JP4915688B2 - Recording material separating member of fixing device - Google Patents

Recording material separating member of fixing device Download PDF

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JP4915688B2
JP4915688B2 JP2006013955A JP2006013955A JP4915688B2 JP 4915688 B2 JP4915688 B2 JP 4915688B2 JP 2006013955 A JP2006013955 A JP 2006013955A JP 2006013955 A JP2006013955 A JP 2006013955A JP 4915688 B2 JP4915688 B2 JP 4915688B2
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recording material
fixing device
separating member
heat
core material
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JP2007199100A (en
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智士 藤本
和男 鬼頭
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Toray Plastics Precision Co Ltd
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Toyo Plastics Seiko Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、複写機やプリンター等の画像形成装置等におけるトナー定着装置に好適に用いられる定着ローラーや定着ベルト等の定着部材から記録材（定着体）を分離させるための記録材分離部材に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a recording material separating member for separating a recording material (fixing member) from a fixing member such as a fixing roller or a fixing belt which is preferably used in a toner fixing device in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer. It is.

従来、トナー定着装置には、定着ローラー等の定着部材から記録材（定着体）を分離するために分離爪が用いられているが、このような分離爪を用いたトナー定着装置においては、局部的な加圧による定着ローラー等の定着部材の寿命低下が懸念されている。それを考慮し、分離爪に代わり板状の記録材分離部材が使われ、定着ローラー等の定着部材に対し近接配置、または線接触させて寿命低下を防ぐ提案がなされている。   Conventionally, in a toner fixing device, a separation claw is used to separate a recording material (fixing member) from a fixing member such as a fixing roller. In a toner fixing device using such a separation claw, a local part is used. There is a concern that the life of a fixing member such as a fixing roller may be shortened due to a constant pressure. In view of this, a plate-shaped recording material separating member is used instead of the separating claw, and a proposal has been made to prevent the life from being shortened by being arranged close to or in line contact with a fixing member such as a fixing roller.

具体的に、板状の分離部材として、０．０５ｍｍ以上の厚みのプラスチックシートを金属板に固定させた装置が提案されている（特許文献１参照）。しかしながら、この提案のように、プラスチックシートのみでは剛性が低く記録材の分離機能の低下が懸念される。   Specifically, an apparatus in which a plastic sheet having a thickness of 0.05 mm or more is fixed to a metal plate as a plate-like separating member has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). However, as in this proposal, the plastic sheet alone has low rigidity and there is a concern that the recording material separation function may be lowered.

また、別の板状の分離部材として、金属板にフッ素樹脂フィルムを貼り付けた分離部材が提案されている（特許文献２参照）。しかしながら、この提案では、金属板にフッ素樹脂フィルムを異物を除き、皺なく貼り付けることは難しく歩留まりが悪く、また接着剤の厚みコントロールが難しくトナーの非粘着性が低下が課題である。   As another plate-like separation member, a separation member in which a fluororesin film is attached to a metal plate has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). However, in this proposal, it is difficult to apply a fluororesin film to a metal plate without removing foreign matter, and the yield is difficult, and the thickness of the adhesive is difficult to control, and the non-adhesiveness of the toner is reduced.

また、別の板状の分離部材として、金属の芯材にエラストマー層を成形し、その表面にフッ素樹脂フィルムが形成されている分離部材が提案されてる（特許文献３参照）。しかしながら、この提案でも、特許文献２の提案と同様にフィルムの貼り付けの歩留まりとエラストマー層の厚みコントロールの難しさによるトナーの非粘着性の低下に問題がある。
特開昭５９−１８８６８１号公報 特開２００１−２３５９５９号公報 特開２００５−２３４１３１号公報 As another plate-like separation member, a separation member in which an elastomer layer is formed on a metal core and a fluororesin film is formed on the surface is proposed (see Patent Document 3). However, this proposal also has a problem in that the non-adhesiveness of the toner is reduced due to the difficulty in controlling the yield of film adhesion and the thickness of the elastomer layer as in the proposal of Patent Document 2.
JP 59-188681 A JP 2001-235959 A JP-A-2005-234131

本発明の目的は、複写機や画像形成装置等の定着装置に用いられる板状の記録材分離部材において、耐熱性と非トナー付着性に優れ、耐久性の良い定着装置の記録材分離部材を提供することにある。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording material separating member for a fixing device that is excellent in heat resistance and non-toner adhesion and has excellent durability in a plate-shaped recording material separating member used in a fixing device such as a copying machine or an image forming apparatus. It is to provide.

