JP5450368B2 - Fixing device and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Fixing device and image forming apparatus having the same Download PDF

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JP5450368B2
JP5450368B2 JP2010285299A JP2010285299A JP5450368B2 JP 5450368 B2 JP5450368 B2 JP 5450368B2 JP 2010285299 A JP2010285299 A JP 2010285299A JP 2010285299 A JP2010285299 A JP 2010285299A JP 5450368 B2 JP5450368 B2 JP 5450368B2
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roller
fixing
fixing device
sheet
conveyance
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JP2012133133A (en
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晃洋 近藤
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Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
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Description

本発明は、回転する定着ローラ等の加熱部材とこれに圧接される固定式の加圧部材を備える定着装置とこれを備えた複写機やプリンタ等の画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a fixing device including a heating member such as a rotating fixing roller and a fixed pressure member pressed against the heating member, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer provided with the fixing device.

電子写真方式によって用紙等の記録材に画像を形成する複写機やプリンタ等の画像形成装置においては、感光ドラム等の像担持体上に形成された静電潜像を現像装置によって現像してトナー像として顕像化し、このトナー像を記録材上に転写することが行われる。そして、トナー像が転写された記録材は、定着装置へと搬送され、該定着装置によって加熱及び加圧されてトナー像の定着を受け後に機外に排出され、これによって一連の画像形成動作が完了する。   In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that forms an image on a recording material such as paper by an electrophotographic method, a toner is developed by developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum by a developing device. An image is visualized and the toner image is transferred onto a recording material. Then, the recording material onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device, heated and pressurized by the fixing device, fixed on the toner image, and then discharged to the outside of the machine, thereby performing a series of image forming operations. Complete.

ところで、斯かる画像形成装置における定着装置には、従来、図１０に示す加熱ローラ方式を採用するものが専ら使用されていた。   By the way, as a fixing device in such an image forming apparatus, conventionally, a fixing device adopting a heating roller system shown in FIG. 10 has been exclusively used.

即ち、図１０は加熱ローラ方式を採用する従来の定着装置の断面図であり、図示の定着装置１１８は、互いに当接して図示矢視方向に回転する定着ローラ１２１と加圧ローラ１２２を備えており、円筒状の定着ローラ１２１の内部には定着ヒータ１２３が配置されている。ここで、加圧ローラ１２２は、例えば外径φ１２ｍｍの芯金１２２ａの外表面に、外径がφ２５ｍｍとなるようにシリコンゴム層１２２ｂを形成し、その外表面に離型層として厚み５０μｍのＦＰＡチューブ１２２ｃを被覆し、全体の硬度が４２°（Ａｓｋｅｒ−Ｃ、１ｋｇｆ）となるよう構成されている。そして、この加圧ローラ１２２を荷重７ｋｇｆで定着ローラ１２１に押圧配置した場合、定着ローラ１２１と加圧ローラ１２２間に形成されるニップの幅は５ｍｍ程度と比較的狭い。   That is, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional fixing device that employs a heating roller system. The illustrated fixing device 118 includes a fixing roller 121 and a pressure roller 122 that are in contact with each other and rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow. A fixing heater 123 is disposed inside the cylindrical fixing roller 121. Here, in the pressure roller 122, for example, a silicon rubber layer 122b is formed on the outer surface of a cored bar 122a having an outer diameter of φ12 mm so that the outer diameter becomes φ25 mm, and an FPA having a thickness of 50 μm is formed as a release layer on the outer surface. The tube 122c is covered so that the overall hardness is 42 ° (Asker-C, 1 kgf). When the pressure roller 122 is pressed against the fixing roller 121 with a load of 7 kgf, the width of the nip formed between the fixing roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 is relatively narrow, about 5 mm.

斯かる加熱ローラ方式を採用する定着装置１１８においては、加圧ローラ１２２の熱容量が大きいためにウォームアップタイム（定着可能な温度に達するまでに要する時間）が長く、部品コストが高いという問題がある。   In the fixing device 118 that employs such a heating roller system, the heat capacity of the pressure roller 122 is large, so that there is a problem that the warm-up time (the time required to reach a fixable temperature) is long and the component cost is high. .

そこで、図１１の断面図に示すような定着装置２１８が提案されている。図示の定着装置２１８は、従来の加圧ローラ１２２（図１０参照）に代えて固定式の加圧部材２２２を使用するものであって、加圧部材２２２は、定着ローラ２２１と接触する表層部材２２４と、該表層部材２２４を定着ローラ２２１に押圧する押圧部材２２５及び該押圧部材２２５と前記表層部材２２４を支持する支持部材２２６で構成されている。   Therefore, a fixing device 218 as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 11 has been proposed. The illustrated fixing device 218 uses a fixed pressure member 222 instead of the conventional pressure roller 122 (see FIG. 10), and the pressure member 222 is a surface layer member that contacts the fixing roller 221. 224, a pressing member 225 that presses the surface layer member 224 against the fixing roller 221, and a supporting member 226 that supports the pressing member 225 and the surface layer member 224.

斯かる定着装置２１８においては、定着ローラ２２１と加圧部材２２２との間に形成される定着ニップに記録材を通過させることによって、該記録材上に転写されたトナー像を加熱及び加圧して定着させることができる。このような定着方式によれば、所要の定着ニップ幅を確保した上で、加圧部材２２２の熱容量を小さく抑えてウォームアップタイムを短縮することができるとともに、定着装置２１８のコストダウンと小型化を図ることができる。   In such a fixing device 218, the recording material is passed through a fixing nip formed between the fixing roller 221 and the pressure member 222 to heat and press the toner image transferred onto the recording material. It can be fixed. According to such a fixing method, while ensuring the required fixing nip width, the heat capacity of the pressure member 222 can be suppressed to be small, the warm-up time can be shortened, and the fixing device 218 can be reduced in cost and size. Can be achieved.

図１０に示す加熱ローラ方式を採用する定着装置１１８では、加圧ローラ１２２は定着ローラ１２１と共に回転するため、記録材の搬送性が維持されるが、図１１に示す固定式の加圧部材２２２を用いる定着装置２１８においては、ニップ部において記録材に加えられる搬送力は定着ローラと記録材間の摩擦力のみとなり、加圧部材２２２は逆に記録材が定着ニップを通過する際の搬送負荷となる。このため、加圧部材の押圧部材の表面は摩擦が小さいことが望ましく、定着ローラの表面は逆に摩擦が大きいことが望ましい。   In the fixing device 118 that employs the heating roller system shown in FIG. 10, the pressure roller 122 rotates together with the fixing roller 121, so that the conveyance of the recording material is maintained, but the fixed pressure member 222 shown in FIG. In the fixing device 218 using the toner, the conveyance force applied to the recording material at the nip portion is only the frictional force between the fixing roller and the recording material, and the pressure member 222 conversely conveys the load when the recording material passes through the fixing nip. It becomes. For this reason, it is desirable that the surface of the pressing member of the pressure member has a small friction, and the surface of the fixing roller desirably has a large friction.

ところで、固定式の加圧部材を備える定着装置に関して、例えば特許文献１には、定着ローラの離型層と記録材の間の摩擦係数μ１
と加圧部材の耐熱弾性圧接部材（押圧部材）表面と記録材の間の摩擦係数μ２ との間に、μ１ ／μ２
≧５成る関係が成立する定着装置が提案されている。 Incidentally, regarding a fixing device including a fixed pressure member, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a coefficient of friction μ1 between a release layer of a fixing roller and a recording material.
Between the heat-resistant elastic pressure contact member (pressing member) surface of the pressurizing member and the friction coefficient μ2 between the recording material and μ1 / μ2
A fixing device in which a relationship of ≧ 5 is established has been proposed.

特許文献２には、定着ローラと記録材の間の摩擦係数が記録材と加圧部材の間の摩擦係数よりも常に０．５以上大きな値に保たれる定着装置が提案されている。   Patent Document 2 proposes a fixing device in which the friction coefficient between the fixing roller and the recording material is always maintained at a value 0.5 or more larger than the friction coefficient between the recording material and the pressure member.

特許文献３には、定着ローラノ表面に、ガラス繊維、グラファイト、ブロンズ等の摩擦係数を上げる材料を含有し、且つ、水の接触角が９０°以上の表面コート層を形成した定着装置が提案されている。   Patent Document 3 proposes a fixing device in which a surface coat layer containing a material that increases the coefficient of friction such as glass fiber, graphite, bronze, etc. and having a water contact angle of 90 ° or more is formed on the surface of the fixing roller. ing.

