JP2007298800A - Fixing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing device and an image forming apparatus in which the deformation and the damage of a contact pressure releasing member are restrained. <P>SOLUTION: The fixing device (F) is equipped with: cover members (U3a and U3b) having a releasing member housing recessed part (36) in which the contact pressure releasing members (56 and 57) are housed, a guide part (36a) formed at the end of the releasing member housing recessed part (36) in the axial direction of a heating fixing member (Fh), and a releasing member supporting part (36d) supporting the contact pressure releasing members (56 and 57) movably between a contact pressure releasing position and a contact pressure acting position, and covering over the outside of second holding members (46 and 47); and the contact pressure releasing members (56 and 57) having parts to be guided (56d and 57d) guided by the guide part (36a). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fixing device that fixes an unfixed toner image on the surface of a recording sheet, and an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions. The present invention relates to a fixing device having a member and a pressure fixing member, and an image forming apparatus including the fixing device.

In a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an unfixed toner image transferred onto the surface of a recording sheet is heated and fixed by a fixing device, conveyed by a sheet conveying device arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device, and then discharged to a discharge tray. Discharged.
Such a fixing device has a heat fixing member (heating roll or heating belt) heated by a built-in heater and a pressure fixing member (pressure roll or pressure belt) pressed against the heat fixing member. As the pressure fixing member, a fixing device that applies a predetermined contact pressure (nip pressure) by a spring or the like via a holding member (lever) is widely used.

The following conventional techniques (J01) and (J02) are known as image forming apparatuses provided with such a fixing device.
(J01) Technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-77666) In Patent Document 1, a fixing device having a heating roll and a pressure roll is pressed by a spring so that the pressure roll becomes a heating roll. A technique is described in which a pressure arm (pressure lever) to be pressed is supported on a side plate of a fixing device, and a pressure lever stopping member provided on the pressure arm prevents the pressure arm from being separated from the side plate.

In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a fixing device having a contact pressure releasing member for releasing the contact pressure of the pressure fixing member in order to eliminate a paper jam or the like in a state where a spring force is always applied to the pressure arm. The following prior art (J02) is known as an apparatus.
(J02) Technology described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-208545) Patent Document 2 discloses a fixing device having a configuration in which a contact pressure release lever is moved in conjunction with an openable / closable cover that covers the fixing device. Describes a fixing device having a configuration in which a contact pressure release lever is movable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the cover.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-77666 JP 2005-208545 A

(Problems of conventional technology)
In the prior arts (J01) and (J02), a large force is generated when the pressure arm or the contact pressure release lever is rotated in order to release the contact pressure of the pressure fixing member. When the pressure arm (holding member for the pressure roll) itself is moved as in the prior art (J01), it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the pressure arm and to some extent the movable range. There is a problem that the device and the contact pressure release mechanism are enlarged. On the other hand, the prior art (J02) can be reduced in size compared to the prior art (J01), but when using a release lever that engages with the holding member, the clearance between the release lever and the center of rotation, or backlash, When the release lever is rotated, a load is applied to the rotation center shaft, and the rotation center shaft and the release lever may be deformed, and the contact pressure may not be sufficiently and reliably released.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following description (O01) as a technical problem.
(O01) To suppress deformation and breakage of the contact pressure release member.

(Invention)
Next, the present invention that has solved the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate the correspondence between the elements of the present invention and elements of specific examples (examples) of the embodiments described later, Add the code enclosed in parentheses. The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(First invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, the fixing device (F) of the first invention includes:
A fixing member (Fh + Fp) having a heat fixing member (Fh) and a pressure fixing member (Fp) disposed to face the heat fixing member (Fh);
A pair of first holding members (41, 42) supporting both ends of the heat fixing member (Fh);
A pair of second holding members (46, 47) supporting both ends of the pressure fixing member (Fp);
A contact pressure generating member (51, 52) that presses the second holding member (46, 47) and generates a contact pressure that presses the pressure fixing member (Fp) against the heat fixing member (Fh); ,
A contact pressure release position for releasing the contact pressure between the pressure fixing member (Fp) and the heat fixing member (Fh) by pressing the second holding member (46, 47), and the second holding member Contact pressure release members (56, 57) that are movable between contact pressure operating positions that release the pressure of the pressure fixing member (Fp) and the contact pressure between the heat fixing member (Fh) and release the pressure. ,
A release member housing recess (36) that houses the contact pressure release member (56, 57), and a guide portion (36a) formed at the axial end of the heat fixing member (Fh) of the release member housing recess (36). And a release member support portion (36d) for supporting the contact pressure release member (56, 57) so as to be movable between the contact pressure release position and the contact pressure acting position. Cover members (U3a, U3b) covering the outside of the holding members (46, 47);
The contact pressure release member (56, 57) having a guided portion (56d, 57d) guided by the guide portion (36a);
It is provided with.

