JPH07111606B2 - Fixing device - Google Patents
Fixing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH07111606B2 JPH07111606B2 JP33304589A JP33304589A JPH07111606B2 JP H07111606 B2 JPH07111606 B2 JP H07111606B2 JP 33304589 A JP33304589 A JP 33304589A JP 33304589 A JP33304589 A JP 33304589A JP H07111606 B2 JPH07111606 B2 JP H07111606B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- generating layer
- heat generating
- film
- fixing device
- heat
- 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)
- Resistance Heating (AREA)
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】 （産業上の利用分野） 本発明は、フィルムを介して記録材に熱エネルギーを付
与する方式の定着装置に関する。The present invention relates to a fixing device of a system that applies thermal energy to a recording material via a film.
更に詳しくは、加熱体にフィルムを接触させて移動さ
せ、該フィルムの加熱体側とは反対側の面に記録材を密
着させてフィルムと共に加熱***置を移動通過させて加
熱体からフィルムを介して記録材に熱エネルギーを与え
る方式（フィルム加熱方式）の定着装置に関する。More specifically, the film is brought into contact with the heating body and moved, the recording material is brought into close contact with the surface of the film opposite to the heating body side, and the film is moved through the heating body position together with the film to pass through the film. The present invention relates to a fixing device that applies heat energy to a recording material (film heating method).
この装置は、複写機・レーザービームプリンター・ファ
クシミリ・マイクロフィルムリーダプリンター・画像表
示（ディスプレイ）装置・記録機等の画像形成装置にお
いて、電子写真・静電記録・磁気記録等の適宜の画像形
成プロセス手段により加熱溶融性の樹脂等より成るトナ
ーを用いて記録材（エレクトロファックスシート・静電
記録シート・転写材シート・印刷紙など）の面に直接方
式もしくは間接（転写）方式で形成した目的の画像情報
に対応した顕画像（未定着のトナー画像）を該画像を担
持している記録材面に永久固着画像として加熱定着処理
する画像定着装置として活用できる。This device is used for image forming devices such as copiers, laser beam printers, facsimiles, micro film reader printers, image display (display) devices, recorders, etc., and suitable image forming processes for electrophotography, electrostatic recording, magnetic recording, etc. By means of a toner made of a heat-meltable resin or the like by means of a means, it is formed on the surface of a recording material (electrofax sheet, electrostatic recording sheet, transfer material sheet, printing paper, etc.) by a direct method or an indirect (transfer) method. It can be utilized as an image fixing device that heats and fixes a visible image (unfixed toner image) corresponding to image information as a permanently fixed image on the surface of a recording material carrying the image.
また、画像定着装置に限定されず、例えば画像を担持し
た記録材を加熱して表面性を改質する装置等、広く像担
持体を加熱処理する手段・装置として使用できる。Further, the invention is not limited to the image fixing device, and can be widely used as a means and a device for heat-treating an image carrier, such as a device for heating a recording material carrying an image to modify the surface property.
（従来の技術） 従来、画像加熱定着装置としては、所定の温度に維持さ
れた加熱ローラと、弾性層を有して該加熱ローラに圧接
する加圧ローラを有し、該両ローラによって、未定着の
トナー画像が形成された記録材を挟持搬送しつつ加熱す
る熱ローラ定着方式が多用されている。(Prior Art) Conventionally, an image heating and fixing device has a heating roller that is maintained at a predetermined temperature and a pressure roller that has an elastic layer and is brought into pressure contact with the heating roller. A heat roller fixing method is often used in which a recording material on which an attached toner image is formed is heated while being nipped and conveyed.
しかしこの熱ローラ定着方式は、第１に、所定温度に立
ち上げるまで画像形成作動を禁止する時間、いわゆるウ
エイトタイムがかなり長く必要であり、第２に、熱容量
が必要なため比較的大きな電力が必要であり、第３に、
回転ローラでローラ温度が高温のため耐熱特殊軸受が必
要であり、第４に、ローラに直接手が触れる構成となり
危険があったり保護部材が必要であり、第５に、ローラ
定着温度および曲率により記録材がローラに巻き付いて
ジャム発生の原因となる、などの欠点があった。However, in this heat roller fixing method, firstly, a time for inhibiting the image forming operation, that is, a so-called wait time, is required until the temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature, that is, a considerably long time is required. Secondly, since a heat capacity is required, a relatively large electric power is required. Necessary, and third,
Since the roller temperature of the rotating roller is high, a heat-resistant special bearing is required. Fourthly, there is a danger that the roller will be directly touched by the hand and a protective member is required. Fifth, due to the roller fixing temperature and curvature. There is a drawback that the recording material may wind around the roller and cause a jam.
本発明で対象とするフィルム加熱方式の定着装置は、上
記の熱ローラ定着方式や、その他に知られるベルト定着
方式・フラッシュ定着方式・オーブン定着方式等の熱定
着装置との対比において、低熱容量線状加熱体を用い
ることができるため、省電力化・ウエイトタイム短縮化
（クイックスタート性）になり、定着点と分離点が別
に設定できるためオフセットも防止される、その他、他
の方式装置の種々の欠点を解決できるなどの利点を有
し、効果的なものである。The film heating type fixing device targeted by the present invention has a low heat capacity line in comparison with the above heat roller fixing system and other known heat fixing devices such as belt fixing system, flash fixing system and oven fixing system. -Shaped heater can be used, which saves power and shortens the wait time (quick start property), and the fixing point and separation point can be set separately to prevent offset. In addition, various other types of devices It is effective because it has the advantage of being able to solve the drawbacks of.
本出願人の先の提案に係る例えば特開昭63−313182号公
報に開示の方式・装置等がこれに属し、薄肉の耐熱フィ
ルム（シート）と、該フィルムの移動駆動手段と、該フ
ィルムを中にしてその一方面側に固定支持して配置され
た加熱体と、他方面側に該加熱体に対向して配置され該
加熱体に対して該フィルムを介して画像定着すべき記録
材の顕画像担持面を密着させる加圧部材を有し、該フィ
ルムは少なくとも画像定着実行時は該フィルムと加圧部
材との間に搬送導入される画像定着すべき記録材と順方
向に同一速度で走行移動させて該走行移動フィルムを挟
んで加熱体と加圧部材との圧接で形成される定着ニップ
部を通過させることにより該記録材の顕画像担持面を該
フィルムを介して該加熱体で加熱して顕画像に熱エネル
ギーを付与して軟化・溶融せしめ、次いでフィルムと記
録材を離間させる。或いはトナーが冷却・固化した後に
フィルムと記録材を離間させることを基本とする加熱装
置である。The method / apparatus disclosed in, for example, JP-A-63-313182 according to the applicant's earlier proposal belongs to this, and includes a thin heat-resistant film (sheet), a moving driving means for the film, and the film. A heating member fixedly supported on one side of the heating member, and a recording material to be fixed on the other side of the heating member to face the heating member via the film. The film has a pressing member for closely contacting the visible image-carrying surface, and the film is conveyed at the same speed in the forward direction as the recording material to be image-fixed which is conveyed and introduced between the film and the pressing member at least during image fixing. The recording medium is moved in a traveling manner and passed through a fixing nip portion formed by pressing a heating member and a pressing member with the traveling moving film sandwiched therebetween, so that the visible image bearing surface of the recording material is passed through the film by the heating member. Softens by applying heat energy to the visible image by heating Melt allowed, then separating the film and the recording material. Alternatively, the heating device is based on separating the film and the recording material after the toner is cooled and solidified.
このようなフィルム加熱方式の定着装置において従来使
用の線状加熱体は、記録材の移動通過方向と交差する方
向を長手とする通電発熱層を有し、該通電発熱層の長手
両端部の通電用電極間に電圧が印加されることで、発熱
層の有効全長域の各部が単位長さ当りの所定の発熱量を
もって発熱する。この発熱層の有効全長域は該定着装置
を組込んだ画像形成装置に供給して使用できる最大サイ
ズ記録材の幅（最大幅、最大サイズ幅）に対応した長さ
寸法を有している。A linear heating element conventionally used in such a film heating type fixing device has an energization heat generating layer having a longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting a moving passage direction of a recording material, and energization of both longitudinal end portions of the energization heating layer. When a voltage is applied between the working electrodes, each part of the effective length region of the heat generating layer generates heat with a predetermined heat generation amount per unit length. The effective total length area of the heat generating layer has a length dimension corresponding to the width (maximum width, maximum size width) of the maximum size recording material that can be supplied and used in an image forming apparatus incorporating the fixing device.