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材は、定着装置における記録材を定着部材から分離させるための板状の分離部材であって、該分離部材が、フッ素樹脂からなる熱収縮性チューブ内に芯材が挿入嵌合され該熱収縮性チューブの加熱収縮によって一体化され形成されてなるものであることを特徴とする定着装置の記録材分離部材であって、芯材が、リブで補強されている定着装置の記録材分離部材である。 The recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention is a plate-shaped separating member for separating the recording material in the fixing device from the fixing member, and the separating member is cored in a heat-shrinkable tube made of a fluororesin. A recording material separating member of a fixing device, wherein a material is inserted and fitted and formed integrally by heat shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable tube , wherein the core material is reinforced with ribs. a recording material separating member of the fixing device are.

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材の好ましい態様によれば、前記の芯材と前記の熱収縮性チューブの間に接着剤を介在せしめ、両者を接着し一体化の強度を補強することができる。   According to a preferred aspect of the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention, an adhesive is interposed between the core material and the heat-shrinkable tube, and both are bonded to reinforce the integrated strength. it can.

また、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材の好ましい態様によれば、前記の芯材を、金属材料、プラスチック材料またはガラス材料で構成することができ、さらに芯材を、記録材を分離する側の厚みを肉薄に形成した形状のものとすることができる。   According to a preferred aspect of the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention, the core material can be composed of a metal material, a plastic material, or a glass material, and the core material is separated from the recording material. The thickness of the side can be made thin.

また、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材は、前記の芯材の剛性を増すためリブにて補強する。リブの配置については、記録紙の通過面でも良いし、記録紙の通過面の裏側でも良いし、通過面と裏面の両側に配置しても良い。さらにはリブの個数は単体でも複数でも良く、複数の場合にはその間隔は等間隔である必要がなく、任意に配置可能である。 The recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention, it reinforced by because Li blanking with increased rigidity of the core material. The ribs may be disposed on the recording paper passage surface, on the back side of the recording paper passage surface, or on both sides of the passage surface and the back surface. Furthermore, the number of ribs may be single or plural, and in the case of plural ribs, the intervals do not need to be equal and can be arbitrarily arranged.

また、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材の好ましい態様によれば、前記のフッ素樹脂として、特にテトラフルオロエチレン−パーフルオロアルキルビニルエーテル共重合体（ＰＦＡ）、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン（ＰＴＦＥ）、テトラフルオロエチレン−ヘキサフルオロプロピレン共重合体（ＦＥＰ）またはテトラフルオロエチレン−エチレン共重合体が好ましく用いられる。   Further, according to a preferred aspect of the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention, the fluororesin is particularly preferably tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetra A fluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) or a tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer is preferably used.

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材においては、芯材に熱収縮性チューブを熱収縮にて固定する方法をとるため、芯材の選定により必要な剛性を得ることができる。芯材に固定する熱収縮性チューブがフッ素樹脂を成分とするため、耐熱性に優れ、トナーの非粘着性という目的を達成することができる。   In the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention, since a heat-shrinkable tube is fixed to the core material by heat shrinkage, the necessary rigidity can be obtained by selecting the core material. Since the heat-shrinkable tube fixed to the core material contains a fluororesin as a component, the object of excellent heat resistance and non-adhesiveness of the toner can be achieved.

また、芯材に対して熱収縮性チューブを、熱による収縮を主体とし、必要に応じ、必要最小限の接着剤での固定を行うため、従来の事例のような分離機能部分に接着剤やエラストマー厚みの不均一によるトナーの非粘着性の低下を防止することができる。   In addition, the heat shrinkable tube is mainly used for the core material, and shrinkage due to heat is used as the main component, and if necessary, fixing with the minimum amount of adhesive is required. It is possible to prevent a decrease in non-adhesiveness of the toner due to uneven thickness of the elastomer.

