JP2004226822A - Fixing belt, magnetic roller and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing belt whose heating efficiency is improved, whose irregular thickness is eliminated and whose damage at the manufacturing time is restrained. <P>SOLUTION: The fixing belt 5 is equipped with a mold-release layer 61 coming into contact with a recording medium, a laminated part 72 coming into contact with a magnetic roller, and an elastic layer 63 positioned between the mold-release layer and the laminated part. The laminated part has a plurality of heat generating layers 66, 68 and 70 containing non-magnetic conductive metal (silver or the like) and supporting layers 65, 67, 69 and 71 supporting the heat generating layers. The respective heat generating layers are made to generate heat simultaneously, and they are thinned to make electric resistance large, so that generated Joule heat is made high and the heating efficiency is improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fixing belt, a magnetic roller, and an image forming apparatus using the same. These fixing belts and magnetic rollers are used in a fixing unit that heats a toner image and fixes it on a recording medium in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer that employs an electrophotographic method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As such a fixing method, a heat fixing method, particularly a heat roller fixing method, has been widely used.
[0003]
In the heat roller fixing method, a nip portion is formed by pressing a pair of rollers including a heating roller and a pressure roller into pressure contact with each other. Then, the recording medium on which the toner image is formed is passed through the nip portion, so that the toner on the recording medium is heated and melted, and the toner is fused on the recording medium. In the heat roller fixing method, since the entire heat roller is maintained at a predetermined temperature, it is suitable for speeding up, but on the other hand, the waiting time is long.
[0004]
Therefore, in recent years, an endless belt fixing method has been proposed. In this method, the toner on the recording medium is heated via a film-like fixing belt. In this fixing method, the temperature of the heat roller or the like reaches a predetermined temperature in a short time, the waiting time when the power is turned on becomes almost zero, and the power consumption is small.
[0005]
Then, there is a technique in which the endless belt fixing method is further advanced, electromagnetic induction is generated by an induction heating unit, and the heating roller is heated. This technique will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0006]
As shown in FIG. 10, the nip portion 102 is formed by pressing the fixing roller 100 and the pressure roller 101 in pressure. A heating roller 104 is rotatably supported at a position distant from the fixing roller 100, and an endless fixing belt 105 is adjusted between the fixing roller 100 and the heating roller 104. In this regard, refer to Patent Document 1, for example.
[0007]
Therefore, when the fixing roller 100 and the heating roller 104 rotate, the fixing belt 105 moves as indicated by an arrow.
[0008]
The heating roller 104 is made of, for example, a magnetic metal member such as iron, and the induction heating unit 103 faces the heating roller 104. When the induction heating unit 103 is driven, an alternating magnetic field is generated by electromagnetic induction, the heating roller 104 is heated, and the heat is transmitted to the fixing belt 105.
[0009]
Then, the heated fixing belt 105 reaches the nip 102, and a recording medium (not shown) is heated.
[0010]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, there is a technique in which the fixing belt 106 is devised. In this case, as shown in a partially enlarged view in FIG. 11, a single heating layer 107 is provided on the fixing belt 106 itself.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-318546 (FIG. 1)
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional technique shown in FIG. 11 has the following problems.
(1) With only the single heating layer 107, the contribution to the improvement of the heating efficiency is small and tends to be insufficient.
(2) When the heat generating layer 107 is formed, it is inevitable that thickness unevenness of the heat generating layer 107 occurs, but there is no way to reduce the once generated thickness unevenness with only a single layer.
(3) In manufacturing the fixing belt 106, there is a method of forming each layer of the fixing belt 106 in the reverse order of use, and finally, inverting the layers. However, in order to increase the amount of the heat generating layer 107, the thickness of the heat generating layer 107 is increased. If the thickness is increased, breakage at the time of manufacturing is likely to occur, such as the heating layer 107 being cracked at the time of inversion.
[0011]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a fixing belt capable of improving heat generation efficiency, absorbing thickness unevenness, and suppressing breakage during manufacturing, and a technique for connecting the fixing belt.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The fixing belt according to claim 1, further comprising: a release layer that contacts the recording medium; a laminated portion that contacts the magnetic roller; and an elastic layer that is located between the release layer and the laminated portion. It has a plurality of heat generating layers containing a non-magnetic conductive metal and a support layer for supporting the heat generating layers.