而して定着実行時には、使用記録材のサイズ幅の大小に
かかわりなく発熱層の有効全長域が単位長さ当りの所定
の発熱量をもつて通電発熱することで、使用記録材が最
大幅のものでも、それより小さい各種サイズ幅のもので
も、供給記録材面に対する画像定着処理が実行される。Thus, when fixing is performed, the recording material used has a maximum width because the effective total length of the heating layer generates a predetermined amount of heat generation per unit length to generate heat regardless of the size width of the recording material used. The image fixing process is performed on the surface of the supplied recording material regardless of whether the size of the recording material is smaller than that of the recording material.
（発明が解決しようとする問題点） しかし上記のような加熱体構成では装置に供給した使用
記録材のサイズ幅が最大幅より小さい場合は、該使用記
録材のサイズ幅と発熱層の有効全長域との差領域であ
る、加熱体の記録材非通過領域（以下、非通紙部と記
す）においても該非通紙部に対応している発熱層部分
が、通紙部に対応する発熱層部分と同様に単位長さ当り
の所定の発熱量をもつて発熱する。通紙部に対応する発
熱層部分の発熱エネルギーは画像定着に消費されていく
が、非通紙部に対応する発熱層部分の発熱エネルギーは
画像定着に消費されないので蓄熱化することになる。(Problems to be solved by the invention) However, when the size width of the recording material used supplied to the apparatus is smaller than the maximum width in the above heating element configuration, the size width of the recording material used and the effective total length of the heat generating layer are In the recording material non-passing area (hereinafter referred to as the non-paper passing portion) of the heating body, which is the area different from the area, the heat generating layer portion corresponding to the non-paper passing portion is the heat generating layer corresponding to the paper passing portion. Like the part, it generates heat with a predetermined amount of heat generation per unit length. The heat generation energy of the heat generation layer portion corresponding to the paper passing portion is consumed for image fixing, but the heat generation energy of the heat generation layer portion corresponding to the non-paper passage portion is not consumed for image fixing, so that heat is accumulated.
そのため非通紙部の加熱体部分が異常に昇温（過昇温）
する傾向となり、加熱体もしくは発熱層の熱損による耐
久寿命の低下、定着フィルムや加圧部材等の耐久性低
下、定着フィルムの走行性の不安定化（フィルムの片寄
りやしわ等の発生）などを生じさせるおそれがある。Therefore, the temperature of the heating element in the non-sheet passing area rises abnormally (overheating)
The durability of the fixing film and the pressing member is reduced due to the heat loss of the heating element or the heat generating layer, the durability of the fixing film is reduced, and the running property of the fixing film becomes unstable (deviation of the film or wrinkles). It may cause
本発明はこのようなフィルム加熱方式の定着装置につい
て上記のような事態が生じることを防止する、即ち加熱
体の非通紙部を不必要に加熱させて過昇温させることが
ない、その他にも利点を有する、この種の定着装置の改
善装置を提供することを目的とする。The present invention prevents such a situation as described above with respect to such a film heating type fixing device, that is, it does not unnecessarily heat the non-sheet passing portion of the heating body to raise the temperature. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved device of this type, which also has advantages.
（問題点を解決するための手段） 本発明は、 加熱体にフィルムを接触させて移動させ、該フィルムの
加熱体側とは反対側の面に記録材を密着させてフィルム
と共に加熱***置を移動通過させて加熱体からフィルム
を介して記録材に熱エネルギーを与える定着装置であ
り、 前記加熱体は、記録材の移動通過方向と交差する方向を
長手とし両端部から通電される通電発熱層を有し、その
通電発熱層の長手に沿う途中部の少なくとも所定１箇所
位置から分岐して選択的に通電制御される分岐電路を有
し、 前記通電発熱層と前記分岐電路の導通連絡部近傍の通電
発熱層部分の抵抗値を他の通電発熱層部分のそれよりも
相対的に高くしてある、 ことを特徴とする定着装置 である。(Means for Solving Problems) In the present invention, a film is brought into contact with a heating body and moved, and a recording material is brought into close contact with the surface of the film opposite to the heating body side to move the heating body position together with the film. It is a fixing device which gives heat energy to a recording material from a heating body through a film by passing the heating body, and the heating body has an energization heat generation layer having a length in a direction intersecting with a moving passage direction of the recording material and energized from both ends. And a branch electric path branched from at least one predetermined position in the middle of the energization heat generating layer along the length thereof and selectively energized and controlled, in the vicinity of the conduction connecting portion of the energization heat generating layer and the branch electric path. The fixing device is characterized in that the resistance value of the energization heating layer portion is relatively higher than that of the other energization heating layer portions.
上記において通電発熱層と分岐電路の導通連絡部近傍の
通電発熱層部分の抵抗値を他の通電発熱層部分のそれよ
りも相対的に高くする手段としては具体的には、通電発
熱層と分岐電路の導通連絡部近傍の通電発熱層部分を他
とは抵抗値の異なる材料にする、該通電発熱層部分の幅
や厚みを他の通電層部分のそれよりも挟める或は薄くす
る等の処理が挙げられる。In the above, as a means for making the resistance value of the energizing heat generating layer portion near the conduction connecting portion of the energizing heat generating layer and the branch electric path relatively higher than that of the other energizing heat generating layer portion, specifically, A treatment such that the current generating layer portion near the conduction connecting portion of the electric path is made of a material having a resistance value different from that of other materials, and the width and thickness of the current generating layer portion are sandwiched or thinner than those of other current generating layer portions. Is mentioned.
（作用） （Ａ）通電発熱層の長手方向の一端部と他端部間の有効
全長域を、装置に供給して使用できる最大サイズ記録材
の幅に対応する長さ寸法となす。また、或る小サイズ記
録材を供給したときの加熱体の通紙部と非通紙部の境界
線位置に対応する、通電発熱層の有効全長域の途中位置
に分岐電路を具備させる。(Operation) (A) The effective total length region between one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the energization heat generating layer is set to a length dimension corresponding to the width of the maximum size recording material that can be supplied to the apparatus and used. Further, a branch electric path is provided at an intermediate position in the effective full-length area of the electric heating layer, which corresponds to the position of the boundary between the paper passing portion and the non-paper passing portion of the heating element when a certain small-sized recording material is supplied.
最大サイズ記録材を供給しての画像定着処理のとき
は、分岐電路の自由端側は開路状態に制御して、通電発
熱層の一端部と他端部間に所定の電圧を印加して通電発
熱層に通電することで、通電発熱層は有効全長域の各部
が単位長さ当りの所定の発熱量をもつて発熱して最大サ
イズ記録材についての画像定着処理が支障なく実行され
る。During the image fixing process by supplying the maximum size recording material, the free end side of the branch electric circuit is controlled to be in an open state, and a predetermined voltage is applied between one end and the other end of the energization heat generating layer to energize it. By energizing the heat generating layer, each part of the effective heat generating layer generates heat with a predetermined heat generation amount per unit length, and the image fixing process for the maximum size recording material is executed without any trouble.
小サイズ記録材を供給しての画像定着処理のとき
は、通電発熱層の一端部と、分岐電路の自由端部とに電
圧を印加して通電発熱層に通電すると、通紙部に対応す
る通電発熱層部分（通電発熱層の一端部から分岐電路の
分岐点までの区間）が単位長さ当りの所定の発熱量をも
つて発熱して小サイズ記録材についての画像定着処理が
実行される。During the image fixing process by supplying a small-sized recording material, when a voltage is applied to one end of the energizing heat generating layer and the free end of the branch electric path to energize the energizing heat generating layer, it corresponds to the paper passing portion. The energizing heat generating layer portion (the section from one end of the energizing heat generating layer to the branch point of the branch electric path) generates heat with a predetermined amount of heat generation per unit length, and the image fixing process is executed on the small-sized recording material. .