さらにフッ素樹脂の膜厚を、熱収縮性チューブの厚みによって正確に制御することができるので、記録材との磨耗による耐久性に優れている。すなわち、記録材との接触による磨耗に対してもフッ素樹脂膜厚を調整することによって耐久性を持たせることができる。   Furthermore, since the film thickness of the fluororesin can be accurately controlled by the thickness of the heat-shrinkable tube, it is excellent in durability due to wear with the recording material. That is, durability can be imparted by adjusting the film thickness of the fluororesin against wear due to contact with the recording material.

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材は、定着ローラ等の定着部材に近接または接触する部分が所定厚みのフッ素樹脂膜で覆われている構造となっているので、記録材の分離性能と高温耐久性および非トナー付着性を兼ね備えている。   The recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention has a structure in which a portion close to or in contact with the fixing member such as a fixing roller is covered with a fluororesin film having a predetermined thickness. Combines durability and non-toner adhesion.

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材の一例を、図面に基づいて説明する。   An example of the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図1は、本発明の定着装置分離部材を用いた定着装置を例示説明するための概要側面図であり、図2は、本発明の定着装置の分離部材を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。   FIG. 1 is a schematic side view for illustrating a fixing device using the fixing device separating member of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial sectional perspective view for illustrating the separating member of the fixing device of the present invention. FIG.

図１において、定着装置は、定着ローラ等の定着部材２とこの定着部材２に接触して回転する加圧ローラ等の加圧部材３とで基本的に構成されている。定着部材２は、通常、ヒーター２ａで加熱されている。矢印方向に回転する定着部材２と加圧部材３から送り出される用紙等の記録材4を、定着部材２から分離するため記録材分離部材１が、定着部材２の下流側に近接または接触して配置されている。図１では、記録材分離部材１が、定着部材２と加圧部材３の間から排出されてくる記録材４と定着部材２との間に介在して、走行する記録材４を定着部材２から剥離している。   In FIG. 1, the fixing device basically includes a fixing member 2 such as a fixing roller and a pressure member 3 such as a pressure roller that rotates in contact with the fixing member 2. The fixing member 2 is usually heated by a heater 2a. The recording material separating member 1 approaches or contacts the downstream side of the fixing member 2 in order to separate the recording material 4 such as paper fed from the fixing member 2 and the pressure member 3 rotating in the direction of the arrow from the fixing member 2. Has been placed. In FIG. 1, the recording material separating member 1 is interposed between the recording material 4 and the fixing member 2 discharged from between the fixing member 2 and the pressing member 3, and the traveling recording material 4 is fixed to the fixing member 2. Is peeled off.

また、機種によって異なるが、定着装置は１５０℃〜２５０℃程度の高温雰囲気に曝され使用されることがあるので、出きるだけ耐熱性の部材で構成することが好ましい。   Although it varies depending on the model, the fixing device may be used by being exposed to a high temperature atmosphere of about 150 ° C. to 250 ° C. Therefore, it is preferable that the fixing device is composed of a heat-resistant member as much as possible.

図２において、記録材分離部材１は、芯材５にフッ素樹脂を成分とする熱収縮性チューブ６を熱収縮により固定して形成されている。具体的に、定着装置における記録材４を定着部材２から分離させるための定着部材２の下流側に近接または接触して配置されている板状の記録材分離部材１であって、その記録材分離部材１は、フッ素樹脂からなる熱収縮性チューブ６内に芯材５が挿入嵌合され該熱収縮性チューブ６の加熱収縮によって一体化され形成されてなるものである。また、図２の例では、芯材５は、一様に均一な板厚の板形状でなく、図示したように、記録材４を分離する側の端部の厚みを肉薄に形成した形状のものである。このように形成することにより、定着部材２から記録材４を分離する機能が向上する。   In FIG. 2, the recording material separating member 1 is formed by fixing a heat-shrinkable tube 6 containing a fluororesin as a component to a core material 5 by heat shrinkage. Specifically, there is a plate-shaped recording material separating member 1 disposed close to or in contact with the downstream side of the fixing member 2 for separating the recording material 4 from the fixing member 2 in the fixing device, and the recording material The separating member 1 is formed by inserting and fitting a core material 5 into a heat-shrinkable tube 6 made of a fluororesin and integrating them by heat-shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube 6. In the example of FIG. 2, the core material 5 is not a plate shape having a uniform and uniform thickness, but has a shape in which the thickness of the end portion on the side separating the recording material 4 is thin as shown in the figure. Is. By forming in this way, the function of separating the recording material 4 from the fixing member 2 is improved.

記録材分離部材１の強度については、後述のように芯材の材質を適宜選択することにより最適な状態にすることができる。   About the intensity | strength of the recording material separation member 1, it can be made into an optimal state by selecting the material of a core material suitably as mentioned later.

図３は、本発明の他の定着装置の記録材分離部材を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。図３の記録材分離部材１も、芯材５にフッ素樹脂を成分とする熱収縮性チューブ６を熱収縮により固定して形成されている。図３の例では、熱収縮性チューブ６と芯材５の固定強度が熱収縮だけでは不十分な場合で、記録紙４の通過を妨げない箇所に接着剤7を用いて固定強度を増すようにしている。接着剤７の塗布箇所は、図３のように部分的に１カ所でもよく、記録材４の通過を妨げなければ部分的に複数箇所でも良く、全面であってもよい。   FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating a recording material separating member of another fixing device of the present invention. The recording material separating member 1 shown in FIG. 3 is also formed by fixing a heat-shrinkable tube 6 containing a fluororesin as a component to the core material 5 by heat shrinkage. In the example of FIG. 3, when the heat shrinkable tube 6 and the core material 5 are not sufficiently fixed by heat shrinkage alone, the adhesive 7 is used to increase the fixing strength at a location that does not obstruct the passage of the recording paper 4. I have to. As shown in FIG. 3, the adhesive 7 may be applied partially at one location, or may be partially applied at multiple locations as long as the passage of the recording material 4 is not obstructed.

本発明で用いられる芯材は、金属材料、繊維強化プラスチック材料またはガラス材料等で構成することができる。   The core material used in the present invention can be composed of a metal material, a fiber-reinforced plastic material, a glass material, or the like.

本発明で用いられる金属材料としては、例えば、鉄、ステンレス、アルミニウムおよび銅を挙げることができ、また、真鍮やりん青銅等の合金を用いることもできる。中でも、剛性および錆びにくい等の特性から、ステンレスが最も好ましい金属材料である。また、金属材料からなる芯材り厚みは、好ましくは０．０５〜０．２ｍｍくらいであり、特に好ましくは０．１〜０．２ｍｍくらいである。   Examples of the metal material used in the present invention include iron, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, and alloys such as brass and phosphor bronze can also be used. Of these, stainless steel is the most preferred metal material because of its rigidity and resistance to rust. The thickness of the core made of a metal material is preferably about 0.05 to 0.2 mm, particularly preferably about 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

本発明で用いられるプラスチック材料としては、例えば、プラスチック材料、繊維強化プラスチック材料および無機強化プラスチック材料等が挙げられる。プラスチック材料としては、ポリアミド、ポリフェニレンサルファイド、ポリエチレンテレフタレート等のポリエステル、ポリイミド、ポリエーテルエーテルケトンおよびポリエーテルサルファイド等が挙げられる。   Examples of the plastic material used in the present invention include plastic materials, fiber reinforced plastic materials, and inorganic reinforced plastic materials. Examples of the plastic material include polyamides such as polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polyether ether ketone, and polyether sulfide.

また、繊維強化プラスチック材料としては、例えば、ガラス繊維や炭素繊維等の強化繊維と、エポキシ樹脂、ポリフェニレンサルファイド、ポリエチレンテレフタレート等のポリエステル、ポリイミド、ポリエーテルエーテルケトンおよびポリエーテルサルファイド等のマトリックス樹脂からなるものが挙げられる。   Examples of the fiber reinforced plastic material include reinforced fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers, and matrix resins such as epoxy resins, polyesters such as polyphenylene sulfide and polyethylene terephthalate, polyimides, polyetheretherketone, and polyethersulfide. Things.

また、無機強化プラスチック材料としては、例えば、タルク等の無機鉱物と、エポキシ樹脂、ポリフェニレンサルファイド、ポリエチレンテレフタレート等のポリエステル、ポリイミド、ポリエーテルエーテルケトンおよびポリエーテルサルファイド等のマトリックス樹脂からなるものが挙げられる。   Examples of the inorganic reinforced plastic material include those composed of an inorganic mineral such as talc and a matrix resin such as an epoxy resin, a polyester such as polyphenylene sulfide and polyethylene terephthalate, a polyimide, a polyether ether ketone, and a polyether sulfide. .

定着装置は、既述のように１５０℃〜２５０℃程度の高温雰囲気に曝され使用されることがあるので、芯材を構成するプラスチック材料も、できるだけ耐熱性の素材で構成することが好ましい。好ましいプラスチック材利用としては、ポリフェニレンサルファイド、ポリイミドおよび液晶ポリマー等の耐熱性樹脂が挙げられる。   Since the fixing device may be used by being exposed to a high temperature atmosphere of about 150 ° C. to 250 ° C. as described above, it is preferable that the plastic material constituting the core material is made of a heat resistant material as much as possible. Examples of preferable plastic materials include heat-resistant resins such as polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, and liquid crystal polymer.

本発明で用いられるガラス材料としては、例えば、普通ガラス、強化ガラスおよび複合ガラス等が挙げられる。   Examples of the glass material used in the present invention include ordinary glass, tempered glass, and composite glass.

本発明で用いられる芯材は、図２および図３に示したように、定着部材から記録材を分離する機能を向上させるために、芯材の形状が記録材を分離する端部側のみ厚みを薄くすることが好ましい。図２端部厚みｄは、薄ければ薄いほど好ましく、好ましくは０．５ｍｍ未満とすることができる。先端部の厚みｄは、望ましくはゼロであるが、現実的には０．０５ｍｍ〜０．２mmくらいである。先端部の形状については、任意であるが、例えば、記録材側が端部から５mm〜１０ｍｍぐらいの範囲で芯材の基本厚みから徐変して、先端部の厚みｄが０．０５ｍｍ〜０．２mmくらいになるように構成することができる。   As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the core material used in the present invention has a thickness only on the end side where the recording material is separated in order to improve the function of separating the recording material from the fixing member. Is preferably thinned. The end portion thickness d in FIG. 2 is preferably as thin as possible, and can be preferably less than 0.5 mm. The thickness d of the tip is preferably zero, but is practically about 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The shape of the tip portion is arbitrary, but, for example, the recording material side gradually changes from the basic thickness of the core material in a range of about 5 mm to 10 mm from the end portion, and the thickness d of the tip portion is 0.05 mm to 0.00 mm. It can be configured to be about 2 mm.

図４は、本発明の他の定着装置の記録材分離部材を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図であり、図5は、図４の記録材分離部材に使用する芯材の形状を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。   FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating the recording material separating member of another fixing device of the present invention, and FIG. 5 illustrates the shape of the core material used for the recording material separating member of FIG. It is an expansion partial cross-sectional perspective view for demonstrating.

本発明では、芯材の剛性を向上させるために図５に示すように芯材５にリブ８を設置し補強することができる。この場合、熱収縮性チューブを一体化させた例を図４に示すが、熱収縮性チューブ６の収縮時に熱収縮性チューブ６の伸びがあり、リブ根元も皺なく一体化させることができる。   In the present invention, in order to improve the rigidity of the core material, ribs 8 can be installed and reinforced on the core material 5 as shown in FIG. In this case, although the example which integrated the heat-shrinkable tube is shown in FIG. 4, there exists elongation of the heat-shrinkable tube 6 at the time of shrinkage | contraction of the heat-shrinkable tube 6, and it can also integrate without a rib base.

図６と図７は、いずれも本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材に使用する他の芯材の形状を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。上記の図５では、リブ８は記録材の通過する芯材５の裏側に設けられているが、図６に示すように、リブ８を記録材の通過側に設けても良く、また図７に示すように、記録材の通過側と裏側の両方にリブ８を設けることもできる。また、図６や図７のように記録材側にリブ８を設けるときは、記録材の通過を妨げないようにリブ８を三角リブ形状にすることが好ましい。   6 and 7 are enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective views for illustrating the shape of another core material used for the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the rib 8 is provided on the back side of the core material 5 through which the recording material passes. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the rib 8 may be provided on the recording material passage side. As shown in FIG. 4, ribs 8 can be provided on both the passing side and the back side of the recording material. Further, when the rib 8 is provided on the recording material side as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is preferable that the rib 8 has a triangular rib shape so as not to hinder the passage of the recording material.

リブ８の配置については、単体でも複数でも良く特に等間隔に配置する必要はない。   As for the arrangement of the ribs 8, it may be a single piece or plural pieces, and it is not necessary to arrange them at regular intervals.

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材は、フッ素樹脂を主成分とし、熱をかけることによって、好ましくは径方向に収縮する熱収縮性チューブに芯材を差込み、所定の熱をかけて熱収縮性チューブを収縮させて芯材と一体化させて形成される。   The recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention is mainly composed of a fluororesin, and by applying heat, the core material is inserted into a heat-shrinkable tube that preferably shrinks in the radial direction, and heat shrinkage is performed by applying predetermined heat. It is formed by shrinking the tube and integrating it with the core material.

本発明で用いられる熱収縮性チューブは、フッ素樹脂を主成分とする成分で基本的に構成されている。フッ素樹脂としては、主にテトラフルオロエチレン−パーフルオロアルキルビニルエーテル共重合体（ＰＦＡ）、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン（ＰＴＦＥ）、テトラフルオロエチレン−ヘキサフルオロプロピレン共重合体（ＦＥＰ）およびテトラフルオロエチレン−エチレン共重合体（ＥＴＦＥ）が好ましく用いられるが、耐熱性および非トナー付着性を満足すれば、他のフッ素樹脂を用いても良い。   The heat-shrinkable tube used in the present invention is basically composed of components mainly composed of a fluororesin. Fluororesin mainly includes tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer. A polymer (ETFE) is preferably used, but other fluororesins may be used as long as heat resistance and non-toner adhesion are satisfied.

また、帯電防止機能を持たせたいときは、フッ素樹脂にカーボン微粉末等を配合することにより、目的を達成することができる。   When it is desired to have an antistatic function, the object can be achieved by blending carbon fine powder or the like with a fluororesin.

熱収縮性チューブは、差し込まれた芯材を固定化するように、好ましくは径方向に収縮する。例えば、約１５０℃〜２００℃の温度で加熱すると、径方向に５〜１５％程度収縮する。また、熱収縮性チューブのチューブ厚みは、好ましくは３０〜１００μｍ程度である。   The heat-shrinkable tube preferably shrinks in the radial direction so as to fix the inserted core material. For example, when heated at a temperature of about 150 ° C. to 200 ° C., it shrinks by about 5 to 15% in the radial direction. The tube thickness of the heat-shrinkable tube is preferably about 30 to 100 μm.

熱収縮性チューブの厚みを適切に選択することにより、記録材との磨耗に対する耐久性が良好となる。   By appropriately selecting the thickness of the heat-shrinkable tube, durability against abrasion with the recording material becomes good.

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材は、フッ素樹脂からなる熱収縮性チューブ内に芯材が挿入嵌合され該熱収縮性チューブの加熱収縮によって一体化され形成されてなるものである。具体的には、芯材に熱収縮性チューブを差込み、芯材の両端を固定する冶具にセットし、内部を好ましくは１８０℃〜２２０℃温度に設定した加熱炉中で約３０〜４０分程度加熱する。加熱中に熱収縮性チューブにしわができた場合は、軽く伸ばしてやることでしわを解消することができる。   The recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention is formed by integrally inserting a core material into a heat-shrinkable tube made of fluororesin and heat-shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube. Specifically, a heat-shrinkable tube is inserted into the core material, set to a jig that fixes both ends of the core material, and the inside is preferably set at a temperature of 180 ° C. to 220 ° C. for about 30 to 40 minutes. Heat. If the heat-shrinkable tube is wrinkled during heating, the wrinkle can be eliminated by stretching it lightly.

図３に示したように、本発明では、熱収縮性チューブと芯材の固定強度が熱収縮だけでは不十分な場合には、両者間に接着剤を介在させることができる。接着剤としては、例えば、エポキシ樹脂やシリコン樹脂を用いることができる。具体的には、接着剤を芯材に塗布した後、それを熱収縮性チューブに差し込むか、あるいは、芯材を熱収縮性チューブに差し込むときに接着剤が熱収縮性チューブについてしまうときは、芯材を熱収縮性チューブに差し込んだ後に、接着剤を芯材と熱収縮性チューブの隙間に細いノズル等を用いて入れ塗布することもできる。   As shown in FIG. 3, in the present invention, when the heat-shrinkable tube and the core material are not sufficiently fixed by heat shrinkage alone, an adhesive can be interposed therebetween. As the adhesive, for example, an epoxy resin or a silicon resin can be used. Specifically, after the adhesive is applied to the core, it is inserted into the heat-shrinkable tube, or when the adhesive ends up on the heat-shrinkable tube when the core is inserted into the heat-shrinkable tube, After inserting the core material into the heat-shrinkable tube, the adhesive can be applied by inserting it into the gap between the core material and the heat-shrinkable tube using a thin nozzle or the like.

また、接着剤を塗布する箇所は、記録材の通過を妨げないように記録材が通過する側の反対側が好ましい。接着剤の使用量は、熱収縮性チューブが収縮し、芯材に接触することで展ばされていくので、できるだけ少量を塗布することが好ましい。   Further, the portion where the adhesive is applied is preferably on the side opposite to the side through which the recording material passes so as not to hinder the passage of the recording material. Since the heat-shrinkable tube shrinks and comes into contact with the core material, the amount of adhesive used is preferably as small as possible.

形成された記録材分離部材は、定着装置の保持具に固定され使用されるが、保持具への固定方法に関しては記録材の通過を妨げない構造であれば、ねじ止め、カシメおよび接着等の方法が可能である。また、固定手段として接着を行う際には、接着部のフッ素樹脂との接着性を向上させるためのコロナ放電処理、プラズマエッチング処理およびプライマーによる極性の付加等の表面処理等が必要となる。   The formed recording material separating member is used by being fixed to the holder of the fixing device. However, with respect to the fixing method to the holder, if the structure does not hinder the passage of the recording material, screwing, caulking, adhesion, etc. A method is possible. Further, when bonding is performed as a fixing means, surface treatment such as corona discharge processing, plasma etching processing, and addition of polarity with a primer for improving the adhesion of the bonded portion to the fluororesin is required.

本発明の記録材分離部材は、トナー像転写式の乾式静電複写機、湿式静電複写機、レーザービームプリンター、液晶プリンターおよびファクシミリ用プリンター等の画像形成装置等の定着装置に好適に用いられる。   The recording material separating member of the present invention is suitably used for fixing devices such as image forming apparatuses such as toner image transfer type dry electrostatic copying machines, wet electrostatic copying machines, laser beam printers, liquid crystal printers and facsimile printers. .

本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材は、定着ローラーや定着ベルト等の定着部材に近接または接触する部分が所定厚みのフッ素樹脂膜で覆われている構造となっているので、記録材（定着体）の分離性能と高温耐久性および非トナー付着性を兼ね備えている。また、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材においては、芯材に熱収縮性チューブを熱収縮にて固定する方法をとるため、芯材の選定により必要な剛性を得ることができ、さらに、芯材に固定する熱収縮性チューブがフッ素樹脂を成分とするため、耐熱性に優れ、トナーの非粘着性という目的を達成することができるので、複写機やプリンター等の画像形成装置等の定着装置に有用である。   The recording material separating member of the fixing device according to the present invention has a structure in which a portion close to or in contact with the fixing member such as a fixing roller or a fixing belt is covered with a fluororesin film having a predetermined thickness. Body) separation performance, high temperature durability and non-toner adhesion. Further, in the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention, since the heat shrinkable tube is fixed to the core material by heat shrinkage, the necessary rigidity can be obtained by selecting the core material, Since the heat-shrinkable tube fixed to the core material contains fluororesin, it has excellent heat resistance and can achieve the purpose of non-adhesiveness of toner, so it can fix image forming devices such as copiers and printers. Useful for equipment.


図1は、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材を用いた定着装置を例示説明するための概要側面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic side view for illustrating a fixing device using a recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention. 図2は、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention. 図３は、本発明の他の定着装置の記録材分離部材を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating a recording material separating member of another fixing device of the present invention. 図４は、本発明の他の定着装置の記録材分離部材を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating the recording material separating member of another fixing device of the present invention. 図5は、図４の記録材分離部材に使用する芯材の形状を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating the shape of the core material used for the recording material separating member in FIG. 図６は、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材に使用する他の芯材の形状を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating the shape of another core material used for the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention. 図７は、本発明の定着装置の記録材分離部材に使用する他の芯材の形状を例示説明するための拡大部分断面斜視図である。FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view for illustrating the shape of another core material used for the recording material separating member of the fixing device of the present invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１：記録材分離部材
２：定着部材
３：加圧部材
４：記録材
５：芯材
６：熱収縮性チューブ
７：接着剤
８：リブ
1: Recording material separating member 2: Fixing member 3: Pressure member 4: Recording material 5: Core material 6: Heat-shrinkable tube 7: Adhesive 8: Rib

Claims (7)

定着装置における記録材を定着部材から分離させるための板状の分離部材であって、該分離部材が、フッ素樹脂からなる熱収縮性チューブ内に芯材が挿入嵌合され該熱収縮性チューブの加熱収縮によって一体化され形成されてなるものであることを特徴とする定着装置の記録材分離部材であって、芯材が、記録材が通過する側に単体または複数のリブで補強されているか、記録材が通過する側の裏側に単体または複数のリブで補強されているか、あるいは記録材が通過する側と裏側の両方に単体又は複数のリブで補強されている定着装置の記録材分離部材。 A plate-like separation member for separating a recording material in a fixing device from a fixing member, wherein the separation member has a core material inserted and fitted in a heat-shrinkable tube made of a fluororesin. A recording material separating member of a fixing device, wherein the recording material separating member is formed by being integrated by heat shrinkage , wherein the core material is reinforced by a single member or a plurality of ribs on the side through which the recording material passes The recording material separating member of the fixing device is reinforced with a single or a plurality of ribs on the back side through which the recording material passes, or is reinforced with a single or a plurality of ribs on both the side through which the recording material passes and the back side . 芯材と熱収縮性チューブの間に接着剤を介在せしめてなることを特徴とする請求項１記載の定着装置の記録材分離部材。 2. The recording material separating member for a fixing device according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive is interposed between the core material and the heat-shrinkable tube. 芯材が、金属材料で構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１または２記載の定着装置の記録材分離部材。 3. The recording material separating member for a fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the core material is made of a metal material. 芯材が、プラスチック材料で構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１または２記載の定着装置の記録材分離部材。 3. The recording material separating member for a fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the core material is made of a plastic material. 芯材が、ガラス材料で構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１または２記載の定着装置の記録材分離部材。 3. The recording material separating member for a fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the core material is made of a glass material. 芯材が、記録材を分離する側の厚みを肉薄に形成した形状のものであることを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれかに記載の定着装置の記録材分離部材。 The core material, a recording material separating member fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the thickness of the side separating the recording material is of formed shape thinner. フッ素樹脂が、テトラフルオロエチレン−パーフルオロアルキルビニルエーテル共重合体、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン、テトラフルオロエチレン−ヘキサフルオロプロピレン共重合体またはテトラフルオロエチレン−エチレン共重合体であることを特徴とする請求項1〜６のいずれかに記載の定着装置の記録材分離部材。 2. The fluororesin is a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer or tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer, A recording material separating member for a fixing device according to any one of claims 6 to 6 .
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