[0013]
In this configuration, since the heat generation layer includes the nonmagnetic conductive metal, the heat generation efficiency can be improved without disturbing the alternating magnetic field generated in the magnetic roller.
[0014]
Since a plurality of heat generating layers are provided separately, each of the heat generating layers can simultaneously generate heat, thereby improving heat generation efficiency. Also, compared to a single-layer structure, the entire heat-generating layer can be divided into a plurality of heat-generating layers, and each heat-generating layer can be formed thin, so that the electric resistance of each heat-generating layer is relatively large. The heat generation efficiency can be improved by increasing the generated Joule heat.
[0015]
Even if the thickness of each heat generating layer is uneven, the plurality of heat generating layers average or cancel out the thickness unevenness, absorb the thickness unevenness of each heat generating layer, and generate heat uniformly in the entire fixing belt.
[0016]
In the fixing belt according to the second aspect, the laminated portion is configured by alternately laminating the heat generating layers and the support layers.
[0017]
With this configuration, the heat generation layers can be protected from damage by sandwiching each heat generation layer between the support layers and increasing the strength.
[0018]
In the fixing belt according to the third aspect, the nonmagnetic conductive metal is silver.
[0019]
With this configuration, the same type of gold is expensive and copper is easily oxidized or sulfided, whereas silver is not so expensive and hardly deteriorates, so that it can be suitably applied.
[0020]
In the fixing belt according to the fourth aspect, the release layer contains a fluororesin, and the fluororesin is a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), an ethylene tetrafluoride-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer (PFA), and a fluorine resin. One or more selected from the group consisting of fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (PFEP).
[0021]
With this configuration, the releasability of the toner is favorably maintained.
[0022]
6. The fixing belt according to claim 5, wherein the support layer includes a heat-resistant synthetic resin, and the heat-resistant synthetic resin is selected from one or more of a group consisting of polyimide (PI) and polyamideimide (PAI). It is.
[0023]
With this configuration, a support layer having excellent strength, heat resistance, cost performance, and the like can be formed.
[0024]
In the fixing belt according to the sixth aspect, the heat generating layer is provided in the laminated portion with two to five layers.
[0025]
With this configuration, it becomes practically easy to manufacture.
[0026]
In the fixing belt according to the seventh aspect, the heat generating layer is disposed closer to the recording medium side than to the magnetic roller side in the laminated portion.
[0027]
With this configuration, the heating layer approaches the recording medium to be heated, and the resistance to heat conduction is reduced, so that the recording medium can be efficiently heated.
[0028]
In the fixing belt according to the eighth aspect, the plurality of heat generating layers are each formed to have the same thickness.
[0029]
With this configuration, the process of forming the heat generating layer can be realized by repeating the same process, and the ease of manufacturing and the yield can be improved.
[0030]
In the fixing belt according to the ninth aspect, among the plurality of heat generating layers, the heat generating layer disposed closest to the recording medium is formed thinner than the other heat generating layers.
[0031]
With this configuration, the electric resistance of the heat generating layer closest to the recording medium is made relatively large as compared with the other heat generating layers, the generated Joule heat is increased, and the recording medium can be heated more efficiently.
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 employs an electrophotographic system, and more specifically, employs a tandem system. However, the present invention is not limited to a tandem-type image forming apparatus, and can be applied to various image forming apparatuses regardless of the number of developing units, the presence or absence of a transfer belt, and the like.
[0034]
The transfer belt 11 formed endlessly is wound around a drive roller 12 and a tension roller 13 and holds a visualized toner image. Then, when the drive roller 12 and the tension roller 13 rotate in the direction of arrow A, the transfer belt 11 moves in the direction of arrow N1.
[0035]
On the upper side of the transfer belt 11, on the transfer belt 11, an image forming unit 28 for forming a black image, an image forming unit 29 for forming a cyan image, an image forming unit 30 for forming a magenta image, and an image for forming a yellow image The forming parts 31 are arranged in this order.
[0036]
Since these image forming units 28 to 30 differ only in the color of the image to be formed, the image forming unit 28 that forms a black image will be mainly described below.
[0037]
The charging section 33 of the image forming section 28 uniformly charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32 to a predetermined potential.
[0038]
The exposure unit 23 irradiates a scanning line 24 of a laser beam onto the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32, and forms a latent image related to a black component on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32. Similarly, with respect to the image forming units 29 to 30 of other colors, the exposure unit 23 irradiates the photosensitive drums with the scanning lines 25 to 27 to form latent images related to the color components.
[0039]
The developing unit 34 visualizes the latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32. The transfer unit 35 transfers the visualized toner image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 32 to the transfer belt 11.
[0040]
The cleaner 36 removes residual toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32 after the transfer of the toner image to the transfer belt 11.
[0041]
Further, toner images of cyan, magenta, and yellow components are sequentially transferred to the transfer belt 11 by the image forming units 28 to 31, and the four color components are superimposed on the transfer belt 11 to form a full-color toner. An image is formed on the transfer belt 11.
[0042]
The recording medium 9 such as recording paper is stored in a paper feed cassette 16, and is fed out one by one to a transport path 18 by a paper feed roller 17.
[0043]
The transfer roller 14 faces the drive roller 12, and the recording medium 9 that travels along the transport path 18 is sandwiched between the drive roller 12 and the transfer roller 14 and pressed against the transfer belt 11, so that the recording medium 9 , A full-color toner image is collectively transferred.
[0044]
After the batch transfer, the recording medium 9 advances along the transport path 18 and passes through the nip 22 of the fixing unit 19. During this passage, the full-color toner image (unfixed), which is collectively transferred to the recording medium 9, is melted by being sandwiched between the high-temperature fixing roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 in the nip portion 22. It is pressed and fixed to the recording medium 9.
[0045]
Next, the fixing unit 19 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the fixing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0046]
First, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressure roller 7 is made of a metal having high heat conductivity (for example, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like) and covers a cylindrical core 7 a and a peripheral surface of the core 7 a. And an elastic portion 7b. The elastic portion 7b is made of a material having excellent heat resistance and toner releasability.
[0047]
The pressure roller 7 presses the fixing roller 6 via the fixing belt 5 at the nip portion 22.
[0048]
In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the pressure roller 7 is about 30 mm, which is the same as that of the fixing roller 6, and the thickness of the pressure roller 7 is about 2 to 5 mm, which is thinner than that of the fixing roller 6. The hardness of the fixing roller 6 is set to be about 20 to 80 ° (Asker C) so as to be harder than that of the fixing roller 6.
[0049]
This makes it possible to increase the toner peeling action at the outlet of the nip 22.
[0050]
The magnetic roller 39 is formed by forming a magnetic metal member (for example, stainless steel or the like) into a hollow cylindrical shape (outer diameter: for example, 20 mm, wall thickness: for example, 0.3 mm). The heat capacity of the magnetic roller 39 is set low, so that the temperature of the magnetic roller 39 rises quickly.
[0051]
The fixing roller 6 includes a cylindrical metal core 6a made of metal (for example, stainless steel) and an elastic portion 6b that covers the periphery of the metal core 6a. The elastic portion 6b is formed by solidifying or foaming silicone rubber having heat resistance.
[0052]
In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the fixing roller 6 is about 30 mm, that of the magnetic roller 39 is about the same, the thickness of the elastic part 6b is about 3 to 8 mm, and the hardness of the elastic part 6b is 15 to 50 ° (Asker C). Therefore, a contact portion having a predetermined width is formed between the fixing roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 at the nip portion 22 by the pressing force from the pressure roller 7.
[0053]
The pressure roller 39 is heated by the induction heating unit 44, as will be described in detail later. The fixing belt 5 is stretched between the magnetic roller 39 and the fixing roller 6 and is in circumferential contact with the pressure roller 39.
[0054]
Therefore, when the fixing roller 6 is rotated by a driving unit (not shown), the fixing belt 5 rotates in the direction of the arrow N2, and the inner surface of the fixing belt 5 is continuously and entirely heated. .
[0055]
Next, the induction heating unit 44 has the following elements. First, the guide plate 40 is formed in a semicircular shape so as to surround the outer periphery of the magnetic roller 39, and is arranged close to the magnetic roller 39.
[0056]
The exciting coil 41 is formed by winding one long exciting coil wire along the guide plate 40 so as to face the axial direction of the magnetic roller 39. The winding length is determined by the fixing belt 5 and the magnetic roller 39. Is the same as the length of the area in contact.
[0057]
In this way, the induction heating section 44 efficiently heats the magnetic roller 39 by electromagnetic induction, and the time during which the surface of the heat generating magnetic roller 39 and the fixing belt 5 are in contact with each other is maximized, so that the heat transfer efficiency is increased. .
[0058]
The excitation coil 41 is connected to a drive power supply (not shown) whose oscillation circuit is variable in frequency and is excited.
[0059]
A core 42 in which a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite is formed in a semicircular arc shape is disposed further outside the excitation coil 41, and the core 42 is fixed to a support member 43 and is located at a position close to the excitation coil 41. It is supported. In this embodiment, the relative magnetic permeability of the core 42 is 2500.
[0060]
A high-frequency AC current of 10 kHz to 1 MHz, preferably a high-frequency AC current of 20 kHz to 800 kHz is supplied to the excitation coil 41 from a drive power supply (not shown), whereby an alternating magnetic field is generated around the excitation coil 41.
[0061]
The alternating magnetic field acts on the heat generating layer of the magnetic roller 39 and each heat generating layer (details will be described later) of the magnetic roller 39 and the fixing belt 5 at and around the portion where the magnetic roller 39 and the fixing belt 5 are in contact with each other. Then, an eddy current flows in a direction that hinders a change in the magnetic field due to the alternating magnetic field.
[0062]
Joule heat is generated by the eddy current and the electric resistance of these heat generating layers, so that the magnetic roller 39 and the fixing belt 5 generate heat by electromagnetic induction.
[0063]
For example, a temperature sensor 45 composed of a thermistor or the like contacts the inner surface of the fixing belt 5 near the entrance side of the nip portion 22 and detects the temperature of the inner surface of the fixing belt 5.
[0064]
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing an identification wearing belt. As shown in FIG. 3, this manufacturing apparatus has a coating stage on the front side and a heater stage on the back side. Then, the molding die 1 is driven by rotating means (not shown) to move the coating stage and the heater stage along the moving path 50 in the direction of the arrow N3 while rotating in the direction of the arrow R1.
[0065]
An applicator 52 having a spray for applying a resin or the like constituting each layer to the molding surface 1a of the mold 1 vertically downward is provided on the application stage. The applicator 52 is driven by moving means (not shown) to reciprocate in the direction of the arrow N4 to apply the resin evenly to the molding surface 1a.
[0066]
Further, the heater stage is provided with a heater 51, and by setting heating conditions (time, temperature, etc.) by the heater 51 according to a predetermined profile, each layer applied to the outermost periphery of the molding surface 1a is removed. , Dried or fired.
[0067]
In this example, after the coating and firing are performed for each layer, the entire fixing belt 5 is finally fired. Then, at the same time as or after the product is released from the molding die 1, the product is inverted to form the fixing belt 5.
[0068]
Next, each layer constituting the fixing belt 5 in the first embodiment will be described in order from the recording medium 9 side to the magnetic roller 39 side with reference to FIG.
[0069]
First, the release layer 61 is closest to the recording medium 9 (upper side in FIG. 4) in the fixing belt 5 and comes into contact with the recording medium 9.
[0070]
The fluororesin used for the release layer 61 is a group consisting of a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer (PFA), and a fluoroethylene-propylene copolymer (PFEP). It is preferably at least one selected from
[0071]
Further, the firing temperature of the release layer 61 is preferably from 330 to 430 ° C. Within this temperature range, the film forming property of the release layer 61 is good, and the release layer 61 does not deteriorate. The thickness of the release layer 61 after firing is preferably 5 to 50 μm. Within this thickness range, the wear resistance of the release layer 61 is good, and the release layer 61 is not broken while maintaining a high surface hardness. In particular, a range of 15 to 25 μm is more preferable, and in this example, it is 20 μm.
[0072]
A fixing belt using such a fluororesin as the release layer 61 is excellent in fixing property, surface hardness, surface release property, surface roughness, durability, and film thickness freedom. It has excellent properties, release properties and durability of the release layer 61.
[0073]
In addition, a conductive material, a wear-resistant material, and a good heat conductive material can be added as a filler to the fluororesin as needed.
[0074]
The primer layer 62 is formed thinly with fluorine rubber or the like.
[0075]
The elastic layer 63 is preferably made of silicone rubber having a JIS hardness of A1 to A80 degrees. When the hardness is within the JIS hardness range, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the elastic layer 63 and a defect in adhesion, while preventing a defect in fixability. Specific examples of the silicone rubber include one-component, two-component, three-component or more silicone rubber, RTV-type or HTV-type silicone rubber, condensation-type or addition-type silicone rubber.
[0076]
The firing temperature of the elastic layer 63 is preferably 150 to 300 ° C. In this temperature range, deterioration and hardening of the elastic layer 63 do not occur while preventing volatile components remaining in the elastic layer 63 and insufficient strength. Further, the thickness of the elastic layer 63 after firing is preferably 30 to 1000 μm. In this thickness range, the heat insulating property can be suppressed low while maintaining the elastic effect of the elastic layer 63, and the energy saving effect can be exhibited. In particular, 100 to 300 μm is more preferable, and in this example, it is 115 μm.
[0077]
Further, the primer layer 64 is formed of a coupling agent, fluorine rubber, or the like.
[0078]
Further, on the magnetic roller 39 side of the primer layer 64, there is provided a laminated portion 72 formed by alternately laminating a support layer and a heat generating layer. 1 is in contact with the magnetic roller 39.
[0079]
The heat generating layer is formed of a foil piece made of a non-magnetic conductive metal (silver in this example) contained in polyimide (PI), and it is desirable to provide two to five layers in consideration of manufacturing aspects. In this example, three layers of the first heat generation layer 66, the second heat generation layer 68, and the third heat generation layer 70 are provided.
[0080]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the first heat generating layer 66, the second heat generating layer 68, and the third heat generating layer 70 have a small and uniform thickness (t1 = t2 = t3 = 15 μm). The first heat generation layer 66, the second heat generation layer 68, and the third heat generation layer 70 are not uniformly distributed in the laminated portion 72 but are intentionally unevenly distributed so as to approach the recording medium 9 side. Thereby, the distance to the recording medium 9 is shortened, so that heat is easily transmitted to the recording medium 9.
[0081]
For this reason, the thickness of the support layer is adjusted so that the first support layer 65 is 15 μm, the second support layer 67 and the third support layer 69 are 10 μm, and the fourth support layer 71 is 40 μm.
[0082]
Of course, the above numerical values are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these numerical values.
[0083]
Next, heat generation of the fixing belt 5 when a plurality of heat generating layers are provided on the fixing belt 5 will be described with reference to FIG. When the induction heating unit 44 is driven, an alternating magnetic field indicated by an arrow N5 in FIG. 5 is generated as in the case of the single heating layer.
[0084]
However, since this alternating magnetic field passes through all of the first heating layer 66, the second heating layer 68, and the third heating layer 70, all of the first heating layer 66, the second heating layer 68, and the third heating layer 70 are provided. , An eddy current flows as indicated by an arrow N6.
[0085]
Moreover, as compared with a single heat generation layer in which the first heat generation layer 66, the second heat generation layer 68, and the third heat generation layer 70 are integrated, the first heat generation layer 66, the second heat generation layer 68, and the third heat generation layer 70 Each has a small cross-sectional area and a large electric resistance.
[0086]
Therefore, the first heat generation layer 66, the second heat generation layer 68, and the third heat generation layer 70 all generate heat at the same time, and the Joule heat generated increases because the electric resistance increases. Therefore, the heat generation efficiency of the entire fixing belt 5 is greatly improved.
[0087]
These support layers 65, 67, 69, 71 are preferably made of a heat-resistant synthetic resin. The heat-resistant synthetic resin is preferably polyimide (PI) or polyamideimide (PAI).
[0088]
The firing temperature of the support layers 65, 67, 69, 71 is preferably 150 to 300C. In this temperature range, the strength does not decrease and the elastic layer 63 does not deteriorate. The total thickness of these support layers 65, 67, 69, 71 after firing is preferably 50 to 200 μm. Within this thickness range, the strength and wear durability of the support layer 4 are maintained, the flexibility is not reduced, and the heat insulating property can be suppressed to a low level.
[0089]
(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and common points will be omitted.
[0090]
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness of the first heating layer 66 (for example, t1 = 13 μm) is changed to the thickness of the other second heating layer 68 and the third heating layer 70 (for example, : T2 = t3 = 16 μm).
[0091]
As a result, the electric resistance of the first heat generating layer 66 closest to the recording medium 9 is further increased as compared with the first embodiment, and the heat generation efficiency of the fixing belt 5 is improved.
[0092]
In addition, as described below, this point improves a problem when the fixing belt 5 is manufactured. That is, polyimide (PI) or polyamideimide (PAI) is used for the support layer, and after each layer is coated and fired, when the entire fixing belt 5 is finally fired, imidization of the support layer progresses, The solvent contained in the layer evaporates. As a result, the support layer contracts greatly.
[0093]
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7 in a partially enlarged manner, when the heat generating layer 82 is laminated with the support layer 80 and the support layer 81, the heat generating layer 82 containing the silver particles 83 hardly shrinks, 80 and the support layer 81 contract greatly. Due to this difference in the amount of contraction, undulation occurs as shown in FIG.
[0094]
According to the observations made by the present inventors, this undulation is particularly noticeable near the boundary between the laminated portion 72 and the primer layer 64. Therefore, the first heat generation layer 66 near the boundary is made thinner, and when the first heat generation layer 66 is made of the same material as the support layer, the first heat generation layer 66 is made as close as possible to suppress generation of undulation.
[0095]
(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, the outline of the image forming apparatus itself is the same as that in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0096]
However, in the third embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the heat roller fixing method is employed, and the fixing unit 19 is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the nip portion 22 is formed by the magnetic roller 90 itself and the pressure roller 7.
[0097]
Here, the magnetic roller 90 includes a roller main body 91 configured similarly to the magnetic roller 39 and a composite layer 92 provided on a peripheral surface of the roller main body 91.
[0098]
The composite layer 92 has the same configuration as the fixing belt 5 in the first or second embodiment. Therefore, as in the first and second embodiments, the heat generation efficiency of the magnetic roller 90 can be improved as compared with the case where only the roller body 91 is used.
[0099]
In order to provide the composite layer 92 on the roller body 91,
(1) Similar to the fixing belt 5, the composite layer 92 (a case where it is formed in a cylindrical shape from the beginning, and a case where it is formed into a belt shape and then rounded to an endless shape) can be considered separately from the roller body 91. To provide,
(2) forming the layers 61 to 71 constituting the composite layer 92 directly on the peripheral surface of the roller main body 91;
It does not matter if any of the above.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Each of the heat generating layers can generate heat at the same time, and the heat generation efficiency can be improved. The thickness unevenness in each heat generating layer can be averaged and absorbed.
(2) Each heat generating layer can be sandwiched between support layers to protect the heat generating layer from damage.
(3) The heating layer is brought close to the recording medium to be heated, and the recording medium can be efficiently heated.
(4) The same effect can be obtained for a magnetic roller by the heat roller fixing method.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an identification attaching section; FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an identification attaching belt manufacturing apparatus; FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a heat generation process by the identification attaching belt. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the fixing belt according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the identification attaching belt. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing belt according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional fixing unit. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional fixing unit.
9 Recording medium 19 Fixing section 22 Nip section 28 to 31 Image forming section 39, 90 Magnetic roller 44 Induction heating section 61 Release layer 63 Elastic layers 65, 67, 69, 71 Support layers 66, 68, 70 Heating layer 91 Roller body 92 Composite layer

Claims (20)

A release layer that contacts the recording medium;
A laminated portion that contacts the magnetic roller;
An elastic layer located between the release layer and the laminated portion,
The laminating section includes:
Including a plurality of heating layers, including a non-magnetic conductive metal,
And a support layer for supporting the heat generating layer. The fixing belt according to claim 1, wherein the stacking unit is configured by alternately stacking the heat generating layers and the support layers. The fixing belt according to claim 1, wherein the nonmagnetic conductive metal is silver. The release layer contains a fluororesin, and the fluororesin is a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer (PFA), and a fluoroethylene-propylene copolymer The fixing belt according to claim 1, wherein the fixing belt is selected from one or more members selected from the group consisting of (PFEP). The support layer includes a heat-resistant synthetic resin, and the heat-resistant synthetic resin is one or two or more kinds selected from a group consisting of polyimide (PI) and polyamideimide (PAI). 4. The fixing belt according to item 4. 6. The fixing belt according to claim 1, wherein the heat generating layer is provided in the stacked portion with two to five layers. 7. The fixing belt according to claim 1, wherein the heat generating layer is arranged closer to a recording medium side than a magnetic roller side in the lamination portion. 8. The fixing belt according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heat generating layers is formed to have an equal thickness. 8. The fixing belt according to claim 1, wherein the heating layer disposed closest to the recording medium among the plurality of heating layers is formed thinner than other heating layers. 9. A roller body including a magnetic metal member,
A composite layer provided on the peripheral surface of the roller body,
The composite layer,
A release layer that contacts the recording medium;
A lamination portion that contacts the peripheral surface of the roller body,
An elastic layer located between the release layer and the laminated portion,
The laminating section includes:
Including a plurality of heating layers, including a non-magnetic conductive metal,
A magnetic roller, comprising: a support layer that supports the heat generating layer. The magnetic roller according to claim 10, wherein the stacked unit is configured by alternately stacking the heat generating layer and the support layer. The magnetic roller according to claim 10, wherein the nonmagnetic conductive metal is silver. The release layer contains a fluororesin, and the fluororesin is a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer (PFA), and a fluoroethylene-propylene copolymer The magnetic roller according to claim 10, wherein one or two or more kinds are selected from the group consisting of (PFEP). The support layer includes a heat-resistant synthetic resin, and the heat-resistant synthetic resin is one or two or more kinds selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI) and polyamideimide (PAI). 14. The magnetic roller according to item 13. 15. The magnetic roller according to claim 10, wherein the heat generating layer is provided in the stacked portion with two to five layers. The magnetic roller according to claim 10, wherein the heat generating layer is disposed closer to a recording medium side than a magnetic roller side in the laminated portion. 17. The magnetic roller according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of heat generating layers are formed to have the same thickness. 17. The magnetic roller according to claim 10, wherein, of the plurality of heat generating layers, a heat generating layer disposed closest to a recording medium is formed thinner than other heat generating layers. An image forming unit that forms an image composed of toner,
A transfer roller for transferring the image formed by the image forming unit and formed of toner to a recording medium;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium by melting and pressing,
The fixing unit,
A magnetic roller,
An induction heating unit that heats the magnetic roller by electromagnetic induction,
A fixing roller disposed apart from the magnetic roller,
A fixing belt that is wound around the magnetic roller and the fixing roller so as to be in contact with the fixing roller;
Facing the fixing roller, together with the fixing roller, forming a nip portion for sandwiching the recording medium on which the toner has been transferred, comprising a pressure roller,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing belt is the fixing belt according to claim 1. An image forming unit that forms an image composed of toner,
A transfer roller for transferring the image formed by the image forming unit and formed of toner to a recording medium;
A fixing unit for fixing the toner transferred to the recording medium to the recording medium by melting and pressing,
The fixing unit,
A magnetic roller,
An induction heating unit that heats the magnetic roller by electromagnetic induction,
Facing the magnetic roller, together with the magnetic roller, forming a nip portion for sandwiching the recording medium on which the toner has been transferred, a pressure roller,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the magnetic roller is the magnetic roller according to claim 10.

Images