特許文献４には、定着ローラの中央部外周にシリコン系のゴムから成るゴム部を設け、該定着ローラの中央部の摩擦係数をそれ以外の面の摩擦係数よりも大きくすることによって記録材の搬送性を向上させた定着装置が提案されている。   In Patent Document 4, a rubber portion made of silicon rubber is provided on the outer periphery of the central portion of the fixing roller, and the friction coefficient of the central portion of the fixing roller is made larger than the friction coefficient of the other surfaces. A fixing device with improved transportability has been proposed.

特許文献５には、定着ローラの記録材幅又はそれ以上の範囲にサンドブラスト処理を施し、該定着ローラの表面の摩擦係数をそれ以外の摩擦係数よりも大きくすることによって記録材の搬送性を向上させた定着装置が提案されている。   In Patent Document 5, the recording material width of the fixing roller or a range larger than that is subjected to sand blasting, and the friction coefficient of the surface of the fixing roller is made larger than the other friction coefficients, thereby improving the conveying property of the recording material. A fixed fixing device has been proposed.

特開平８−１１０７２１号公報JP-A-8-110721 特開平８−１２３２２５号公報JP-A-8-123225 特開２００３−０９１１９２号公報JP 2003-091192 A 特開２００２−０５５５５６号公報JP 2002-055556 A 特開２００２−０８２５５２号公報JP 2002-082552 A

特許文献１において提案された定着装置によれば、記録材の搬送性確保の面で優位性があること明らかであるが、定着ローラの離型層として一般的に使用されるＰＦＡやＰＴＦＥコーティングの静摩擦係数は充填材の有無も含めて０．０５〜０．１３であり、又、例えば加圧部材表面の低摩擦化が可能な材料の１つであるガラスクロスの静摩擦係数は０．０８〜０．１０（日東電工社製のニトフロン含有ガラスクロス）である等のデータから、μ１
／μ２ ≧５成る条件式の成立には定着ローラ表面の摩擦係数を前記の一般的な離型層の摩擦係数よりも大きくする必要があると考えられる。特許文献１の記載によれば、離型層として架橋密度を高めたシリコンゴムを用いており、定着ローラと記録材の間の摩擦係数μ１
は０．６８（ＰＴＦＥの摩擦係数は０．１２〜０．５４）であることを考慮すると、実際には離型性が悪化してトナーや紙粉等の付着の問題は発生する可能性がある。 According to the fixing device proposed in Patent Document 1, it is clear that there is an advantage in securing the transportability of the recording material, but the PFA or PTFE coating generally used as a release layer of the fixing roller. The static friction coefficient is 0.05 to 0.13 including the presence or absence of a filler. For example, the static friction coefficient of glass cloth, which is one of the materials capable of reducing the friction of the pressure member surface, is 0.08 to From data such as 0.10 (Nitoflon-containing glass cloth manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation), μ1
In order to satisfy the conditional expression / μ2 ≧ 5, it is considered that the friction coefficient of the surface of the fixing roller needs to be larger than the friction coefficient of the general release layer. According to the description in Patent Document 1, silicon rubber having an increased crosslinking density is used as the release layer, and the friction coefficient μ1 between the fixing roller and the recording material.
Is 0.68 (PTFE friction coefficient is 0.12 to 0.54), in reality, the releasability may be deteriorated and the problem of adhesion of toner, paper powder, etc. may occur. is there.

特許文献２において提案された定着装置においても、特許文献１において提案された定着装置の上記問題と同様に離型性の悪化が考えられる。   Also in the fixing device proposed in Patent Document 2, it is conceivable that the releasability is deteriorated similarly to the above problem of the fixing device proposed in Patent Document 1.

特許文献３において対案された定着装置によれば、特許文献３の表１にも示されているように、充填材入りＰＴＦＥにおいても動摩擦係数は未充填のＰＴＦＥの動摩擦係数（０．１３）のせいぜい２〜３倍（〜０．３５）程度に過ぎず、又、特許文献３に記載された充填材の種類や量は一般的に使用されている範囲のものであり、この条件では高い搬送力を確保することができないことは実験により確認された。   According to the fixing device proposed in Patent Document 3, as shown in Table 1 of Patent Document 3, the dynamic friction coefficient of PTFE containing filler is the same as that of unfilled PTFE (0.13). At most, it is only about 2 to 3 times (up to 0.35), and the kind and amount of the filler described in Patent Document 3 are in the range in which they are generally used. It was confirmed by experiment that the force could not be secured.

又、一般的なＰＦＡやＰＴＦＥコーティングの水接触角は充填材の有無も含めて１０５°〜１２０°であるというデータがあり、水接触角が９０°レベルでは離型性が十分確保されているとは言えず、トナーや紙粉等の付着の問題が考えられる。従って、特許文献３において提案された定着装置によっても、前記特許文献１，２において提案された定着装置と同様に搬送性と離型性が十分両立できているとは断定できない。   In addition, there is data that the water contact angle of general PFA and PTFE coatings is 105 ° to 120 ° including the presence or absence of a filler, and when the water contact angle is 90 ° level, the releasability is sufficiently secured. However, there may be a problem of adhesion of toner or paper powder. Therefore, even with the fixing device proposed in Patent Document 3, it cannot be determined that the transportability and the releasability are sufficiently compatible as in the fixing device proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

特許文献４には、トナー等の付着に対する対策としてゴム材にＰＦＡやＰＴＦＥ等のフッ素系樹脂を被覆するという記載があるが、同時に発生する摩擦係数低下の対策として、ゴム部の面を一部に残したり、圧力を高くする等の対策が採られており、これらは根本的な対策とはなり得ず、前記特許文献１〜３において提案された定着装置と同様に離型性の問題が発生する可能性がある。   Patent Document 4 describes that a rubber material is coated with a fluorine-based resin such as PFA or PTFE as a countermeasure against adhesion of toner or the like. In other words, these are not fundamental countermeasures such as increasing the pressure or increasing the pressure, and the problem of releasability is the same as the fixing apparatus proposed in Patent Documents 1 to 3. May occur.

特許文献５において提案された定着装置によれば、摩擦面を定着ローラ両端部の記録材搬送領域で、且つ、非画像領域に形成することによってトナーの付着の問題を解消し、搬送力を確保することができるが、摩擦面を通過しない小サイズの記録材に対しては全く効果がないことは明らかである。尚、画像領域内に摩擦面を形成すると、離型性の問題が発生することが考えられる。   According to the fixing device proposed in Patent Document 5, the friction surface is formed in the recording material conveyance area at both ends of the fixing roller and in the non-image area, thereby eliminating the problem of toner adhesion and ensuring the conveyance force. However, it is clear that there is no effect on a small-sized recording material that does not pass through the friction surface. It should be noted that if a friction surface is formed in the image area, a problem of releasability may occur.

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、回転する加熱部材と固定式の加圧部材の間のニップ部での記録材の搬送性を高めることができる定着装置及びこれを備えた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 problems, and a purpose of the present invention is to fix a recording material at a nip portion between a rotating heating member and a fixed pressurizing member so that the recording material can be conveyed. And providing an image forming apparatus including the same.

上記目的を達成するため、請求項１記載の発明は、加熱部材を回転可能に配置し、該加熱部材に圧接されて加熱部材との間に定着ニップを形成する加圧部材を固定配置し、トナー像が転写された記録材を加熱部材と加圧部材との間に形成された前記定着ニップを通過させることによってトナー像を記録材上に定着させる定着装置において、前記加熱部材に当接して回転する搬送ローラを前記加圧部材の前後の何れか一方又は両方に配置したことを特徴とする。   In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1, wherein the heating member is rotatably arranged, and a pressure member that is pressed against the heating member and forms a fixing nip with the heating member is fixedly arranged, In a fixing device for fixing a toner image onto a recording material by passing the recording material onto which the toner image has been transferred through a fixing nip formed between a heating member and a pressure member, the recording material is in contact with the heating member. The conveying roller which rotates is arrange | positioned in any one or both before and behind the said pressurization member, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、前記搬送ローラの両端非通紙部の外径を通紙部の外径よりも大きく設定し、該両端非通紙部を前記加熱部材に接触させたことを特徴とする。   According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the outer diameter of the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller is set larger than the outer diameter of the sheet passing portion, and the non-sheet passing portion at both ends is heated. The member is brought into contact with the member.

請求項３記載の発明は、請求項２記載の発明において、前記加熱部材の両端非通紙部の外径を通紙部の外径よりも大きく設定し、該両端非通紙部を前記搬送ローラの非通紙部に接触させたことを特徴とする。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the outer diameter of the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the heating member is set larger than the outer diameter of the sheet passing portion, and the non-sheet passing portion at both ends is transported. It is characterized by contacting the non-sheet passing portion of the roller.

請求項４記載の発明は、請求項２記載の発明において、前記搬送ローラの両端非通紙部を弾性体で構成し、該両端非通紙部を弾性変形させて通紙部においても該搬送ローラと前記加熱部材とを接触させたことを特徴とする。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the both-end non-sheet-passing portion of the transport roller is formed of an elastic body, and the both-end non-sheet-passing portion is elastically deformed so that the transport is also performed in the sheet passing portion. A roller and the heating member are brought into contact with each other.

請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、前記搬送ローラを弾性体で構成し、該搬送ローラを弾性変形させて加熱部材に接触させたことを特徴とする。   According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the transport roller is made of an elastic body, and the transport roller is elastically deformed and brought into contact with a heating member.

請求項６記載の画像形成装置は、請求項１〜５の何れかに記載の定着装置を備えることを特徴とする。   An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect includes the fixing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

請求項１記載の発明によれば、加熱部材に当接して回転する搬送ローラを加圧部材の前後の何れか一方又は両方に配置したため、トナー像が転写された記録材は、加熱部材と搬送ローラとの間で発生する摩擦力によって定着ニップを確実に搬送されてトナー像の定着を受けることができ、その搬送性が高められてトナー像の定着が安定的になされ、固定配置された加圧部材のみでは記録材が定着ニップに進入しにくく、進入しても加熱部材とのスリップによって搬送不良が発生するという従来の問題が解消される。又、搬送ローラは加熱部材との間に定着ニップを形成する必要がなく、高価なシリコンゴムを多量に使用する必要がないため、一般的な加圧ローラと比較して部品コストを低く抑えることができる。   According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the conveying roller that rotates in contact with the heating member is arranged on either or both of the front and rear sides of the pressure member, the recording material onto which the toner image is transferred is conveyed with the heating member. The fixing nip is reliably conveyed by the frictional force generated between the roller and the toner image can be fixed, and the conveyance performance is improved and the toner image is stably fixed. With the pressure member alone, it is difficult for the recording material to enter the fixing nip, and even if it enters, the conventional problem that the conveyance failure occurs due to slippage with the heating member is solved. In addition, it is not necessary to form a fixing nip between the conveying roller and the heating member, and it is not necessary to use a large amount of expensive silicon rubber. Can do.

請求項２記載の発明によれば、搬送ローラの両端非通紙部の外径を通紙部の外径よりも大きく設定し、該両端非通紙部を定着ローラに接触させたため、搬送ローラは記録材の搬送状態に関わらず常時回転することが可能となり、該搬送ローラが記録材の搬送負荷となることがなく、又、搬送ローラが記録材の搬送及び定着ニップへの進入を補助する機能を果たし、記録材の搬送性と定着性が一層高められる。又、通紙領域において加熱部材と搬送ローラは非接触となるため、加熱部材から搬送ローラへの熱移動量が小さく抑えられ、所要の定着温度に達するまでのウォームアップタイムが短縮される。更に、搬送ローラへのトナー付着の可能性が低くなるため、搬送ローラの表面を粗面加工等して摩擦係数を大きくし、該搬送ローラと加熱部材との間で発生する摩擦力を高めて記録材の搬送性を更に高めることができる。   According to the second aspect of the present invention, the outer diameter of the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller is set larger than the outer diameter of the sheet passing portion, and the non-sheet passing portion at both ends is brought into contact with the fixing roller. Can always rotate regardless of the recording material conveyance state, the conveyance roller does not become a recording material conveyance load, and the conveyance roller assists in the conveyance of the recording material and entering the fixing nip. This fulfills the function and further improves the conveyance and fixing properties of the recording material. In addition, since the heating member and the conveyance roller are not in contact with each other in the sheet passing area, the amount of heat transfer from the heating member to the conveyance roller is suppressed, and the warm-up time until the required fixing temperature is reached is shortened. Further, since the possibility of toner adhesion to the transport roller is reduced, the friction coefficient is increased by roughing the surface of the transport roller to increase the frictional force generated between the transport roller and the heating member. The transportability of the recording material can be further improved.

請求項３記載の発明によれば、加熱部材の両端非通紙部の外径を通紙部の外径よりも大きく設定し、該両端非通紙部と搬送ローラの非通紙部同士を接触させたため、通紙領域において加熱部材と搬送ローラを同じ線速度で常時回転させる設定が可能となり、記録材の挙動を安定させて該記録材と加熱部材との接触時に発生する画像擦れや記録材の搬送不良等の問題を解消することができる。   According to the invention of claim 3, the outer diameter of the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the heating member is set larger than the outer diameter of the sheet passing portion, Because of the contact, it is possible to set the heating member and the conveying roller to always rotate at the same linear velocity in the sheet passing area, and the behavior of the recording material is stabilized to cause image rubbing or recording that occurs at the time of contact between the recording material and the heating member. Problems such as poor conveyance of materials can be solved.

請求項４記載の発明によれば、搬送ローラの両端非通紙部を弾性体で構成し、該両端非通紙部を弾性変形させて通紙部においても該搬送ローラと加熱部材とを接触させたため、記録材が定着ニップを通過している間、通紙領域において搬送ローラが加熱部材から記録材の厚み分だけ離間しても、非通紙部での搬送ローラと加熱部材との接触によって搬送ローラが常時回転するような設定が可能となり、該搬送ローラと加熱部材との間に所定の摩擦力を確保することができるとともに、搬送ローラによる記録材の搬送負荷を低減することができ、記録材の搬送性とトナー像の定着性を高めることができる。又、搬送ローラの全域に亘って高価なシリコンゴムを使用する必要がないため、部品コストを低く抑えることができる。   According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the transport roller is made of an elastic body, and the non-paper passing portion at both ends is elastically deformed so that the transport roller and the heating member are brought into contact with each other even at the sheet passing portion. Therefore, while the recording material passes through the fixing nip, even if the conveying roller is separated from the heating member by the thickness of the recording material in the sheet passing area, the conveyance roller and the heating member are in contact with each other in the non-sheet passing portion. Makes it possible to set the conveying roller to always rotate, to ensure a predetermined frictional force between the conveying roller and the heating member, and to reduce the recording material conveying load by the conveying roller. Further, it is possible to improve the transportability of the recording material and the fixability of the toner image. Further, since it is not necessary to use expensive silicon rubber over the entire area of the conveying roller, the cost of components can be kept low.

請求項５記載の発明によれば、搬送ローラを弾性体で構成し、該搬送ローラを弾性変形させて加熱部材に接触させたため、記録材が定着ニップを通過している間、通紙領域において搬送ローラが加熱部材から記録材の厚み分だけ離間しても、非通紙部での搬送ローラと加熱部材との接触によって搬送ローラが常時回転するような設定が可能となり、該搬送ローラと加熱部材との間に所定の摩擦力を確保することができるとともに、搬送ローラによる記録材の搬送負荷を低減することができ、記録材の搬送性とトナー像の定着性を高めることができる。   According to the invention described in claim 5, since the conveying roller is formed of an elastic body, and the conveying roller is elastically deformed and brought into contact with the heating member, the recording material passes through the fixing nip in the sheet passing area. Even if the conveyance roller is separated from the heating member by the thickness of the recording material, it is possible to set the conveyance roller to always rotate by contact between the conveyance roller and the heating member in the non-sheet passing portion. A predetermined frictional force can be ensured between the members and the recording material conveyance load by the conveyance roller can be reduced, so that the recording material conveyance property and the toner image fixing property can be improved.

請求項６記載の発明によれば、定着装置での記録材の搬送性が高められてトナー像の定着不良や記録材の搬送不良が防がれる結果、高質画像を安定的に得ることができる。   According to the sixth aspect of the invention, as a result of improving the conveyance of the recording material in the fixing device and preventing the fixing failure of the toner image and the conveyance failure of the recording material, a high quality image can be stably obtained. it can.

本発明に係る画像形成装置の断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. （ａ）は本発明の実施の形態１に係る定着装置の断面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の矢視Ａ方向の部分斜視図である。(A) is sectional drawing of the fixing device based on Embodiment 1 of this invention, (b) is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrow A direction of (a). 本発明の実施の形態１に係る定着装置の変形例を示す断面図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the fixing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る定着装置の変形例を示す断面図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the fixing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. （ａ）は本発明の実施の形態２に係る定着装置の断面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の矢視Ｂ方向の部分斜視図である。(A) is sectional drawing of the fixing device based on Embodiment 2 of this invention, (b) is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrow B direction of (a). （ａ）は本発明の実施の形態３に係る定着装置の断面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の矢視Ｃ方向の部分斜視図である。(A) is sectional drawing of the fixing device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, (b) is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrow C direction of (a). （ａ）は本発明の実施の形態４に係る定着装置の断面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の矢視Ｄ方向の部分斜視図である。(A) is sectional drawing of the fixing device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention, (b) is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrow D direction of (a). （ａ）は本発明の実施の形態５に係る定着装置の断面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の矢視Ｅ方向の部分斜視図である。(A) is sectional drawing of the fixing device which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention, (b) is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrow E direction of (a). （ａ）は本発明の実施の形態６に係る定着装置の断面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の矢視Ｆ方向の部分斜視図である。(A) is sectional drawing of the fixing device which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention, (b) is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrow F direction of (a). 加熱ローラ方式を採用する従来の定着装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the conventional fixing device which employ | adopts a heating roller system. 固定式の加圧部材を備える従来の定着装置の断面図である。示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the conventional fixing device provided with a fixed pressurization member. It is sectional drawing shown.

以下に本発明の実施の形態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.

［画像形成装置］
図１は本発明に係る画像形成装置の断面図であり、図示の画像形成装置１はレーザープリンタであって、装置本体１Ａの内部上方には、画像形成部２が配され、装置本体１Ａ内の下半部には用紙収納部３が配されている。 [Image forming apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The illustrated image forming apparatus 1 is a laser printer, and an image forming unit 2 is disposed above the inside of the apparatus main body 1A. A sheet storage unit 3 is disposed in the lower half of the sheet.

上記画像形成部２は、電子写真方式によって画像を形成するものであって、回転可能に配された像担持体としての感光ドラム４と、その周囲に配された帯電器５、現像装置６、転写ローラ７及びクリーニング装置８の他、現像装置６に現像剤であるトナーを補給するためのトナーホッパ９を備えている。そして、画像形成部２の横には、光走査装置であるレーザースキャナユニット（ＬＳＵ）１０が配置されている。   The image forming unit 2 forms an image by an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 2 is a photosensitive drum 4 as a rotatable image carrier, a charger 5 disposed around the photosensitive drum 4, a developing device 6, and the like. In addition to the transfer roller 7 and the cleaning device 8, the developing device 6 is provided with a toner hopper 9 for supplying toner as a developer. A laser scanner unit (LSU) 10 that is an optical scanning device is arranged beside the image forming unit 2.

前記用紙収納部３は、記録材である複数枚の用紙が積層収容された着脱可能な上下２段の給紙カセット１１，１２を備えており、各給紙カセット１１，１２の近傍には、各給紙カセット１１，１２内の用紙を上位のものから順次取り出すピックローラ１３と、取り出された用紙を１枚ずつ分離して送り出すフィードローラ１４とリタードローラ１５がそれぞれ配設されている
又、装置本体１Ａ内には、用紙収納部３から画像形成部２に至る第１搬送路Ｓ１と、画像形成部２から排紙トレイ１６に至る第２搬送路Ｓ２が配置されており、第１搬送路Ｓ１にはレジストローラ１７と前記転写ローラ７が設けられ、第２搬送路Ｓ２には本発明に係る定着装置１８と搬送ローラ１９及び排紙ローラ２０が設けられている。尚、定着装置１８の構成の詳細は後述する。 The paper storage unit 3 includes detachable upper and lower two-stage paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 in which a plurality of paper sheets as recording materials are stacked and accommodated, and in the vicinity of each of the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12, A pick roller 13 for sequentially taking out the paper in each of the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 from the upper one, a feed roller 14 for feeding out the taken paper one by one and a retard roller 15 are provided. In the apparatus main body 1A, a first transport path S1 from the paper storage unit 3 to the image forming unit 2 and a second transport path S2 from the image forming unit 2 to the paper discharge tray 16 are disposed. A registration roller 17 and the transfer roller 7 are provided in the path S1, and a fixing device 18, a conveyance roller 19, and a discharge roller 20 according to the present invention are provided in the second conveyance path S2. Details of the configuration of the fixing device 18 will be described later.

次に、以上のように構成された画像形成装置１の画像形成動作について説明する。   Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

画像形成動作が開始されると、画像形成部２においては感光ドラム４が不図示の駆動手段によって図１の矢印方向（時計方向）に回転駆動され、その表面が帯電器５によって所定の電位に一様に帯電される。そして、パソコン等から送信される電気信号に基づくレーザービームがレーザースキャナユニット１０から出力されて感光ドラム４の表面が露光走査されると、該感光ドラム４上に画像情報に応じた静電潜像が形成される。そして、この感光ドラム４上に形成された静電潜像は、現像装置６によって現像剤であるトナーを用いて現像されてトナー像として可視像化される。   When the image forming operation is started, in the image forming unit 2, the photosensitive drum 4 is rotationally driven in a direction indicated by an arrow (clockwise) in FIG. Uniformly charged. When a laser beam based on an electrical signal transmitted from a personal computer or the like is output from the laser scanner unit 10 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed and scanned, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 4. Is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4 is developed by the developing device 6 using toner as a developer to be visualized as a toner image.

ところで、カセット給紙を行う場合、用紙収納部３の例えば上段の給紙カセット１１内に収容されている用紙は、ピックローラ１３によって最上位のものからピックアップされ、フィードローラ１４とリタードローラ１５によって１枚ずつ分離されて第１搬送経路Ｓ１をレジストローラ１７へと搬送される。そして、レジストローラ１７においては、用紙は、一時待機状態とされた後、感光ドラム４上のトナー像に同期する所定のタイミングで画像形成部２へと供給される。   By the way, when cassette feeding is performed, the sheets stored in, for example, the upper sheet feeding cassette 11 of the sheet storage unit 3 are picked up from the uppermost one by the pick roller 13 and are fed by the feed roller 14 and the retard roller 15. The sheets are separated one by one and conveyed to the registration roller 17 through the first conveyance path S1. In the registration roller 17, after the paper is temporarily in a standby state, the paper is supplied to the image forming unit 2 at a predetermined timing synchronized with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 4.

画像形成部２においては、感光ドラム４と転写ローラ７との間の転写ニップへと供給された用紙は、転写ローラ７によって感光ドラム４に押し付けられながら搬送されることによって、その表面に感光ドラム４上のトナー像が転写される。そして、トナー像が転写された用紙は、定着装置１８へと搬送され、この定着装置１８のニップを通過する過程で加熱及び加圧されてトナー像の定着を受ける。尚、用紙へのトナー像の転写後に感光ドラム４の表面に残留するトナー（転写残トナー）はクリーニング装置８によって除去され、表面が清掃された感光ドラム４は次の画像形成動作に備えられる。   In the image forming unit 2, the sheet supplied to the transfer nip between the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer roller 7 is conveyed while being pressed against the photosensitive drum 4 by the transfer roller 7, so that the surface is exposed to the photosensitive drum. The toner image on 4 is transferred. Then, the sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 18 and is heated and pressurized in the process of passing through the nip of the fixing device 18 to receive the fixing of the toner image. The toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 (transfer residual toner) after the transfer of the toner image onto the paper is removed by the cleaning device 8, and the photosensitive drum 4 whose surface has been cleaned is prepared for the next image forming operation.