この場合、非通紙部に対応する通電発熱層部分（分岐電
路の分岐点から通電発熱層の他端部までの区間）は非通
電であり、発熱せず、従って加熱体の非通紙部分の過昇
温が抑えられて、過昇温に起因する前述のような問題点
が解消される。最大サイズ記録材よりも小さい種々のサ
イズの記録材の幅に各対応する複数の分岐電路を通電発
熱層の途中部の所要位置に設けて、供給切記録材のサイ
ズ幅に応じて、対応する分岐電路について選択的に通電
制御することで各種のサイズの記録材について加熱体非
通紙部の過昇温を抑えるように対処できる。In this case, the energizing heat generating layer portion (the section from the branch point of the branch electric path to the other end of the energizing heat generating layer) corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion is non-energized and does not generate heat, and thus the non-sheet passing portion of the heating element. Is suppressed, and the above-mentioned problems caused by the excessive temperature rise are eliminated. A plurality of branch electric circuits corresponding to the widths of recording materials of various sizes smaller than the maximum size recording material are provided at required positions in the middle of the energization heat generating layer, and the recording material is supplied depending on the size width of the recording material. By selectively controlling the energization of the branch circuit, it is possible to cope with the recording materials of various sizes so as to suppress the excessive temperature rise of the heating member non-sheet passing portion.
（Ｂ）通電発熱層と分岐電路の導通連絡部近傍の通電発
熱層部分については分岐電路からの放熱により、通電発
熱層長手に沿う他の通電発熱層部分よりも若干の温度低
下を生じる傾向があり、そのために最小サイズの記録材
の通紙加熱処理の時は問題とならないが、装置に通紙で
きる最大サイズの記録材など最小サイズよりも大サイズ
の記録材を通紙して加熱処理するときその通紙幅内の途
中に存在している通電発熱層と分岐電路の導通連結部近
傍の通電発熱層部分での上記若干の温度低下により該部
分に対応する記録材部分の画像定着性が低下することも
ある。(B) Regarding the portion of the energized heat generating layer and the portion of the energized heat generating layer in the vicinity of the conduction connecting portion between the energized heat generating layer and the branch electric path, heat is radiated from the branch electric path, and the temperature tends to be slightly lower than that of the other energized heat generating layer portions along the length of the energized heat generating layer. Therefore, there is no problem when heat-treating the smallest size recording material, but heat treatment is performed by passing a recording material that is larger than the minimum size such as the largest size recording material that can be passed through the device. At that time, due to the slight decrease in temperature in the portion of the energizing heat generating layer existing in the middle of the sheet passing width and the portion of the energizing heat generating layer in the vicinity of the conductive connection portion of the branch electric path, the image fixing property of the recording material portion corresponding to the portion is deteriorated. There are also things to do.
本発明においては通電発熱層と分岐電路の導通連結部近
傍の通電発熱層部分については、他の通電発熱層部分と
は、抵抗値の異なる材料にする、幅や厚みを挟める或い
は薄くする等の処置で、該部分の抵抗値を他の部分のそ
れよりも相対的に高くしたので、該部分での発熱が他の
部分のそれよりも増加して分岐電路による放熱が補なわ
れる（相殺される）ので該部分での局部的な温度低下が
防止される。In the present invention, the energizing heat generating layer and the energizing heat generating layer portion in the vicinity of the conduction connection portion of the branch electric path are made of a material having a resistance value different from those of the other energizing heat generating layer portions, and the width and thickness are sandwiched or thinned. By the treatment, the resistance value of the portion was made relatively higher than that of the other portion, so that the heat generation in the portion increased more than that in the other portion, and the heat dissipation by the branch circuit was compensated (cancelled out). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a local temperature drop in this portion.
そのため装置に通紙できる最大サイズの記録材など最小
サイズよりも大サイズの記録材を通紙して加熱処理する
ときでもその通紙幅内の途中に存在している通電発熱層
と分岐電路の導通連絡部近傍の通電発熱層部分の局部的
温度低下に起因する定着ムラ等の発生が防止され、各部
均一な定着性が確保される。Therefore, even when a recording material of a size larger than the minimum size such as the largest recording material that can be passed through the device is passed through and heat treated, conduction between the energization heat generation layer and the branch circuit that exists in the middle of the paper passing width It is possible to prevent the occurrence of fixing unevenness and the like due to a local temperature drop in the energization heat generating layer portion near the communication portion, and to secure uniform fixing property in each portion.
（実施例） （１）画像形成装置例（第８図） 第８図は本発明に従う定着装置７を具備させた画像形成
装置の一例の概略構成を示している。(Example) (1) Example of image forming apparatus (FIG. 8) FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a fixing device 7 according to the present invention.
本例の画像形成装置は、原稿台固定−光学系移動型、回
転ドラム型感光体使用、両面・多重複写可能な、転写式
電子写真複写装置である。本例の複写装置の作像原理・
プロセス・機械構成自体は公知に属するのでその説明は
簡単にとどめる。The image forming apparatus of this embodiment is a transfer type electrophotographic copying apparatus in which a document table is fixed and the optical system is moved, a rotary drum type photoconductor is used, and double-sided / multiple copying is possible. Imaging principle of the copying machine of this example
Since the process / mechanical structure itself is publicly known, its explanation will be briefly described.
２は固定の原稿台ガラスであり、その上面に原稿Ｏを複
写すべき画像面を下向きにして所定の載置基準に従って
載置し、その上に原稿台カバー３をかぶせることでセッ
トする。複写スタート信号により回転ドラム型感光体６
が矢示の時計方向に所定の周速度（プロセススピード）
をもって回転駆動され、帯電器30により感光体周面が所
定の電位に均一帯電処理される。また結像光学系の移動
照明ランプ１・移動第１ミラー1aが所定の速度Ｖにて、
また移動第２ミラー1b・同第３ミラー1cが速度V/2に
て、原稿台ガラス２の左辺側から右辺側へ往動駆動され
てセット原稿Ｏの下向き画像面が左辺側から右辺側に順
次に光学走査され、その走査原稿画像が結像レンズ1d・
固定第４ミラー1e・同第５ミラー1f・同第６ミラー1gを
介して、前記帯電器30で帯電処理された回転感光体６面
に結像露光Ｌされることで、感光体６の周面に原稿画像
に対応した静電潜像が順次に形成されていく。Reference numeral 2 denotes a fixed platen glass, on which an original O is placed with the image surface to be copied facing downward according to a predetermined placement standard, and the original plate cover 3 is placed on the original O to set it. Rotating drum type photoconductor 6 by a copy start signal
Is the prescribed peripheral speed (process speed) in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow
The peripheral surface of the photoconductor is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 30. Further, the moving illumination lamp 1 and the moving first mirror 1a of the imaging optical system are at a predetermined speed V,
Further, the moving second mirror 1b and the third mirror 1c are driven forward from the left side to the right side of the platen glass 2 at a speed of V / 2, and the downward image surface of the set document O moves from the left side to the right side. Optical scanning is sequentially performed, and the scanned original image is formed by the imaging lens 1d.
An image forming exposure L is performed on the surface of the rotating photoconductor 6 charged by the charger 30 through the fixed fourth mirror 1e, the fifth mirror 1f, and the sixth mirror 1g, so that the circumference of the photoconductor 6 is reduced. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image is sequentially formed on the surface.
その潜像は次いで現像器４により、加熱で軟化溶融する
樹脂等よりなるトナー（現像剤）により順次に顕画化さ
れる。そしてその顕画トナー像は、第１の給紙カセット
部31又は第２の給紙カセット部32から、もしくは手差し
給紙手段33の使用により装置内へ１枚宛給送され、レジ
ストローラ対34におより所定のタイミングで感光体６と
転写・分離帯電器５との間の転写部へ給送された記録材
としての転写材シートの面に順次に転写されていく。The latent image is then visualized by the developing device 4 in order by toner (developer) made of resin or the like that is softened and melted by heating. Then, the visualized toner image is fed one sheet into the apparatus from the first paper feeding cassette unit 31 or the second paper feeding cassette unit 32 or by using the manual paper feeding unit 33, and the registration roller pair 34 The toner is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the transfer material sheet as a recording material fed to the transfer portion between the photoconductor 6 and the transfer / separation charger 5 at a predetermined timing.
像転写を受けた転写材シートは搬送装置36で定着装置７
へ導入されることで像定着処理を受けて画像形成物（コ
ピー）として排紙ローラ37で機外へ排出される（片面複
写モードの場合）。The transfer material sheet that has received the image transfer is conveyed to the fixing device 7 by the conveying device 36.
The image is subjected to an image fixing process by being introduced into the apparatus and is ejected outside the apparatus as an image formed product (copy) by the sheet ejection roller 37 (in the case of the single-sided copy mode).
両面又は多重複写モードの場合は定着装置７を出た片面
複写済みもしくは第１回複写済みの転写材シートが再搬
送シートバス機構部38に導入されて、転写部５へ表裏反
転されてもしくは表裏反転されずに再給送されることに
より両面又は多重複写が実行される。In the case of the double-sided or multi-copy mode, the transfer material sheet that has exited the fixing device 7 and has been copied on one side or has been copied for the first time is introduced into the re-conveying sheet bus mechanism section 38 and turned upside down or transferred to the transfer section 5. Duplexing or multiple copying is executed by re-feeding without inverting.
像転写後の感光体６はクリーニング装置35でクリーニン
グを受けて清浄面化され、繰り返して画像形成に供され
る。After the image transfer, the photoconductor 6 is subjected to cleaning by the cleaning device 35 to have a clean surface, and is repeatedly used for image formation.
（２）定着装置 第６図は定着装置７の拡大構造図である。(2) Fixing Device FIG. 6 is an enlarged structural diagram of the fixing device 7.
９はエンドレスベルト状の定着フィルムであり、左側の
駆動ローラ８と、右側の従動ローラ11と、この両ローラ
８・11間の下方に固定支持させて配設した加熱体として
の低熱容量線状加熱体12と、駆動ローラ８の下方に配設
したガイドローラ8aとの、互いに並行な該４部材８・11
・12・8a間に懸回張設してある。Reference numeral 9 denotes an endless belt-shaped fixing film, which has a driving roller 8 on the left side, a driven roller 11 on the right side, and a linear low heat capacity as a heating body fixedly supported below both rollers 8 and 11. The heating member 12 and the guide roller 8a arranged below the drive roller 8 are arranged in parallel with each other by the four members 8/11.
・ Suspended between 12 and 8a.
従動ローラ11は定着フィルム９のテンションローラを兼
ねさせてあり、定着フィルム９は駆動ローラ８の時計方
向の回転駆動に伴ない時計方向に所定の周速度、をもっ
てシワや蛇行、速度遅れなく回動駆動される。The driven roller 11 also serves as a tension roller of the fixing film 9, and the fixing film 9 rotates with a predetermined peripheral speed in the clockwise direction with the clockwise rotation of the driving roller 8 without wrinkling, meandering, or speed delay. Driven.
17は加圧部材としての、シリコンゴム等の離型性の良い
ゴム弾性層を有する加圧ローラであり、前記のエンドレ
スベルト状定着フィルム９の下行側フィルム部分を加熱
体12との間に挟ませて加熱体12の下面に対して付勢手段
により例えば総圧４〜7kgの当接圧をもって対向圧接さ
せてあり、転写材シート16の搬送方向に順方向の反時計
方向に回転する。Reference numeral 17 is a pressure roller as a pressure member having a rubber elastic layer having a good releasability such as silicon rubber, and sandwiching the descending film portion of the endless belt-shaped fixing film 9 with the heating body 12. However, the lower surface of the heating element 12 is pressed against the lower surface of the heating element 12 with a contact pressure of, for example, a total pressure of 4 to 7 kg, and rotates in the forward counterclockwise direction in the transport direction of the transfer material sheet 16.
回転駆動されるエンドレスベルト状の定着フィルム９は
繰り返してトナー画像の加熱定着に供されるから、耐熱
性・離型性・耐久性に優れ、一般的には100μｍ以下、
好ましくは50μｍ以下の薄肉のものを使用する。例えば
ポリイミド・ポリエーテルイミド・PES・PFA（４フッ化
エチレン−パーフルオロアルキルビニルエーテル共重合
体樹脂）などの耐熱樹脂の単層フィルム、或いは複合層
フィルム例えば20μｍ厚フィルムの少なくとも画像当接
面側にPTFE（４フッ化エチレン樹脂）・PAF等のフッ素
樹脂に導電材を添加した離型性コート層を10μｍ厚に施
こしたものなどである。Since the endless belt-shaped fixing film 9 that is rotationally driven is repeatedly used for heat fixing of the toner image, it is excellent in heat resistance, releasability and durability, and generally 100 μm or less,
It is preferable to use a thin film having a thickness of 50 μm or less. For example, a single layer film of a heat-resistant resin such as polyimide, polyetherimide, PES, PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer resin), or a composite layer film, for example, a 20 μm thick film on at least the image contact surface side. For example, a release coating layer made by adding a conductive material to a fluororesin such as PTFE (tetrafluoroethylene resin) / PAF is applied to a thickness of 10 μm.
加熱体としての低熱容量線状加熱体12は、本例のもの
は、定着フィルム横断方向（定着フィルム９の走行方向
に直角な方向）を長手とする横長の剛性・高耐熱性・断
熱性を有するヒータ支持体12aと、この支持体の下面側
に下面長手に沿って一体に取付け保持させたヒータ基板
13を有してなる。The low-heat-capacity linear heating element 12 as a heating element of this example has laterally long rigidity, high heat resistance, and heat insulating property with the longitudinal direction in the transverse direction of the fixing film (direction perpendicular to the running direction of the fixing film 9). A heater support 12a having the heater substrate and a heater substrate integrally attached and held on the lower surface side of the support along the length of the lower surface.
Comprises 13.
このヒータ基板13には、後述するように、通電発熱層1
4、この通電発熱層14（加熱体12）の長手に関する発熱
（加熱）範囲を所要に限定するための分岐電路、通電用
電極、温度センサー（温度検知素子）10等を具備させて
ある。As will be described later, the heater substrate 13 is provided with an electric heating layer 1
4. A branch electric circuit, a current-carrying electrode, a temperature sensor (temperature detecting element) 10 and the like are provided to limit the heat generation (heating) range with respect to the longitudinal direction of the current-generating heat generating layer 14 (heating body 12).
ヒータ支持体12aは加熱体12の全体強度を確保する断熱
部材であり、例えばPPS（ポリフェニレンサルファイ
ド）、PAI（ポリアミドイミド）、PI（ポリイミド）、P
EEK（ポリエーテルエーテルケトン）、液晶ポリマー等
の高耐熱性樹脂、これらの樹脂とセラミックス・金属・
ガラス等との複合材などで構成できる。The heater support 12a is a heat insulating member that secures the overall strength of the heating body 12, and for example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PAI (polyamide imide), PI (polyimide), P
High heat resistant resins such as EEK (polyether ether ketone) and liquid crystal polymers, these resins and ceramics / metals /
It can be composed of a composite material such as glass.
ヒータ基板13は耐熱性かつ電気絶縁性を有するもので、
一例として、厚み1.0mm・巾10mm・長さ240mmのアルミナ
基板である。或はこれを含む複合材基板である。The heater substrate 13 has heat resistance and electrical insulation,
As an example, it is an alumina substrate having a thickness of 1.0 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a length of 240 mm. Alternatively, it is a composite material substrate containing the same.
発熱層14は、一例として、基板13のフィルム摺動側であ
る下面の略中央部分に長手に沿ってTa2Ｎ・銀パラジウ
ム等の電気抵抗材料を巾1.0mmに塗工（スクリーン印刷
等）して具備させた線状もしくは帯状の低熱容量の通電
発熱層である。As an example, the heat generating layer 14 is formed by coating an electric resistance material such as Ta 2 N and silver palladium with a width of 1.0 mm along the length on the substantially central portion of the lower surface of the substrate 13 on the film sliding side (screen printing, etc.). This is a linear or strip-shaped low-heat-capacity energizing heat generating layer.
温度センサー10は、。通電発熱層14を設けた側とは反対
側の基板13面に配置してある。本例では基板13の温度を
加熱体12の温度として該温度センサー10で検知させてい
る。The temperature sensor 10 is. It is arranged on the surface of the substrate 13 opposite to the side on which the electric heating layer 14 is provided. In this example, the temperature of the substrate 13 is detected by the temperature sensor 10 as the temperature of the heating body 12.