(Operation of the first invention)
In the fixing device (F) according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fixing member (Fh + Fp) includes the heat fixing member (Fh) and the pressure fixing member disposed to face the heat fixing member (Fh). (Fp). Both ends of the heat fixing member (Fh) are supported by a pair of first holding members (41, 42). Both ends of the pressure fixing member (Fp) are supported by a pair of second holding members (46, 47). The contact pressure generating member (51, 52) presses the second holding member (46, 47) and generates a contact pressure for pressing the pressure fixing member (Fp) against the heat fixing member (Fh). Let The contact pressure release member (56, 57) is supported by the release member support portion (36d) so as to be movable between the contact pressure release position and the contact pressure acting position.

The contact pressure release member (56, 57) presses the second holding member (46, 47) at the contact pressure release position so that the pressure fixing member (Fp) and the heat fixing member (Fh) Release contact pressure. The contact pressure release members (56, 57) release the pressure applied to the second holding member at the contact pressure acting position to reduce the contact pressure between the pressure fixing member (Fp) and the heat fixing member (Fh). Make it work. The release member housing recess (36) of the cover member (U3a, U3b) covering the outside of the second holding member (46, 47) houses the contact pressure release member (56, 57). The guided portions (56d, 57d) of the contact pressure releasing member (56, 57) are guided by a guide portion (36a) formed at the axial end portion of the heat fixing member (Fh) of the releasing member housing recess (36). Guided.
Therefore, in the fixing device (F) of the first invention, the guided portions (56d, 57d) of the contact pressure releasing member (56, 57) are the end portions in the axial direction of the heat fixing member (Fh) of the releasing member accommodating recess (36). Since it is guided by the guide part (36a) formed on the side and moves between the contact pressure release position and the contact pressure acting position, it can be moved reliably. As a result, it is possible to reduce the application of a load that deforms or breaks the release member support portion (36d) or the contact pressure release member (56, 57).

(First Embodiment 1)
The fixing device (F) according to the first aspect of the present invention is the first invention, wherein
The release member support portion (36d) to which the contact pressure release member (56, 57) is rotatably mounted, and a retaining portion (36e) for preventing the contact pressure release member (56, 57) from being detached. The release member support (36d) having:
A disengagement position that can be disengaged from the release member support portion (36d) is disposed outside a path between the contact pressure acting position and the contact pressure release position, and the second holding member (46, 47). The contact pressure release member (56, 57) whose movement to the separation position is restricted by
It is provided with.

(Operation of Form 1 of the First Invention)
In the fixing device (F) according to the first aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the release member support portion (36d) to which the contact pressure release member (56, 57) is rotatably mounted is the contact pressure. It has a retaining portion (36e) that prevents the release member (56, 57) from being detached. A disengagement position where the contact pressure release member (56, 57) can be detached from the release member support portion (36d) is disposed outside a path between the contact pressure acting position and the contact pressure release position, and The movement to the detachment position is restricted by the second holding member (46, 47). Therefore, while the contact pressure release member (56, 57) is moved between the contact pressure acting position and the contact pressure release position, the contact pressure release member (56, 57) is moved from the release member support portion (36d). It can be prevented from leaving.

(First Embodiment 2)
The fixing device (F) according to the second aspect of the first invention is the fixing device (F) according to the first invention or the first aspect of the first invention.
The guided portions (56d, 57d) for closing the release member accommodating recess (36);
It is provided with.
(Operation of the second aspect of the first invention)
In the fixing device (F) according to the second aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the release member accommodation recess (36) is closed by the guided portions (56d, 57d). ) Can prevent foreign matter from entering the fixing device (F).

(Second invention)
In order to solve the above technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention includes the fixing device (F) according to any one of the first aspect and the first and second aspects of the invention.
(Operation of the second invention)
The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention having the above-described constituent elements includes the fixing device (F) according to any one of the first aspect and the first and second aspects of the invention, and therefore the contact pressure release member (56, 57). ) Guided portions (56d, 57d) are guided by a guide portion (36a) formed at the end of the release member housing recess (36) in the axial direction of the heat fixing member, so that the contact pressure release position and the contact pressure acting position are Since it moves between, it can be moved reliably. As a result, it is possible to reduce the application of a load that deforms or breaks the release member support portion (36d) or the contact pressure release member (56, 57).

The above-described present invention has the following effect (E01).
(E01) Deformation and breakage of the contact pressure releasing member can be suppressed.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is opened.
In FIG. 1, a printer U as an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a paper feed cassette TR1 in which a recording paper S on which an image is recorded is accommodated in a lower portion, and a discharge tray TRh on the upper surface. Is provided. A user interface UI is provided at the top of the printer U.
1 and 2, the printer U according to the first embodiment includes a printer main body (image forming apparatus main body) U1 and an opening / closing cover U2 that can be opened and closed around a rotation center U2a provided at the lower right end of the printer main body U1. Have. The opening / closing cover U2 includes an open position (see a solid line in FIG. 2) for opening the inside of the printer main body U1 in order to replace the units UY to UK and remove a jammed recording sheet, and a normal time when an image forming operation is performed. It is configured to be movable between the closed position to be held (see the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1 and 2).

  The printer U includes a controller C constituted by a microcomputer, an IPS (image processing system) whose operation is controlled by the controller C, a laser driving circuit DL, a power supply device E, and the like. The power supply device E applies a bias voltage to charging rollers CRy to CRk, developing rollers G1y to G1k, transfer rollers T1y to T1k, and the like which will be described later.

  The IPS (image processing system) uses print data input from an external client computer or the like as latent images corresponding to four color images of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). The image data is converted into image data for image formation and output to the laser driving circuit DL at a predetermined timing. The laser drive circuit DL outputs a laser drive signal to the latent image writing device ROS (latent image forming device) according to the input image data of each color. The ROS emits laser beams (image writing light) Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk for image writing of each color according to a laser driving signal.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the detachable unit according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a toner image forming apparatus (detachable unit) UY that forms toner images of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) in front of the ROS (+ X direction). , UM, UC, UK are arranged. In FIG. 3, a charging roll CRk as a charger and an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member around the drum-shaped photosensitive member (image holding member) Pk of the K (black) toner image forming apparatus UK are displayed as toner images. A developing unit Gk that develops (visible image), a neutralizing member Jk that neutralizes the surface of the photoreceptor Pk, a photoreceptor cleaner (image carrier cleaner) CLk that removes the developer remaining on the photoreceptor surface, and the like are arranged. .

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
3 and 4, the developing device Gk has a developing container 1 in which a developer is accommodated. The developing container 1 includes a developing roll storage chamber 2 in which a developing roll G1k facing the photosensitive member Pk is supported, a first agitation transport chamber 3 that is adjacent to the left side of the developing roll storage chamber 2 and stores developer. And a second agitating and conveying chamber 4 adjacent to the left side of the first agitating and conveying chamber 3. The first agitation transport chamber 3 and the second agitation transport chamber 4 are partitioned by a partition wall 6, and the developer moves between the first agitation transport chamber 3 and the second agitation transport chamber 4 at both front and rear ends. It is configured to be possible. In the first agitation conveyance chamber 3 and the second agitation conveyance chamber 4, agitation conveyance members 7 and 8 for conveying the developer in opposite directions while agitating the developer are arranged.
The developing container 1 of Example 1 contains a two-component developer containing toner and carrier as the developer.

A cylindrical developer transfer chamber 11 is formed on the left side of the second stirring transfer chamber 4. A developer supply port 11a connected to the second stirring chamber 4 is formed at the front end of the developer transport chamber 11, and a developer inlet 11b is formed at the rear end. In the developer transport chamber 11, a developer supply member 12 that transports the developer in the developer transport chamber 11 toward the developer supply port 11 a is disposed.
A first developer replenishing chamber 16 is formed on the left side of the developer transport chamber 11, and a developer dropping path 17 formed at an end in the front-rear direction is provided above the second developer replenishing chamber 16. A second developer replenishing chamber 18 connected therethrough is arranged. The first developer supply chamber 16 includes a first developer transport member (developer supply member) 21 and a second developer transport member that transport the developer in the second developer supply chamber 16 to the developer inlet 11b. A (developer supply member) 22 is disposed.

The first developer conveying member 21 includes a rotating shaft portion 21a and a conveying film 21b made of a flexible resin film such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) supported by the rotating shaft portion 21a. The transport film 21b is formed with a cut 21c inclined with respect to the axial direction, and an auxiliary film 23 is attached at a position facing the developer inlet 11b of the transport film 21b. Accordingly, when the first developer conveying member 21 rotates, the developer is conveyed to the developer inlet 11b on the rear side by the conveying film 21b in which the notch 21c is formed, and the developer is developed by the auxiliary film 23. It is transferred to the transfer chamber 11.
The second developer conveying member 22 conveys the developer to the first developer conveying member 21 side. A third developer transport member (developer supply member) 24 and a fourth developer transport member (developer supply member) 26 disposed in the second developer supply chamber 18 are provided in the second developer supply chamber 18. The developer is conveyed to the developer dropping path 17 side.
The developer transport chamber 11, the first developer supply chamber 16, and the second developer supply chamber 18 constitute the developer supply container (11 + 16 + 18) of the first embodiment. The developer supply container (11 + 16 + 18) of Example 1 contains toner as a supply developer.

The photoconductor cleaner CLk is disposed on the right side of the second developer supply chamber 18, and the photoconductor cleaner CLk is contacted with the surface of the photoconductor Pk, and the development scraped off by the cleaning blade 31 is provided. And a recovered developer transport member 33 that transports the developer to the recovered developer storage chamber 32.
The black toner image forming apparatus UK of Example 1 includes a photosensitive member Pk, a charger CRk, a developing device Gk, a charge removing member Jk, a photosensitive member cleaner (image carrier cleaner) CLk, a developer supply container (11 + 16 + 18), and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge UK is configured to be detachable from the printer main body (image forming apparatus main body) U1 with the open / close cover U2 moved to the open position. Yes.
The other color toner image forming apparatuses UY, UM, and UC are configured by process units (detachable units) UY, UM, and UC that can be attached to and detached from the printer main body U1 in the same manner as the black toner image forming apparatus UK. Yes.

  1 and 2, a belt module BM supported by an opening / closing cover U2 is disposed on the right side of the photoreceptors Py to Pk. The belt module BM includes a sheet conveying belt B, a belt support roll (Rd + Rj) including a belt driving roll Rd and a driven roll Rj, and transfer rolls T1y, T1m, and T1c arranged to face the photoreceptors Py to Pk. , T1k, an image density sensor SN1, a belt cleaner CLb, and a sheet suction roll Rk disposed to face the driven roll Rj. The sheet conveying belt B is rotatably supported by the belt support roll (Rd + Rj).

The recording sheet S in the paper feed tray TR1 disposed below the sheet transport belt B is taken out by the paper feed member Rp and transported to the sheet transport path SH.
The recording sheet S in the sheet conveyance path SH is conveyed by the sheet conveyance roll Ra and is sent to the registration roll Rr. The registration roll Rr conveys the recording sheet S to a sheet suction position Q6 that is a region where the driven roll Rj and the sheet suction roll Rk face each other at a predetermined timing. The recording sheet S conveyed to the sheet adsorption position Q6 is electrostatically adsorbed to the sheet conveyance belt B.
When paper is fed from the manual feed tray TR0, the recording sheet S fed by the manual paper feed member Rp1 is conveyed to the registration roll Rr by the sheet conveyance roll Ra and conveyed to the sheet conveyance belt B.

The recording sheet S adsorbed on the sheet conveying belt B sequentially passes through the transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k that are in contact with the photoreceptors Py to Pk.
The transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k disposed on the back side of the sheet conveying belt B in the transfer areas Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are supplied with toner at a predetermined timing from the power supply circuit E controlled by the controller C. A transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity is applied.
In the case of a color image, the toner images on the respective photoreceptors Py to Pk are transferred onto the recording sheet S on the sheet conveying belt B by the transfer rolls T1k, T1y, T1m, and T1c. In the case of a monochrome image, only a K (black) toner image is formed on the photoreceptor Pk, and only this K (black) toner image is transferred to the recording sheet S by the transfer device T1k.
After the toner image is transferred, the photoreceptors Py to Pk are neutralized by the neutralizing members Jy to Jk, and then the toner remaining on the surface is collected and cleaned by the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLk, and charged again by the charging rolls CRy to CRk. Is done.

The recording sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is fixed in a fixing region Q5 formed by press-contacting a heating roll (heating fixing member) Fh and a pressure belt (pressure fixing member) Fp of the fixing device F. Then, it is guided by the guide roller Rgk and discharged from the discharge roller Rh to the discharge tray TR2.
The sheet conveying belt B after the recording sheet S is separated is cleaned by the sheet conveying belt cleaner CLb.
When double-sided printing is performed, the discharge roll Rh is driven to rotate reversely, the recording sheet S is conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH2 by the switching gate GT1, and retransmitted to the registration roll Rr with the front and back sides reversed.

(Description of fixing unit)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory perspective view of the fixing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.
1, 2, and 5, in the printer U according to the first exemplary embodiment, the fixing device F, the guide roller Rgk, the drive side discharge roll Rh <b> 1 below the discharge roll Rh, and the switching gate are disposed above the printer body U <b> 1. A fixing unit U3 in which GT1 is integrally formed (unitized) is supported. In FIG. 5, the fixing unit U3 has an upper surface on which the switching gate GT1 is rotatably supported, and a reversing path guide portion U3c constituting a lower guide surface of the sheet reversing path SH2 is formed on the right side of the switching gate GT1. Has been. A front fixing unit cover (cover member) U3a and a rear fixing unit cover (cover member) U3b are supported on both front and rear ends of the switching gate GT1 and the reverse path guide portion U3a.

6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the front fixing unit cover according to the first exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6A is a perspective view, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of a shaft portion.
5 and 6, the front fixing unit cover U3a has a release member accommodating recess 36 formed in the front left portion. A cut-out portion 36b is formed as an engaging portion when the guided portion is mounted on the upper left end portion of the outer wall (guide portion) 36a of the release member accommodating recess 36. A clearance (not shown) for mounting a contact pressure releasing member (described later) is formed between the outer end and the outer wall 36a on the inner wall 36c of the releasing member housing recess 36. An axial release member support portion 36d is formed. In FIG. 6B, a key portion (a retaining portion) 36e protruding rightward (+ Y side) is formed at the outer end portion of the release member support portion 36d.
The release member housing recess 36 of the rear fixing unit cover U3b is configured in the same manner (front-back symmetry) as the front fixing unit cover U3a, and thus detailed description and illustration thereof are omitted. Further, a driving member (not shown) having a motor and a gear train for rotationally driving the fixing device F and the driving side discharge roll Rh1 is disposed inside the rear side fixing unit cover U3b. The driven-side discharge roll of the discharge roll Rh is supported by the opening / closing cover U2.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory perspective view of the fixing device according to the first exemplary embodiment.
8 is a side view of the fixing device, FIG. 8A is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIA in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a view seen from the direction of the arrow IX in FIG.
5 and 7 to 9, the fixing device F arranged inside the fixing unit U3 includes a heating roll (heating fixing member) Fh having a heater (not shown) built therein, and a heating roll Fh. A fixing member (Fh + Fp) having a pressure belt (pressure fixing member) Fp disposed opposite to the head. The heating roll Fh and the pressure belt Fp of Example 1 are different in thermal expansion coefficient, and the pressure belt Fp is made of a material having a larger thermal expansion coefficient in the axial direction than the heating roll Fh. Yes.

Both ends of the heating roll Fh are held via bearings (not shown) by a pair of front and rear heating roll holding members (first holding members) 41 and 42 fixedly supported by the fixing unit U3. Plate-shaped contact pressure generating member fixing portions 41 a and 42 a extending upward are formed on the upper left portions of the heating roll holding members 41 and 42. A roll gear 43 to which a driving force from a driving member (not shown) is transmitted is supported at the rear end (driving side) of the heating roll Fh. Therefore, in the fixing device F according to the first exemplary embodiment, the heating roll Fh is driven to rotate, and the pressure roll Fp is driven to rotate following the heating roll Fh.
Both ends of the pressure belt Fp are supported by a pair of front and rear pressure belt holding arms (second holding members) 46 and 47 having a substantially U shape. Note that the pressure belt Fp is conventionally known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-091221), and various configurations can be adopted, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The lower right portions of the pressure belt holding arms 46 and 47 are supported by the heating roll holding members 41 and 42 so as to be rotatable about rotation centers 46a and 47a. In FIG. 9, in the fixing device F of the first embodiment, the front (non-drive side) pressure belt holding arm 46 is supported on the front side (outside) of the front heating roll holding member 41, and the rear side (drive side). The pressure belt holding arm 47 is supported on the front side (inner side) of the rear heating roll holding member 42. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the front pressure belt holding arm 46 does not overlap the front heating roll holding member 41 except in the vicinity of the rotation center 46a, and overlaps in the axial direction. However, the pressure belt holding arm 47 on the rear side is a holding member overlapping portion (locked portion) 47b formed on the upper left portion, and the holding member overlapping portion (locking) of the heating roller holding member 42 on the rear side. Part) 42b and has a predetermined overlapping area.

  Plated contact pressure generating member pressed portions 46c and 47c that are bent outward are formed at the left end portions of the pressure belt holding arms 46 and 47, respectively. Bent portions 46d and 47d having a shape bent to the right are formed at the outer ends of the contact pressure generating member pressed portions 46c and 47c. Release member pressed portions 46e and 47e each having a shape bent outward are formed at the right end portions of the bent portions 46d and 47d.

  Contact pressure generating members are provided at positions corresponding to the contact pressure generating member fixing portions 41a and 42a of the heating roll holding members 41 and 42 and the contact pressure generating member pressed portions 46c and 47c of the pressure roll holding arms 46 and 47, respectively. 51 and 52 are arranged. The contact pressure generating members 51 and 52 pass through the contact pressure generating member pressed portions 46c and 47c, and are bolted to the contact pressure generating member fixing portions 41a and 42a by screws 51a and 52a, and the bolt 51a, The coil springs 51b and 52b are disposed on the outer periphery of the 52a and disposed between the screw heads 51a1 and 52a1 of the screws (bolts) 51a and 52a and the contact pressure generating member pressed portions 46c and 47c. Accordingly, the contact pressure generating member pressed portions 46c and 47c are pressed by the coil springs 51b and 52b, and the pressure roll holding arms 46 and 47 receive a force rotating around the rotation centers 46a and 47a, and the pressure belt Fp. Is pressed against the heating roll Fh with a predetermined contact pressure (nip pressure). A technique for pressing the pressure belt with a predetermined contact pressure using such a screw and a coil spring is conventionally known (see JP-A-2002-091221, etc.), and various configurations can be adopted. Since there is, detailed explanation is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective explanatory view of the front contact pressure releasing member of the first embodiment.
5 to 10, a pair of front and rear nip release levers (contact pressure release members) 56 and 57 having a symmetrical shape are disposed at positions corresponding to the release member pressed portions 46e and 47e. In FIG. 10, the front nip pressure release lever 56 of the first embodiment has a plate-like lever body 56a. A shaft through hole (rotation center) 56b having a key groove 56b1 is formed at the center of the lever body 56a. On the upper left side of the lever main body 56a, an operation portion 56c extending obliquely upward to the left is formed. A hook-shaped guided portion 56d protruding outward (front side) is formed at the upper right end portion of the lever main body 56a. A holding member pressing portion 56e formed by a convex portion protruding downward is formed at the lower left end portion of the nip pressure release lever 56.
The rear nip release lever 57 is formed symmetrically with the front nip release lever 56 in the front-rear direction, and detailed description and illustration are omitted.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a method of mounting the front contact pressure releasing member of the first embodiment on the front fixing unit cover, and FIG. 11A is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is separated from the front fixing unit cover. FIG. 11B is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is housed in the housing recess of the front fixing unit cover, and FIG. 11C is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is slid from the state shown in FIG. 11D is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 11C.
In FIG. 11, the nip release lever 56 according to the first embodiment is mounted before the fixing device F is mounted on the front fixing unit cover U3a. 11A and 11B, the nip release lever 56 is inserted between the release member support portion 36d of the fixing unit cover U3a and the outer wall 36a. At this time, the guided portion 56d is engaged with the cut portion 36b. In this state, the key portion 36e of the release member support portion 36d and the key groove portion 56b1 of the shaft through hole 56b coincide with each other, so that the inner end surface of the nip release lever 56 approaches and contacts the inner wall 36c of the release member accommodation recess 36. The nip release lever 56 can be attached to the shaft-like release member support portion 36d by sliding the nip release lever 56 inward (rearward) until it is done (see FIG. 11C).

In the state shown in FIG. 11C, since the shaft through hole 56b of the nip release lever 56 passes through the key portion 36e, the nip release lever 56 is rotatably supported by the release member support portion 36d. Accordingly, the nip release lever 56 can be rotationally moved from the state shown in FIG. 11C to the contact pressure acting position shown in FIG. 11D. During the rotational movement, the guided portion 56d is guided by the inner surface of the outer wall 36a and rotates.
In FIG. 11D, at the contact pressure acting position, the key portion 36e and the key groove portion 56b1 do not coincide with each other, and the outer end of the guided portion 56d comes into contact with the outer wall 36a and is regulated (locked). The key portion 36e prevents the nip release lever 56 from being detached from the release member support portion 36d.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the contact pressure release member and the release member pressed portion at the contact pressure application position.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for explaining the positional relationship between the contact pressure release member and the release member pressing portion at the contact pressure release position, FIG. 13A is a main part explanatory view, and FIG. 13B is a main part enlarged explanatory view of FIG. 13A. .
When the fixing device F is assembled to the front fixing unit cover U3a in the state moved to the contact pressure acting position shown in FIG. 11D, the holding member pressing portion 56e of the nip releasing lever 56 is moved to the releasing member cover as shown in FIG. It is held at a contact pressure acting position disposed above the pressing portion 46e (see FIGS. 5 and 7 to 9). In FIG. 12, since the nip release lever 56 is not in contact with the release member pressed portion 46e, the pressure belt Fp is pressed against the heating roll Fh by the contact pressure generating member 52 with a predetermined contact pressure.

By moving the nip release lever 56 from the contact pressure acting position shown in FIG. 12 to the contact pressure release position shown in FIG. 13, the holding member pressing portion 56e of the nip release lever 56 contacts and presses the release member pressed portion 46e. Then, the pressure belt holding arm 46 is rotated against the spring force of the coil spring 51b to release the contact of the pressure belt Fp with the heating roll Fh (reducing the contact pressure).
12 and 13, in the nip release lever 56 of the first embodiment, the holding member pressing portion 56e of the nip release lever 56 is moved to the release member pressed portion 46e when moving from the contact pressure acting position to the contact pressure release position. The position where the contact starts is set so that the lower contact start portion 56e2 contacts first, not the tip portion 56e1.

  12 and 13, in the nip release lever 56 of the first embodiment, the line segment 62 that connects the holding member pressing portion 56e and the rotation center 56b is the rotation center of the nip release lever 56 at the contact pressure release position. (Axis through hole) It is disposed above the perpendicular 61 of the pressed surface 46e1 of the release member pressed portion 46e that passes through the 56b, and is disposed below the perpendicular 61 at the contact pressure release position. That is, while the nip release lever 56 moves from the contact pressure acting position to the contact pressure release position, the line segment 62 passes through the perpendicular 61 and the trajectory through which the holding member pressing portion 56e passes intersects the perpendicular 61. Has been. Therefore, at the contact pressure release position, the nip release lever 56 receives a force from the release member pressed portion 46e due to the force of the coil spring 51b. The force received at this time is opposite to the contact pressure application position. It has a component to be moved to the side and tries to move away from the contact pressure acting position.

Further, in the nip release lever 56 according to the first embodiment, the key portion 36e and the key groove 56b1 are set to coincide with each other in a state in which the nip release lever 56 is further rotated from the contact pressure acting position, and the fixing device F is assembled. In this case, the lever main body 56a is regulated by the release member pressed portion 46e so that it cannot rotate until the key portion 36e and the key groove 56b1 coincide with each other.
11 to 13, the front fixing unit cover U3a and the nip release lever 56 of the fixing unit U3 have been described. However, the same applies to the rear side fixing unit U3b and the nip release lever 57. Is omitted.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the heating roll holding member 42 and the pressure belt holding member 47 are overlapped at the overlapping portions 42b and 47b on the rear side of the fixing device F, and the front side. Thus, the heating roll holding member 41 and the pressure belt holding member 46 do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, when the heating roll Fh and the pressure belt Fp are thermally expanded, it is possible to reduce the rear end (drive side) end position where the drive member is disposed from contacting the overlapping portion and moving the position. Accordingly, the end position of the front side (non-driving side) where there is no overlapping portion varies. Further, in the fixing device F according to the first embodiment, the gear 43 is provided on the heating roll Fh side having a small coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of the position of the gear 43 due to an adverse effect due to thermal expansion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engagement of the driving member from being shifted due to the thermal expansion of the member, thereby causing problems such as poor fixing and overheating of the member.

  In the fixing device F of the first embodiment, the front (non-drive side) pressure belt holding arm 46 is supported on the front side (outside) of the front heating roll holding member 41 and the rear side (drive side) is added. The pressure belt holding arm 47 is supported on the front side (inside) of the rear heating roll holding member 42. When the pressure belt holding members 46 and 47 for holding the pressure belt Fp having a large thermal expansion coefficient are arranged inside the heating roll holding members 41 and 42, the pressure belt holding member 46, When the pressure between the holding members 47 that presses the heating roll holding members 41 and 42 is increased and the nip pressure is released by the nip release levers 56 and 57, the pressure belt holding member 46 and 47 may not return to the predetermined position and the original nip pressure may not be obtained. However, in the first embodiment, the pressure belt holding member 46 on the front side can escape to the outside (front side), so the pressure between the holding members is reduced. It can be prevented from becoming too large, and it is possible to reduce the situation where the original nip pressure is not restored.

Further, in the fixing device F according to the first embodiment, the guided portion 56d is guided by the inner surface of the outer wall 36a when the contact pressure release levers 56 and 57 housed in the release member housing recess 36 are operated. The gap in the direction can be reduced and rattling can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a load that bends the release member support portion 36d serving as the rotation shaft during operation from acting. As a result, deformation and breakage of the release member support portion 36d can be reduced, and the contact pressure release levers 56 and 57 can be reliably moved between the contact pressure acting position and the contact pressure release position, The action can be performed.
Further, in the fixing device F according to the first embodiment, when the contact pressure release levers 56 and 57 rotate, the guided portion 56d moves while closing the release member housing recess 36. When operating 56 and 57, it is possible to prevent the clips, staples and the like from being dropped and entering the fixing unit U3 from the release member housing recess 36. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fixing unit U3 from being damaged or operating unexpectedly due to foreign matter entering the inside.

  Further, in the fixing device F according to the first exemplary embodiment, when the nip release lever 56 moves from the contact pressure acting position to the contact pressure release position, not the front end portion 56e1 of the holding member pressing portion 56e but the lower contact start portion 56e2. Is first brought into contact with the release member pressed portion 46e, so that it can be reduced that the tip portion 56e is rubbed and worn at the time of contact when a large force is applied, and wear of the tip portion 56e1 of the holding member pressing portion 56e is reduced. be able to. Therefore, the release member pressed portion 46e can be moved to reduce the wear of the tip end portion 56e1 that greatly affects the release of the nip pressure. As a result, wear over time of the holding member pressing portion 56e can be reduced, and the nip pressure release lever 56 can reliably act and release the nip pressure over a long period of time.

In the nip release lever 56 of the first embodiment, the line segment 62 is arranged below the perpendicular 61 at the contact pressure release position, so the nip pressure release lever 56 moves away from the contact pressure application position. In the state where it has moved to the contact pressure release position even if it is worn out, it can be prevented from accidentally returning to the contact pressure acting position, and an unexpected accident, etc. that occurs due to erroneous return Can be prevented.
Further, in the fixing device F of the first embodiment, in a state where the fixing device F is assembled, the lever main bodies 56a and 57a are regulated by the release member pressed portions 46e and 47e, and the key portion 36e and the key grooves 56b1 and 56e1 Therefore, the contact pressure release levers 56 and 57 can be prevented from coming off while the contact pressure release levers 56 and 57 are rotationally moved.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H09) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to a printer, but can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction peripheral. Further, the present invention is not limited to a color image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a monochrome image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus that directly transfers from a photosensitive member to a recording sheet, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus having an intermediate transfer member (intermediate transfer belt or drum).

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the heating roll and the pressure belt are exemplified as the heat fixing member and the pressure fixing member. However, the present invention is not limited to this combination, and is also applicable to a fixing device using a heating belt and a pressure roll. Is possible. Accordingly, it is possible to use a heat fixing member and a pressure fixing member having the same thermal expansion coefficient.
(H03) In the above embodiment, the contact pressure release member (contact pressure release lever) was manually operated by the user, but the contact pressure is automatically applied to and released from the opening / closing cover in conjunction with the opening / closing operation. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which
(H04) In the above embodiment, the gear 43 is preferably provided on a heating roll having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, but it can also be provided on a pressure fixing member.
(H05) In the above-described embodiment, the fixing unit U3 in which the discharge roller Rh1 and the switching gate GT1 are also integrally formed is illustrated. However, the fixing unit U3 including only the fixing device F is not limited thereto. .

(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the holding members 46 and 47 supporting the fixing member having a high thermal expansion coefficient escape from the holding members 41 and 42 supporting the fixing member having a low thermal expansion coefficient when deformed due to the thermal expansion. It is desirable to arrange them as described above, but it is also possible to reverse the direction with a difference in contact area.
(H07) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to dispose the drive member on the side with the large contact area, but it is also possible to dispose the drive member on the side with the small contact area.
(H08) In the above embodiment, the contact area is different (one is in contact, the other is not in contact), but is not limited to this, both are in the same area, or both are not in contact A configuration can be adopted.
(H09) In the above-described embodiment, the relationship between the vertical line 61 and the line segment 62 is preferably the relationship illustrated in the embodiment, but the contact pressure release position is set at a position where the line segment 62 does not pass through the vertical line 61. Is also possible.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is opened. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the detachable unit according to the first embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory perspective view of the fixing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the front fixing unit cover according to the first exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6A is a perspective view, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of a shaft portion. FIG. 7 is an explanatory perspective view of the fixing device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 8 is a side view of the fixing device, FIG. 8A is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIA in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is a view seen from the direction of arrow VIIIB in FIG. FIG. 9 is a view seen from the direction of the arrow IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective explanatory view of the front contact pressure releasing member of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a method of mounting the front contact pressure releasing member of the first embodiment on the front fixing unit cover, and FIG. 11A is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is separated from the front fixing unit cover. FIG. 11B is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is housed in the housing recess of the front fixing unit cover, and FIG. 11C is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is slid from the state shown in FIG. 11D is an explanatory view of a state in which the front contact pressure releasing member is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 11C. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the contact pressure release member and the release member pressed portion at the contact pressure application position. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for explaining the positional relationship between the contact pressure release member and the release member pressing portion at the contact pressure release position, FIG. 13A is a main part explanatory view, and FIG. 13B is a main part enlarged explanatory view of FIG. 13A. .

Explanation of symbols

36 ... Release member accommodating recess,
36a ... guide part,
36d ... Release member support,
36e ... retaining part,
41, 42 ... first holding member,
46, 47 ... second holding member,
51, 52 ... contact pressure generating member,
56, 57 ... contact pressure release member,
56d, 57d ... guided portion,
F: Fixing device,
Fh: Heat fixing member,
Fh + Fp: fixing member,
Fp: Pressure fixing member,
U3a, U3b ... cover members.

Claims (4)

A fixing member having a heat fixing member and a pressure fixing member disposed to face the heat fixing member;
A pair of first holding members that support both ends of the heat fixing member;
A pair of second holding members that support both ends of the pressure fixing member;
A contact pressure generating member that presses the second holding member to generate a contact pressure that presses the pressure fixing member against the heat fixing member;
A contact pressure releasing position for releasing the contact pressure between the pressure fixing member and the heat fixing member by pressing the second holding member; and a pressure fixing member for releasing the pressure applied to the second holding member. A contact pressure releasing member that is movable between a contact pressure acting position that applies a contact pressure between the heat fixing member and the heating fixing member;
A release member housing recess for housing the contact pressure release member; a guide portion formed at an end portion of the release member housing recess in the heat fixing member axial direction; and the contact pressure release member at the contact pressure release position and the contact pressure. A release member supporting portion that is movably supported between the operating position and a cover member that covers the outside of the second holding member;
The contact pressure release member having a guided portion guided by the guide portion;
A fixing device comprising: The release member support portion to which the contact pressure release member is rotatably mounted, the release member support portion having a retaining portion for preventing the contact pressure release member from being detached; and
A disengagement position that can be disengaged from the release member support portion is disposed outside a path between the contact pressure acting position and the contact pressure release position, and the second holding member is moved to the disengagement position. The regulated contact pressure release member;
The fixing device according to claim 1, further comprising: The guided portion for closing the release member housing recess;
The fixing device according to claim 1, further comprising:   An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to claim 1.

Images