WO2002071157A1 - Fixing device - Google Patents

Fixing device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002071157A1
WO2002071157A1 PCT/JP2001/001743 JP0101743W WO02071157A1 WO 2002071157 A1 WO2002071157 A1 WO 2002071157A1 JP 0101743 W JP0101743 W JP 0101743W WO 02071157 A1 WO02071157 A1 WO 02071157A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heat
conductive member
heat generating
heat conductive
shape
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2001/001743
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Takao Kawamura
Koichi Sanpei
Mitsuhiro Mori
Akio Yano
Masatoshi Kimura
Masao Konishi
Kazuhiro Kakuguchi
Yoshio Yamaguchi
Original Assignee
Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. filed Critical Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
Priority to PCT/JP2001/001743 priority Critical patent/WO2002071157A1/en
Publication of WO2002071157A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002071157A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat
    • G03G15/2003—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat
    • G03G15/2014—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using contact heat
    • G03G15/2064—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using contact heat combined with pressure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat
    • G03G15/2003—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat
    • G03G15/2014—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat using heat using contact heat
    • G03G15/2053—Structural details of heat elements, e.g. structure of roller or belt, eddy current, induction heating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/20—Details of the fixing device or porcess
    • G03G2215/2003—Structural features of the fixing device
    • G03G2215/2016—Heating belt
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/20—Details of the fixing device or porcess
    • G03G2215/2003—Structural features of the fixing device
    • G03G2215/2016—Heating belt
    • G03G2215/2025—Heating belt the fixing nip having a rotating belt support member opposing a pressure member
    • G03G2215/2029—Heating belt the fixing nip having a rotating belt support member opposing a pressure member the belt further entrained around one or more stationary belt support members, the latter not being a cooling device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/20—Details of the fixing device or porcess
    • G03G2215/2003—Structural features of the fixing device
    • G03G2215/2016—Heating belt
    • G03G2215/2025—Heating belt the fixing nip having a rotating belt support member opposing a pressure member
    • G03G2215/2032—Heating belt the fixing nip having a rotating belt support member opposing a pressure member the belt further entrained around additional rotating belt support members
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/20—Details of the fixing device or porcess
    • G03G2215/2003—Structural features of the fixing device
    • G03G2215/2016—Heating belt
    • G03G2215/2035—Heating belt the fixing nip having a stationary belt support member opposing a pressure member

Definitions

  • the conventional fixing device includes a fixing roller 1 and a pressure roller 2 pressed against the fixing roller 1, and a halogen lamp 3 is disposed inside the fixing roller 1.
  • the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are rotated in the direction shown by the arrow, and the paper 4 on which the toner image is formed is inserted into the nip between the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2.
  • the paper 4 is heated and pressed at the same time, the toner of the paper 4 is melted, and the toner image is fixed on the paper 4.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a curved heat generating sheet and a heat conducting member.
  • FIG. 13 is a side view showing an example in which a heat generating sheet is attached to a heat conducting member with an adhesive.
  • FIG. 16 shows a conventional fixing device.
  • FIG. 17A to FIG. 17E are diagrams showing an example of manufacturing a heating device.
  • FIG. 18A to FIG. 18E are diagrams showing an example of manufacturing a heat generating device.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of manufacturing a heat generating device.
  • the heat conducting member 20 of the heating device 14 has an end-curved shape. Since the heat generating sheet 22 is formed in the shape, the heat generating sheet 22 can be easily and reliably arranged in close contact with the concave side of the heat conductive member 20. In use, the heat generating sheet 22 generates heat by passing an electric current, and the heat generated by the heat generating sheet 22 is transferred to the fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 1 via the heat conductive member 20 and the belt 16. Heat is efficiently transmitted to the paper 24 inserted in the nip between the eight.
  • the fixing roller 12 includes a thick covering rubber, so that the nip width formed by the fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 18 is widened, and the paper 24 is formed by the belt 16 and the fixing roller 12. The contact time (fixing time) increases, transferring enough heat to melt the toner.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the fixing device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in more detail.
  • the fixing device 10 includes a frame 26, the fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 18 are rotatably supported by the frame 26, and a heat generating device 14 (heat conducting member 20). Is fixedly mounted on frame 26.
  • an electrode 22D is provided at an end of the heat generating sheet 22.
  • the electrode 22D is an extension of the heating layer 22A exposed from the one insulating layer 22B or 22C.
  • the heat generating sheet 22 and the electrodes 22 D are located below the heat conducting member 20.
  • the heating device 14 is attached to the frame portion 26A by using a screw 28.
  • the frame portion 26A has two receiving portions 26B for receiving the semi-cylindrical heat conducting member 20, and each receiving portion 26B has a screw hole 26C into which the screw 28 is screwed.
  • the heat conducting member 20 has a hole 2OA larger than the diameter of the screw 28, and the hole 2OA passes through the electrode 22D.
  • FIG. 17A to FIG. 17E are diagrams showing an example of manufacturing a heating device.
  • a flat-plate Ni-Ti alloy made of a shape memory alloy substrate is fitted into a mold to form a semi-cylindrical shape of the heat conducting member 20 of the final heating device 14.
  • the shape memory alloy substrate 20 X is heated to a temperature (400 ° C. to 500 ° C.) capable of storing the shape while maintaining the shape while being fitted into the mold, and the shape memory processing is performed. Is performed to obtain the heat conducting member 20.
  • a squeegee 42 is used to print the insulating layer 22 C, the heat generating layer 22 A, and the protective insulating layer 22 B on the heat conductive member 20 in this order.
  • a heat generating sheet 22 is formed, and these layers are temporarily cured to form a heat generating device 14 as shown in FIG. 17D.
  • the drying is performed by heating the material to a temperature above the transformation temperature (20 ° C. to 100 ° C.) at which the shape memory alloy undergoes a shape change and at the same time the materials of the heating device 14 are hardened and stabilized. Perform heat treatment.
  • the heat conduction member 20 made of a shape memory alloy becomes the semi-cylindrical shape that has been stored.
  • Deformation shape recovery
  • the deformation at that time causes a problem such as wrinkles between the heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conductive member 20 or peeling of the heat generating sheet 22 from the heat conductive member 20
  • a heat-resistant adhesive or a heat-resistant adhesive film is supplied between the heat-generating sheet 22 and the heat-conducting member 20 so that they are brought into close contact with no gap.
  • pre-curing is performed at a transformation temperature (20 ° C to 100 ° C) or lower at which the shape memory alloy undergoes shape change.
  • the shape memory alloy is heated to a transformation temperature (20 ° C. to 100 ° C.) or more at which a shape change occurs, and the heat-resistant adhesive or the heat-resistant adhesive is heated.
  • the film is cured.
  • the heating temperature rises above the transformation temperature, the heat conductive member 20 made of a shape memory alloy is transformed into the memorized semi-cylindrical shape (shape recovery).
  • the heat generating device 14 can be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced, and a fixing device with improved reliability can be realized.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of manufacturing the heat generating device 14.
  • FIG. 20 is a side view showing the heat generating device 14 of FIG.
  • an elastic body 44 having an end-curved shape like the heat conducting member 20 is used.
