JPH0922206A - Heating device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the occurrence of breaking of such as a pressure member derived from overload when the pressurizing force is raised over allowable maximum, and damage such as wear and cut of the film member, by adequately dealing with fluctuation of the pressurizing force of a pressure member corresponding to the heating member, and preventing lowering of a heating performance due to drop of the pressurizing force and the lowering of a nipping- transporting performance of a heat receiving material and a film member from occurring, in respect to a heating device heat-treating while introducing for nipping-transporting the heat receiving member in a heating nip part as the press contact part between the heating member and the pressure member. SOLUTION: This heating device, executing heat-treatment while introducing for nipping-transporting the heat receiving member 12 in the heating nip part, by forming the heating nip part N by directly or indirectly holding the pressure member 4 in press contact with heating members 1, 2, 3 and 200, is provided with means 2a, 4a, 301a, 302, 301 and 300 for measuring the pressurizing force between the heating members 1, 2 and 200, and the pressure member 4, and moreover, provided with a means 333 for controlling the device based on the pressurizing force measured by the measuring means.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、加熱部材と加圧部
材を直接またはフィルム部材等を挟ませて間接的に圧接
させて加熱ニップ部を形成させ、該加熱ニップ部に被加
熱材を導入して挟持搬送させて加熱処理する加熱装置、
及び該加熱装置を画像定着等するための像加熱装置とし
て備えた画像形成装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method in which a heating member and a pressing member are directly or indirectly sandwiched by sandwiching a film member or the like to form a heating nip portion, and a material to be heated is introduced into the heating nip portion. A heating device that performs heat treatment by sandwiching and conveying
And an image forming apparatus provided with the heating device as an image heating device for fixing an image.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】便宜上、複写機・レーザービームプリン
タ・ファクシミリ・マイクロフィルムリーダプリンタ・
画像表示（ディスプレイ）装置・記録機等の画像形成装
置の像加熱装置を例にして説明する。2. Description of the Related Art For convenience, copying machines, laser beam printers, facsimiles, microfilm reader printers,
An image heating apparatus of an image forming apparatus such as an image display apparatus / recorder will be described as an example.

【０００３】像加熱装置は、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被記録材
（転写材シート・エレクトロファックスシート・静電記
録シート・印刷紙など）の面に間接（転写）方式もしく
は直接方式で形成した目的の画像情報に対応した顕画剤
像（トナー画像）を永久固着画像として加熱定着処理す
る装置である。仮定着処理する装置や、艶等の表面性を
改質する装置等としても使用される。The image heating device is provided on the surface of a recording material (transfer material sheet, electrofax sheet, electrostatic recording sheet, printing paper, etc.) by an appropriate image forming process means such as electrophotography, electrostatic recording, magnetic recording and the like. This is an apparatus that heats and fixes a developer image (toner image) corresponding to target image information formed by an indirect (transfer) method or a direct method as a permanently fixed image. It is also used as a hypothetical dressing device and a device for modifying the surface properties such as gloss.

【０００４】このような像加熱装置は、加熱部材と加圧
部材を直接またはフィルム部材等を介して間接的に圧接
させて加熱ニップ部を形成させ、該加熱ニップ部に被加
熱材としての被記録材を導入して挟持搬送させて加熱処
理する加熱ニップ方式の装置が一般的である。具体的に
は熱ローラ方式、フィルム加熱方式、磁気（電磁）誘導
加熱方式等の装置が挙げられる。In such an image heating apparatus, a heating member and a pressing member are directly or indirectly pressure contacted with each other through a film member or the like to form a heating nip portion, and the heating nip portion serves as a material to be heated. A heating nip type apparatus is generally used in which a recording material is introduced, nipped and conveyed, and heat-treated. Specific examples include a device such as a heat roller system, a film heating system, and a magnetic (electromagnetic) induction heating system.

【０００５】ａ）熱ローラ方式の装置 熱ローラ方式の装置は、図７のように、互いに圧接され
て回転する加熱部材としての加熱ローラ（定着ローラ）
１０と、加圧部材としての弾性加圧ローラ４のローラ対
を基本構成体とし、該両ローラ１０・４の圧接部を加熱
ニップ部（定着ニップ部）Ｎとして、該加熱ニップ部Ｎ
に被加熱材としての未定着トナー画像Ｔを担持させた被
記録材１２を導入して挟持搬送させることで加熱ニップ
部Ｎにおいて加熱ローラ１０の熱で未定着画像Ｔを被記
録材１２面に熱定着させるものである。A) Heat roller type device As shown in FIG. 7, the heat roller type device is a heating roller (fixing roller) as a heating member that is pressed against each other and rotates.
10 and a roller pair of an elastic pressure roller 4 as a pressure member are used as a basic component, and the pressure contact portion between the rollers 10 and 4 is used as a heating nip portion (fixing nip portion) N.
The recording material 12 carrying the unfixed toner image T as a material to be heated is introduced and nipped and conveyed, so that the unfixed image T is transferred to the surface of the recording material 12 by the heat of the heating roller 10 in the heating nip portion N. It is heat-fixed.

【０００６】加熱ローラ１０は、一般にアルミ金属ロー
ラを基体とし、その外周に耐熱ゴムを上層としてコート
し、内部に熱源としてハロゲンヒータＨを配設したもの
であり、ヒータＨで内部から加熱され、ローラ表面温度
が所定の温度に維持されるように、ローラ表面温度検出
手段９を含む不図示の制御系によりヒータＨへの通電が
制御される。The heating roller 10 is generally composed of an aluminum metal roller as a base material, the outer periphery of which is coated with a heat-resistant rubber as an upper layer, and a halogen heater H as a heat source is provided therein. The heating roller 10 is heated by the heater H from the inside. Energization to the heater H is controlled by a control system (not shown) including the roller surface temperature detecting means 9 so that the roller surface temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature.

【０００７】加熱ローラ１０を磁気誘導加熱する方式の
装置もある（特公平５−９０２７号公報）。図８にその
概略構成を示した。加熱ローラ１０は強磁性材の円筒体
であり、誘導加熱により加熱される。加熱は、励磁鉄芯
５１上に巻かれた励磁コイル５２に、高周波の交流電流
を印加して図中に破線の矢印で示した磁界を発生させ、
加熱ローラ１０上に渦電流を発生させるものである。即
ち、磁束により加熱ローラ１０に渦電流を発生させジュ
ール熱によって加熱ローラ１０自体を発熱させるのであ
る。５３は、閉磁路を形成するために、加熱ローラ１０
を隔てて励磁鉄芯５１に対向するように配置された補助
鉄芯である。There is also an apparatus of the type that magnetically heats the heating roller 10 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-9027). The schematic structure is shown in FIG. The heating roller 10 is a cylindrical body made of a ferromagnetic material and is heated by induction heating. The heating is performed by applying a high-frequency alternating current to the exciting coil 52 wound on the exciting iron core 51 to generate a magnetic field indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure,
An eddy current is generated on the heating roller 10. That is, an eddy current is generated in the heating roller 10 by the magnetic flux, and the heating roller 10 itself is heated by Joule heat. 53 is the heating roller 10 for forming a closed magnetic circuit.
It is an auxiliary iron core which is arranged so as to face the exciting iron core 51 with a space therebetween.

【０００８】このように渦電流の発生を利用して加熱ロ
ーラ１０を誘導発熱させることで発熱位置をトナーに近
くすることができ、ハロゲンヒータＨを用いた熱ローラ
方式に比べウォームアップ時間の短縮が達成できる。As described above, the heat generation position of the heating roller 10 can be brought closer to the toner by inducing heat generation by utilizing the generation of the eddy current, and the warm-up time can be shortened as compared with the heat roller method using the halogen heater H. Can be achieved.

【０００９】ｂ）フィルム加熱方式の装置 これは特開昭６３−３１３１８２号公報・特開平１−２
６３６７９号公報・特開平２−１５７８７８号公報・特
開平４−４４０７５〜４４０８３号公報等に開示されて
いる。B) Apparatus of film heating system This is disclosed in JP-A-63-313182 and JP-A-1-2.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63679 / Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-157878 / Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-44075-44083.

【００１０】図９にその要部の概略を示した。２Ａは図
面に垂直方向を長手とする低熱容量の横長の加熱体であ
り、一般にセラミックヒータである。３はこの加熱体２
Ａを下向きに固定保持させた加熱体支持部材兼フィルム
内面ガイド部材（ステー）、１Ａは耐熱カーボン材など
の耐熱性フィルム、４は加圧部材としての弾性加圧ロー
ラであり、加熱体２Ａと加圧ローラ４とを耐熱性フィル
ム１Ａを挟ませて圧接させることで加熱ニップ部Ｎを形
成させてある。上記の加熱体２Ａ・加熱体支持部材兼フ
ィルム内面ガイド部材３・耐熱性フィルム１Ａが加圧ロ
ーラ４に対する加熱部材アセンブリを構成している。FIG. 9 shows an outline of the main part. Reference numeral 2A is a horizontally long heating element having a low heat capacity and a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the drawing, which is generally a ceramic heater. 3 is this heating body 2
Heater support member and film inner surface guide member (stay) in which A is fixedly held downward, 1A is a heat-resistant film such as a heat-resistant carbon material, 4 is an elastic pressure roller as a pressure member, and is a heater 2A. The heat nip portion N is formed by sandwiching the heat resistant film 1A with the pressure roller 4 and bringing them into pressure contact with each other. The heating body 2A, the heating body supporting member and the film inner surface guide member 3, and the heat resistant film 1A constitute a heating member assembly for the pressure roller 4.

【００１１】フィルム１Ａは不図示の駆動手段もしくは
加圧ローラ４の回転駆動力により、加熱ニップ部Ｎにお
いて加熱体２Ａの面に密着して摺動しながら加熱ニップ
部Ｎを矢示方向に所定の速度で搬送される。The film 1A is brought into contact with the surface of the heating element 2A in the heating nip portion N by the driving means (not shown) or the rotational driving force of the pressure roller 4, and slides in close contact with the surface of the heating element 2A. It is transported at the speed of.

【００１２】フィルム１Ａが所定の速度で搬送され、加
熱体２Ａが所定の温度に温調された状態において、加熱
ニップ部Ｎのフィルム１Ａと加圧ローラ４との間に、被
加熱材としての被記録材１２が導入されることで、被記
録材１２は加熱ニップ部Ｎをフィルム１Ａの面に密着し
てフィルム１Ａと一緒に加熱ニップ部Ｎを挟持搬送され
ていき、その搬送過程で加熱体２Ａからフィルム１Ａを
介して熱を受けて未定着トナー画像Ｔが被記録材１２面
に熱定着される。In a state where the film 1A is conveyed at a predetermined speed and the heating body 2A is temperature-controlled to a predetermined temperature, as a material to be heated between the film 1A in the heating nip portion N and the pressure roller 4. When the recording material 12 is introduced, the recording material 12 is brought into close contact with the heating nip portion N on the surface of the film 1A and is conveyed while sandwiching the heating nip portion N together with the film 1A. The unfixed toner image T is thermally fixed on the surface of the recording material 12 by receiving heat from the body 2A through the film 1A.

【００１３】加熱ニップ部Ｎを通った被記録材１２はフ
ィルム１Ａの面から分離されて排出搬送される。The recording material 12 passing through the heating nip portion N is separated from the surface of the film 1A and is discharged and conveyed.

【００１４】加熱体２Ａや耐熱性フィルム１Ａに低熱容
量のものを使用することで、また加熱部としての加熱ニ
ップ部Ｎをフィルム１Ａを介して集中的に加熱できるこ
とで、装置にクイックスタート性を具備させることがで
き、省電力オンデマンド加熱が可能である。By using a heating element 2A or a heat resistant film 1A having a low heat capacity, and by heating the heating nip portion N as a heating portion intensively through the film 1A, the device can be provided with a quick start property. It can be provided, and power-saving on-demand heating is possible.

【００１５】ｃ）磁気誘導加熱方式の装置 図１０にフィルム加熱方式・磁気誘導加熱方式の装置の
要部の概略を示した。これは上記フィルム加熱方式の装
置において加熱体２Ａを磁性金属部材２Ｂ（誘導磁性
材、磁界吸収導電材、導電部材）にし、この磁性金属部
材２Ｂの上側に磁場発生手段としての界磁コイルユニッ
ト２００（磁界発生線輪）を配設してある。このユニッ
ト２００の磁界発生線輪に高周波コンバータ３０から高
周波電流を印加して発生高周波磁界を磁性金属部材２Ｂ
に磁気結合させ、磁気が及ぼす渦電流損によって磁性金
属部材２Ｂを発熱させる。その熱を耐熱性フィルム１Ａ
を介して、加熱ニップ部Ｎに導入された被加熱材として
の被記録材１２に付与するものである。C) Apparatus of magnetic induction heating system FIG. 10 shows an outline of a main part of the apparatus of film heating system / magnetic induction heating system. In this film heating type apparatus, the heating body 2A is a magnetic metal member 2B (inductive magnetic material, magnetic field absorbing conductive material, conductive member), and a field coil unit 200 as magnetic field generating means is provided above the magnetic metal member 2B. (Magnetic field generating coil) is provided. A high frequency magnetic field is generated by applying a high frequency current from the high frequency converter 30 to the magnetic field generating coil of this unit 200.
The magnetic metal member 2B is heated by the eddy current loss exerted by magnetism. The heat is heat resistant film 1A
It is applied to the recording material 12 as the material to be heated introduced into the heating nip portion N via the.

【００１６】また上記において、耐熱性フィルム１Ａ自
体を磁性金属部材（磁性金属フィルム）にし、磁性金属
部材２Ｂは界磁コイルユニット２００の支持部材にして
磁性金属フィルムを挟ませて加圧ローラ４と対向圧接さ
せた構成にすることで、フィルムが熱抵抗とならないで
熱効率を向上させた装置になる。In the above, the heat-resistant film 1A itself is a magnetic metal member (magnetic metal film), and the magnetic metal member 2B is used as a support member for the field coil unit 200, and the magnetic metal film is sandwiched between the pressure roller 4 and the pressure roller 4. With the structure in which the films are pressed against each other, the film does not become a thermal resistance, and the device has improved thermal efficiency.

【００１７】この装置は界磁ユニット２００の磁界発生
線輪に高周波コンバータ３０から高周波電流を印加して
発生高周波磁界を加熱ニップ部Ｎに作用させることで、
加熱ニップ部Ｎにおいて該加熱ニップ部Ｎを移動する磁
性金属フィルム部分の磁性金属層に渦電流が発生し、こ
の渦電流が磁性金属層の電気抵抗によって熱に変換し、
結果的に加熱ニップ部Ｎにおいて被加熱材としての被記
録材１２に密着するフィルム部分のみが発熱する装置で
あり、熱効率が優れている。フィルムの表層近くを直接
発熱させるので、フィルム基層の熱伝導率、熱容量によ
らず急速に加熱できる利点があり、またフィルムの厚さ
にも依存しない急速加熱が実現できる。これにより省エ
ネルギー・クイックスタート性を損なうことなくフィル
ム基層の高剛性を図ることにより、耐久性・高速化に対
処することができる。This apparatus applies a high frequency current from the high frequency converter 30 to the magnetic field generating coil of the field unit 200 to cause the generated high frequency magnetic field to act on the heating nip portion N.
In the heating nip portion N, an eddy current is generated in the magnetic metal layer of the magnetic metal film portion moving in the heating nip portion N, and this eddy current is converted into heat by the electric resistance of the magnetic metal layer,
As a result, in the heating nip portion N, only the film portion in close contact with the recording material 12 as the material to be heated generates heat, and the thermal efficiency is excellent. Since heat is generated directly near the surface layer of the film, there is an advantage that heating can be performed rapidly regardless of the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the film base layer, and rapid heating that does not depend on the thickness of the film can be realized. This makes it possible to cope with durability and speeding up by increasing the rigidity of the film base layer without impairing energy saving and quick start properties.

【００１８】[0018]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで上述各種例
ａ）〜ｃ）のような、加熱部材と加圧部材を直接または
フィルム部材等を介して間接的に圧接させて加熱ニップ
部Ｎを形成させ、該加熱ニップ部に被加熱材を導入して
挟持搬送させて加熱処理する加熱ニップ方式の加熱装置
においては、十分な加熱性能と、安定した被加熱材挟持
搬送性能を確保する上で、またフィルム加熱方式の加熱
装置や磁性金属フィルムを用いた磁気誘導加熱方式の加
熱装置にあっては上記の性能の他にもフィルムの安定し
た挟持搬送性能を確保する上で、加熱部材と加圧部材と
の加圧力は常に所定の範囲にあることが望ましい。。By the way, as in the above-mentioned various examples a) to c), the heating nip portion N is formed by directly and indirectly press-contacting the heating member and the pressing member via a film member or the like. In a heating nip-type heating device in which a material to be heated is introduced into the heating nip portion and nipped and conveyed to perform heat treatment, in order to ensure sufficient heating performance and stable nipping and conveying performance of the material to be heated, In addition to the above performance, the heating device of the film heating system and the heating device of the magnetic induction heating system using the magnetic metal film have a heating member and a pressurizing member in order to secure stable holding and conveying performance of the film. It is desirable that the pressing force of and is always within a predetermined range. .

【００１９】加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力は加圧ばね
部材等の付勢手段により所定の加圧力状態に初期設定さ
れるが、加圧力は種々の原因で変動する。The pressure applied between the heating member and the pressure member is initially set to a predetermined pressure by an urging means such as a pressure spring member, but the pressure varies due to various causes.

【００２０】例えば、加圧部材としての加圧ローラ４が
熱を受けることにより表面抵抗及び摩擦力が変化し加圧
力が変化する。加圧ローラ４の物性や加圧ばね部材のば
ね性の経時変化によっても変化する。加熱ニップ部Ｎに
導入される被加熱材の厚さによっても変動する。For example, when the pressure roller 4 as a pressure member receives heat, the surface resistance and the frictional force change and the applied pressure changes. It also changes due to changes over time in the physical properties of the pressure roller 4 and the spring properties of the pressure spring member. It also varies depending on the thickness of the material to be heated introduced into the heating nip portion N.

【００２１】加圧力が変動してもそれが所定の基準範囲
内に納まっている限りはよいが、基準範囲の下限外ある
いは上限外に変化すると、十分な加熱性能や安定した被
加熱材挟持搬送性能等が低下して問題を生じる。Even if the applied pressure fluctuates, it is acceptable as long as it is within the predetermined reference range, but if it changes outside the lower limit or the upper limit of the reference range, sufficient heating performance and stable nipping and conveyance of the material to be heated are achieved. Performance and the like deteriorate and cause a problem.

【００２２】例えば、フィルム加熱方式の加熱装置や磁
性金属フィルムを用いる加熱装置において円筒状の耐熱
性フィルム１Ａや磁性金属フィルムを加圧ローラ１１の
回転駆動力で加熱ニップ部Ｎにおいて該フィルムの内面
を加熱体２Ａや界磁コイルユニット支持部材の面に密着
させて摺動させながら回転駆動させる加圧ローラ駆動方
式の装置にあっては、加圧力が変動して基準範囲の下限
よりも小さくなり過ぎた状態になると、摩擦係数に対す
るフィルムの回転力が不足するためフィルムは回転しな
い。For example, in a film heating type heating device or a heating device using a magnetic metal film, a cylindrical heat-resistant film 1A or a magnetic metal film is applied to the inner surface of the film at the heating nip portion N by the rotational driving force of the pressure roller 11. In the device of the pressure roller driving system in which the heating roller 2A and the surface of the field coil unit supporting member are in close contact with each other and are driven to rotate, the pressing force fluctuates and becomes smaller than the lower limit of the reference range. If the state is exceeded, the rotational force of the film with respect to the coefficient of friction will be insufficient and the film will not rotate.

【００２３】また加圧力が変動して基準範囲の上限より
も大きくなり過ぎた状態になると、フィルムの回転力よ
りも加圧ローラ４と加熱体１Ａや界磁コイルユニット支
持部材とのニップ力（圧力）がまさり、この場合におい
てもフィルムは回転しない。フィルムが回転しない場
合、フィルム表面には加圧ローラ４が空転する事にな
り、フィルム表面は加圧ローラ４による摩耗により劣化
する。またフィルムが回転したとしても、フィルム内面
と加熱体１Ａや界磁コイルユニット支持部材との間に過
負荷のために必要以上の摩擦が生じることになり、やは
りフィルムはその内面が摩耗により劣化する。Further, when the applied pressure fluctuates and becomes larger than the upper limit of the reference range, the nip force between the pressure roller 4 and the heating body 1A or the field coil unit supporting member is stronger than the rotational force of the film ( The pressure) is better, and the film does not rotate even in this case. When the film does not rotate, the pressure roller 4 runs idle on the film surface, and the film surface deteriorates due to wear by the pressure roller 4. Even if the film rotates, more friction than necessary occurs between the inner surface of the film and the heating element 1A or the field coil unit supporting member, and the inner surface of the film deteriorates due to abrasion. .

【００２４】また加熱ニップ部Ｎに規定外の厚さの厚い
被加熱材（被記録材）１２が導入されると、この場合も
加圧力が基準範囲の上限よりも大きくなり過ぎた状態に
なることで、結果として上記と同じ状態を生じて、被加
熱材やフィルムの搬送不能、フィルムの摩耗劣化等の事
態が生じるし、また過負荷のためにフィルムにしわや切
断を生じさせるという問題点があった。Further, when a material to be heated (recording material) 12 having an unspecified thickness is introduced into the heating nip portion N, in this case as well, the pressing force is in a state of becoming too large above the upper limit of the reference range. Therefore, as a result, the same state as described above is caused, and it becomes impossible to convey the material to be heated or the film, the deterioration of the film due to abrasion or the like occurs, and the film is wrinkled or cut due to overload. was there.

【００２５】そこで本発明は、加熱部材と加圧部材を直
接またはフィルム部材等を挟ませて間接的に圧接させて
加熱ニップ部Ｎを形成させ、該加熱ニップ部に被加熱材
を導入して挟持搬送させて加熱処理する加熱ニップタイ
プの加熱装置について、加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力
の変動に対して適切に対処することを目的とする。Therefore, according to the present invention, the heating member and the pressing member are directly or indirectly sandwiched by sandwiching a film member or the like to form a heating nip portion N, and a material to be heated is introduced into the heating nip portion. An object of the present invention is to appropriately deal with fluctuations in pressure applied between a heating member and a pressure member in a heating nip-type heating device that performs nipping and conveyance and heat treatment.

【００２６】[0026]

【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は下記の構成を特
徴とする加熱装置及び画像形成装置である。According to the present invention, there is provided a heating apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the following constitutions.

【００２７】（１）加熱部材と加圧部材を直接または間
接的に圧接させて加熱ニップ部を形成させ、該加熱ニッ
プ部に被加熱材を導入して挟持搬送させて加熱処理する
加熱装置において、加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力を計
測する手段と、該計測手段で計測された加圧力を基に装
置を制御する手段とを有することを特徴とする加熱装
置。(1) In a heating device in which a heating member and a pressing member are directly or indirectly pressed to form a heating nip portion, a material to be heated is introduced into the heating nip portion, and the material is nipped and conveyed to perform heat treatment. A heating device comprising: a means for measuring the pressure applied to the heating member and the pressure member; and a means for controlling the device based on the pressure measured by the measuring means.

【００２８】（２）装置の制御が、加圧力調整手段の動
作による加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力の変更制御、ま
たは装置の駆動停止制御、あるいはその両制御であるこ
とを特徴とする（１）に記載の加熱装置。(2) The control of the device is a control of changing the pressing force of the heating member and the pressing member by the operation of the pressing force adjusting means, a drive stop control of the device, or both controls. The heating device according to (1).

【００２９】（３）装置の制御が、計測加圧力が基準範
囲よりも大きいとき装置駆動を停止させる制御であるこ
とを特徴とする（１）に記載の加熱装置。(3) The heating device according to (1), characterized in that the control of the device is a control for stopping the driving of the device when the measured pressure is larger than the reference range.

【００３０】（４）装置の制御が、計測加圧力が基準範
囲よりも小さいとき加圧力を基準範囲内に戻す方向に加
圧力調整手段を動作させる制御であることを特徴とする
（１）に記載の加熱装置。(4) The control of the apparatus is characterized in that when the measured pressing force is smaller than the reference range, the pressing force adjusting means is operated to return the pressing force to within the reference range. The heating device described.

【００３１】（５）装置の制御が、計測加圧力が基準範
囲よりも大きく、かつ装置内に被加熱材が搬送中である
とき、加圧力調整手段を動作させて加圧力を被加熱材を
搬送できる圧力まで解除させ搬送中である被加熱材を最
後まで搬送したのち装置駆動を停止させる制御であるこ
とを特徴とする（１）に記載の加熱装置。(5) When the measured pressure is larger than the reference range and the material to be heated is being conveyed into the apparatus, the pressure control means operates the pressure of the material to be heated. The heating device according to (1), which is controlled to release the pressure to a level at which the material can be conveyed, convey the material being heated to the end, and stop driving the apparatus.

【００３２】（６）加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧を計測
する為に弾性材を用いることを特徴とする（１）乃至
（５）の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置。(6) The heating device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that an elastic material is used to measure the pressure applied between the heating member and the pressure member.

【００３３】（７）加熱部材が、磁場発生手段と、磁場
により磁気誘導発熱する磁性金属部材を有する磁気誘導
加熱方式の加熱部材であることを特徴とする（１）乃至
（６）の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置。(7) The heating member is a magnetic induction heating type heating member having a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic metal member that magnetically heats by magnetic induction by a magnetic field. The heating device according to one.

【００３４】（８）磁性金属部材が固定部材あるいは回
転体であることを特徴とする（７）に記載の加熱装置。(8) The heating device according to (7), wherein the magnetic metal member is a fixed member or a rotating body.

【００３５】（９）磁性金属部材が磁性金属層を含む積
層部材もしくはそれ自体磁性金属の部材であることを特
徴とする（７）または（８）に記載の加熱装置。(9) The heating device according to (7) or (8), wherein the magnetic metal member is a laminated member including a magnetic metal layer or a member itself made of magnetic metal.

【００３６】（１０）加熱部材が加熱ローラであること
を特徴とする（１）乃至（６）の何れか１つに記載の加
熱装置。(10) The heating device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the heating member is a heating roller.

【００３７】（１１）加熱部材が、固定の加熱体と、こ
れに接する耐熱性フィルムを有し、該耐熱性フィルムを
挟んで加熱体と加圧部材が圧接して加熱ニップ部を形成
し、該加熱ニップ部の耐熱性フィルムと加圧部材の間に
被加熱材を導入して耐熱性フィルムと一緒に加熱ニップ
部を挟持搬送させることで加熱体の熱エネルギーを耐熱
性フィルムを介して被加熱材に付与するフィルム加熱方
式の装置であることを特徴とする（１）乃至（６）の何
れか１つに記載の加熱装置。(11) The heating member has a fixed heating body and a heat-resistant film in contact with the fixed heating body, and the heating body and the pressing member are in pressure contact with each other with the heat-resistant film sandwiched therebetween to form a heating nip portion, A material to be heated is introduced between the heat-resistant film and the pressing member of the heating nip portion, and the heating nip portion is nipped and conveyed together with the heat-resistant film, so that the heat energy of the heating element is transferred through the heat-resistant film. The heating device according to any one of (1) to (6), which is a film heating type device applied to a heating material.

【００３８】（１２）加圧部材が回転駆動されるあるい
は従動回転する加圧回転体であることを特徴とする
（１）乃至（１１）の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置。(12) The heating device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the pressure member is a pressure rotating member that is rotationally driven or driven to rotate.

【００３９】（１３）被加熱材が画像を担持した被記録
材であり、装置がその被記録材の画像を加熱する像加熱
装置であることを特徴とする（１）乃至（１２）の何れ
か１つに記載の加熱装置。(13) Any one of (1) to (12), wherein the material to be heated is a recording material carrying an image, and the apparatus is an image heating device for heating the image of the recording material. The heating device according to one.

【００４０】（１４）被記録材に画像を形成する画像形
成手段と、その被記録材の画像を加熱する像加熱手段を
有する画像形成装置において、像加熱手段が（１）乃至
（１２）の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置であることを特
徴とする画像形成装置。(14) In an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material and an image heating means for heating the image on the recording material, the image heating means comprises (1) to (12). An image forming apparatus, wherein the heating apparatus is any one of the heating apparatuses.

【００４１】すなわち、加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力
を計測する手段と、該計測手段で計測された加圧力を基
に装置を制御する手段を具備させたことで、加圧力状態
を自動監視させて加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力の変動
に対して適切に対処することができる。That is, by providing the means for measuring the pressure applied to the heating member and the pressure member and the means for controlling the device based on the pressure measured by the measuring means, the pressure applied state is automatically controlled. It is possible to monitor and appropriately deal with the fluctuation of the pressing force of the heating member and the pressing member.

【００４２】つまり、加圧力が許容以下に低下した状態
時は基準範囲に自動復帰させる制御をさせることで、加
圧力低下に起因する加熱性能の低下、被加熱材やフィル
ム部材の挟持搬送性能の低下の発生を防止することがで
きる。That is, when the applied pressure falls below the permissible level, control is automatically performed to return to the reference range, so that the heating performance is reduced due to the reduced applied pressure, and the heating and holding performance of the material to be heated or the film member is reduced. It is possible to prevent the decrease.

【００４３】また加圧力が許容以上に上昇した状態時は
装置駆動を自動停止させる等の対処制御をさせること
で、過負荷による加圧部材等の損傷、フィルム材の摩耗
や切断等のダメージ発生を阻止することができ、装置の
耐久性を向上させることができる。Further, when the applied pressure exceeds an allowable level, the drive of the apparatus is automatically stopped or other countermeasure control is performed, so that the pressure member or the like is damaged due to overload, and the film material is worn or cut. Can be prevented, and the durability of the device can be improved.

【００４４】また加圧力が基準範囲よりも大きく、かつ
装置内に被加熱材が搬送中であるとき、加圧力調整手段
を動作させて加圧力を被加熱材を搬送できる圧力まで解
除させ搬送中である被加熱材を最後まで搬送したのち装
置駆動を停止させる制御をさせることで、被加熱材が加
熱装置内に搬送中である場合において加圧力が基準範囲
を越えている場合に装置駆動を停止させた場合に生じる
可能性のある、加熱ニップ部に被加熱材が強く挟まれた
状態で搬送が停止して取り出せなくなる事態の発生を防
止できるし、また万一搬送中に装置が停止しても、加圧
力を解除しているため被加熱材を取り出すのも容易に行
うことができる。When the pressing force is larger than the reference range and the material to be heated is being conveyed into the apparatus, the pressing force adjusting means is operated to release the pressing force to a pressure at which the material to be heated can be conveyed and the material is being conveyed. When the material to be heated is being conveyed to the inside of the heating device and the pressing force exceeds the reference range by controlling the device to stop after the material to be heated is conveyed to the end, It is possible to prevent the situation in which the material to be heated cannot be taken out when the material to be heated is strongly sandwiched in the heating nip part, which may occur when the equipment is stopped. However, since the pressing force is released, the material to be heated can be easily taken out.

【００４５】[0045]

【発明の実施の形態】BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

〈実施形態１〉（図１〜図４） （１）画像形成装置例 図１は画像形成装置例の概略構成図である。本例の画像
形成装置は転写式電子写真プロセス利用の複写機或はプ
リンタである。<Embodiment 1> (FIGS. 1 to 4) (1) Example of image forming apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus of this embodiment is a copying machine or a printer using a transfer type electrophotographic process.

【００４６】３１は回転ドラム型の電子写真感光体であ
り、矢印の時計方向に所定のプロセススピード（周速
度）をもって回転駆動される。Reference numeral 31 is a rotary drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction of the arrow at a predetermined process speed (peripheral speed).

【００４７】３２は感光体帯電手段としての接触帯電ロ
ーラであり、所定の帯電バイアスが印加されていて、こ
の帯電ローラ３２により回転感光体３１面が所定の極性
・電位に一様に帯電処理される。Reference numeral 32 is a contact charging roller as a photosensitive member charging means, to which a predetermined charging bias is applied, and the charging roller 32 uniformly charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive member 31 to a predetermined polarity and potential. It

【００４８】この回転感光体３１の帯電処理面に対して
不図示の画像情報露光手段部（原稿画像のスリット結像
露光手段、レーザビーム走査露光手段等）により目的の
画像情報の露光３３がなされて、回転感光体３１面に目
的の画像情報に対応した静電潜像が形成される。The charge-processed surface of the rotary photosensitive member 31 is exposed with desired image information 33 by an image information exposing means (not shown) such as a slit image forming exposing means for a document image and a laser beam scanning exposing means. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the target image information is formed on the surface of the rotating photoconductor 31.

【００４９】その潜像がトナー現像装置３４によりトナ
ー画像として現像される。The latent image is developed as a toner image by the toner developing device 34.

【００５０】そのトナー画像が、回転感光体３１とこれ
に接触させた、所定の転写バイアスが印加される転写ロ
ーラ３５との圧接部である転写部に、不図示の給紙部か
ら所定のタイミングにて搬送された被記録材としての転
写材１２に対して転写されていく。The toner image is transferred to a transfer portion, which is in contact with the rotating photoconductor 31 and a transfer roller 35 to which a predetermined transfer bias is applied, at a predetermined timing from a paper feeding portion (not shown). The image is transferred onto the transfer material 12 as the recording material that has been conveyed by.

【００５１】転写部を通過してトナー画像の転写を受け
た転写材１２は回転感光体３１面から分離され、次の
（２）項で説明する像加熱装置Ａに搬送導入されて未定
着トナー画像の加熱定着処理を受け、コピー或はプリン
トとして出力される。The transfer material 12, which has passed the transfer portion and has received the transfer of the toner image, is separated from the surface of the rotary photosensitive member 31 and is conveyed and introduced into the image heating device A described in the next item (2) to unfixed toner. The image is heated and fixed, and output as a copy or print.

【００５２】転写材１２に対するトナー画像転写後の回
転感光体３１面はクリーニング装置３７により転写残り
トナー等の残留付着物の除去を受けて清掃され、繰り返
して作像に供される。After the transfer of the toner image onto the transfer material 12, the surface of the rotary photosensitive member 31 is cleaned by a cleaning device 37 to remove residual adhered substances such as transfer residual toner, and is repeatedly used for image formation.

【００５３】（２）像加熱装置Ａ 図２は像加熱装置Ａの構成模型図である。本例の装置Ａ
は、磁性金属フィルムを用いた磁気誘導加熱方式、加圧
ローラ駆動方式、加熱ニップ方式の加熱装置である。(2) Image Heating Apparatus A FIG. 2 is a structural model view of the image heating apparatus A. Device A of this example
Is a heating device of a magnetic induction heating method, a pressure roller driving method, and a heating nip method using a magnetic metal film.

【００５４】２は図面に垂直方向を長手とする横長の界
磁コイルユニット支持部材である。３はこの支持部材２
の長手両側に配設した磁性金属フィルム内面ガイド部材
（ステー）であり、これらの部材２と部材３とで横断面
略半円弧状の樋型部材を構成している。２００は支持部
材２の上側に該部材の長手に沿って配設した横長の界磁
コイルユニットであり、コアに加熱用の励磁コイル２０
３と温度検知用コイル２０４を巻いたものである。Reference numeral 2 denotes a laterally long field coil unit supporting member having a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the drawing. 3 is this support member 2
The magnetic metal film inner surface guide members (stays) arranged on both sides of the longitudinal direction, and these members 2 and 3 constitute a gutter-shaped member having a substantially semicircular cross section. Reference numeral 200 denotes a laterally long field coil unit disposed above the support member 2 along the length of the member, and includes a core exciting coil 20 for heating.
3 and a coil for temperature detection 204 are wound.

【００５５】上記の支持部材２・ガイド部材３・界磁コ
イルユニット２００等からなるアセンブリの外側にエン
ドレス状（円筒状、シームレス）の耐熱性磁性金属フィ
ルム１をルーズに外嵌させて加熱部材アセンブリとして
の磁気誘導加熱構造体を構成している。The endless (cylindrical, seamless) heat-resistant magnetic metal film 1 is loosely fitted on the outside of the assembly including the support member 2, the guide member 3, the field coil unit 200, etc., and the heating member assembly. As a magnetic induction heating structure.

【００５６】４は加圧部材としての加圧ローラであり、
心金４ａの周囲にシリコンゴム・フッ素ゴム等を被覆し
て構成される。この加圧ローラ４は不図示の軸受け手
段、加圧ばね部材等の付勢手段により所定の押圧力を持
って上記加熱部材としての磁気誘導加熱構造体の界磁コ
イルユニット支持部材２の下面に対して磁性金属フィル
ム１を挟ませて圧接してあり、支持部材２の下面との間
に磁性金属フィルム１を挟んで加熱ニップ部（定着ニッ
プ部）Ｎを形成する。Reference numeral 4 is a pressure roller as a pressure member,
The core 4a is formed by coating the periphery of the mandrel 4a with silicon rubber, fluororubber or the like. The pressure roller 4 is provided on the lower surface of the field coil unit support member 2 of the magnetic induction heating structure as the heating member with a predetermined pressing force by a biasing means such as a bearing means and a pressure spring member (not shown). On the other hand, the magnetic metal film 1 is sandwiched and pressure-contacted, and the magnetic metal film 1 is sandwiched between the magnetic metal film 1 and the lower surface of the support member 2 to form a heating nip portion (fixing nip portion) N.

【００５７】加圧ローラ４は駆動手段Ｍにより矢示の反
時計方向に回転駆動される。加熱ニップ部Ｎにおいてこ
の加圧ローラ４の回転駆動による該ローラとフィルム外
面との摩擦力により磁性金属フィルム１に回転力が作用
して、該金属フィルム１が加熱ニップ部Ｎにおいて支持
部材２の下面に密着摺動して支持部材２・ガイド部材３
・界磁コイルユニット２００等からなるアセンブリの外
回りを回転する。The pressure roller 4 is rotationally driven by the driving means M in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow. In the heating nip portion N, a rotational force acts on the magnetic metal film 1 due to a frictional force between the pressure roller 4 and the outer surface of the film due to the rotational driving of the pressure roller 4, so that the metal film 1 moves to the support member 2 in the heating nip portion N. The support member 2 and the guide member 3 are slidably attached to the lower surface.
-Rotating around the assembly including the field coil unit 200 and the like.

【００５８】この加熱ニップ部Ｎの磁性金属フィルム１
と加圧ローラ４との間に被加熱材としての前記転写材１
２が導入されることで該転写材１２が磁性金属フィルム
１の表面に密着して加熱ニップ部Ｎを磁性金属フィルム
１と一緒に挟持搬送されていく。The magnetic metal film 1 of the heating nip portion N
The transfer material 1 as a material to be heated between the pressure roller 4 and the pressure roller 4.
When 2 is introduced, the transfer material 12 comes into close contact with the surface of the magnetic metal film 1, and the heating nip portion N is nipped and conveyed together with the magnetic metal film 1.

【００５９】磁性金属フィルム１はそれ自体が磁性金属
の薄板部材であってもよいし、磁性金属層を含む積層部
材とすることもできる。図３は積層タイプの磁性金属フ
ィルム１の一例の層構成模型図である。１ａはフィルム
基層、１ｂは磁性金属層、１ｃは表面保護層である。表
面保護層１ｃ側が被加熱材と接触する表面側、基層１ａ
側が支持部材２の下面に密着摺動する内面側である。The magnetic metal film 1 may be a thin plate member of magnetic metal itself, or may be a laminated member including a magnetic metal layer. FIG. 3 is a layer configuration model diagram of an example of a laminated type magnetic metal film 1. 1a is a film base layer, 1b is a magnetic metal layer, and 1c is a surface protective layer. The surface protective layer 1c side is the surface side in contact with the material to be heated, the base layer 1a
The side is the inner surface side that closely slides on the lower surface of the support member 2.

【００６０】加圧ローラ４を回転駆動させて磁性金属フ
ィルム１を回転させ、界磁ユニット２００の励磁コイル
２０３に高周波コンバータ３０から高周波電流を印加し
て発生高周波磁界を加熱ニップ部Ｎに作用させること
で、加熱ニップ部Ｎにおいて該加熱ニップ部Ｎを移動す
る磁性金属フィルム部分の磁性金属層に渦電流が発生
し、この渦電流が磁性金属層の電気抵抗によって熱に変
換し、加熱ニップ部Ｎにおいて被加熱材としての転写材
１２が密着するフィルム部分のみが発熱し、転写材１２
面のトナー画像Ｔの熱定着がなされる。The pressure roller 4 is rotationally driven to rotate the magnetic metal film 1, and a high frequency current is applied to the exciting coil 203 of the field unit 200 from the high frequency converter 30 to cause the generated high frequency magnetic field to act on the heating nip portion N. As a result, in the heating nip portion N, an eddy current is generated in the magnetic metal layer of the magnetic metal film portion that moves in the heating nip portion N, and this eddy current is converted into heat by the electric resistance of the magnetic metal layer, and the heating nip portion is generated. In N, only the film portion to which the transfer material 12 as the material to be heated adheres generates heat, and the transfer material 12
The toner image T on the surface is thermally fixed.

【００６１】（３）加圧力計測・制御系 ａ）手段構成 ２ａは加熱部材アセンブリとしての磁気誘導加熱構造体
の界磁コイルユニット支持体２の端部に設けた軸部、４
ｃは加圧ローラ４の心金４ａの端部に同心に設けた軸
部、３０１は弾性材、３０２は上記軸部２ａと、軸部４
ａと、弾性材３０１の一端側の引っ掛け部３０１ａの３
者２ａ・４ａ・３０１ａ間に懸回させた、引っ張り伸び
の小さい抗張ワイヤ（ハイテンションワイヤ）である。
３００は加圧力計測兼加圧力調整手段ユニット（加圧力
測定部）である。前記弾性材３０１の他端部は該ユニッ
ト３００側の加圧力測定兼調整子に係合させてある。ワ
イヤ３０２は弾性材３０１の引っ張り力で常時緊張状態
にさせてある。(3) Pressurization force measurement / control system a) Means configuration 2a is a shaft portion provided at the end of the field coil unit support 2 of the magnetic induction heating structure as a heating member assembly, 4
c is a shaft portion provided concentrically at the end of the mandrel 4a of the pressure roller 4, 301 is an elastic material, 302 is the shaft portion 2a, and the shaft portion 4
a and the hook portion 301a on one end side of the elastic member 301
It is a tensile wire (high tension wire) suspended between the members 2a, 4a and 301a and having a small tensile elongation.
Reference numeral 300 denotes a pressing force measuring and pressing force adjusting means unit (pressing force measuring unit). The other end of the elastic member 301 is engaged with a pressing force measuring / adjusting element on the unit 300 side. The wire 302 is always in a tensioned state by the tensile force of the elastic material 301.

【００６２】この構成により回転中の加圧ローラ４と加
熱部材アセンブリとしての磁気誘導加熱構造体との加圧
力変動状態が弾性材３０１の張力変化としてユニット３
００で検知測定され、その情報が制御回路３３３に入力
される。制御回路３３３はその入力した検知測定加圧力
が基準範囲内であるかどうかを判断し、装置を制御す
る。With this structure, the fluctuation of the applied pressure between the rotating pressure roller 4 and the magnetic induction heating structure as the heating member assembly causes the tension change of the elastic member 301 as the unit 3
00, the information is input to the control circuit 333. The control circuit 333 determines whether or not the inputted detected and measured pressing force is within the reference range, and controls the device.

【００６３】ｂ）処理シーケンス 図４は上記の加圧力計測・制御系の加圧力検知及び処理
シーケンスのフロー図である。B) Processing Sequence FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the processing sequence for detecting and processing the pressure of the above-mentioned pressure measurement / control system.

【００６４】まず加圧ローラ４の回転を行う為に加圧ロ
ーラ回転コマンドをＯＮにする（ステップ３１０）。そ
の後、加圧ローラ４は前記の諸動作により通常の回転を
始める（ステップ３１１）。First, the pressure roller rotation command is turned on to rotate the pressure roller 4 (step 310). Then, the pressure roller 4 starts to rotate normally by the above-mentioned operations (step 311).

【００６５】加圧ローラ４が回転し始めると、磁界コイ
ルユニット２００の励磁コイル２０３に高周波電流が流
されて磁性金属フィルム１を加熱し始める。また加圧ロ
ーラ４が熱を受けることにより加圧ローラ４の表面抵抗
及び摩擦力が変化し、加圧力が変化する。この変化する
加圧力が上記の加圧力測定手段２ａ・４ａ・３０１ａ・
３０２・３０１・３００で検知される（ステップ３１
１）。When the pressure roller 4 starts to rotate, a high frequency current is passed through the exciting coil 203 of the magnetic field coil unit 200 to start heating the magnetic metal film 1. Further, when the pressure roller 4 receives heat, the surface resistance and frictional force of the pressure roller 4 change, and the pressing force changes. This changing pressing force is the above-mentioned pressing force measuring means 2a, 4a, 301a.
Detected by 302, 301, 300 (Step 31)
1).

【００６６】制御回路３３３においてその検知加圧力が
予め定めた基準範囲（耐熱性磁性金属フィルム１がダメ
ージを受けずに回転できる圧力）内にあるかどうかを判
断する（ステップ３１３）。The control circuit 333 determines whether the detected pressure is within a predetermined reference range (pressure at which the heat resistant magnetic metal film 1 can rotate without being damaged) (step 313).

【００６７】加圧力が基準範囲内にあるならばそのまま
加圧ローラ４及び耐熱性磁性金属フィルム１の回転動作
を行う（ステップ３１３→３１１）。If the pressure is within the reference range, the pressure roller 4 and the heat-resistant magnetic metal film 1 are rotated as they are (step 313 → 311).

【００６８】もし検出した加圧力が基準範囲よりも大き
いときは、耐熱性磁性金属フィルム１及び加圧ローラ４
が大きなダメージを受けることになるので、加圧ローラ
４の回転を止める制御を行う（ステップ３１６）。この
とき磁界コイルユニット２００への高周波電流の入力を
中止する。不図示の表示手段にその旨の表示がなされ
る。加圧力を基準範囲内にする整備作業をする。If the detected pressure is larger than the reference range, the heat-resistant magnetic metal film 1 and the pressure roller 4 are
Is greatly damaged, so control is performed to stop the rotation of the pressure roller 4 (step 316). At this time, the input of the high frequency current to the magnetic field coil unit 200 is stopped. A display to that effect is displayed on a display means (not shown). Perform maintenance work to keep the applied pressure within the standard range.

【００６９】また検出した加圧力が基準範囲よりも小さ
いときは、制御回路３３３でユニット３００が制御さ
れ、ユニット３００で弾性材３０１の張力制御がなされ
て加圧力を強めて基準範囲に戻るように加圧力の自動調
整がなされる（ステップ３１４）。When the detected pressing force is smaller than the reference range, the unit 300 is controlled by the control circuit 333, the tension of the elastic member 301 is controlled by the unit 300, and the pressing force is increased to return to the reference range. The applied pressure is automatically adjusted (step 314).

【００７０】加圧力の調整後、加圧ローラ４及び耐熱性
磁性金属フィルム１の回転中に加圧力が基準範囲よりも
小さくなったときは、その回数をエラーカウントし（ス
テップ３１５）、その回数が許容範囲の回数である限り
はステップ３１２に戻る。またエラーカウントがある一
定数を越えた場合には前記の加圧ローラ４の回転を止め
る制御がなされる（ステップ３１６）。不図示の表示手
段にその旨の表示がなされる。加圧力を基準範囲内にす
る整備作業をする。After the pressure is adjusted, if the pressure becomes smaller than the reference range during the rotation of the pressure roller 4 and the heat-resistant magnetic metal film 1, the number of times is counted as an error (step 315). As long as is within the allowable range, the process returns to step 312. If the error count exceeds a certain number, control is performed to stop the rotation of the pressure roller 4 (step 316). A display to that effect is displayed on a display means (not shown). Perform maintenance work to keep the applied pressure within the standard range.

【００７１】このように弾性材３０１を用いて加圧ロー
ラ４と加熱部材としての磁気誘導加熱構造体との加圧力
を制御する構成により、耐熱性磁性金属フィルム１の摩
耗を防ぎ、かつ該フィルム１が切断されるのを防止する
ことが可能となる。As described above, the elastic member 301 is used to control the pressing force between the pressure roller 4 and the magnetic induction heating structure as a heating member, so that abrasion of the heat-resistant magnetic metal film 1 is prevented and the film is prevented. It is possible to prevent 1 from being cut.

【００７２】加圧力の検出測定手段としては、ロードセ
ルを利用する、加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力変動によ
る間隔変動を光学的に検出する等、その他各種の手段構
成を採用できる。As the means for detecting and measuring the pressing force, various other means constitutions can be adopted, such as utilizing a load cell and optically detecting a change in the distance between the heating member and the pressing member due to a change in the pressing force.

【００７３】また、加圧力調整・制御手段としては、加
熱部材と加圧部材相互の圧接用加圧ばね部材等の付勢手
段の付勢力をステッピングモータ・ラック・ピニオン等
の動作機構で可変制御させる構成等にすることもでき
る。As the pressing force adjusting / controlling means, the urging force of the urging means such as the pressure spring member for pressure contact between the heating member and the pressure member is variably controlled by the operating mechanism such as the stepping motor, the rack and the pinion. It is also possible to adopt a configuration or the like.

【００７４】〈実施形態２〉（図５） 本例は被加熱材としての転写材１２が搬送中のときの処
理シーケンス例である。<Embodiment 2> (FIG. 5) This example is an example of a processing sequence when the transfer material 12 as the material to be heated is being conveyed.

【００７５】ステップ３１０〜３１３までは前記実施形
態１の図４の処理シーケンスと同様である。Steps 310 to 313 are the same as the processing sequence of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.

【００７６】ステップ３１３において、検出加圧力が基
準範囲外である場合には、現在転写材１２が加熱装置内
に搬送中かそうでないかを不図示のセンサ手段等で検出
し（ステップ３２０）、搬送中でないならばユニット３
００により加圧力の調整を行なわせる（ステップ３２
３）。その後再び加圧力の検知を行う（ステップ３１
２）。In step 313, if the detected pressure is out of the reference range, whether the transfer material 12 is currently being conveyed into the heating device or not is detected by a sensor means (not shown) or the like (step 320). Unit 3 if not in transit
The pressing force is adjusted by 00 (step 32).
3). Thereafter, the pressing force is detected again (step 31).
2).

【００７７】もし、転写材１２が加熱装置内に搬送中で
ある場合には、加圧力が基準範囲を下まわっている場合
には、ユニット３００により加圧力の調整を行なわせ
（ステップ３２１→３２３）、加圧力が基準範囲を超え
ている場合には加圧力を転写材１２が搬送できる圧力ま
で加圧力をユニット３００により解除させ（ステップ３
２２）、搬送中である転写材１２を最後まで搬送したの
ち、加圧ローラ４の回転を止める制御がなされる（ステ
ップ３２４）。不図示の表示手段にその旨の表示がなさ
れる。加圧力を基準範囲内にする整備作業をする。If the transfer material 12 is being conveyed into the heating device and the pressing force is below the reference range, the unit 300 adjusts the pressing force (steps 321 → 323). ), If the applied pressure exceeds the reference range, the applied pressure is released by the unit 300 until the transfer material 12 can be conveyed (step 3).
22) After the transfer material 12 being conveyed is conveyed to the end, control is performed to stop the rotation of the pressure roller 4 (step 324). A display to that effect is displayed on a display means (not shown). Perform maintenance work to keep the applied pressure within the standard range.

【００７８】転写材１２が加熱装置内に搬送中である場
合であって、加圧力が基準範囲を越えている場合に加圧
ローラの回転を止めてしまうと転写材が加熱ニップ部Ｎ
に強く挟まれた状態で搬送が停止されて取り出せなくな
ってしまう可能性があるが、上記の処理シーケンスのよ
うに、加圧力を転写材が搬送できる圧力まで解除し、搬
送中である転写材を最後まで搬送した後、加圧ローラの
回転を止めるように制御することで上記の事態の発生を
防止できるし、また万一搬送中に加圧ローラ４が停止し
ても、加圧力を解除しているため、転写材を取り出すの
も容易に行うことができる。When the transfer material 12 is being conveyed into the heating device and the rotation of the pressure roller is stopped when the pressing force exceeds the reference range, the transfer material 12 is heated to the heating nip portion N.
If the transfer material is being conveyed, it may not be able to be taken out due to the conveyance being stopped in a state of being strongly pinched.However, as in the above processing sequence, the applied pressure is released to the pressure at which the transfer material can be conveyed, and the transfer material being conveyed is removed. The above situation can be prevented by controlling the rotation of the pressure roller after the conveyance to the end, and even if the pressure roller 4 stops during conveyance, the pressure is released. Therefore, the transfer material can be easily taken out.

【００７９】〈実施形態３〉（図６） 図６の（ａ）・（ｂ）・（ｃ）はそれぞれ磁性金属フィ
ルム１を用いた磁気磁気誘導加熱方式の加熱装置の他の
構成形態例を示したものである。<Third Embodiment> (FIG. 6) FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show another example of the configuration of the heating apparatus of the magnetic magnetic induction heating system using the magnetic metal film 1. It is shown.

【００８０】（ａ）のものは磁界コイルユニット２００
の支持部材２の下面と、駆動ローラ６２と、従動ローラ
（テンションローラ）６３との、３部材間にエンドレス
ベルト状の磁性金属フィルム１を懸回張設して駆動ロー
ラ６２によりフィルム１を回転駆動する構成のものであ
る。４はフィルム１を挟んで磁界コイルユニット支持部
材２の下面に圧接させた加圧ローラであり、フィルム１
の回転移動に伴ない従動回転する。(A) is the magnetic field coil unit 200
The endless belt-shaped magnetic metal film 1 is suspended and stretched between the three members of the lower surface of the support member 2, the driving roller 62, and the driven roller (tension roller) 63, and the film 1 is rotated by the driving roller 62. It is configured to be driven. Reference numeral 4 denotes a pressure roller which is pressed against the lower surface of the magnetic field coil unit supporting member 2 with the film 1 interposed therebetween.
It is driven by the rotation of.

【００８１】（ｂ）のものは、磁界コイルユニット支持
部材２の下面と駆動ローラ６２の２部材間にエンドレス
ベルト状の磁性金属フィルム１を懸回張設して駆動ロー
ラ６２により回転駆動する構成のものである。加圧ロー
ラ４はフィルム１の回転移動に伴ない従動回転する。In (b), the endless belt-shaped magnetic metal film 1 is suspended and stretched between the lower surface of the magnetic field coil unit supporting member 2 and the two members of the driving roller 62, and the driving roller 62 is driven to rotate. belongs to. The pressure roller 4 is driven to rotate as the film 1 rotates.

【００８２】（ｃ）のものは、磁性金属フィルム１とし
て、エンドレスベルト状のものではなく、ロール巻きに
した長尺の有端フィルムを用い、これを繰り出し軸６５
側から磁界コイルユニット支持部材２の下面を経由させ
て巻き取り軸６６側へ所定の速度で走行させるように構
成したものである。加圧ローラ４はフィルム１の回転移
動に伴ない従動回転する。In (c), the magnetic metal film 1 is not an endless belt-shaped one, but a long end film wound in a roll is used.
It is configured such that it travels at a predetermined speed from the side to the winding shaft 66 side via the lower surface of the magnetic field coil unit supporting member 2. The pressure roller 4 is driven to rotate as the film 1 rotates.

【００８３】このような構成形態の加熱装置にも本発明
は有効に適用できる。The present invention can be effectively applied to a heating device having such a configuration.

【００８４】また本発明は実施形態の磁性金属フィルム
１を用いた磁気誘導加熱方式の加熱装置に限らず、前述
図７〜図１０に例示したような熱ローラ方式やフィルム
加熱方式など、加熱ニップ方式の加熱装置に有効に適用
できる。Further, the present invention is not limited to the magnetic induction heating type heating device using the magnetic metal film 1 of the embodiment, and the heating nip such as the heat roller type and the film heating type as exemplified in FIGS. It can be effectively applied to a heating device of the type.

【００８５】またそれらの加熱装置は実施形態の像加熱
装置に限らず、シート状物を通紙して乾燥処理やラミネ
ート処理等する加熱装置として広く利用できることは勿
論である。Further, those heating devices are not limited to the image heating device of the embodiment, but it goes without saying that they can be widely used as a heating device for passing a sheet-like material to carry out a drying process or a laminating process.

【００８６】[0086]

【発明の効果】以上のように本発明によれば、加熱部材
と加圧部材を直接またはフィルム部材等を挟ませて間接
的に圧接させて加熱ニップ部Ｎを形成させ、該加熱ニッ
プ部に被加熱材を導入して挟持搬送させて加熱処理する
加熱ニップタイプの加熱装置について、加熱部材と加圧
部材との加圧力の変動に対して適切に対処することがで
き、加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力を計測する手段と、
該計測手段で計測された加圧力を基に装置を制御する手
段を具備させたことで、加圧力状態を自動監視させて加
熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力の変動に対して適切に対処
することができ、加圧力が許容以下に低下した状態時は
基準範囲に自動復帰させて加圧力低下に起因する加熱性
能の低下、被加熱材やフィルム部材の挟持搬送性能の低
下の発生を防止することができる。加圧力が許容以上に
上昇した状態時は装置駆動を自動停止させる等の対処制
御をさせることで、過負荷による加圧部材等の損傷、フ
ィルム材の摩耗や切断等のダメージ発生を阻止すること
ができ、装置の耐久性を向上させることができる。また
加圧力が基準範囲よりも大きく、かつ装置内に被加熱材
が搬送中であるとき、加圧力調整手段を動作させて加圧
力を被加熱材を搬送できる圧力まで解除させ搬送中であ
る被加熱材を最後まで搬送したのち装置駆動を停止させ
る制御をさせることで、加熱ニップ部に被加熱材が強く
挟まれた状態で搬送が停止して取り出せなくなる事態の
発生を防止できるし、また万一搬送中に装置が停止して
も、加圧力を解除しているため被加熱材を取り出すのも
容易に行うことができる。As described above, according to the present invention, the heating member and the pressing member are directly or indirectly sandwiched by sandwiching a film member or the like to form a heating nip portion N, and the heating nip portion N is formed in the heating nip portion. Regarding a heating nip type heating device that introduces a material to be heated, carries it by sandwiching, and performs heat treatment, it is possible to appropriately cope with fluctuations in the pressing force between the heating member and the pressing member. Means for measuring the pressure applied to the member,
By providing a means for controlling the device based on the pressing force measured by the measuring means, the pressing state is automatically monitored and the fluctuation of the pressing force between the heating member and the pressing member is appropriately dealt with. When the applied pressure drops below the permissible level, it automatically returns to the standard range to prevent the decrease in heating performance due to the decrease in applied pressure and the decrease in the sandwiching and conveying performance of the heated material or film member. can do. When the applied pressure rises above an allowable level, it is possible to prevent damage to the pressure member, etc. due to overload and damage such as abrasion and cutting of the film material by performing countermeasure control such as automatically stopping the device drive. Therefore, the durability of the device can be improved. Further, when the pressing force is larger than the reference range and the material to be heated is being conveyed into the apparatus, the pressing force adjusting means is operated to release the pressing force to a pressure at which the material to be heated can be conveyed and the material to be heated is being conveyed. By controlling the drive of the heating material after it has been conveyed to the end, it is possible to prevent the situation where the material to be heated cannot be taken out due to the material being strongly sandwiched in the heating nip portion. Even if the apparatus is stopped during one conveyance, the heated material can be easily taken out because the pressure is released.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】 画像形成装置例の概略構成図FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus.

