CN104317178B - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

Thering is provided a kind of imaging device, when it can be reduced as far as heating toner image, the demoulding wax of gasification is attached on the internal parts in addition to fixation facility of this imaging device.When heating fixing toner images are on recording materials, the demoulding wax of gasification utilizes catch parts to trap, and this catch parts is located at the nip portion of fixation facility and is formed between parts and framework and be maintained at the temperature between fusion point and the sublimation point of demoulding wax.

Description

Imaging device

The application be entitled " imaging device ", international filing date be on April 9th, 2010, International application no is PCT/JP2010/002590, national applications number is 201080015201.9 The divisional application of application for a patent for invention.

Technical field

The present invention relates to photocopier and the imaging device of printer one class employing Electronic Photographing Technology.

Background technology

The imaging device using Electronic Photographing Technology is provided with for the tune being formed on recording materials The fixing fixation facility on these recording materials of toner image.The most universal side that fixation facility is taked Method is contact heating pressure fixing method, wherein, is carrying the record material of toner image While material is held at nip portion and is transmitted, toner image is heated and is fixed on this note On record material.Contact heating pressure fixing method inevitably leads to the one of toner layer The shifting phenomena that part is attached on fixing roller.

Displacement includes several.Low temperature displacement refers to that the shortage of heat being applied to toner is with the most molten Melting this toner, this toner is not fixed on recording materials, thus this toner is displaced to determine Phenomenon on shadow roller.High temperature displacement refers to that the heat being applied to toner is too much so that this toner is burnt Change and be bonded on fixing roller, the phenomenon that toner layer separates.

Than that described above, there is also electrostatic displacement.The most in the short term, these displacements cause record The contaminated problem in surface on just the tossing about of material；The most on long terms, these displacements cause moving The toner of position gathers so that polluting image, causing the transmission of recording materials to be broken down also The problem shortening the life-span of fixation facility.

Have pointed out the toner including demoulding wax to prevent shifting phenomena.Demoulding wax is included in toning In agent, and move between melted toner and fixing roller when heating and fixing this toner Interface.This prevents the toner layer melted from separating towards fixing roller side, and sweep resistance is changed Kind.

The demoulding wax included in toner liquefaction when heating fixing toner, and one part Gasification." composition gasified by wax " that cool down immediately after gasification solidifies again with along with imaging device The wind of interior flowing moves together.Liquefy again in the position that wax composition temperature in device of solidification is high And it is attached to it.

It is high that the position contacted with recording materials tends to temperature in imaging device.In other words, Wax composition tends to be attached to the transmission guiding element for recording materials and transfer roller.Wax composition is attached For recording materials transmit can hinder on guiding element and transfer roller recording materials transmission or Reduce the coefficient of friction of this transfer roller.

The temperature of the heater in fixation facility sets to be tended to become higher, accelerates into satisfied Demand as processing speed.Meanwhile, the demoulding wax component amount gasified also increases, and this can Can frequently result in showing on multiple positions that aforementioned demoulding wax composition is attached in imaging device As.To this end, it is important that research and develop composition that a kind of trapping gasified by wax to prevent this composition from adhering to The technology of the multiple positions in imaging device.

Japanese patent application file JP No.2004-151240 describes a kind of moisture absorption chip technology, The oil on the inner face of the framework that this moisture absorption sheet is attached to fixation facility for trapping and dripped subsequently (wax).

Japanese patent application file JP No.2008-185878 describes such a technology, its In, absorb the shell of chopped fiber (aromatic polyamide fibers) the implanted fixation facility of gasification wax Inner face to keep this wax.

[quoting list of documents]

[Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese patent application file JP No.2004-151240

[Patent Document 2] Japanese patent application file JP No.2008-185878

Summary of the invention

[technical problem]

Known include endless belt and this endless belt inner faces contact ceramic heater and For forming the low heat capacity of the backer roll of fixing nip portion with this ceramic heater via this endless belt In amount fixation facility, " composition gasified by wax " is attached to the framework of this fixation facility hardly On inner face.

The variations in temperature grinding display low heat capacity fixation facility of tracing it to its cause is different from Japan Patent Shen Please the employing Halogen light described in file JP No.2004-151240 and No.2008-185878 The variations in temperature of heat roller fixation equipment.

For using the heat roller fixation equipment of Halogen light, input to printing from print signal for shortening The time period (printout time first: FPOT) completed, halogen heater is beaten in wait The standby period of official seal number is heated to fixing insulation of equipment.Therefore, the framework of fixation facility Inner face just reach a high temperature in standby period, and the inner face of this framework may when printing first just Reach gasification ingredient and be prone to the temperature of attachment.

On the other hand, above-mentioned low heat capacity fixation facility has without waiting treating of print signal The advantage that during machine, heating ceramic heater (or with little heat) can shorten FPOT. But, in not heating ceramic heater of standby period (or heat is little), cause standby period The temperature of the inner face of the framework of fixation facility is significantly below the attachment temperature of " composition gasified by wax " Degree.To this end, the temperature of the inner face of framework is low to not enough so that being gasified when having been found that printing first Composition attachment.

For the demand of satisfied quickening imaging processing speed and high temperature to the heater in fixation facility Set and make wax tend to the gasification when first printed continuously.Even if for this reason, it may be necessary to one exists Trap the most as early as possible in fixation facility including in the imaging device of low heat capacity fixation facility The technology of gasification ingredient.

[issue-resolution]

According to an aspect of of the present present invention, imaging device includes: image-generating unit, is configured to adopt On recording materials, toner image is formed with the toner including demoulding wax；Fixation unit, quilt It is configured at nip portion the toner image on recording materials is heated and is fixed on this record On material, wherein, this fixation unit include nip portion for forming nip portion formed parts with And the framework of parts is formed for housing this nip portion；And catch parts, it is configured to catch " gasification ingredient gasified by demoulding wax " that collection is produced by heat at nip portion, wherein, This catch parts is located at the fusion point that nip portion is formed between parts and framework and is maintained at demoulding wax And the temperature between sublimation point.

According to another aspect of the present invention, imaging device includes: image-generating unit, is configured to Use and include that the toner of demoulding wax forms toner image on recording materials；Fixation unit, It is configured at nip portion the toner image on recording materials is heated and is fixed on this note On record material, this fixation unit includes that the nip portion for forming nip portion forms parts and use In the framework housing this nip portion formation parts；And catch parts, it is configured to be captured in " gasification ingredient gasified by demoulding wax " produced by heat at nip portion, this catch parts sets Formed between parts and framework in nip portion.

[advantageous effects of the present invention]

According to the present invention, the demoulding wax composition gasified is maintained at the molten of this demoulding wax by temperature Catch parts between melting point and sublimation point again liquefies and is absorbed, thus reduces as far as possible and be somebody's turn to do Demoulding wax is attached on paper guiding element or transfer roller.

By detailed description to example embodiment referring to the drawings, the further feature of the present invention and Aspect will be apparent from.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Accompanying drawing is merged in the part constituting description, it is shown that each example embodiment of the present invention, Feature and aspect, and for explaining the principle of the present invention together with explanation.

Fig. 1 is the sectional view of the body representing the imaging device including fixation facility.

Fig. 2 is based on the sectional view of the fixation facility of the present invention the first example embodiment.

Fig. 3 is based on the perspective view of the fixation facility of the present invention the first example embodiment.

Fig. 4 is based on the detailed perspective view of the catch parts 113 of the present invention the first example embodiment.

Fig. 5 is based on the detailed perspective view of the catch parts 115 of the present invention the first example embodiment.

Fig. 6 is based on the detailed perspective view of the catch parts 114 of the present invention the first example embodiment.

Fig. 7 be illustrate according to the present invention the first example embodiment catch parts 113 to 115, The table of the thermal capacity of stay 108, substrate 109 and lower front shroud 112.

Fig. 8 A represents the detailed configuration of the sleeve 105 according to the present invention the first example embodiment.

Fig. 8 B represents the detailed configuration of the backer roll 102 according to the present invention the first example embodiment.

Fig. 9 A is the figure of the fusion point representing the demoulding wax according to the present invention the first example embodiment Table.

Fig. 9 B is the figure of the sublimation point representing the demoulding wax according to the present invention the first example embodiment Table.

Figure 10 A represents the catch parts 113 according to the present invention the first example embodiment and stay The temperature curve of 108.

Figure 10 B represents that the temperature of the catch parts 113 according to the present invention the first example embodiment is bent Line.

Figure 11 represents the catch parts 114 according to the present invention the first example embodiment and lower front shroud The temperature curve of 112.

Figure 12 represents the catch parts 115 according to the present invention the first example embodiment and substrate 109 Temperature curve.

Figure 13 is based on the detailed of the catch parts 113 to 115 of the present invention the second example embodiment Perspective view.

Detailed description of the invention

[example 1]

Describe each example embodiment, feature and the aspect of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail.

Full-color laser beam printer discussed below as the imaging device equipped with fixation facility. Although using the full-color laser beam printer equipped with multiple photosensitive drums as an example of imaging device, But it is can also be applied to it is arranged on the one-color copier or the printer that include single photosensitive drums Fixation facility.Imaging device including the fixation facility according to the present invention is not limited to full-color laser Bundle printer.

Fig. 1 is the total structure representing full-color laser beam printer 1 (hereinafter referred to as printer 1) Longitudinal section.

Box 2 is housed in the bottom of printer 1, and can extract out from this printer 1.Hands Dynamic feeding unit 3 is arranged on the right side of printer 1.Recording materials be stacked on box 2 and manually to Send on unit 3 and be housed in box 2 and manually feed in unit 3.Recording materials divide one by one From and be transferred into alignment roller to 4.Printer 1 includes image-generating unit 5, respectively with yellow, product Imaging station 5Y, 5M, 5C and 5K red, that cyan is corresponding with black are disposed side by side on this and become As in unit 5.

Image-generating unit 5 includes photosensitive drums 6Y as image bearing member, 6M, 6C and 6K (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drums 6)；Charging for charging to the uniform surface of this photosensitive drums 6 sets Standby 7Y, 7M, 7C and 7K；Utilize laser beam irradiation photosensitive drums 6 based on image information with This photosensitive drums 6 is formed the scanner unit 8 of electrostatic latent image；For making toner be attached to On electrostatic latent image and by developing apparatus 9Y that this latent electrostatic image developing is toner image, 9M, 9C and 9K；And for the toner image in photosensitive drums 6 is transferred to static printing band 10 On first transfer printing unit 11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K (hereinafter referred to as first transfer printing unit 11)。

The toner image being transferred in transfer belt 10 at first transfer printing unit 11 turns at secondary It is transferred on recording materials at impression unit 12.Subsequently, recording materials are by by heating unit 101 and be pressed towards this heating unit 101 backer roll 102 formed nip portion time by for The fixation facility 100 of fixing institute transferred image.Transmit path and switch to transmission by two-sided flapper Recording materials to distributing roller to 14 or revolving roll to 15.

Be sent to revolving roll to 15 recording materials reversely and transmitted 15 by this revolving roll, then Secondary by alignment roller to 4, secondary transfer unit 12 and fixation facility 100, the row of then passing to Go out roller to 14.Recording materials to 14, are then discharged to recording materials stowage portion by distributing roller 16。

Detailed structure referring to the fixation facility 100 that Fig. 2 and 3 explanation is located in printer 1 Make.Fig. 2 is the longitudinal section of fixation facility 100.Fig. 3 is saturating within fixation facility 100 View.

In fixation facility 100, heating unit 101 has heater (ceramic heater) 103. Heater 103 is supported by the heater support 104 as holding components.Heater support 104 Formed by the heat stable resin (such as liquid crystal polymer) with high-fire resistance and slidability.Add Hot device support 104 fixing sleeve (endless belt) 105 covers.

Fixing sleeve 105 and backer roll 102 have essentially identical girth.Fixing sleeve 105 Two ends utilize the periphery of a pair sleeve flange 106 to keep rotationally.Heater support 104 Two ends also utilize sleeve flange 106 to keep.Pair of side plates 107 keeps a pair sleeve flange 106.Backer roll 102 is pressed to fixing sleeve 105 with predetermined pressure T to heat with utilizing The heater 103 that device support 104 is supported is relative.

This forms nip portion N between fixing sleeve 105 and backer roll 102.Thus, formed The parts of nip portion include the heater of the inner faces contact of endless belt and this endless belt, Yi Jijing The backer roll of nip portion is formed together with heater by this endless belt.Nip portion is such region, I.e., in this region, the toner image utilizing the toner including demoulding wax to be formed is carried Recording materials heated while being sandwiched and transferred.

Heating unit 101 and backer roll 102 are by pair of side plates 107, stay 108 and substrate 109 Around, three parts are all sheet metal parts.Three parts are for forming fixation facility 100 Framework, they guarantee the rigidity of this fixation facility 100, and house nip portion and form parts.

Pair of side plates 107, stay 108 and substrate 109 by back cover 110, upper cover 111, lower before Cover 112 and left and right cover 117 encirclement.Do not allow user near this pair of side plates 107, stay 108 With substrate 109.The bottom of lower front shroud 112 region be directly facing heating unit 101, determines to double as being formed The framework of shadow equipment 100.

Catch parts 113 is located on the face relative with fixing sleeve 105 of stay 108.Trapping Parts 114 are located on the face relative with fixing sleeve 105 of lower front shroud 112.Catch parts 115 It is located on the face relative with backer roll 102 of substrate 109.Do not allow user near all these Catch parts 113 to 115.

The gap of 3mm is formed between catch parts 113 and 114 and fixing sleeve 105. The gap of 1.5mm is formed between catch parts 115 and backer roll 102.The temperature of catch parts Degree is maintained between fusion point and the sublimation point of demoulding wax, and this catch parts is captured at nip portion The demoulding wax being heated and produce, illustrates the details of this catch parts subsequently.Catch parts is located at pressure Conjunction portion is formed between parts and the framework forming parts for housing this nip portion.

Detailed configuration referring to Fig. 4 to 6 explanation catch parts 113,114 and 115.

Catch parts 113,114 and 115 is comprised the poly terephthalic acid of glass by 1mm thickness Butanediol ester (PBT) is made, and have 207 degree (Celsius) load deflection temperature (1.82MPa, Test method: ISO 075-1 and 2).Catch parts is the most plate-shaped.The thickness of its wall Thin, this causes injecting deficiency during injection moulding most probably.Increase injection pressure, mold temperature or Resin temperature solves to inject not enough problem can increase the distortion of parts, this will make catch parts and Fixing sleeve 105 or backer roll 102 contact.

Catch parts 113,114 and 115 is configured to not use long parts, but short parts are also (this is not suitable for using precut product, extruded sheet or die-cut for row's setting in pairs use The situation of material).

As shown in Figure 4, catch parts 113 is provided with and is positioned at its two ends and rib 113a of central authorities And it is positioned at the bluff piece 113b near this rib 113a.Bluff piece 113b and retainer 113c leads to Cross the square opening manufactured on stay 108 to be hooked, so that catch parts 113 is fixed on this stay On 108.Bluff piece 113b limits X and Z-direction, and retainer 113c limits Y-direction.

Rib 113a contacts with stay 108 with bluff piece 113b only inner face.Other parts not with support Bar 108 contacts.Gap is located at catch parts 113 and this stay attached by catch parts 113 Between 108 and heat insulation by air-gap.Catch parts 113 and the contact area of stay 108 Reduce and gap be located between the part beyond rib 113a and bluff piece 113b and stay 108, Thus stop heat to pass to this stay 108 from this catch parts 113.

The method that catch parts 115 is attached on substrate 109 and catch parts 113 are attached to support Method (with reference to Fig. 5) on bar 108 is similar.To this end, omit its description here.

As shown in Figure 6, catch parts 114 utilize be clasped 116 fix so that be located at down In the hole 114a that lobe 112a on front shroud 112 manufactures in inserting this catch parts 114 ( The two ends of lower front shroud 112 and three positions of its central authorities).Catch parts 114 is only in lobe Counterbore face (the mesh region in Fig. 6) place around 112a contacts with lower front shroud 112.Gap It is located at other region therebetween.

Being similar to catch parts 113 and 115, catch parts 114 contacts with lower front shroud 112 Region reduces and gap is located at other region, thus stops heat to transmit from this catch parts 114 To this lower front shroud 112.In other words, catch parts with attached by this catch parts parts it Between gap by air-gap heat insulation.

Thermal capacity C of each parts represents in the figure 7.Thermal capacity C below equation represents:

C=mc

Here, C be thermal capacity [J/K], m be quality [g], and c is specific heat [J/g*K]. As it is shown in fig. 7, the thermal capacity of catch parts 113 is significantly less than attached by this catch parts 113 The thermal capacity of stay 108.The thermal capacity of catch parts 114 is significantly less than this catch parts 114 The thermal capacity of attached lower front shroud 112.The thermal capacity of catch parts 115 is significantly caught less than this The thermal capacity of collection substrate 109 attached by parts 115.

Thermal capacity in table shows on the parts being attached at attached by each catch parts 113 to 115 Multiple catch parts in the thermal capacity of a catch parts (such as, be attached on stay 108 Two catch parts 113 in the thermal capacity of one).

Wish to be located at the thermal capacity of the catch parts 113 to 115 of position near fixing sleeve 105 As far as possible little, in order to after printing starts temperature be quickly raised to fusion point or more than.Change sentence Talk about, if the thermal capacity of catch parts is C1 and the thermal capacitance of parts attached by this catch parts Amount is C2, it would be desirable that meet relation C1 ＜ C2.

Referring to Fig. 8 A and 8B, fixing sleeve 105 and the detailed configuration of backer roll 102 are described.

As shown in Figure 8 A, fixing sleeve 105 includes annular basic unit 105a, is located at this basic unit 105a Periphery on prime coat 105b, the elastic layer 105c being located on the periphery of this prime coat 105b, And the release layer 105d being located on the periphery of this elastic layer 105c.Basic unit 105a is Metal Substrate Layer such as rustless steel (SUS), its conductivity of heat is excellent, and thick 30mm is enough to have Intensity enables fixation facility to resist thermal stress and mechanical stress and to guarantee long service life.

Prime coat 105b is according to the about 5mm by being dispersed with amount of conductive granule (such as carbon) in it The mode that thick conductive primer is coated on basic unit 105a is formed.The elasticity of elastic layer 105c can Hold on recording materials P the toner image of carrying, and be capable of homogeneous heating and add compression set Shadow.

PFA resin (the tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoro alkane that release layer 105d is thick to coat about 20mm Base vinyl ether copolymers) mode formed, in order to prevent toner or paper scrap from adhering to and guarantee note Record material P is relative to the disengaging performance of fixing sleeve 105, and this PFA resin is that release property is excellent And the fluororesin that thermostability is high.

As shown in Figure 8 B, backer roll 102 includes metal (aluminum or ferrum) plug 102a, formation At the silicon rubber elastic layer 102b outside this plug 102a and cover this elastic layer 102b table The release layer 102c in face.The two ends of plug 102a are rotatably supported in a pair by a bearing In side plate 107.

Elastic layer 102b uses the solid rubber layer formed by silicone rubber or by making silicone rubber The foam rubber layer that foaming is formed, in order to this layer has effect of heat insulation.Release layer 102c according to Fluororesin (such as PFA resin) covers the mode of pipe fitting and is formed.

Heater-driven control circuit as control circuit includes electric supply installation and for controlling this The CPU of electric supply installation.In heater-driven control circuit, CPU input print signal is given and is supplied Electric installation, to switch this device, is energized to the thermal resistance that adds of heater 103.Add thermal resistance energising The temperature making heater 103 raises rapidly.

Based on by be located at heater 103 the back side (with nip portion N phase back to surface) upper make The temperature detected for the critesistor (not shown) of temperature detecting unit, controls heater 103 Temperature to predeterminated target design temperature, and this heater 103 heats fixing sleeve 105 in advance Set the goal design temperature.The design temperature of this example embodiment is 180 degree (Celsius).

Under this state, carry the recording materials P of unfixed toner image S from record material Material direction of transfer is directed to nip portion N, and utilizes nip portion N to clamp and transmit this record material Material P (seeing Fig. 2).

In this example embodiment, the leading edge of recording materials P print signal input after 7.3 seconds Arrive nip portion N.During this transmits, the heat of heater 103 is via fixing sleeve 105 Pass to recording materials P.Unfixed toner image S utilize heater 103 heat and Pressing pressure is fixed on the surface of recording materials P.Leave the recording materials P of nip portion N with The surface curvature of fixing sleeve 105 separates, and is transferred into distributing roller to 14 or revolving roll pair 15。

The fusion point of the demoulding wax included in explanation toner below and sublimation point.Differential is utilized to sweep Retouch calorimetric analysis (DSC) device Q1000 (by TA Instrument Inc. manufacture) in accordance with The maximum endothermic peak of ASTM (ASTM) D3418-82 canonical measure demoulding wax Peak temperature.Utilize the temperature of the fusion point correcting unit detector unit of indium and zinc.Utilize indium Melting heat correction heat.

Specifically, the toner of accurate weighing about 10mg, and put it in aluminum pan. Using empty aluminum pan as benchmark.Measurement temperature 30 degree (Celsius) to 200 degree (Celsius) In the range of degree with 1 degree (Celsius)/minute heating rate measure.During measurement, temperature liter Up to 200 degree (Celsius), is then reduced to 30 degree (Celsius), the most again raises.With For the second time in temperature-rise period within the temperature range of 30 degree (Celsius) to 200 degree (Celsius) The maximum endothermic peak of DSC curve is as the maximum of the endothermic curve in the dsc measurement of demoulding wax Endothermic peak, and this temperature is defined as fusion point (Tm).

Particle collector " Handheld 3016 " (being manufactured by Lighthouse Inc.) is used to measure The sublimation point of demoulding wax.Specifically, close by the box institute of a size of 30cm*30cm*30cm Raise in the space of envelope and measure the temperature that the 10mg of accurate weighing " includes the toner of demoulding wax " Degree.During this measures, temperature when particle collector starts counting up is defined as sublimation point (Ts). In other words, particle collector detects that the temperature of " composition initially gasified by demoulding wax " is determined Justice is the sublimation point of this demoulding wax.The fusion point (Tm) of the demoulding wax used in this example embodiment Being 76.08 degree (Celsius) (with reference to Fig. 9 A), its sublimation point (Ts) is 140 degree (Celsius) (with reference to Fig. 9 B).

The temperature curve of catch parts 113 and stay 108 represents in Figure 10 A.Catch parts The temperature curve of 113 T113 indicates, and the temperature curve T108 of stay 108 indicates.

The measuring condition of T113 and T108

Temperature: 23 degree (Celsius)

Humidity: 50%

Recording materials: 75gsm and LTR size

Sheet material passes through condition: imaging device under environment above vacant 24 hours, then this imaging Device body power source open after vacant 60 minutes, the one side of the most each sheet material continues through.

Catch parts 113 is heated by the radiant heat launched from fixing sleeve 105.Heater 103 It is controlled as 120 degree of (Celsius) temperature, its periphery in the standby period waiting print signal Part is also preheated, and makes the temperature of this catch parts 113 not become the environment temperature that printer is placed Degree.To this end, as shown in Figure 10 A, the temperature of the catch parts 113 of print signal input pre-test Degree Ts113 changes between 59 degree (Celsius) and 60 degree (Celsius).

When the temperature of print signal input and heater 103 starts to raise rapidly, catch parts The temperature of 113 also begins to raise rapidly.When the leading edge of recording materials P arrives nip portion N, catch Temperature TN113 of collection parts 113 is increased to 81 degree (Celsius), and reaches the molten of demoulding wax Melting point Tm.Thereafter, the temperature of catch parts 113 raises, but temperature curve becomes gradually to put down Delay and ultimately become unchanged at below sublimation point Ts.

By regulation thermal capacity C113, specifically, by changing catch parts 113 and fixing set Gap value between cylinder 105 and the material of this catch parts 113 and volume, it is possible to easily Change the heating rate of this catch parts 113 and can reach temperature.Leading edge at recording materials P Before arriving nip portion N, the temperature of catch parts 113 can be set at the molten of various demoulding wax Between melting point Tm and sublimation point.

Thus, according in the fixation facility of this example embodiment, the temperature of catch parts 113 The leading edge of recording materials P arrive reach before nip portion N demoulding wax fusion point or more than. Catch parts 113 (performs in the time period of fixing process) to be maintained at from the demoulding during printing The fusion point of wax is within the temperature range of sublimation point.

Due to stay 108 than catch parts 113 further from fixing sleeve 105 and this stay 108 Thermal capacity C108 be the about octuple of thermal capacity C113 of this catch parts 113, so printing Temperature Ts108 recorded before signal input is about 45 degree (Celsius), less than catch parts 113 Temperature.Temperature after print signal input rises relatively slow, and temperature will not in 100 seconds Reach fusion point Tm.It is to say, the heat of catch parts 113 passes to stay hardly 108, thermal capacity C108 is bigger than catch parts 113 so that the temperature of this stay 108 is eased up Ground rises.

The temperature of catch parts 113 reached before the leading edge of recording materials P arrives nip portion N The fusion point of demoulding wax or more than, and the temperature of stay 108 is not up to the fusion point of demoulding wax.

The catch parts 113 obtained when sheet material continues through after body power source is opened Temperature curve T113 ' represents in fig. 1 ob.

The measuring condition of T113 '

Temperature: 23 degree (Celsius)

Humidity: 50%

Recording materials: 75gsm and LTR size

Sheet material passes through condition: imaging device under environment above vacant 24 hours, then immediately preceding After body power source unlatching, the one side of each sheet material continues through.

After body power source is opened, heater 103 is rapidly heated to be able to carry out fixing process Temperature, and the temperature of catch parts 113 starts to raise rapidly.Thereafter, before print signal input The temperature Ts113 ' of the catch parts 113 recorded is 71 degree (Celsius) and 73 degree (Celsius) Between change.When the leading edge of recording materials P arrives nip portion N, the temperature of catch parts 113 TN113 ' has been increased to 88 degree (Celsius) and has reached the fusion point Tm of demoulding wax.

Subsequently, the class of a curve of temperature TN113 ' is similar to the curve of temperature T113.Not only in main body After electric power starting, and after plug paper processes recovery or after energy saver mode recovery, perform similar Heat treated.Thus, no matter printer 1 is the state when standby, body power source unlatching After state, plug paper process recover after state still energy saver mode recovery after state, When the leading edge of recording materials P arrives nip portion N, the temperature of catch parts all reaches 76.08 degree (Celsius) or more than.

The temperature curve of catch parts 114 and lower front shroud 112 represents in fig. 11.Catch parts The temperature curve of 114 T114 indicates, and the temperature curve T112 of lower front shroud 112 indicates. Measuring condition is similar with the measuring condition of T113 and T108.

Take such a to arrange, make the temperature leading edge at recording materials P of catch parts 114 Reach 76.08 degree (Celsius) before arriving nip portion N or (TN114=82 degree (is taken the photograph above Family name)), the temperature curve T114 that this offer is substantially similar with the temperature curve of catch parts 113. To this end, omission its description.The temperature curve of lower front shroud 112 is similar to the temperature of stay 108 Write music line, thus it will be apparent that heat passes to lower front shroud 112 from catch parts 114 hardly.

Thermal capacity C114 of catch parts 114 is the pact of thermal capacity C112 of lower front shroud 112 1/24.If heat is prone to pass to lower front shroud 112, or lower front shroud 112 from catch parts 114 Be provided with the function of catch parts 114, then the temperature of this lower front shroud 112 raises, and user is at plug paper May touch, during process or when changing fixation facility, the part that temperature is high.

The temperature curve T115 of the catch parts 115 and temperature curve T109 of substrate 109 represents In fig. 12.Measuring condition is similar with the measuring condition of T113 and T108.Trap portion Part 113 and 114 is fixed the radiant heat of sleeve 105 transmitting and heats, and catch parts 115 quilt The radiant heat heating launched from backer roll 102.

When print signal input and heater energising are to rise high-temperature rapidly, catch parts 115 Temperature also begin to raise rapidly.When the leading edge of recording materials P arrives nip portion N, trapping Temperature TN115 of parts 115 has been increased to 92 degree (Celsius).But, work as recording materials When P is clamped by nip portion N, these recording materials P seizes the heat of backer roll 102, so that should The temperature of backer roll 102 reduces.Meanwhile, the temperature of catch parts 115 is from immediately TN115 Peak value Tp afterwards declines.While sheet material passes through, fixing sleeve 105 is constantly provided Heat from heater 103.

On the other hand, the supplying heat source outside backer roll 102 does not include heater 103.To this end, Backer roll 102 is recorded material P and seizes heat so that the temperature of this backer roll 102 reduces.So And, the heat of the backer roll 102 that recording materials P is seized is the most constant so that this pressurization The temperature of roller 102 will not continuous decrease and nearly constant when sheet material passes through.Catch parts 115 Temperature decline from peak value Tp, but at the model from 80 degree (Celsius) to 83 degree (Celsius) Enclose interior change.

Thermal capacity C115 of catch parts 115 is about the 1/13 of thermal capacity C109 of substrate 109. To this end, the heating rate that substrate 109 is after print signal inputs is relatively slow.If fixation facility At least one in multiple catch parts within 100 arrives pressing in the leading edge of recording materials P Reach fusion point Tm during portion N, then can trap demoulding wax.

The wax composition utilizing fixation unit to heat and to gasify is cooled down at once and is again solidified.As above Described, the fusion point Tm of the demoulding wax that toner employed in this example embodiment includes It is 76.08 degree (Celsius) and its sublimation point Ts is 140 degree (Celsius) so that this demoulding wax In the range of 140 degree (Celsius), it is in liquid phase 76.08 degree (Celsius).

When demoulding wax is in liquid phase, the wetted and intermolecular masterpiece of catch parts 113 to 115 For adsorbing demoulding wax with permission between demoulding wax and catch parts 113 to 115.In other words, The temperature of catch parts 113 to 115 rises to fusion point Tm or higher, again gasifies and solid The wax composition changed becomes liquid phase again, thus allows catch parts 113 to 115 to trap demoulding wax.

If the temperature of catch parts 113 to 115 is fusion point Tm or following, then at demoulding wax In solid phase so that this catch parts 113 to 115 is the most wetted.Act on demoulding wax and trapping Molecular separating force between parts 113 to 115 is so small that and can not make this catch parts 113 to 115 Absorption demoulding wax.

If the temperature of catch parts 113 to 115 exceedes sublimation point Ts, then the demoulding wax trapped Again distil from this catch parts 113 to 115.For above reason, catch parts 113 to The temperature of 115 is maintained in the range of 76.08 degree (Celsius) to 140 degree (Celsius), So that this catch parts 113 to 115 again makes demoulding wax liquefy and adsorbs this demoulding wax, this takes off Pattern wax is heated at nip portion and distils and then solidify.

In order to the most reliably trap (when printing single page the most off and on) when printing a small amount of number of pages Demoulding wax, it is desirable to promptly raise the temperature of catch parts 113 to 115 after print signal inputs Degree, so that the temperature of this catch parts 113 to 115 arrives pressing in the leading edge of recording materials P The fusion point Tm of demoulding wax is reached before portion N.

The temperature making catch parts 113 to 115 arrives nip portion N in the leading edge of recording materials P Reach the fusion point Tm of demoulding wax, to allow this catch parts 113 to 115 any before Sheet material can reliably adsorb demoulding wax by under pattern.

According to multiple demoulding wax, it would be desirable that at the fusion point of the highest that demoulding wax of fusion point And change catch parts within the temperature range of between the sublimation point of that demoulding wax that sublimation point is minimum The temperature of 113 to 115.

The effect of this example embodiment is described below.Make to be located at heating unit 101 and stay 108 Between, between heating unit 101 and lower front shroud 112 and backer roll 102 and substrate 109 it Between catch parts 113 to 115 adsorb demoulding wax energetically, to reduce due to the demoulding as far as possible Wax is attached on recording materials guiding element or transfer roller the transmission fault caused.Make catch parts 113 Temperature to 115 reached the molten of demoulding wax before the leading edge of recording materials P arrives nip portion N Melting point Tm, thus allow to trap this demoulding wax, and the number of pages to be printed with one-stop operation without Close.

Make thermal capacity and stay 108, the lower front shroud 112 of catch parts 113,114 and 115 respectively Compare with the thermal capacity of substrate 109 as far as possible little, to shorten this catch parts 113,114 With 115 temperature be increased to demoulding wax fusion point needed for time, such that it is able to shorten from beating Official seal number input is to the time starting printing.

Gap is located between catch parts 113 and stay 108, catch parts 114 and lower front shroud To reduce heat transfer as far as possible between 112 and between catch parts 115 and substrate 109, Thus reduce the caloric receptivity of this catch parts 113 and 114 to constant level.This makes sheet material pass through The temperature stabilization of Shi Dingying sleeve 105 such that it is able to guarantee energy-conservation and reliable fixing function.

This also prevents the temperature of the possible lower front shroud 112 touched of user from raising.Gap is used as heat insulation Parts, to allow for the demoulding wax trapping structure of low cost.

[example 2]

Explanation is according to the fixation facility of the second example embodiment below.Illustrate to implement with the first demonstration The characteristic point within fixation facility that the characteristic point of example is different.

In the fixation facility 100 according to the second example embodiment, one can impregnate demoulding wax Heat-resistant nonwovens 118 be attached on the surface of catch parts 113,114 and 115 (with reference to figure 13).Heat-resistant nonwovens 118 is the aggregation of the fiber of average diameter some tens of pm.Its appearance Area is much larger than the external surface area of ordinary resin parts.The heat-resistant nonwovens of demoulding wax can be impregnated To increase outside this catch parts on 118 surfaces being attached at catch parts 113,114 and 115 Surface area such that it is able to increase the amount of collected of demoulding wax.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that, this Invention is not limited to disclosed example embodiment.The scope of claims below should be given Wide explanation, to contain all modification, equivalent structure and function.

This application claims and enjoy the Japanese patent application No. submitted on April 10th, 2009 The priority of 2009-096143, is integrally incorporated this application with this by quoting.

[reference numerals list]

1 printer

5 image-generating units

100 fixation facilities

101 heating units

102 backer rolls

108 stays

109 substrates

112 times front shrouds

113 to 115 catch parts

118 heat-resistant nonwovens

Claims (9)

1. an imaging device, including:

Image-generating unit, is configured to use the toner including demoulding wax shape on recording materials Become toner image；

Fixation unit, is configured at nip portion the described toning on described recording materials Agent image heating is also fixed on described recording materials, wherein, described fixation unit include for The nip portion forming described nip portion forms parts and forms parts for housing described nip portion Framework；And

It is characterized in that, described imaging device also includes:

Catch parts, be configured to be captured at described nip portion by heat produce by institute State the gasification ingredient of demoulding wax gasification,

Wherein, described catch parts is located at described nip portion and is formed between parts and described framework, And

Wherein, described catch parts is by the radiant heat from the formation parts transmitting of described nip portion It is maintained at so that the described gasification ingredient gasified by described demoulding wax is in the temperature of liquid phase.

Imaging device the most according to claim 1, wherein, waits at described imaging device The standby period of print signal, the temperature of described catch parts is less than the fusion point of described demoulding wax, And after described print signal inputs to described imaging device, the temperature of described catch parts It is increased to so that the described gasification ingredient gasified by described demoulding wax is in the temperature of liquid phase.

Imaging device the most according to claim 2, wherein, before described recording materials Before edge arrives described nip portion, the temperature of described catch parts reaches so that by described demoulding wax The described gasification ingredient of gasification is in the temperature of liquid phase.

Imaging device the most according to claim 2, wherein, if the heat of described catch parts Capacity is C1, and the thermal capacity forming described framework and the parts that are attached with described catch parts is C2, then meet relation C1 ＜ C2.

Imaging device the most according to claim 1, wherein, the material of described catch parts For resin.

Imaging device the most according to claim 1, wherein, the surface of described catch parts On there is the heat-resistant nonwovens that can impregnate described gasification ingredient.

Imaging device the most according to claim 1, wherein, described catch parts and attachment The gap between the parts of described catch parts is had to utilize air-gap heat insulation.

Imaging device the most according to claim 1, wherein, described nip portion forms parts Including endless belt.

Imaging device the most according to claim 1, wherein, described nip portion forms parts Including endless belt and the heater of the inner faces contact of described endless belt and via described annular Band forms the backer roll of described nip portion together with described heater.