  • the elastic body 44 holds the heat generating sheet 22 in close contact with the heat conductive member 20.
  • the heat conductive member 20 has a concave surface having an angle ⁇ ( ⁇ is 180 degrees or more.) On the side in contact with the heat generating sheet 22.
  • the heat conductive member 20 is formed as a part of a cylinder having a diameter D1.
  • the elastic body 44 is formed as a part of a cylinder having a diameter D 2. In this case, there is a relationship of D 1 and D 2.
  • the elastic body 44 After inserting the heat generating sheet 22 into the heat conducting member 20, the elastic body 44 is moved into the heat generating sheet 22 with the diameter of the elastic body 44 restricted to be smaller than the inner diameter of the heat conducting member 20. Then, the regulation of the elastic body 44 is released, and the heat generating sheet 22 is brought into close contact with the inside of the heat conductive member 20.
  • the heat conducting member 20 is a stainless plate
  • the elastic body 44 is a stainless plate spring.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an example of the heat conducting member 20 of the heating device 14.
  • FIG. 22 is a side view showing an example of a heat generating device 14 including the heat conducting member 20 of FIG. 21.
  • the heat conductive member 20 has a concave surface having an angle of at least 180 degrees on the side that contacts the heat generating sheet 22.
  • the heat conductive member 20 has a flange 20y provided with a hole 20X. .
  • the heat conducting member 20 After the heat generating sheet 22 is inserted into the heat conductive member 20, a curved elastic body 44 having an open end larger than the inner diameter of the heat conductive member 20 is inserted into the heat generating sheet 22. Then, the heat conducting member 20 is deformed into a shape smaller than the initial size of the elastic body 44, and the heat generating sheet 22 is brought into close contact with the heat conducting member 20. In order to deform the heat conducting member 20 into a shape smaller than the size of the original elastic body 44, insert the port 46 into the hole 20x of the flange 20y of the heat conducting member 20, and insert the nut 4 Screw 8 to bolt 4 6. That is, the heat conducting member 20 has a mechanism for changing its size.

Abstract

A fixing device, comprising a fixing roller, a heating device, a belt looped over the fixing roller and the heating device, and a pressuring roller pressed against the fixing roller through the belt, the heating device further comprising a heat conductive member formed in an ended curved shape and a heating sheet disposed closely to the recessed part side of the heat conductive member, the projected part side of the heat conductive member being in contact with the belt, wherein the heating sheet is heated by a current passed therethrough and a heat generated in the heating sheet is transmitted efficiently to a sheet inserted into a nip between the fixing roller and the pressuring roller through the heat conductive member and the belt, whereby, because the heat conductive member is formed in the ended curved shape, the heating sheet can be closely disposed easily and accurately on the recessed part side of the heat conductive member.

Description

技術分野  Technical field
本発明は電子写真装置で使用される定着装置に関する。 明  The present invention relates to a fixing device used in an electrophotographic apparatus. Light
背景技術  Background art
電子写真装置 （複写機、 ファク田シミ リ、 及びプリ ンタ等） は、 画 像形成装置と、 画像形成装置で形成さ書れ且つ用紙に転写された画像 を定着させるための定着装置とを備えている。  2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic apparatus (copier, facsimile printer, printer, etc.) includes an image forming apparatus and a fixing apparatus for fixing an image formed and written by the image forming apparatus and transferred to paper. ing.
図 1 5に示されるように、 従来の定着装置は、 定着ローラ 1 と、 定着ローラ 1 に圧接された加圧ローラ 2 とを備え、 ハロゲンランプ 3が定着ローラ 1 の内部に配置されている。 定着ローラ 1 と加圧口 ーラ 2は矢印で示される方向に回転され、 トナー画像が形成された 用紙 4は定着ローラ 1 と加圧ローラ 2の間の二ップに挿入される。 用紙 4は加熱と加圧を同時に加えられ、 用紙 4の トナーが溶融し、 トナー画像が用紙 4に定着される。  As shown in FIG. 15, the conventional fixing device includes a fixing roller 1 and a pressure roller 2 pressed against the fixing roller 1, and a halogen lamp 3 is disposed inside the fixing roller 1. The fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are rotated in the direction shown by the arrow, and the paper 4 on which the toner image is formed is inserted into the nip between the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2. The paper 4 is heated and pressed at the same time, the toner of the paper 4 is melted, and the toner image is fixed on the paper 4.
定着ローラ 1 と加圧ローラ 2はそれぞれ金属の輪体にゴムを被覆 されてなる。 図 1 5は定着ローラ 1 の被覆ゴムの厚さが薄い例を示 している。 定着ローラ 1の被覆ゴムの厚さが薄いと、 ハロゲンラン プ 3の熱が定着ローラ 1 の表面に効率よく伝達される。 しかし、 定 着ローラ 1 の被覆ゴムの厚さが薄いと、 定着ローラ 1 と加圧ローラ 2 との間のエップ幅 （N ) が狭くなり、 用紙と定着ローラ 1 との接 触時間 （定着時間） が減少し、 トナーが十分に溶融しなくなる。  The fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are each made of a metal ring covered with rubber. FIG. 15 shows an example in which the thickness of the coating rubber of the fixing roller 1 is small. If the thickness of the rubber covering the fixing roller 1 is small, the heat of the halogen lamp 3 is efficiently transmitted to the surface of the fixing roller 1. However, if the thickness of the covering rubber of the fixing roller 1 is small, the Ep width (N) between the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 becomes narrow, and the contact time between the paper and the fixing roller 1 (fixing time). ) Is reduced and the toner does not melt sufficiently.
そこで、 定着ローラ 1の被覆ゴムの厚さを厚くすると、 二ップ幅 ( N ) が広がり、 定着時間が増える。 しかし、 この場合には、 被覆 ゴムの厚さが厚いので、 ハロゲンランプ 3の熱が定着ローラ 1の表 面に効率よく伝達されなく なり、 熱効率が低下する。 Therefore, when the thickness of the covering rubber of the fixing roller 1 is increased, the nip width (N) is increased, and the fixing time is increased. But in this case, the coating Since the thickness of the rubber is large, the heat of the halogen lamp 3 is not efficiently transmitted to the surface of the fixing roller 1, and the heat efficiency is reduced.
図 1 6はもう 1つの従来の定着装置を示す図である。 この定着装 置は、 定着ローラ 1 と、 発熱装置 5 と、 定着ローラ 1 と発熱装置 5 とに掛け渡されたベルト 6 と、 ベルトを介して定着ローラ 1に圧接 された加圧ローラ 2 とを備えている。 発熱装置 5は定着ローラ 1 と 平行に配置されたローラと して形成され、 円筒形状の熱伝導ローラ 7 と、 熱伝導ローラ 7の内面に貼りつけられた円筒形状の発熱シー ト 8 とからなる。 発熱シー ト 8は電流を流すことによ り発熱する発 熱抵抗体を含み、 発熱シー ト 8 の発生した熱は熱伝導ローラ 7を介 してベルト 6に伝えられる。  FIG. 16 is a view showing another conventional fixing device. The fixing device includes a fixing roller 1, a heating device 5, a belt 6 wrapped around the fixing roller 1 and the heating device 5, and a pressure roller 2 pressed against the fixing roller 1 via the belt. Have. The heat generating device 5 is formed as a roller arranged in parallel with the fixing roller 1, and includes a cylindrical heat conductive roller 7 and a cylindrical heat generating sheet 8 adhered to the inner surface of the heat conductive roller 7. . The heat generating sheet 8 includes a heat generating resistor that generates heat by passing an electric current, and the heat generated by the heat generating sheet 8 is transmitted to the belt 6 via the heat conductive roller 7.