【図２】 像加熱装置の構成模型図[Fig. 2] Configuration model diagram of the image heating device

【図３】 積層タイプの磁性金属フィルムの一例の層構
成模型図FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a layer structure of an example of a laminated type magnetic metal film.

【図４】 処理シーケンスのフロー図FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a processing sequence

【図５】 実施形態２における処理シーケンスのフロー
図FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a processing sequence according to the second embodiment.

【図６】 （ａ）・（ｂ）・（ｃ）はそれぞれ加熱装置
の他の構成形態例の概略図6 (a), (b), and (c) are schematic views of another example of the configuration of the heating device.

【図７】 熱ローラ方式の加熱装置の一般的な概略構成
を示した図FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a general schematic configuration of a heating device of a heating roller system.

【図８】 磁気誘導加熱方式を用いた加熱装置の一例を
示した図FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a heating device using a magnetic induction heating method.

【図９】 フィルム加熱方式の加熱装置の要部の概略図FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a main part of a film heating type heating device.

【図１０】 フィルム加熱方式・磁気誘導加熱方式の加
熱装置の要部の概略図FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a main part of a film heating type / magnetic induction heating type heating device.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

Ａ 像加熱装置の総括符号 １ 耐熱性磁性金属フィルム ２ 支持部材 ３ フィルム内面ガイド部材 ４ 加圧ローラ ３０ 高周波コンバータ ２００ 界磁コイルユニット ３００ 加圧力測定部 A General symbol of image heating device 1 Heat-resistant magnetic metal film 2 Support member 3 Film inner surface guide member 4 Pressure roller 30 High frequency converter 200 Field coil unit 300 Applied pressure measurement unit

Claims (14)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 加熱部材と加圧部材を直接または間接的
に圧接させて加熱ニップ部を形成させ、該加熱ニップ部
に被加熱材を導入して挟持搬送させて加熱処理する加熱
装置において、 加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力を計測する手段と、 該計測手段で計測された加圧力を基に装置を制御する手
段とを有することを特徴とする加熱装置。1. A heating device for directly or indirectly pressing a heating member and a pressing member to form a heating nip portion, introducing a material to be heated into the heating nip portion, and nipping and conveying the material to be heated, A heating device comprising: a means for measuring the pressing force of the heating member and the pressing member; and a means for controlling the device based on the pressing force measured by the measuring means. 【請求項２】 装置の制御が、加圧力調整手段の動作に
よる加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧力の変更制御、または
装置の駆動停止制御、あるいはその両制御であることを
特徴とする請求項１に記載の加熱装置。2. The control of the device is a change control of the pressing force of the heating member and the pressing member by the operation of the pressing force adjusting means, a drive stop control of the device, or both controls. Item 2. The heating device according to item 1. 【請求項３】 装置の制御が、計測加圧力が基準範囲よ
りも大きいときに装置駆動を停止させる制御であること
を特徴とする請求項１に記載の加熱装置。3. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the control of the device is a control of stopping the driving of the device when the measured pressure is larger than the reference range. 【請求項４】 装置の制御が、計測加圧力が基準範囲よ
りも小さいときに加圧力を基準範囲内に戻す方向に加圧
力調整手段を動作させる制御であることを特徴とする請
求項１に記載の加熱装置。4. The control of the device is a control for operating a pressing force adjusting means in a direction of returning the pressing force to within the reference range when the measured pressing force is smaller than the reference range. The heating device described. 【請求項５】 装置の制御が、計測加圧力が基準範囲よ
りも大きく、かつ装置内に被加熱材が搬送中であると
き、加圧力調整手段を動作させて加圧力を被加熱材を搬
送できる圧力まで解除させ搬送中である被加熱材を最後
まで搬送したのち装置駆動を停止させる制御であること
を特徴とする請求項１に記載の加熱装置。5. The apparatus is controlled such that when the measured pressure is larger than the reference range and the material to be heated is being conveyed into the apparatus, the pressure adjusting means is operated to convey the pressure to the material to be heated. 2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating device is controlled to release the pressure to a possible level, convey the material to be heated being conveyed to the end, and stop driving the device. 【請求項６】 加熱部材と加圧部材との加圧を計測する
為に弾性材を用いることを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求
項５の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置。6. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein an elastic material is used to measure the pressurization between the heating member and the pressing member. 【請求項７】 加熱部材が、磁場発生手段と、磁場によ
り磁気誘導発熱する磁性金属部材を有する磁気誘導加熱
方式の加熱部材であることを特徴とする請求項１乃至請
求項６の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置。7. The heating member according to claim 1, wherein the heating member is a magnetic induction heating type heating member having a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic metal member that magnetically heats by magnetic induction by the magnetic field. The heating device described in 1. 【請求項８】 磁性金属部材が固定部材あるいは回転体
であることを特徴とする請求項７に記載の加熱装置。8. The heating device according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic metal member is a fixed member or a rotating body. 【請求項９】 磁性金属部材が磁性金属層を含む積層部
材もしくはそれ自体磁性金属の部材であることを特徴と
する請求項７または請求項８に記載の加熱装置。9. The heating device according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic metal member is a laminated member including a magnetic metal layer or a member itself made of magnetic metal. 【請求項１０】 加熱部材が加熱ローラであることを特
徴とする請求項１乃至請求項６の何れか１つに記載の加
熱装置。10. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating member is a heating roller. 【請求項１１】 加熱部材が、固定の加熱体と、これに
接する耐熱性フィルムを有し、該耐熱性フィルムを挟ん
で加熱体と加圧部材が圧接して加熱ニップ部を形成し、
該加熱ニップ部の耐熱性フィルムと加圧部材の間に被加
熱材を導入して耐熱性フィルムと一緒に加熱ニップ部を
挟持搬送させることで加熱体の熱エネルギーを耐熱性フ
ィルムを介して被加熱材に付与するフィルム加熱方式の
装置であることを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求項６の何
れか１つに記載の加熱装置。11. The heating member has a fixed heating body and a heat-resistant film in contact with the heating body, and the heating body and the pressing member are in pressure contact with each other with the heat-resistant film interposed therebetween to form a heating nip portion,
By introducing a material to be heated between the heat-resistant film and the pressing member of the heating nip portion and nipping and transporting the heating nip portion together with the heat-resistant film, the heat energy of the heating body is transferred through the heat-resistant film. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating device is a film heating type device applied to a heating material. 【請求項１２】 加圧部材が回転駆動されるあるいは従
動回転する加圧回転体であることを特徴とする請求項１
乃至請求項１１の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置。12. The pressurizing member is a pressurizing rotary member that is rotationally driven or driven to rotate.
The heating device according to claim 11. 【請求項１３】 被加熱材が画像を担持した被記録材で
あり、装置がその被記録材の画像を加熱する像加熱装置
であることを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求項１２の何れ
か１つに記載の加熱装置。13. The heating target material is a recording material carrying an image, and the apparatus is an image heating apparatus for heating the image of the recording material. The heating device according to one. 【請求項１４】 被記録材に画像を形成する画像形成手
段と、その被記録材の画像を加熱する像加熱手段を有す
る画像形成装置において、像加熱手段が請求項１乃至請
求項１２の何れか１つに記載の加熱装置であることを特
徴とする画像形成装置。14. An image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material and an image heating means for heating the image of the recording material, wherein the image heating means is any one of claims 1 to 12. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is the heating apparatus according to any one of the above.