JP2000098782A - Fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a fixing device which enables stable fixing and enables instantaneous heating while preventing a high-temp. offset in a nip part by forming a rotating member for heat ray fixing by providing the member with a cylindrical translucent substrate internally provided with a bar-shaped heat ray irradiation means and a heat ray absorption layer on the outer side of the translucent substrate and disposing a light distributing means between the heat ray irradiation means and the translucent substrate. SOLUTION: The heat ray fixing roller 17a as the rotating member for heat ray fixing for fixing the toner image on a transfer material is constituted as a soft roller provided with the cylindrical translucent substrate 171a and an elastic layer 171d, a heat ray absorption layer 171b and a release layer 171c in this order on the outer side of the translucent substrate 171a. The translucent substrate 171a is internally provided with a halogen lamp 171g which is the heat ray irradiation means and a reflection mirror RF1 as the light distributing means for irradiating the specific region of the inside wall of the translucent substrate 171a with the heat rays by shielding and condensing the heat rays from a heat lay filament F1 and making the irradiation position changeable.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fixing device used for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc., and more particularly to a fixing device for quick start fixing capable of instantaneous heating.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a fixing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, etc., a heat roller fixing method has been used as a fixing device having high technical perfection and stability. Machine to full-color machine,
Has been widely adopted.

However, in the conventional heat roller fixing type fixing device, it is necessary to heat the fixing roller having a large heat capacity when heating the transfer material or the toner, so that the energy saving effect is poor and the energy saving is disadvantageous. Further, there is a problem that it takes time to warm up the fixing device during printing, and the printing time (warming up time) becomes longer.

In order to solve this, a film (heat fixing film) is used, the heat roller is brought to the ultimate thickness of the heat fixing film to reduce the heat capacity, and a temperature-controlled heater (ceramic heater) is directly applied to the heat fixing film. A film fixing type fixing device and an image forming device using the same have been proposed, which greatly improve the heat conduction efficiency by being brought into contact with the pressure and achieve energy saving and a quick start which requires almost no warm-up time. Have been

As a modification of the heat roller, a light-transmissive substrate is used as a fixing roller (rotating member for fixing a heat ray), and a heat ray from a heat ray filament (heat ray emission source) of a halogen lamp (heat ray irradiation means) provided inside is used. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 52-106741 discloses a fixing method in which a toner is heated and fixed to achieve a quick start without requiring a warm-up time.
JP-A-57-82240, JP-A-57-1027
Nos. 36, 57-102741, and the like. Further, a light absorbing layer is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the light-transmitting substrate to constitute a fixing roller (rotating member for heat-ray fixing), and the heat-ray filament of a halogen lamp (heat-ray irradiating means) provided inside the cylindrical light-transmitting substrate. (Heat ray emission source)
JP-A-59-65867 discloses a fixing method in which light is absorbed by a light-absorbing layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of a light-transmitting substrate, and a toner image is fixed by heat of the light-absorbing layer.

[0006]

However, a heat ray from a heat ray filament (heat ray emission source) of a halogen lamp (heat ray irradiation means) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 52-106741 is radiated through a transparent substrate. A fixing roller (rotating member for heat ray fixing) is provided by providing a light absorbing layer on the outer peripheral surface of a light-transmissive substrate, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-65867. In a method of irradiating a heat ray from a heat ray filament (heat ray emission source) of the (heat ray irradiating means) to the light absorbing layer through the light transmitting substrate and fixing the toner by the heat of the light absorbing layer, energy saving and warm-up time are required. Although a shortened quick start was achieved, if the fixing temperature at the fixing portion (nip portion) of the roll-shaped rotating member for heat ray fixing is low, the fixing is insufficient. It is necessary to raise the next fixing temperature, but the problem that hot offset occurs when simply increasing the number to the fixing temperature heat dose from the heat ray emitting source occurs. In addition, the rotating member for heat ray fixing can be heated instantly and immediately rises in temperature. However, since the heat capacity is small, it is difficult to cope with all types of transfer materials such as thin paper and thick paper and glossy and non-glossy images. There is a problem. Further, there arises a problem that the measured temperature of the surface of the roll-shaped rotating member for heat ray fixing is not stably controlled.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, prevents high-temperature offset in the nip portion, enables stable fixing, and applies to all types of transfer materials such as thin paper and thick paper, gloss and non-gloss. It is possible to fix using instantaneous heating that can respond to
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fixing device capable of instantaneously heating which stably controls a measured temperature on the surface of a rotating member for heat ray fixing.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressurizing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray having a heat ray emission source for emitting heat rays therein is provided. Irradiating means, a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate in which the heat-ray irradiating means is disposed, and a heat-ray absorbing layer provided outside the light-transmitting substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays. The fixing device is characterized in that a light distribution unit having an irradiation center in a region upstream of a nip portion of the inner wall of the light-transmitting substrate is provided between the heat-ray irradiating unit and the light-transmitting substrate. First invention).

Further, the object is to provide a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressurizing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray emission source for emitting heat rays therein; A cylindrical light-transmissive substrate having the heat-ray irradiating means disposed therein, and a heat-ray absorbing layer provided outside the light-transmissive substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays, and A second aspect of the present invention is achieved by a fixing device characterized in that a light distribution unit is provided between a unit and the light-transmitting substrate at an exit of a nip portion inside the light-transmitting substrate (second invention).

[0010] Further, the above object is to provide a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressurizing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray emission source for emitting heat rays therein; A cylindrical light-transmissive substrate having the heat-ray irradiating means disposed therein, and a heat-ray absorbing layer provided outside the light-transmissive substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays, and Providing light distribution means between the means and the light-transmissive substrate downstream of the nip portion inside the light-transmissive substrate, and irradiating a specific region of the inner wall of the light-transmissive substrate with the light distribution means by the light distribution means; (Third invention).

[0011] Further, the above object is to provide a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressurizing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray emission source for emitting heat rays therein; A cylindrical light-transmissive substrate having the heat-ray irradiating means disposed therein, and a heat-ray absorbing layer provided outside the light-transmissive substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays, and Light distributing means is provided downstream of a nip portion inside the light transmissive substrate between the light transmitting means and the light transmissive substrate, and a first temperature is applied to the surface of the heat ray fixing rotating member facing the light distributing means. This is achieved by a fixing device characterized by performing temperature control by disposing a sensor (fourth invention).

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that the description in this column does not limit the technical scope of the claims and the meaning of terms. Also, the following assertive description in the embodiment of the present invention indicates the best mode, and does not limit the meaning of the terms of the present invention or the technical scope. In the following description, the image writing means is provided inside the image forming body, but the means provided outside the image forming body is also included in the present invention.

An image forming process and each mechanism of an embodiment of a color image forming apparatus using a fixing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a color image forming apparatus using a fixing device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the image forming body of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a first example of the arrangement of light distribution means in a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member, and FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross section of a layer configuration of the rolled heat ray fixing rotating member. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the concentration distribution of the heat ray absorbing layer of the roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member, and FIG. 6 is an outer diameter of the light transmitting substrate of the roll shaped heat ray fixing rotating member. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member, and FIG. 8 is a view showing exposure of the roll shaped heat ray fixing rotating member by the light distribution unit of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an amount distribution and a surface temperature during rotation of a heat ray fixing rotating member.

According to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, a photosensitive drum 10, which is an image forming body, is provided on the outer periphery of a cylindrical base formed of a light-transmitting member such as glass or light-transmitting acrylic resin. A photoconductive layer and a photoconductor layer of an organic photosensitive layer (OPC) are formed. The photosensitive drum 10 is rotated clockwise as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1 with the light-transmitting conductive layer grounded by power from a drive source (not shown).
0 is rotated.

The photosensitive drum 10 is sandwiched between a front flange 10a and a rear flange 10b, and the front flange 10a is supported by a guide pin 10P1 provided on a cover 503 attached to a front side plate 501 of the apparatus main body.
The rear flange 10b is externally fitted to a plurality of guide rollers 10R attached to the rear plate 502 of the apparatus main body, and the photosensitive drum 10 is held. A gear 10G provided on the outer periphery of the rear flange 10b is meshed with a driving gear G1, and the photosensitive drum 10 is rotated clockwise as shown by an arrow in FIG. 1 with the transparent conductive layer grounded by its power. You.