定着ローラ 1及び加圧ローラ 2は矢印で示される方向に回転され 、 ベルト 6及び発熱装置 5は定着ローラ 1 とともに回転する。 トナ 一画像が形成された用紙 4は定着ローラ 1 と加圧ローラ 2の間の二 ップに揷入され、 ベルト 6に接触して加熱される。 この構成によれ ば、 定着ローラ 1 の被覆ゴムの厚さを厚く しても、 発熱装置 5 の発 生した熱はベルト 6によつて用紙 4に効率よく伝達される。 定着口 ーラ 1の被覆ゴムの厚さを厚くできるので、 定着ローラ 1 と加圧口 ーラ 2 との間の二ップ幅 （N ) を広くすることができ、 用紙がベル ト 6及び定着ローラ 1 と接触している時間 （定着時間） が増加し、 トナーを溶融させるために十分な熱量が伝達される。  The fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 are rotated in the directions indicated by the arrows, and the belt 6 and the heat generating device 5 are rotated together with the fixing roller 1. The paper 4 on which the toner image has been formed enters the gap between the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 2 and contacts the belt 6 to be heated. According to this configuration, even if the thickness of the rubber covering the fixing roller 1 is increased, the heat generated by the heat generating device 5 is efficiently transmitted to the paper 4 by the belt 6. Since the thickness of the coating rubber of the fixing roller 1 can be increased, the nip width (N) between the fixing roller 1 and the pressing roller 2 can be increased, and the paper 6 and the belt 6 can be used. The time (fixing time) in contact with the fixing roller 1 increases, and sufficient heat is transmitted to melt the toner.
しかし、 図 1 6に示した例では、 発熱装置 5を製造するために、 発熱シート 8を高耐熱性接着剤を用いて円筒形状の熱伝導ローラ 7 の内面に隙間なく密着させなければならない。 しかし、 発熱シート 8を円筒形状の熱伝導ローラ 7の内面に隙間なく密着させることは 容易ではなかった。 さ らに、 発熱装置 5の内側の発熱シート 8の外 観検査なども困難であった。 そのため、 発熱装置 5の製造コス トを 低減するのが難しかった。 However, in the example shown in FIG. 16, in order to manufacture the heat generating device 5, the heat generating sheet 8 must be closely adhered to the inner surface of the cylindrical heat conductive roller 7 using a high heat resistant adhesive without any gap. However, it was not easy to bring the heat generating sheet 8 into close contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical heat conductive roller 7 without any gap. Furthermore, it was also difficult to perform an external inspection of the heating sheet 8 inside the heating device 5. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the heating device 5 is reduced. It was difficult to reduce.
発明の開示  Disclosure of the invention
本発明の目的は、 安価に製造でき、 かつ、 熱効率が優れた定着装 置を提供することである。  An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device which can be manufactured at low cost and has excellent thermal efficiency.
本発明による定着装置は、 定着ローラと、 発熱装置と、 該定着口 一ラと該発熱装置とに掛け渡されたベルトと、 該ベルトを介して該 定着ローラに圧接された加圧ローラとを備え、 該発熱装置は、 有端 湾曲形状に形成された熱伝導部材と、 該熱伝導部材の凹部側に密着 して配置された発熱シート とからなり、 該熱伝導部材の凸部側が該 ベルトと接触することを特徴とする。  The fixing device according to the present invention includes: a fixing roller; a heat generating device; a belt wound around the fixing port and the heat generating device; and a pressure roller pressed against the fixing roller via the belt. The heat generating device comprises: a heat conductive member formed into an end-curved shape; and a heat generating sheet disposed in close contact with the concave side of the heat conductive member, and the convex side of the heat conductive member includes the belt. And is in contact with.
この構成において、 使用においては、 発熱シートは電流を流すこ とによ り発熱し、 発熱シー トの発生した熱は熱伝導部材及びベルト を介して定着ローラと加圧ローラの間のニップに揷入された用紙に 熱効率よく伝えられる。 定着ローラは厚い被覆ゴムを含むものとす ることができ、 よつて定着ローラと加圧口ーラとで形成される二ッ プ幅が広く なり、 用紙がベルト及び定着ローラと接触している時間 (定着時間） が増加し、 トナーを溶融させるために十分な熱量が伝 達される。  In this configuration, in use, the heat generating sheet generates heat by passing an electric current, and the heat generated by the heat generating sheet is applied to the nip between the fixing roller and the pressure roller via the heat conductive member and the belt. It can be efficiently transmitted to the inserted paper. The fixing roller can include a thick covering rubber, so that the nip formed by the fixing roller and the pressure roller becomes wider, and the paper is in contact with the belt and the fixing roller. The time (fixing time) increases and enough heat is transferred to melt the toner.
発熱装置の熱伝導部材は有端湾曲形状に形成されているので、 発 熱シートは容易に且つ確実に熱伝導部材の凹部側に密着して配置さ れることができる。  Since the heat conductive member of the heat generating device is formed in a curved end shape, the heat generating sheet can be easily and reliably disposed in close contact with the concave side of the heat conductive member.
好ましく は、 熱伝導部材が概略部分円筒形状に形成される。 熱伝 導部材は、 金属、 ガラス、 セラミクス、 及び高耐熱性の樹脂の一つ からなる。  Preferably, the heat conducting member is formed in a substantially partial cylindrical shape. The heat conducting member is made of one of metal, glass, ceramics, and high heat resistant resin.
好ましく は、 発熱装置は回転せず、 固定的に配置される。 好まし く は、 熱伝導部材の凸面側は低摩擦係数の層で被覆される。  Preferably, the heating device does not rotate and is fixedly arranged. Preferably, the convex side of the heat conducting member is coated with a layer having a low coefficient of friction.
好ましく は、 発熱シートは、 電流の印加によ り発熱する発熱層と 、 該発熱層の両側に配置された絶縁層とからなる。 Preferably, the heat generation sheet includes a heat generation layer that generates heat by applying an electric current. And an insulating layer disposed on both sides of the heat generating layer.
好ましくは、 熱伝導部材は、 N i — T i合金からなる形状記憶合 金で構成されている。 好ましくは、 熱伝導部材は、 平板状の形状記 憶合金製基板を半円筒形状に変形させ、 熱処理を行って形状記憶さ せ、 その後、 変形前の平板状に変形させ、 表面に発熱装置を形成し た後に、 形状記憶合金が形状回復するまで加熱して製造されたもの である。  Preferably, the heat conducting member is made of a shape memory alloy made of a Ni—Ti alloy. Preferably, the heat conducting member is formed by deforming a flat shape memory alloy substrate into a semi-cylindrical shape, performing heat treatment to memorize the shape, and then deforming the flat shape into a pre-deformed flat shape. After being formed, it is manufactured by heating until the shape memory alloy recovers its shape.
好ましく は、 熱伝導部材は 1 8 0度以上にわたって延在する凹面 を有し、 湾曲した弾性体が該熱伝導部材の内部の該発熱シートの回 部側に配置され、 該弾性体が該発熱シートを該熱伝導部材に弹性的 に密着させている。  Preferably, the heat conductive member has a concave surface extending over 180 degrees or more, and a curved elastic body is disposed inside the heat conductive member on the side of the heat generating sheet, and the elastic body is provided with the heat generating member. The sheet is sexually adhered to the heat conductive member.
図面の簡単な説明  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
以下添付の図面に示される実施例を参照して本発明を説明する。 図面において、  The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawing,
図 1は本発明の一実施例の定着装置を示す側面図である。  FIG. 1 is a side view showing a fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
図 2は図 1の定着装置を示す斜視図である。  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the fixing device of FIG.
図 3は図 1及び図 2の定着装置をより詳細に示す斜視図である。 図 4は図 3の定着装置の発熱装置の取付け構造を示す側面図であ る。 .  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the fixing device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in more detail. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a mounting structure of a heating device of the fixing device of FIG. .
図 5は図 4の発熱装置の取付け構造を示す分解斜視図である。 図 6は発熱装置を下側から示す斜視図である。  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of the heat generating device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the heating device from below.
図 7は発熱装置の発熱シートを示す断面図である。  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a heating sheet of the heating device.
図 8は平坦な状態にある発熱シー トを示す斜視図である。  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the heat generating sheet in a flat state.
図 9は熱伝導部材及び発熱シートを示す斜視図である。  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a heat conductive member and a heat generating sheet.
図 1 0は発熱シ一 トを貼りつけた熱伝導部材を示す斜視図である 図 1 1 は平坦な状態にある発熱シー ト及び熱伝導部材を示す斜視 図である。 FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the heat conductive member to which the heat generating sheet is attached. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the heat generating sheet and the heat conductive member in a flat state. FIG.
図 1 2は湾曲された発熱シー ト及び熱伝導部材を示す斜視図であ る。  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a curved heat generating sheet and a heat conducting member.
図 1 3は発熱シ一 トが接着剤によ り熱伝導部材に貼りつけられた 例を示す側面図である。  FIG. 13 is a side view showing an example in which a heat generating sheet is attached to a heat conducting member with an adhesive.
図 1 4は発熱シー 卜が弾性体により熱伝導部材に押しつけられた 例を示す側面図である。  FIG. 14 is a side view showing an example in which a heat generating sheet is pressed against a heat conducting member by an elastic body.
図 1 5は従来の定着装置を示す図である。  FIG. 15 shows a conventional fixing device.
図 1 6は従来の定着装置を示す図である。  FIG. 16 shows a conventional fixing device.
図 1 7 Aから図 1 7 Eは発熱装置の製造の例を示す図である。 図 1 8 Aから図 1 8 Eは発熱装置の製造の例を示す図である。 図 1 9は発熱装置の製造の例を示す図である。  FIG. 17A to FIG. 17E are diagrams showing an example of manufacturing a heating device. FIG. 18A to FIG. 18E are diagrams showing an example of manufacturing a heat generating device. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of manufacturing a heat generating device.
図 2 0は図 1 9の発熱装置を示す側面図である。  FIG. 20 is a side view showing the heat generating device of FIG.
図 2 1は発熱装置の熱伝導部材の一例を示す斜視図である。  FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an example of a heat conducting member of the heating device.
図 2 2は図 2 1の熱伝導部材を含む発熱装置の例を示す側面図で ある。  FIG. 22 is a side view showing an example of a heat generating device including the heat conducting member of FIG.
発明を実施するための最良の形態  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
図 1及び図 2は本発明の一実施例の定着装置を示す側面図及び斜 視図である。 定着装置 1 0は、 定着ローラ 1 2 と、 発熱装置 1 4 と 、 定着ローラ 1 2 と発熱装置 1 4とに掛け渡されたベルト 1 6 と、 ベルト 1 6を介して定着ローラ 1 2に圧接された加圧ローラ 1 8 と を備える。 発熱装置 1 4は、 有端湾曲形状に形成された熱伝導部材 2 0 と、 熱伝導部材 2 0の凹部側に密着して配置された発熱シー ト 2 2 とからなる。 実施例においては、 熱伝導部材 2 0が概略部分円 筒形状に形成され、 発熱装置 1 4は回転せず、 固定的に配置される 。 熱伝導部材 2 0の凸部側がベルト 1 6 と接触する。  1 and 2 are a side view and a perspective view showing a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fixing device 10 is in pressure contact with the fixing roller 12 via the fixing roller 12, the heat generating device 14, the belt 16 wrapped around the fixing roller 12 and the heat generating device 14, and the belt 16. And a pressurized roller 18. The heat generating device 14 includes a heat conductive member 20 formed into an end-curved shape, and a heat sheet 22 disposed in close contact with the concave side of the heat conductive member 20. In the embodiment, the heat conducting member 20 is formed in a substantially partial cylindrical shape, and the heat generating device 14 is fixedly arranged without rotating. The convex side of the heat conducting member 20 comes into contact with the belt 16.
この構成において、 発熱装置 1 4の熱伝導部材 2 0は有端湾曲形 状に形成されているので、 発熱シー ト 2 2は容易に且つ確実に熱伝 導部材 2 0の凹部側に密着して配置されることができる。 使用にお いては、 発熱シート 2 2は電流を流すことにより発熱し、 発熱シー ト 2 2の発生した熱は熱伝導部材 2 0及びベルト 1 6を介して定着 ローラ 1 2 と加圧ローラ 1 8の間の二ップに挿入された用紙 2 4に 熱効率よく伝えられる。 定着ローラ 1 2は厚い被覆ゴムを含み、 よ つて定着口ーラ 1 2 と加圧ローラ 1 8 とで形成されるニップ幅が広 くなり、 用紙 2 4がベルト 1 6及び定着ローラ 1 2 と接触している 時間 （定着時間） が増加し、 トナーを溶融させるために十分な熱量 が伝達される。 In this configuration, the heat conducting member 20 of the heating device 14 has an end-curved shape. Since the heat generating sheet 22 is formed in the shape, the heat generating sheet 22 can be easily and reliably arranged in close contact with the concave side of the heat conductive member 20. In use, the heat generating sheet 22 generates heat by passing an electric current, and the heat generated by the heat generating sheet 22 is transferred to the fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 1 via the heat conductive member 20 and the belt 16. Heat is efficiently transmitted to the paper 24 inserted in the nip between the eight. The fixing roller 12 includes a thick covering rubber, so that the nip width formed by the fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 18 is widened, and the paper 24 is formed by the belt 16 and the fixing roller 12. The contact time (fixing time) increases, transferring enough heat to melt the toner.
図 3は図 1及び図 2の定着装置 1 0をよ り詳細に示す斜視図であ る。 図 3において、 定着装置 1 0はフ レーム 2 6を含み、 定着ロー ラ 1 2及び加圧ローラ 1 8はフ レーム 2 6に回転可能に支持され、 発熱装置 1 4 (熱伝導部材 2 0 ) はフ レーム 2 6に固定的に取付け られる。  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the fixing device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in more detail. In FIG. 3, the fixing device 10 includes a frame 26, the fixing roller 12 and the pressure roller 18 are rotatably supported by the frame 26, and a heat generating device 14 (heat conducting member 20). Is fixedly mounted on frame 26.
図 4は図 3 の定着装置 1 0 の発熱装置 1 4の取付け構造を示す側 面図である。 図 5は図 4の発熱装置 1 4の取付け構造を示す分解斜 視図である。 図 5においては、 発熱装置 1 4の端部部分のみが示さ れている。  FIG. 4 is a side view showing a mounting structure of the heat generating device 14 of the fixing device 10 of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of the heat generating device 14 of FIG. In FIG. 5, only the end portion of the heating device 14 is shown.
図 6は発熱装置 1 4を下側から示す斜視図である。 図 7は発熱装 置 1 4の発熱シート 2 2を示す断面図である。 図 7に示すように、 発熱シー ト 2 2は、 電流の印加によ り発熱する発熱層 2 2 Aと、 発 熱層 2 2 Aの両側に配置された絶縁層 2 2 B、 2 2 Cとからなる。 発熱層 2 2 Aは、 金属箔がパターニングされた発熱抵抗体の層や、 金属粉と樹脂を練り こんだ発熱抵抗体の層からなる。 発熱層 2 2 A をサンドィ ツチする絶縁層 2 2 B、 2 2 Cはポリイ ミ ドやその他の 耐熱性絶縁フィルムとすることができる。 一方、 熱伝導部材 2 0は、 金属、 ガラス、 セラミタス、 及び高耐 熱性の樹脂の一つからなる。 この発熱装置 1 4は回転しないので、 好ましくは、 ベルト 1 6 と摺動する熱伝導部材 2 0の凸面側は低摩 擦係数の層で被覆される。 FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the heating device 14 from below. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat generation sheet 22 of the heat generation device 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the heat generation sheet 22 is composed of a heat generation layer 22 A, which generates heat by applying a current, and insulation layers 22 B, 22 C arranged on both sides of the heat generation layer 22 A. Consists of The heat generating layer 22 A is composed of a heat generating resistor layer in which a metal foil is patterned, or a heat generating resistor layer in which metal powder and resin are kneaded. The insulating layers 22 B and 22 C sandwiching the heating layer 22 A can be polyimide or other heat-resistant insulating films. On the other hand, the heat conducting member 20 is made of one of metal, glass, ceramitas, and high heat resistant resin. Since the heating device 14 does not rotate, preferably, the convex side of the heat conducting member 20 that slides on the belt 16 is covered with a layer having a low friction coefficient.
図 5及び図 6に示されるように、 発熱シー ト 2 2の端部には電極 2 2 Dが設けられる。 電極 2 2 Dは一方の絶縁層 2 2 B又は 2 2 C から露出された発熱層 2 2 Aの延長部分である。 図 5においては、 発熱シート 2 2及び電極 2 2 Dは熱伝導部材 2 0の下側に位置して いる。  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an electrode 22D is provided at an end of the heat generating sheet 22. The electrode 22D is an extension of the heating layer 22A exposed from the one insulating layer 22B or 22C. In FIG. 5, the heat generating sheet 22 and the electrodes 22 D are located below the heat conducting member 20.
図 4及び図 5において、 発熱装置 1 4はフレーム部分 2 6 Aにね じ 2 8を用いて取付けられる。 フレーム部分 2 6 Aは半円筒形状の 熱伝導部材 2 0を受ける 2つの受け部 2 6 Bを有し、 各受け部 2 6 Bはねじ 2 8を螺合するねじ穴 2 6 Cを有する。 熱伝導部材 2 0は ねじ 2 8の直径よ り も大きな穴 2 O Aを有し、 この穴 2 O Aは電極 2 2 Dを通ってレヽる。  4 and 5, the heating device 14 is attached to the frame portion 26A by using a screw 28. The frame portion 26A has two receiving portions 26B for receiving the semi-cylindrical heat conducting member 20, and each receiving portion 26B has a screw hole 26C into which the screw 28 is screwed. The heat conducting member 20 has a hole 2OA larger than the diameter of the screw 28, and the hole 2OA passes through the electrode 22D.
絶縁リ ング 3 0及び通電リ ング 3 2がフレーム部分 2 6 Aの受け 部 2 6 Bに载せられ、 その上に発熱装置 1 4の熱伝導部材 2 0が置 かれ、 絶縁リ ング 3 4が熱伝導部材 2 0に載せられた後、 ねじ 2 8 が、 絶縁リ ング 3 4、 熱伝導部材 2 0、 通電リ ング 3 2、 及び絶縁 リ ング 3 0のそれぞれの穴を通って受け部 2 6 Bのねじ穴 2 6 じに 螺合される。 これによつて、 発熱装置 1 4がフ レーム部分 2 6 Aに 固定されるとともに、 通電リ ング 3 2が発熱シー ト 2 2の電極 2 2 Dに電気的に接触する。 熱伝導部材 2 0の穴 2 O Aはねじ 2 8の直 径より も大きいので、 ねじ 2 8は発熱シー ト 2 2の電極 2 2 Dとは 電気的に分離されている。 通電リ ング 3 2はリー ド線 3 2 Aが接続 されており、 リー ド線 3 2 Aから通電リ ング 3 2を介して発熱シー ト 2 2へ電流が供給される。 このよ う に、 発熱装置 1 4は回転しな いので、 発熱装置 1 4への電流の供給装置も簡単になる。 The insulating ring 30 and the energizing ring 32 are attached to the receiving portion 26B of the frame portion 26A, on which the heat conducting member 20 of the heating device 14 is placed, and the insulating ring 34 is placed. After the screws are placed on the heat conducting member 20, the screws 28 pass through the holes of the insulating ring 34, the heat conducting member 20, the energizing ring 32, and the insulating ring 30, and It is screwed into 26 B screw hole 26. As a result, the heat generating device 14 is fixed to the frame portion 26 A, and the energizing ring 32 electrically contacts the electrode 22 D of the heat generating sheet 22. Since the hole 2OA of the heat conducting member 20 is larger than the diameter of the screw 28, the screw 28 is electrically separated from the electrode 22D of the heat generating sheet 22. The lead ring 32 A is connected to the energizing ring 32, and current is supplied from the lead wire 32 A to the heat generating sheet 22 via the energizing ring 32. Thus, the heating device 14 does not rotate. Therefore, a device for supplying current to the heating device 14 is also simplified.
図 8から図 1 0は発熱装置 1 4の製造の一例を示す図である。 図 8は平坦な状態にある発熱シート 2 2を示す斜視図である。 図 8で は、 電極 2 2 Dは省略されている。 図 9は熱伝導部材及び発熱シー ト 2 2を湾曲させて、 予め半円筒形状に形成されている熱伝導部材 に揷入するところを示す斜視図である。 図 1 0は発熱シート 2 2を 貼りつけた熱伝導部材 2 0を示す斜視図である。 このよ うに、 発熱 シー ト 2 2を熱伝導部材 2 0の内側に、 高耐熱性接着剤を用いて隙 間や気泡等が発生しないよ うに、 密着させて貼り付けることができ る。 摩擦係数低減膜が、 ベルト 1 6 との摩擦を低減させるベく、 熱 伝導部材 2 0の外側に形成されている。 摩擦係数低減膜は発熱シー ト 2 2の貼り付け前か、 あるいは貼り付け後に形成される。 （図 9 及び図 1 0に示す実施例では、 フッソ系の樹脂からなる摩擦係数低 減膜は予め熱伝導部材 2 0に形成されている。 ）  8 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of the production of the heat generating device 14. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the heat generating sheet 22 in a flat state. In FIG. 8, the electrode 22D is omitted. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state where the heat conductive member and the heat generating sheet 22 are curved and inserted into the heat conductive member formed in a semi-cylindrical shape in advance. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the heat conductive member 20 to which the heat generating sheet 22 is attached. In this way, the heat generating sheet 22 can be adhered to the inside of the heat conductive member 20 by using a high heat resistant adhesive so as not to generate any gaps or bubbles. A friction coefficient reducing film is formed outside the heat conducting member 20 to reduce friction with the belt 16. The friction coefficient reducing film is formed before or after the heat generating sheet 22 is attached. (In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the friction coefficient reducing film made of a fluorine-based resin is formed on the heat conducting member 20 in advance.)
図 1 1及び図 1 2は発熱装置 1 4の製造の一例を示す図である。 図 1 1は平坦な状態にある発熱シー ト 2 2及び熱伝導部材 2 0を示 す斜視図である。 発熱シー ト 2 2及び熱伝導部材 2 0は接着剤で互 いに接着されている。 図 1 2は湾曲された発熱シー ト 2 2及び熱伝 導部材 2 0を示す斜視図である。 つまり、 図 1 1 の発熱シー ト 2 2 及び熱伝導部材 2 0はプレス成形されて、 図 1 2の湾曲された発熱 シー ト 2 2及び熱伝導部材 2 0 (発熱装置 1 4 ) となる。  FIGS. 11 and 12 are views showing an example of the production of the heat generating device 14. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conducting member 20 in a flat state. The heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conductive member 20 are bonded to each other with an adhesive. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the curved heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conducting member 20. That is, the heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conducting member 20 in FIG. 11 are press-molded to form the curved heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conducting member 20 (heat generating device 14) in FIG.
図 1 3は発熱シー ト 2 2が接着剤 3 6によ り熱伝導部材 2 0に貼 りつけられた例を示す側面図である。 発熱装置 1 4を製造する際、 加圧プレス等の温度と圧力を同時に加える手段を用いるとすると、 発熱装置 1 4の構造を、 発熱シー ト 2 2の延在する角度範囲ひを 1 8 0度以下にしておくのが製造性の観点から好ましい。  FIG. 13 is a side view showing an example in which the heat generating sheet 22 is attached to the heat conducting member 20 with an adhesive 36. If a means for simultaneously applying temperature and pressure, such as a pressure press, is used when manufacturing the heat generating device 14, the structure of the heat generating device 14 can be changed to a range in which the heat sheet 22 extends over 180 °. It is preferable that the temperature is not more than the degree from the viewpoint of productivity.
図 1 4は接着剤を使用せず、 発熱シート 2 2が弾性体 3 8により 熱伝導部材 2 0に押しつけられた例を示す側面図である。 弾性体 3 8は押さえ板 4 0で保持される。 In Fig. 14 no adhesive is used, and the heat generating sheet 22 is made of elastic body 38. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an example of being pressed against the heat conducting member 20. The elastic body 38 is held by the holding plate 40.
以上のように、 本発明では、 発熱シー ト 1 4が有端湾曲形状の熱 伝導部材 2 ◦及び発熱抵抗シー ト 2 2からなる構成であるので、 製 造が容易であり、 かつ、 回転しないことで発熱装置の回転機構に要 する部品を削減し、 コス トを押さえられる構造になっている。 よつ て、 従来の定着装置に比べて、 製造性と信頼性の向上を実現するこ とができる。  As described above, according to the present invention, since the heat generating sheet 14 is constituted by the end-curved heat conductive member 2 and the heat generating resistance sheet 22, the manufacturing is easy and does not rotate. As a result, the number of components required for the rotating mechanism of the heating device is reduced, and the cost is reduced. As a result, productivity and reliability can be improved as compared with the conventional fixing device.
図 1 7 Aから図 1 7 Eは発熱装置の製造の例を示す図である。 図 1 7 Aに示すように、 平板状の N i — T i合金からなる形状記憶合 金の基板を型に嵌めて、 最終的な発熱装置 1 4の熱伝導部材 2 0の 半円筒形状に形成する。 この場合、 形状記憶合金の基板 2 0 Xを型 に嵌めたままの状態で形状を保持したまま、 形状記憶できる温度 （ 4 0 0 °C〜 5 0 0 °C) まで加熱し、 形状記憶処理を行い、 熱伝導部 材 2 0 とする。  FIG. 17A to FIG. 17E are diagrams showing an example of manufacturing a heating device. As shown in Fig. 17A, a flat-plate Ni-Ti alloy made of a shape memory alloy substrate is fitted into a mold to form a semi-cylindrical shape of the heat conducting member 20 of the final heating device 14. Form. In this case, the shape memory alloy substrate 20 X is heated to a temperature (400 ° C. to 500 ° C.) capable of storing the shape while maintaining the shape while being fitted into the mold, and the shape memory processing is performed. Is performed to obtain the heat conducting member 20.
次に、 図 1 7 Bに示すよ うに、 熱伝導部材 2 0を形状変化を起こ す変態温度 （ 2 0 °C〜 1 0 0 °C) 以下で元の平板状の形状に平坦化 処理を行う。  Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, the heat conducting member 20 is flattened to the original flat plate shape at a transformation temperature (20 ° C. to 100 ° C.) or lower at which a shape change occurs. Do.
次に、 図 1 7 Cに示すように、 熱伝導部材 2 0上に、 スキージ 4 2を用いて、 絶縁層 2 2 C、 発熱層 2 2 A、 保護絶縁層 2 2 Bの順 に印刷し、 発熱シート 2 2を形成し、 図 1 7 Dに示すよ うに、 これ らの層を仮硬化して発熱装置 1 4を形成する。 なお、 その際の乾燥 は、 形状記憶合金が形状変化を起こす変態温度 （ 2 0 °C〜 1 0 0 °C ) 以上で、 且つ発熱装置 1 4の各材料が硬化、 安定する温度まで加 熱し、 熱処理を行う。  Next, as shown in FIG. 17C, a squeegee 42 is used to print the insulating layer 22 C, the heat generating layer 22 A, and the protective insulating layer 22 B on the heat conductive member 20 in this order. Then, a heat generating sheet 22 is formed, and these layers are temporarily cured to form a heat generating device 14 as shown in FIG. 17D. The drying is performed by heating the material to a temperature above the transformation temperature (20 ° C. to 100 ° C.) at which the shape memory alloy undergoes a shape change and at the same time the materials of the heating device 14 are hardened and stabilized. Perform heat treatment.
図 1 7 Eに示すように、 加熱温度が変態温度以上になつたときに 、 形状記憶合金製の熱伝導部材 2 0は記憶していた半円筒形状へと 変形していく （形状回復） 。 その際の変形に伴って、 発熱シー ト 2 2 と熱伝導部材 2 0の間に皺が発生したり、 発熱シート 2 2が熱伝 導部材 2 0から剥離したり という よ うな不具合が生じる場合は、 形 状回復後に形状記憶処理時に用いた型にはめ込んだ状態で絶縁層、 発熱抵抗体、 保護層を硬化、 安定させることも有効である。 As shown in FIG. 17E, when the heating temperature becomes higher than the transformation temperature, the heat conduction member 20 made of a shape memory alloy becomes the semi-cylindrical shape that has been stored. Deformation (shape recovery). When the deformation at that time causes a problem such as wrinkles between the heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conductive member 20 or peeling of the heat generating sheet 22 from the heat conductive member 20 It is also effective to cure and stabilize the insulating layer, the heating resistor, and the protective layer in a state where the insulating layer, the heating resistor, and the protective layer are fitted in the mold used for the shape memory processing after the shape recovery.
図 1 8 Aから図 1 8 Eは発熱装置の製造の例を示す図である。 図 1 8 A及び図 1 8 Bでは、 図 1 7 A及び図 1 7 Bと同様に、 平板状 の N i — T i合金からなる形状記憶合金を型に嵌めて、 形状記憶で きる温度 （ 4 0 0 °C〜 5 0 0 °C) まで加熱し、 形状記憶処理を行い 、 熱伝導部材 2 0 とする。 次に、 熱伝導部材 2 0を形状変化を起こ す変態温度 （ 2 0 °C〜 1 0 0 °C) 以下で元の平板状に平坦化処理を 行う。  FIG. 18A to FIG. 18E are diagrams showing an example of manufacturing a heat generating device. In FIGS. 18A and 18B, as in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a flat shape memory alloy made of a Ni—Ti alloy is fitted into a mold, and the temperature at which shape memory can be performed ( Heating to 400 ° C. to 500 ° C.), a shape memory process is performed, and a heat conductive member 20 is obtained. Next, the heat conductive member 20 is flattened to the original flat plate at a transformation temperature (20 ° C. to 100 ° C.) or less at which a shape change occurs.
次に、 図 1 8 Cに示されるように、 発熱シート 2 2 と熱伝導部材 2 0 との間に、 耐熱性接着剤、 あるいは耐熱性接着フィルムを供給 し、 隙間なく密着させ、 図 1 8 Dに示されるように、 形状記憶合金 が形状変化を起こす変態温度 （ 2 0 °C〜 1 0 0 °C) 以下で仮硬化を 行う  Next, as shown in FIG. 18C, a heat-resistant adhesive or a heat-resistant adhesive film is supplied between the heat-generating sheet 22 and the heat-conducting member 20 so that they are brought into close contact with no gap. As shown in D, pre-curing is performed at a transformation temperature (20 ° C to 100 ° C) or lower at which the shape memory alloy undergoes shape change.
次に、 図 1 8 Eに示されるように、 形状記憶合金が形状変化を起 こす変態温度 （ 2 0 °C~ 1 0 0 °C) 以上に加熱し、 耐熱性接着剤、 あるいは耐熱性接着フィルムの硬化を行う。 加熱温度が変態温度以 上になったときに、 形状記憶合金製の熱伝導部材 2 0は記憶してい た半円筒形状へと変形していく （形状回復） 。  Next, as shown in FIG. 18E, the shape memory alloy is heated to a transformation temperature (20 ° C. to 100 ° C.) or more at which a shape change occurs, and the heat-resistant adhesive or the heat-resistant adhesive is heated. The film is cured. When the heating temperature rises above the transformation temperature, the heat conductive member 20 made of a shape memory alloy is transformed into the memorized semi-cylindrical shape (shape recovery).
その際の変形に伴って、 発熱シー ト 2 2 と熱伝導部材 2 0の間に 皺が発生したり、 発熱シー ト 2 2が熱伝導部材 2 0から剥離したり という ような不具合が生じる場合は、 形状回復後に形状記憶処理時 に用いた型にはめ込んだ状態で接着剤を硬化、 安定させることも有 効である。 以上により、 発熱装置 1 4を容易に製造できるようになり、 さら に製造コス トを抑え、 信頼性の向上した定着装置を実現することが できる。 When the deformation at that time causes a problem such as wrinkles between the heat generating sheet 22 and the heat conductive member 20 or peeling of the heat generating sheet 22 from the heat conductive member 20 It is also effective to cure and stabilize the adhesive in a state of being fitted into the mold used for shape memory processing after shape recovery. As described above, the heat generating device 14 can be easily manufactured, and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced, and a fixing device with improved reliability can be realized.
図 1 9は発熱装置 1 4の製造の例を示す図である。 図 2 0は図 1 9 の発熱装置 1 4を示す側面図である。 この例では、 熱伝導部材 2 0 と同様に有端湾曲形状を有する弾性体 4 4が使用される。 弾性体 4 4は発熱シート 2 2を熱伝導部材 2 0に密着して保持させる。 熱伝導部材 2 0は発熱シート 2 2 と接触する側が角度 α ( αは 1 8 0度以上の凹面で形成される。 熱伝導部材 2 0は直径 D 1の円筒 の一部と して形成され、 弾性体 4 4は直径 D 2の円筒の一部と して 形成される。 この場合、 D 1 く D 2の関係がある。  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of manufacturing the heat generating device 14. FIG. 20 is a side view showing the heat generating device 14 of FIG. In this example, an elastic body 44 having an end-curved shape like the heat conducting member 20 is used. The elastic body 44 holds the heat generating sheet 22 in close contact with the heat conductive member 20. The heat conductive member 20 has a concave surface having an angle α (α is 180 degrees or more.) On the side in contact with the heat generating sheet 22. The heat conductive member 20 is formed as a part of a cylinder having a diameter D1. The elastic body 44 is formed as a part of a cylinder having a diameter D 2. In this case, there is a relationship of D 1 and D 2.
発熱シート 2 2を熱伝導部材 2 0に挿入した後、 弾性体 4 4 の直 径を熱伝導部材 2 0 の内径よ り小さく規制した状態で弾性体 4 4を 発熱シー ト 2 2の内側へ揷入し、 弾性体 4 4の規制を開放して、 発 熱シー ト 2 2を熱伝導部材 2 0の内部に密着させる。 実施例では、 熱伝導部材 2 0はステンレス板で、 弾性体 4 4はステンレス板ばね である。  After inserting the heat generating sheet 22 into the heat conducting member 20, the elastic body 44 is moved into the heat generating sheet 22 with the diameter of the elastic body 44 restricted to be smaller than the inner diameter of the heat conducting member 20. Then, the regulation of the elastic body 44 is released, and the heat generating sheet 22 is brought into close contact with the inside of the heat conductive member 20. In the embodiment, the heat conducting member 20 is a stainless plate, and the elastic body 44 is a stainless plate spring.
図 2 1 は発熱装置 1 4の熱伝導部材 2 0の一例を示す斜視図であ る。 図 2 2は図 2 1 の熱伝導部材 2 0を含む発熱装置 1 4の例を示 す側面図である。 熱伝導部材 2 0は発熱シート 2 2 と接触する側が 角度ひ （ ひは 1 8 0度以上の凹面で形成される。 熱伝導部材 2 0は 穴 2 0 Xを設けたフランジ 2 0 yを有する。  FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an example of the heat conducting member 20 of the heating device 14. FIG. 22 is a side view showing an example of a heat generating device 14 including the heat conducting member 20 of FIG. 21. The heat conductive member 20 has a concave surface having an angle of at least 180 degrees on the side that contacts the heat generating sheet 22. The heat conductive member 20 has a flange 20y provided with a hole 20X. .
発熱シート 2 2を熱伝導部材 2 0に挿入した後、 熱伝導部材 2 0 の内径よ り大きな、 端部が開いている湾曲形状の弾性体 4 4を発熱 シート 2 2の内側へ挿入したのち、 熱伝導部材 2 0を当初の弾性体 4 4の大きさより も小さな形状に変形させ、 発熱シー ト 2 2を熱伝 導部材 2 0に密着させる。 熱伝導部材 2 0を当初の弾性体 4 4の大きさよりも小さな形状に 変形させるために、 熱伝導部材 2 0のフランジ 2 0 yの穴 2 0 xに ポルト 4 6を挿入し、 ナッ ト 4 8をボルト 4 6に螺合させる。 すな わち、 熱伝導部材 2 0はその大きさを変形させる機構を有する。 After the heat generating sheet 22 is inserted into the heat conductive member 20, a curved elastic body 44 having an open end larger than the inner diameter of the heat conductive member 20 is inserted into the heat generating sheet 22. Then, the heat conducting member 20 is deformed into a shape smaller than the initial size of the elastic body 44, and the heat generating sheet 22 is brought into close contact with the heat conducting member 20. In order to deform the heat conducting member 20 into a shape smaller than the size of the original elastic body 44, insert the port 46 into the hole 20x of the flange 20y of the heat conducting member 20, and insert the nut 4 Screw 8 to bolt 4 6. That is, the heat conducting member 20 has a mechanism for changing its size.

Claims

請 求 の 範 囲 The scope of the claims
1 . 定着ローラと、 発熱装置と、 該定着ローラと該発熱装置とに 掛け渡されたベルト と、 該ベルトを介して該定着ローラに圧接され た加圧ローラとを備え、 該発熱装置は、 有端湾曲形状に形成された 熱伝導部材と、 該熱伝導部材の凹部側に密着して配置された発熱シ ート とからなり、 該熱伝導部材の凸部側が該ベルトと接触すること を特徴とする定着装置。 1. A fixing roller, a heat generating device, a belt wrapped around the fixing roller and the heat generating device, and a pressure roller pressed against the fixing roller via the belt, the heat generating device includes: A heat conductive member formed into an end-curved shape, and a heating sheet arranged in close contact with the concave side of the heat conductive member, wherein the convex side of the heat conductive member contacts the belt. Characteristic fixing device.
2 . 該熱伝導部材が概略部分円筒形状に形成されている請求項 1 に記載の定着装置。  2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the heat conducting member is formed in a substantially partial cylindrical shape.
3 . 該熱伝導部材は、 金属、 ガラス、 セラミタス、 及び高耐熱性 の樹脂の一つからなる請求項 1 に記載の定着装置。  3. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the heat conductive member is made of one of metal, glass, ceramitas, and resin having high heat resistance.
4 . 該発熱装置は回転せず、 固定的に配置される請求項 1 に記載 の定着装置。  4. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the heating device does not rotate and is fixedly arranged.
5 . 該熱伝導部材の凸面側は低摩擦係数の層で被覆される請求項 4に記載の定着装置。  5. The fixing device according to claim 4, wherein the convex side of the heat conductive member is covered with a layer having a low coefficient of friction.
6 . 該発熱シー トは、 電流の印加により発熱する発熱層と、 該発 熱層の両側に配置された絶縁層とからなる請求項 1に記載の定着装 置。  6. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the heat generating sheet includes a heat generating layer that generates heat by applying a current, and insulating layers disposed on both sides of the heat generating layer.
7 . 該熱伝導部材は、 N i — T i合金からなる形状記憶合金で構 成されている請求項 1に記載の定着装置。  7. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the heat conductive member is made of a shape memory alloy made of a Ni—Ti alloy.
8 . 該熱伝導部材は、 平板状の形状記憶合金製基板を半円筒形状 に変形させ、 熱処理を行って形状記憶させ、 その後、 変形前の平板 状に変形させ、 表面に発熱装置を形成した後に、 形状記憶合金が形 状回復するまで加熱して製造されたものである請求項 7に記载の定  8. The heat conductive member was obtained by deforming a flat plate made of a shape memory alloy into a semi-cylindrical shape, performing a heat treatment to memorize the shape, and then deforming the plate into a flat shape before the deformation, thereby forming a heating device on the surface. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the shape memory alloy is manufactured by heating the shape memory alloy until it recovers its shape.
9 . 該熱伝導部材は 1 8 0度以上にわたって延在する凹面を有し 、 湾曲した弾性体が該熱伝導部材の内部の該発熱シー トの凹部側に 配置され、 該弾性体が該発熱シートを該熱伝導部材に弹性的に密着 させている請求項 1 に記載の定着装置。 9. The heat conducting member has a concave surface extending over 180 degrees or more. 2. The heat conductive sheet according to claim 1, wherein a curved elastic body is disposed inside the heat conductive member on the concave side of the heat generating sheet, and the elastic body makes the heat generating sheet elastically adhere to the heat conductive member. Fixing device.
PCT/JP2001/001743 2001-03-06 2001-03-06 Fixing device WO2002071157A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0315495U (en) * 1989-06-29 1991-02-15
JPH0732518A (en) * 1993-07-16 1995-02-03 Dairin Shoji:Kk Composite building material
JPH10123869A (en) * 1996-10-23 1998-05-15 Ricoh Co Ltd Fixing device
EP0957412A2 (en) * 1998-05-15 1999-11-17 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Image heating device and image forming device using the same
JP2000040579A (en) * 1998-07-22 2000-02-08 Aisin Chem Co Ltd Sheet heating element

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0315495U (en) * 1989-06-29 1991-02-15
JPH0732518A (en) * 1993-07-16 1995-02-03 Dairin Shoji:Kk Composite building material
JPH10123869A (en) * 1996-10-23 1998-05-15 Ricoh Co Ltd Fixing device
EP0957412A2 (en) * 1998-05-15 1999-11-17 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Image heating device and image forming device using the same
JP2000040579A (en) * 1998-07-22 2000-02-08 Aisin Chem Co Ltd Sheet heating element

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