本例の場合は上記の線状もしくは帯状の発熱層14に対し
てその長手両端部より通電して発熱層を全長にわたって
発熱させる。通電は例えば直流電源のパルス状波形で、
温度センサー10とマイクロコンピューターMPU19（第１
図）によりコントロールされた所望の温度、エネルギー
放出量に応じたパルス（駆動パルス）をそのパルス巾を
変化させて与える通電制御回路構成にしてある。In the case of this example, the linear or strip-shaped heat generating layer 14 is energized from both longitudinal ends thereof to generate heat over the entire length of the heat generating layer. Energization is, for example, a pulsed waveform of a DC power supply,
Temperature sensor 10 and microcomputer MPU19 (first
The energization control circuit is configured to give a pulse (driving pulse) according to a desired temperature and energy release amount controlled by the drawing) by changing its pulse width.
又本例では定着装置７よりも転写材シート搬送方向上流
側の定着装置寄りにシートの先端、後端検知センサー
（不図示）を設けてあり、該センサーのシート検知信号
により発熱体14に対する通電期間をシート16が定着装置
７を通過している必要期間だけに制御している。Further, in this embodiment, a sheet front end / rear end detection sensor (not shown) is provided on the upstream side of the fixing device 7 in the transfer material sheet conveying direction, and the sheet detection signal of the sensor is used to energize the heating element 14. The period is controlled only for the required period in which the sheet 16 is passing through the fixing device 7.
定着フィルム９はエンドレスベルト状に限らず、第７図
例のように送り出し輪40にロール巻に巻回した有端の定
着フィルム９を加熱体12と加圧ローラ17との間、ガイド
ローラ8aの下を経由させて巻取り軸41に係止させて、送
り出し軸40側から巻取り軸41側へ所定の速度をもって走
行させる構成であってもよい。The fixing film 9 is not limited to the endless belt shape, and the endless fixing film 9 wound around the delivery wheel 40 in a roll winding as shown in FIG. 7 is provided between the heating body 12 and the pressure roller 17, and the guide roller 8a. It may be configured such that it is engaged with the take-up shaft 41 via the bottom of the lower part and travels from the sending-out shaft 40 side to the take-up shaft 41 side at a predetermined speed.
（３）定着実行動作 画像形成スタート信号により画像形成装置が像形成動作
して転写部（５）側から定着装置７へ搬送された。未定
着のトナー画像15を上面に担持した転写材シート16の先
端が定着装置寄りに配設した前述のセンサー（不図示）
により検知されると定着フィルム９の回動（又は走行）
が開始され、転写材シート16はガイド42に案内されて加
熱体12と加圧ローラ17との圧接部Ｎ（定着ニップ部）の
定着フィルム９と加圧ローラ17との間に進入して、未定
着トナー画像面が面移動状態の定着フィルム９の下面に
密着して面ズレやしわ寄りを生じることなく移動定着フ
ィルム９と一緒の重なり状態で加熱体12と加圧ローラ17
との定着ニップ部Ｎを挟圧力を受けつつ通過していく。(3) Fixing Execution Operation The image forming apparatus performs an image forming operation in response to the image formation start signal and is conveyed from the transfer section (5) side to the fixing apparatus 7. The above-mentioned sensor (not shown) in which the front end of the transfer material sheet 16 carrying the unfixed toner image 15 on the upper surface is arranged near the fixing device.
The rotation (or running) of the fixing film 9 when detected by
Then, the transfer material sheet 16 is guided by the guide 42 and enters between the fixing film 9 and the pressure roller 17 in the pressure contact portion N (fixing nip portion) between the heating body 12 and the pressure roller 17, The unfixed toner image surface is in close contact with the lower surface of the fixing film 9 in the surface moving state, and the heating body 12 and the pressure roller 17 are overlapped with the moving fixing film 9 without causing surface deviation or wrinkling.
And passes through the fixing nip portion N while receiving a pinching pressure.
ｗは加熱体下面部に設けてある発熱体14の巾寸法であ
り、発熱体14は加熱体12の下面と加圧ローラ17の上面と
の相互圧接巾領域内、即ち定着ニップ部Ｎの巾領域内に
存在している。w is the width dimension of the heating element 14 provided on the lower surface of the heating element, and the heating element 14 is within the mutual pressure contact width area between the lower surface of the heating element 12 and the upper surface of the pressure roller 17, that is, the width of the fixing nip portion N. It exists in the area.
シート16のトナー画像担持面は定着フィルム面に押圧密
着状態で定着ニップ部Ｎを通過していく過程で発熱体14
の熱を定着フィルム９を介して受け、トナー画像が高温
溶融してシート16面に軟化接着化15aする。The toner image bearing surface of the sheet 16 is heated against the surface of the fixing film while passing through the fixing nip portion N in a pressing contact state.
Is received through the fixing film 9 and the toner image is melted at a high temperature to be softened and adhered 15a to the surface of the sheet 16.
本例装置の場合は記録材たるシート16と定着フイルム９
との分離はシート16が定着ニップ部Ｎを通過して出た時
点で行なわせている。In the case of the apparatus of this example, the recording material sheet 16 and the fixing film 9 are used.
The sheet 16 is separated when the sheet 16 passes through the fixing nip portion N and exits.
この分離時点において溶融トナー15aの温度は未だトナ
ーのガラス転移点より高温の状態にあり、従ってこの分
離時点でのシート16と定着フイルム９との結合力（接着
力）は小さいのでシート16は定着フイルム９面へのトナ
ーオフセットをほとんど発生することなく、又分離不良
で定着フイルム９面にシート16が接着したまま巻き付い
てジャムしてしまうことなく、常にスムーズに分離して
いく。At the time of this separation, the temperature of the molten toner 15a is still higher than the glass transition point of the toner. Therefore, the bonding force (adhesive force) between the sheet 16 and the fixing film 9 at this time of separation is small, so that the sheet 16 is fixed. The toner is hardly separated on the surface of the film 9, and the separation is always performed smoothly without causing the sheet 16 to be wound around the fixing film 9 while being adhered to the fixing film 9 due to poor separation and jamming.
そしてガラス転移点より高温の状態にあるトナー15aは
適度なゴム特性を有するので、分離時のトナー画像面は
定着フイルム表面にならうことなく適度な凹凸表面性を
有したものとなり、この表面性が保たれて冷却個化する
に至るので、定着済みのトナー画像面には過度の画像光
沢が発生せず高品位な画質となる。Further, since the toner 15a at a temperature higher than the glass transition point has appropriate rubber characteristics, the toner image surface at the time of separation has an appropriate uneven surface property without following the fixing film surface. As a result, the toner image surface on which the toner image has been fixed does not generate excessive image gloss, resulting in a high quality image.
定着フイルム９と分離されたシート16はガイド43で案内
されて排紙ローラ対（37）へ至る間にガラス転移点より
高温のトナー15aの温度が自然降温（自然冷却）してガ
ラス転移点は以下の温度になって個化15bするに至り、
画像定着済みのシート16が出力される。The sheet 16 separated from the fixing film 9 is guided by the guide 43, and the temperature of the toner 15a higher than the glass transition point is naturally lowered (natural cooling) while reaching the paper discharge roller pair (37). At the following temperature, it reached to individualization 15b,
The image-fixed sheet 16 is output.
（４）加熱体の加熱範囲制御 第１図は加熱体12の加熱制御回路ブロック図である。(4) Heating Range Control of Heating Body FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a heating control circuit for the heating body 12.
図において、14・18b・18e・18cは加熱体12の基板13の
フィルム摺動面側である下面に形成した通電発熱層（1
4）と、この発熱層の途中の所定位置よりそれぞれ分岐
させた第１・第２・第３の３本の分岐電路（18b・18e・
18c）である。通電発熱層14は基板13の下面の略中央部
に基板長手に沿って一直線状に形成してある。18aと18d
はこの通電発熱層14の左端部と右端部に設けた銀等の良
導電材質の通電用電極（入力端子）である。第１〜第３
の各分岐電路18b・18e・18cも銀等の導電性部材より形
成されている。In the figure, reference numerals 14, 18b, 18e, and 18c denote current-generating layers (1) formed on the lower surface of the substrate 13 of the heating body 12, which is the film sliding surface side.
4) and the first, second, and third branch electrical circuits (18b, 18e
18c). The energization heat generating layer 14 is formed in a straight line along the length of the substrate in the substantially central portion of the lower surface of the substrate 13. 18a and 18d
Is an energizing electrode (input terminal) made of a material having good conductivity such as silver provided at the left end and the right end of the energization heat generating layer 14. First to third
Each of the branch electric paths 18b, 18e, and 18c is also formed of a conductive member such as silver.
ｋは電極18a・18d間の通電発熱層14の有効全長域であ
り、本例は装置に供給して使用できる最大サイズ転写材
シートをA3版とし、そのシート幅に対応する長さ寸法に
設定してある。k is the effective total length area of the electric heating layer 14 between the electrodes 18a and 18d. In this example, the maximum size transfer material sheet that can be supplied to the device and used is A3 size, and the length dimension corresponding to the sheet width is set. I am doing it.
また本例の場合は、通電発熱層14の左端側の基線イを基
準とする所謂片側基準で各種サイズの転写材シートが供
給されるもので、第１の分岐電路18b、第２の分岐電路1
8e、第３の分岐電路18cは夫々この基線イからｈ・ｉ・
ｊの距離位置において通電発熱層14部分から分岐させ、
各自由端部を通電発熱層14の右端部に対応する位置或い
はその外側位置まで延長して形成してある。Further, in the case of this example, the transfer material sheets of various sizes are supplied on the basis of the so-called one side reference with respect to the base line a on the left end side of the energization heat generating layer 14, and the first branch electric path 18b and the second branch electric path are provided. 1
8e and the third branch electric circuit 18c are respectively from the base line a to h.i.
At the distance position of j, branch from the portion of the electric heating layer 14
Each free end is formed to extend to a position corresponding to the right end of the electric heating layer 14 or to a position outside thereof.
ここで各距離ｈ・ｉ・ｊは本例の場合は夫々B5版、A4
版、B4版シートの幅に対応する長さ寸法に設定してあ
る。Here, in the case of this example, the distances h, i, and j are B5 version and A4 version, respectively.
The length dimension is set to correspond to the width of the plate and B4 plate.
通電発熱層18、分岐電路18（ｂ・e.c）等を形成具備さ
せたヒータ基板下面はフィルム９との摺動面であるの
で、例えばTa2O5等の摺動保護層を形成して面保護する
ことが好ましい。Since the lower surface of the heater substrate provided with the energization heat generating layer 18, the branched electric circuit 18 (b · ec), etc. is a sliding surface with the film 9, a sliding protection layer such as Ta 2 O 5 is formed on the surface. It is preferable to protect.
温度センサー10は、基板13の上面側即ち通電発熱層14等
を設けた側とは反対側で、且つ最小通紙領域である領域
ｈ内に配置してある。The temperature sensor 10 is arranged on the upper surface side of the substrate 13, that is, on the side opposite to the side on which the electric heating layer 14 and the like are provided, and in the area h which is the minimum sheet passing area.
22は画像形成装置の操作パネルであり、第９図例のよう
に、電源スイッチ22a、複写枚数設定キー22b、枚数表示
器22c、使用転写材サイズ指定操作キー（サイズ選択キ
ー）22d、コピースタートキー釦22e等が配置されてい
る。Reference numeral 22 denotes an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 9, a power switch 22a, a copy number setting key 22b, a number display 22c, a transfer material size designation operation key (size selection key) 22d, and a copy start. Key buttons 22e and the like are arranged.
サイズ選択キー22dで選択指定されたサイズ情報がマイ
クロコンピュータMPU19に取り込まれる。MPU19は指定さ
れたサイズ幅に応じたデコード信号をデコーダ20に送
り、デコードされた信号は指定サイズ幅に対応して加熱
体駆動回路Ｉ〜IVを選択的に駆動する。該各回路Ｉ〜IV
は夫々各一方の端子を前記の第１〜第３の分岐電路18b
・18e・18c及び通電発熱層14の一方の端子18dに結線
し、各回路の他方の端子は共通化して電源Ｅを介して通
電発熱層14の他方の通電用電極18a（共通電極）に結線
してある。21はメモリ回路である。The size information selected and specified by the size selection key 22d is taken into the microcomputer MPU19. The MPU 19 sends a decode signal corresponding to the designated size width to the decoder 20, and the decoded signal selectively drives the heating element drive circuits I to IV corresponding to the designated size width. Each of the circuits I to IV
Are respectively connected to one of the terminals at the first to third branch electric circuits 18b.
18e, 18c and one terminal 18d of the current-generating layer 14 are connected, and the other terminal of each circuit is shared and connected to the other electrode 18a (common electrode) of the current-generating layer 14 via the power source E. I am doing it. 21 is a memory circuit.
使用転写材シートとして最大サイズ幅であるA3版の
シートが選択指定されたときは、加熱体駆動回路IVだけ
が駆動されて、通電発熱層14の両端部の電極18a・18d間
のみに電圧Ｅが印加され、第１〜第３の各分岐電路18b
・18e・18cは開路状態に保たれ、通電発熱層14の有効全
長域ｋが単位長さ当りの所定の発熱量をもって発熱し
て、装置に供給されたA3版シートの画像定着が支障なく
実行される。When the A3 size sheet having the maximum size width is selected and designated as the transfer material sheet to be used, only the heating element drive circuit IV is driven and the voltage E is applied only between the electrodes 18a and 18d at both ends of the energization heat generation layer 14. Is applied to each of the first to third branch electric lines 18b.
・ Eyes 18e and 18c are kept open, and the effective length k of the energization heat generation layer 14 generates heat with a predetermined amount of heat generation per unit length, so that image fixing of the A3 size sheet supplied to the device can be performed without problems. To be done.
使用転写材シートとしてB5版のシートが選択指定さ
れたときは、加熱体駆動回路Ｉが駆動されて、電極18a
と、第１の分岐電路18bとの間に電圧Ｅが印加される。When the B5 size sheet is selected and designated as the transfer material sheet to be used, the heating element drive circuit I is driven to drive the electrode 18a.
And the voltage E is applied between the first branch circuit 18b and the first branch circuit 18b.
これによりB5版シートの通紙部に対応する領域ｈの発熱
層部分、即ち通電発熱層14の一端側の電極18aから第１
の分岐電路18bの分岐点までの発熱層部分が単位長さ当
りの所定の発熱量をもって発熱して、装置に供給された
B5版シートの画像定着が支障なく実行される。As a result, the heat-generating layer portion in the area h corresponding to the sheet passing portion of the B5 plate, that is, the electrode 18a on one end side of the electric heat-generating layer 14
The heat generating layer portion up to the branch point of the branch electric circuit 18b generated heat with a predetermined heat generation amount per unit length and was supplied to the device.
Image fixing of B5 sheet is executed without any problem.
一方、非通紙部（ｋ−ｈ）に対応する発熱層部分、即ち
第１の分岐電路18bの分岐点から通電発熱層14の他端側
の電極18dまでの発熱層部分は発熱しない。そのため該
非通紙部（ｋ−ｈ）に対応する加熱体部分の過昇温が抑
えられる。On the other hand, the heat generating layer portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion (kh), that is, the heat generating layer portion from the branch point of the first branch electric circuit 18b to the electrode 18d on the other end side of the electric heat generating layer 14 does not generate heat. Therefore, the excessive temperature rise of the heating body portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion (kh) can be suppressed.
使用転写材シートとしてA4版のシートが選択指定さ
れたときは、加熱体駆動回路IIが駆動されることで、電
極18aと、第２の分岐電路18eとの間に電圧Ｅが印加さ
れ、A4版のシートの通紙部に対応する領域ｉの発熱層部
分が単位長さ当りの所定の発熱量をもって発熱して、装
置に供給されたA4版シートの画像定着が支障なく実行さ
れ、非通紙部（ｋ−ｉ）に対応する発熱層部分は発熱せ
ず、該非通紙部（ｋ−ｉ）に対応する加熱体部分の過昇
温が抑えられる。When the A4 size sheet is selected and designated as the transfer material sheet to be used, the heater E driving circuit II is driven to apply the voltage E between the electrode 18a and the second branch electric path 18e, The heat generating layer portion of the area i corresponding to the sheet passing portion of the plate sheet generates heat with a predetermined heat generation amount per unit length, and the image fixing of the A4 size sheet supplied to the apparatus is executed without any trouble, and the sheet does not pass through. The heat generating layer portion corresponding to the paper portion (ki) does not generate heat, and the excessive temperature rise of the heating body portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion (ki) is suppressed.
使用転写材シートとしてB4版シートが選択指定され
たときは、加熱体駆動回路IIIが駆動されることで、電
極18aと、第３の分岐電路18cとの間に電圧Ｅが印加さ
れ、B4版シートの通紙部に対応する領域ｊの発熱層部分
が単位長さ当りの所定の発熱量をもって発熱して、装置
に供給されたB4版シートの画像定着が支障なく実行さ
れ、非通紙部（ｋ−ｊ）に対応する発熱層部分は発熱せ
ず、該非通紙部（ｋ−ｊ）に対応する加熱体部分の過昇
温が抑えられる。When the B4 plate is selected and designated as the transfer material sheet to be used, the voltage E is applied between the electrode 18a and the third branch electric circuit 18c by driving the heating body drive circuit III, and the B4 plate is selected. The heat generating layer portion of the area j corresponding to the sheet passing portion of the sheet generates heat with a predetermined heat generation amount per unit length, and the image fixing of the B4 plate sheet supplied to the apparatus is executed without any trouble, and the non-sheet passing portion. The heating layer portion corresponding to (k-j) does not generate heat, and the excessive temperature rise of the heating element portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion (k-j) is suppressed.
（５）電路分岐部の構成（第２・第３図） 通電発熱層14と、第１〜第３の分岐電路18b・18e・18C
の各導通連絡部近傍の通電発熱層部分14′は本例の場合
は第２図の部分拡大図に示したように該部分14′と他の
部分14では単位面積当りの抵抗値が前者の部分14′の方
が後者の部分14よりも高いものとなるように２種類の抵
抗材料を塗布分けして通電発熱層14の全長部を構成して
ある。(5) Constitution of electric circuit branching portion (Figs. 2 and 3) Electric heating layer 14 and first to third branch electric circuits 18b, 18e, 18C
In the case of this example, the current-generating layer portion 14 'in the vicinity of each conduction connecting portion has a resistance value per unit area of the former portion 14' and other portions 14 as shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. Two types of resistance materials are separately applied so that the portion 14 ′ is higher than the latter portion 14 to form the full-length portion of the electric heating layer 14.
具体的には部分14は銀・パラジウムを塗布して、部分1
4′は酸化ルテニウムを塗布して通電発熱層14の全長部
を構成してある。ここで部分14′の酸化ルテニウムは部
分14′の銀・パラジウムより単位面積当りの抵抗値が高
い。そのため通電発熱層14に通電したとき部分14′の発
熱量が部分14のそれよりも増加する。Specifically, part 14 is coated with silver / palladium, and part 1
4'constitutes ruthenium oxide to form the entire length of the electric heating layer 14. Here, the ruthenium oxide in the portion 14 'has a higher resistance value per unit area than the silver / palladium in the portion 14'. Therefore, when electricity is applied to the electricity-generating layer 14, the amount of heat generated in the portion 14 ′ is larger than that in the portion 14.
即ち通電発熱層14と分岐電路18（ｂ・ｃ・ｅ）の導通連
絡部近傍の通電発熱層部分14′は分岐電路の存在による
放熱分が補なわれて他の部分14との温度低下が防止され
る。That is, the heat generation layer portion 14 'near the conduction connecting portion between the electricity generation layer 14 and the branch electric path 18 (b, c, e) is supplemented with the heat radiation due to the existence of the branch electricity path, and the temperature drop with the other portion 14 occurs. To be prevented.
従って前述（作用）の（Ｂ）項で説明したように小サイ
ズ記録材（B5）よりも大サイズの記録材（A4・B4・A3）
を通紙したときも通電発熱層14に対する第１〜第３の分
岐電路18b・18e・18cの分岐部での定着性の低下の問題
を生じない。Therefore, as described in the section (B) of the above (action), the recording material (A4 / B4 / A3) of a larger size than the recording material (B5) of a small size is used.
Even when the paper is passed, the problem of deterioration of the fixing property at the branch portions of the first to third branch electric lines 18b, 18e, 18c with respect to the electric heating layer 14 does not occur.
上記は２種類の材料として銀パラジウムと酸化ハテニウ
ムを例に説明したが、これに限定されず、種々の材料の
組み合せが可能である。また銀パラジウムの混合比を変
えて部分14に対し部分14′の単位面積当りの抵抗値を高
めることも可能である。In the above description, silver palladium and hathenium oxide were described as examples of the two types of materials, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various materials can be combined. It is also possible to increase the resistance value per unit area of the portion 14 'with respect to the portion 14 by changing the mixing ratio of silver palladium.
部分14′の抵抗値を部分14よりも高いものとする手段と
して第３図に示したように部分14′の幅を部分14よりも
次第に狭くするのもよい。これにより部分14′は部分14
に比較して抵抗が高くなり、部分14′の発熱量を次第に
増加させることが可能となる。As a means for making the resistance value of the portion 14 'higher than that of the portion 14, the width of the portion 14' may be made narrower than that of the portion 14 as shown in FIG. This causes part 14 'to become part 14
The resistance becomes higher than that of the above, and it becomes possible to gradually increase the heat generation amount of the portion 14 '.
この場合には前述第２図のもののように異なる２種類の
抵抗材料を塗布分けする必要がないので、製造行程を簡
略化することが可能となる。In this case, it is not necessary to separately coat two different types of resistance materials as in the case of FIG. 2 described above, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified.
また他の方法として発熱量の膜厚を変えることも可能で
ある。すなわち第２図に於て発熱量14部分の膜厚に対し
14′部分を薄膜化することにより、分岐電路の分岐部近
傍の発熱層部分14′の抵抗値を他の発熱層部分14より相
対的に高くして発熱量を増加させることも可能である。As another method, it is possible to change the film thickness of the heat generation amount. That is, in FIG.
By thinning the 14 'portion, it is possible to increase the amount of heat generation by making the resistance value of the heating layer portion 14' near the branch portion of the branch electric path relatively higher than that of the other heating layer portion 14.
上記何れの場合も、。部分14′の抵抗値は該部分14′か
らの分岐電路の存在による放熱分を補なって部分14との
温度差を実質的に生じさせない発熱量となるように設定
する。In any of the above cases ,. The resistance value of the portion 14 'is set so as to compensate for the heat radiation due to the existence of the branch electric path from the portion 14', and to generate a heat value that does not substantially cause a temperature difference with the portion 14.
（６）その他 各分岐電路18b・18e・18cは通電発熱層14′に対し
て第１〜第３図のように傾斜角をなして導通連絡させて
もよいし、第４図のように略直角をなして導通連絡させ
てもよい。(6) Others Each of the branch electric lines 18b, 18e, and 18c may be electrically connected to the electric heating layer 14 'with an inclination angle as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, or as shown in FIG. You may make a right angle and carry out continuity connection.
各分岐電路18b.18e・18cの通電発熱層14′に対する
分岐側端部は通電発熱層14′の上側に重ね合せて導通連
絡させてもよいし、通電発熱層14′と基板13との間に介
入させて導通連絡させてもよい。The branch side ends of the respective branch electric lines 18b.18e and 18c with respect to the current-generating layer 14 'may be superposed on the upper side of the current-generating layer 14' so as to conduct electrical connection, or between the current-generating layer 14 'and the substrate 13. May be intervened to establish continuity communication.
第５図は所謂中央基準によるシート供給の場合にお
ける分岐電路の構成態様例を示したものである。ロが中
央基線である。FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the branch electrical circuit in the case of so-called center reference sheet feeding. B is the central baseline.
（発明の効果） 以上説明したように本発明によれば、分岐電路の配設に
より加熱体の長手に関する所要の加熱（発熱）を使用記
録材のサイズ幅に対応した通紙部範囲に限定し、非通紙
部範囲についての不必要な加熱は抑えることが可能とな
り、加熱体の非通紙部の過昇温を防止でき、従って加熱
体非通紙部分の過昇温が抑えられ、線状加熱体の有効全
長域にわたって常にほぼ均一の温度に保つことが可能と
なる。(Effect of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, by disposing the branch electric path, the required heating (heating) with respect to the length of the heating body is limited to the range of the sheet passing portion corresponding to the size width of the recording material used. Unnecessary heating in the non-sheet passing area can be suppressed, and overheating of the non-sheet passing portion of the heating element can be prevented. It becomes possible to maintain a substantially uniform temperature over the entire effective length of the heating element.
その結果、線状加熱体、定着フィルムおよび加圧部材等
の温度不均一性による耐久寿命の低下、それらの破損、
汚損等を防ぐことができる。また定着フィルムの片寄
り、しわ等の走行性不良を抑えることができる。As a result, the durability of the linear heating element, the fixing film, the pressure member, etc. is shortened due to temperature non-uniformity, and their damage,
It is possible to prevent stains and the like. In addition, it is possible to prevent uneven running of the fixing film such as wrinkles and wrinkles.
また、通電発熱層と分岐電路の導通連絡部近傍の通電発
熱層部分の抵抗値を他の通電発熱層部分のそれよりも相
対的に高くしたことで、通電発熱層の分岐電路との導通
連絡部での局所的な温度低下がなくなり、通電発熱層の
長手に沿う発熱（温度分布）を均一化して各サイズの記
録材について何れも局所的定着不良部等を発生させずに
良好な定着処理を実行させることができる。Further, by setting the resistance value of the energization heat generation layer portion near the conduction connection part of the conduction heat generation layer and the branch electric path to be relatively higher than that of the other conduction heat generation layer part, the conduction connection between the conduction heat generation layer and the branch electric path is established. There is no local temperature drop in the area, the heat generation (temperature distribution) along the length of the energization heat generation layer is made uniform, and good fixing processing is performed on recording materials of each size without causing local fixing failure areas. Can be executed.
第１図は加熱制御回路のブロック図。 第２図は通電発熱層と分岐電路の導通連絡部の拡大図。 第３・４図は夫々他の例の同上図。 第５図は分岐電路の他の構成態様例。 第６図は定着装置の一例の構成略図。 第７図は他の例の同上図。 第８図は画像形成装置の一例の構成略図。 第９図は操作パネル部の平面図。 １は原稿照明ランプ、２は原稿台ガラス、３は原稿台カ
バー、４は現像器、５は転写・分離帯電器、６は回転ド
ラム型感光体、７は定着装置、８は駆動ローラ、９はフ
ィルム、10は温度センサー、11は従動ローラ、12は加熱
体、13はアルミナ基板、14・14′は通電発熱抵抗体、18
b・18e・18cは分岐電路、15はトナー画像、16は転写材
シート、19はMPU。FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a heating control circuit. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a conduction connecting portion between the electric heating layer and the branch electric path. Figures 3 and 4 are the same as above for other examples. FIG. 5 shows another example of the configuration of the branch circuit. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a fixing device. FIG. 7 is the same as above for another example. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the operation panel section. 1 is a document illumination lamp, 2 is a platen glass, 3 is a platen cover, 4 is a developing device, 5 is a transfer / separation charger, 6 is a rotary drum type photoconductor, 7 is a fixing device, 8 is a drive roller, and 9 is a roller. Is a film, 10 is a temperature sensor, 11 is a driven roller, 12 is a heating element, 13 is an alumina substrate, 14 and 14 'are energization heating resistors, 18
b, 18e, and 18c are branch circuits, 15 is a toner image, 16 is a transfer material sheet, and 19 is an MPU.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 特開 平３−144477（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平３−33783（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平２−143278（ＪＰ，Ａ) ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-3-144477 (JP, A) JP-A-3-33783 (JP, A) JP-A-2-143278 (JP, A)
Claims (4)
該フィルムの加熱体側とは反対側の面に記録材を密着さ
せてフィルムと共に加熱***置を移動通過させて加熱体
からフィルムを介して記録材に熱エネルギーを与える定
着装置であり、 前記加熱体は、記録材の移動通過方向と交差する方向を
長手とし両端部から通電される通電発熱層を有し、その
通電発熱層の長手に沿う途中部の少なくとも所定１箇所
位置から分岐して選択的に通電制御される分岐電路を有
し、 前記通電発熱層と前記分岐電路の導通連絡部近傍の通電
発熱層部分の抵抗値を他の通電発熱層部分のそれよりも
相対的に高くしてある、 ことを特徴とする定着装置。1. A film is brought into contact with a heating body to move the film,
A fixing device for closely adhering a recording material to the surface of the film opposite to the heating body side, moving the recording material together with the film through a position of the heating body, and applying heat energy to the recording material from the heating body through the film. Has an energization heat generation layer having a length in a direction intersecting the moving passage direction of the recording material and energized from both ends, and branches from at least one predetermined position in the middle part along the length of the electricity generation heat generation layer to selectively And a resistance value of the energization heat generation layer portion near the conduction connection portion of the energization heat generation layer and the branch conduction path is made relatively higher than that of the other conduction heat generation layer parts. A fixing device characterized by the above.
通電発熱層部分を他とは抵抗値の異なる材料にして該通
電発熱層部分の抵抗値を他の通電発熱層部分のそれより
も相対的に高くしてある、請求項１記載の定着装置。2. A conductive heating layer and a conductive heating layer portion in the vicinity of a conductive connecting portion of a branch circuit are made of a material having a resistance value different from that of the other, and the resistance value of the conductive heating layer portion is set to be greater than that of another conductive heating layer portion. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is also relatively high.
通電発熱層部分の幅を他よりも挟めることで該通電発熱
層部分の抵抗値を他の通電発熱層部分のそれよりも相対
的に高くしてある、請求項１記載の定着装置。3. The resistance value of the energizing heat generating layer portion relative to that of the other energizing heat generating layer portion is made smaller by sandwiching the width of the energizing heat generating layer portion near the conduction connecting portion of the branch electric circuit than the other. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is made higher.
通電発熱層部分の厚みを他よりも薄くすることで該通電
発熱層部分の抵抗値を他の通電発熱層部分のそれよりも
相対的に高くしてある、請求項１記載の定着装置。4. The resistance value of the energizing heat generating layer portion is made smaller than that of the other energizing heat generating layer portion by making the thickness of the energizing heat generating layer portion near the conduction connecting portion of the energizing heat generating layer and the branch electric circuit smaller than that of the other energizing heat generating layer portion. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is relatively high.
Priority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP33304589A JPH07111606B2 (en) | 1989-12-22 | 1989-12-22 | Fixing device |
| US07/603,223 US5171969A (en) | 1989-10-30 | 1990-10-25 | Movable film fixing device with heater control responsive to selected sheet size |
| DE69024751T DE69024751T2 (en) | 1989-10-30 | 1990-10-29 | Image fixing device |
| EP90120709A EP0426072B1 (en) | 1989-10-30 | 1990-10-29 | An image fixing apparatus |
| KR1019900017442A KR940008791B1 (en) | 1989-10-30 | 1990-10-30 | Image fixing apparatus |
| IT48418A IT1241667B (en) | 1989-10-30 | 1990-10-30 | IMAGE FIXING DEVICE. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP33304589A JPH07111606B2 (en) | 1989-12-22 | 1989-12-22 | Fixing device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH03194879A JPH03194879A (en) | 1991-08-26 |
| JPH07111606B2 true JPH07111606B2 (en) | 1995-11-29 |
Family
ID=18261652
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP33304589A Expired - Fee Related JPH07111606B2 (en) | 1989-10-30 | 1989-12-22 | Fixing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH07111606B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2946734B2 (en) * | 1990-11-02 | 1999-09-06 | キヤノン株式会社 | Fixing device |
| JP2009064759A (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-26 | Rohm Co Ltd | Heater |
| US9606484B1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-03-28 | Xerox Corporation | Method for temperature leveling and/or resistance increase in solid heaters |
-
1989
- 1989-12-22 JP JP33304589A patent/JPH07111606B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH03194879A (en) | 1991-08-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAPS | Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees |