JP3326460B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents
Image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP3326460B2 JP3326460B2 JP11984895A JP11984895A JP3326460B2 JP 3326460 B2 JP3326460 B2 JP 3326460B2 JP 11984895 A JP11984895 A JP 11984895A JP 11984895 A JP11984895 A JP 11984895A JP 3326460 B2 JP3326460 B2 JP 3326460B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- fixing
- pressure
- image forming
- roller
- cam
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Landscapes
- Fixing For Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【0001】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、電子写真方式を用いた
複写機やプリンタ、ファクシミリ等の画像形成装置に関
する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile or the like.
【0002】[0002]
【従来の技術】像担持体表面に形成したトナー像に、紙
等のシート状の転写材を当接させ、該転写材に転写バイ
アスを印加して前記トナー像を転写材に転写した後、こ
の転写材を定着装置に導いて熱と圧力によってトナー像
を転写材表面に定着させるようにした画像形成装置は従
来から良く知られている。2. Description of the Related Art A sheet-like transfer material such as paper is brought into contact with a toner image formed on the surface of an image carrier, and a transfer bias is applied to the transfer material to transfer the toner image onto the transfer material. An image forming apparatus in which the transfer material is guided to a fixing device to fix a toner image on the surface of the transfer material by heat and pressure is well known in the related art.
【0003】図7は斯かる画像形成装置の定着装置の具
体例として熱ローラ方式を採用するものの基本構成を示
す断面図であり、該定着装置は互いに圧接されて図示矢
印方向に回転する定着ローラ1と加圧ローラ6とで構成
されている。定着ローラ1はハロゲンランプヒータ4を
内包する円筒状芯金3の表面に離型性層2を形成して構
成され、加圧ローラ6は棒状芯金8の周囲に耐熱性ゴム
層7を設け、更にその表面に離型性層2を形成して構成
されており、両者の対向ニップ部で転写材Pの搬送を行
うと同時に、熱と圧力によってトナーを転写材Pに定着
させる。尚、カラー用の定着装置においては、定着ロー
ラ表面の離型性層の代わりにシリコンオイルを含浸させ
たシリコンゴム層を用いたものもある。FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of a fixing device of the image forming apparatus employing a heat roller system as a specific example. The fixing devices are pressed against each other and rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing. 1 and a pressure roller 6. The fixing roller 1 is formed by forming a release layer 2 on the surface of a cylindrical core 3 containing a halogen lamp heater 4, and the pressure roller 6 is provided with a heat-resistant rubber layer 7 around a rod-shaped core 8. Further, a release layer 2 is formed on the surface of the transfer material P. The transfer material P is conveyed at the opposite nip portion, and the toner is fixed to the transfer material P by heat and pressure. Some color fixing devices use a silicone rubber layer impregnated with silicone oil instead of the release layer on the surface of the fixing roller.
【0004】又、図8は転写材Pの通紙方向から見た定
着装置の全体構成図であり、定着ローラ1の円筒状芯金
3は摩擦係数の小さい定着ローラ軸受9を介してフレー
ム11に回転可能に支持されており、加圧ローラ6はフ
レーム11に設けられた縦方向の長孔11aによって前
後方向のみ固定され、上下方向には加圧ローラ軸受10
とフレーム11の間に挿入された加圧バネ12により上
方向に押し付けれて定着ローラ1とのニップ部で定着に
必要なニップ幅と圧力を生み出すように構成されてい
る。FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the fixing device as viewed from the paper passing direction of the transfer material P. The cylindrical core 3 of the fixing roller 1 has a frame 11 via a fixing roller bearing 9 having a small friction coefficient. The pressure roller 6 is fixed only in the front-rear direction by a longitudinal long hole 11 a provided in the frame 11, and is vertically supported by a pressure roller bearing 10.
It is configured to be pressed upward by a pressing spring 12 inserted between the fixing roller 1 and the frame 11 to generate a nip width and pressure necessary for fixing at a nip portion with the fixing roller 1.
【0005】以上のように構成される定着装置を備える
画像形成装置では、近年、そのプリント速度の高速化が
重要になっており、定着装置に対しても高速化を図る必
要が生じている。In an image forming apparatus having a fixing device configured as described above, in recent years, it has become important to increase the printing speed, and it is necessary to increase the speed of the fixing device.
【0006】しかしながら、従来構成のままでは定着装
置を通過する転写材の速度が速いために、トナーを十分
に転写材上に定着させるために必要な単位時間当たりの
熱量が不足して定着不良を生じてしまう。そのため、ヒ
ータの発熱量を上げて不足分の熱量を補う必要がある
が、構成要素の耐熱性や消費電力の観点からこの方法に
も限度がある。However, with the conventional configuration, the speed of the transfer material passing through the fixing device is high, so that the amount of heat per unit time necessary to sufficiently fix the toner on the transfer material is insufficient, and the fixing failure may occur. Will happen. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the amount of heat generated by the heater to compensate for the insufficient amount of heat, but this method has a limit from the viewpoint of heat resistance and power consumption of components.
【0007】そこで、定着ニップ幅を拡大し、定着時に
転写材が定着ローラ及び加圧ローラと接する面積を拡げ
ることによって単位時当たりに転写材に与える熱量を増
加させる対策が講じられており、具体的には定着ローラ
と加圧ローラの外径を拡大したり、定着加圧力を強化す
る等の方法が採用されている。Therefore, measures have been taken to increase the amount of heat applied to the transfer material per unit time by increasing the fixing nip width and increasing the area where the transfer material contacts the fixing roller and the pressure roller during fixing. More specifically, a method of enlarging the outer diameter of the fixing roller and the pressing roller, and increasing the fixing pressure is used.
【0008】ところが、近年、プリンタの小型化と高速
化を求める市場ニーズを満足するため、定着装置の各ロ
ーラの外径を大きくすることには限界があり、従って、
高速化対策においては定着加圧力の強化に一層拍車がか
かり、その結果、封筒を通紙した際にシワが発生し易く
なるという封筒特有の現象(以下、この現象を定着封筒
シワと称する)が生じるようになった。この現象の発生
メカニズムを図9に従って説明する。However, in recent years, there has been a limit to increasing the outer diameter of each roller of the fixing device in order to satisfy market needs for downsizing and high-speed printers.
In high-speed countermeasures, the enhancement of the fixing pressure is further spurred, and as a result, a phenomenon peculiar to the envelope that wrinkles are likely to occur when the envelope is passed (hereinafter, this phenomenon is referred to as a fixing envelope wrinkle). Began to occur. The mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs will be described with reference to FIG.
【0009】即ち、高速化対策として定着加圧力を高め
た場合には、ニップ部において加圧ローラ6表面の断面
が円弧状に下方に落ち込むため、封筒P’の上面側と下
面側の各ローラ1,6との接触面積が上下の円弧の周長
差に比例して変化し、封筒P’の上下の搬送力に差が生
じて該封筒P’の下面側の搬送力に対して上面側の搬送
が追い付けなくなり、封筒P’の後端でこの追い付けな
かった上面側が余って弛みを生じ、最終的にこの弛みが
シワとなったまま封筒P’が排出される。尚、この現象
は、特に通紙基準位置がローラ端部の加圧部に近い片側
基準の定着装置において発生し易い。That is, when the fixing pressure is increased as a measure for speeding up, the cross section of the surface of the pressure roller 6 at the nip portion falls down in an arc shape, so that each roller on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the envelope P ' The contact area of the envelope P ′ changes in proportion to the difference between the circumferences of the upper and lower arcs, causing a difference in the upper and lower conveying forces of the envelope P ′. Cannot be caught up, and at the rear end of the envelope P ′, the upper surface side that could not be caught is excessively slackened, and finally, the envelope P ′ is discharged while the slack is wrinkled. This phenomenon is particularly likely to occur in a one-sided fixing device in which the paper passing reference position is close to the pressing portion at the roller end.
【0010】上記問題を解決するため、従来は定着装置
の上下のローラの加圧力を封筒通紙時のみ軽減する方法
が採られており、具体的には上下ローラの左右の軸間に
スペーサを入れたり、同じく左右の軸間に電磁クラッチ
を設けて1枚の封筒が搬送されている間に複数回このク
ラッチを作用させることによって適度に加圧力を逃が
し、シワの原因となる紙の弛みを回復させる等の方法が
用いられている。In order to solve the above problem, a method of reducing the pressing force of the upper and lower rollers of the fixing device only when the envelope is passed is adopted. Specifically, a spacer is provided between the left and right shafts of the upper and lower rollers. In addition, an electromagnetic clutch is provided between the left and right shafts, and this clutch is actuated multiple times while one envelope is being conveyed. A method such as recovery is used.
【0011】[0011]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記方
法では加圧力を軽減することによって封筒の定着性を低
下させているため、画質の信頼性を損なう可能性がある
とともに、加圧ローラの駆動を定着ローラとの接触によ
る従動で実現させている定着装置では、封筒シワが発生
しなくなるまで加圧力を低下させると加圧ローラに定着
ローラの駆動力が十分に伝達できなくなり、加圧ローラ
が停止して封筒が定着ニップ部でスリップする可能性が
ある。又、加圧力を軽減するための手段を設けるために
部品点数が増大し、組立工程も複雑化し、装置がコスト
アップするという問題もあった。However, in the above-described method, since the fixing force of the envelope is reduced by reducing the pressing force, the reliability of the image quality may be impaired, and the driving of the pressure roller may be reduced. In a fixing device that is realized by being driven by contact with the fixing roller, if the pressing force is reduced until envelope wrinkles do not occur, the driving force of the fixing roller cannot be sufficiently transmitted to the pressing roller, and the pressing roller stops. As a result, the envelope may slip at the fixing nip. In addition, there is a problem that the number of parts is increased due to the provision of the means for reducing the pressing force, the assembly process is complicated, and the cost of the apparatus is increased.
【0012】本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたもの
で、その目的とする処は、定着速度を高速化しても定着
性を損なわず、定着封筒シワ対策を複雑な機構を要する
ことなく講じることができる画像形成装置を提供するこ
とにある。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing envelope without wrinkling without a complicated mechanism, even if the fixing speed is increased. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.
【0013】[0013]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するた
め、請求項1記載の発明は、像担持体上に形成されたト
ナー像を転写材上に転写する転写手段と、熱と圧力を加
えて前記トナー像を前記転写材上に定着させる定着手段
を有し、該定着手段として転写材の搬送基準位置を左右
何れか一方の片側端部基準とする方式を用いた画像形成
装置において、前記定着手段の基準側の定着加圧力を軽
減するとともに、同定着手段の発熱体の長手方向の発熱
分布を基準側の発熱量が非基準側の発熱量より高くなる
よう設定したことを特徴とする。In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on an image carrier onto a transfer material, and applying heat and pressure to the transfer means. An image forming apparatus using a method in which a fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the transfer material is used, and the transfer reference position of the transfer material is set to one of left and right end portions as the fixing unit. The fixing pressure on the reference side of the fixing unit is reduced, and the heat generation distribution in the longitudinal direction of the heating element of the identification fixing unit is set so that the heat generation amount on the reference side is higher than the heat generation amount on the non-reference side. .
【0014】請求項2記載の発明は、像担持体上に形成
されたトナー像を転写材上に転写する転写手段と、熱と
圧力を加えて前記トナー像を前記転写材上に定着させる
定着手段を有し、該定着手段として転写材の搬送基準位
置を左右何れか一方の片側端部基準とする方式を用いた
画像形成装置において、前記定着手段における基準側の
定着加圧力を軽減するとともに、同定着手段の加圧ロー
ラの長手方向の硬度分布を基準側の硬度が非基準側の硬
度より低くなるよう設定したことを特徴とする。According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer means for transferring a toner image formed on an image carrier onto a transfer material, and fixing by applying heat and pressure to fix the toner image on the transfer material. An image forming apparatus using a method in which a transfer reference position of a transfer material is defined as one of the left and right end portions as a fixing means, wherein a fixing pressure on a reference side of the fixing means is reduced. The hardness distribution in the longitudinal direction of the pressure roller of the identification attaching means is set so that the hardness on the reference side is lower than the hardness on the non-reference side.
【0015】請求項3記載の発明は、請求項1又は2記
載の発明において、前記定着手段の定着加圧力を軽減す
る手段を、基準側の定着ローラと加圧ローラの軸間に設
けられ、両ローラの回転に応じて両軸間を拡げるように
作用する部分と作用しない部分を有するカムで構成した
ことを特徴とする。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, means for reducing the fixing pressure of the fixing means is provided between the shafts of the reference-side fixing roller and the pressure roller. It is characterized in that it is constituted by a cam having a portion that acts to expand between the two shafts in response to the rotation of both rollers and a portion that does not act.
【0016】請求項4記載の発明は、請求項3記載の発
明において、前記カム又はその対向部材を前記加圧ロー
ラ又は定着ローラの軸方向に移動可能に構成するととも
に、封筒通紙時のみ該カム又はその対向部材を当接可能
な位置に移動させることを特徴とする。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the cam or the opposing member is configured to be movable in the axial direction of the pressure roller or the fixing roller, and the cam or the opposing member is moved only when the envelope is passed. It is characterized in that the cam or its opposing member is moved to a position where it can be brought into contact.
【0017】請求項5記載の発明は、請求項4記載の発
明において、前記カム又はその対向部材の移動を給紙部
における封筒サイズの設定動作に自動的に連動させるこ
とを特徴とする。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the movement of the cam or the opposing member is automatically linked to an operation of setting an envelope size in the sheet feeding section.
【0018】[0018]
【作用】請求項1又は2記載の発明によれば、定着手段
の基準側(封筒通紙側)の定着加圧力が軽減されるた
め、定着速度の高速化に伴う定着封筒シワの発生を防ぐ
ことができる。According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, since the fixing pressure on the reference side (envelope passing side) of the fixing means is reduced, generation of wrinkles in the fixing envelope due to an increase in fixing speed is prevented. be able to.
【0019】そして、請求項1記載の発明によれば、基
準側(封筒通紙側)の発熱体の発熱量を高くすることに
よって、又、請求項2記載の発明によれば、加圧ローラ
の基準側の硬度を低くすることによって、基準側の定着
加圧力不足による定着性の低下を補うことができる。According to the first aspect of the invention, the heat generation amount of the heating element on the reference side (envelope passing side) is increased, and according to the second aspect of the invention, the pressure roller By lowering the hardness on the reference side, it is possible to compensate for a decrease in fixability due to an insufficient fixing pressure on the reference side.
【0020】又、請求項3,4又は5記載の発明によれ
ば、請求項1又は2記載の発明における定着手段の基準
側(封筒通紙側)の定着加圧力の軽減をローラの回転力
を利用したカムの作用によって実現することができ、複
雑な構成や余分なエネルギーが不要となる。According to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the fixing pressing force on the reference side (envelope passing side) of the fixing means in the first or second aspect of the invention is reduced by the rotational force of the roller. This can be realized by the action of a cam utilizing the structure, and a complicated configuration and extra energy are not required.
【0021】[0021]
【実施例】以下に本発明の実施例を添付図面に基づいて
説明する。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
【0022】<第1実施例>図1(A),(B),
(C)は本発明の第1実施例を示す図であり、図1
(A)は熱ローラ方式を採用する定着装置の構成を示す
断面図、同図(B)はハロゲンランプの構成図、同図
(C)は定着温度の軸方向分布を示す図であり、図1
(A)においては図8に示したと同一要素には同一符号
を付している。<First Embodiment> FIGS. 1A, 1B,
(C) is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
2A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a fixing device employing a heat roller system, FIG. 2B is a configuration diagram of a halogen lamp, and FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an axial distribution of a fixing temperature. 1
In FIG. 8A, the same elements as those shown in FIG.
【0023】本実施例では、図1(A)に示すように、
基準側の加圧バネとして低加圧力バネ12’を用いてお
り、更に、ハロゲンランプヒータとして図1(B)に示
すように基準側の発熱コイルの密度を上げて配光分布を
封筒通紙側で高めた片側配光強化ヒータ4’を用いる
か、又は単に発熱コイルの配置を左右非対称(画像中心
に対して)として基準側の発熱領域を増す等の方法によ
って、定着ローラ1の軸方向温度分布を図1(C)に示
すように封筒通紙領域の温度が高くなるようにしてい
る。In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A low-pressure spring 12 'is used as a reference-side pressure spring. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, as a halogen lamp heater, the density of the reference-side heat generating coil is increased so that the light distribution can be changed to envelope passing. The axial direction of the fixing roller 1 may be increased by using a one-sided light distribution enhancing heater 4 'raised on the side, or simply increasing the heat generation area on the reference side by making the arrangement of the heating coil asymmetrical (with respect to the center of the image). As shown in FIG. 1 (C), the temperature distribution is set so that the temperature of the envelope passing area becomes high.
【0024】以上のように構成される定着装置を用いる
ことにより、定着シワに関しては封筒通紙側の加圧力が
低下することによってシワの発生が大幅に防がれ、この
加圧力の低下による定着性の劣化も封筒通紙領域の定着
温度を高めることによって防ぐことができた。このよう
に、基準側のみ発熱量を高めることで、全体の発熱量を
高めた場合に必要な周辺部材の耐熱性向上の対策や余分
な消費電力の増大を緩和することができるとともに、小
サイズの紙を基準側で連続通紙した場合に問題となる非
通紙部の異常な昇温を招くことなく封筒シワの発生を抑
制することが可能となる。By using the fixing device configured as described above, the generation of wrinkles is largely prevented by reducing the pressing force on the paper passing side of the envelope with respect to the fixing wrinkles. Deterioration was also prevented by increasing the fixing temperature in the envelope passing area. In this way, by increasing the calorific value only on the reference side, measures for improving the heat resistance of peripheral members required when the overall calorific value is increased, and an increase in unnecessary power consumption can be mitigated. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of envelope wrinkles without causing abnormal temperature rise in the non-sheet passing portion, which is a problem when the sheet is continuously passed on the reference side.
【0025】尚、本実施例で使用した定着装置の封筒通
紙側の加圧バネ12’の強度は3.5kgf、逆側の加
圧バネ12の強度は5.0kgfであり、定着ローラ1
と加圧ローラ6の外径は共に25mm、加圧ローラ6の
ゴム硬度はアスカC硬度で46°、定着速度は70.7
mm/secである。In the fixing device used in this embodiment, the strength of the pressure spring 12 'on the side of the envelope passing through the envelope is 3.5 kgf, and the strength of the pressure spring 12 on the opposite side is 5.0 kgf.
And the outer diameter of the pressure roller 6 are both 25 mm, the rubber hardness of the pressure roller 6 is 46 ° in Asuka C hardness, and the fixing speed is 70.7.
mm / sec.
【0026】<第2実施例>次に、本発明の第2実施例
を図2に基づいて説明する。尚、図2は加圧ローラの斜
視図であり、本図においては図8に示したと同一要素に
は同一符号を付している。<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pressure roller. In this figure, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
【0027】本実施例においては、図1(A)に示した
と同様の熱ローラ方式を採用する定着装置を用いてお
り、該定着装置は封筒通紙領域側の加圧バネとして図1
(A)に示す低加圧力バネ12’を用いた際に定着性の
低下を防止するために部分低硬度加圧ローラ6’を用い
ている。In this embodiment, a fixing device employing the same heat roller system as that shown in FIG. 1A is used. The fixing device is used as a pressure spring on the side of the envelope paper passing area as shown in FIG.
A partial low-hardness pressure roller 6 'is used in order to prevent a decrease in fixability when the low pressure spring 12' shown in FIG.
【0028】上記部分低硬度加圧ローラ6’の基準側の
端部には一定の長さの横穴13が周方向に沿って複数形
成されており、これらの横穴13の存在によって加圧ロ
ーラ6’の軸方向硬度分布は封筒通紙側のみが低くなる
ものとなるため、第1実施例のようにヒータの軸方向温
度分布を変化させる必要がない。A plurality of horizontal holes 13 having a fixed length are formed along the circumferential direction at the reference end of the partial low hardness pressure roller 6 ′. Since the axial hardness distribution of 'becomes lower only on the side of the envelope passing, there is no need to change the axial temperature distribution of the heater as in the first embodiment.
【0029】以上の構成を有する定着装置を用いること
により、定着シワに関しては基準側の加圧力が低下する
ことによってシワの発生が大幅に改善され、この加圧力
の低下による定着性の劣化も封筒通紙領域の低硬度化に
よる定着ニップ幅の拡大によって防止することができ
た。このように、基準側のみ加圧ローラの硬度を低くす
ることによって、加圧ローラ全体の硬度を下げた場合に
問題となる機械的強度不足やニップ部の永久変形、更に
加圧ローラ全体に横穴を貫通させた際には中央部への加
圧力の伝達不足によって生じる中央部の定着ムラ等の問
題を招くことなく、封筒シワと定着性の両立を実現する
ことができる。By using the fixing device having the above-described structure, the generation of wrinkles is greatly improved by reducing the pressure on the reference side with respect to the fixing wrinkles. This could be prevented by increasing the fixing nip width due to the lower hardness of the paper passing area. As described above, by lowering the hardness of the pressure roller only on the reference side, insufficient mechanical strength and permanent deformation of the nip portion, which are problems when the hardness of the entire pressure roller is reduced, and a lateral hole in the entire pressure roller. , The envelope wrinkles and the fixing performance can be realized at the same time without causing problems such as uneven fixing at the central portion caused by insufficient transmission of the pressing force to the central portion.
【0030】尚、本実施例で使用した定着装置の加圧バ
ネ(不図示)の強度は封筒通紙側が3.5kgf、逆側
が5.0kgf、定着ローラ(不図示)と加圧ローラ
6’の外径は共に25mm、定着速度は70.7mm/
secであり、加圧ローラ6’としてはそのゴム硬度が
横穴を設けていない領域ではアスカC硬度で46°、横
穴のある領域では35°程度となるように内径約1m
m、長さ約100mmの横穴を表面から約2mmの深さ
に30個均等に並べたものを用いた。又、本実施例で使
用した加圧ローラ6’の簡易な作製方法としては、加圧
ローラを型枠で成型する際に基準側に複数本のピンをロ
ーラ円周方向に沿ってローラ表面側から適度な距離をと
って並べた後、ゴム材を流し込んで成型する方法が適し
ている。The strength of the pressure spring (not shown) of the fixing device used in the present embodiment is 3.5 kgf on the paper passing side of the envelope and 5.0 kgf on the opposite side, and the fixing roller (not shown) and the pressure roller 6 ′ are used. Have an outer diameter of 25 mm and a fixing speed of 70.7 mm /
The pressure roller 6 ′ has an inner diameter of about 1 m so that its rubber hardness is 46 ° in Asuka C hardness in an area where no horizontal hole is provided and about 35 ° in an area with a horizontal hole.
A 30-hole horizontal hole having a length of about 100 mm and a length of about 100 mm was uniformly arranged at a depth of about 2 mm from the surface. In addition, as a simple manufacturing method of the pressure roller 6 ′ used in the present embodiment, when molding the pressure roller with a mold, a plurality of pins are placed on the reference side along the roller circumferential direction on the roller side. After arranging them at an appropriate distance from, a method of pouring and molding a rubber material is suitable.
【0031】<第3実施例>次に、本発明の第3実施例
を図3及び図4に基づいて説明する。尚、図3は通紙側
から見た定着装置の断面図、図4は同定着装置の加圧力
軽減機構部の斜視図であり、これらの図においては、図
1(A)に示したと同一要素には同一符号を付してい
る。Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device as viewed from the paper passing side, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pressing force reducing mechanism of the identification attachment device. In these drawings, the same as that shown in FIG. Elements have the same reference numerals.
【0032】本実施例で使用した定着装置においては、
図3に示すように、図8に示した従来の定着装置とは異
なり、左右の加圧バネ12が同じ強度のバネで構成され
ているが、封筒シワ緩和のための封筒通紙側加圧力軽減
策として加圧ローラ芯金8の封筒通紙側端部にカム14
が設けられており、図4に示すように、定着ローラ1と
加圧ローラ6の回転と共にカム14が定着ローラ芯金3
に当接され、その反作用で加圧ローラ6の封筒通紙側の
みが適度に下方に押し下げられて封筒通紙時の定着加圧
力が軽減され、この瞬間に封筒後半に生じていた弛みが
封筒前半側に拡散される構成となっている。In the fixing device used in this embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 3, unlike the conventional fixing device shown in FIG. 8, the left and right pressure springs 12 are formed of the same strength springs. As a reduction measure, a cam 14 is attached to the end of the pressure roller
As shown in FIG. 4, as the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 6 rotate, the cam 14
The pressing force of the pressure roller 6 is pushed down only moderately by the reaction, so that the fixing pressure when the envelope is passed is reduced. It is configured to be diffused to the first half side.
【0033】斯かる定着装置を用いることにより、前記
第1及び第2実施例のように加圧力の強いバネと弱いバ
ネの2種類のバネを用いる必要がなくなるため、部品の
種類の削減と組立時のバネの選別の手間の省略或は混入
の危険を回避することができる。By using such a fixing device, it is not necessary to use two kinds of springs, a strong spring and a weak spring, as in the first and second embodiments. It is possible to avoid the omission of the time for selecting the spring at the time or the danger of mixing.
【0034】更に、本構成では、前記実施例とは異な
り、加圧力の軽減は定着中の転写材の極一部分に瞬間的
に施されるだけで済むため、全体の定着性の劣化の度合
いが少なく、定着性を確保するための第1又は第2実施
例のような対策の度合いを低く抑えることが容易で、場
合によっては定着性の対策を省略することも可能であ
る。このようなメリットは従来の電磁クラッチを用いる
方法によっても得ることができるが、本構成は加圧ロー
ラ6の芯金8にカム14を設けるだけの簡易な方法で実
現でき、複雑な部品や新たな制御回路等を必要とせず、
安価に実現することができる。Further, in the present configuration, unlike the above-described embodiment, the reduction of the pressing force only needs to be instantaneously applied to a very small portion of the transfer material during the fixing, so that the degree of deterioration of the entire fixing property is reduced. It is easy to reduce the degree of measures as in the first or second embodiment for securing the fixability, and it is possible to omit the measures for the fixability in some cases. Such advantages can be obtained by a conventional method using an electromagnetic clutch. However, this configuration can be realized by a simple method in which the cam 14 is provided on the cored bar 8 of the pressure roller 6, and complicated parts and new components can be obtained. Without the need for a simple control circuit, etc.
It can be realized at low cost.
【0035】尚、本実施例で使用した定着装置の加圧バ
ネ12の強度は5.0kgf、定着ローラ1と加圧ロー
ラ6の外径は共に25mm、定着速度は70.7mm/
sec、加圧ローラ6のゴム硬度はアスカC硬度で46
°である。又、カム14としては、定着ローラ芯金3と
当接する山の数が使用される封筒の長手方向の長さが最
も短い封筒に対してその通紙中に1回以上当接されるよ
うに決定されたものであって、該カム14の作用によっ
て軽減された加圧力の強度が3.5kgfのバネを使用
したときに匹敵するようにその山の高さを決定したもの
を用いた。In the fixing device used in this embodiment, the strength of the pressing spring 12 is 5.0 kgf, the outer diameters of the fixing roller 1 and the pressing roller 6 are both 25 mm, and the fixing speed is 70.7 mm /.
The rubber hardness of the pressure roller 6 is 46 in Asuka C hardness.
°. The number of peaks that come into contact with the fixing roller core metal 3 is used as the cam 14 so that the cam 14 comes into contact with the envelope whose length in the longitudinal direction is the shortest at least once during paper passing. The height of the peak was determined so that the strength of the pressing force reduced by the action of the cam 14 was comparable to that when a 3.5 kgf spring was used.
【0036】<第4実施例>次に、本発明の第4実施例
を図5及び図6に基づいて説明する。尚、図5及び図6
は定着装置端部の断面図であり、これらの図においては
図3に示したと同一要素には同一符号を付している。<Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6
Are cross-sectional views of the end portion of the fixing device. In these drawings, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
【0037】本実施例では、図5に示すように、本実施
例では第3実施例とは異なり、加圧力軽減用のカム14
は定着ローラ1側に設けられており、加圧ローラ6側に
はその芯金8に沿って左右に移動可能なカム受け部材1
4’が設けられている。このカム受け部材14’はホル
ダー16によって保持されており、該ホルダー16とフ
レーム11との間にはバネ15が介装されている。In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the present embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a cam 14 for reducing the pressing force is used.
The cam receiving member 1 is provided on the fixing roller 1 side, and the cam receiving member 1 is movable on the pressure roller 6 side along the cored bar 8.
4 'is provided. The cam receiving member 14 'is held by a holder 16, and a spring 15 is interposed between the holder 16 and the frame 11.
【0038】一方、給紙部には移動軸20が設けられて
おり、この移動軸20には封筒通紙モード設定板19が
移動自在に設けられている。そして、この封筒通紙モー
ド設定板19と前記ホルダー16とは滑車18を介して
張設されたワイヤー17によって連結されている。尚、
封筒通紙モード設定板19は移動軸20に沿って移動
し、不図示の爪等の一時固定手段によって固定される。On the other hand, a moving shaft 20 is provided in the paper feeding section, and an envelope passing mode setting plate 19 is movably provided on the moving shaft 20. The envelope passing mode setting plate 19 and the holder 16 are connected to each other by a wire 17 stretched via a pulley 18. still,
The envelope passing mode setting plate 19 moves along the movement axis 20 and is fixed by a temporary fixing means such as a claw (not shown).
【0039】而して、図6に示すように、封筒通紙時に
封筒通紙モード設定板19が移動軸20上を左動すれ
ば、カム受け部材14’が芯金8上を右動してカム受け
部材14’をカム14の対向位置に移動せしめるため、
前記第3実施例と同様に封筒シワ対策の加圧力軽減が行
われる。そして、通常の紙の通紙時にはカム受け部材1
4’が図5に示す位置に退避しているため、最適な定着
条件での定着が可能となる。As shown in FIG. 6, when the envelope passing mode setting plate 19 moves left on the moving shaft 20 during envelope passing, the cam receiving member 14 'moves right on the cored bar 8. In order to move the cam receiving member 14 ′ to the position facing the cam 14,
As in the case of the third embodiment, the pressing force is reduced as a measure against the envelope wrinkles. During normal paper passing, the cam receiving member 1 is used.
Since 4 ′ is retracted to the position shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to perform the fixing under the optimum fixing condition.
【0040】尚、本実施例で使用した定着装置の加圧バ
ネ12の強度は5.0kgf、締着ローラ1と加圧ロー
ラ6の外径は共に25mm、定着速度は70.7mm/
secであり、加圧ローラ6のゴム硬度はアスカC硬度
で46°である。又、カム14としては、カム受け部材
14’と当接する山の数が使用される封筒の長手方向の
長さが最も短い封筒に対してその通紙中に1回以上当接
されるように決定されたものであって、該カム14の作
用によって軽減た加圧力の強度が3.5kgfのバネを
使用したときに匹敵するようにその山の高さを決定した
ものを用いた。ところで、封筒サイズ選択時のみ封筒通
紙モード設定板19が通常の給紙トレイ上の紙サイズ設
定板に連動するよう構成することも可能であり、更に、
ワイヤー17をモータによって巻き取る構成とすること
によってカム受け部材14’の移動の電動化も容易であ
るため、プリンタの操作パネル上のスイッチやホストコ
ンピューターから信号を送ることによってカム受け部材
14’を自動的に移動させる構成も容易に実現すること
ができる。In the fixing device used in this embodiment, the strength of the pressure spring 12 is 5.0 kgf, the outer diameters of the fastening roller 1 and the pressure roller 6 are both 25 mm, and the fixing speed is 70.7 mm /.
sec, and the rubber hardness of the pressure roller 6 is 46 ° in Asuka C hardness. The number of peaks that come into contact with the cam receiving member 14 'is used as the cam 14 so that the length of the envelope used in the longitudinal direction of the envelope is shortest at least once during the paper passing. The height of the peak was determined so that the strength of the pressing force reduced by the action of the cam 14 was comparable to that when a 3.5 kgf spring was used. By the way, it is also possible to configure so that the envelope passing mode setting plate 19 is linked with the paper size setting plate on the normal paper feed tray only when the envelope size is selected.
Since the movement of the cam receiving member 14 'can be easily motorized by winding the wire 17 by a motor, the cam receiving member 14' is transmitted by sending a signal from a switch on the operation panel of the printer or a host computer. A configuration for automatically moving can also be easily realized.
【0041】[0041]
【発明の効果】以上の説明で明らかなように、請求項1
又は2記載の発明によれば、定着手段の基準側(封筒通
紙側)の定着加圧力が軽減されるため、定着速度の高速
化に伴う定着封筒シワの発生を防ぐことができるという
効果が得られる。As is apparent from the above description, claim 1
According to the invention described in (2), since the fixing pressure on the reference side (envelope passing side) of the fixing unit is reduced, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of fixing envelope wrinkles due to an increase in fixing speed. can get.
【0042】そして、請求項1記載の発明によれば、基
準側(封筒通紙側)の発熱体の発熱量を高くすることに
よって、又、請求項2記載の発明によれば、加圧ローラ
の基準側の硬度を低くすることによって、基準側の定着
加圧力不足による定着性の低下を補うことができるとい
う効果が得られる。According to the first aspect of the present invention, the heat generation amount of the heating element on the reference side (envelope passing side) is increased, and according to the second aspect of the present invention, the pressure roller By lowering the hardness on the reference side, it is possible to obtain an effect of compensating for a decrease in fixability due to insufficient fixing pressure on the reference side.
【0043】又、請求項3,4又は5記載の発明によれ
ば、請求項1又は2記載の発明における定着手段の基準
側(封筒通紙側)の定着加圧力の軽減をローラの回転力
を利用したカムの作用によって実現することができ、複
雑な構成や余分なエネルギーが不要となるという効果が
得られる。According to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the fixing pressing force on the reference side (envelope passing side) of the fixing means in the first or second aspect of the invention is reduced by the rotational force of the roller. Can be realized by the action of the cam utilizing the above, and an effect that a complicated configuration and extra energy are not required can be obtained.
【図1】(A)は本発明の第1実施例に係る画像形成装
置の定着装置の構成を示す断面図、(B)はハロゲンラ
ンプの構成図図(C)は定着温度の軸方向分布を示す図
である。1A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a fixing device of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a configuration diagram of a halogen lamp, and FIG. FIG.
【図2】本発明の第2実施例に係る画像形成装置の加圧
ローラの斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pressure roller of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図3】本発明の第3実施例に係る画像形成装置の通紙
側から見た定着装置の断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device viewed from a sheet passing side of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図4】本発明の第3実施例に係る画像形成装置の通紙
側から見た加圧力軽減機構部の斜視図である。FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pressing force reducing mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a sheet passing side;
【図5】本発明の第4実施例に係る画像形成装置の定着
装置端部の断面図である。FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an end portion of a fixing device of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
【図6】本発明の第4実施例に係る画像形成装置の定着
装置端部の断面図である。FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an end portion of a fixing device of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
【図7】従来の画像形成装置の定着装置の基本構成を示
す断面図である。FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a basic configuration of a fixing device of a conventional image forming apparatus.
【図8】従来の画像形成装置の定着装置の断面図であ
る。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device of a conventional image forming apparatus.
【図9】定着封筒シワの発生メカニズムを説明するため
の定着ニップ部の断面図である。FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing nip portion for explaining a mechanism of generation of a fixing envelope wrinkle.
1 定着ローラ 3 定着ローラ芯金(軸) 4’ 片側配光強化ヒータ(発熱体) 6 加圧ローラ 6’ 部分低硬度加圧ローラ 8 加圧ローラ芯金(軸) 12 加圧バネ 12’ 低加圧力バネ 13 横穴 14 カム 14’ カム受け部材(対向部材) 16 ホルダー 17 ワイヤー 19 封筒通紙モード設定板 20 移動軸 P 転写材 P’ 封筒(転写材) DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fixing roller 3 Fixing roller core metal (shaft) 4 'One side light distribution enhancement heater (heating element) 6 Pressure roller 6' Partial low hardness pressure roller 8 Pressure roller core metal (shaft) 12 Pressure spring 12 'Low Pressure spring 13 Side hole 14 Cam 14 'Cam receiving member (opposite member) 16 Holder 17 Wire 19 Envelope paper passing mode setting plate 20 Moving axis P Transfer material P' Envelope (transfer material)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 特開 昭61−294477(JP,A) 特開 平3−192382(JP,A) 特開 昭61−294475(JP,A) 特開 昭63−272741(JP,A) 特開 平1−307786(JP,A) 特開 平3−231786(JP,A) 実開 平3−2368(JP,U) 実開 昭63−4566(JP,U) 実開 平2−27163(JP,U) 実開 平1−153566(JP,U) 実開 平2−95065(JP,U) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7,DB名) G03G 15/20 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-61-294477 (JP, A) JP-A-3-192382 (JP, A) JP-A-61-294475 (JP, A) JP-A-63-294 272741 (JP, A) JP-A-1-307786 (JP, A) JP-A-3-231786 (JP, A) JP-A-3-2368 (JP, U) JP-A-63-4566 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Application Hei 2-27163 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Application Hei 1-153566 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Application Hei 2-95065 (JP, U) (58) Fields studied (Int. Cl. 7 , DB name) G03G 15/20
Claims (5)
材上に転写する転写手段と、熱と圧力を加えて前記トナ
ー像を前記転写材上に定着させる定着手段を有し、該定
着手段として転写材の搬送基準位置を左右何れか一方の
片側端部基準とする方式を用いた画像形成装置におい
て、前記定着手段の基準側の定着加圧力を軽減するとと
もに、同定着手段の発熱体の長手方向の発熱分布を基準
側の発熱量が非基準側の発熱量より高くなるよう設定し
たことを特徴とする画像形成装置。A transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier onto a transfer material; and a fixing means for applying heat and pressure to fix the toner image on the transfer material. In an image forming apparatus using a method in which a transfer reference position of a transfer material is set to one of left and right end portions as a fixing unit, a fixing pressure on a reference side of the fixing unit is reduced, and heat generation of the identification fixing unit is performed. An image forming apparatus, wherein a heat generation distribution in a longitudinal direction of a body is set such that a heat generation amount on a reference side is higher than a heat generation amount on a non-reference side.
材上に転写する転写手段と、熱と圧力を加えて前記トナ
ー像を前記転写材上に定着させる定着手段を有し、該定
着手段として転写材の搬送基準位置を左右何れか一方の
片側端部基準とする方式を用いた画像形成装置におい
て、前記定着手段における基準側の定着加圧力を軽減す
るとともに、同定着手段の加圧ローラの長手方向の硬度
分布を基準側の硬度が非基準側の硬度より低くなるよう
設定したことを特徴とする画像形成装置。A transfer unit for transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier onto a transfer material; and a fixing unit for applying heat and pressure to fix the toner image on the transfer material. In an image forming apparatus using a method in which the transfer reference position of the transfer material is set to one of the left and right ends as a fixing unit, the fixing pressure of the reference side of the fixing unit is reduced, and the application of the identification fixing unit is performed. An image forming apparatus, wherein a hardness distribution in a longitudinal direction of a pressure roller is set so that hardness on a reference side is lower than hardness on a non-reference side.
段は、基準側の定着ローラと加圧ローラの軸間に設けら
れ、両ローラの回転に応じて両軸間を拡げるように作用
する部分と作用しない部分を有するカムで構成されるこ
とを特徴とする請求項1又は2記載の画像形成装置。3. The means for reducing the fixing pressure of the fixing means is provided between the shafts of the reference-side fixing roller and the pressure roller, and acts to expand the space between the two shafts in accordance with the rotation of both rollers. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a cam having a portion and a portion that does not act.
ーラ又は定着ローラの軸方向に移動可能に構成するとと
もに、封筒通紙時のみ該カム又はその対向部材を当接可
能な位置に移動させることを特徴とする請求項3記載の
画像形成装置。4. The cam or the opposing member thereof is configured to be movable in the axial direction of the pressure roller or the fixing roller, and the cam or the opposing member is moved to a position where the cam or the opposing member can be brought into contact only when the envelope is passed. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:
紙部における封筒サイズの設定動作に自動的に連動する
ことを特徴とする請求項4記載の画像形成装置。5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movement of the cam or the member facing the cam automatically interlocks with an operation of setting an envelope size in a paper feeding unit.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP11984895A JP3326460B2 (en) | 1995-05-18 | 1995-05-18 | Image forming device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP11984895A JP3326460B2 (en) | 1995-05-18 | 1995-05-18 | Image forming device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH08314304A JPH08314304A (en) | 1996-11-29 |
JP3326460B2 true JP3326460B2 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
Family
ID=14771772
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP11984895A Expired - Fee Related JP3326460B2 (en) | 1995-05-18 | 1995-05-18 | Image forming device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP3326460B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6819890B1 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2004-11-16 | Xerox Corporation | Closed loop control of nip width in a fuser system |
JP7371462B2 (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2023-10-31 | 株式会社リコー | Heating device and image forming device |
-
1995
- 1995-05-18 JP JP11984895A patent/JP3326460B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH08314304A (en) | 1996-11-29 |
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