JP2020139978A - Fixing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Fixing device and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP2020139978A
JP2020139978A JP2019033186A JP2019033186A JP2020139978A JP 2020139978 A JP2020139978 A JP 2020139978A JP 2019033186 A JP2019033186 A JP 2019033186A JP 2019033186 A JP2019033186 A JP 2019033186A JP 2020139978 A JP2020139978 A JP 2020139978A
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fixing belt
guide member
fixing
fixing device
paper
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JP7247650B2 (en
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和大 岡本
Kazuhiro Okamoto
和大 岡本
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Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
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Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
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Abstract

To provide a fixing device that can prevent stick-slip with a simple method.SOLUTION: A fixing device comprises: a rotatable endless fixing belt having flexibility; a pressure member that is driven by a driving source and forms, with the fixing belt, a pressure area through which a sheet is sandwiched and conveyed; a guide member 27 that has a shorter width than that of the fixing belt, and is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt in an area other than the pressure area to give a tensile force to the fixing belt; and a protective member 51 that covers both ends of the guide member 27 in a width direction of the fixing belt to prevent damage to the fixing belt caused by the edges of both ends. The guide member 27 is provided such that a pressing force pressing the fixing belt becomes larger toward an exit side from an entrance side of the pressure area, and the protective member 51 is formed to have a length in the width direction shorter on the exit side than the entrance side of the pressure area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

本発明は、用紙にトナー像を定着させる定着装置及びこの定着装置を備えた画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a toner image on paper and an image forming device provided with the fixing device.

定着ベルト方式の定着装置には、加圧領域よりも定着ベルトの回転方向の下流側で、定着ベルトの内周面に接触して、定着ベルトに張力を付与するガイド部材が備えられている場合がある。ガイド部材は定着ベルトの内周面に接触するので、ガイド部材の両端のエッジによって定着ベルトの内周面が損傷することがある。定着ベルトの内周面を保護するために、ガイド部材の両端のエッジは保護テープで覆われている。 When the fixing belt type fixing device is provided with a guide member that applies tension to the fixing belt by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the fixing belt from the pressure region. There is. Since the guide member comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt may be damaged by the edges at both ends of the guide member. In order to protect the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, the edges at both ends of the guide member are covered with protective tape.

このようなガイド部材を設ける場合、定着ベルトの回転時に、保護テープを含むガイド部材と定着ベルトとがスティックスリップを起こし、ガイド部材を振動させて異音が発生するという問題がある。 When such a guide member is provided, there is a problem that when the fixing belt is rotated, the guide member including the protective tape and the fixing belt cause stick slip, and the guide member is vibrated to generate an abnormal noise.

スティックスリップを防止するために、特許文献１に記載の画像加熱装置（定着装置）では、ベルト（定着ベルト）の回転速度を検知してスティックスリップの発生を判定し、ベルトの回転速度を変更可能に制御している。また、特許文献２に記載の定着装置は、スティックスリップによって発生した異音の放散を抑制するラビリンス構造のシール部材を備えている。 In order to prevent stick slip, the image heating device (fixing device) described in Patent Document 1 can detect the rotation speed of the belt (fixing belt), determine the occurrence of stick slip, and change the rotation speed of the belt. It is controlled to. Further, the fixing device described in Patent Document 2 includes a seal member having a labyrinth structure that suppresses the emission of abnormal noise generated by stick slip.

特開２００８−４０４２０号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-40420 特開２０１８−１４６７０７号公報JP-A-2018-146707

しかしながら特許文献１に記載された画像加熱装置では、ベルトを回転させるモーターの駆動音が大きくなったり、モーターの消費電力が増加したりするという問題がある。また、特許文献２の定着装置では、異音の発生は低減できるが、振動を十分には抑制できないので、振動による問題を解決できない。 However, the image heating device described in Patent Document 1 has problems that the driving sound of the motor that rotates the belt becomes loud and the power consumption of the motor increases. Further, the fixing device of Patent Document 2 can reduce the generation of abnormal noise, but cannot sufficiently suppress the vibration, so that the problem caused by the vibration cannot be solved.

本発明は上記事情を考慮し、スティックスリップを簡易な方法で抑制できる定着装置及び画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。 In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device and an image forming device capable of suppressing stick slip by a simple method.

上記課題を解決するため、本発明の定着装置は、可撓性を有する回転可能な無端状の定着ベルトと、駆動源によって駆動されて、前記定着ベルトとの間に用紙が挟持搬送される加圧領域を形成する加圧部材と、前記定着ベルトよりも短い幅を有し、前記加圧領域以外の領域で前記定着ベルトの内周面に接触して、前記定着ベルトに張力を付与するガイド部材と、前記ガイド部材の前記定着ベルトの幅方向における両端部をそれぞれ覆い、該両端部のエッジによる前記定着ベルトの損傷を抑制する保護部材と、を備え、前記ガイド部材は、前記定着ベルトを押圧する押圧力が、前記加圧領域の入口の側よりも出口の側へ向かって強くなるように設けられ、前記保護部材は、前記幅方向における長さが、前記加圧領域の入口の側よりも出口の側が短く形成されていることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above problems, the fixing device of the present invention is driven by a flexible and rotatable endless fixing belt and a drive source, and the paper is sandwiched and conveyed between the fixing belts. A guide that has a width shorter than that of the fixing belt and has a width shorter than that of the fixing belt and is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt in a region other than the pressing region to apply tension to the fixing belt. The guide member includes a member and a protective member that covers both ends of the guide member in the width direction of the fixing belt and suppresses damage to the fixing belt by the edges of the both ends. The guide member holds the fixing belt. The pressing force to be pressed is provided so as to be stronger toward the outlet side than the inlet side of the pressurizing region, and the protective member has a length in the width direction on the inlet side of the pressurizing region. It is characterized in that the exit side is formed shorter than that.

本発明の定着装置において、前記保護部材は、前記ガイド部材の前記両端部のエッジよりも外側にはみ出していることを特徴としてもよい。 The fixing device of the present invention may be characterized in that the protective member protrudes outward from the edges of both ends of the guide member.

本発明の定着装置において、前記保護部材は、所定の厚さを有するシート状の部材であり、前記ガイド部材の前記両端部の外周面に接着されていることを特徴としてもよい。 In the fixing device of the present invention, the protective member may be a sheet-like member having a predetermined thickness, and may be characterized in that it is adhered to the outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the guide member.

本発明の定着装置において、前記ガイド部材は、バネ性を有する材料で形成され、前記定着ベルトを押圧する半円筒状の本体部と、前記本体部の周方向において、前記加圧領域の出口の側の端部に設けられる自由端部及び前記加圧領域の入口の側に設けられる固定端部と、を有していることを特徴としてもよい。 In the fixing device of the present invention, the guide member is formed of a springy material, and has a semi-cylindrical main body that presses the fixing belt and an outlet of the pressure region in the circumferential direction of the main body. It may be characterized by having a free end portion provided at the side end portion and a fixed end portion provided on the inlet side of the pressure region.

本発明の定着装置において、前記加圧領域において、前記定着ベルトの内周面に接触して前記定着ベルトを前記加圧部材に押し付ける押圧パッドと、前記押圧パッドを支持する支持部材と、をさらに備え、前記ガイド部材の前記固定端部は、前記支持部材に固定されていることを特徴としてもよい。 In the fixing device of the present invention, in the pressure region, a pressing pad that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and presses the fixing belt against the pressing member, and a supporting member that supports the pressing pad are further provided. The fixed end portion of the guide member may be fixed to the support member.

本発明の画像形成装置は、用紙にトナー像を形成する画像形成部と、前記トナー像を前記用紙に定着する上記のいずれかに記載の定着装置と、を備えていることを特徴とする。 The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized by including an image forming unit that forms a toner image on paper, and the fixing device according to any one of the above, which fixes the toner image on the paper.

本発明によれば、定着ベルトに与えられる張力が大きい側では、定着ベルトと保護テープ部材との摩擦が小さくなっているので、定着ベルトの回転時のガイド部材の振動を抑え、スティックスリップによる異音の発生を低減できる。 According to the present invention, on the side where the tension applied to the fixing belt is large, the friction between the fixing belt and the protective tape member is small, so that the vibration of the guide member during the rotation of the fixing belt is suppressed, and the difference due to stick slip occurs. The generation of sound can be reduced.

本発明の一実施形態に係るプリンターの内部構成を模式的に示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows typically the internal structure of the printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the fixing device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置において、ガイド部材の一端部を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows one end part of the guide member in the fixing device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

以下、図面を参照しつつ本発明の画像形成装置及び定着装置について説明する。 Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus and the fixing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

まず、図１を用いて、画像形成装置の全体の構成について説明する。図１は画像形成装置の内部構成を模式的に示す正面図である。以下、図１における紙面手前側を画像形成装置の正面側（前側）とする。各図のＬ及びＲは、それぞれ左方向及び右方向を示す。 First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus. L and R in each figure indicate the left direction and the right direction, respectively.

画像形成装置１の装置本体２には、用紙Ｓが収容される給紙カセット３と、給紙カセット３から用紙Ｓを送り出す給紙装置５と、用紙Ｓにトナー像を形成する画像形成部７と、トナー像を用紙Ｓに定着する定着装置９と、用紙Ｓを排紙する排紙装置１１と、排紙された用紙Ｓが積載される排紙トレイ１３と、が備えられている。さらに、装置本体２には、給紙装置５から、画像形成部７と定着装置９とを通って排紙装置１１に向かう用紙Ｓの搬送経路１５が形成されている。 The device main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed cassette 3 in which the paper S is housed, a paper feed device 5 for feeding the paper S from the paper feed cassette 3, and an image forming unit 7 for forming a toner image on the paper S. A fixing device 9 for fixing the toner image to the paper S, a paper ejection device 11 for ejecting the paper S, and a paper ejection tray 13 on which the ejected paper S is loaded are provided. Further, the apparatus main body 2 is formed with a paper S transport path 15 from the paper feeding device 5 to the paper discharging device 11 through the image forming unit 7 and the fixing device 9.

給紙装置５によって給紙カセット３から給紙された用紙Ｓは、搬送経路１５に沿って画像形成部７に搬送され、用紙Ｓにトナー像が形成される。用紙Ｓは搬送経路１５に沿って定着装置９に搬送され、定着装置９においてトナー像が用紙Ｓに定着される。トナー像が定着された用紙Ｓは排紙装置１１から排出されて、排紙トレイ１３に積載される。 The paper S fed from the paper cassette 3 by the paper feed device 5 is conveyed to the image forming unit 7 along the transfer path 15, and a toner image is formed on the paper S. The paper S is conveyed to the fixing device 9 along the conveying path 15, and the toner image is fixed to the paper S in the fixing device 9. The paper S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged from the paper ejection device 11 and loaded on the paper ejection tray 13.

次に、図２及び図３を参照して、定着装置９について説明する。図２は定着装置の断面図、図３はガイド部材の端部を示す斜視図である。 Next, the fixing device 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an end portion of the guide member.

定着装置９は、無端状の定着ベルト２１と、定着ベルト２１との間に加圧領域Ｎを形成する加圧部材としての加圧ローラー２３と、加圧領域Ｎにおいて、定着ベルト２１を内周面の側から加圧ローラー２３に押し付ける押圧パッド２５と、定着ベルト２１に張力を付与するガイド部材２７と、定着ベルト２１を加熱するＩＨヒーター２９と、を備えている。 The fixing device 9 has a pressure roller 23 as a pressure member forming a pressure region N between the endless fixing belt 21 and the fixing belt 21, and an inner circumference of the fixing belt 21 in the pressure region N. It includes a pressing pad 25 that presses against the pressure roller 23 from the surface side, a guide member 27 that applies tension to the fixing belt 21, and an IH heater 29 that heats the fixing belt 21.

定着ベルト２１は、所定の内径を有し、用紙Ｓの幅よりも長い幅を有する無端状ベルトである。定着ベルト２１は、可撓性を有する材料で形成され、基材層と、基材層の外周面に設けられる弾性層と、弾性層の外周面に設けられる離型層と、を有している。基材層は、Ｎｉ等の磁性金属や、ＣｕやＡｇ、Ａｌ等の金属を付与したポリイミド樹脂で形成されている。弾性層は、シリコンゴム等で形成されている。離型層は、ＰＦＡチューブ等で形成されている。また、基材層の内周面に摺動層が形成される場合もある。摺動層は、ポリイミドアミドやＰＴＦＥ等で形成されている。 The fixing belt 21 is an endless belt having a predetermined inner diameter and a width longer than the width of the paper S. The fixing belt 21 is made of a flexible material and has a base material layer, an elastic layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base material layer, and a release layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer. There is. The base material layer is formed of a magnetic metal such as Ni or a polyimide resin to which a metal such as Cu, Ag, or Al is added. The elastic layer is made of silicon rubber or the like. The release layer is formed of a PFA tube or the like. In addition, a sliding layer may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base material layer. The sliding layer is formed of polyimide amide, PTFE or the like.

定着ベルト２１の両端部は、定着ハウジング（図示省略）に回転可能に支持されている。 Both ends of the fixing belt 21 are rotatably supported by a fixing housing (not shown).

定着ベルト２１の中空部には、支持部材３１が配置されている。支持部材３１は、定着ベルト２１の幅方向に長い、断面形状がコの字状の部材であり、垂直壁３１ａと、垂直壁３１ａの上下端から同じ方向に略直角に屈曲する上下の水平壁３１ｂと、を有している。垂直壁３１ａには、上下方向の中心付近に位置決め用の貫通孔３１ｃが形成されている。上下の水平壁３１ｂの先端は、互いに近接する方向に略直角に屈曲している。支持部材３１は、垂直壁３１ａが右側で、上下の水平壁３１ｂ間の開口が左側を向く姿勢で、定着ベルト２１の中空部に配置されている。支持部材３１は、定着ベルト２１の中空部を貫通して、両端が定着ハウジングに固定されている。 A support member 31 is arranged in the hollow portion of the fixing belt 21. The support member 31 is a member having a U-shaped cross section that is long in the width direction of the fixing belt 21, and is a vertical wall 31a and an upper and lower horizontal wall that bends substantially at right angles in the same direction from the upper and lower ends of the vertical wall 31a. It has 31b and. The vertical wall 31a is formed with a through hole 31c for positioning near the center in the vertical direction. The tips of the upper and lower horizontal walls 31b are bent at substantially right angles in the directions close to each other. The support member 31 is arranged in the hollow portion of the fixing belt 21 with the vertical wall 31a on the right side and the opening between the upper and lower horizontal walls 31b facing the left side. The support member 31 penetrates the hollow portion of the fixing belt 21 and both ends are fixed to the fixing housing.

加圧ローラー２３は、芯金と、芯金の外周面に設けられる弾性層と、弾性層の外周面に設けられる離型層と、を有している。弾性層は、シリコンゴム等で形成されている。離型層は、ＰＦＡチューブ等で形成されている。 The pressure roller 23 has a core metal, an elastic layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the core metal, and a mold release layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer. The elastic layer is made of silicon rubber or the like. The release layer is formed of a PFA tube or the like.

加圧ローラー２３は、定着ベルト２１の右側から、定着ベルト２１に接触するように配置されて、定着ハウジングに回転可能に支持されている。加圧ローラー２３は、駆動源２４に接続して駆動され、図２の時計回り方向に回転する。 The pressure roller 23 is arranged from the right side of the fixing belt 21 so as to be in contact with the fixing belt 21, and is rotatably supported by the fixing housing. The pressurizing roller 23 is connected to the drive source 24 and driven, and rotates in the clockwise direction of FIG.

押圧パッド２５は、定着ベルト２１の幅方向に長い、扁平な略直方体状の部材である。押圧パッド２５は、定着ベルト２１の内周面に対向する側の接触面と、接触面とは反対側で支持部材３１に固定される側の固定面と、を有している。接触面は、加圧ローラーの外周面に対応するように凹状に湾曲している。固定面には、位置決め用突起２５ａが形成されている。 The pressing pad 25 is a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped member that is long in the width direction of the fixing belt 21. The pressing pad 25 has a contact surface on the side facing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 and a fixing surface on the side opposite to the contact surface and fixed to the support member 31. The contact surface is concavely curved so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller. A positioning protrusion 25a is formed on the fixed surface.

押圧パッド２５は、接触面が定着ベルト２１の内周面に対向する姿勢で、固定面が、支持部材３１の垂直壁３１ａの外側の面に固定されている。この際、固定面の位置決め用突起２５ａが、垂直壁３１ａの位置決め用の貫通孔３１ｃに嵌合して、押圧パッド２５が支持部材３１に位置決めされる。このように押圧パッド２５の固定面が支持部材３１に固定されると、接触面が定着ベルト２１の内周面に接触して、定着ベルト２１を加圧ローラー２３に押し当てる。この結果、押圧パッド２５で押し当てられる定着ベルト２１と加圧ローラー２３との間に加圧領域Ｎが形成される。 The pressing pad 25 has a contact surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21, and the fixed surface is fixed to the outer surface of the vertical wall 31a of the support member 31. At this time, the positioning protrusion 25a on the fixed surface is fitted into the positioning through hole 31c of the vertical wall 31a, and the pressing pad 25 is positioned on the support member 31. When the fixed surface of the pressing pad 25 is fixed to the support member 31 in this way, the contact surface comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 and presses the fixing belt 21 against the pressure roller 23. As a result, a pressure region N is formed between the fixing belt 21 pressed by the pressure pad 25 and the pressure roller 23.

押圧パッド２５の接触面は、摺動シート３３によって覆われている。摺動シート３３の両端部は、支持部材３１の上下の水平壁３１ｂにそれぞれ固定されている。 The contact surface of the pressing pad 25 is covered with a sliding sheet 33. Both ends of the sliding sheet 33 are fixed to the upper and lower horizontal walls 31b of the support member 31, respectively.

ガイド部材２７は、定着ベルト２１の幅よりも短い幅を有し、半円筒状の本体部４１と、本体部４１の周方向における一方の端部に設けられる自由端部４３と、本体部４１の周方向における他方の端部に設けられる固定端部４５と、を有している。本体部４１は、定着ベルト２１の内周面に沿った円弧状の断面形状を有している。自由端部４３は、本体部４１の一方の端部から内側に屈曲している。固定端部４５は、本体部４１の他方の端部から内側に屈曲するベース部４５ａと、ベース部４５ａの先端から外方向に略直角に屈曲する先端部４５ｂと、を有している。ガイド部材２７は、バネ性を有する導電性の材料で形成されている。 The guide member 27 has a width shorter than the width of the fixing belt 21, and has a semi-cylindrical main body 41, a free end 43 provided at one end of the main body 41 in the circumferential direction, and a main body 41. It has a fixed end portion 45 provided at the other end portion in the circumferential direction of the above. The main body 41 has an arcuate cross-sectional shape along the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21. The free end 43 is bent inward from one end of the main body 41. The fixed end portion 45 has a base portion 45a that bends inward from the other end portion of the main body portion 41, and a tip portion 45b that bends outward at a substantially right angle from the tip end of the base portion 45a. The guide member 27 is made of a conductive material having a spring property.

ガイド部材２７は、定着ベルト２１の内周面の左半分に対向して、自由端部４３が上側、固定端部４５が下側となる姿勢で、定着ベルト２１の中空部に配置されている。固定端部４５の先端部４５ｂは、支持部材３１の下側の水平壁３１ｂに固定されている。このように、ガイド部材２７は、固定端部４５は加圧領域Ｎの入口に近い側、自由端部４３は加圧領域Ｎの出口に近い側に配置されて、支持部材３１に片持ち式に支持される。ガイド部材２７は、定着ベルト２１の内周面に本体部４１が接触することで、固定端部４５を中心として図２の時計回り方向に回動するように弾性変形し、定着ベルト２１に径方向の外側への張力を与えている。このように、ガイド部材２７は、加圧領域Ｎ以外の領域で、定着ベルト２１の内周面に接触している。 The guide member 27 is arranged in the hollow portion of the fixing belt 21 so as to face the left half of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 so that the free end portion 43 is on the upper side and the fixed end portion 45 is on the lower side. .. The tip end portion 45b of the fixed end portion 45 is fixed to the horizontal wall 31b below the support member 31. As described above, the guide member 27 is cantilevered to the support member 31 by arranging the fixed end 45 on the side close to the inlet of the pressurizing region N and the free end 43 on the side near the outlet of the pressurizing region N. Supported by. When the main body 41 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21, the guide member 27 is elastically deformed so as to rotate clockwise around the fixed end 45, and has a diameter of the fixing belt 21. It gives tension to the outside in the direction. In this way, the guide member 27 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 in a region other than the pressurizing region N.

この際、自由端部４３は固定端部４５から最も遠いので、定着ベルト２１の内周面との接触によって弾性変形する量が最も多くなっている。つまり、ガイド部材２７の本体部４１から定着ベルト２１に与えられる押圧力は、固定端部４５の側から自由端部４３の側に向かって、すなわち、加圧領域Ｎの入口Ｎ１の側から出口Ｎ２の側に向かって徐々に大きくなっている。言い換えると、ガイド部材２７の本体部４１から定着ベルト２１に与えられる押圧力は、定着ベルト２１の回転方向Ａの下流側から上流側へ向かって徐々に大きくなっている。なお、自由端部４３及び固定端部４５は、定着ベルト２１の内周面には接触していない。 At this time, since the free end portion 43 is the farthest from the fixed end portion 45, the amount of elastic deformation due to contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 is the largest. That is, the pressing force applied to the fixing belt 21 from the main body 41 of the guide member 27 is directed from the fixed end 45 side to the free end 43 side, that is, from the inlet N1 side of the pressurizing region N to the exit. It gradually increases toward the N2 side. In other words, the pressing force applied to the fixing belt 21 from the main body 41 of the guide member 27 gradually increases from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotation direction A of the fixing belt 21. The free end portion 43 and the fixed end portion 45 are not in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21.

また、自由端部４３は固定されていないので、本体部４１の自由端部４３の側は、定着ベルト２１の回転によっては変動しやすく、姿勢を一定に保持しにくい。一方で、本体部４１の固定端部４５の側は弾性変形する量が少ない。言い換えると、本体部４１の固定端部４５の側は一定の姿勢で定着ベルト２１の内周面に接触しやすいので、定着ベルト２１の姿勢を一定に保持することができる。固定端部４５は加圧領域Ｎの入口Ｎ１に近いので、固定端部４５と加圧領域Ｎの入口Ｎ１との間で、定着ベルト２１は姿勢が一定に保持される。これによって、用紙Ｓを安定に加圧領域Ｎに進入させることができるようになっている。 Further, since the free end portion 43 is not fixed, the side of the free end portion 43 of the main body portion 41 tends to fluctuate depending on the rotation of the fixing belt 21, and it is difficult to maintain a constant posture. On the other hand, the amount of elastic deformation on the side of the fixed end 45 of the main body 41 is small. In other words, the side of the fixed end portion 45 of the main body portion 41 tends to come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 in a constant posture, so that the posture of the fixing belt 21 can be kept constant. Since the fixed end portion 45 is close to the inlet N1 of the pressurizing region N, the posture of the fixing belt 21 is kept constant between the fixed end portion 45 and the inlet N1 of the pressurizing region N. As a result, the paper S can be stably entered into the pressure region N.

また、定着ベルト２１が後述するＩＨヒーター２９で加熱された際、定着ベルト２１を貫通した磁場がガイド部材２７に吸収されて発熱するので、発熱効率を高める効果も得られる。 Further, when the fixing belt 21 is heated by the IH heater 29 described later, the magnetic field penetrating the fixing belt 21 is absorbed by the guide member 27 to generate heat, so that the effect of increasing the heat generation efficiency can also be obtained.

前述のように、ガイド部材２７の幅は定着ベルト２１の幅よりも短いので、ガイド部材２７の本体部４１が定着ベルト２１の内周面に接触した際に、本体部４１の両端エッジによって、定着ベルト２１の内周面が削られたり摩耗したりする虞がある。そこで、ガイド部材２７の幅方向の両端部には、保護部材としての保護テープ５１が接着されている。 As described above, since the width of the guide member 27 is shorter than the width of the fixing belt 21, when the main body 41 of the guide member 27 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21, the edges of both ends of the main body 41 cause the guide member 27 to be formed. The inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 may be scraped or worn. Therefore, protective tapes 51 as protective members are adhered to both ends of the guide member 27 in the width direction.

図３を参照して保護テープ５１について説明する。保護テープ５１は、ガイド部材２７（本体部４１、自由端部４３、固定端部４５を含む）の外周面の幅方向の両端部に、周方向に沿って接着されている。なお、保護テープ５１は、ガイド部材２７の内周面に回り込んで接着されてもよい。保護テープ５１の幅（保護テープ５１とガイド部材２７との接着面の幅）は、自由端部４３から固定端部４５に向かって、すなわち、加圧領域Ｎの入口Ｎ１の側から出口Ｎ２の側に向かって徐々に狭くなるように形成されている。言い換えると、定着ベルト２１の回転方向Ａの下流側から上流側に向かって徐々に狭くなるように形成されている。 The protective tape 51 will be described with reference to FIG. The protective tape 51 is adhered to both ends in the width direction of the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 27 (including the main body portion 41, the free end portion 43, and the fixed end portion 45) along the circumferential direction. The protective tape 51 may wrap around the inner peripheral surface of the guide member 27 and be adhered. The width of the protective tape 51 (the width of the adhesive surface between the protective tape 51 and the guide member 27) is from the free end portion 43 toward the fixed end portion 45, that is, from the side of the inlet N1 of the pressure region N to the outlet N2. It is formed so as to gradually narrow toward the side. In other words, the fixing belt 21 is formed so as to gradually narrow from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotation direction A.

また、保護テープ５１は、ガイド部材２７の両端のエッジ２７ａよりもやや外側にはみ出すように接着されている。つまり、保護テープ５１は三角形又は台形状の平面形状を有している。一例として、保護テープ５１の最も狭い幅は２ｍｍ〜８ｍｍ、最も広い幅は１０ｍｍ〜２０ｍｍである。保護テープ５１は、摩擦係数の低い樹脂材料（例えば、ＰＴＦＥ）で形成され、厚さは一例で０．０５ｍｍである。このように保護テープ５１は所定の厚さを有しているので、ガイド部材２７の外周面よりも厚さの分だけ盛り上がっている。 Further, the protective tape 51 is adhered so as to protrude slightly outward from the edges 27a at both ends of the guide member 27. That is, the protective tape 51 has a triangular or trapezoidal planar shape. As an example, the narrowest width of the protective tape 51 is 2 mm to 8 mm, and the widest width is 10 mm to 20 mm. The protective tape 51 is made of a resin material having a low coefficient of friction (for example, PTFE), and has a thickness of 0.05 mm in one example. Since the protective tape 51 has a predetermined thickness in this way, it is raised by the thickness of the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 27.

再度図２を参照して、ＩＨヒーター２９は、コイル部と、コイル部を巻線状に保持するコイルボビンと、アーチコアと、を有している。ＩＨヒーター２９は、定着ベルト２１の外周面の左半分を覆うように配置されて、定着ハウジングに支持されている。定着ベルト２１の左半分は、前述のようにガイド部材２７によって張力が付与されているので、ＩＨヒーター２９に対して適切な間隔に維持される。コイル部に高周波の交流電圧を印加することにより磁界を発生させ、この磁界の作用によって定着ベルト２１の基材層に渦電流が発生して基材層が発熱し、定着ベルト２１が加熱される。 With reference to FIG. 2 again, the IH heater 29 has a coil portion, a coil bobbin that holds the coil portion in a winding shape, and an arch core. The IH heater 29 is arranged so as to cover the left half of the outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 and is supported by the fixing housing. Since the left half of the fixing belt 21 is tensioned by the guide member 27 as described above, it is maintained at an appropriate interval with respect to the IH heater 29. A magnetic field is generated by applying a high-frequency AC voltage to the coil portion, and the action of this magnetic field generates an eddy current in the base material layer of the fixing belt 21, generates heat in the base material layer, and heats the fixing belt 21. ..

上記構成を有する定着装置９の定着動作を説明する。まず、加圧ローラー２３が駆動されて回転し、定着ベルト２１は、加圧ローラー２３の回転方向とは反対の方向に従動回転する。同時に、ＩＨヒーター２９が駆動されて定着ベルト２１を加熱する。定着ベルト２１は、所定の制御温度（例えば、１６０℃）となるまで加熱される。このように定着ベルト２１が加熱された後、トナー像が転写された用紙Ｓが、加圧領域Ｎに搬送される。加圧領域Ｎにおいて、用紙Ｓは定着ベルト２１と加圧ローラー２３とに挟持されて搬送される。この際、定着ベルト２１によって用紙Ｓが加熱されると共に加圧ローラー２３と定着ベルト２１とによって加圧されて、トナー像が用紙Ｓに定着される。トナー像が定着された用紙Ｓは、加圧領域Ｎを通過した後、搬送経路１５に沿って搬送される。 The fixing operation of the fixing device 9 having the above configuration will be described. First, the pressurizing roller 23 is driven to rotate, and the fixing belt 21 is driven and rotated in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the pressurizing roller 23. At the same time, the IH heater 29 is driven to heat the fixing belt 21. The fixing belt 21 is heated until it reaches a predetermined control temperature (for example, 160 ° C.). After the fixing belt 21 is heated in this way, the paper S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the pressure region N. In the pressurizing region N, the paper S is sandwiched between the fixing belt 21 and the pressurizing roller 23 and conveyed. At this time, the paper S is heated by the fixing belt 21 and pressed by the pressure roller 23 and the fixing belt 21, so that the toner image is fixed to the paper S. The paper S on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed along the transfer path 15 after passing through the pressure region N.

定着ベルト２１は、回転時にガイド部材２７に対して摺動する。この際、ガイド部材２７の両端部に接着された保護テープ５１に対しても摺動する。前述のように、定着ベルト２１に与えられる押圧力は、加圧領域Ｎの入口Ｎ１の側から出口Ｎ２の側に向かって、徐々に大きくなっている。一方で、保護テープ５１の幅は、加圧領域Ｎの入口Ｎ１の側から出口Ｎ２の側に向かって徐々に狭くなっている。つまり、定着ベルト２１に与えられる押圧力が小さい側から大きい側に向かって、保護テープ５１の幅が狭くなっている。 The fixing belt 21 slides with respect to the guide member 27 when rotating. At this time, the protective tape 51 adhered to both ends of the guide member 27 also slides. As described above, the pressing force applied to the fixing belt 21 gradually increases from the side of the inlet N1 of the pressurizing region N toward the side of the outlet N2. On the other hand, the width of the protective tape 51 gradually narrows from the side of the inlet N1 of the pressure region N toward the side of the outlet N2. That is, the width of the protective tape 51 narrows from the side where the pressing force applied to the fixing belt 21 is small to the side where the pressing force is large.

上記説明したように、本発明の定着装置９においては、定着ベルト２１に与えられる押圧力が大きい側（自由端部４３の側）では、保護テープ５１の幅が狭く、定着ベルト２１と保護テープ５１との摩擦が小さくなっている。これにより、定着ベルト２１の回転時のガイド部材２７の振動を低減でき、保護テープ５１に起因するスティックスリップによる異音の発生を低減できる。一方で、定着ベルト２１に与えられる押圧力が小さい側（固定端部４５の側）では、保護テープ５１の幅を広くしているので、保護テープ５１とガイド部材２７との接着力を維持することができる。例えば、保護テープ５１の幅を、周方向に沿って一定の狭い幅とすると、定着ベルト２１との摩擦は抑制できるが、十分な接着力を得られず、保護テープ５１が剥離する虞がある。なお、保護テープ５１の幅は段階的に変化してもよい。 As described above, in the fixing device 9 of the present invention, the width of the protective tape 51 is narrow on the side where the pressing force applied to the fixing belt 21 is large (the side of the free end portion 43), and the fixing belt 21 and the protective tape The friction with 51 is small. As a result, the vibration of the guide member 27 when the fixing belt 21 is rotated can be reduced, and the generation of abnormal noise due to the stick slip caused by the protective tape 51 can be reduced. On the other hand, on the side where the pressing force applied to the fixing belt 21 is small (the side of the fixed end portion 45), the width of the protective tape 51 is widened, so that the adhesive force between the protective tape 51 and the guide member 27 is maintained. be able to. For example, if the width of the protective tape 51 is set to a constant narrow width along the circumferential direction, friction with the fixing belt 21 can be suppressed, but sufficient adhesive force cannot be obtained, and the protective tape 51 may peel off. .. The width of the protective tape 51 may be changed stepwise.

また、保護テープ５１は、ガイド部材２７のエッジ２７ａから外側にはみ出しているので、定着ベルト２１の内周面にエッジ２７ａが接触することを確実に防止でき、定着ベルト２１の損傷を防ぐことができる。 Further, since the protective tape 51 protrudes outward from the edge 27a of the guide member 27, it is possible to reliably prevent the edge 27a from coming into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 and prevent damage to the fixing belt 21. it can.

保護テープ５１は、前述のように所定の厚さを有しており、ガイド部材２７の外周面よりも厚さの分だけ盛り上がっている。定着ベルト２１を円滑に回転させるために、ガイド部材２７に潤滑剤が塗布される場合がある。この場合、本体部４１に塗布された潤滑剤が、両端部の保護テープ５１の間に貯留されやすくなり、ガイド部材２７の両端部からの潤滑剤の漏れを抑制することができる。 As described above, the protective tape 51 has a predetermined thickness, and is raised by the thickness of the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 27. In order to rotate the fixing belt 21 smoothly, a lubricant may be applied to the guide member 27. In this case, the lubricant applied to the main body 41 is likely to be stored between the protective tapes 51 at both ends, and leakage of the lubricant from both ends of the guide member 27 can be suppressed.

本実施形態では、ガイド部材２７が片持ち式に支持されていたが、ガイド部材２７は両持ち式に支持されていてもよい。この場合でも、ガイド部材２７は、定着ベルト２１に付与される押圧力が、加圧領域Ｎの入口Ｎ１の側から出口Ｎ２の側に向けて強くなるように設けられる。 In the present embodiment, the guide member 27 is supported in a cantilever manner, but the guide member 27 may be supported in a double-sided manner. Even in this case, the guide member 27 is provided so that the pressing force applied to the fixing belt 21 becomes stronger from the side of the inlet N1 of the pressurizing region N toward the side of the outlet N2.

さらに、上記した本発明の実施形態の説明は、本発明の好適な実施の形態を説明しているため、技術的に好ましい種々の限定を付している場合もあるが、本発明の技術範囲は、特に本発明を限定する記載がない限り、これらの態様に限定されるものではない。 Further, since the above description of the embodiment of the present invention describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations may be added, but the technical scope of the present invention Is not limited to these aspects unless otherwise specified to limit the present invention.

１ 画像形成装置
７ 画像形成部
９ 定着装置
２１ 定着ベルト
２４ 駆動源
２３ 加圧ローラー（加圧部材）
２５ 押圧パッド
２７ ガイド部材
３１ 支持部材
４１ 本体部
４３ 自由端部
４５ 固定端部
５１ 保護テープ（保護部材） 1 Image forming device 7 Image forming unit 9 Fixing device 21 Fixing belt 24 Drive source 23 Pressurizing roller (pressurizing member)
25 Pressing pad 27 Guide member 31 Support member 41 Main body 43 Free end 45 Fixed end 51 Protective tape (protective member)

Claims (6)

可撓性を有する回転可能な無端状の定着ベルトと、
駆動源によって駆動されて、前記定着ベルトとの間に用紙が挟持搬送される加圧領域を形成する加圧部材と、
前記定着ベルトよりも短い幅を有し、前記加圧領域以外の領域で前記定着ベルトの内周面に接触して、前記定着ベルトに張力を付与するガイド部材と、
前記ガイド部材の前記定着ベルトの幅方向における両端部をそれぞれ覆い、該両端部のエッジによる前記定着ベルトの損傷を抑制する保護部材と、を備え、
前記ガイド部材は、前記定着ベルトを押圧する押圧力が、前記加圧領域の入口の側よりも出口の側へ向かって強くなるように設けられ、
前記保護部材は、前記幅方向における長さが、前記加圧領域の入口の側よりも出口の側が短く形成されていることを特徴とする定着装置。 A flexible, rotatable, endless fixing belt and
A pressure member driven by a drive source to form a pressure region in which paper is sandwiched and conveyed between the fixing belt and the fixing belt.
A guide member having a width shorter than that of the fixing belt and contacting the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt in a region other than the pressurizing region to apply tension to the fixing belt.
A protective member that covers both ends of the guide member in the width direction of the fixing belt and suppresses damage to the fixing belt by the edges of the both ends is provided.
The guide member is provided so that the pressing force for pressing the fixing belt becomes stronger toward the outlet side than the inlet side of the pressurizing region.
The protective member is a fixing device characterized in that the length in the width direction is formed shorter on the outlet side than on the inlet side of the pressure region. 前記保護部材は、前記ガイド部材の前記両端部のエッジよりも外側にはみ出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 fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the protective member protrudes outward from the edges of both ends of the guide member. 前記保護部材は、所定の厚さを有するシート状の部材であり、前記ガイド部材の前記両端部の外周面に接着されていることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member is a sheet-like member having a predetermined thickness and is adhered to the outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the guide member. 前記ガイド部材は、バネ性を有する材料で形成され、
前記定着ベルトを押圧する半円筒状の本体部と、
前記本体部の周方向において、前記加圧領域の出口の側の端部に設けられる自由端部及び前記加圧領域の入口の側に設けられる固定端部と、を有していることを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載の定着装置。 The guide member is made of a springy material.
A semi-cylindrical body that presses the fixing belt and
It is characterized by having a free end portion provided on the end side of the outlet side of the pressurizing region and a fixed end portion provided on the inlet side of the pressurizing region in the circumferential direction of the main body portion. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 前記加圧領域において、前記定着ベルトの内周面に接触して前記定着ベルトを前記加圧部材に押し付ける押圧パッドと、
前記押圧パッドを支持する支持部材と、をさらに備え、
前記ガイド部材の前記固定端部は、前記支持部材に固定されていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の定着装置。 In the pressurizing region, a pressing pad that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and presses the fixing belt against the pressurizing member.
A support member for supporting the pressing pad is further provided.
The fixing device according to claim 4, wherein the fixed end portion of the guide member is fixed to the support member. 用紙にトナー像を形成する画像形成部と、
前記トナー像を前記用紙に定着する請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の定着装置と、を備えていることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 An image forming part that forms a toner image on paper,
An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the toner image is fixed on the paper.
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JP2017062442A (en) * 2015-09-25 2017-03-30 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Fixation device and image formation apparatus having the same
JP2018146707A (en) * 2017-03-03 2018-09-20 株式会社リコー Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus
JP2018185459A (en) * 2017-04-27 2018-11-22 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
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