 described later, four opening rows are provided in different regions in the short side direction of the upstream pressure unit 15a of the pressure stay 15, and the short side direction of the downstream pressure unit 15b is provided. Four opening rows may be provided in different regions. As shown in FIG. 7C, an opening row 15ah1 and an opening row 15ah2 are provided on the pressure bottom surface portion 15a1 of the upstream pressure portion 15a, and an opening row 15ah3 and an opening row 15ah4 are provided on the side wall portion 15a2. . Similarly, an opening row 15bh1 and an opening row 15bh2 are provided on the pressure bottom surface portion 15b1 of the downstream pressure portion 15b, and an opening row 15bh3 and an opening row 15bh4 are provided on the side wall portion 15b2.

断熱部材１６では、図７（Ｄ）に示すように、上流側断熱部１６ａのガイド用底面部１６ａ１において開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２と同一位置に開口部列１６ａｈ１と開口部列１６ａｈ２を設ける。そして上流側リブ列１６ａ２の開口部ｇにおいて開口部列１５ａｈ３，１５ａｈ４と同一位置を開口部列１６ａｈ３，１６ａｈ４と見做している。この場合、その２つの開口部列１６ａｈ３，１６ａｈ４は上流側リブ列１６ａ２の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈとして含んでいる。従って、上記４つの開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２，１６ａｈ３，１６ａｈ４のうち１つ以上の開口部列１６ａｈ３，１６ａｈ４は上流側リブ列１６ａ２の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈとして含んでいる。   In the heat insulating member 16, as shown in FIG. 7D, the opening row 16ah1 and the opening row 16ah2 are provided at the same position as the opening rows 15ah1 and 15ah2 in the guide bottom surface portion 16a1 of the upstream heat insulating portion 16a. In the opening g of the upstream rib row 16a2, the same position as the opening row 15ah3 and 15ah4 is regarded as the opening row 16ah3 and 16ah4. In this case, the two opening rows 16ah3 and 16ah4 include the opening g of the upstream rib row 16a2 as the radiant light transmitting opening h. Accordingly, one or more of the four opening rows 16ah1, 16ah2, 16ah3, and 16ah4 include the opening g of the upstream rib row 16a2 as the radiation transmitting opening h.

同様に、下流側断熱部１６ｂのガイド用底面部１６ｂ１において開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２と同一位置に開口部列１６ｂｈ１と開口部列１６ｂｈ２を設ける。そして下流側リブ列１６ｂ２の開口部ｇにおいて開口部列１５ｂｈ３，１５ｂｈ４と同一位置を開口部列１６ｂｈ３，１６ｂｈ４と見做している。この場合、その２つの開口部列１６ｂｈ３，１６ｂｈ４は下流側リブ列１６ｂ２の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈとして含んでいる。従って、上記４つの開口部列１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２，１６ｂｈ３，１６ｂｈ４のうち１つ以上の開口部列１６ｂｈ３，１６ｂｈ４は上流側リブ列１６ａ２の開口部ｇを輻射光透過開口部ｈとして含んでいる。   Similarly, the opening row 16bh1 and the opening row 16bh2 are provided in the same position as the opening row 15bh1 and 15bh2 in the guide bottom surface portion 16b1 of the downstream heat insulating portion 16b. In the opening g of the downstream rib row 16b2, the same positions as the opening row 15bh3 and 15bh4 are regarded as the opening row 16bh3 and 16bh4. In this case, the two opening rows 16bh3 and 16bh4 include the opening g of the downstream rib row 16b2 as the radiant light transmitting opening h. Accordingly, one or more of the opening rows 16bh3, 16bh4 among the four opening rows 16bh1, 16bh2, 16bh3, 16bh4 include the opening g of the upstream rib row 16a2 as the radiation transmitting opening h.

［実施例２］
定着装置Ｂの他の例を説明する。本実施例に示す定着装置Ｂは、実施例１の定着装置Ｂのハロゲンヒータ２３と加圧ステー１５との間に熱伝導性を有する輻射光遮蔽板（輻射光遮蔽部材）１９を配設した点を除いて、実施例１の定着装置Ｂと同じ構成としてある。 [Example 2]
Another example of the fixing device B will be described. In the fixing device B shown in the present embodiment, a radiation shielding plate (radiation shielding member) 19 having thermal conductivity is disposed between the halogen heater 23 and the pressure stay 15 of the fixing device B of the first embodiment. Except for this point, the configuration is the same as the fixing device B of the first embodiment.

図６において、（Ａ）は本実施例に係る定着装置Ｂの定着ユニットＵの一例の概略構成を表わす横断面図、（Ｂ）は輻射光遮蔽板１９の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。   6A is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an example of the fixing unit U of the fixing device B according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6B is an obliquely upper side of the radiant light shielding plate 19 on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. FIG.

図６（Ａ）に示されるように、輻射光遮蔽板１９は、ハロゲンヒータ２３と加圧ステー１５との間で加圧ステー１５の長手方向に沿って配設されている。この輻射光遮蔽板１９は、定着フィルム１３の回転方向における定着ニップ部上流側で長手方向に沿って設けられ輻射光を遮蔽する上流側遮蔽部１９ａを有している。また、輻射光遮蔽板１９は、定着フィルム１３の回転方向における定着ニップ部下流側で長手方向に沿って設けられ輻射光を遮蔽する上流側遮蔽部１９ｂを有している。更に、スリット状開口部Ｗ１に突入し加圧摺動板１１に接触して伝熱する伝熱部１９ｃを有している。   As shown in FIG. 6A, the radiant light shielding plate 19 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15 between the halogen heater 23 and the pressure stay 15. The radiation light shielding plate 19 includes an upstream shielding portion 19 a that is provided along the longitudinal direction on the upstream side of the fixing nip portion in the rotation direction of the fixing film 13 and shields the radiation light. Further, the radiation light shielding plate 19 has an upstream shielding portion 19 b that is provided along the longitudinal direction on the downstream side of the fixing nip portion in the rotation direction of the fixing film 13 and shields the radiation light. Furthermore, it has the heat-transfer part 19c which penetrates into the slit-like opening part W1, contacts the pressurization sliding plate 11, and transfers heat.

上流側遮蔽部１９ａは、上流側加圧部１５ａの加圧用底面部１５ａ１に対して輻射光の遮蔽を行なう遮蔽底面部１９ａ１と、上流側加圧部１５ａの側壁部１２ａ２に対して輻射光の遮蔽を行なう遮蔽側壁部１９ａ２と、を有している。下流側遮蔽部１９ｂは、下流側加圧部１５ｂの加圧用底面部１５ｂ１に対して輻射光の遮蔽を行なう遮蔽底面部１９ｂ１と、下流側加圧部１５ｂの側壁部１２ｂ２に対して輻射光の遮蔽を行なう遮蔽側壁部１９ｂ２と、を有している。   The upstream shielding portion 19a is configured to shield the radiation bottom surface portion 19a1 that shields radiation light from the pressurizing bottom surface portion 15a1 of the upstream pressure portion 15a and the side wall portion 12a2 of the upstream pressure portion 15a. And a shielding side wall portion 19a2 for shielding. The downstream shielding portion 19b is configured to shield the radiation bottom surface 19b1 that shields radiation light from the pressurizing bottom surface portion 15b1 of the downstream pressure portion 15b and the side wall portion 12b2 of the downstream pressure portion 15b. And a shielding side wall portion 19b2 for shielding.

上流側遮蔽部１９ａには、上流側遮蔽部１９ａの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列１９ａｈ１，１９ａｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、上流側遮蔽部１９ａの遮蔽底面部１９ａ１に開口部列１９ａｈ１を、遮蔽側壁部１９ａ２に開口部列１９ａｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。下流側遮蔽部１９ｂには、下流側遮蔽部１９ｂの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列１９ｂｈ１，１９ｂｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、下流側遮蔽部１９ｂの遮蔽底面部１９ｂ１に開口部列１９ｂｈ１を、遮蔽側壁部１９ｂ２に開口部列１９ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。   The upstream shielding portion 19a is provided with two opening rows 19ah1 and 19ah2 in different regions in the short side direction of the upstream shielding portion 19a. In this embodiment, an opening row 19ah1 is provided in the shielding bottom surface portion 19a1 of the upstream shielding portion 19a, and an opening row 19ah2 is provided in the shielding side wall portion 19a2. The downstream shielding portion 19b is provided with two opening rows 19bh1 and 19bh2 in different regions in the short side direction of the downstream shielding portion 19b. In this embodiment, an opening row 19bh1 is provided in the shielding bottom surface portion 19b1 of the downstream shielding portion 19b, and an opening row 19bh2 is provided in the shielding side wall portion 19b2.

これらの開口部列１９ａｈ１，１９ａｈ２，１９ｂｈ１，１９ｂｈ２は、それぞれ、定着フィルム１３の径方向で輻射光遮蔽板１９を貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを輻射光遮蔽板１９の長手方向に沿って等間隔に複数設けてなるものである。そして輻射光遮蔽板１９の短手方向で隣合う上流側遮蔽部１９ａの２つの開口部列１９ａｈ１，１９ａｈ２の複数の輻射光透過開口部ｈは輻射光遮蔽板１９の長手方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されている。同様に、輻射光遮蔽板１９の短手方向で隣合う下流側遮蔽部１９ｂの２つの開口部列１９ｂｈ１，１９ｂｈ２の複数の輻射光透過開口部ｈも輻射光遮蔽板１９の長手方向に沿って千鳥状に配置されている。   The opening rows 19ah1, 19ah2, 19bh1, and 19bh2 are configured so that the radiation transmitting opening h that penetrates the radiation shielding plate 19 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 extends along the longitudinal direction of the radiation shielding plate 19 and the like. A plurality of intervals are provided. The plurality of radiation light transmitting openings h of the two opening rows 19ah1 and 19ah2 of the upstream shielding portion 19a adjacent to each other in the short direction of the radiation light shielding plate 19 are staggered along the longitudinal direction of the radiation light shielding plate 19. Is arranged. Similarly, the plurality of radiation light transmitting openings h of the two opening rows 19bh1 and 19bh2 of the downstream shielding portion 19b adjacent in the short direction of the radiation light shielding plate 19 also extend along the longitudinal direction of the radiation light shielding plate 19. Arranged in a staggered pattern.

本実施例では、輻射光透過開口部ｈを千鳥状に配置するために、輻射光遮蔽板１９の短手方向で隣合う上記開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈを輻射光遮蔽板１９の長手方向に半ピッチずらしている。   In the present embodiment, in order to arrange the radiation light transmitting openings h in a zigzag pattern, the radiation light transmitting openings h of the opening row adjacent in the short direction of the radiation light shielding plate 19 are arranged on the radiation light shielding plate 19. It is shifted by a half pitch in the longitudinal direction.

開口部列１９ａｈ１，１９ａｈ２，１９ｂｈ１，１９ｂｈ２のうち、開口部列１９ａｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で断熱部材１６の開口部列１６ａｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。同様に、開口部列１９ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で断熱部材１６の開口部列１６ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。   Of the opening row 19ah1, 19ah2, 19bh1, 19bh2, the radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 19ah1 is in the same position as the radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 16ah1 of the heat insulating member 16 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13. Is formed. Similarly, the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 19ah2 is formed at the same position as the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 16ah2 of the heat insulating member 16 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13.

同様に、開口部列１９ｂｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で断熱部材１６の開口部列１６ｂｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。同様に、開口部列１９ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルム１３の長手方向で断熱部材１６の開口部列１６ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈと同一位置に形成してある。   Similarly, the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 19bh1 is formed at the same position as the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 16bh1 of the heat insulating member 16 in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13. Similarly, the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 19bh2 is formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13 as the radiant light transmission opening h of the opening row 16bh2 of the heat insulating member 16.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、ハロゲンヒータ１２からの輻射光が定着フィルム１３の径方向で輻射光遮蔽板１９と断熱部材１６と加圧ステー１５の各開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈを通過して定着フィルム１３内面に達する。この輻射光により定着フィルム１３内面が加熱される。   In the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the radiation light from the halogen heater 12 is radiated from the radiation light shielding plate 19, the heat insulating member 16, and the pressure stay 15 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13. And reaches the inner surface of the fixing film 13. The inner surface of the fixing film 13 is heated by the radiation light.

実施例１の定着装置Ｂでは、開口部列を加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６に設けて定着フィルム１３内面の加熱効率を改善した。しかしながら、実施例１の定着装置Ｂでは、加圧ステー１５のハロゲンヒータ１２側の内面（以下、加圧ステー１５内面と記す）において開口部列以外の領域に輻射光が照射され、加圧ステー１５を昇温させてしまう部分は残っている。定着装置Ｂ全体の保温効果としては有効になる場合も考えられるが、定着装置Ｂの立ち上がり性能を高めるという観点からは、直接定着ニップ部Ｎの加熱に寄与しない部材において熱エネルギーを消費することは可能な限り避けた方が好ましい。   In the fixing device B of Example 1, the opening row was provided in the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 to improve the heating efficiency of the inner surface of the fixing film 13. However, in the fixing device B according to the first exemplary embodiment, the area other than the opening row is irradiated on the inner surface of the pressure stay 15 on the side of the halogen heater 12 (hereinafter referred to as the inner surface of the pressure stay 15). The part which heats up 15 remains. Although it is conceivable that the heat retention effect of the entire fixing device B is effective, from the viewpoint of improving the rising performance of the fixing device B, it is not possible to consume heat energy in a member that does not directly contribute to heating of the fixing nip N. It is preferable to avoid it as much as possible.

このため、本実施例の定着装置Ｂでは、ハロゲンヒータ１２と加圧ステー１５との間に、加圧ステー１５に設けられた開口部列と同一位置に同一形状の輻射光透過開口部ｈを形成した輻射光遮蔽板１９を配置した構成としてある。この構成により、加圧ステー１５内面の開口部列以外の領域への輻射光の照射量を抑制し、更に加圧ステー１５の内面形状に沿った断面形状になるように輻射光遮蔽板１９を加工して加圧ステー１５内面により近い位置に近接配置可能としている。   For this reason, in the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the radiant light transmitting opening h having the same shape is provided between the halogen heater 12 and the pressure stay 15 at the same position as the opening row provided in the pressure stay 15. The formed radiation light shielding plate 19 is arranged. With this configuration, the radiation light shielding plate 19 is provided so as to suppress the amount of radiation applied to the area other than the opening row on the inner surface of the pressure stay 15 and further to have a cross-sectional shape along the inner surface shape of the pressure stay 15. It can be processed and placed close to the inner surface of the pressure stay 15.

このように加圧ステー１５に対し開口部列を有する輻射光遮蔽板１９を近接配置することで、輻射光遮蔽板の開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈを通過した輻射光が回折によって加圧ステーの開口部列以外の内面に吸収される割合を低く抑える構成となっている。   Thus, by arranging the radiation light shielding plate 19 having the opening row close to the pressure stay 15, the radiation light that has passed through the radiation light transmitting opening h of the opening row of the radiation light shielding plate is added by diffraction. It is the structure which restrains the ratio absorbed by inner surfaces other than the opening part row | line | column of a pressure stay low.

本実施例では、輻射光遮蔽板１９として厚さ０．３ｍｍのアルミ板を素材表面のまま使用し、伝熱部１９ｃの下端部を加圧摺動板１１に接触させて輻射光遮蔽板１９自体の受けた熱量を定着フィルム１３を介して定着ニップ部Ｎに伝熱する構成としている。輻射光遮蔽板１９の他の例として、アルミ表面を鏡面処理した輻射光遮蔽板１９を用い、この輻射光遮蔽板１９において遮蔽部１９ａの開口部列以外の領域で受けた輻射光を定着フィルム内面１３側に反射する構成としても良い。   In the present embodiment, an aluminum plate having a thickness of 0.3 mm is used as the surface of the material as the radiation light shielding plate 19, and the lower end portion of the heat transfer portion 19 c is brought into contact with the pressure sliding plate 11 so that the radiation light shielding plate 19 is used. The amount of heat received by itself is transferred to the fixing nip N via the fixing film 13. As another example of the radiant light shielding plate 19, a radiant light shielding plate 19 having a mirror-finished aluminum surface is used, and the radiant light received in an area other than the opening row of the shielding portions 19a in the radiant light shielding plate 19 is fixed to the fixing film. It is good also as a structure reflected on the inner surface 13 side.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、輻射光遮蔽板１９の上流側遮蔽部１９ａと下流側遮蔽部１９ｂが開口部列を有しているため、定着フィルム１３内面の輻射加熱領域を拡張でき、かつ加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６の熱容量を減らして加熱効率改善を図ることができる。更に、加圧ステー１５への輻射光の照射率を下げることで一層加熱効率を高めることが可能となる。   In the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the upstream side shielding portion 19a and the downstream side shielding portion 19b of the radiation light shielding plate 19 have the opening row, so that the radiation heating region on the inner surface of the fixing film 13 can be expanded, and Heat efficiency can be improved by reducing the heat capacity of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16. Furthermore, the heating efficiency can be further increased by reducing the irradiation rate of the radiant light to the pressure stay 15.

［実施例３］
定着装置Ｂの他の例を説明する。本実施例に示す定着装置Ｂは、開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈを若干小径の輻射光透過開口部として断熱部材１６と加圧ステー１５に４つの開口部列を設けたものである。また、断熱部材１６の上流側リブ列１６ａ２と下流側リブ列１６ｂ２に開口部列を設け、この開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈが加圧ステー１５の所定の開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈと連通するものである。これらの点を除いて実施例１の定着装置Ｂと同じ構成としてある。 [Example 3]
Another example of the fixing device B will be described. In the fixing device B shown in the present embodiment, the radiation light transmitting opening h in the opening row is used as a radiation light transmitting opening having a slightly smaller diameter, and four opening rows are provided in the heat insulating member 16 and the pressure stay 15. . Further, an opening row is provided in the upstream rib row 16 a 2 and the downstream rib row 16 b 2 of the heat insulating member 16, and the radiation light transmitting opening h of the opening row is transmitted through the predetermined opening row of the pressure stay 15. It communicates with the opening h. Except for these points, the configuration is the same as the fixing device B of the first embodiment.

図７は本実施例に係る定着装置Ｂの断熱部材１６と加圧ステー１５の説明図である。図７において、（Ａ）は加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の記録材搬送方向上流側からの長手方向側面図である。（Ｂ）は加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の記録材搬送方向下流側からの長手方向側面図である。（Ｃ）は加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の記録材搬送方向下流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。（Ｄ）は加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。   FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the heat insulating member 16 and the pressure stay 15 of the fixing device B according to the present embodiment. 7A is a longitudinal side view of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 from the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. (B) is a longitudinal side view of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 from the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. FIG. 3C is an external perspective view of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 from obliquely above on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. FIG. 4D is an external perspective view of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 from obliquely above on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂでは、実施例１で説明したように、加圧ステー１５において、上流側加圧部１５ａの加圧底面部１５ａ１に２つの開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２を設け、側壁部１５ａ２に２つの開口部列１５ａｈ３，１５ａｈ４を設けている。更に、下流側加圧部１５ｂの加圧底面部１５ｂ１に２つの開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２を設け、側壁部１５ｂ２に２つの開口部列１５ｂｈ３，１５ｂｈ４を設けている。   In the fixing device B of the present embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, in the pressure stay 15, two opening rows 15ah1 and 15ah2 are provided on the pressure bottom surface portion 15a1 of the upstream pressure portion 15a, and the side wall portion. Two opening row | line | columns 15ah3 and 15ah4 are provided in 15a2. Furthermore, two opening row | line | columns 15bh1 and 15bh2 are provided in the pressurization bottom face part 15b1 of the downstream pressure part 15b, and two opening part row | line | columns 15bh3 and 15bh4 are provided in the side wall part 15b2.

一方、断熱部材１６では、上流側断熱部１６ａのガイド用底面部１６ａ１において開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２と同一位置に２つの開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２を設けている。そして上流側リブ列１６ａ２の開口部ｇにおいて開口部列１５ａｈ３，１５ａｈ４と同一位置を開口部列１６ａｈ３，１６ａｈ４と見做している。上流側リブ列１６ａ２は、上流側リブ列１６ａ２のリブ１６ａ１１を定着フィルム１３の径方向に貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを断熱部材１６の長手方向に沿って設けた開口部列１６ａ２ｈ１を有している。開口部列１６ａ２ｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の開口部列（上流側リブ列用開口部列）１５ａｈ３と同一位置に設けてある。   On the other hand, in the heat insulation member 16, two opening row | line | columns 16ah1 and 16ah2 are provided in the same position as the opening row | line | column 15ah1 and 15ah2 in the bottom face part 16a1 for a guide of the upstream heat insulation part 16a. In the opening g of the upstream rib row 16a2, the same position as the opening row 15ah3 and 15ah4 is regarded as the opening row 16ah3 and 16ah4. The upstream rib row 16a2 has an opening row 16a2h1 in which a radiant light transmission opening h that penetrates the rib 16a11 of the upstream rib row 16a2 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating member 16. ing. The radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 16a2h1 is provided at the same position as the opening row (upstream rib row opening row) 15ah3 of the pressure stay 15.

更に、下流側断熱部１６ｂのガイド用底面部１６ｂ１において開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２と同一位置に２つの開口部列１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２を設けている。そして下流側リブ列１６ｂ２の開口部ｇにおいて開口部列１５ｂｈ３，１５ｂｈ４と同一位置を開口部列１６ｂｈ３，１６ｂｈ４と見做している。下流側リブ列１６ｂ２は、下流側リブ列１６ｂ２のリブ１６ｂ１１を定着フィルム１３の径方向に貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを断熱部材１６の長手方向に沿って設けた開口部列１６ｂ２ｈ１を有している。開口部列１６ｂ２ｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の開口部列（下流側リブ列用開口部列）１５ｂｈ３と同一位置に設けてある。   Further, two opening rows 16bh1 and 16bh2 are provided at the same position as the opening rows 15bh1 and 15bh2 in the guide bottom surface portion 16b1 of the downstream heat insulating portion 16b. In the opening g of the downstream rib row 16b2, the same positions as the opening row 15bh3 and 15bh4 are regarded as the opening row 16bh3 and 16bh4. The downstream rib row 16b2 has an opening row 16b2h1 in which a radiation transmitting aperture h passing through the rib 16b11 of the downstream rib row 16b2 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating member 16. ing. The radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 16b2h1 is provided at the same position as the opening row (opening row for downstream rib row) 15bh3 of the pressure stay 15.

上記上流側加圧部１５ａの開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２，１５ａｈ３，１５ａｈ４のうち、開口部列１５ａｈ１は加圧ステー１５の短手方向で開口部列１５ａｈ２と隣合っている。そして開口部列１５ａｈ２は加圧ステー１５の長手方向で開口部列１５ａｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈに対して千鳥状に配置してある。   Of the opening rows 15ah1, 15ah2, 15ah3, and 15ah4 of the upstream pressure portion 15a, the opening row 15ah1 is adjacent to the opening row 15ah2 in the short direction of the pressure stay 15. The opening rows 15ah2 are arranged in a staggered manner in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15 with respect to the radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15ah1.

開口部列１５ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の短手方向で開口部列１５ａｈ３と隣合っている。そして開口部列１５ａｈ３の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の長手方向で開口部列１５ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈに対して千鳥状に配置してある。   The radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 15ah2 is adjacent to the opening row 15ah3 in the short direction of the pressure stay 15. The radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15ah3 are arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15ah2 in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15.

開口部列１５ａｈ３は加圧ステー１５の短手方向で開口部列１５ａｈ４と隣合っている。そして開口部列１５ａｈ４の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の長手方向で開口部列１５ａｈ３の輻射光透過開口部ｈに対して千鳥状に配置してある。   The opening row 15ah3 is adjacent to the opening row 15ah4 in the short direction of the pressure stay 15. The radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15ah4 are arranged in a staggered manner in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15 with respect to the radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15ah3.

上記下流側加圧部１５ｂの開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２，１５ｂｈ３，１５ｂｈ４のうち、開口部列１５ｂｈ１は加圧ステー１５の短手方向で開口部列１５ｂｈ２と隣合っている。そして開口部列１５ｂｈ２は加圧ステー１５の長手方向で開口部列１５ｂｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈに対して千鳥状に配置してある。   Of the opening row 15bh1, 15bh2, 15bh3, and 15bh4 of the downstream pressure unit 15b, the opening row 15bh1 is adjacent to the opening row 15bh2 in the short direction of the pressure stay 15. And the opening part row | line | column 15bh2 is arrange | positioned with respect to the radiation light transmission opening part h of the opening part row | line | column 15bh1 in the longitudinal direction of the pressurization stay 15.

開口部列１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の短手方向で開口部列１５ｂｈ３と隣合っている。そして開口部列１５ｂｈ３の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の長手方向で開口部列１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈに対して千鳥状に配置してある。   The radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 15bh2 is adjacent to the opening row 15bh3 in the short direction of the pressure stay 15. The radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15bh3 are arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15bh2 in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15.

開口部列１５ｂｈ３は加圧ステー１５の短手方向で開口部列１５ｂｈ４と隣合っている。そして開口部列１５ｂｈ４の輻射光透過開口部ｈは加圧ステー１５の長手方向で開口部列１５ｂｈ３の輻射光透過開口部ｈに対して千鳥状に配置してある。   The opening row 15bh3 is adjacent to the opening row 15bh4 in the short direction of the pressure stay 15. The radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15bh4 are arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 15bh3 in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂでは、基本的に実施例１の定着装置Ｂと同様の作用効果が得られるが、加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６に設けられた全ての開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈが全て均等間隔に形成されている。そのため、定着フィルム１３の長手方向の輻射光の照射位置がより均等化されるため、定着フィルム１３の長手方向の加熱ムラに起因する画像定着ムラの発生をさらに抑制しやすい構成となっている。   The fixing device B of the present embodiment can basically obtain the same operation and effect as the fixing device B of the first embodiment. However, all of the opening rows provided in the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 transmit light. All the openings h are formed at equal intervals. For this reason, since the irradiation position of the radiation light in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film 13 is made more uniform, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of uneven image fixing due to the heating unevenness of the fixing film 13 in the longitudinal direction.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂでは、断熱部材１６の上流側リブ列１６ａ２と下流側リブ列１６ｂ２にも輻射光透過開口部ｈを設ける必要があるが、輻射光透過開口部の成形が困難な場合には断熱部材１６を側壁部と底面部の２体構成に加工しても良い。   In the fixing device B of this embodiment, the upstream side rib row 16a2 and the downstream side rib row 16b2 of the heat insulating member 16 need to be provided with the radiant light transmitting opening portion h, but it is difficult to form the radiant light transmitting opening portion. Alternatively, the heat insulating member 16 may be processed into a two-body configuration of a side wall portion and a bottom surface portion.

また、本実施例の定着装置Ｂについても実施例２の輻射光遮蔽板１９を設けて、より加熱効率を高めるよう構成しても良い。   Further, the fixing device B of the present embodiment may be configured to further increase the heating efficiency by providing the radiation light shielding plate 19 of the second embodiment.

［実施例４］
定着装置Ｂの他の例を説明する。本実施例に示す定着装置Ｂは、加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６の開口部列の輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状を短手方向に長い縦長開口部としたものである。また、上流側加圧部１５ａと下流側加圧部１６ｂの加圧底面部１５ａ１，１５ｂ１の先端に補強用折曲げ部を形成したものである。これらの点を除いて、実施例１の定着装置Ｂと同じ構成としてある。 [Example 4]
Another example of the fixing device B will be described. In the fixing device B shown in the present embodiment, the shape of the radiant light transmitting opening h in the opening row of the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 is a vertically long opening that is long in the short direction. Further, a reinforcing bent portion is formed at the tips of the pressurizing bottom surface portions 15a1 and 15b1 of the upstream pressurizing portion 15a and the downstream pressurizing portion 16b. Except for these points, the configuration is the same as the fixing device B of the first embodiment.

図８は本実施例に係る定着装置Ｂの断熱部材１６と加圧ステー１５の説明図である。図８において、（Ａ）は加圧ステー１５の長手方向中央の横断面図である。（Ｂ）は加圧ステー１５の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。（Ｃ）は断熱部材１６の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。   FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the heat insulating member 16 and the pressure stay 15 of the fixing device B according to the present embodiment. 8A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the center of the pressure stay 15 in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 4B is an external perspective view of the pressurizing stay 15 from obliquely above on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. (C) is an external perspective view of the heat insulating member 16 from obliquely above on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction.

実施例１の加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６に設けた輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状を長手方向に長い横長開口部とした構成に対し、本実施例では、加圧ステー１５及び断熱部材１６に設けた輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状を短手方向に長い縦長開口部としている。   In contrast to the configuration in which the shape of the radiant light transmitting opening h provided in the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 in Embodiment 1 is a horizontally long opening in the longitudinal direction, in this embodiment, the pressure stay 15 and the heat insulating member 16 are used. The shape of the radiant light transmissive opening h provided in is a vertically long opening that is long in the short direction.

図８（Ｂ）に示すように、加圧ステー１５の上流側加圧部１５ａに設けられた開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状は短手方向に長い縦長開口部となっている。また、加圧ステー１５の下流側加圧部１５ｂに設けられた開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状も短手方向に長い縦長開口部となっている。   As shown in FIG. 8 (B), the shape of the radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening rows 15ah1 and 15ah2 provided in the upstream pressurizing portion 15a of the pressurizing stay 15 is a vertically long opening that is long in the short direction. It has become. Further, the shape of the radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening rows 15bh1 and 15bh2 provided in the downstream pressing portion 15b of the pressing stay 15 is also a vertically long opening that is long in the short direction.

更に、図８（Ｃ）に示すように、断熱部材１６の上流側断熱部１６ａのガイド用底面部１６ａ１に設けられた開口部列１６ａｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状も短手方向に長い縦長開口部となっている。また、断熱部材１６の下流側断熱部１６ｂのガイド用底面部１６ｂ１に設けられた開口部列１６ｂｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状も短手方向に長い縦長開口部となっている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the shape of the radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 16ah1 provided in the guide bottom surface 16a1 of the upstream heat insulating portion 16a of the heat insulating member 16 is also long in the short direction. It is a vertically long opening. Further, the shape of the radiant light transmitting opening h of the opening row 16bh1 provided in the guide bottom face portion 16b1 of the downstream heat insulating portion 16b of the heat insulating member 16 is also a vertically long opening portion that is long in the short direction.

本実施例では、加圧ステー１５の長手方向の剛性を維持するうえで重要な底面部１５ａ１，１６ａ１と側壁部１５ａ２，１５ａ２の間の湾曲部（折り曲げ部）にまで輻射光透過開口部ｈを延長して開口率を上げることを目的とした縦長開口部を設けている。更に、開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２，１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈを上記湾曲部においても千鳥状に配置させることで同図（Ｂ）に示すように長手方向に沿って上記湾曲部にも輻射光が入射可能な構成の加圧ステー３０としている。   In the present embodiment, the radiant light transmitting opening h is formed up to a curved portion (bent portion) between the bottom surface portions 15a1 and 16a1 and the side wall portions 15a2 and 15a2 which is important for maintaining the rigidity of the pressure stay 15 in the longitudinal direction. A vertically long opening is provided for the purpose of extending the aperture ratio. Further, by arranging the radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening rows 15ah1, 15ah2, 15bh1, and 15bh2 in a staggered manner also in the curved portion, the curved portion is formed along the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. Also, the pressurizing stay 30 is configured to be capable of receiving radiation light.

そしてこの加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ｂｈ１の輻射光透過開口部ｈに合わせて断熱部材１６のリブ１６ａ１１，１６ｂ１１の下端部に長手方向に沿って輻射光透過開口部ｈを設けることで開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ｂｈ１としている。そして加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ａｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈに合わせてリブ１６ａ１１を長手方向に沿って設けることで上流側リブ列１６ａ２を形成している。また加圧ステー１５の開口部列１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈに合わせてリブ１６ｂ１１を長手方向に沿って設けることで下流側リブ列１６ｂ２を形成している。   Then, by providing the radiation transmitting apertures h along the longitudinal direction at the lower ends of the ribs 16a11 and 16b11 of the heat insulating member 16 in accordance with the radiation transmitting apertures h of the aperture rows 15ah1 and 15bh1 of the pressure stay 15. The opening rows 16ah1 and 16bh1 are used. Then, the upstream rib row 16a2 is formed by providing the ribs 16a11 along the longitudinal direction in accordance with the radiant light transmission openings h of the opening row 15ah2 of the pressure stay 15. Further, the downstream rib row 16b2 is formed by providing the ribs 16b11 along the longitudinal direction in accordance with the radiant light transmission openings h of the opening row 15bh2 of the pressure stay 15.

しかしながら単純に湾曲部に開口部を設けると、やはり加圧ステー１５全体の剛性低下が著しくなる。そこで、本実施例では図８（Ａ）に示すように、上流側加圧部１５ａと下流側加圧部１５ｂの開口Ｗ１側の端部をさらに内側に曲げた中央折り曲げ部（補強用折り曲げ部）１５ａ３，１５ｂ３を長手方向に沿って形成している。中央折り曲げ部１５ａ３，１５ｂ３は、それぞれ、ハロゲンヒータ１２から加圧摺動板１１へ照射される輻射光を遮らない角度に折り曲げられている。   However, if the opening is simply provided in the curved portion, the rigidity of the entire pressure stay 15 is significantly reduced. Accordingly, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, a central bent portion (reinforcing bent portion) in which the ends on the opening W1 side of the upstream pressure portion 15a and the downstream pressure portion 15b are further bent inward. ) 15a3 and 15b3 are formed along the longitudinal direction. The central bent portions 15a3 and 15b3 are bent at angles that do not block the radiant light emitted from the halogen heater 12 to the pressure sliding plate 11, respectively.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、加圧ステー１５に中央折り曲げ部１５ａ３，１５ｂ３を追加することにより、加圧ステー１５全体の剛性低下を回避できて従来の装置とほぼ同等の強度を維持できる。また、加圧ステー１５の底面部１５ａ１，１６ａ１と側壁部１５ａ２，１５ａ２の間の湾曲部にまで輻射光透過開口部ｈを延長して設けているため、実施例１の輻射光透過開口部ｈよりも更に開口率を向上できる。   In the fixing device B of this embodiment, by adding the center bent portions 15a3 and 15b3 to the pressure stay 15, it is possible to avoid a decrease in rigidity of the entire pressure stay 15 and maintain substantially the same strength as the conventional device. Further, since the radiation light transmitting opening h is extended to the curved portion between the bottom surface portions 15a1, 16a1 and the side wall portions 15a2, 15a2 of the pressurizing stay 15, the radiation light transmitting opening h of the first embodiment is provided. The aperture ratio can be further improved.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂのように、加圧ステー１５に中央折り曲げ部１５ａ３，１５ｂ３を追加する構成は、必ずしも輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状が縦長開口部である場合に限られない。輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状が他の形状であっても加圧ステー１５の上記湾曲部に開口部を設ける際の強度不足対策の構成として有効であり、実施例１、及び実施例２のように上記湾曲部に開口部を設けない構成に対しても有効である。更に、定着装置Ｂにおいて画像形成装置の高速化に伴って加圧ステー１５への加圧力を上げる必要が生じた際の剛性不足を補う手段として活用できることは言うまでもない。   The configuration in which the central bent portions 15a3 and 15b3 are added to the pressure stay 15 as in the fixing device B of the present embodiment is not necessarily limited to the case where the shape of the radiant light transmitting opening h is a vertically long opening. Even if the shape of the radiant light transmitting opening h is another shape, it is effective as a configuration for preventing insufficient strength when the opening is provided in the curved portion of the pressure stay 15, and the first and second embodiments are effective. Thus, the present invention is also effective for a configuration in which no opening is provided in the curved portion. Further, it goes without saying that the fixing device B can be used as a means for compensating for the lack of rigidity when it is necessary to increase the pressure applied to the pressure stay 15 as the speed of the image forming apparatus increases.

また、本実施例の定着装置Ｂに対しても実施例２で説明した輻射光遮蔽板１９を適用して、より加熱効率を高めるよう構成しても良い。この場合、輻射光遮蔽板１９の輻射光遮蔽板１９の上流側遮蔽部１９ａと下流側遮蔽部１９ｂには、加圧ステー１５の輻射光透過開口部ｈの形状と一致させた輻射光透過開口部ｈが形成される。   Further, the radiation light shielding plate 19 described in the second embodiment may also be applied to the fixing device B of the present embodiment to further increase the heating efficiency. In this case, the upstream side shielding portion 19a and the downstream side shielding portion 19b of the radiation light shielding plate 19 of the radiation light shielding plate 19 have a radiation light transmission opening that matches the shape of the radiation light transmission opening h of the pressure stay 15. Part h is formed.

［実施例５］
定着装置Ｂの他の例を説明する。本実施例に示す定着装置Ｂは、ハロゲンヒータ１２を２つ用いたものである。そしてこの２つのハロゲンヒータ１２と加圧ステー１５との間に輻射光反射板（輻射熱反射部材）２０を配設している。また、加圧ステー１５と輻射光反射板２０を嵌合可能な横断面略Ｅ字形状に形成し、断熱部材１６と加圧摺動板１１を嵌合可能な横断面略コの字形状に形成している。 [Example 5]
Another example of the fixing device B will be described. The fixing device B shown in the present embodiment uses two halogen heaters 12. A radiant light reflecting plate (radiant heat reflecting member) 20 is disposed between the two halogen heaters 12 and the pressure stay 15. Further, the pressurizing stay 15 and the radiant light reflection plate 20 are formed in a substantially E-shaped cross section, and the heat insulating member 16 and the pressure sliding plate 11 can be fitted in a substantially U-shaped cross section. Forming.

そして加圧ステー１５のハロゲンヒータ１２側の表面に輻射光反射板２０を嵌合させると共に、その加圧ステー１５のハロゲンヒータ１２とは反対側の裏面に断熱部材１６を嵌合させている。更に、その断熱部材１６の加圧ステー１５とは反対側の裏面に加圧摺動板１１を嵌合させている。そして、この輻射光反射板２０と、加圧ステー１５と、断熱部材１６と、加圧摺動板１１に、定着フィルム１３の径方向の同一位置で輻射光反射板２０と加圧ステー１５と断熱部材１６と加圧摺動板１１を貫通する同一形状の輻射熱透過開口部を設けている。これらの点を除いて実施例１の定着装置Ｂと同じ構成としてある。   The radiation reflecting plate 20 is fitted to the surface of the pressure stay 15 on the halogen heater 12 side, and the heat insulating member 16 is fitted to the back surface of the pressure stay 15 opposite to the halogen heater 12. Further, the pressure sliding plate 11 is fitted to the back surface of the heat insulating member 16 opposite to the pressure stay 15. The radiant light reflecting plate 20, the pressure stay 15, the heat insulating member 16, the pressure sliding plate 11, the radiant light reflecting plate 20 and the pressure stay 15 at the same position in the radial direction of the fixing film 13. A radiant heat transmission opening having the same shape penetrating the heat insulating member 16 and the pressure sliding plate 11 is provided. Except for these points, the configuration is the same as the fixing device B of the first embodiment.

図９は本実施例に係る定着装置Ｂの概略構成を表わす横断面図である。図１０は輻射光反射板２０と、加圧ステー１５と、断熱部材１６と、加圧摺動板１１の説明図である。図１０において、（Ａ）は輻射光反射板２０の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。（Ｂ）は加圧ステー１５の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。（Ｃ）は断熱部材１６の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。（Ｄ）は加圧摺動板１１の記録材搬送方向上流側の斜め上方からの外観斜視図である。   FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the fixing device B according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the radiation light reflecting plate 20, the pressure stay 15, the heat insulating member 16, and the pressure sliding plate 11. 10A is an external perspective view of the radiant light reflecting plate 20 from an obliquely upper side on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. FIG. 4B is an external perspective view of the pressurizing stay 15 from obliquely above on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. (C) is an external perspective view of the heat insulating member 16 from obliquely above on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. FIG. 4D is an external perspective view of the pressure sliding plate 11 from obliquely above on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction.

図１０（Ｂ）に示すように、加圧ステー１５の上流側加圧部１５ａには、上流側加圧部１５ａの短手方向の異なる位置に２つの開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２が設けてある。また、加圧ステー１５の下流側加圧部１５ｂには、下流側加圧部１５ｂの短手方向の異なる位置に２つの開口部列１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２が設けてある。加圧ステー１５の上流側加圧部１５ａと下流側加圧部１５ｂは加圧ステー１５の短手方向で板部１５ｄにより連結されている。そしてこの板部１５ｄの短手方向中央にハロゲンヒータ１２側に突出する横断面略コの字形状の中央突出部１５ｅが形成してある。この加圧ステー１５は、加圧ステー１５の長手方向両端部がアーチ状の加圧部材２１を介して加圧ばねにより加圧されている（図９参照）。   As shown in FIG. 10 (B), the upstream pressurizing portion 15a of the pressurizing stay 15 is provided with two opening rows 15ah1 and 15ah2 at different positions in the short side direction of the upstream pressurizing portion 15a. . Further, the downstream side pressurizing portion 15b of the pressurizing stay 15 is provided with two opening rows 15bh1 and 15bh2 at different positions in the short side direction of the downstream side pressurizing portion 15b. The upstream pressurizing portion 15 a and the downstream pressurizing portion 15 b of the pressurizing stay 15 are connected by a plate portion 15 d in the short direction of the pressurizing stay 15. A central projecting portion 15e having a substantially U-shaped cross section projecting toward the halogen heater 12 is formed at the center in the short direction of the plate portion 15d. The pressure stay 15 is pressurized at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15 by a pressure spring via an arch-shaped pressure member 21 (see FIG. 9).

図１０（Ａ）に示すように、輻射光反射板２０は、加圧ステー１５の上流側加圧部１５ａと嵌合する上流側反射部２０ａと、加圧ステー１５の下流側加圧部１５ｂと嵌合する下流側反射部２０ｂを有している。更に上流側反射部２０ａと下流側反射部２０ｂとの間で加圧ステー１５の中央突出部１５ｄと嵌合する中央反射部２０ｄを有している。   As shown in FIG. 10A, the radiant light reflecting plate 20 includes an upstream reflecting portion 20a fitted to the upstream pressure portion 15a of the pressure stay 15, and a downstream pressure portion 15b of the pressure stay 15. And has a downstream reflecting portion 20b to be fitted. Furthermore, it has the center reflection part 20d fitted with the center protrusion part 15d of the pressurization stay 15 between the upstream reflection part 20a and the downstream reflection part 20b.

上流側反射部２０ａには、上流側反射部２０ａの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列２０ａｈ１，２０ａｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、上流側反射部２０ａの遮蔽底面部２０ａ１に開口部列２０ａｈ１を、反射側壁部２０ａ２に開口部列２０ａｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。下流側反射部２０ｂには、下流側反射部２０ｂの短手方向の異なる領域に２つの開口部列２０ｂｈ１，２０ｂｈ２が設けられている。本実施例では、下流側反射部２０ｂの遮蔽底面部２０ｂ１に開口部列２０ｂｈ１を、反射側壁部２０ｂ２に開口部列２０ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。   The upstream reflecting portion 20a is provided with two opening rows 20ah1 and 20ah2 in different regions in the short side direction of the upstream reflecting portion 20a. In this embodiment, an opening row 20ah1 is provided in the shielding bottom surface portion 20a1 of the upstream reflection portion 20a, and an opening row 20ah2 is provided in the reflection side wall portion 20a2. The downstream reflecting portion 20b is provided with two opening rows 20bh1 and 20bh2 in different regions in the short side direction of the downstream reflecting portion 20b. In the present embodiment, an opening row 20bh1 is provided on the shielding bottom surface portion 20b1 of the downstream reflecting portion 20b, and an opening row 20bh2 is provided on the reflecting side wall portion 20b2.

これらの開口部列２０ａｈ１，２０ａｈ２，２０ｂｈ１，２０ｂｈ２は、それぞれ、定着フィルム１３の径方向で加圧ステー１５を貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを加圧ステー１５の長手方向に沿って等間隔に複数設けてなるものである。   The opening rows 20ah1, 20ah2, 20bh1, and 20bh2 are configured so that the radiation transmitting apertures h that penetrate the pressure stay 15 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 are equally spaced along the longitudinal direction of the pressure stay 15. A plurality are provided.

この輻射光反射板２０は加圧ステー１５に嵌合した状態に組み付けてある。そして輻射光反射板の開口部列２０ａｈ１，２０ａｈ２，２０ｂｈ１，２０ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部は定着フィルムの長手方向で加圧ステーの対応する開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２，１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部と同一位置に形成してある。   The radiant light reflecting plate 20 is assembled in a state of being fitted to the pressure stay 15. The radiant light transmitting openings of the opening rows 20ah1, 20ah2, 20bh1, 20bh2 of the radiant light reflecting plate are the radiant light transmitting openings of the corresponding opening rows 15ah1, 15ah2, 15bh1, 15bh2 of the pressure stay in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film. It is formed at the same position as the part.

図１０（Ｃ）に示すように、断熱部材１６は、加圧ステー１５の上流側加圧部１５ａと嵌合する上流側断熱部１６ａと、加圧ステー１５の下流側加圧部１５ｂと嵌合する下流側断熱部１６ｂを有している。上流側断熱部１６ａと下流側断熱部１６ｂは断熱部材１６の短手方向で板部１６ｄにより連結されている。   As shown in FIG. 10C, the heat insulating member 16 is fitted with the upstream heat insulating portion 16 a fitted to the upstream pressure portion 15 a of the pressure stay 15 and the downstream pressure portion 15 b of the pressure stay 15. It has the downstream heat insulation part 16b which unites. The upstream heat insulating portion 16 a and the downstream heat insulating portion 16 b are connected by a plate portion 16 d in the short direction of the heat insulating member 16.

上流側断熱部１６ａは、ガイド用底面部１６ａ１と、側壁部１６ａ３と、を有している。そしてガイド用底面部１６ａ１に開口部列１５ｂｈ１を、側壁部１６ａ３に開口部列１６ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。下流側断熱部１６ｂは、ガイド用底面部１６ｂ１と、側壁部１６ｂ３と、を有している。そしてガイド用底面部１６ｂ１に開口部列１６ｂｈ１を、側壁部１６ｂ３に開口部列１６ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。   The upstream heat insulating portion 16a has a guide bottom surface portion 16a1 and a side wall portion 16a3. An opening row 15bh1 is provided on the guide bottom surface portion 16a1, and an opening row 16bh2 is provided on the side wall portion 16a3. The downstream heat insulating portion 16b has a guide bottom surface portion 16b1 and a side wall portion 16b3. An opening row 16bh1 is provided on the guide bottom surface portion 16b1, and an opening row 16bh2 is provided on the side wall portion 16b3.

これらの開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２，１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２は、それぞれ、定着フィルム１３の径方向で断熱部材１６を貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを断熱部材１６の長手方向に沿って等間隔に複数設けてなるものである。   Each of the opening rows 16ah1, 16ah2, 16bh1, and 16bh2 is provided with a plurality of radiant light transmission openings h that penetrate the heat insulating member 16 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating member 16. It will be.

この断熱部材１６は加圧ステー１５に嵌合した状態に組み付けてある。そして断熱部材１６の開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２，１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部ｈは定着フィルムの長手方向で加圧ステーの対応する開口部列１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２，１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部と同一位置に形成してある。   The heat insulating member 16 is assembled in a state of being fitted to the pressure stay 15. The radiant light transmitting openings h of the opening row 16ah1, 16ah2, 16bh1, 16bh2 of the heat insulating member 16 are radiant light transmitting openings of the corresponding opening row 15ah1, 15ah2, 15bh1, 15bh2 of the pressure stay in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film. It is formed at the same position as the part.

図１０（Ｄ）に示すように、加圧摺動板１１は、断熱部材１６の上流側断熱部１６ａと嵌合する上流側ガイド部１１ａと、断熱部材１６の下流側断熱部１６ｂと嵌合する下流側ガイド部１１ｂを有している。加圧摺動板１１の上流側ガイド部１１ａと下流側ガイド部１１ｂは加圧摺動板１１の短手方向で板部１１ｄにより連結されている。   As shown in FIG. 10D, the pressure sliding plate 11 is fitted to the upstream guide portion 11 a that fits with the upstream heat insulation portion 16 a of the heat insulation member 16 and the downstream heat insulation portion 16 b of the heat insulation member 16. It has a downstream guide portion 11b. The upstream guide portion 11 a and the downstream guide portion 11 b of the pressure sliding plate 11 are connected by a plate portion 11 d in the short direction of the pressure sliding plate 11.

上流側ガイド部１１ａは、ガイド用底面部１１ａ１と、側壁部１１ａ２と、を有している。そしてガイド用底面部１１ａ１に開口部列１１ｂｈ１を、側壁部１１ａ２に開口部列１１ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。下流側ガイド部１１ｂは、ガイド用底面部１１ｂ１と、側壁部１１ｂ２と、を有している。そしてガイド用底面部１１ｂ１に開口部列１１ｂｈ１を、側壁部１１ｂ２に開口部列１１ｂｈ２を、それぞれ、設けている。   The upstream guide portion 11a includes a guide bottom surface portion 11a1 and a side wall portion 11a2. An opening row 11bh1 is provided in the guide bottom surface portion 11a1, and an opening row 11bh2 is provided in the side wall portion 11a2. The downstream guide portion 11b includes a guide bottom surface portion 11b1 and a side wall portion 11b2. An opening row 11bh1 is provided on the guide bottom surface portion 11b1, and an opening row 11bh2 is provided on the side wall portion 11b2.

これらの開口部列１１ａｈ１，１１ａｈ２，１１ｂｈ１，１１ｂｈ２は、それぞれ、定着フィルム１３の径方向で加圧摺動板１１を貫通する輻射光透過開口部ｈを加圧摺動板１１の長手方向に沿って等間隔に複数設けてなるものである。   Each of these opening rows 11ah1, 11ah2, 11bh1, and 11bh2 has a radiant light transmission opening h that penetrates the pressure sliding plate 11 in the radial direction of the fixing film 13 along the longitudinal direction of the pressure sliding plate 11. Are provided at equal intervals.

この加圧摺動板１１は断熱部材１６に嵌合した状態に組み付けてある。そして加圧摺動板の開口部列１１ａｈ１，１１ａｈ２，１１ｂｈ１，１１ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部は定着フィルムの長手方向で断熱部材の対応する開口部列１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２，１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２の輻射光透過開口部と同一位置に形成してある。   The pressure sliding plate 11 is assembled in a state of being fitted to the heat insulating member 16. The radiant light transmitting apertures of the opening row 11ah1, 11ah2, 11bh1, 11bh2 of the pressure sliding plate are the radiant light transmitting apertures of the corresponding aperture rows 16ah1, 16ah2, 16bh1, 16bh2 of the heat insulating member in the longitudinal direction of the fixing film. It is formed at the same position as the part.

本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、実施例１の定着装置Ｂと同様の加熱効率改善効果を得ることを目的としたものであるが、輻射光反射板２０の効果が重要である。そのため、輻射光反射板２０に加圧ステー１５の開口部列と重なる開口部列を設けて加圧ステー１５に近接配置する構成を採用している。   The fixing device B of the present embodiment is intended to obtain the same heating efficiency improvement effect as the fixing device B of the first embodiment, but the effect of the radiant light reflection plate 20 is important. Therefore, a configuration is adopted in which an opening row that overlaps the opening row of the pressurizing stay 15 is provided on the radiant light reflection plate 20 and is arranged close to the pressurizing stay 15.

この輻射光反射板２０に開口部列を形成する際、単純に開口部列の形成加工を行うと、上流側反射部２０ａ、下流側反射部２０ｂで仕切られている定着ニップ部Ｎ側の反射側壁部２０ａ２，２０ｂ２には直接輻射光を導くことが困難となる。また、遮蔽底面部２０ａ１，２０ｂ１に輻射光を導入するための開口部列を設けるにしても、この開口部列を通過した輻射光が定着フィルム１３内面に到達するまでに中央反射部２０ｄの高さ分の長い空間距離を通過させる必要がある。この場合、その空間距離を輻射光が通過する間に回折によって加圧ステー１５内部に輻射光が回り込んで吸収される割合が高くなる。   When forming the opening row in the radiant light reflecting plate 20, if the opening row forming process is simply performed, the reflection on the fixing nip portion N side partitioned by the upstream reflection portion 20a and the downstream reflection portion 20b is reflected. It is difficult to direct radiation light to the side wall portions 20a2 and 20b2. Further, even if an opening row for introducing radiant light is provided in the shielding bottom surface portions 20a1 and 20b1, the height of the central reflecting portion 20d is increased until the radiant light that has passed through the opening row reaches the inner surface of the fixing film 13. It is necessary to pass a long space distance. In this case, while the radiation light passes through the spatial distance, the ratio of the radiation light that wraps around the pressure stay 15 and is absorbed by diffraction increases.

このため、本実施例の定着装置Ｂでは、加圧ステー１５の中央突出部１５ｅの短手幅を定着ニップ部Ｎの短手幅よりやや大きくなる程度の幅まで縮小している。そして加圧ステー１５の中央突出部１５ｅと上流側加圧部１５ａとの間、及び中央突出部１５ｅと下流側加圧部１５ｂとの間の空間を広げて中央突出部１５ｅの短手方向両側に溝部１５ｅ，１５ｇ（図１０（Ｂ）参照）を形成している。この溝部１５ｅ，１５ｇの横断面形状に沿って輻射光反射板２０を成型加工することで輻射光反射板２０の開口部列から定着フィルム１３内面までの空間距離を最小限に短縮し、不要な輻射光の吸収を抑えて効率よく定着フィルム１３を加熱できる構成としている。   For this reason, in the fixing device B of the present embodiment, the short width of the central protrusion 15e of the pressure stay 15 is reduced to a width that is slightly larger than the short width of the fixing nip portion N. And the space between the central protrusion 15e and the upstream pressure part 15a of the pressure stay 15 and between the central protrusion 15e and the downstream pressure part 15b is widened so that both sides of the central protrusion 15e in the short side direction. Groove portions 15e and 15g (see FIG. 10B) are formed in the upper surface. By molding the radiation reflecting plate 20 along the cross-sectional shape of the grooves 15e and 15g, the spatial distance from the opening row of the radiation reflecting plate 20 to the inner surface of the fixing film 13 is minimized, which is unnecessary. The fixing film 13 can be efficiently heated while suppressing the absorption of radiation light.

以上説明したように、本実施例の定着装置Ｂは、簡易な変更でハロゲンヒータ式フィルム加熱型の定着装置の加熱効率を改善したものである。従って、本実施例の定着装置Ｂを搭載したプリンタにおいてもユーザーのプリント待ち時間を大幅に短縮することができる。   As described above, the fixing device B of the present embodiment improves the heating efficiency of the halogen heater type film heating type fixing device with a simple change. Therefore, even in a printer equipped with the fixing device B of this embodiment, the user's print waiting time can be greatly reduced.

［他の実施例］
実施例１乃至実施例５で説明した定着装置はフルカラーレーザプリンタに搭載してもよい。 [Other embodiments]
The fixing device described in the first to fifth embodiments may be mounted on a full color laser printer.

１１：加圧摺動板、１１ａｈ１，１１ａｈ２，１１ｂｈ１，１１ｂｈ２：加圧摺動板の開口部列
１２：ハロゲンヒータ、１３：定着フィルム、１４：加圧ローラ、
１５：加圧ステー、１５ａ１，１５ｂ１：底面部、１５ａ２，１５ｂ２：側壁部、１５ａｈ１，１５ａｈ２，１５ａｈ３，１５ａｈ４，１５ｂｈ１，１５ｂｈ２，１５ｂｈ３，１５ｂｈ４：加圧ステーの開口部列、１５ａｈ３：上流側リブ列用開口部列、１５ｂｈ３：下流側リブ列用開口部列、１５ａ３，１５ｂ３：中央折り曲げ部
１６：断熱部材、１６ａ１，１６ｂ１：底面部、１６ａ２，１６ｂ２：側壁部、１６ａｈ１，１６ａｈ２，１６ａｈ３，１６ａｈ４，１６ｂｈ１，１６ｂｈ２，１６ｂｈ３，１６ｂｈ４：断熱部材の開口部列、１６ａ１１：上流側リブ列のリブ、１６ａ２：上流側リブ列、１６ｂ１１：下流側リブ列のリブ、１６ｂ２：下流側リブ列、１６ａ２ｈ１：上流側リブ列の開口部列、１６ｂ２ｈ１：下流側リブ列の開口部列
１９：輻射光遮蔽板、１９ａ：上流側遮蔽部、１９ｂ：下流側遮蔽部、１９ｃ：伝熱部、１９ａｈ１，１９ａｈ２：上流側遮蔽部の開口部列、１９ｂｈ１，１９ｂｈ２：下流側遮蔽部の開口部列、
２０：輻射光反射板、２０ａｈ１，２０ａｈ２，２０ｂｈ１，２０ｂｈ２：輻射光反射板の開口部列、
ｈ：輻射光透過開口部、Ｎ：定着ニップ部、Ｐ：記録材、Ｔ：未定着トナー画像、Ｗ１：スリット状開口部、Ｗ２：定着フィルム加熱用開口部、ＰＵ：加圧ユニット 11: pressure sliding plate, 11ah1, 11ah2, 11bh1, 11bh2: opening row of pressure sliding plate 12: halogen heater, 13: fixing film, 14: pressure roller,
15: Pressure stay, 15a1, 15b1: Bottom surface, 15a2, 15b2: Side wall, 15ah1, 15ah2, 15ah3, 15ah4, 15bh1, 15bh2, 15bh3, 15bh4: Opening row of pressure stays, 15ah3: Upstream rib row 15bh3: downstream rib row opening row, 15a3, 15b3: central bent portion 16: heat insulating member, 16a1, 16b1: bottom surface portion, 16a2, 16b2: side wall portion, 16ah1, 16ah2, 16ah3, 16ah4 16bh1, 16bh2, 16bh3, 16bh4: Opening row of heat insulating members, 16a11: Rib of upstream rib row, 16a2: Upstream rib row, 16b11: Rib of downstream rib row, 16b2: Downstream rib row, 16a2h1: Upstream Opening row of side rib row, 16b2h1: Opening of downstream rib row Partial row 19: Radiation shielding plate, 19a: Upstream shielding portion, 19b: Downstream shielding portion, 19c: Heat transfer portion, 19ah1, 19ah2: Opening row of upstream shielding portion, 19bh1, 19bh2: Downstream shielding portion Opening column,
20: Radiation light reflection plate, 20ah1, 20ah2, 20bh1, 20bh2: Opening row of radiation light reflection plate,
h: radiant light transmission opening, N: fixing nip, P: recording material, T: unfixed toner image, W1: slit-like opening, W2: fixing film heating opening, PU: pressure unit

Claims (7)

筒状の加熱回転体と、前記加熱回転体の内部に設けられた輻射発熱体と、前記加熱回転体と接触してニップ部を形成する加圧回転体と、前記加圧回転体に対して前記加熱回転体を内部から摺動回転可能に加圧する加圧ユニットと、を有し、
前記加圧ユニットは、加圧支持体と、前記加圧支持体と前記加熱回転体との間を断熱する断熱部材と、前記ニップ部において前記加熱回転体の内面と摺動する加圧摺動板と、を有し、前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材において、前記ニップ部とは反対側を通過する前記加熱回転体の半周分の領域には前記輻射発熱体からの輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射するための開口が設けられ、前記ニップ部の側の領域には前記輻射発熱体からの輻射光を前記加圧摺動板に照射するための開口が設けられており、
前記ニップ部で画像を担持する記録材を搬送しつつ加熱して記録材に画像を定着する定着装置において、
前記加圧支持体と、前記断熱部材は、それぞれ、記録材搬送方向上流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域と、記録材搬送方向下流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域に、前記輻射発熱体の輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射可能とする開口部列を少なくとも記録材搬送方向に２つ以上有し、前記領域のそれぞれにおいて前記開口部列が前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材の剛性を維持可能な範囲で前記記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向に千鳥状に配置されていることを特徴とする定着装置。 A cylindrical heating rotator, a radiation heating element provided inside the heating rotator, a pressure rotator that contacts the heating rotator to form a nip portion, and the pressure rotator. A pressure unit that pressurizes the heating rotator so as to be slidably rotatable from the inside;
The pressure unit includes a pressure support, a heat insulating member that insulates between the pressure support and the heating rotator, and a pressure slide that slides on the inner surface of the heating rotator at the nip portion. In the region of a half circumference of the heating rotating body passing through the opposite side of the nip portion in the pressure support body and the heat insulating member, the radiation light from the radiation heating element is heated. An opening for irradiating the inner surface of the rotating body is provided, and an opening for irradiating the pressure sliding plate with radiation light from the radiation heating element is provided in a region on the nip portion side,
In the fixing device for fixing the image on the recording material by heating while conveying the recording material carrying the image in the nip portion,
The pressure support and the heat insulating member respectively radiate the radiation into the region from the bottom surface portion to the side wall portion on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and the region from the bottom surface portion to the side wall portion on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. There are at least two opening rows that can irradiate the inner surface of the heating rotator with radiant light of the heating element in the recording material conveyance direction, and the opening rows in each of the regions are the pressure support and the A fixing device, wherein the fixing device is arranged in a staggered manner in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the recording material conveyance direction within a range in which the rigidity of the heat insulating member can be maintained. 前記断熱部材の前記記録材搬送方向上流側と前記記録材搬送方向下流側の前記側壁部は、前記記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向に沿ってリブを複数設けたリブ列に形成され、前記加圧支持体の前記記録材搬送方向上流側と前記記録材搬送方向下流側の前記側壁部は、前記リブ列の前記記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向で隣り合う前記リブと前記リブとの間に前記輻射発熱体の輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射可能とする開口部を設けた開口部列を有し、前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材の前記底面部のそれぞれの開口部列は、前記リブ列に対して前記長手方向に千鳥状に配置されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の定着装置。   The side wall portions on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction and the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction of the heat insulating member are formed in a rib row provided with a plurality of ribs along a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the recording material conveyance direction, The ribs adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the recording material conveyance direction of the rib row are formed on the side walls of the pressure support in the recording material conveyance direction upstream side and the recording material conveyance direction downstream side. Each of the openings of the pressure support and the bottom surface of the heat insulating member has an opening row provided with an opening that allows irradiation of the radiation light of the radiation heating element to the inner surface of the heating rotator. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the part rows are arranged in a staggered manner in the longitudinal direction with respect to the rib rows. 前記リブ列は、前記リブのそれぞれに前記輻射発熱体の輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射可能とする開口部を設けた開口部列を有し、前記加圧支持体の前記記録材搬送方向上流側と前記記録材搬送方向下流側の前記側壁部は、前記リブ列の開口部列と同一位置に前記輻射発熱体の輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射可能とする開口部を設けた開口部列を有し、前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材の前記底面部のそれぞれの開口部列は、前記加圧支持体の前記側壁部に対して前記長手方向に千鳥状に配置されていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の定着装置。   The rib row has an opening row in which an opening is provided in each of the ribs so as to irradiate the inner surface of the heating rotary member with radiation light of the radiation heating element, and the recording material of the pressure support member The side wall portions on the upstream side in the transport direction and the downstream side in the recording material transport direction are openings that can irradiate the inner surface of the heating rotator with the radiant light of the radiant heating elements at the same positions as the opening rows of the rib rows. The opening row of the pressure support and the bottom surface of the heat insulating member is staggered in the longitudinal direction with respect to the side wall of the pressure support. The fixing device according to claim 2, wherein the fixing device is arranged. 前記加圧支持体の有する前記２つ以上の開口部列と、前記断熱部材の有する前記２つ以上の開口部列を、それぞれ、前記記録材搬送方向と平行な短手方向に長い縦長開口部として前記加圧支持体の前記底面部と前記側壁部の間の折り曲げ部まで形成して前記記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向に千鳥状に配置し、前記加圧支持体の前記底面部の前記加圧摺動板に照射するための前記開口の側には補強用折り曲げ部を前記輻射発熱体から前記加圧摺動板へ照射される輻射光を遮らない角度で形成していることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の定着装置。   The two or more openings arranged in the pressurizing support and the two or more openings arranged in the heat insulating member are elongated vertically in the short direction parallel to the recording material conveyance direction. As a bent portion between the bottom surface portion and the side wall portion of the pressure support body and arranged in a zigzag in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the recording material conveyance direction, and the bottom surface portion of the pressure support body On the side of the opening for irradiating the pressure sliding plate, a reinforcing bent portion is formed at an angle that does not block the radiant light irradiated from the radiation heating element to the pressure sliding plate. The fixing device according to claim 1. 前記輻射発熱体と前記加圧支持体との間に、少なくとも前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材の前記記録材搬送方向上流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域と、前記記録材搬送方向下流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域に有する前記開口部列のそれぞれと重なる位置に開口部列が形成された輻射光遮蔽部材を有し、前記輻射光遮蔽部材は前記加圧支持体の前記輻射発熱体の側に近接配置されていることを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求項４の何れか１項に記載の定着装置。   Between the radiation heating element and the pressure support, at least a region from the bottom surface to the side wall of the pressure support and the heat insulating member on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction, and downstream in the recording material conveyance direction A radiation shielding member having an opening row formed at a position overlapping with each of the opening row rows in the region from the bottom surface portion to the side wall portion, and the radiation light shielding member The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is disposed close to the side of the radiation heating element. 筒状の加熱回転体と、前記加熱回転体の内部に設けられた輻射発熱体と、前記加熱回転体と接触してニップ部を形成する加圧回転体と、前記加圧回転体に対して前記加熱回転体を内部から摺動回転可能に加圧する加圧ユニットと、を有し、
前記加圧ユニットは、加圧支持体と、前記加圧支持体と前記加熱回転体との間を断熱する断熱部材と、前記ニップ部において前記加熱回転体の内面と摺動する加圧摺動板と、を有し、前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材において、前記ニップ部とは反対側を通過する前記加熱回転体の半周分の領域には前記輻射発熱体からの輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射するための開口が設けられており、
前記ニップ部で画像を担持する記録材を搬送しつつ加熱して記録材に画像を定着する定着装置において、
前記加圧支持体と、前記断熱部材と、加圧摺動板は、それぞれ、記録材搬送方向上流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域と、記録材搬送方向下流側の底面部から側壁部までの領域に、前記輻射発熱体の輻射光を前記加熱回転体の内面に照射可能とする開口部列を少なくとも記録材搬送方向に２つ以上有し、前記領域のそれぞれにおいて前記開口部列が前記加圧支持体と前記断熱部材の剛性を維持可能な範囲で前記記録材搬送方向と直交する長手方向に千鳥状に配置されていることを特徴とする定着装置。 A cylindrical heating rotator, a radiation heating element provided inside the heating rotator, a pressure rotator that contacts the heating rotator to form a nip portion, and the pressure rotator. A pressure unit that pressurizes the heating rotator so as to be slidably rotatable from the inside;
The pressure unit includes a pressure support, a heat insulating member that insulates between the pressure support and the heating rotator, and a pressure slide that slides on the inner surface of the heating rotator at the nip portion. In the region of a half circumference of the heating rotating body passing through the opposite side of the nip portion in the pressure support body and the heat insulating member, the radiation light from the radiation heating element is heated. An opening for irradiating the inner surface of the rotating body is provided,
In the fixing device for fixing the image on the recording material by heating while conveying the recording material carrying the image in the nip portion,
The pressure support, the heat insulating member, and the pressure sliding plate are respectively a region from the bottom surface portion to the side wall portion on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction, and a side wall portion from the bottom surface portion on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. In the region up to at least two aperture rows in the recording material transport direction that allow the radiation of the radiation heating element to irradiate the inner surface of the heating rotator. A fixing device, wherein the fixing device is arranged in a staggered manner in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the recording material conveyance direction within a range in which the rigidity of the pressure support and the heat insulating member can be maintained. 記録材に画像を形成する画像形成部と、記録材に形成された画像を記録材に定着する定着部と、を有する画像形成装置において、
前記定着部は請求項１乃至請求項６の何れか１項に記載の定着装置を備えることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 In an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on the recording material to the recording material.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing unit includes the fixing device according to claim 1.
JP2012265093A 2012-12-04 2012-12-04 Fixing device and image forming apparatus provided with the fixing device Active JP6012443B2 (en)

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JP2016024422A (en) * 2014-07-24 2016-02-08 株式会社沖データ Fixation device and image forming apparatus
JP2016109755A (en) * 2014-12-03 2016-06-20 キヤノン株式会社 Image heating device
JP2017156407A (en) * 2016-02-29 2017-09-07 キヤノン株式会社 Image heating device
JP2017207535A (en) * 2016-05-16 2017-11-24 株式会社リコー Fixing device and image forming apparatus
JP2020126212A (en) * 2019-01-31 2020-08-20 株式会社リコー Fixing device and image forming apparatus

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JP2016024422A (en) * 2014-07-24 2016-02-08 株式会社沖データ Fixation device and image forming apparatus
JP2016109755A (en) * 2014-12-03 2016-06-20 キヤノン株式会社 Image heating device
JP2017156407A (en) * 2016-02-29 2017-09-07 キヤノン株式会社 Image heating device
JP2017207535A (en) * 2016-05-16 2017-11-24 株式会社リコー Fixing device and image forming apparatus
JP2020126212A (en) * 2019-01-31 2020-08-20 株式会社リコー Fixing device and image forming apparatus

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