JPH07219362A - Fixing device - Google Patents
Fixing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH07219362A JPH07219362A JP817694A JP817694A JPH07219362A JP H07219362 A JPH07219362 A JP H07219362A JP 817694 A JP817694 A JP 817694A JP 817694 A JP817694 A JP 817694A JP H07219362 A JPH07219362 A JP H07219362A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- recording material
- fixing
- film
- roller
- unit
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Landscapes
- Fixing For Electrophotography (AREA)
- Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【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。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fixing device of the type which applies heat energy to a recording material via a film.
【０００２】[0002]
【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。
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動作を禁止する時間、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けが必要で
あり、第４にローラに直接手が触れる構成となり危険が
あるため保護部材が必要であり、第５にローラ定着温度
及び曲率により記録部材がローラに巻き付いてジャム発
生原因となる、などの欠点があった。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image heating and fixing device has a heating roller which is maintained at a predetermined temperature and a pressure roller which has an elastic layer and is in 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.
However, in the heat roller fixing method, firstly, a time for inhibiting the image forming operation, that is, a so-called wait time, is required to be considerably long before the temperature rises to a predetermined temperature, and secondly, a heat capacity is required and a relatively large power is required. Yes, thirdly, 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 come into direct contact with the hand, so a protective member is required, and fifthly, the roller fixing temperature. In addition, there is a defect that the recording member is wound around the roller due to the curvature and causes a jam.
【０００３】本発明で対象とするフィルム加熱方式の定
着方式は、上記の熱ローラ定着方式やその他に知られる
ベルト駆動方式、フラッシュ定着方式、オープン定着方
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、省力化（クイックスタ
ート性）になり、定着点と分離点が別々に設定できる
ためオフセットが防止され、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 system which is the object of the present invention is low in comparison with the above heat roller fixing system and other known heat fixing devices such as belt driving system, flash fixing system and open fixing system. Heat capacity Since a linear heating element can be used, labor is saved (quick start), and offset can be prevented because the fixing point and separation point can be set separately, and other various drawbacks of other system devices are solved. It is effective because it has advantages such as being able to.
【０００４】本出願人の先の提案に係る例えば特開昭６
３−３１３１８２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、このフィルム
の移動駆動手段と、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、他方面側にこの加熱
体に対向して配置され加熱体に対してフィルムを介して
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
部材等を有している。フィルムは少なくとも画像定着実
行時は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し、記
録材は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することにより記
録材の顕画像担持面がフィルムを介して加熱体で加熱さ
れ顕画像に熱エネルギーが付与され硬化、溶融される。
次いでフィルムと記録材を離間、或は、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が行わ
れる。[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.
The system, device, etc. disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-313182 belong to this, and are arranged such that a thin heat-resistant film (sheet), a moving driving means for this film, and a film inside, and fixedly supported on one side thereof. And a pressing member which is arranged on the other surface side so as to face the heating body and which makes the developed image bearing surface of the recording material to be image-fixed adhere to the heating body through a film. . The film travels 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 pressure member at least when the image fixing is performed, and the recording material sandwiches the traveling moving film and the heating member. By passing through the fixing nip portion formed by pressure contact with the pressure member, the visible image bearing surface of the recording material is heated by the heating body through the film, and thermal energy is applied to the visible image to cure and melt it.
Next, the film and recording material are separated, or the toner is cooled,
After the solidification, the film and the recording material are separated from each other.
【０００５】このようなフィルム加熱方式の定着装置で
は、記録材の移動通過方向と交差する方向を長手とする
通電発熱層が設けられており、この通電発熱層の長手両
端子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発熱量をもって発
熱する。この発熱層の有効全長域は、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の記録
材の幅（最大幅、最大サイズ幅）に対応した長さを有し
ている。In such a film heating type fixing device, an energization heat generating layer having a longitudinal direction in a direction intersecting the moving and passing direction of the recording material is provided, and energization electrodes at both longitudinal terminal portions of the energization heating layer. When a voltage is applied between them, each part of the effective length region of the heat generating layer generates heat with a heat generation amount per unit length. The effective total length area of the heat generating layer has a length corresponding to the width (maximum width, maximum size width) of the maximum size recording material that can be supplied to and used in the image forming apparatus incorporating the fixing device.
【０００６】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って通電発熱する。When fixing is performed, the effective total length region of the heat generating layer irradiates heat with a predetermined heat generation amount per unit length regardless of the size of the recording material used.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明が解決しようとしている課題】しかしながら上記
従来例のようなフィルム加熱方式の定着方式には次のよ
うな欠点があった。However, the fixing method of the film heating method as in the above-mentioned conventional example has the following drawbacks.
【０００８】つまり低熱容量の加熱体を用い瞬間的にフ
ィルムを介して記録材に熱エネルギーを与え画像を定着
させるため、起動直後は加圧部材との温度差が大きく記
録材がカールしやすくなる。That is, since the heat energy is instantaneously applied to the recording material through the film to fix the image by using the heating body having a low heat capacity, the temperature difference between the recording material and the pressing member is large immediately after the start-up, and the recording material is apt to curl. .
【０００９】また定着フィルムを挟んで加熱体と加圧部
材との圧接によって定着ニップ部が形成されるため、加
圧部材と対向する加熱体の外形状によっては記録材にカ
ールやシワ等が発生するという問題があった。Further, since the fixing nip portion is formed by the pressure contact between the heating member and the pressing member with the fixing film interposed therebetween, curling or wrinkling occurs on the recording material depending on the outer shape of the heating member facing the pressing member. There was a problem of doing.
【００１０】[0010]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記課題を解決するため
本発明は、加熱体と、この加熱体と摺動するフィルム
と、このフィルムの上記加熱体とは反対側の面に圧接し
移動する加圧部材と、を有し、上記フィルムと上記加圧
部材の圧接部に未定着トナー像を担持した記録材を通し
て未定着トナーを定着する定着装置において、上記加熱
体と上記加圧部材の記録材の移動方向における相対位置
を調節する調節手段を有することを特徴とするものであ
る。In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is to move a heating body, a film sliding on the heating body, and a surface of the film on the side opposite to the heating body. A fixing device for fixing unfixed toner through a recording material carrying an unfixed toner image in a pressure contact portion between the film and the pressure member, in which the heating member and the pressure member are recorded. It is characterized by having an adjusting means for adjusting the relative position in the moving direction of the material.
【００１１】[0011]
【実施例】以下、図面に基づき本発明の実施例について
説明する。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
【００１２】図１及び図２は本発明を適用した定着装置
１７を備えた画像形成装置の概略図で、図１は通常の使
用状態を示し、図２は記録材のジャム処理や清掃、部品
の交換等のため装置本体を記録材の搬送路（一点鎖線）
を境に分割して開放した状態を示している。1 and 2 are schematic views of an image forming apparatus provided with a fixing device 17 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 shows a normal use state, and FIG. 2 shows jamming and cleaning of recording materials and parts. The main body of the device is used as a recording material transport path (dashed line)
It shows a state of being divided and opened at the boundary.
【００１３】まず図１を基に画像形成動作について簡単
に説明する。First, the image forming operation will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
【００１４】原稿台１に載置された原稿Ｏは光源２及び
反射ミラー３を備えた第１走査手段によりａ方向に走査
され、走査された原稿からの反射光は反射ミラー４、５
を備えた第２走査手段、レンズ６及び反射ミラー７、
８、９を介して帯電装置１０で帯電された感光体１１に
至る。感光体上に形成された潜像は現像装置１２により
トナーで現像され、顕画化されたトナー像は図面の一点
鎖線上をローラ対１３、１４によって搬送されてくる記
録材Ｐに転写装置１５により転写される。未定着トナー
像が載置された記録材は搬送ベルト１６により搬送され
定着装置１７に至り、未定着トナーが記録材に定着され
る。The document O placed on the document table 1 is scanned in the a direction by the first scanning means having the light source 2 and the reflection mirror 3, and the reflected light from the scanned document is reflected by the reflection mirrors 4, 5.
A second scanning means, a lens 6 and a reflection mirror 7,
The photoconductor 11 charged by the charging device 10 is reached via 8 and 9. The latent image formed on the photoconductor is developed with toner by the developing device 12, and the visualized toner image is transferred to the recording material P conveyed by the roller pairs 13 and 14 on the alternate long and short dash line in the drawing. Is transferred by. The recording material on which the unfixed toner image is placed is conveyed by the conveyor belt 16 to reach the fixing device 17, and the unfixed toner is fixed on the recording material.
【００１５】定着が行われた記録材は排紙ローラ１８に
より機外に排出され排紙トレイ１９上に積載される。
尚、転写後の感光体表面に付着したトナーはクリーニン
グ装置２０によって除去される。The recording material on which the fixing has been performed is discharged outside the apparatus by the paper discharge roller 18 and is stacked on the paper discharge tray 19.
The toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor after the transfer is removed by the cleaning device 20.
【００１６】次に定着装置について図３を基に説明す
る。Next, the fixing device will be described with reference to FIG.
【００１７】図３は定着装置１７の拡大構造図である。
記録材の搬送路に沿って二分割できる第１のユニット
は、エンドレスフィルム状の定着フィルム２１が、互い
に並行な駆動ローラ２２と従動ローラ２３とこの両ロー
ラ間の下方に固定支持させて配設した低熱容量線状加熱
体２４の間に懸回張設してある。ここで加熱体と加圧ロ
ーラの相対位置を変える第１ユニット側の調節手段につ
いて説明すると、第１ユニットの枠体２５の長穴には後
述する第２ユニットに嵌合する位置決めピン２６が記録
材の長手方向の幅よりも外側の前と奥の２ケ所にビス２
７、２８で固定されており、ビス２７、２８をゆるめる
ことで位置決めピン２６の位置を記録材の搬送方向と同
方向に移動させ調整固定できる。第１ユニットの枠体
は、本体上枠体１００ａに固定されている。FIG. 3 is an enlarged structural view of the fixing device 17.
The first unit, which can be divided into two along the recording material conveyance path, is provided with an endless film-shaped fixing film 21 fixedly supported below a driving roller 22 and a driven roller 23 which are parallel to each other. The linear heating elements 24 of low heat capacity are suspended and stretched. The adjusting means on the side of the first unit for changing the relative position of the heating body and the pressure roller will now be described. A positioning pin 26 to be fitted to a second unit to be described later is recorded in the elongated hole of the frame body 25 of the first unit. Two screws at the front and back outside the width of the material in the longitudinal direction
The position of the positioning pin 26 can be moved in the same direction as the conveyance direction of the recording material by loosening the screws 27 and 28 to adjust and fix. The frame body of the first unit is fixed to the main body upper frame body 100a.
【００１８】従動ローラ２３は定着フィルム２１のテン
ションローラを兼ねさせてあり、定着フィルム２１は駆
動ローラ２２の時計方向の回転駆動にともない時計方向
に所定の周速度をもってシワや蛇行、速度遅れなく回転
駆動される。第２ユニットは、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
２９と、記録材を定着装置に案内するガイド部材３０
と、記録材を排紙方向に案内するガイド部材３１と、記
録材巻き込み防止部材３２で構成され、それぞれは前、
奥の枠体３３に固定されている。また第２ユニット側の
調節手段について説明すると、第１ユッニトの位置決め
ピン２６を受ける嵌合用の前溝、奥溝３４の２ケ所が設
けられた前、奥の枠体３３は、本体下枠体１００ｂに固
定された前、奥の２ケ所の軸３５を支点として回動自在
且つスライド自在に配置されている。The driven roller 23 also serves as a tension roller for the fixing film 21, and the fixing film 21 rotates in the clockwise direction at a predetermined peripheral speed in accordance with the clockwise rotation of the driving roller 22 without wrinkling, meandering or speed delay. Driven. The second unit includes a pressure roller 29 having a rubber elastic layer having good releasability such as silicon rubber as a pressure member, and a guide member 30 for guiding the recording material to the fixing device.
A guide member 31 for guiding the recording material in the paper discharge direction, and a recording material entanglement prevention member 32.
It is fixed to the inner frame 33. Further, the adjusting means on the second unit side will be described. The front and rear frame bodies 33 provided with two positions of a front groove for fitting and a rear groove 34 for receiving the positioning pin 26 of the first unit are the lower frame body of the main body. It is arranged so as to be rotatable and slidable around two shafts 35 at the front and the back, which are fixed to 100b.
【００１９】上枠体１００ａを閉じた時、第１ユニット
の位置決めピン２６が第２ユニットの嵌合溝に入り、第
２ユニットは案内され定着装置のニップと加圧が完了す
る。また、第２ユニットは、本体下枠体１００ｂに対し
て回動自在且つスライド自在に配置してあるので記録材
のジャム処理後等で上枠体を閉じる場合、本体の歪みや
部品単体の寸法のバラツキも吸収し、加圧最適位置より
も余分に上枠体を閉じるストローク分も吸収することが
できるため、常に位置決めピン２６で調整した位置で定
着装置のニップと加圧を設定できる。圧縮スプリング３
６は、第２ユニットの枠体３３を図中上部方向に加圧し
ている。前記のエンドレスベルト状定着フィルム２１の
下方側フィルム部分は加熱体２４の下面に対して付勢手
段である圧縮スプリング３６により例えば総圧４〜７Ｋ
ｇの当接圧をもって対向圧接させてあり、記録材Ｐの搬
送方向と同方向で時計方向に回転する。図４は、図３の
定着装置の断面図で、加圧ローラ２９に当接させている
清掃ローラ３７は軸受け３８、圧縮スプリング３９を介
して入口ガイド３０の下部付近に支持されている。清掃
ローラ３７の表面は現像剤の付着し易い耐熱フェルト等
である。加圧ローラ２９が回転すると同方向に回転す
る。入口ガイド３０は、前、奥の枠体３３に対して着脱
可能な構成となっており、清掃ローラ３７の交換時には
入口ガイド３０を離脱して清掃ローラ３７を容易に交換
することができる。回転駆動されるエンドレスベルト状
の定着フィルム２１は繰り返してトナー画像の加熱定着
に使用されるので、耐熱性、離型性、耐久性に優れ、１
００μｍ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などの耐熱樹
脂の単層フィルム、或は２０μｍ厚のフィルムの少なく
とも画像当接面側にＰＴＦＥ（４フッソエチレン樹
脂）、ＰＡＦ等のフッソ樹脂に導電材を添加した離型性
コート層を１０μｍ厚に施した複合層フィルムなどであ
る。When the upper frame 100a is closed, the positioning pin 26 of the first unit enters the fitting groove of the second unit, and the second unit is guided to complete the nip and pressurization of the fixing device. Further, since the second unit is rotatably and slidably arranged with respect to the lower frame body 100b of the main body, when the upper frame body is closed after the jam processing of the recording material, the distortion of the main body or the size of the single component Can be absorbed, and the stroke for closing the upper frame can be absorbed more than the pressurizing optimum position. Therefore, the nip and pressurization of the fixing device can always be set at the position adjusted by the positioning pin 26. Compression spring 3
6 presses the frame 33 of the second unit in the upper direction in the figure. The lower film portion of the endless belt-shaped fixing film 21 is pressed against the lower surface of the heating body 24 by a compression spring 36 as a biasing means, for example, a total pressure of 4 to 7K.
The recording material P is pressed against the surface with a contact pressure of g and rotates in the same direction as the recording material P conveying direction in the clockwise direction. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device of FIG. 3, in which the cleaning roller 37 that is in contact with the pressure roller 29 is supported near the lower portion of the inlet guide 30 via the bearing 38 and the compression spring 39. The surface of the cleaning roller 37 is a heat-resistant felt or the like to which the developer easily adheres. When the pressure roller 29 rotates, it rotates in the same direction. The inlet guide 30 is configured to be attachable / detachable to / from the front and rear frame bodies 33, and when the cleaning roller 37 is replaced, the inlet guide 30 can be removed to easily replace the cleaning roller 37. Since the endless belt-shaped fixing film 21 that is rotationally driven is repeatedly used for heating and fixing a toner image, it has excellent heat resistance, releasability, and durability.
Use a thin wall with a thickness of 00 μm or less. For example, a single layer film of a heat-resistant resin such as polyimide, polyetherimide, PES, PFA, or a film of 20 μm thick is provided with a conductive material on at least the image contact surface side of PTFE (4 fluoroethylene resin), PAF or other fluorine resin. For example, it is a composite layer film in which the added releasability coat layer is applied to a thickness of 10 μm.
【００２０】加熱体としての低熱容量線状加熱体２４
は、本例のものは、定着フィルム横方向（定着フィルム
２１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２４ａと、
この支持体の下面側に下面長手に沿って一体に取り付け
保持させたヒータ基板２４ｂを有してなる。このヒータ
基板２４ｂには、後述するように、通電発熱層２４ｃ、
この通電発熱層２４ｃ（加熱体２４）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回路、通電
用電極、温度センサー（温度検知素子）２４ｄ等を具備
させてある。ヒータ支持体２４ａは加熱体２４の全体強
度を確保する役目をするものであり、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）、ＰＥＥＫ（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、また
はこれらの樹脂とセラミックス、金属、ガラス等との複
合材等で構成できる。ヒータ基板２４ｂは耐熱性且つ電
気絶縁性を有するもので、一例として、厚み１ｍｍ、幅
１０ｍｍ、長さ３４０ｍｍのアルミ基板が用いられてい
る。Low heat capacity linear heating element 24 as a heating element
In this example, a heater support 24a having laterally long rigidity, high heat resistance, and heat insulation whose longitudinal direction is the lateral direction of the fixing film (direction perpendicular to the running direction of the fixing film 21),
A heater substrate 24b integrally attached and held along the length of the lower surface is provided on the lower surface side of the support. As will be described later, the heater substrate 24b is provided with an electric heating layer 24c,
A branch circuit, a current-carrying electrode, a temperature sensor (temperature detecting element) 24d, etc. are provided for limiting the heat generation (heating) range with respect to the longitudinal direction of the current-generating layer 24c (heating element 24). The heater support 24a plays a role of ensuring the overall strength of the heating body 24, and for example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PAI (polyamide imide), PI (polyimide), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), liquid crystal polymer, etc. The high heat resistant resin, or a composite material of these resins and ceramics, metal, glass or the like. The heater substrate 24b has heat resistance and electrical insulation properties, and as an example, an aluminum substrate having a thickness of 1 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a length of 340 mm is used.
【００２１】発熱層２４ｃは、一例として、基板２４ｂ
のフィルム摺動側である下面の略中央部に長手に沿って
銀パラジュウム等の電気抵抗材を幅１ｍｍ塗工（スクリ
ーン印刷）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。温度センサー２４ｄは、通電発熱
層２４ｃを設けた側とは反対側の基板２４ｂ面に配置接
着してある。本例では基板２４ｂの温度を加熱体２４の
温度として温度センサー２４ｄで検知させている。The heat generating layer 24c is, for example, the substrate 24b.
A linear or strip-shaped low-heat-capacity heat-generating layer provided by coating (screen-printing) an electric resistance material such as silver palladium with a width of 1 mm along the length in the substantially central portion of the lower surface, which is the film sliding side. is there. The temperature sensor 24d is arranged and adhered to the surface of the substrate 24b on the side opposite to the side on which the electric heating layer 24c is provided. In this example, the temperature of the substrate 24b is detected by the temperature sensor 24d as the temperature of the heating body 24.
【００２２】又、本実施例では定着装置よりも記録材搬
送方向上流側の定着装置よりに記録材の先端、後端を検
知する検知センサー（不図示）を設けてあり、このセン
サー記録材検知信号により発熱体２４ｃに対する通電期
間が制御され、記録材Ｐが定着装置を通過している必要
期間だけ通電されるように制御される。Further, in the present embodiment, a detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording material is provided at the fixing device upstream of the fixing device in the recording material conveying direction. The signal controls the energization period for the heating element 24c so that the recording material P is energized only during the required period of passing through the fixing device.
【００２３】次に定着動作について説明する。Next, the fixing operation will be described.
【００２４】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側から定着装置１７へ搬送され
た未定着トナー画像Ｔを上面に担持した記録材Ｐの先端
が定着装置よ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２１の回動（又は走
行）が開始され、記録材Ｐはガイド３０に案内されて加
熱体２４と加圧ローラ２９との圧接部（定着ニップ部）
の定着フィルム２１と加圧ローラ２９との間に侵入し
て、未定着トナー画像面が面移動状態の定着フィルム２
１の下面に密着して面ズレやしわ寄りを生じることなく
移動する定着フィルム２１と一緒の重なり状態で加熱体
２４と加圧ローラ２９との定着ニップ部Ｎを挟圧力を受
けつつ通過して行く。Ｗは加熱体下面部に設けてある発
熱体２４ｃの幅寸法であり、発熱体２４ｃは加熱体２４
の下面と加圧ローラ２９の上面との相互圧接幅領域内、
すなわち定着ニップ部Ｎの幅領域内に存在している。記
録材Ｐ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２４
ｃの熱を定着フィルム２１を介して受け、トナー画像が
高温溶融して記録材Ｐ面に軟化接着化Ｔａする。本例装
置の場合は記録材たるシートＰと定着フィルム２１との
分離はシートＰが定着ニップ部Ｎを通過して出た時点で
行わせている。The leading edge of the recording material P carrying the unfixed toner image T conveyed to the fixing device 17 from the transfer portion side by the image forming operation of the image forming device in response to the image forming start signal is disposed closer to the fixing device. When it is detected by the above-mentioned sensor (not shown), the fixing film 21 starts to rotate (or travel), and the recording material P is guided by the guide 30 and the pressure contact portion between the heating body 24 and the pressure roller 29. (Fixing nip part)
Of the unfixed toner image surface is moved between the fixing film 21 and the pressure roller 29 of the fixing film 2 of FIG.
1 is passed through the fixing nip portion N between the heating body 24 and the pressure roller 29 while receiving a clamping pressure in an overlapping state with the fixing film 21 that moves in close contact with the lower surface of the sheet 1 without causing surface deviation or wrinkling. go. W is the width dimension of the heating element 24c provided on the lower surface of the heating element, and the heating element 24c is the heating element 24c.
Within the mutual pressure contact width region of the lower surface of the pressure roller 29 and the upper surface of the pressure roller 29,
That is, it exists within the width region of the fixing nip portion N. The toner image bearing surface of the recording material P passes through the fixing nip portion N while being pressed and closely attached to the fixing film surface, and in the process of heating the heating element 24.
The heat of c is received through the fixing film 21, the toner image is melted at a high temperature, and is softened and adhered to the surface of the recording material P to become Ta. In the case of the apparatus of this example, the sheet P as a recording material and the fixing film 21 are separated from each other when the sheet P passes through the fixing nip portion N and comes out.
【００２５】この分離時点において溶融トナーＴａの温
度はま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Ｐと定着フィルム２１と
の結合力（接着力）は小さいのでシートＰは定着フィル
ム２１面へのトナーオフセットをほとんど発生すること
がなく、又分離不良で定着フィルム２１面にシートＰが
接着したまま巻き付いてジャムしてしまうこともなく、
常にスムーズに分離して行く。そしてガラス転移点より
高温の状態にあるトナーＴａ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ィルム表面になら
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固化するに至るので、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。At the time of this separation, the temperature of the molten toner Ta is still higher than the glass transition point of the toner,
Therefore, since the binding force (adhesive force) between the sheet P and the fixing film 21 at the time of this separation is small, the sheet P hardly causes toner offset to the surface of the fixing film 21, and the separation of the sheet P does not occur due to poor separation. The sheet P will not be wrapped around and jammed,
Always separate smoothly. Further, since the toner Ta having a temperature higher than the glass transition point has a proper rubber characteristic, the toner image surface at the time of separation does not have the surface of the fixing film and has a proper uneven surface property. Is maintained and solidifies by cooling, so that an excessive image gloss does not occur on the fixed toner image surface, and a high quality image is obtained.
【００２６】定着フィルム２１と分離されたシートＰは
ガイド３１で案内されて排紙ローラ対へ至る間にガラス
転移点より高温のトナーＴａの温度が自然高温（自然冷
却）してガラス転移点以下の温度になって固化Ｔｂする
に至り、画像定着済みのシートＰが出力される。The sheet P separated from the fixing film 21 is guided by the guide 31 and the temperature of the toner Ta which is higher than the glass transition point is naturally high (natural cooling) while reaching the pair of discharge rollers. At this temperature, solidification Tb is reached, and the image-fixed sheet P is output.
【００２７】次に加熱体と加圧ローラの位置調整につい
て図５を基に説明する。前述したように加熱体と加圧ロ
ーラの記録材の移動方向における相対位置は調節手段に
より調節可能となっている。Next, the position adjustment of the heating element and the pressure roller will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the relative position of the heating element and the pressure roller in the moving direction of the recording material can be adjusted by the adjusting means.
【００２８】図５は本例の定着ニップ部の拡大図であ
る。（ａ）は位置決めピン２６を調整中心位置で固定し
たときの定着ニップの状態である。低熱容量線状発熱体
２４の外形状は記録材Ｐの排出側に斜面が設けられてお
り、最適な定着ニップ形状を形成しやすくしてある。位
置決めピン２６を調整中心より右側で固定したとき、定
着ニップ形状は（ｂ）のようになる。このような状態の
とき、記録材Ｐは下方向にカールしやすくなる。逆に位
置決めピン２６を調整中心より左側で固定したとき、定
着ニップ形状は（ｃ）のようになる。このような状態の
とき、記録材Ｐは上方向にカールしやすくなる。FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the fixing nip portion of this embodiment. (A) shows the state of the fixing nip when the positioning pin 26 is fixed at the adjustment center position. The external shape of the low heat capacity linear heating element 24 is provided with a slope on the discharge side of the recording material P, which facilitates formation of an optimum fixing nip shape. When the positioning pin 26 is fixed on the right side of the adjustment center, the fixing nip shape is as shown in (b). In such a state, the recording material P is likely to curl downward. Conversely, when the positioning pin 26 is fixed on the left side of the adjustment center, the fixing nip shape is as shown in (c). In such a state, the recording material P is likely to curl upward.
【００２９】このように位置決めピン２６の位置を左右
に調整することにより定着ニップ形状が調整され、記録
材Ｐのカール方向及びカール量を調整することができ
る。また環境によって記録材のカール状態は変化するの
で環境変動のためにもこのように調節手段を設けること
は有効である。By thus adjusting the position of the positioning pin 26 to the left and right, the fixing nip shape is adjusted, and the curl direction and the curl amount of the recording material P can be adjusted. Further, since the curl state of the recording material changes depending on the environment, it is effective to provide the adjusting means in this way also for environmental changes.
【００３０】次に図６を基に本発明の他の実施例につい
て説明する。Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
【００３１】図６は上述の実施例において、位置決めピ
ン２６を４０のようにラックを備えた位置決めピンに変
更したもので、この位置決めピンは第１ユニットの枠体
に取り付けられたギア４１とモーターギア４２を介して
モーター４３と接続されており、モーター４３を正転、
逆転させることによって位置決めピン４０の位置を調整
可能としている。FIG. 6 shows a modification of the above-described embodiment in which the positioning pin 26 is replaced by a positioning pin having a rack like 40. The positioning pin is a gear 41 and a motor mounted on the frame of the first unit. It is connected to the motor 43 via the gear 42, and rotates the motor 43 forward,
The position of the positioning pin 40 can be adjusted by reversing the position.
【００３２】４４は記録材の種類（普通紙、厚紙、ＯＨ
Ｐ用紙等）を選択する選択手段としての選択スイッチで
あり、４５はこの選択スイッチ４４からの出力信号に基
づきモーター４３の駆動（回転）量を判別しモーター４
３を駆動する制御手段である。Reference numeral 44 indicates the type of recording material (plain paper, cardboard, OH
A selection switch as a selection unit for selecting (P paper, etc.), 45 is a motor 4 which determines the drive (rotation) amount of the motor 43 based on the output signal from the selection switch 44.
3 is a control means for driving the motor 3.
【００３３】つまり、ある種の記録材において最適なニ
ップ形状を形成するように、ユーザーが選択スイッチ４
４を操作すると、その選択スイッチ４４からの出力信号
が制御手段４５に入力され、この入力信号に基づき制御
手段４５は予めセットされた加熱体２４と加圧ローラ２
９との相対位置になるようにモーター４３を作動する。That is, the user selects the selection switch 4 so as to form the optimum nip shape for a certain kind of recording material.
4 is operated, an output signal from the selection switch 44 is input to the control means 45, and based on this input signal, the control means 45 causes the heating body 24 and the pressure roller 2 set in advance.
The motor 43 is operated so as to be in a relative position with respect to 9.
【００３４】その結果、加熱体２４と加圧ローラ２９の
相対位置が変化し、記録材のカールを抑えるような位置
に加圧ローラ２９が自動的にセットされる。As a result, the relative position between the heating element 24 and the pressure roller 29 changes, and the pressure roller 29 is automatically set at a position where curling of the recording material is suppressed.
【００３５】また、加熱体２４と加圧ローラ２９との相
対位置の設定は不図示の記録材のサイズ検知手段と連動
させることにより自動的に最適な相対位置を選択させる
ことも可能である。Further, the relative position between the heating element 24 and the pressure roller 29 can be set by automatically linking it with an unillustrated recording material size detecting means.
【００３６】このように本実施例によれば、記録材の種
類を選択することで自動的に加熱体と加圧ローラの相対
位置が変化するので、スイッチ１つで記録材の種類に応
じたニップ形状とすることができ、記録材の種類が変わ
っても極めて容易にその記録材のカール防止を行うこと
ができる。As described above, according to the present embodiment, the relative position of the heating member and the pressure roller is automatically changed by selecting the type of recording material. The nip shape can be achieved, and the curl of the recording material can be extremely easily prevented even if the type of the recording material changes.
【００３７】[0037]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように本発明によれば、定
着装置のニップ形状を調節できるので、記録材のカール
状態を調整することができ、排出される記録材の積載性
を向上することができる。As described above, according to the present invention, since the nip shape of the fixing device can be adjusted, the curl state of the recording material can be adjusted and the stackability of the discharged recording material can be improved. You can
【図１】本発明を適用した定着装置を具備した画像形成
装置の断面図。FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus including a fixing device to which the present invention is applied.
【図２】図１の装置を開放した状態を示す図。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the device of FIG. 1 is opened.
【図３】図１の定着装置を示す図。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the fixing device of FIG.
【図４】図１の定着装置の部分拡大図。FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the fixing device of FIG.
【図５】図１の定着装置のニップ部拡大図。5 is an enlarged view of a nip portion of the fixing device in FIG.
【図６】本発明の他の実施例である定着装置を示す図。FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fixing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
２１ 定着フィルム ２４ 加熱体 ２６ 位置決めピン ２７ ビス ２８ ビス ２９ 加圧ローラ ３４ 嵌合溝 ３５ 固定軸 21 fixing film 24 heating element 26 positioning pin 27 screw 28 screw 29 pressure roller 34 fitting groove 35 fixed shaft
Claims (2)
ムと、このフィルムの上記加熱体とは反対側の面に圧接
し移動する加圧部材と、を有し、上記フィルムと上記加
圧部材の圧接部に未定着トナー像を担持した記録材を通
して未定着トナーを定着する定着装置において、 上記加熱体と上記加圧部材の記録材の移動方向における
相対位置を調節する調節手段を有することを特徴とする
定着装置。1. A heating member, a film that slides on the heating member, and a pressure member that moves in pressure contact with the surface of the film opposite to the heating member. A fixing device for fixing unfixed toner through a recording material carrying an unfixed toner image on a pressure contact portion of a pressure member, having an adjusting means for adjusting a relative position of the heating member and the pressure member in a moving direction of the recording material. A fixing device characterized by the above.
し、上記調節手段は上記選択手段からの出力に基づき、
上記加熱体と上記加圧部材の記録材の移動方向における
相対位置を自動的に調節することを特徴とする請求項１
の定着装置。2. A selection means for selecting the type of recording material, wherein the adjustment means is based on an output from the selection means.
The relative position of the heating member and the pressing member in the moving direction of the recording material is automatically adjusted.
Fixing device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP817694A JPH07219362A (en) | 1994-01-28 | 1994-01-28 | Fixing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP817694A JPH07219362A (en) | 1994-01-28 | 1994-01-28 | Fixing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH07219362A true JPH07219362A (en) | 1995-08-18 |
Family
ID=11686015
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP817694A Withdrawn JPH07219362A (en) | 1994-01-28 | 1994-01-28 | Fixing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH07219362A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2011158558A (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2011-08-18 | Brother Industries Ltd | Fixing device |
| JP2011158557A (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2011-08-18 | Brother Industries Ltd | Fixing device |
| US8737877B2 (en) | 2010-01-29 | 2014-05-27 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fixing device having adjustment mechanism for adjusting sheet discharging direction |
-
1994
- 1994-01-28 JP JP817694A patent/JPH07219362A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2011158558A (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2011-08-18 | Brother Industries Ltd | Fixing device |
| JP2011158557A (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2011-08-18 | Brother Industries Ltd | Fixing device |
| US8737877B2 (en) | 2010-01-29 | 2014-05-27 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fixing device having adjustment mechanism for adjusting sheet discharging direction |
| US8737853B2 (en) | 2010-01-29 | 2014-05-27 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fixing device having adjustment mechanism for adjusting sheet discharging direction |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP2646444B2 (en) | Image heating fixing device | |
| JP2940161B2 (en) | Image heating device | |
| JP2629980B2 (en) | Fixing device | |
| JP2833088B2 (en) | Fixing device | |
| US7783220B2 (en) | Roller drive control method of fixing apparatus and fixing apparatus | |
| JP2002244473A (en) | Fixing device and image forming device equipped therewith | |
| JPH07219362A (en) | Fixing device | |
| JPH0566688A (en) | Heating device | |
| JPH02157880A (en) | Image heat fixing device | |
| JPH05107960A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JP2000131977A (en) | Fixing device | |
| JP2650446B2 (en) | Fixing device | |
| JP2941587B2 (en) | Image heating device | |
| JPH04261567A (en) | Heater | |
| JP2002207386A (en) | Image heating device and image forming device | |
| JPH02157883A (en) | Image heat fixing device | |
| JPH08115004A (en) | Fixing device | |
| JP3123339B2 (en) | Heating equipment | |
| JPH0683219A (en) | Image forming device | |
| JPH04318882A (en) | Fixing device | |
| JPH10333459A (en) | Fixing device and image forming device | |
| JPH04237084A (en) | Fixing device | |
| JPH03167581A (en) | Fixing device | |
| JPH03194879A (en) | Fixing device | |
| JPH03181980A (en) | Fixing device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A300 | Withdrawal of application because of no request for examination |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A300 Effective date: 20010403 |