而して、定着装置１８にて表面にトナー像が定着された用紙は、第２搬送路Ｓ２を搬送ローラ１９によって排紙ローラ２０に向かって搬送され、排紙ローラ２０によって排紙トレイ１６へと排出され、これによって一連の画像形成動作が終了する。   Thus, the sheet on which the toner image has been fixed on the surface by the fixing device 18 is conveyed along the second conveyance path S2 by the conveyance roller 19 toward the sheet discharge roller 20, and is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 16 by the sheet discharge roller 20. This completes a series of image forming operations.

［定着装置］
次に、本発明に係る前記定着装置１８の実施の形態について説明する。 [Fixing device]
Next, an embodiment of the fixing device 18 according to the present invention will be described.

＜実施の形態１＞
図２（ａ）は本発明の実施の形態１に係る定着装置の断面図、図２（ｂ）は図２（ａ）の矢視Ａ方向の部分斜視図であり、本実施の形態に係る定着装置１８は、回転可能な円筒状の定着ローラ２１を備えており、該定着ローラ２１内の中心には定着ヒータ２２が配置されている。そして、この定着ローラ２１には加圧部材２３が下方から圧接されて定着ローラ２１との間に定着ニップが形成されており、該定着ローラ２１の加圧部材２３の前方（用紙搬送方向において前方）には、定着ローラ２１に当接して回転する搬送ローラ２４が配置されている。 <Embodiment 1>
2A is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a partial perspective view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. The fixing device 18 includes a rotatable cylindrical fixing roller 21, and a fixing heater 22 is disposed in the center of the fixing roller 21. A pressure member 23 is pressed against the fixing roller 21 from below and a fixing nip is formed between the pressure roller 23 and the front side of the pressure member 23 of the fixing roller 21 (front side in the sheet conveying direction). ) Is provided with a conveying roller 24 that rotates in contact with the fixing roller 21.

本実施の形態では、上記定着ローラ２１は、外径φ２３ｍｍ、肉厚０．６５ｍｍのアルミニウム製の芯金の外表面に、離型層として導電材や耐摩耗材が充填されたＰＦＡやＰＴＦＥ等のフッ素樹脂を、プライマ層を含めて２５μｍの厚みでコーティングすることによって構成されている。又、この定着ローラ２１の内部に配置された前記定着ヒータ２２は、電圧１００Ｖ、出力８００Ｗのハロゲンランプで構成されており、この定着ヒータ２２によって定着ローラ２１が所定の定着温度に加熱される。尚、定着ローラ２１の表面温度は不図示の温度センサによって常時検出され、その検出信号が不図示のコントローラにフィードバックされることによって定着ローラ２１の表面温度が所定の定着温度に制御される。   In the present embodiment, the fixing roller 21 is made of PFA, PTFE, or the like in which an outer surface of an aluminum cored bar having an outer diameter of φ23 mm and a wall thickness of 0.65 mm is filled with a conductive material or a wear-resistant material as a release layer. It is constituted by coating a fluororesin with a thickness of 25 μm including the primer layer. The fixing heater 22 disposed inside the fixing roller 21 is constituted by a halogen lamp having a voltage of 100 V and an output of 800 W, and the fixing roller 22 is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature. The surface temperature of the fixing roller 21 is always detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), and the detection signal is fed back to a controller (not shown) to control the surface temperature of the fixing roller 21 to a predetermined fixing temperature.

前記加圧部材２３は、幅１０ｍｍ、厚み６ｍｍ、硬度２５°（Ａｓｋｅｒ−Ｃ、１ｋｇｆ）のシリコンスポンジ等の耐熱性弾性部材２３Ａの表面を厚み５０μｍのＰＦＡチューブから成る表層部材２３Ｂを接着して構成されており、該加圧部材２３と定着ローラ２１との間には幅８ｍｍの定着ニップが形成されている。尚、加圧部材２３において、表層部材２３Ｂは用紙との摩擦力の低減と耐熱性弾性部材２３Ａへのトナーや紙粉等の付着を防ぐ機能を果たす。   The pressure member 23 has a surface layer member 23B made of a PFA tube having a thickness of 50 μm and a surface of a heat-resistant elastic member 23A such as a silicon sponge having a width of 10 mm, a thickness of 6 mm, and a hardness of 25 ° (Asker-C, 1 kgf). A fixing nip having a width of 8 mm is formed between the pressure member 23 and the fixing roller 21. In the pressurizing member 23, the surface layer member 23B functions to reduce the frictional force with the paper and prevent adhesion of toner, paper dust, etc. to the heat resistant elastic member 23A.

前記搬送ローラ２４は、用紙幅方向（図２（ａ）の紙面垂直方向）に配された外径φ６ｍｍの鉄製の芯金２４Ａの外周に、外径がφ８ｍｍとなるようにシリコンゴム層２４Ｂを形成して構成されており、不図示のバネ等によって定着ローラ２１に所定の力で押圧されている。   The conveying roller 24 has a silicon rubber layer 24B on the outer periphery of an iron cored bar 24A having an outer diameter of 6 mm arranged in the paper width direction (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2A) so that the outer diameter is 8 mm. The fixing roller 21 is pressed with a predetermined force by a spring or the like (not shown).

以上のように構成された定着装置１８において、定着ローラ２１が不図示の駆動手段によって図２の矢印方向（時計方向）に所定の速度で回転駆動されると、前述のようにトナー像が転写された用紙が定着ローラ２１と搬送ローラ２４との間に挟持されて加圧部材２３と定着ローラ２１との間の定着ニップへと導かれ、この定着ニップを通過する過程で加熱及び加圧され、トナー像が用紙上に定着される。   In the fixing device 18 configured as described above, when the fixing roller 21 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in FIG. 2 by driving means (not shown), the toner image is transferred as described above. The sheet is sandwiched between the fixing roller 21 and the conveying roller 24 and guided to the fixing nip between the pressure member 23 and the fixing roller 21, and is heated and pressed in the process of passing through the fixing nip. The toner image is fixed on the paper.

而して、本実施の形態では、定着ローラ２１に当接して回転する搬送ローラ２４を加圧部材２３の前方に配置したため、トナー像が転写された用紙は、定着ローラ２１と搬送ローラ２４との間で発生する摩擦力によって定着ニップを確実に搬送されてトナー像の定着を受けることができ、その搬送性が高められてトナー像の定着が安定的になされ、固定配置された加圧部材２３のみでは用紙がニップに進入しにくく、進入しても定着ローラ２１とのスリップによって搬送不良が発生するという従来の問題が解消される。   Thus, in this embodiment, the conveyance roller 24 that rotates in contact with the fixing roller 21 is disposed in front of the pressure member 23, so that the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is the fixing roller 21, the conveyance roller 24, and the like. The fixing member is surely conveyed through the fixing nip by the frictional force generated between the toner image and the toner image can be fixed, the toner image is stably fixed, and the pressure member is fixedly arranged. If only 23 is used, it is difficult for the sheet to enter the nip, and even if it enters, the conventional problem that a conveyance failure occurs due to slippage with the fixing roller 21 is solved.

又、搬送ローラ２４は定着ローラ２１との間に定着ニップを形成する必要がなく、高価なシリコンゴムを多量に使用する必要がないため、一般的な加圧ローラと比較して部品コストを低く抑えることができるという効果も得られる。   Further, the conveyance roller 24 does not need to form a fixing nip with the fixing roller 21 and does not need to use a large amount of expensive silicon rubber. Therefore, the parts cost is lower than that of a general pressure roller. The effect that it can suppress can also be acquired.

そして、以上のように定着装置１８での用紙の搬送性が高められてトナー像の定着不良や用紙の搬送不良が防がれる結果、図１に示す画像形成装置（レーザープリンタ）において高質画像を安定的に得ることができる。   As described above, the sheet transportability of the fixing device 18 is improved to prevent the fixing failure of the toner image and the sheet transport failure. As a result, the image forming apparatus (laser printer) shown in FIG. Can be obtained stably.

尚、本実施の形態では、搬送ローラ２４を加圧部材２３の前方に配置したが、図３に示すように搬送ローラ２４を加圧部材２３の後方に配置し、或いは図４に示すように加圧部材２３の前後に搬送ローラ２４，２５をそれぞれ配置しても前記と同様の効果が得られる（以下に説明する実施の形態２〜６においても同じであるが、図示は省略する）。特に、図４に示すように加圧部材２３の前後に搬送ローラ２４，２５配置すると、用紙の搬送性とトナー像の定着性が更に高められる。   In this embodiment, the transport roller 24 is disposed in front of the pressure member 23. However, the transport roller 24 is disposed behind the pressure member 23 as shown in FIG. 3, or as shown in FIG. Even if the transport rollers 24 and 25 are arranged before and after the pressure member 23, the same effect as described above can be obtained (the same is true in the second to sixth embodiments described below, but the illustration is omitted). In particular, when the conveying rollers 24 and 25 are disposed before and after the pressure member 23 as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet conveying property and the toner image fixing property are further improved.

＜実施の形態２＞
次に、本発明の実施の形態２を図５に基づいて説明する。 <Embodiment 2>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

図５（ａ）は本発明の実施の形態２に係る定着装置の断面図、図５（ｂ）は図５（ａ）の矢視Ｂ方向の部分斜視図であり、本図においては図２に示したものと同一要素には同一符号を付しており、以下、それらについての再度の説明は省略する。   5A is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, FIG. 5B is a partial perspective view in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 5A, and FIG. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

本実施の形態は、搬送ローラ２４を実施の形態１よりも小径化したことを特徴としており、他の構成は前記実施の形態１の構成と同じである。   The present embodiment is characterized in that the diameter of the transport roller 24 is smaller than that of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

即ち、搬送ローラ２４は、外径φ２ｍｍのＳＵＳ製の軸２４Ａに、外径φ３ｍｍ、厚み０．５ｍｍのＰＦＡチューブ２４Ｂを被せて構成されており、このように搬送ローラ２４を小径化しても、該搬送ローラ２４が所要の搬送力を発揮する限り、前記実施の形態１と同様の効果が得られる他、搬送ローラ２４のコスト低減と定着装置１８の小型化、熱容量の低下によるウォームアップタイムの短縮が可能となる。   That is, the conveying roller 24 is configured by covering a SUS shaft 24A having an outer diameter of 2 mm with a PFA tube 24B having an outer diameter of 3 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm. Even if the diameter of the conveying roller 24 is reduced in this way, As long as the conveying roller 24 exhibits the required conveying force, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the cost of the conveying roller 24 can be reduced, the fixing device 18 can be downsized, and the warm-up time can be reduced by reducing the heat capacity. Shortening is possible.

又、搬送ローラ２４を小径化することによって、該搬送ローラ２４を加圧部材２３の直前に配置することができ、搬送ローラ２４と加圧部材２３との間で用紙が詰まるジャムの発生が抑えられて用紙の搬送性が更に高められる。   Further, by reducing the diameter of the conveyance roller 24, the conveyance roller 24 can be disposed immediately before the pressure member 23, and the occurrence of a jam that jams the paper between the conveyance roller 24 and the pressure member 23 is suppressed. As a result, the paper transportability is further improved.

＜実施の形態３＞
次に、本発明の実施の形態３を図６に基づいて説明する。 <Embodiment 3>
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

図６（ａ）は本発明の実施の形態３に係る定着装置の断面図、図６（ｂ）は図６（ａ）の矢視Ｃ方向の部分斜視図であり、本図においても図２に示したものと同一要素には同一符号を付しており、以下、それらについての再度の説明は省略する。   6A is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a partial perspective view in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 6A. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

本実施の形態は、搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部に、その外径が通紙部の外径よりも大きな大径部２４ａを形成し、この大径部２４ａを定着ローラ２１に接触させたことを特徴とし、他の構成は前記実施の形態１のそれと同じである。   In the present embodiment, a large-diameter portion 24 a having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the paper passing portion is formed in the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller 24, and the large diameter portion 24 a is brought into contact with the fixing roller 21. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

具体的には、搬送ローラ２４は、外径φ６ｍｍの鉄製の芯金２４Ａに、両端の大径部２４ａの外径がφ８．４ｍｍ、それ以外の通紙領域の小径部２４ｂの外径がφ８ｍｍとなるようにシリコンゴム層２４Ｂを形成することによって構成され、不図示のバネ等によって定着ローラ２１に所定の力で押圧されることによって、非通紙部の両端部に形成された大径部２４ａが定着ローラ２１に接触している。   Specifically, the conveying roller 24 has an iron core metal 24A having an outer diameter of φ6 mm, an outer diameter of the large diameter portion 24a at both ends is φ8.4 mm, and an outer diameter of the small diameter portion 24b of the other paper passing region is φ8 mm. Large diameter portions formed at both ends of the non-sheet-passing portion by being pressed against the fixing roller 21 with a predetermined force by a spring (not shown) or the like. 24 a is in contact with the fixing roller 21.

従って、通紙部においては定着ローラ２１と搬送ローラ２４の小径部２４ｂとの間には０．２ｍｍの隙間δ１が形成されており、搬送ローラ２４の非通紙部の両端部に形成された大径部２４ａが定着ローラ２１に接触しているため、定着ローラ２１が図６の矢印方向（時計方向）に回転駆動されると、搬送ローラ２４は定着ローラ２１に従動して常時回転する。   Accordingly, a 0.2 mm gap δ1 is formed between the fixing roller 21 and the small-diameter portion 24b of the conveying roller 24 in the sheet passing portion, and is formed at both ends of the non-sheet passing portion of the conveying roller 24. Since the large diameter portion 24 a is in contact with the fixing roller 21, when the fixing roller 21 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in FIG. 6, the transport roller 24 is always driven by the fixing roller 21.

而して、本実施の形態によれば、搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部に大径部２４ａを形成し、この大径部２４ａを定着ローラ２１に接触させたため、搬送ローラ２４は用紙の搬送状態に関わらず常時回転することが可能となり、該搬送ローラ２４が用紙の搬送負荷となることがなく、又、搬送ローラ２４が用紙の搬送及びニップへの進入を補助する機能を果たし、用紙の搬送性とトナー像の定着性が一層高められる。   Thus, according to the present embodiment, the large-diameter portion 24a is formed in the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveyance roller 24, and the large-diameter portion 24a is brought into contact with the fixing roller 21. It is possible to always rotate regardless of the conveyance state, the conveyance roller 24 does not become a paper conveyance load, and the conveyance roller 24 has a function of assisting the conveyance of the paper and entering the nip. Transportability and toner image fixability are further enhanced.

又、通紙領域においては定着ローラ２１と搬送ローラ２４は非接触となるため、定着ローラ２１から搬送ローラ２４への熱移動量が小さく抑えられ、所要の定着温度に達するまでのウォームアップタイムが短縮される。   Further, since the fixing roller 21 and the conveying roller 24 are not in contact with each other in the sheet passing area, the amount of heat transfer from the fixing roller 21 to the conveying roller 24 is suppressed, and the warm-up time until the required fixing temperature is reached. Shortened.

更に、搬送ローラ２４へのトナー付着の可能性が低くなるため、搬送ローラ２４の表面を粗面加工等して摩擦係数を大きくし、該搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１との間で発生する摩擦力を高めて用紙の搬送性を更に高めることができる。   Further, since the possibility of toner adhesion to the transport roller 24 is reduced, the friction coefficient generated by roughing the surface of the transport roller 24 to increase the friction coefficient, and the friction generated between the transport roller 24 and the fixing roller 21. It is possible to further increase the sheet conveyance performance by increasing the force.

＜実施の形態４＞
次に、本発明の実施の形態４を図７に基づいて説明する。 <Embodiment 4>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

図７（ａ）は本発明の実施の形態４に係る定着装置の断面図、図７（ｂ）は図７（ａ）の矢視Ｄ方向の部分斜視図であり、本図においては図６に示したものと同一要素には同一符号を付しており、以下、それらについての再度の説明は省略する。   7A is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, FIG. 7B is a partial perspective view in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 7A, and FIG. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

本実施の形態は、前記実施の形態３と同様に搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部に、その外径が通紙部の小径部２４ｂの外径よりも大きな大径部２４ａを形成するとともに、定着ローラ２１の両端非通紙部にも、その外径が通紙部の外径よりも大きな大径部２１ａを形成し、搬送ローラ２４の大径部２４ａと定着ローラ２１の大径部２１ａ同士を接触させたことを特徴とし、他の構成は前記実施の形態３のそれと同じである。   In the present embodiment, a large-diameter portion 24a whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 24b of the sheet passing portion is formed in the non-sheet-passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller 24 as in the third embodiment. A large diameter portion 21 a having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the sheet passing portion is formed in the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the fixing roller 21, and the large diameter portion 24 a of the conveying roller 24 and the large diameter portion of the fixing roller 21 are formed. 21a is in contact with each other, and the other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment.

具体的には、搬送ローラ２４は、外径φ６ｍｍの鉄製の芯金２４Ａに、両端の大径部２４ａの外径がφ８．１ｍｍ、それ以外の通紙領域の小径部２４ｂの外径がφ８ｍｍとなるようにシリコンゴム層２４Ｂを形成することによって構成されている。又、定着ローラ２１は、外径φ２３ｍｍの円筒状部材で構成され、その両端非通紙部には外径φ２３．３ｍｍの大径部２１ａが形成されている。   Specifically, the conveying roller 24 has an iron cored bar 24A having an outer diameter of φ6 mm, an outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 24a at both ends is φ8.1 mm, and an outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 24b of the other paper passing region is φ8 mm. The silicon rubber layer 24B is formed so that The fixing roller 21 is formed of a cylindrical member having an outer diameter of φ23 mm, and a large-diameter portion 21a having an outer diameter of φ23.3 mm is formed at a non-sheet passing portion at both ends.

そして、搬送ローラ２４が不図示のバネ等によって定着ローラ２１に所定の力で押圧されることによって、該搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部に形成された大径部２４ａが定着ローラ２１の両端非通紙部に形成された大径部２１ａに接触しており、定着ローラ２１の通紙部と搬送ローラ２４の通紙部との間には０．２ｍｍの隙間δ２が形成されている。従って、定着ローラ２１が図７の矢印方向（時計方向）に回転駆動されると、搬送ローラ２４は定着ローラ２１に従動して常時回転するが、定着ローラ２１の通紙部の線速度を２００ｍｍ／ｓｅｃとすると、搬送ローラ２４の通紙部の線速度も同じ２００ｍｍ／ｓｅｃとなり、定着ローラ２１と搬送ローラ２４は通紙部において０．２ｍｍの隙間δ２を保った状態で同一線速度で常時回転する。   Then, the conveying roller 24 is pressed against the fixing roller 21 with a predetermined force by a spring (not shown) or the like, so that the large diameter portions 24 a formed at the non-sheet passing portions at both ends of the conveying roller 24 are both ends of the fixing roller 21. A 0.2 mm gap δ2 is formed between the sheet passing portion of the fixing roller 21 and the sheet passing portion of the conveying roller 24. Accordingly, when the fixing roller 21 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in FIG. 7, the conveying roller 24 is always rotated by being driven by the fixing roller 21, but the linear velocity of the sheet passing portion of the fixing roller 21 is 200 mm. / Sec, the linear velocity of the sheet passing portion of the conveying roller 24 is also the same 200 mm / sec, and the fixing roller 21 and the conveying roller 24 are always at the same linear velocity with a gap δ2 of 0.2 mm maintained in the sheet passing portion. Rotate.

而して、本実施の形態によれば、定着ローラ２１の両端非通紙部に形成された大径部２１ａと搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部に形成された大径部２４ａ同士を接触させたため、通紙領域において定着ローラ２１と搬送ローラ２４を同じ線速度で常時回転させる設定が可能となり、用紙の挙動を安定させて該用紙と定着ローラ２１との接触時に発生する画像擦れや用紙の搬送不良等の問題を解消することができる。又、本実施の形態においても、前記実施の形態１同様に用紙の搬送性とトナー像の定着性の向上を図ることができる。   Thus, according to the present embodiment, the large-diameter portion 21a formed at the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the fixing roller 21 and the large-diameter portion 24a formed at the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller 24 are brought into contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to set the fixing roller 21 and the conveying roller 24 to always rotate at the same linear speed in the sheet passing area, stabilize the behavior of the sheet, and cause image rubbing or sheeting when the sheet and the fixing roller 21 come into contact with each other. Problems such as poor transport can be solved. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the sheet conveyance property and the toner image fixing property.

＜実施の形態５＞
次に、本発明の実施の形態５を図８に基づいて説明する。 <Embodiment 5>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

図８（ａ）は本発明の実施の形態５に係る定着装置の断面図、図８（ｂ）は図８（ａ）の矢視Ｅ方向の部分斜視図であり、本図においては図６に示したものと同一要素には同一符号を付しており、以下、それらについての再度の説明は省略する。   8A is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, FIG. 8B is a partial perspective view in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 8A, and FIG. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

本実施の形態は、前記実施の形態３と同様に搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部に、その外径が通紙部の小径部２４ｂの外径よりも大きな大径部２４ａを形成するとともに、該大径部２４ａを弾性体で構成し、これらの大径部２４ａを弾性変形させて通紙部の小径部２４ｂにおいても搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１とを接触させたことを特徴とし、他の構成は前記実施の形態３のそれと同じである。   In the present embodiment, a large-diameter portion 24a whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 24b of the sheet passing portion is formed in the non-sheet-passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller 24 as in the third embodiment. The large-diameter portion 24a is formed of an elastic body, and the large-diameter portion 24a is elastically deformed so that the conveyance roller 24 and the fixing roller 21 are brought into contact with each other even in the small-diameter portion 24b of the paper passing portion. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

具体的には、搬送ローラ２４は、外径φ６ｍｍの鉄製の芯金２４Ａに、通紙領域の小径部２４ｂは外径がφ８ｍｍとなるように高硬度のシリコンゴム層２４Ｂを形成し、両端非通紙部に外径がφ８．４ｍｍとなるように低硬度のシリコンゴムから成る大径部２４ａを形成することによって構成されており、不図示のバネ等によって定着ローラ２１に押圧されている。ここで、搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部に形成された大径部２４ａが０．２ｍｍ以上歪むように搬送ローラ２４が定着ローラ２１に押圧されると、該搬送ローラ２４の高硬度シリコンゴム層から成る通紙部（小径部２４ｂ）も定着ローラ２１に接触し、該搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１との間に大きな摩擦力が発生して用紙の搬送力が高められる。   Specifically, the conveying roller 24 is formed of an iron cored bar 24A having an outer diameter of φ6 mm, and the high-diameter silicon rubber layer 24B is formed so that the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 24b of the paper passing area is φ8 mm. A large diameter portion 24a made of low hardness silicon rubber is formed in the paper passing portion so that the outer diameter is φ8.4 mm, and is pressed against the fixing roller 21 by a spring (not shown). Here, when the conveyance roller 24 is pressed against the fixing roller 21 so that the large diameter portion 24a formed at the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveyance roller 24 is distorted by 0.2 mm or more, the high hardness silicon rubber layer of the conveyance roller 24 is obtained. The sheet passing portion (small-diameter portion 24 b) is also in contact with the fixing roller 21, and a large frictional force is generated between the conveying roller 24 and the fixing roller 21 to increase the sheet conveying force.

而して、本実施の形態によれば、搬送ローラ２４の両端非通紙部の大径部２４ａを低硬度のシリコンゴムで構成し、該大径部２４ａを弾性変形させて高硬度シリコンゴム層から成る通紙部（小径部２４ｂ）においても該搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１とを接触させたため、用紙が定着ニップを通過している間、通紙領域において搬送ローラ２４が定着ローラ２１から用紙の厚み分だけ離間しても、非通紙部での搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１との接触によって搬送ローラ２４が常時回転するような設定が可能となり、該搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１との間に所定の摩擦力を確保することができるとともに、搬送ローラ２４による用紙の搬送負荷を低減することができ、用紙の搬送性とトナー像の定着性を高めることができる。   Thus, according to the present embodiment, the large-diameter portion 24a of the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the transport roller 24 is made of low-hardness silicone rubber, and the large-diameter portion 24a is elastically deformed so as to obtain high-hardness silicon rubber. Even in the sheet passing portion (small diameter portion 24b) composed of layers, the transport roller 24 and the fixing roller 21 are brought into contact with each other, so that the transport roller 24 moves from the fixing roller 21 in the sheet passing region while the sheet passes through the fixing nip. Even if the sheet is separated by the thickness of the sheet, setting can be made such that the conveyance roller 24 always rotates by contact between the conveyance roller 24 and the fixing roller 21 in the non-sheet passing portion. In addition, a predetermined frictional force can be ensured during this period, and the sheet conveyance load by the conveyance roller 24 can be reduced, and the sheet conveyance property and the toner image fixing property can be improved.

又、搬送ローラ２４の全域に亘って高価なシリコンゴムを使用する必要がないため、部品コストを低く抑えることができるという効果も得られる。   Further, since it is not necessary to use expensive silicon rubber over the entire area of the conveying roller 24, an effect that the cost of components can be suppressed is obtained.

＜実施の形態６＞
次に、本発明の実施の形態６を図９に基づいて説明する。 <Embodiment 6>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

図９（ａ）は本発明の実施の形態６に係る定着装置の断面図、図９（ｂ）は図９（ａ）の矢視Ｆ方向の部分斜視図であり、本図においては図２に示したものと同一要素には同一符号を付しており、以下、それらについての再度の説明は省略する。   9A is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, FIG. 9B is a partial perspective view in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 9A, and FIG. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

本実施の形態は、搬送ローラ２４を弾性体で構成し、該搬送ローラ２４を弾性変形させて定着ローラ２１に接触させたことを特徴とし、他の構成は前記実施の形態１のそれと同じである。   The present embodiment is characterized in that the conveying roller 24 is formed of an elastic body, and the conveying roller 24 is elastically deformed and brought into contact with the fixing roller 21. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. is there.

具体的には、搬送ローラ２４は、外径φ６ｍｍの鉄製の芯金２４Ａに、両端の非通紙部を含めて外径がφ８．４ｍｍとなるように低硬度のシリコンゴム層２４Ｂを形成することによって構成され、不図示のバネ等によって定着ローラ２１に所定の力で押圧されている。ここで、搬送ローラ２４の低硬度のシリコンゴム層２４Ｂが例えば０．２ｍｍ以上歪むように搬送ローラ２４が定着ローラ２１に押圧されると、該搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１との間に形成される定着ニップによって用紙の搬送力が高められる。   Specifically, the transport roller 24 forms a low hardness silicon rubber layer 24B on an iron cored bar 24A having an outer diameter of φ6 mm so that the outer diameter including the non-sheet passing portions at both ends is φ8.4 mm. And is pressed against the fixing roller 21 with a predetermined force by a spring or the like (not shown). Here, when the conveyance roller 24 is pressed against the fixing roller 21 so that the low hardness silicon rubber layer 24B of the conveyance roller 24 is distorted by, for example, 0.2 mm or more, it is formed between the conveyance roller 24 and the fixing roller 21. The sheet conveying force is increased by the fixing nip.

而して、本実施の形態によれば、搬送ローラ２４を弾性体で構成し、該搬送ローラ２４を弾性変形させて定着ローラ２１に接触させたため、用紙が定着ニップを通過している間、通紙領域において搬送ローラ２４が定着ローラ２１から用紙の厚み分だけ離間しても、非通紙部での搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１との接触によって搬送ローラ２４が常時回転するような設定が可能となり、該搬送ローラ２４と定着ローラ２１との間に所定の摩擦力を確保することができるとともに、搬送ローラ２４による用紙の搬送負荷を低減することができ、用紙の搬送性とトナー像の定着性を高めることができる。   Thus, according to the present embodiment, the conveyance roller 24 is formed of an elastic body, and the conveyance roller 24 is elastically deformed and brought into contact with the fixing roller 21. Therefore, while the sheet passes through the fixing nip, Even if the conveying roller 24 is separated from the fixing roller 21 by the thickness of the sheet in the sheet passing area, the setting is such that the conveying roller 24 is always rotated by contact between the conveying roller 24 and the fixing roller 21 in the non-sheet passing portion. A predetermined frictional force can be ensured between the transport roller 24 and the fixing roller 21, and the paper transport load by the transport roller 24 can be reduced. Fixability can be improved.

尚、以上は加熱部材として定着ローラを使用する加熱ローラ方式の定着装置に対して本発明を適用した形態について説明したが、本発明は、加熱部材として定着ベルトを使用するベルト定着方式の定着装置に対しても同様に適用可能である。   In the above, the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a heating roller type fixing device using a fixing roller as a heating member has been described. However, the present invention is a belt fixing type fixing device using a fixing belt as a heating member. The same applies to the above.

又、以上は本発明をモノクロのレーザープリンタとこれに備えられた定着装置に対して適用した形態について説明したが、本発明は、カラーレザープリンタやモノクロ・カラーを問わず、複写機や複合機等の他の任意の画像形成装置及びこれに備えられた定着装置に対しても同様に適用可能であることは勿論である。   Although the present invention has been described with respect to a mode in which the present invention is applied to a monochrome laser printer and a fixing device provided therein, the present invention is not limited to color leather printers and monochrome / color printers. Needless to say, the present invention can be similarly applied to other arbitrary image forming apparatuses and the like and a fixing device provided in the image forming apparatus.

１ 画像形成装置
１Ａ 画像形成装置本体
２ 画像形成部
３ 用紙収納部
４ 感光ドラム
５ 帯電器
６ 現像装置
７ 転写ローラ
８ クリーニング装置
９ トナーホッパ
１０ レーザースキャナユニット（ＬＳＵ）
１１，１２ 給紙カセット
１３ ピックローラ
１４ フィードローラ
１５ リタードローラ
１６ 排紙トレイ
１７ レジストローラ
１８ 定着装置
１９ 搬送ローラ
２０ 排紙ローラ
２１ 定着ローラ(加熱部材)
２１ａ 定着ローラの大径部
２２ 定着ヒータ
２３ 加圧部材
２３Ａ 耐熱性弾性部材
２３Ｂ 表層部材
２４，２５ 搬送ローラ
２４Ａ 搬送ローラの芯金
２４Ｂ 搬送ローラのシリコンゴム層
２４ａ 搬送ローラの大径部
２４ｂ 搬送ローラの小径部
Ｓ１ 第１搬送路
Ｓ２ 第２搬送路
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 1A Image forming apparatus main body 2 Image forming part 3 Paper storage part 4 Photosensitive drum 5 Charging device 6 Developing device 7 Transfer roller 8 Cleaning device 9 Toner hopper 10 Laser scanner unit (LSU)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11, 12 Paper feed cassette 13 Pick roller 14 Feed roller 15 Retard roller 16 Paper discharge tray 17 Registration roller 18 Fixing device 19 Carrying roller 20 Paper discharge roller 21 Fixing roller (heating member)
21a Large diameter portion of fixing roller 22 Fixing heater 23 Pressure member 23A Heat resistant elastic member 23B Surface layer member 24, 25 Conveying roller 24A Conveying roller core 24B Conveying roller silicon rubber layer 24a Conveying roller large diameter portion 24b Conveying roller Small diameter part S1 1st conveyance path S2 2nd conveyance path

Claims (2)

加熱部材を回転可能に配置し、該加熱部材に圧接されて加熱部材との間に定着ニップを形成する加圧部材を固定配置し、トナー像が転写された記録材を加熱部材と加圧部材との間に形成された前記定着ニップを通過させることによってトナー像を記録材上に定着させる定着装置において、
前記加熱部材に当接して回転する搬送ローラを前記加圧部材の前後の何れか一方又は両方に配置し、
前記搬送ローラの両端非通紙部の外径を通紙部の外径よりも大きく設定すると共に前記搬送ローラの両端非通紙部を弾性体で構成し、該両端非通紙部を前記加熱部材に接触させると共に該両端非通紙部を弾性変形させて通紙部においても該搬送ローラと前記加熱部材とを接触させたことを特徴とする定着装置。 A heating member is rotatably arranged, a pressure member that is pressed against the heating member to form a fixing nip is fixedly arranged, and the recording material on which the toner image is transferred is placed on the heating member and the pressure member. In a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording material by passing through the fixing nip formed between
A conveying roller that rotates in contact with the heating member is disposed on either or both of the front and rear sides of the pressure member ,
The outer diameter of the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the sheet feeding portion, the non-sheet passing portion at both ends of the conveying roller is made of an elastic body, A fixing device, wherein the fixing roller is in contact with a member and elastically deforms the non-sheet passing portion at both ends so that the conveying roller and the heating member are brought into contact with each other even in the sheet passing portion . 請求項１に記載の定着装置を備えることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to claim 1 .
JP2010285299A 2010-12-22 2010-12-22 Fixing device and image forming apparatus having the same Expired - Fee Related JP5450368B2 (en)

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JP3141904B2 (en) * 1993-01-20 2001-03-07 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image forming device
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