According to the present invention, in the photoconductor layer of the photosensitive drum, which is the image forming point of the exposure beam for image exposure, an appropriate contrast is provided to the light attenuation characteristics (photocarrier generation) of the photoconductor layer. It is sufficient that the exposure light amount has a wavelength that can be obtained. Therefore, the light transmittance of the light-transmitting substrate of the photosensitive drum in the present embodiment does not need to be 100%, but may be such that a certain amount of light is absorbed when the exposure beam is transmitted. Should just provide an appropriate contrast. Acrylic resin,
In particular, those polymerized using methacrylic acid methyl ester monomer are preferably used because they are excellent in light transmission, strength, accuracy, surface properties, etc., but are used for other general optical members such as acrylic, fluorine, polyester, polycarbonate, Various translucent resins such as polyethylene terephthalate can be used. Further, as long as it has a light-transmitting property with respect to the exposure light, it may be colored. As the light-transmitting conductive layer, indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide, copper iodide, Au, Ag, N
A light-transmissive metal thin film made of i, Al, or the like is used. As a film forming method, a vacuum deposition method, an active reactive deposition method,
Various sputtering methods, various CVD methods, dip coating methods, spray coating methods, and the like are used. Various organic photosensitive layers (OPC) are used as the photoconductor layer.

The organic photosensitive layer serving as a photoconductive photoreceptor layer includes a charge generation layer (CGL) containing a charge generation material (CGM) as a main component and a charge transport layer (CTM) containing a charge transport material (CTM) as a main component. And CTL). An organic photosensitive layer having a two-layer structure has high durability as an organic photosensitive layer due to its thick CTL and is suitable for the present invention. The organic photosensitive layer may have a single-layer structure containing a charge generation material (CGM) and a charge transport material (CTM) in one layer. Usually contains a binder resin.

A scorotron charger 11 as a charging unit described below, and an exposure optical system 1 as an image writing unit will be described.
2. The developing device 13 as a developing unit is used for an image forming process of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K). Are arranged in the order of Y, M, C and K with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 10 indicated by the arrow.

Scorotron charger 11 as charging means
Is mounted so as to face and be close to the photosensitive drum 10 in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the photosensitive drum 10 as an image forming body (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1). A control grid (no symbol) maintained at a predetermined potential with respect to the body layer;
As a, for example, a sawtooth electrode is used, and a charging action (in this embodiment, negative charging) is performed by corona discharge having the same polarity as that of the toner, thereby giving a uniform potential to the photosensitive drum 10. As the corona discharge electrode 11a, a wire electrode or a needle electrode may be used.

The exposure optical system 12 for each color has a linear exposure element (LED) in which a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) as light emitting elements for image exposure light are arranged in an array in parallel with the axis of the photosensitive drum 10. (Not shown) and a selfoc lens (not shown) as an equal-magnification imaging element are configured as an exposure unit attached to a holder. Rear plate 5 of the device body
02 and the front side plate 501.
Guide pin 1 provided on cover 503 attached to
0P1 and a cylindrical holding member 2 fixed with the guide as a guide
At 0, the exposure optical system 12 for each color is attached and housed inside the base of the photosensitive drum 10. In addition, as the exposure element, a linear element in which a plurality of light emitting elements such as FL (phosphor emission), EL (electroluminescence), and PL (plasma discharge) are arranged in an array is used.

An exposure optical system 12 as an image writing means for each color sets an exposure position on a photosensitive drum 10 between a scorotron charger 11 and a developing device 13 and a photosensitive member with respect to the developing device 13. It is arranged inside the photosensitive drum 10 in a state provided on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the drum.

The exposure optical system 12 performs image processing based on image data of each color sent from a separate computer (not shown) and stored in a memory, and then performs image processing on the uniformly charged photosensitive drum 10. Exposure is performed to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 10. The emission wavelength of the light-emitting element used in this embodiment is usually 6 for the toners of Y, M, and C, which have high translucency.
The wavelength in the range of 80 to 900 nm is good, but the wavelength may be shorter than this, since the color toner does not have sufficient translucency since image exposure is performed from the back surface.

The developing device 13 as a developing means for each color includes
Inside yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C)
Alternatively, a black (K) two-component (or one-component) developer is accommodated, and each has a thickness of, for example, 0.5 mm to 1 m.
The developing sleeve 131 is a cylindrical, non-magnetic stainless steel or aluminum material having an outer diameter of 15 to 25 mm.

In the developing area, the developing sleeve 131 is kept out of contact with the photosensitive drum 10 with a predetermined gap, for example, 100 μm to 1000 μm, by abutting rollers (not shown). And a DC voltage of the same polarity as the toner (in this embodiment, a negative polarity) or a voltage that superimposes the AC voltage AC on the DC voltage is applied to the developing sleeve 131 as a developing bias. As a result, non-contact reversal development is performed on the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 10. At this time, the precision of the development interval needs to be about 20 μm or less in order to prevent image unevenness.

As described above, the developing unit 13 transfers the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 by the charging by the scorotron charger 11 and the image exposure by the exposure optical system 12 in a non-contact state. Reversal development is performed with toner having the same polarity as the charge polarity of No. 10 (in the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum is negatively charged, and the toner has a negative polarity).

A gear 10 provided on a rear flange 10b of the photosensitive drum 10 through a driving gear G1 by starting a photosensitive member driving motor (not shown) at the start of image formation.
G is rotated to rotate the photosensitive drum 10 clockwise as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, and at the same time, the application of the potential to the photosensitive drum 10 is started by the charging action of the Y scorotron charger 11. After a potential is applied to the photosensitive drum 10, exposure by an electrical signal corresponding to the first color signal, that is, the Y image data is started in the Y exposure optical system 12, and the photosensitive layer on the surface thereof is rotated by rotating the drum. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow (Y) image of the original image is formed. This latent image is reversely developed in a non-contact state by the Y developing device 13, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10.

Next, the photoreceptor drum 10 places an M scorotron charger 11 on the yellow (Y) toner image.
A potential is applied by the charging action of the M exposure optical system 12
Exposure is performed using an electrical signal corresponding to the second color signal of m, i.e., magenta (M) image data.
Yellow (Y) by non-contact reversal development
A toner image of magenta (M) is formed on the toner image of FIG.

According to the same process, the cyan (C) toner image corresponding to the third color signal is further processed by the C scorotron charger 11, the exposure optical system 12 and the developing device 13, and the K scorotron charger 11. , Exposure optical system 1
A black (K) toner image corresponding to the fourth color signal is sequentially superimposed and formed by the second and developing units 13, and a color toner image is formed on the peripheral surface within one rotation of the photosensitive drum 10. You.

As described above, in this embodiment, Y, M,
The exposure of the organic photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 10 by the C and K exposure optical systems 12 is performed from the inside of the photosensitive drum 10 through a translucent substrate. Therefore, the exposure of the image corresponding to the second, third, and fourth color signals can form an electrostatic latent image without being shielded by the previously formed toner image, which is preferable. Photoconductor drum 10
May be exposed from outside.

On the other hand, the recording paper P as a transfer material is sent out from a paper feed cassette 15 as a transfer material storage means by a feed-out roller (no code), fed by a feed roller (no code), and fed to a timing roller. It is conveyed to 16.

The recording paper P is synchronized with the color toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 10 by the driving of the timing roller 16, and the paper charger 1 serving as a paper charging means is synchronized.
Due to the electrification of 50, the toner is attracted to the conveyor belt 14a and fed to the transfer area. The recording paper P, which is closely transported by the transport belt 14a, is moved around the photosensitive drum 10 by a transfer unit 14c as a transfer unit to which a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner (positive polarity in the present embodiment) is applied in a transfer area. The color toner images on the surface are collectively transferred to the recording paper P.

The recording paper P on which the color toner image has been transferred is
The paper is discharged by a paper separation AC neutralizer 14h as a transfer material separating unit, separated from the transport belt 14a, and transported to the fixing device 17.

The fixing device 17 is composed of an upper heat-fixing roller 17a serving as a hot-roll fixing rotating member for fixing a color toner image, and a lower fixing roller 47a serving as a lower-roll fixing rotating member. Inside the heat ray fixing roller 17a, there is a halogen lamp 171g which is a heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray filament F1 as a heat ray emission source which mainly emits infrared rays or far infrared rays, and an upstream side of the nip portion N. A reflecting mirror RF1 is provided as a light distribution means for shielding and condensing a heat ray from the heat ray filament F1 having an irradiation center.

Heat ray fixing roller 17a and fixing roller 47a
The recording paper P is sandwiched by a nip portion N formed between
By applying heat and pressure, the color toner image on the recording paper P is fixed, and the recording paper P is sent by the paper discharge roller 18 and discharged to a tray on the upper portion of the apparatus.

The toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 10 after the transfer is transferred to a cleaning blade 19 provided in a cleaning device 19 as an image forming body cleaning means.
Cleaning is performed by a. The photosensitive drum 10 from which the residual toner has been removed is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 11, and enters the next image forming cycle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing device 17 includes a heat ray fixing roller 17 as a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member having an upper elasticity for fixing a toner image on a transfer material.
and a nip portion having a width of about 2 to 10 mm, which is formed between the heat-ray fixing roller 17a having elasticity and the fixing roller 47a, which is constituted by a fixing roller 47a as a lower roll-shaped fixing rotating member. N holds the recording paper P, and applies heat and pressure to fix the toner image on the recording paper P. The heat-fixing roller 17a as a roll-shaped hot-wire fixing rotating member provided on the upper side has a fixing separation claw TR6, a fixing oil cleaning roller TR1, and a heat equalization in the rotation direction of the hot-wire fixing roller 17a from the position of the nip portion N. A roller TR7, an oil-applied felt TR2, and an oil-amount regulating blade TR3 are provided. The oil-applied felt TR is passed through a capillary pipe TR5 from an oil tank TR4.
2 is applied to the heat ray fixing roller 17a by the oil application felt TR2. The oil on the peripheral surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is cleaned by the fixing oil cleaning blade TR1. Accordingly, a temperature sensor TS1 for measuring the temperature of the heat equalizing roller TR7 and the heat ray fixing roller 17a, which will be described later, is provided on the peripheral surface of the cleaned heat ray fixing roller 17a between the fixing oil cleaning roller TR1 and the oil application felt TR2. Provided. The transfer material after fixing is separated by the fixing separation claw TR6. Further, a heat equalizing roller TR7 using a metal roller member having good heat conductivity such as an aluminum material or a stainless steel material.
Is provided on the back side of the reflecting mirror RF1 (on the front side of the heat ray fixing rotating member facing the light distribution means), so that the heat ray fixing roller 17 is heated by the heat ray absorbing layer 171b.
The heat generation temperature distribution on the a peripheral surface is made uniform.

A heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member for fixing a toner image on a transfer material has a cylindrical light transmitting substrate 171a and an outer (outer peripheral surface) of the light transmitting substrate 171a. It is configured as a soft roller in which an elastic layer 171d, a heat ray absorbing layer 171b, and a release layer 171c are provided in this order. A halogen lamp 171g which is a heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray filament F1 as a heat ray emission source for mainly emitting a heat ray such as an infrared ray or a far infrared ray inside the translucent substrate 171a;
A reflector R as a light distribution means having an irradiation center in an area upstream of the nip portion N for blocking and condensing the heat rays from
F1 are provided. The heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member is configured as a highly elastic soft roller by an elastic layer 171d (described later) provided on the heat ray fixing roller 17a. The heat ray emitted from the halogen lamp 171g passes through the reflecting mirror RF1 and passes through the heat ray absorbing layer 171.
Thus, a roll-shaped rotatable member for heat ray fixing that is absorbed by b and can be heated instantaneously is formed.

Further, the lower fixing roller 47a as a roll-shaped fixing rotating member uses, for example, a cylindrical metal pipe 471a using an aluminum material and a silicon material on the outer peripheral surface of the metal pipe 471a. , A soft roller having a rubber roller 471b formed of a thin rubber layer having a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Thereby, it can also have the role of the heat equalizing roller TR7. Metal pipe 471
A halogen heater 471c having a filament F2 as a heat source may be provided inside a.

A flat nip N is formed between the upper soft roller and the lower soft roller, and the toner image is fixed.

TS1 is a temperature sensor attached to the upper heat ray fixing roller 17a for controlling temperature.
S2 is a temperature sensor mounted on the lower fixing roller 47a for performing temperature control.

According to FIG. 4, the configuration of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is such that, as shown in the cross section in FIG. 4 (a), the cylindrical translucent substrate 171a is made of infrared rays or far infrared rays from a halogen lamp 171g. Ceramic materials such as Pyrex glass, sapphire (Al ₂ O ₃ ), and CaF _{2 that} have a heat conductivity of (5.5 to 19.0) × 10 ⁻³ J /
cm · s · K) or a translucent resin using polyimide, polyamide, or the like (having a thermal conductivity of (2.5 to 3.4) × 10
⁻³ J / cm · s · K). In addition, the translucent substrate 17
Since the wavelength of the heat ray passing through 1a is 0.1 to 20 μm, preferably 0.3 to 3 μm, an adjuster for hardness and thermal conductivity is added as a filler, but the particle size is １ ／ of the wavelength of the heat ray. Preferably 1/5 or less, including primary and secondary particles, having an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or less, having a heat ray transmission property (mainly infrared or far infrared ray transmission property) of ITO, titanium oxide, The light-transmitting base 171a may be formed by dispersing fine particles of a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, and calcium carbonate in a resin binder. The average particle diameter including primary and secondary particles is 1 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or less.
When the thickness is less than μm, light scattering is prevented and the heat ray absorbing layer 171 is formed.
Preferred to reach b. As described above, the translucent substrate 171a does not have good thermal conductivity.

The elastic layer 171d is made of, for example, a silicone rubber having a thickness of about 2 to 20 mm, and is formed of a rubber layer (base layer) that transmits the heat rays (mainly infrared rays or far infrared rays). For the elastic layer 171d, in order to cope with a high speed, a method of improving thermal conductivity by blending a base rubber (silicon rubber) with a powder of a metal oxide such as silica, alumina or magnesium oxide as a filler is adopted. Conductivity is (1.3-1.6) × 10 ⁻³ J / cm
-It is preferable to use a rubber layer of about sK. When the thermal conductivity is increased, the rubber hardness generally tends to increase. For example, a rubber having a normal hardness of 40 Hs tends to have a hardness close to 60 Hs (JIS, A rubber hardness). Preferred rubber hardness is 5
６０60 Hs. Elastic layer 171 of heat ray fixing rotating member
Most of d is occupied by the base layer, and the amount of compression at the time of pressurization is determined by the rubber hardness of the base layer. Elastic layer 17
The intermediate layer 1d is coated with a fluorine-based rubber having a thickness of 20 to 300 μm as an oil-resistant layer to prevent oil swelling.
As the silicon rubber of the top layer of the elastic layer 171d, H
TV (High Temperature Volca)
RTV (Room)
Temperature Volcanizing) or LTV (Low Temperature Volcan)
is coated with a thickness equivalent to that of the intermediate layer. The wavelength of the heat ray passing through the elastic layer 171d is 0.1 to
Since it is 20 μm, and preferably 0.3 to 3 μm, as an agent for adjusting hardness and thermal conductivity, the particle size is 1/1/1 of the wavelength of the heat ray.
2. Titanium oxide having an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or less, preferably 1/5 or less, preferably 1/5 or less, including primary and secondary particles, and having heat ray transmission properties (mainly infrared or far infrared ray transmission properties). The elastic layer 17 is obtained by dispersing fine particles of a metal oxide such as aluminum, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, and calcium carbonate in a resin binder.
1d may be formed. It is preferable that the average particle diameter including the primary and secondary particles is 1 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or less to prevent light scattering and reach the heat ray absorbing layer 171b. By providing the elastic layer 171d, the heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member is configured as a soft elastic roller.

The heat ray absorbing layer 171b emits light from the heat ray filament F1 of the halogen lamp 171g, and is about 90% to 100%, preferably 95% to 100% of the heat ray transmitted through the translucent substrate 171a and the elastic layer 171d.
Carbon black, graphite, iron black (Fe) is used as the resin binder so that the heat ray absorbing layer 171b absorbs 100% of the heat rays and forms a heat ray fixing rotating member capable of instantaneous heating.
A heat ray absorbing member mixed with powder such as ₃ O ₄ ), various ferrites and compounds thereof, copper oxide, cobalt oxide, and red iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ) is used, and the thickness is 10 to 200 μm, preferably 20 to 100 μm. The heat ray absorbing member is made of an elastic layer 171d.
Is formed by spraying, coating, or the like on the outside (outer peripheral surface). If the heat ray absorption rate in the heat ray absorption layer 171b is lower than about 90%, for example, about 20 to 80%, the heat ray leaks, and the heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member forms a monochrome image due to the leaked heat ray. When the black toner adheres to the surface of the specific position of the heat ray fixing roller 17a due to filming or the like, heat is generated from the adhering portion due to the leaked heat rays, and heat generated by heat ray absorption is further superimposed on the portion, thereby causing heat ray absorption. The layer 171b is damaged. In addition, when used for forming a color image, the absorption efficiency of the color toner is generally low, and there is a difference in the absorption efficiency between the color toners. Therefore, light is emitted from the heat ray filament F1 of the halogen lamp 171g, and the light-transmitting base 171a and the elastic layer 1
The heat ray absorption rate of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is about 90% to 100%, preferably about 100%, preferably 95% to 95%, so that the heat rays transmitted through the heat ray 71d are completely absorbed in the heat ray fixing roller 17a.
100%. Thereby, the melting of the color toner, which is difficult to fix by the heat rays due to the difference in the spectral characteristics, is favorably performed.
The superimposed color toner image on the transfer material having a thick toner layer, which is difficult to fix by heat rays due to the difference in spectral characteristics, is favorably fused. When the thickness of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is less than 10 μm and thin, the heating rate due to the absorption of heat rays in the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is high, but the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is damaged by local heating by the thin film and the strength of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b may be insufficient. When the thickness of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b exceeds 200 μm and is too thick, poor heat conduction or large heat capacity makes instant heating difficult. Heat ray absorbing layer 171b
Of the heat ray absorption layer of the heat ray absorption layer 171b.
10 to 200 μm, preferably 20 to 100 μm
By setting m, local heat generation in the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is prevented, and uniform heat generation is performed. The wavelength of the heat ray projected on the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is 0.1 to 20 μm.
m, preferably 0.3 to 3 μm, so that a filler for adjusting the hardness and thermal conductivity is added as a filler, but the particle size is １ ／, preferably １ ／ or less, of the wavelength of the hot wire. 2
The average particle size including the secondary particles is 1 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or less.
Fine particles of metal oxides such as titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, etc. having a heat ray transmission of 1 μm or less (mainly infrared or far infrared transmission) are dispersed in a resin binder in an amount of 5 to 50% by weight. The heat ray absorbing layer 171b may be formed by using the heat ray absorbing layer 171b. Since the heat capacity of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is thus reduced so that the temperature rises immediately, the temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member is lowered, thereby causing the problem of uneven fixing. To prevent.

Further, a PFA (fluororesin) tube having a thickness of 30 to 100 μm is coated on the outside (outer peripheral surface) of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b separately from the heat ray absorbing layer 171b to improve the releasability from the toner. Or fluorinated resin (PF
(A or PTFE) A release layer 171c coated with a paint of 20 to 30 μm is provided (separation type).

Further, as shown in the cross section in FIG. 4B, carbon black, graphite, iron black (Fe ₃ O ₄ ), various ferrites and their compounds, copper oxide, cobalt oxide, red iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), etc. Heat-absorbing member mixed with powder of PTFE, and a fluororesin (PFA or PT) that also serves as a binder and a release agent
FE) is mixed with a paint, and the heat ray absorbing layer 171b and the release layer 171c described above with reference to FIG.
Is formed on the outer side (outer peripheral surface) of the elastic layer 171d formed on the outer side (outer peripheral surface) of the roller, thereby forming a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member having elasticity. In the same manner as described above, the heat ray absorptivity of the dual-purpose layer 171B is about 100% so that the heat ray emitted from the heat ray filament F1 of the halogen lamp 171g and transmitted through the translucent substrate 171a and the elastic layer 171d is completely absorbed. 90-100%, preferably 95-
100%. The heat ray absorptivity in the dual-purpose layer 171B is 90
%, For example, about 20 to 80%, the heat ray leaks, and when the heat ray fixing rotary member is used for monochrome image formation due to the leaked heat ray, the heat ray fixing rotary member is specified by filming or the like. When the black toner adheres to the surface of the position, heat is generated from the adhering portion due to the leaked heat rays, and the heat generated by the absorption of the heat rays is further overlapped at that portion, thereby damaging the dual-purpose layer 171B. In addition, when used for forming a color image, the absorption efficiency of the color toner is generally low, and there is a difference in the absorption efficiency between the color toners. Therefore, the halogen lamp 17
The layer 171B is also used so that the heat rays emitted from the 1 g of the heat ray filament F1 and transmitted through the translucent substrate 171a and the elastic layer 171d are completely absorbed in the heat ray fixing rotating member.
Is set to 90 to 100%, which is approximately 100%, and preferably 95 to 100%. Also, the dual-purpose layer 171B
Local heat generation is also prevented, and uniform heat generation is performed.
The wavelength of the heat ray projected onto the dual-purpose layer 171B is 0.1
To 20 μm, preferably 0.3 to 3 μm, so a hardness or thermal conductivity modifier is added as a filler,
The particle size is １ ／, preferably １ ／ or less of the wavelength of the heat ray,
Titanium oxide or aluminum oxide having an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or less, including primary and secondary particles, having heat ray transmission properties (mainly infrared or far infrared ray transmission properties);
The dual-purpose layer 171B may be formed by dispersing fine particles of a metal oxide such as zinc oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, and calcium carbonate in a resin binder.

Further, a heat conductive layer (not shown) is provided above the heat absorbing layer 171b (on the front side) and below (on the back side of) the release layer 171c to provide an upper heat ray fixing rotating member as a soft roller. You may comprise. The heat conductive layer has a layer thickness (thickness) of 10 to 1000 μm, preferably 50 to 500 μm.
μm, a binder type in which fine metal particles such as titanium, alumina, zinc, magnesium, chromium, nickel, tantalum, and molybdenum having good thermal conductivity are dispersed in a resin binder, or a chromium coating on the surface of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b. , Nickel, tantalum, molybdenum, etc., is a solid type layer formed by plating, sputtering or vapor deposition with a metal having good thermal conductivity, and has a thermal conductivity of 50 × 1
0 ⁻³ J / cm · s · K, preferably 100 × 10 ⁻³ J /
It has a layer configuration of cm · s · K or more. Heat conduction layer thickness is 1
If it is less than 0 μm, the layer thickness is too thin and the heat capacity is insufficient,
The heat from the heat ray absorbing layer 171b cannot be sufficiently transferred in the horizontal direction, and the heat in the horizontal direction cannot be made uniform. Also, if the thickness is 100
If the thickness exceeds 0 μm, the heat capacity becomes too large,
A warm-up time is required, and instant heating becomes difficult. By providing the heat conductive layer, heat is transmitted to the heat conductive layer immediately from the heat ray absorbing layer, and the heat is transmitted in the horizontal direction in the heat conductive layer, so that the longitudinal direction ((lateral direction) of the heat ray absorbing layer, The temperature distribution in the direction parallel to the central axis of the translucent substrate) can be made uniform.

In the above, fine metal particles such as titanium, alumina, zinc, magnesium, chromium, nickel, tantalum, and molybdenum having good heat conductivity are dispersed and mixed in a resin binder, and the heat conductive layer is heated in the heat ray absorbing layer. It is also possible to form a heat ray absorbing layer integrated with the layer, and in the same manner as the above effect, heat transfer in the heat ray absorbing layer in the horizontal direction becomes good, and the heat ray absorbing layer in the longitudinal direction ((lateral direction), The temperature distribution (in the direction parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical light-transmitting substrate) can be made uniform.

According to FIG. 5, the heat ray absorbing layer 171 of the heat ray fixing roller 17a as a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member is used.
b, the above-mentioned concentration distribution of the heat ray absorbing member may be provided uniformly. However, in this case, since heat is concentrated in the heat ray absorption layer 171b at the boundary, the concentration distribution is provided and the inside of the heat ray absorption layer 171b is provided. Generating heat is preferable from the viewpoint of dispersing the heat generation distribution. The concentration distribution of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b is shown in the graph (a) as shown in the graph (a).
The interface on the 1d side is made to have a low concentration and is gradually increased by inclining toward the outer peripheral surface side, so that it is closer to the outer peripheral surface side (2/3 to 4/5 from the elastic layer 171d side to the thickness t of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b) (Position of about degree) so as to obtain a concentration that absorbs 100% so as to be saturated. As a result, the heat generation distribution due to the absorption of heat rays in the heat ray absorbing layer 171b has a maximum value near the center of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b as shown in the graph (b), and the interface and the outer peripheral surface of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b. It is formed in a parabolic shape having a minimum value in the vicinity. Thereby, heat generation due to absorption of heat rays at the interface is reduced, and damage to the adhesive layer and damage to the heat ray absorbing layer 171b at the interface are prevented. Further, the concentration distribution from the front side of the outer peripheral surface side (about ２ to ／ of the thickness t of the heat ray absorbing layer 171b from the side of the transparent substrate 171a) to the outer peripheral surface is saturated, In particular, even when the dual-purpose layer 171B is used, there is no effect even if the outer peripheral surface layer is shaved. Note that a saturated layer may be formed as shown by a dotted line. In short, if the absorption is sufficiently performed inside, the influence of the concentration on the outside disappears. There is no influence of shaving. Further, the concentration distribution is provided with the inclination, and the heat generation distribution can be adjusted by changing the inclination angle.

As shown in FIG. 6, the outer diameter φ of the cylindrical translucent substrate 171a of the heat ray fixing roller 17a as a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member is 15 to 60 mm.
As the thickness t, a thicker one is better in terms of strength and a thinner one is better in terms of heat capacity. However, from the relationship between strength and heat capacity, the outer diameter of the cylindrical light-transmitting base 171a is large. The relationship between φ and the thickness t is 0.05 ≦ t / φ ≦ 0.20, preferably 0.07 ≦ t / φ ≦ 0.14. When the outer diameter φ of the translucent substrate 171a is 40 mm, the thickness t of the translucent substrate 171a is 2 mm ≦ t ≦ 8 mm, preferably 2.8 mm ≦ t ≦ 5.6 mm. When t / φ is less than 0.05 in the translucent substrate 171a, the strength becomes insufficient, and when t / φ exceeds 0.20, the heat capacity increases and the heating of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is prolonged. Moreover, even if it says a translucent substrate, depending on a material, it is 1 to 1.
In some cases, about 20% of the heat rays may be absorbed, and a thinner one is preferred as long as the strength can be maintained.

As described above, the fixing device 1 described with reference to FIG.
By using No. 7, the spectral characteristics are different due to the pressurization at the fixing section (nip portion) by the elasticity of the rotating member for heat ray fixing and the heating by the heat ray absorbing layer of the rotating member for heat ray fixing. The melting of the color toner, which is difficult to perform, is performed favorably, and the instantaneous heating fixing or the quick start fixing of the heating time of the color toner having the function of the soft roller can be performed. In particular, when used in the image forming apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1, fixing is performed by applying pressure at a fixing portion (nip portion) by elasticity of the heat ray fixing rotating member and heating the heat ray fixing rotating member by the heat ray absorbing layer. As a result, the superposed color toner image on the transfer material having a thick toner layer, which is difficult to be fixed by heat rays due to different spectral characteristics, is favorably fused, and the instantaneous heating of the color toner image having the function of a soft roller is performed. Fixing or quick-start fixing with a short heating time becomes possible. A similar effect,
The same can be said for a fixing device described below using similar components.

According to FIG. 7, the center position is located at the end of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical translucent substrate 171a of the heat ray fixing roller 17a as the heat ray fixing rotating member for fixing the toner image on the transfer material. Flange 9 as a flange member in the protruded state
10 is fitted, and the flange 91 is
Numeral 0 is fixed to the end of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical translucent substrate 171a. Translucent substrate 171a with flange 910 fitted
Outside (outer peripheral surface) of the transparent base 17 of the flange 910
The elastic layer 171d, the heat ray absorbing layer 171b, and the release layer 171c so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the joint portion 913 with the elastic layer 1a.
Are formed in that order.

A halogen lamp 171g is inserted inside the heat ray fixing roller 17a, and is held at the center of the heat ray fixing roller 17a by terminals JT at both ends. The light emitting area of the heat ray filament F1 as the heat ray emitting source of the halogen lamp 171g of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is substantially the same as the heat emitting area of the filament F2 as the heat source of the halogen heater 471c of the fixing roller 47a described above with reference to FIG. , Inside the fitting portion 911 of the flange 910, with a width outside the passage area of the transfer material size (maximum transfer material size). Accordingly, a rise in temperature at the flange 910 is prevented, and the cracks in the light-transmitting base 171a, the deterioration of the adhesive ST for fixing the flange 910 to the light-transmitting base 171a, and the fitting of the flange 910 to the bearing 912 are provided. The occurrence of deterioration and the like of the bearing B1 as a bearing member of the rotating member for fixing a heat ray is reduced.

Further, between the halogen lamp 171g as the heat ray irradiating means and the translucent substrate 171a, the above-mentioned nip portion N for shielding and condensing the heat rays from the heat ray filament F1 as the heat ray emission source is provided. A reflection mirror RF1 as a light distribution unit having an irradiation center in the upstream region is provided. The degree of light collection is broad as shown in FIG. The end of the reflecting mirror RF1 is attached to the holder HL, and the reflecting mirror RF1 is fixed between the halogen lamp 171g and the translucent substrate 171a.
L is provided with a fan-shaped rack HLG, and the fan-shaped rack HL is provided.
The reflection mirror RF1 is rotated by the rotation of the pinion PN engaged with G. The surface of the reflecting mirror RF1 may be a mirror surface, but it is rough to avoid excessive concentration of heat rays, and it is possible to partially diffuse the light by irregular reflection.
It is preferable for stabilizing the surface temperature.

According to FIG. 8 or FIG. 3, as described above, the halogen lamp 1 is provided between the halogen lamp 171g as the heat ray irradiating means and the translucent substrate 171a.
The heat rays from 71 g are shielded on the back side and condensed on the front side, and the heat ray absorption layer 17 of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is condensed.
The reflection mirror RF1 as a light distribution unit that irradiates the radiating portion 1b has an irradiation center in a region upstream of the nip portion N on the inner wall of the translucent base 171a of the heat ray fixing roller 17a, and the end portion of the reflection mirror RF1 is It is arranged at a position where it does not hang on the exit part of. Accordingly, the distribution of the amount of exposure of the heat ray to the heat ray fixing roller 17a as the heat ray fixing rotating member is as shown by the curve (a) in FIG. 8, but there is a time lag from the surface temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a. As shown in a curve (b) of FIG. 8, the surface temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a at the time of rotation of the heat ray fixing roller 17a through which the material passes is highest near the entrance of the nip portion N, and the exit side is the entrance side. Set to lower temperature. That is, since the nip portion N is not the center of irradiation, the heat supply capability is reduced, and the heat is taken by the transfer material, the toner, and the fixing roller 47a in the nip portion N, so that the temperature decreases at the exit of the nip portion N. And high temperature offset can be prevented. Increasing the temperature at the inlet melts the toner sufficiently and lowering the temperature at the outlet prevents toner offset. At this time, when the end of the reflecting mirror RF1 is disposed further downstream than the exit of the nip N, the reflecting mirror RF1 is disposed.
Irradiation 1 causes a temperature rise on the downstream side of the nip N, and the temperature does not drop sufficiently even when the transfer material passes, causing an offset. Therefore, the irradiation at the downstream portion is set weakly or irradiation is unnecessary. .

As described above, the high-temperature offset in the nip portion is prevented, and the fixing that can be instantaneously heated to obtain stable fixing performance becomes possible.

Another example of the arrangement of the light distribution means in the heat ray fixing rotating member and the surface temperature of the heat ray fixing rotating member at that time will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a second example of the arrangement of the light distribution means in the roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the surface temperature, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of the arrangement of the light distribution means in the roll-shaped rotating member for fixing a heat ray, and FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a surface temperature distribution of the rolled heat ray fixing rotating member by the light distribution unit in FIG. 11 when the transfer material passes.

According to FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, the fixing device in this embodiment also uses the same rotating member for fixing heat rays and the same rotating member as described with reference to FIG. 4 to 6, the same structure as described in FIG.
Has functions. The side sectional structure of the heat ray fixing rotating member is the same as that of FIG. The fixing device 17A includes an upper heat-fixing roller 17a serving as a roll-shaped hot-wire fixing rotating member having an upper elasticity for fixing a toner image on a transfer material, and a lower fixing roller serving as a lower roll-shaped fixing rotating member. 47
a) and the heat ray fixing roller 17 having elasticity
a formed between the fixing roller 47a and the fixing roller 47a.
The recording paper P is sandwiched between the nip portions N of about mm, and heat and pressure are applied to fix the toner image on the recording paper P.
On the heat ray fixing roller 17a as a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member provided on the upper side, the fixing separation claw TR6,
A fixing oil cleaning roller TR1, a heat equalizing roller TR7, an oil application felt TR2, and an oil amount regulating blade TR3 are provided. The oil supplied from the oil tank TR4 to the oil application felt TR2 through the capillary pipe TR5 is heated by the oil application felt TR2. The toner is applied to the fixing roller 17a. The oil on the peripheral surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is cleaned by the fixing oil cleaning blade TR1. Therefore, the heat equalizing roller T
R7 and a temperature sensor TS1 for measuring the temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a, which will be described later, are provided on the peripheral surface of the cleaned heat ray fixing roller 17a between the fixing oil cleaning roller TR1 and the oil application felt TR2. The transfer material after fixing is separated by the fixing separation claw TR6.

A heat uniformizing roller TR using a metal roller member having good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or stainless steel.
7 is provided on the back side of the reflecting mirror RF1 (on the front side of the rotating member for fixing heat rays facing the light distribution means), so that the heat ray fixing roller 1 is heated by the heat ray absorbing layer 171b.
The heat generation temperature distribution on the peripheral surface 7a is made uniform.

A heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member for fixing a toner image on a transfer material has a cylindrical light transmitting substrate 171a and an outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the light transmitting substrate 171a. It is configured as a soft roller in which an elastic layer 171d, a heat ray absorbing layer 171b, and a release layer 171c are provided in this order. A halogen lamp 171g, which is a heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray filament F1 as a heat ray emission source that mainly emits heat rays such as infrared rays or far-infrared rays inside the translucent substrate 171a, and shields and condenses heat rays from the heat ray filament F1. Further, a reflecting mirror RF1 is provided as a light distribution means for covering an exit portion of the nip portion N inside the light-transmitting base 171a. The heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member is configured as a highly elastic soft roller by an elastic layer 171d (described above) provided on the heat ray fixing roller 17a. The heat ray emitted from the halogen lamp 171g passes through the reflecting mirror RF1 and is absorbed by the heat ray absorbing layer 171b to form a heat ray fixing rotating member capable of instantaneous heating.

The lower fixing roller 47a serving as a roll-shaped fixing rotating member has a cylindrical metal pipe 471a made of, for example, aluminum and a silicon material made of, for example, silicon on the outer peripheral surface of the metal pipe 471a. , A soft roller having a rubber roller 471b formed of a thin rubber layer having a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Thereby, it can also have the role of the heat equalizing roller TR7. Metal pipe 471
A halogen heater 471c having a filament F2 as a heat source may be provided inside a.

A flat nip portion N is formed between the upper soft roller and the lower soft roller to fix the toner image.

TS1 is a temperature sensor attached to the upper heat ray fixing roller 17a for performing temperature control.
S2 is a temperature sensor mounted on the lower fixing roller 47a for performing temperature control.

Halogen lamp 17 as heat ray irradiation means
The heat ray from the halogen lamp 171g is provided between the light-transmissive substrate 171a and the light-transmissive substrate 171a, and is shielded at the rear side of the heat ray from the halogen lamp 171g. Reflector RF as light distribution means
In this example, as shown in FIG.
The end of the reflecting mirror RF1 is disposed at the exit portion of the nip portion N so as to cover the exit portion of the nip portion N on the inner wall of the transparent substrate 171a. As a result, the surface temperature of the hot-wire fixing roller 17a during rotation as the hot-wire fixing rotating member is as shown by the curve (a) in FIG. 10 when the transfer material is not passing and the reflecting mirror RF1 is not provided. Although the temperature is kept substantially constant at a high temperature even after the exit portion of N, when the transfer material does not pass, the reflecting mirror RF1
In the case where there is, as shown by the curve (b) in FIG. 10, the pressure decreases on the downstream side after the exit of the nip portion N and falls. Therefore, the surface temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a when passing the transfer material rises again after the temperature drops due to the passage of the transfer material, as shown by the curve (c) in FIG. However, when the transfer material passes through, the reflecting mirror RF1 cuts off the heat rays from the vicinity of the exit of the nip portion N, and once the heating is stopped, the heating is stopped. As shown in the curve (d) of FIG. 10, the temperature unevenness in the portion is made uniform, the temperature is reduced near the nip portion N outlet, and the surface temperature is further reduced on the downstream side. The occurrence is prevented. That is, unless the temperature is once lowered by the reflecting mirror RF1, high-temperature offset is likely to occur,
This is to level out the temperature distribution inside the heat ray fixing roller 17a while temporarily lowering the temperature.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned heat equalizing roller TR7 is disposed so as to face the reflecting mirror RF1, and the position thereof is preferably a position having a large temperature difference, that is, closer to the outlet. Also in this case, it is preferable to arrange the heat equalizing roller TR7 downstream of the fixing oil cleaning roller TR1 in order to prevent the heat equalizing roller TR7 from being stained.

As described above, the high-temperature offset in the nip portion is prevented, and the fixing that can be instantaneously heated and the stable fixing performance is obtained becomes possible.

According to FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, the fixing device in this embodiment also uses the same rotating member for fixing heat rays and the same rotating member as described with reference to FIG. It has the same structure and function as described with reference to FIGS. The side sectional structure of the heat ray fixing rotating member is the same as that of FIG. The fixing device 17B is a hot-ray fixing roller 17a as a roll-shaped hot-ray fixing rotating member having an upper elasticity for fixing the toner image on the transfer material.
And a fixing roller 47a serving as a lower roll-shaped fixing rotating member, which is formed between the elastic heat ray fixing roller 17a and the fixing roller 47a and has a width of 2
The recording paper P is sandwiched by the nip portion N of about 10 to 10 mm, and the toner image on the recording paper P is fixed by applying heat and pressure. The heat-fixing roller 17a, which is a roll-shaped heat-fixing rotary member provided on the upper side, has a fixing separation claw T from the position of the nip N in the rotation direction of the hot-wire fixing roller 17a.
R6, a fixing oil cleaning roller TR1, a heat equalizing roller TR7, an oil application felt TR2, and an oil amount regulating blade TR3 are provided. The oil application felt TR2 is passed through a capillary pipe TR5 from an oil tank TR4.
Is applied to the heat ray fixing roller 17a by the oil application felt TR2. The oil on the peripheral surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is cleaned by the fixing oil cleaning blade TR1. Accordingly, a temperature sensor TS1 for measuring the temperature of the heat equalizing roller TR7 and the heat ray fixing roller 17a, which will be described later, is provided on the peripheral surface of the cleaned heat ray fixing roller 17a between the fixing oil cleaning roller TR1 and the oil application felt TR2. Provided. The transfer material after fixing is separated by the fixing separation claw TR6. Further, a heat equalizing roller TR7 using a metal roller member having good heat conductivity such as an aluminum material or a stainless steel material is used, and this roller is placed on the back side of the reflecting mirror RF1 (on the front surface of the heat ray fixing rotating member facing the light distribution means). Side), the heat ray fixing roller 17a heated by the heat ray absorbing layer 171b
The heat generation temperature distribution on the peripheral surface is made uniform.

A heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member for fixing a toner image on a transfer material has a cylindrical light transmitting substrate 171a and an outer (outer peripheral surface) of the light transmitting substrate 171a. It is configured as a soft roller in which an elastic layer 171d, a heat ray absorbing layer 171b, and a release layer 171c are provided in this order. A halogen lamp 171g, which is a heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray filament F1 as a heat ray emission source that mainly emits heat rays such as infrared rays or far-infrared rays inside the translucent substrate 171a, and shields and condenses heat rays from the heat ray filament F1. Then, a reflecting mirror RF1 as a light distribution unit for irradiating a specific region of the inner wall of the light-transmitting substrate 171a with a heat ray while changing the irradiation position (changeable) is provided. Heat ray fixing roller 17a as rotating member for heat ray fixing
Denotes an elastic layer 171d provided on the heat ray fixing roller 17a.
(As described above), it is configured as a highly elastic soft roller. The heat ray emitted from the halogen lamp 171g passes through the reflecting mirror RF1 and is absorbed by the heat ray absorbing layer 171b to form a heat ray fixing rotating member capable of instantaneous heating.

The lower fixing roller 47a as a roll-shaped fixing rotating member is made of, for example, a cylindrical metal pipe 471a made of an aluminum material and a silicon material formed on the outer peripheral surface of the metal pipe 471a. , A soft roller having a rubber roller 471b formed of a thin rubber layer having a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Thereby, it can also have the role of the heat equalizing roller TR7. Metal pipe 471
A halogen heater 471c having a filament F2 as a heat source may be provided inside a.

A flat nip portion N is formed between the upper soft roller and the lower soft roller, and the toner image is fixed.

TS1 is a temperature sensor attached to the upper heat ray fixing roller 17a for performing temperature control.
S2 is a temperature sensor mounted on the lower fixing roller 47a for performing temperature control.

Halogen lamp 17 as heat ray irradiation means
The heat ray from the halogen lamp 171g is provided between the light-transmissive substrate 171a and the light-transmissive substrate 171a, and is shielded at the rear side of the heat ray from the halogen lamp 171g. Reflector RF as light distribution means
In this example, reference numeral 1 denotes a heat ray fixing roller 1 as shown in FIG.
The irradiation position of the inner wall of the translucent substrate 171a 7a is changed so as to irradiate a specific region of the inner wall of the translucent substrate 171a with heat rays. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the rotation of the reflecting mirror RF1 for changing the irradiation position is performed by the fan-shaped rack HLG provided in the holder HL to which the reflecting mirror RF1 is attached.
And rotation of the pinion PN engaged with the fan-shaped rack HLG. The irradiation of the heat ray in the specific area by changing the irradiation position is performed stepwise or continuously variably from the position indicated by the dotted line to the position indicated by the solid line of the reflecting mirror RF1 in FIG. The irradiation center is shifted from the position of the dotted thick arrow on the upstream side of the nip N to the nip N
It is changed to the position of the solid solid arrow near. The irradiation area is changed by changing the irradiation position. The surface temperature distribution of the heat ray fixing roller 17a in the nip portion N and the area before and after the nip portion N when the transfer material passes is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. The curve (b) is changed between the case where the heating is performed at the position of the dotted thick arrow on the upstream side of the nip N and the case where the heating is performed at the position of the solid thick arrow near the nip N. . The curve (a) has a high surface temperature at the entrance of the nip N, and the curve (b) has a high temperature at the exit because the surface is also heated downstream of the nip N. By changing the irradiation position, the correlation between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the nip portion N changes, the fixing state changes, and the amount of heat applied to the transfer material in the nip portion N in the case of the curve (a) is represented by the curve (b). Is larger than the amount of heat applied to the transfer material.

If the type of transfer material such as thin paper or thick paper, glossy or non-glossy image, etc. is selected based on the change of the irradiation area by, for example, an operation unit (not shown), it is not shown. Under the control of the control unit, the pinion PN and the fan-shaped rack HLG are rotated, and the reflecting mirror RF1 is rotated to a predetermined position according to the selection, so that appropriate temperature setting can be performed. The case where the irradiation center is the dotted thick line arrow position on the upstream side of the nip portion N and the fixing temperature in the nip portion N is high corresponds to thick paper and glossiness, and the heat ray irradiation center is the solid line thick line position near the nip portion N and the nip is The case where the fixing temperature in the section N is low can be set to be compatible with thin paper and non-glossy.

As described above, it is possible to perform fixing using instantaneous heating that can cope with all types of transfer materials such as thin paper and thick paper and glossy and non-glossy images.

The arrangement of a temperature sensor when a reflecting mirror is provided on a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an appropriate arrangement of temperature sensors when a reflecting mirror is provided on a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays.

According to FIG. 13, the fixing device in this embodiment also uses the same rotating member for fixing heat rays and the same rotating member as described with reference to FIG. 3, and the rotating member for fixing heat rays is shown in FIGS. 6. It has the same structure and function as described in 6. The side sectional structure of the heat ray fixing rotating member is the same as that of FIG. The fixing device 17 </ b> C includes a hot-rolling fixing roller 17 a as a roll-shaped hot-wire fixing rotating member having an upper elasticity for fixing a toner image on a transfer material, and a lower fixing-roller as a lower roll-shaped fixing rotating member. The recording paper P is sandwiched by a nip portion N having a width of about 2 to 10 mm formed between the heat ray fixing roller 17a having elasticity and the fixing roller 47a and having heat and pressure applied thereto. The toner image on the recording paper P is fixed. The heat-fixing roller 17a as a roll-shaped hot-wire fixing rotating member provided on the upper side has a fixing separation claw TR6, a fixing oil cleaning roller TR1, and a heat equalization in the rotation direction of the hot-wire fixing roller 17a from the position of the nip portion N. Roller TR7, oil-coated felt TR2, oil amount regulating blade TR3
Is provided, and a capillary pipe TR is provided from the oil tank TR4.
5, the oil supplied to the oil-applied felt TR2 by the oil-applied felt TR2
7a. Fixing oil cleaning blade T
The oil on the peripheral surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is cleaned by R1. TS11 is a heat ray fixing roller 17a.
Is provided on the back side of the reflecting mirror RF1 as the heat ray distribution means (on the front side of the heat ray fixing rotating member facing the light distribution means), and measures the surface temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a on the back side (back side). It is a first temperature sensor for performing temperature control. Therefore, the heat equalizing roller TR7 and the first temperature sensor TS11 are provided on the peripheral surface of the cleaned heat ray fixing roller 17a between the fixing oil cleaning roller TR1 and the oil application felt TR2. If necessary, it is provided on the condensing side of the front surface of the reflecting mirror RF1 (on the surface of the heat ray fixing rotating member that is not opposed to the light distribution unit), and measures the surface temperature of the front portion of the heat ray fixing roller 17a to perform temperature control. Temperature sensor TS1 using, for example, a thermistor
2 is preferably provided on the peripheral surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a that has been cleaned between the fixing oil cleaning roller TR1 and the oil application felt TR2. The transfer material after fixing is separated by the fixing separation claw TR6. Further, a heat equalizing roller TR7 using a metal roller member having good heat conductivity such as an aluminum material or a stainless steel material is used, and this roller is placed on the back side of the reflecting mirror RF1 (on the front surface of the heat ray fixing rotating member facing the light distribution means). Side) to provide the heat ray absorbing layer 17
The heat generation temperature distribution on the peripheral surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a heated by 1b is made uniform.

A heat ray fixing roller 17a as a heat ray fixing rotating member for fixing a toner image on a transfer material has a cylindrical light transmitting substrate 171a and an outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the light transmitting substrate 171a. It is configured as a soft roller in which an elastic layer 171d, a heat ray absorbing layer 171b, and a release layer 171c are provided in this order. A halogen lamp 171g, which is a heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray filament F1 as a heat ray emission source that mainly emits heat rays such as infrared rays or far-infrared rays inside the translucent substrate 171a, and shields and condenses heat rays from the heat ray filament F1. Further, a reflecting mirror RF1 is provided as a light distribution means for irradiating the nip portion N inside the light-transmitting base 171a. Heat ray fixing roller 1 as rotating member for heat ray fixing
7a is an elastic layer 17 provided on the heat ray fixing roller 17a.
1d (described above) constitutes a highly elastic soft roller. The heat ray emitted from the halogen lamp 171g passes through the reflecting mirror RF1 and is absorbed by the heat ray absorbing layer 171b to form a heat ray fixing rotating member capable of instantaneous heating.

Further, the lower fixing roller 47a as a roll-shaped fixing rotating member includes, for example, a cylindrical metal pipe 471a using an aluminum material and a silicon material on the outer peripheral surface of the metal pipe 471a. , A soft roller having a rubber roller 471b formed of a thin rubber layer having a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Thereby, it can also have the role of the heat equalizing roller TR7. Metal pipe 471
A halogen heater 471c having a filament F2 as a heat source may be provided inside a. TS2 is a temperature sensor attached to the lower fixing roller 47a for performing temperature control. As the first temperature sensor TS11 or the second temperature sensor TS12, a contact type that contacts the surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a or a non-contact type that is provided slightly apart from the surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is used.

A flat nip N is formed between the upper soft roller and the lower soft roller, and the toner image is fixed.

As described above, the first temperature sensor TS11
Is provided on the back side of the reflecting mirror RF1 of the heat ray fixing roller 17a, and the back side of the heat ray fixing roller 17a does not directly receive the heat rays. Is measured by the temperature sensor TS11.

Further, a second temperature sensor TS12 is provided on the light condensing side of the front surface of the reflecting mirror RF1 (the surface of the heat ray fixing rotating member which is not opposed to the light distribution means), and the surface temperature of the front portion of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is also adjusted. The temperature of the nip N is controlled with high accuracy. This is due to the temperature of the fixing roller 47a provided opposite to the heat ray fixing roller 17a as well as the transfer material that is passed at the time of fixing.
This is because the temperature of the temperature sensor TS11 is affected.
For example, when the temperature of the fixing roller 47a is low, the output of the first temperature sensor TS11 is low. In this case, the surface temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a increases, resulting in high temperature offset. This is the second
, And the surface temperature of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is stably controlled.

On the other hand, the temperature of the fixing roller 47a may be predicted only by the first temperature sensor TS11. For example, the estimated temperature at the time of constant heating and the fixing roller 47
A table of the relationship with the temperature a is created and stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the temperature of the fixing roller 47a is predicted from the temperature change of the first temperature sensor TS11. It is also possible to control the lighting of the hot-wire filament F1 of the halogen lamp 171g so as to have a predetermined value.

In the above, the second temperature sensor TS12
Is provided on the surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a to which the oil is applied. Therefore, a non-contact type provided slightly apart from the surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a is preferably used. It is also possible to arrange the blade TR3 at a position apart from the end opposite to the nip portion N of the reflecting mirror RF1 indicated by a one-dot chain line so as to be a contact type that contacts the surface of the heat ray fixing roller 17a.

As described above, it is possible to perform instantaneously heatable fixing in which the measured temperature on the surface of the heat ray fixing rotating member is stably controlled.

[0084]

According to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, high-temperature offset at the nip portion is prevented, and instantaneously heatable fixing with stable fixing performance can be achieved.

According to the fifth or sixth aspect, it is possible to perform fixing by using instantaneous heating, which can cope with the type of transfer material such as thin paper and thick paper, and glossy and non-glossy images.

According to the seventh or eighth aspect, it is possible to perform instantaneous heating fixing in which the measured temperature on the surface of the rotary member for heat ray fixing is stably controlled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a color image forming apparatus using a fixing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the image forming body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a fixing device, showing a first example of an arrangement of light distribution means in a roll-shaped rotating member for heat ray fixing.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional configuration view of a layer configuration of a roll-shaped rotating member for heat ray fixing.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a concentration distribution of a heat ray absorbing layer of a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outer diameter and a thickness of a light-transmitting substrate of a roll-shaped rotating member for heat ray fixing.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays.

8 is a diagram showing a distribution of an exposure amount to a roll-shaped rotating member for heat ray fixing by the light distribution unit of FIG. 3 and a surface temperature during rotation of the rotating member for heat ray fixing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of the arrangement of the light distribution means in the roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays.

10 is a diagram showing a surface temperature of a roll-shaped rotating member for heat ray fixing by the light distribution unit of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of the arrangement of the light distribution means in the roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member.

12 is a diagram illustrating a surface temperature distribution of the roll-shaped rotating member for hot-wire fixing by the light distribution unit of FIG. 11 when the transfer material passes.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an appropriate arrangement of temperature sensors when a reflecting mirror is provided on a roll-shaped heat ray fixing rotating member.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 photoreceptor drum 11 scorotron charger 12 exposure optical system 13 developing unit 17, 17A, 17B, 17C fixing device 17a heat ray fixing roller 171a light transmitting substrate 171B combined layer 171b heat ray absorbing layer 171c release layer 171d elastic layer 171g halogen lamp F1 Hot wire filament N Nip part RF1 Reflector TR7 Heat equalizing roller TS1, TS2 Temperature sensor TS11 First temperature sensor TS12 Second temperature sensor

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressurizing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray emitting source for emitting heat rays therein; And a heat-ray absorbing layer provided on the outside of the light-transmitting substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays. A fixing device comprising: a light distribution unit having an irradiation center in a region upstream of a nip portion of an inner wall of the light-transmitting substrate between the light-transmitting substrate and the light-transmitting substrate. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein an outlet side of the transfer material is set at a lower temperature than an inlet side of the nip portion during the passage of the transfer material. 3. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressurizing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray emitting source for emitting heat rays therein; And a heat-ray absorbing layer provided on the outside of the light-transmitting substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays. A fixing device, wherein a light distribution unit is provided between a light base and an exit of a nip portion inside the light base. 4. The fixing device according to claim 3, wherein a heat uniformizing roller is provided outside the heat ray absorbing layer of the heat ray fixing rotating member so as to face the light distribution means. 5. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray emitting source for emitting heat rays therein; And a heat-ray absorbing layer provided on the outside of the light-transmitting substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays. A light distribution unit is provided downstream of the nip portion inside the light-transmitting substrate between the light-transmitting substrate and a specific area of the light-transmitting substrate inner wall is irradiated with heat rays by the light distribution unit. Fixing device. 6. An irradiation area of said light distribution means is variable,
The fixing device according to claim 5, wherein a fixing condition is controlled. 7. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material by heating and pressurizing, wherein a rod-shaped heat ray irradiating means having a heat ray emitting source for emitting heat rays therein; And a heat-ray absorbing layer provided on the outside of the light-transmitting substrate to form a roll-shaped rotating member for fixing heat rays. A light distribution unit is provided between the light transmission substrate and the downstream side of the nip portion inside the light transmission substrate, and a first temperature sensor is disposed on the surface of the heat ray fixing rotating member facing the light distribution unit. A fixing device for controlling the temperature of the fixing device. 8. A second heat-fixing rotary member that faces the first temperature sensor and does not face the light distribution unit.
The fixing device according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed.